Michael Albert Goblirsch

Michael Albert Goblirsch, 78, died on November 21, 2021, at his home in Coon Rapids shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. 

Mike was born on March 31, 1943, on his family farm in Sleepy Eye, Minn., to Michael and Veronica (Forster) Goblirsch. He was the fifth of 12 children who survived infancy. He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1961 and joined the Air Force, spending a year stationed in Thule, Greenland, where he kept an eye on the Soviets and experienced the midnight sun. He returned to Minnesota following his discharge and found work in the burgeoning computer field in Minneapolis. He met his future wife, Dianna Porter, while they both worked at Honeywell. They wed in her hometown of Cloquet, Minn., in 1969. 

Mike was a mainframe computer operator and worked for Knutson Mortgage for 30 years before the company was bought out. He had to start over at the State of Minnesota late in his career and retired at the age of 70. He enjoyed his work. 

Always an active guy, Mike quit smoking when he turned 50 and used the money he would have spent on cigarettes to buy a Bowflex. He proceeded to work out in the basement nearly every afternoon for the remainder of his life. His musical tastes never progressed from that of his youth, and he could be heard wailing along to the occasional line from Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison or Jerry Lee Lewis during his workouts. Playing softball was his favorite pastime and the workouts were geared toward helping him hit the ball farther. He played on the Faith Lutheran team on Monday nights for decades before joining a senior league when he retired. He was still playing softball this July. Considered "young" by his teammates, he often served as a runner for the "older" players whose legs could no longer carry them around the bases. And he could still hit the ball to the outfield. 

Though Mike ended up in the city, he remained a farmer at heart to the end. He worked in his yard year-round growing flowers and vegetables and inventing new projects when the naturally occurring ones ran out. He went through a phase in which he pulled up and potted the trees that sprouted up in his lawn rather than mowing them down, just to see what they would grow into. The mature trees that resulted from his experiment now grace his and his children's yards. The purchase of one backyard bird feeder 20 years ago evolved into an elaborate bird and squirrel feeding operation which he tended to daily with great care and attention. The view in his backyard was always better than anything on TV. 

Mike was a contented background person who never drew any attention to himself. He had a happy nature and playful sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him. As a parent, Mike showed his love and care by tending to the practical side of life. He bought his daughters tool boxes and jumper cables for Christmas and was always there to offer advice or lend a hand with picking out snow tires or a home project. He attended hundreds of his grandchildren's sports games over the years and enjoyed every minute. He was immensely proud of all 10 of his grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, older brothers Joseph and Paul who died in infancy, and his son, Mikel, who was born on Christmas Eve and died on Christmas Day in 1977. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dianna; children Kami (Bryan) Lund, Kari (Tim) Damon, Kira Rosch, Kala (Jeremy) Biittner, Kade Goblirsch, and Kali Goblirsch; grandchildren Ava, Autumn and Aubrey Lund; Hunter, Tanner and Kendal Damon; Mason Gligor and Kayla and Brooke Rosch; and Jackson Biittner; his 11 siblings, many nieces and nephews, and his very spoiled cat. 

We will think of him whenever we appreciate the scene caused by a well-stocked bird feeder, enjoy a giant bucket of popcorn, catch the sound of WCCO radio playing in the background, or take the time to help something grow. Per his wishes, no services will be held. His ashes will be spread at the family farm. In lieu of memorials, please make a donation to your local food bank.