Michael Garsteig

Michael J. Garsteig, 60, Cottage Grove MN died Monday, September 14, 2020, at Hinton Heights in Cottage Grove, MN.

Mike was born in Fargo, ND on Feb 4, 1960, to Gail and Dale Gilberts. His father died when Mike was 3; he was raised by his mother and adoptive father, Ronald Garsteig. He attended the Anne Carlsen school in Jamestown, ND for many years and graduated from Park Senior High School in Cottage Grove, MN in 1979.  Over the years Mike worked at Goodwill and ProAct Inc., retiring from ProAct in 2015 having proudly worked there for 20 years. Mike was an advocate for the handicapped community, focusing on wheelchair access on city streets and sidewalks.  Mike was an avid Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild and wrestling fan.  He had a love for music and muscle cars and enjoyed movie entertainment and old 70’s sitcoms.  Mike enjoyed collecting matchbooks, Matchbox cars, magnets, Coca Cola items, playing cards and many other trinkets.  Mike loved visiting his parents in Florida, Christmas boat parades there and spending time with family.  He especially enjoyed family reunions. Mike’s smile could light up a room. 

Mike was preceded in death by his mother Gail Garsteig and his father Dale Gilberts.

He is survived by Maureen Kramer, his partner of over 30 years, his father Ronald Garsteig of Cape Coral, FL, brother Brian (Darlene), nephews Ron and Dale (Leah), great niece Caelynn, and aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family extends a special thanks to all the staff at REM-Hinton, Carolyn Moses, Program Director, Kim Sterba, Program Supervisor, Alicia Welsch, LPN and Maria Knowlan of Washington County for their years of providing care to Mike and developing personal caring relationships with him.  The family appreciates the care and support provided by HealthEast Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to ProAct Inc. 3195 Neil Armstrong Boulevard, Eagan, MN 55121 in memory of Michael Garsteig.

Celebration of Life:  5 to 7 p.m. at 8552 Grenadier Avenue South, in Cottage Grove, MN.

Graveside Service:  10 a.m. Thursday, September 24^th, 2020 at the  Buffalo Cemetery, Buffalo, ND, next to his mother, Gail.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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