| Michael E. “Mike” Hunter, 78 Rice August 24, 1946 – September 7, 2024 Michael E. “Mike” Hunter, Age 78, of Rice, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024 surrounded by his wife and children. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, Rice. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud and one hour prior to the service at Church on Wednesday. Burial with full military honors will be on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 9:45am. Mike was born on August 24, 1946 in St. Cloud, MN to Roland and Viola (Inman) Hunter. He grew up in Sauk Rapids and graduated from Sauk Rapids High School. He was a proud member of the class of 1964 and organized class reunions and class birthday parties. After a year of college at SCSU, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army as a PVT (E-1) during the Vietnam war. He served on Active Duty from 1966-1969 and was stationed in Germany. After discharge from active duty, he enlisted in the MN Army National Guard and rose through the enlisted ranks to E-8 before becoming a Warrant Officer. Mike retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 2005 after 39 total years of service to our country. He married Linda (Becker) in October 1969 and they had 8 children together, later divorcing. In 2000, he rekindled a friendship with Carla Loidolt and they fell in love and married on June 7, 2003 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids. The game of golf was a passion for Mike, and he often combined his love for travel, family and friends with his love for the game. He was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cribbage, camping, fishing, dancing, playing guitar, traveling, listening to music (60’s,70’s, and 80’s rock & roll), and taking care of his lawn on his John Deere tractor. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and teaching them his many hobbies. Mike was a member of the Mid Minnesota Association of Wood Turners, giving all his creations away as gifts and donations. He will be remembered for his big heart, great sense of humor, and wonderful relationship with the Lord. Mike lived by the life motto “Plan the work and work the plan”. Mike is survived by his wife, Carla; children, James (Sherry) Hunter, Thomas Hunter, Nicole (Eric) Hylen, Christine Hunter, Jacqueline (Daniel) Thompson, Jonathan (Holly) Hunter, Michael Hunter III, Troy Rappe, Jason (Lisa) Loidolt, Melissa (Clint Martens) Loidolt, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Loidolt; Brothers, William (Janet) Hunter, and James (Lorena) Hunter; 16 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Hunter, Jr.; and granddaughter, Amanda Reid The Hunter Family would like to thank the staff at the St. Cloud Hospital Medical/Oncology floor (5N) and Hospitalist, Dr. Kelly Kerber, MD, for the exceptional care Mike received while he was hospitalized and the CentraCare Hospice Team, especially Amity (RN) for the extraordinary care Mike received while at home in his final weeks. |
