Michael "Mike" O'Day

Michael “Mike” E. O’Day, age 72, of Brainerd died Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at his home embraced by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation will be on hour prior to services at the funeral home in Baxter.

Mike was born on January 25, 1948 in Brainerd to Edwin and Rachel (Robinson) O’Day. He proudly served our country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany, during the Vietnam War. Mike married Kim Kuschke on April 27, 1968; the couple had one son, Chris, and later divorced. He married Rose Feakes on November 20, 1976 at Assemblies of God Church in Brainerd; the couple had one son, Nick. After working for Tom Oasley at the Ming Center in East Brainerd, Mike opened an autobody shop in West Brainerd in 1977, West Side Autobody, until his retirement in 2010. The autobody shop is still proudly in the O’Day family, which Chris runs. Mike was a member of the Baxter Snowmobile Club, and taught snowmobile safety to children. He was also a member of the Brainerd VFW Post #1647, Erickson Furniture Bowling Team, and coffee group with “the guys.” Mike sponsored youth softball and BMX racing. He enjoyed his Harley motorcycle, tinkering on anything, fishing, hunting, yard work, downhill skiing, and vacationing in Florida. Mike was a great father, always taking time to spend quality time with his boys, which continued to the next generation with his grandchildren. He was an excellent husband, great provider, and always expressed his eternal love for Rose. Mike taught his family to do it right the first time, be able to adjust on the fly, and faithfulness to those you love the most in life. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generosity, and straightforward honesty. Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Rose, and sons Chris and Nick of Brainerd; siblings, Jim of Brainerd, Diane (Tris) Leslie of Cape Coral, Florida, Kevin (Denise) of Brainerd; grandchildren, Devon, Jared, Keagan, Madison; great grandchildren, Maleah, Noah; and co-worker/ friend of 46+ years, Mark Neugebauer.  He is preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Darlene and Vickie.