Michael "Mike" Van Santen

Michael Chester Van Santen was born on November 12, 1945, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Leaf Mountain Church.  Mike attended Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1963.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, received his basic training at Ft. Lewis in Washington, serving six years. 

Mike and Patricia (Patty) Ann Jacobson were married August 9, 1969, in the Erdahl Lutheran Church. They were blessed with two sons, Chad and Cory. After marriage they lived on a farm for 54 years in Eagle Lake Township. Mike had a love for farming, caring for his crops, in earlier years milked cows and raised beef cattle.  His son, Cory also found the love of farming and have been farming together since the early 90’s. Mike especially enjoyed harvest time!

Spending time with family was important to Mike, especially his grandchildren.  He was so proud of them. He loved grilling and cooking ribs while watching Bison Football.  Mike always enjoyed deer camp with family and friends.

Mike was a member of the Grue Lutheran Church, served on church council and served many years as cemetery sexton. He was a board member of the Urbank Creamery, served one term as Eagle Lake Township Treasure, member of the Urbank Lions, 4-H Leader and involved many years with the Battle Lake Wrestling Booster Club. 

Mike passed away August 7, 2023.  Mike loved his family, and will be greatly missed.  But even though he’s gone, he will always be alive in our hearts.  Love Ya!

He is survived by his wife, Patty; two sons, Chad (Kathy) and Cory (Julie) Van Santen; four grandchildren, Madison (Dalon), Michael (Heather), Kaylee and Jessi; one great-grandson, Wesley Michael Van Santen; two sisters, Renee (Daryl) Jorud and Sue Nelson; two brothers, Duane (LeAnne) and Mark (Geri) Van Santen; brother-in-law, Dennis (Bev) Jacobson; two sisters-in-law, Dianne Stevens and Cathy (Steve) Olson; and by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Ruby Van Santen; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth (Shannon) Van Santen; brother-in-law, Terry Nelson; sister-in-law, Diane Van Santen; nephew, Peter Van Santen; father and mother-in-law, Ruben and Marion Jacobson; and brother-in-law, Jack Stevens.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Grue Lutheran Church of rural Ashby.

Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to 6 PM at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and will resume one hour prior at the church on Wednesday.

Military Honors: Pederson-Tripp American Legion Post 357 of Ashby.

Interment: Grue Lutheran Cemetery

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Ashby.