Michael Dale Walsh

Michael Dale Walsh, 90, entered Eternal Life on August 17, 2026.

The first of ten children born to Clark and Mary Avis (Lawrie) Walsh, Michael learned early the values of hard work, frugality, and self-discipline. These values were instilled in the home as well as in his time spent working under the tutelage of his father at Walsh Manufacturing. He used money earned from his paper route to purchase his first canoe in 1950; a wood/canvas Old Town, which he eventually wore out on the Cedar River.

Canoeing is the perfect metaphor for Michael. Simple, peaceful, economical, and relying solely on the paddler for power and steerage. His life-long love of canoeing tied all this together.

Few people could maintain a smile as Michael could while paddling across a lake into a stiff headwind. Reaching shore offered no respite as he then had to continue traveling over a difficult, rocky portage with canoe and gear overhead. Put it all back in the water. Repeat.

Michael was bright, quick-witted, and had a keen memory, as those who knew him can attest. He was highly considerate of other people, recognizing them as children of God. He made concerted efforts to learn people's names and went as far as to keep an index file of the names and interests of customers from all walks of life. His daughter was once surprised when he rolled down the car window at a stoplight and greeted a homeless man by name.

The foundation of Michael's life was his Catholic faith, handed on to him by his parents. He filled his life with prayer and the Sacraments, and following God's plan, entered the Jesuit order. As a Jesuit brother, he was sent to Korea, where he came to know and love the lively, well-educated Anastasia. Michael and Anastasia forged a path together, honoring and serving each other every day of their 58 years of married life.

Michael's wife, children, and grandchildren are grateful for his lifetime example of sacrificial love.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Requiescat in pace.