Michael "Mike" Robert Fitzgerald

Age 76, of Cottage Grove

Michael "Mike" Robert Fitzgerald was born on March 1, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois. He lived a life marked by compassion, a quirky sense of humor, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others live with dignity and independence. Mike passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 8, 2026, after a long battle with heart disease.

Mike spent 12 years in Catholic schools and served as an altar boy. He maintained a lifelong interest in spiritual questions and, later in life, described himself as non- denominational while finding inspiration in Buddhist philosophy.

He graduated from high school in 1968 and attended Rock Valley Junior College before earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Illinois State University in 1972. He later earned a master's degree in Rehabilitation Administration from Southern Illinois University in 1981.

Following college, Mike lived a free-spirited life, working a variety of jobs from driving a bus in Patterson, New Jersey, to spending a summer in a tent on a California beach. Along the way, he discovered his true calling: helping individuals with disabilities and their families.

Mike dedicated his professional life to advocacy and the development of community- based services in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He played an active role in helping close state institutions and create more inclusive community programs. He spent much of his career with the State of Minnesota, where he spearheaded programs that improved the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.

After retiring, Mike returned to direct-care work and volunteered with hospice, continuing his lifelong passion for helping others. He found hospice work especially meaningful and treasured the many people he met along the way.

While living in Wisconsin, Mike met the love of his life, Sandy (affectionately known as his "Polish workhorse"). They shared 40 years of marriage, laughter, family, and adventure. Mike deeply loved his children and family and took great pride in all of them.

Though he leaves us far too soon, Mike lived a life filled with love, empathy, humor, and joy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Bobbie Fitzgerald, and his father-in-law, Gene Kasprzak.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sandy; his children, Colin Michael Fitzgerald and Nikki, and Caitlin Marie Fitzgerald; his grandchildren, Emmett, Adley, and Lewin; his siblings, Karen and Dave Fitzgerald and Kris; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the incredible medical care teams they encountered along the way, especially an angel nurse named MJ, who helped them more than she will ever know.