On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Michael James McNamee passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, in Grand Forks, ND at the age of 79. Michael, firstborn of Joseph & Lorraine (Eeg) McNamee, was born on April 17, 1943 in Pennsylvania. His family relocated to the Midwest and, eventually to Grand Forks, ND where he graduated from Grand Forks Central in 1961. That same year he met the love of his life, Judith Young, and the two were married in 1963. The couple welcomed four children and 13 grandchildren over the next 59 years of marriage. Michael put his Business Administration degree and his love of people to use throughout his career, working as a retail store manager (Osco Drug, Target), as a stock-broker, and a salesman. Mike recognized his need for a personal savior and accepted Jesus as his own in 1970. He was a longtime member at Faith Free Church and served in many ways, most notably as the Head Usher & Financial Secretary for many years. Upon retirement, Michael took on a new role in helping out at his second son and daughter-in-law Daniel & Patricia McNamee’s business Dakota Laser in Arvilla, ND. There he was able to spend every day with family, which he loved greatly. He also loved playing cards, riding horses, putzing in the garage, watching Twins baseball or Vikings football, and teasing his grandchildren.

Although Mike was nearly always in a good mood, he was never happier than when he was with his family. He had an immeasurable love for his wife, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren. He was their biggest cheerleader and never hesitated to tell them how much he loved them or how proud he was of them. His way of making people feel special didn’t stop with his family. He made an impression, whether you just met him or you’d known him for a lifetime. He was larger than life. He kept his humor to the very end and handled his battle against cancer with grace. The loss of Michael is felt by many, and he lives on in the hearts of those who love him dearly.

Michael is predeceased by his father Joseph McNamee, mother Lorraine (Eeg) McNamee, half-brother Joseph McNamee, brother Mark McNamee, and sister Mary (McNamee) Bukowski.

Michael is survived by his wife Judith (Young) McNamee; son Scott (Katrina) McNamee and their children Arielle (Kalab) Thompson, Amber, Savannah, Caleb; son Daniel (Patricia) McNamee and their children Rachael, Megan (Bradon) Miller; son Paul (Amy Jo) McNamee and their children Tanner, Trinity, Macy Jo; daughter Kirsten (Paul) Dionne and their children Alexis, Monique, Kira, Vienna; sister Marsha (McNamee) Bouvette; brother Terrence McNamee; sister Margaret (Tom) Goeddel; brother Martin (Bonnie) McNamee; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Faith Evangelical Free Church of Grand Forks, ND. (It will also be live-streamed on the church YouTube page.) Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with a service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Memorial Park North Cemetery.