I was a roommate of Mikes at Northern Michigan University when he began coaching. He was fun to be around and I was always amazed that he would get up in the morning after a rugby match. He was tough. I followed his career over the years and saw his photo in the Chicago paper sports section one day by chance when I was flying through Ohare. He was one of a kind and always generous. Your father was great! Jack Daly Moit
Jack Daly
November 27, 2018
I wrestled for Mike at northern up in Marquette. Mike was a tough dude he reminded me of Robert Redford cool dude. He called me disco because I could dance ,I am writing a book and a chapter on nmu I will include in the book ,sorry about your loss Randy lex August 13th,2018g
Randy lex
August 13, 2018
Mike Duroe is a legend to many people in the wrestling world; literally the world. As impactful as his coaching might have been, his words and life example as a wonderful human being have made an even stronger positive impact. Mike's greatness will live on through the lives of others for many generations to come. Each of us who knew Mike are far better off because we did. May God bless the Duroe family.
Steve Bass
July 17, 2018
Sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Prayers to the entire Duroe family. Mike was a great guy and he will be missed by a lot of people. Tim
Tim Ferch
July 15, 2018
Our Deepest condolences. We send our love and prayers. My family and I are so thankful for Coaches leadership and mentoring.
The MCDONALD Family
July 11, 2018
Mike and Lisa became a part of our family when our children, Ben & Katrina married in July 2017. You never know what the in-laws are going to be like and I'm sure they were thinking the same thing. Mike was the most kind and thoughtful man and just in that short time I felt like I had known him for years. I was really looking forward to sharing many memories as a family. My husband and I were so sad to hear of Mike's diagnosis in September and heartbroken to hear of his passing. I know the weeks and coming months will be hard but you have the memories of those special times to get you through. Rely on the strength of your family and friends to help you through the tough times. God Bless you Mike, may you rest in peace.
Jo-Anne Bergquist & Al Long (Edmonton, AB)
JO-ANNE BERGQUIST
July 10, 2018
I heard of Mike's passing this morning. I knew Mike since grade school when we became friends. He was anything but ordinary and mature beyond his years when we were young. He set goals and was dedicated to achieve them. I enjoyed our battles in the wrestling room. I am fortunate to have learned lessons from those battles that reached far beyond four walls in a Charles City high school. I still draw from those experiences all these years later. Mike will be missed. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Duroe family.
Ken Holtz
July 9, 2018
What a kind generous man and a great influence on so many young men.Our grandson Brent Hamm was one of those. I am so glad we got to spend time with coach while traveling to watch Brent grow into the great man he is. Thank you coach Duroe. You will be missed..
Kay Tupper
July 9, 2018
I can speak first-hand how you did not have to be a great athlete or even a mediocre athlete for Coach Duroe to embrace any NT student who was interested in being part of the NT wrestling team. Even if you did not have the proper work ethic up front, he was going to get you to develop it. He was going to get you to face your fears. He was going to get you to accomplish more than you thought possible. And he was going to be there as you grabbed a few moments of glory to hold on to and reflect on for the rest of your life.
Adam Markey NT '93
July 9, 2018
Duroe family, Very sad to hear of Mike's passing. I remember him as an intense wrestler who gave me grief for being a basketball player when all my cousins at rival New Hampton were wrestlers back in our Charles City days. The wrestling community lost a great guy.
Tom krall
July 9, 2018
Benson and Adyson, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Each time he came to the classroom he was so happy to be there. He was truly such a kind and genuine person. He was so proud of you. I’m thinking of you both and your family. Love, Mrs. Jaeger
Jeanne Jaeger
July 9, 2018
To Mike's entire family, our sincerest sympathies to you all. No greater portrait of a man's life well lived with kindness and respect for others.
Judy and Larry Gentry
July 9, 2018
Mike was a true Mentor, Coach, Teacher, to young and Old Who love the Great Sport of Wrestling, His Dedication and Love for the Sport was Cool to see.
Robert Kinder
July 8, 2018
Our family met Mike when we called and asked if any of his wrestlers could come and help move a piano into our house in Mt.Vernon. In a way befitting a small town, he said, “Sure!” and showed up with three or four great kids. He didn’t just coach them as they pulled that heavy instrument up our steps, but jumped right in there with them. A class act! We are so sorry to hear of his passing.
Betsy
July 8, 2018
My deepest condolences to Mike’s wife and children and entire family...I will always feel so fortunate to have known him during our high school years working at the pool in the summer. I will always remember him as a very kind and dedicated man and feel so fortunate to have known him. God speed Mike.
Jayne Stowe
July 8, 2018
I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO KNOW MIKE FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS. WE SHARED A WRESTLING KINDRED SPIRIT. I GREW UP IN CLARKSVILLE AND CLOSE TO MIKE'S CHARLES CITY DAYS. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON FIRST, FRIEND, AND COACH. WE WILL MISS HIM DEARLY BUT ALWAYS HAVE THE MEMORIES AND KNOWLEDGE OF HOW HE TOUCHED EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND LISA. GOD HAS OUR MIKE NOW AND HE IS AT PEACE WATCHING OVER US ALL. LOVE YA COACH!!!
JERRY ACKERMAN
July 7, 2018
Dave...Craig and I are so sorry to hear about your brothers passing. Sounds like he was an amazing guy. Will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Take care... Hugs??
Becky Dana
July 7, 2018
Lisa, i was so sad to hear that your special guy has left the mat. You two just made me smile. I loved caring for him but have to apologize for geting caught up in the wrestling stories and memories . Wrestling family is so large and we are all hurting with you and the rest of the family. Special hugs from Mikes nurses . Mike, thank you for giving so freely to all around you. You were a gift to all whomknew you.
Jean yoder
July 6, 2018
Addison and Benson,
Your dad is looking down smiling at how amazing you both are.
Wylie Hachey
July 6, 2018