Michael John Lynch

Michael John “Mike” Lynch

Michael John “Mike” Lynch, age 74, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Prescott, Wisconsin. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of a good story, and his ability to make just about any moment an adventure.

Mike was born on October 9, 1951, to Ralph and Nadine Lynch. He grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, where he attended Mayo High School. A hardworking and determined man throughout his life, Mike worked a variety of jobs, including as a produce manager at Barlows, in construction, and in maintenance for Pepsi. His determination and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to start his own business, Owner Built Homes, where he built a housing development in St. Paul Park, Minnesota.

Mike had a personality that was impossible to forget. He loved to joke, tease, and keep everyone on their toes. Some of the favorite memories shared with Mike were made riding with him down a dirt road, where he might decide to drive a little faster than necessary while laughing and saying, “They’ll never take me alive!” Being a passenger came with its own responsibilities: you had to watch for cops. If the road was clear, everyone knew exactly what to say: “It’s clean & green!”

Mike had a real appreciation for music and classic muscle cars. He loved the sound, style, and power of a good car and could appreciate what made each one special. He also loved football and proudly cheered for his team with his familiar “Go Vikings!”

But perhaps one of the things people will remember most about Mike was his gift for telling a story. He was always ready with one—whether it was funny, outrageous, nostalgic, or a story you had heard before. Mike had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories, and his stories and laughter will continue to be shared by those who knew and loved him.

Mike will be deeply missed by his daughters, Chrissy (Eric) Metz and Becky (James Lattery) Toivonen; his siblings, Jon Lynch, Theresa Fenske, Colleen Rueb, Kevin Lynch, and Joe Lynch; grandchildren, Beth (Nate) Gardner, Jacob Toivonen, Deanna Metz, Casey Toivonen, and Zach Metz; many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and friends. While his absence will be felt deeply, the laughter, stories, and memories he left behind will remain with all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Nadine Lynch; brothers, Larry Lynch, Tom Lynch, David Lynch, and Tim Lynch; and grandson, Nick (Tanya Byrne) Lynch.

Rest easy, Mike. Keep the stories coming, keep the engine running, and wherever you are—know that it’s clean & green.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on September 26, 2026, at the pavilion at East Side Park, 472 State Street E, Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-262-5404.