Michael Buchanan

Michael was born November 1, 1954, as the first (and only) son of Dean and Lucillia Buchanan at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, MN. Mike would get the joy of traveling the world with his parents while his dad was in the military. They ventured to Japan, where Mike became a big brother to two sisters. Then to California, where he gained another sister. Then off to Duluth to watch the ships. The family then settled in the Deer Creek area, where Mike became a big brother to one more sister.

He attended Deer Creek School and enlisted in the US Army before working as a crane operator in a scrapyard in the state of Washington, eventually running scrap with his dad - a job they bonded over doing together. Mike also shared another talent with his community, when worked with his mom at Lucy’s Cafe as a cook and the expert soup maker. 

Mike’s love and loyalty for others would lead him to Vining and eventually a bit of mischief. After some hard-taught life lessons, Mike would be led back home to live with his mother for some time before she moved into assisted living. Mike moved to North Dakota so he could be closer to his mom.

Mike was married 3 too many times but was fortunate enough to become a dad to 5. He was a top-notch mechanic who loved to tinker on his Harley trike. He enjoyed sharing his hobby of the Harley with others - including taking his 70-year-old grandmother on rides. 

“Ain’t here for a long time, just here for a good time” was how Mike lived his life. He enjoyed visiting, cracking jokes, and canning salsa, and making jelly with his mom and sisters.

He is preceded in death by his father: Dean; infant daughter: Nicole; grandparents: Clara and Dell Buchanan and Evelyn and Thomas Marsh; and nephew: Jesse McManigle. 

Mike is survived by his mother: Lucillia; daughter: Shannon; sons: Mike, Ryan, and Christopher; sisters: Pam, Vicky, Sandy, and Brenda; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

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