Michael "Mike" Wallraff

Michael “Mike” Wallraff, age 80, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2026.

Mike was born on July 27, 1945 to Bill and Vivian and raised in Roseville, Minnesota. He graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1963 and graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology in 1967. He was a member of IBEW Local #110 in St. Paul, where he built a successful career working for Johnson Controls, American Express, and the Metropolitan Council.

In 1966, he married the love of his life, Judy (Forster), beginning a beautiful relationship that spanned 60 years. Together, they raised a loving family and made their home in Forest Lake after moving there in 1974.

The oldest of seven siblings, Mike valued family and friendship. He treasured his role as husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Nothing brought him greater pride than the accomplishments and happiness of his children and grandchildren.

He was enthusiastic and adventurous, and that spirit took him to wonderful places. With Judy as his partner in life and on the road, he loved riding his motorcycle and traveling in their fifth-wheel camper. Their adventures took them on a motorcycle trip to the summit of Pike’s Peak and in their fifth-wheel all the way to Alaska. Annual fishing and snowmobile trips with his brothers and extended family became cherished traditions that created lifelong memories.

For 35 years, Mike brought joy and happiness to his family as Santa Claus every Christmas. Like Santa, he was generous and thoughtful, teaching us to look for the good in others, listen intently, and love strongly.

His kindness will be deeply missed, and his memory will be cherished forever by all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Vivian; and brother-in-law, Dick Robinson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Judy; children, Jill (Sonny) Fite, Jodie (Dave) van der Sman, and John (Jeni); grandchildren, Max (Kelley) Fite, Jack (Anna) Fite, Nic (Irma) Fite, Ben (Lisa) van der Sman, Eli (Jenny) van der Sman, Lily van der Sman, Sam, and Andrew; great-granddaughter, Margot Fite; siblings, Cheryl Robinson, Mark (Kathy), Steve (Carol), Connie (Jeff) Grady, Chris (Rob) Haskins, and Lyn Barrette; along with many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and all whose lives he touched.

A phrase that reflected his gratitude for a life well lived was: “If I had it to do over, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday, June 5 at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave W, Roseville, MN. Visitation at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Friday.

Interment Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or donor's choice.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------