Michael Wayne "Mathew" Kiehl, age 44, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Monday, July 20, 2009 at his home.
Michael was born July 5, 1965 to Eugene and Jeanette (VanWert) Rock in Detroit Lakes, MN. Growing up, he spent time in both White Earth, MN, and Minneapolis, MN, and graduated from Waubun High School, Waubun, MN with the class of 1984. Following high school, Michael spent some time in Duluth, MN, where his two older children, Tera and Michael Jr. were born. He later moved back to the Ogema, MN, area. Michael then made his home in Minneapolis with his two younger children, Alex and Autumn, he returned to the area and has been living in Detroit Lakes for the past few years.
Whether it was hunting or fishing, Michael truly enjoyed being in the outdoors. He also enjoyed traditional native American singing, dancing and going to pow wows. Over the years, Michael traveled with the carnival midway vendors, working at many fairs. He received a certificate in carpentry and woodworking, a talent he put to use to make many diamond willow items. He shared a great companionship with his dogs, Mikey and Angel.
Michael is survived by his children, Tera Kiehl, Ashland, WI, Alex and Autumn Sweetwater, Winona, MN; mother, Jeanette Nicholson, Ogema, MN; father, Eugene (Jeannie) Rock, Minneapolis, MN; two brothers, Raymond VanWert, White Earth, MN, and Gordon Kiehl, Ogema; and one sister, Stacie Folstrom, Elbow Lake, MN. He was preceded by his grandparents and one son, Michael Wayne Kiehl Jr.
Private Family services were held.