Michael Mehr, age 64, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Sandford Health, Fargo, ND.

Michael Jacob Mehr, the oldest child of Joseph and Inez (Lemke) Mehr was born in St. Cloud, MN, on April 19, 1954.  As a young boy, the Mehr family moved to Mahnomen, where Mike would graduate from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1972.  After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served as a hydraulics specialist.  Following his honorable discharge, Mike returned to the Mahnomen area for a short time before moving to the twin cities, where he worked and attended Dunwoody Institute.  Mike then lived in Detroit Lakes for a year before returning to Mahnomen.  He began working with his dad, Joe.  Mike also decided to further his education at the Vo-Tech in Detroit Lakes for carpentry, but soon after realized he was as knowledgeable as his instructors and decided to quit school.  Mike was united in marriage to Bonnie Hendrickson on August 19, 1978.  The couple made their home in Detroit Lakes, MN, where Mike worked with his brother-in-law, Mark Hendrickson, building apartments.  After a year, the couple moved to Moorhead, MN, for a year before settling back in Mahnomen.  Mike continued to work alongside his brothers-in-law, Mark Hendrickson and Keith Slininger and brother, Pete, building houses.  Bonnie and Mike would welcome their daughter, Samantha, in 1986.  Mike and Mark branched out and started M&H Construction which later became Mehr Construction.  Under Mehr Construction, Mike worked with Chuck Agnew and Dave Simon.  Years later the company dissolved, and Mike continued working by himself.  The past several years, Mike has been semi-retired, only taking on small jobs.

Mike was a hard worker and a good problem solver but wasn't always real keen on asking for help.  He liked spending time with family and friends, especially his nephews and he truly adored his grandson, Lucas.  Mike also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sitting around BS'ing with the guys over a few cold ones at the legion.  In his younger years, he enjoyed painting, however, his true passion was always wood working.  It was therapeutic for Mike as he designed and put together many wonderful items and pieces of furniture for family.  One of his larger and more time-consuming projects was the beautiful handmade wooden canoe he gave to his nephews, Mason and Curtis.  Although gone to soon from this life, his memory will live on forever in the hearts of many and his woodworking projects will become treasured pieces.

Mike is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Mahnomen; daughter, Samantha (David) Knakmuhs of Lake Crystal, MN; one grandson, Lucas; brother, Pete Mehr of Mahnomen; sisters, Sheila Mehr of Virginia Beach, VA, and Lisa (Gary) Trainer of Cheyenne, WY; nieces and nephews; Adam, Emily and Maggie Trainer and Mason and Curtis Mehr; and extended family on Bonnie's side.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Inez.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will take place at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Tuesday, October 16, 2018, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m.