Michael Douglas Daffinson

Michael Douglas Daffinson, age 72, of Cochrane, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester with his family by his side. He was born on October 8, 1951 to the late Lyle Mervin and Norma Mae (Hanson) Daffinson in Mount Clemens, MI. Mike attended and graduated from the Gale-Ettrick high school with the class of 1970. In 1970 he received first place in the Coulee Conference Track Meet 440 Yard Dash, which he held for many years. On January 26, 1971, Mike enlisted to serve his Country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. After Mike’s discharge from active duty on January 16, 1973, he showed his true colors of patriotism and transferred to the Marine Corps Reserves until his honorable discharge on October 27, 1976.  Following his time with the Marine Corps, Mike attended Western Wisconsin Technical College and earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts. Mike moved to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and worked for a short period at the VA Hospital as a cook. To be closer to family, Mike moved back to Galesville and worked at Gale Manufacturing until he began a 35-year career at the Trane Company in La Crosse as a welder, retiring in 2015.  Mike was married to Paula Kattestad and to this marriage, two sons were born. They later divorced. On May 25, 2007, Mike was united in marriage to Amy Mueller at St. John Lutheran Church in Alma where they molded two families into one. On his days off, Mike relished time he spent with his children and grandchildren or taking long walks with his furry companion, Emma. It was always a pleasure of his to tell humorous stories and observations to whomever gave him the time of day. In his earlier years, Mike enjoyed playing baseball and hunting. He enjoyed golfing and fishing throughout all of his life. He was a passionate Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. Mike loved cooking. He enjoyed combining his education of food with new low carb products to produce a healthy, good-tasting meal. He called it cheating! Mike always found the large gatherings with his extensive family so very special, being a caring, non-judgmental man that undeniably loved every member. Amy has often said that she was so proud and blessed to have found not only her husband, but the man that completed her, giving her unconditional love that she had never felt before, and accepting her children as his own, showing them the epitome of what a dad truly is. Mike’s memory, the legacy he leaves us, and his “all or nothing” approach to life will long live in the hearts of all that knew him. Mike was a man with not only a grand sense of wit and humor, but a man of uncompromising character who went the extra mile for his family and friends. Mike will be dearly missed by his wife, Amy; children, Craig (Melissa) Daffinson of Onalaska and Sam (Ellen Watson) Daffinson of St. Paul, Jon (Dakodah) Duellman of Cochrane and Jennifer (Chris) Carothers of Winona; grandchildren, Elijah Daffinson, Saul Daffinson, Addy and Lillie Carothers and Jessica Duellman; siblings, Steve (Debbie) Daffinson, Suzie Daffinson, Linda (Joe) Morris, Randy (Laurie) Daffinson and Pam Conrad; also by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Debra Gile and Rhonda Daffinson; nieces, Lindsay Daffinson and Shannon McFarlin; parents-in-law, Art and Olive Kattestad and Merlin and Carol Mueller. A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 6 PM at the Lost Pirate Tiki Bar and Grill in Buffalo City. Full military honors will be conducted at the Lost Pirate at 2:00 PM. 

Talbot Family Funeral Homes – Scenic Rivers Cremation Center assisted the family. www.talbotfuneralhomes.com