| About |
Givens, Michael Jon Surrounded by his family, Michael "Mike" Jon Givens, Age 58, of Hudson, WI went to be with the Lord on April 16, 2015. Mike was born in Volga, SD on July 16, 1956, and his family moved to the Brooklyn Park, MN area shortly thereafter. Mike started out from very humble beginnings and learned the value and reward of hard work as a young man. At 14 years old, he took his first job on a potato farm in Brooklyn Park, and eventually worked his way into the grocery business, where he became a butcher. It was there that he learned of his interest in the food business and, ultimately, in becoming a restaurateur. Mike met his wife, Linda Nordquist, at Anoka High School, and they were married March 5, 1976. During their 39 years of marriage they shared countless memories, as the sun rose and set on each other. They truly were soul mates. Mike and Linda were blessed with two children: Michael and Megan. Mike was heavily involved in his kid's lives, supporting them throughout the years as a coach, fan, mentor and best friend. Mike met his business partner and dear friend of 40 years, Daniel Opitz, while he was a Manager for Country Club Markets. Mike, Linda and Dan first embarked on their long-standing restaurant career with a family restaurant they purchased together in July 1979. Mike loved doing deals. Business partnerships and opportunities were drawn to him because of his character and integrity. What truly motivated Mike was creating opportunities for people. He was intentionally a quiet man, because he never wanted anything to be about himself. Although he was involved in many business ventures over the years, his true passion was for The Wendy's Company, of which he was a Franchisee for almost 30 years. Mike and his FourCrown team have been very fortunate in the Wendy's system, being honored as 'Best Franchise Group' in 2003 and Mike's induction into the Wendy's Hall of Fame in 2006. Mike was equally passionate about his philanthropic work. This is what truly defined Mike. Serving as a Trustee on The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Board of Trustees for over ten years helping children in Foster Care was a driving force in Mike's life. Mike received a Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute award as an 'Angel in Adoption' in 2013. Big or small, he looked for ways to help everyone. Although he often made comments that he himself didn't have a college diploma, he valued education. He started many programs to help local schools and churches in every community in which he had a business. Every day, in everything he did, Mike looked for an opportunity to help someone. Mike loved spending time with family and friends at their cabin. He loved the outdoors, spending time on the water fishing in Canada, or going for a sunset cruise around the lake. Some of the best days of his life were spent on the golf course. He loved the peaceful setting, competitive nature and integrity of the game of golf. Mike and his family are forever grateful for the love and support received over the years during Mike's long standing battle, most recently in the past 9 months. The Givens Family would specifically like to thank the countless doctors and nurses across the country who helped maximize every day we had with Mike. Special thank you to: Dr. Glenn Alexander, Dr. Nick Levine, Dr. Mark Gilbert, Dr. Jason Reed, Dr. Justin Wudel and Dr. Walter Hall. Mike adored his family and was survived by Brothers: Jim (Sally) and Kyle, Sister: Kris (Julio) Barron, Mother-in-law: Jane Nordquist, Daughter-in-law: Melissa, Mother: Ursula, many nieces, nephews and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his Brothers Billy and Donavon "Jay" Givens, his father, Howard Givens and Father-in-law Perry Nordquist. |
