| Graduation Year | Class of 1970 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 31, 2018 |
| About | Michael John Horvat,66, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin following his battle with cancer. Mike was born May 8, 1952, in Mankato, Minnesota, to John and Lorraine Horvat at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato. At age eight, Michael moved with his family to the farm southwest of Austin where he grew up. He received his GED (class of ‘70) at Austin High School. Prior to his secondary education, Mike traveled with a popular local entertainment group, Taffy Band, from 1972-1978, working as the band sound technician while managing and scheduling performances. Mike attended Austin Community College for math and electronics prior to attending Austin Vocational Technical School from 1981-1983 for auto mechanics. While in school, Mike worked as a part time semi-truck driver and delivered Winnebago’s. In 1987, Mike and his brother Greg opened an auto repair shop, G & M Repair, Transmission & Engine Overhaul, in the Austin eastside district. He worked as a mechanic until he retired in 2014. Independent of work, he always found time to help on the farm. Mike enjoyed fishing, sports and games with family and friends. He was a champion pool player and played in many local pool tournaments as well as regional and state tournaments. Mike liked to travel and took every opportunity to do so. Some of his travels included visiting the Smoky Mountains, travels to England and Canada, and to many states across the country. Mike was the oldest of eight children and took great pride and responsibility in supporting mom as her primary caregiver for the past 15 years. Mike was preceded in death by his father, John Gregory Horvat. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine, Austin; brothers, Edward (Shona) Horvat, Roy, Utah, and Gregory Horvat, Austin; sisters, Patricia (Brian) Sagadin, Glendale, Arizona, Suzanne (G. Michael) McNamee, Eagan, Minnesota, Barbara (Scott) Stephens, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Beverly (Lowell) Johnson, Oakdale, Minnesota, and Clara “Angel” Horvat, Austin; 20 nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour on Friday before the service at the church. Interment will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday at St. Casmir Cemetery in Wells, Minnesota. |
