Michael Ford of Thief River Falls, MN, age 66, died on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at his residence. The Funeral Mass to celebrate the life of Michael Ford will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow on the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral mass on Wednesday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Michael William Ford was born on November 30, 1947, at St. Francis Hospital in Crookston, MN the son of William and Katherine (Haupt) Ford. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. He attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls. Following school, Michael lived in Red Lake Falls; he did janitor/maintenance work at Lafayette High School and at the AVTI in Thief River Falls. After moving to Thief River Falls, MN he worked at Arctic Cat and the Lantern Café. While working at Arctic Cat, Michael met his future wife, Deborah Johnson. On June 15, 1996, Michael was united in marriage to Deborah Johnson at Goodridge, MN. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls. Michael enjoyed watching television, especially western movies. He also enjoyed country music, trips to California and Hawaii; and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He was lovingly known as Papa Mike! Survivors include his loving wife of 18 years, Deborah of Thief River Falls; son, Adam (Sarah) Johnson of Nowthen, MN; grandchildren, Lillian and William; siblings, Sharon Erickson of Prescott Valley, AZ, Carolyn Rahier of Grand Rapids, MN, Lorna (Vernon) Peterson of Red Lake Falls, MN, and Terry (Julie) Ford of Papillion, NE; mother-in-law, Jeanne Johnson of Thief River Falls; and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Elwood Erickson and Richard Rahier; and father-in-law, LeRoy Johnson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com Special Music, Reader, Deborah Ford Casketbearers, Tim Peterson, Mark Peterson, Josh Tharaldson, Kevin Tharaldson, Kyler Peterson, Rylee Peterson, Tera Ford Honorary Casketbearers, All of Michael's Nieces & Nephews