---

Thomas Michael "Mike" Poole passed away surrounded by his loving family at 2:30 pm July 14th, 2018. Born in Drayton, North Dakota to Elmer and Ella Poole, Mike grew up in Thief River Falls, Minnesota playing hockey, football and baseball. After graduating from high school, Mike served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. Mike married Diana Reed in 1963 and they enjoyed fifty-four wonderful, laughter-filled years together.

Mike and Diana raised three daughters in Andover, Minnesota, later moving to Pleasant Lake in Hackensack where they enjoyed lake life with friends and family. Fishing with grandchildren, bonfires, occasional family talent shows and watching sunsets on the lake made for perfect summer days. Winters were spent playing in the sun in Mission, Texas.

A man of quick wit, Mike believed everyday should be filled with laughter and fun. He thoroughly enjoyed getting together with friends from high school ("the Bad Boys"). As a proud Legionnaire and member of Hackensack Post 202, Mike enjoyed a cold drink with friends or a game of pool, cribbage or poker. A loyal Twins and Vikings fan, he watched as many games as possible and will continue cheering the Vikings to Super Bowl win!

Mike was a wise and loyal patriot and family man. His advice to everyone today would be "Always keep your door open to family and friends."

True story.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his mother and father, his daughter Alison, brother Pat and sister Liz.

Survivors include his wife Diana; daughters Jennifer Poole and Rebecca (Adam) Harmon; grandchildren Zachary, Michael, Carter, Becca, Alexa, and Phoebe; brothers Monroe (Joni), Joe (Barb), Jack (Sharon), Larry (Ellerine), Tony (Alice), and Bill; sister Patti, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hackensack, Minnesota, with Fr. Timothy Lange officiating. There will be a gathering of friends and family one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at a later date in Holt, Minnesota. Arrangements are by Dennis Funeral Home, Walker, Minnesota.[[In-content Ad]]

---