Michael J. Leary

Michael J. "Mike" Leary, age 84, of Burnsville, MN passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born August 10, 1939 in St. Paul, MN to John and Mary Flaig Leary. He is survived by his loving wife Theresa “Nonnie” (Jurkovich), four children Dan (Katie and children Anna, Ryan, Rose, Noah, Finn), David (Lisa and children Paige, Brynn, Blake), Martha Leo (Frank and daughters Meredith and Sydney) and Mary Abiadal (Steve and sons George, Marko and Michael) and numerous loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers D.J. and Pat Leary.

Mike grew up in St. Paul and attended St. Mark’s Catholic Grade School where his childhood was firmly molded by the many nuns who kept him on a straight path. He then attended Cretin High School (now Cretin-Derham Hall), graduating with the class of 1957 having built friendships that have continued for 79 years. After high school, Mike received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN in 1961. After college, he joined Ford Motor Company as a sales representative for five years while earning his MBA from the University of Minnesota. In 1968, his career path continued with National Car Rental until 1971 when he became employed by International Dairy Queen for the next 30 years.

Mike met his future bride, Nonnie, in 1966, who was a young schoolteacher living in the west wing of his apartment building. They were married in June 1968 in Buhl, MN and spent the next 56 years building a loving family, enjoying many friends and traveling for business and pleasure.  

In the early ‘70s, Mike and Nonnie moved their young family to Canada for two years where Mike was President of Dairy Queen Canada. In 1975, Mike and Nonnie moved their family back to Burnsville, MN where Mike held various positions with International Dairy Queen. In 2001, Mike retired as Executive Vice President of Dairy Queen. Mike left a legacy of mentorship, quick wit and determination. He treasured his Dairy Queen family beyond the boardroom.

As his family grew, Mike became active in the community spending 13 years serving on the Valley Middle School and Apple Valley High School site councils and volunteering in his children’s activities. He was the biggest cheerleader on the sidelines and proudest dad in the auditorium.

After retiring from Dairy Queen in 2001, Mike expanded his volunteerism as an arbitrator for Hennepin and Ramsey County bar associations, arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and served for five years as a member of the District Ethics Committee of the Minnesota Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility. He was also a member of the Dakota County Board of Personnel Appeals. One of Mike’s proudest accomplishments after retiring was being appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court to the State Board of Directors of the Minnesota Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility in which he served for six years and was chosen Volunteer of the Year by the Board in 2018. In addition, for 11 years, he was a volunteer counselor with the Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) which counsels start-up businesses. Mike also taught a course in Management as an adjunct instructor at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.  

Amid all of the above, Mike was hopeful he would qualify for the PGA as he was able to spend more time playing the game he loved while spending time with his fellow golfers. He had a love of books – a ferocious reader of U.S. History, World War II stories, New York Times best-sellers and anything he could get his hands on. He loved good conversation and a good debate on all he had learned. Mike and Nonnie traveled during retirement spending time in Europe, nearly every state in the country and all provinces in Canada.

A routine knee replacement surgery in 2017 was the beginning of a series of complicated medical hurdles including an above-the-knee amputation and pancreatic cancer. With each new bump in the road, Mike accepted his fate and fought the good fight with Nonnie at his side. She was a blessing to his last day.

Above all else, Mike was the proudest husband, dad and grandpa in the land. His loving wife, their four children and spouses, and their thirteen glorious grandchildren were his source of unending pride and joy. Mike rated all the grandkids among the smartest children in the world.

The family wishes to thank Our Lady of Peace Home Hospice of St. Paul for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held Monday April 29th, 5-8 PM at White Funeral Home 12804 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday April 30th, 11AM at the Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 County RD 42 East, Burnsville, MN with visitation one hour prior. Funeral arrangements provided by O’Halloran & Murphy.       

Memorials may be sent in Mike Leary’s memory to Cretin-Derham Hall Class of 1957  or by calling 651-696-3318,  or Our Lady of Peace Hospice of St. Paul 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.