Michael Ray Amsden

Michael Ray Amsden (Mike/Mick), age 69, of Crosslake, Minnesota passed away on August 5, 2021 after a brief stay at Whitefish at the Lake. He was surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake, Minnesota on August 17, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. 

Mike was born March 31, 1952 to Leslie and Neola (Schunk) Amsden in Comfrey, Minnesota. He graduated from Comfrey Public School in 1970. Mike worked construction until 1976 when he decided to move his family to Crosslake where he remained until his death. 

Mike decided to further his education at Brainerd Vocational School in 1977. He graduated from the small engine repair program. After graduating he worked as a small engine mechanic locally. Mike had a passion for fire-fighting and was a member for 20 years of the Crosslake Volunteer Fire Department where he served as a fire chief for a few years; additionally, he had the privilege to go to Yellowstone National Park in 1988 to fight the forest fire. 

Continuing to pursue his passion Mike went to work for Alexandria Technical and Community College as one of the three training coordinators in the fire and safety department. He specialized and trained individuals in confined space entry and hazardous material safety. He held an advanced safety certification form the National Safety Council and trained at some well-known companies such as: Hormel, General Mills, 3M, IBM, Boise Cascade, and multiple fire departments across the Upper Midwest. After leaving the Technical College Mike went to work for the City of Crosslake in the Public Works Department until shortly after his heart transplant in November of 2015. 

Mike is survived by his three children Jason Amsden (Cassandra), Christine Kozelka, Stacy Rotty (David); Grandchildren Axle Amsden, Avery Amsden, and Tucker Boeding; Sister Rose (Randy) Haseleu, and many nieces and nephews as well as his beloved Labrador Molly.