Mike Fox, 63, of Northfield, Minnesota, died on June 10, 2023, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Michael Gerard Fox was born June 30, 1959, to Eugene and Claire (Liesch) Fox in New Ulm, MN. Mike is a 1977 graduate of Northfield High School and many classmates remained lifelong friends. Mike earned his degree in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota and began Fox Landscaping in 1981. Over 40 years of his landscaping expertise can be seen in and around Northfield. He loved his work and was sharing his knowledge and consultation until his last breath. Mike was caring, generous, hard-working, simple, and funny. Anyone who had the great fortune to be his friend, knew his loyalty and kindness. Mike always made us feel better with his presence. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.
Mike married Barbara Spurrier on August 24, 1990, at the Carleton College Chapel, and enjoyed an awesome life, raising three sons, Charlie, Sam, and Jack on their Northfield hobby farm. Time with family was always Mike’s priority. Mike was instrumental in helping his boys’ 4H experiences, raising sheep and pigs and showing them at the Dakota County and MN State Fairs and instilling a strong work ethic. He was an avid hockey fan and longtime MN Wild season ticket holder, but nothing gave him more joy than watching his sons play hockey – any of their activities were always the priority.
Mike loved growing tomatoes, watching old movies, woodworking, Saturday morning coffee with the Northfield boys (Les, Brian, Carl, Darwin, Brent, Mike, Chris), volunteering and most recently with the Northfield Fire Department, and spending time with Barb on his boat on the Mississippi River and with friends at the Red Wing Marina. He loved to travel – with his family to Mexico for winter/spring breaks (and his parents, Claire and Gene joining eight of those times), to the east and west coasts to visit extended family, with Barb to New Zealand and many other locations throughout the world, and winter ski trips with Barry.
Mike is survived by his wife Barbara Fox Spurrier; sons, Charlie Fox (Salt Lake City, UT), Sam Fox (Columbus, OH), Jack Fox (Minneapolis, MN), and girlfriends, Brandi (fiancé), Maddie, and Teddi, respectively; brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Michelle (Stanton) Fox (Lakeville, MN); brother-in-law Brian O’Boyle (Denver, CO); sister- and brother-in-law Lauren Spurrier and Tom Edwards (Arlington, VA); and brother- and sister-in-law Greg and Pat Spurrier (Morrison, CO). Mike so enjoyed the company of his nieces and nephews; John O’Boyle, David O’Boyle and Lisa Oberstoetter, Bryn Spurrier Edwards, Zoe Spurrier Edwards, Lindsay Spurrier and Ryan Glouner, Jessica Spurrier and Brandon Fife, Ryan and Emily Spurrier, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene & Claire Fox, brothers John and Steven in infancy, and sister Mary Fox O’Boyle.
Special thanks to so many caregivers, especially from the Northfield Hospital Cancer Care and Infusion Center, Mayo Clinic, and St. Croix Hospice and so many family members and friends who have been of tremendous support and comfort to Mike and his family. Mike’s last selfless act on earth was donating his body to Mayo Clinic for education and research for future generations.
Memorials preferred to the Community Action Center of Northfield, communityactioncenter.org or University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, arb.umn.edu/support/experience-joy-giving.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, July 7, 2023, at Boe Memorial Chapel on the St. Olaf campus in Northfield. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM, Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Bierman Funeral Home, Northfield and one hour prior to the service at Boe Memorial Chapel. An open house will be held following the service until 8 PM, at the Fox Family Farm, 32055 Northfield Boulevard, Northfield.
Arrangements are with Bierman Funeral Home & Crematory. www.biermanfuneralhome.com
