ESTHERVILLE — Michael “Mike” L. Anderson, 61, of Estherville, died Monday, September 7, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
In accordance with Mike’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
Born March 8, 1965, in Estherville to Keith and JoAnn (Winans) Anderson, Mike grew up in the community and attended Estherville High School. He later studied auto body work at Iowa Lakes Community College, turning an early interest in vehicles and hands-on work into a career.
Mike began working at Brian’s Auto Body in Armstrong, where he spent about 10 years. He later lived in Colorado for several years and continued working in auto body repair before eventually returning home to Estherville.
Back in Northwest Iowa, Mike spent the next 25 years welding at Aero Race Wheels.
Racing was a passion throughout his life. As a young man, Mike competed in motocross and collected several trophies. His enthusiasm for racing never faded, and he remained an avid follower of auto racing while also enjoying working on and restoring vehicles.
The Anderson family farm held an equally important place in Mike’s life. The property connected him to generations of family memories, and harvest was a particularly meaningful time of year. He looked forward to helping his father and uncle with combining and driving grain truck, while mowing and spending quiet time around the home place offered him a welcome retreat.
Away from work and the farm, Mike enjoyed pheasant hunting, dogs — especially golden retrievers — smoking meat, making oyster crackers and spending time with friends.
He was a familiar face at Mother Nature’s and The Pub and enjoyed sharing a cold beer and conversation with friends. Road trips to racetracks and casinos with friends JR and Kent also created many good memories.
Mike is survived by his siblings, Kelly (Don) Schultz, Mark (Sandy) Anderson and Kathy (Lee) Steele; nieces and nephews Amy (Jason) Renneke, Brandon (Dacia) Steele, Brittany (Al) Steele, Michael Anderson and Zachery Anderson; great-nieces and great-nephews Sophia, Isaiah, Bentlee and Hudson; uncle Jon (Cindy) Anderson; and many cousins and longtime friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; aunts and uncles; and two great-nephews, Izaak and Jacob.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting with arrangements. To read the complete obituary or leave a remembrance for Mike’s family, please click here.
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