Michael “Mike” McHugh
February 1, 1981 - January 3, 2023
Michael Raymond (Mike) McHugh, 41, Apple Valley, died Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Burnsville, MN, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mike was born February 1, 1981 in New Prague, MN, to Eileen and Jack McHugh. He was raised in New Prague, graduating from New Prague High School. He attended Faribault Technical College. While still in high school, Mike found what became his career path while working at the local Ace Hardware store, eventually becoming the store manager in Apple Valley. Mike loved being around customers, and helping them find creative solutions to their projects, while leading the Ace team as a successful manager.
Mike was a vibrant and engaging guy who always wore a smile and just a little bit of pink. You could count on him to be the first and last one on the dance floor, a source of belly laughs, and to make friends every place he went. He loved to workout, play golf, host gatherings featuring meat smoked on his Big Green Egg, and play any type of game especially with his nieces and nephews.
It was important to Mike for friends and relatives to stay connected on a regular basis. For years, Mike gathered people together on a weekly basis with a single text message, “wingy”. Everyone knew where to go, and when to be there. A plate of wings and a cold beer wasn’t anything special, but Mike’s dedication to keeping people connected was very special indeed.
Mike was preceded in death by beloved mother, Eileen; infant brother David; and grandparents, uncles and aunts.
Mike is survived by many who dearly loved him, including his father Jack (Sandra) of Lutsen; his sister Sarah (Nate) Holicky of New Prague; his brothers Matthew (Shannon) of Shakopee, Daniel of Laguna Beach, CA, Allan (Katie) of Lakeville; his aunts, Gayle Tuthill and Ann (Bill) Bracco; his nieces and nephews, Alex (Samantha), Bradley, Jeremy, Trevor, Leah, Eric, and Dana; and the love of his life, Megan Young, and the entire Young family; as well as beloved cousins, lifelong friends and co-workers.
Mike’s Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00am - 2:00pm on Saturday, May 20th, at The Depot, 408 Main St W, New Prague. Private interment in Calvary Cemetery in Faribault. If desired, memorial gifts may be given; these will be directed to Duck Cup Memorial in New Prague (www.duckcupmemorial.org).
I’ll be thinking of all of you this weekend as you celebrate Mike.
I love you all.
Aunt Annie
Over ten or eleven years ago I was bored with retirement and Mike hired me as a part-time sales associate at ACE Hardware in Apple Valley where he was the manager. Like him I enjoyed talking to people and helping them solve their problems. Mike was the one that taught me to re-key locks for customers. I learned a lot from him about ACE. I was totally shocked when I heard of his passing. He was a good friend and manager. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Prayers of comfort to all of of the many family and friends that were a part of his life.
With love Marie Johnson
Rest sweet Mike. You will always be remembered for your winning smile and engaging in our family gatherings. We’ve loved from close and far. May your light shine from above us now and forever.