Michael J. Bisenius

Mass of Christian Burial was held August 10, 2024, in Grand Forks, N.D., for Michael J. Bisenius, 63, of Grand Forks, who passed away Aug. 5, 2024, at his home after a short battle with cancer.

Mike Bisenius was born March 23, 1961, the third child and only son of Jack and Mary (Soli) Bisenius. He was born and raised in Langdon and graduated from Langdon High School in 1979 where he participated in multiple sports, choir, and musical theater. After high school he attended Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake, N.D. and received his degree in Farm and Ranch Management in 1981. He married Laura Olson in Langdon on June 19, 1982. Mike farmed with his father until 1986. He attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in education. The Bisenius’ moved to Scranton, N.D.

where he taught and coached. The family moved back to Grand Forks in 1992 where Mike taught in the Grand Forks Public School district for 32 years. He earned his master’s degree in education administration in 1998 from UND, and in 2023 he earned his second master’s degree in American history and government from Ashland University. Throughout Mike’s career he had the privilege to continue his education by attending various conferences throughout the country, including San Francisco, Purdue University, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Fort Ticonderoga in New York.

During his life, Mike was active in a variety of area sports. He announced Red River and Grand Forks Central football games. He coached football, wrestling, baseball, and girls fastpitch softball. He was also a baseball and softball umpire for many years. He was awarded North Dakota’s Fastpitch Coach of the Year in June of 2010 and nominated for National Softball Coach of the Year in 2014. Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors golfing, fishing, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Mike was a member of Holy Family Catholic church and active in the choir.

Mike was loved by every animal that met him, none more so than his beloved golden retriever, Duke.

Mike is survived by his wife, Laura, of Grand Forks; children: Matt (Megan) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, David (Cassandra) of East Grand Forks, Minn., Michelle (Jesse) Chavez of Fargo, N.D. and Andrea of Grand Forks; four grandchildren: Damion, Brayden, Caiden, and Adylena Bisenius; three sisters: Jacalyn (Willie) Thom of Langdon, N.D., Wendy (Darwyn) Smith of Clitherall, Minn., and Beth (Craig) Champagne of Grand Forks, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Northern Valley Honor Flight or Journey Home Animal Rescue.

An inurnment will be held at South Calvary Cemetery in Grand Forks at a later date.

An online guest book is available at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com. Arrangements made by Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, Minn.