Michael John Horrigan

Michael John Horrigan arrived six weeks early in a blizzard on November 28, 1983. He loved Minneapolis and graduated from South High School in 2002. He attended DePaul University, the University of Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Superior.

Michael studied in Amman, Jordan for four months in 2004 and did summer study visits to New Zealand and Venezuela. He moved to Duluth in 2016.

Michael was a gifted musician, excelling in the clarinet, flute and the saxophone. In his senior year at South, he competed in the state track meet in the discus.

He spoke and wrote fluent Arabic, graduating summa cum laude from Pennsylvania Western University in January, 2023, with a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic language and culture. On his own, he studied Hebrew and Turkish. He was greatly influenced by his coursework in the Ojibwa language at the University of Minnesota. He was interested in many religions: Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Sikh and Christianity.

Michael died in Duluth on February 16, 2024.

Whenever we think of Michael, we will remember a gifted visual artist, musician and cook. He was endlessly kind, compassionate, generous and he was an excellent listener. His heart was always open to others. He loved the natural world.

Michael is cherished and survived by his parents: John Horrigan and Marilyn Lading of Superior, Wi. He is also survived by one uncle: David Lading, with whom he was close, and by many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts: Diane Lading and Carole Lading; by his uncle: Dr. Terrence Horrigan; and by his cousin: Russell Lading.

Graveside services have been held in Oak Lake Lutheran Cemetery, Kerrick.

We will gather to honor our beloved Michael on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Following the service, a light lunch and reception will be held at the funeral home to allow everyone to share stories of Michael.

If so desired, donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Tweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Ct. Duluth, MN 55812. Michael loved his job and colleagues at the museum. Blessed be the memory of Michael John Horrigan.