Michael Francis Kidder, 59, Owatonna

Michael Francis Kidder, 59, of Owatonna, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020 while enjoying his passion for farming.
He was born Aug. 23, 1961 in Owatonna the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Ballstadt) Kidder. Mike graduated from Claremont High School in 1979.
He enjoyed many years farming with Dick Harmer near Claremont until a brief move to Hanover. Upon his return to Owatonna in the late1980's he continued his career with Pearson during the day and farming after work. On May 1, 1998 Mike married Pamela Lennon in Branson, Mo.  The couple made their home in Owatonna raising their combined five children. Mike’s love for farming continued even when Dick Harmer retired in 2019.
Mike served as president of the Claremont Street Cemetery and the Claremont Improvement Corporation. He was a member of Associated Church, the American Legion and the VFW. He had a very strong work ethic, enjoying his jobs as if they were hobbies. 
He enjoyed camping, boating and in years past, fishing. He was a prankster with "Dad Jokes" that only he found humor in. Mike loved his grandkids and cherished the time he spent with them. Most will remember Mike for his willingness to drop everything to help others.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Kidder of Owatonna; children, Justin (and Sami) Kidder and their six kids of Owatonna, Lindsay Doherty (and Bill Clark) and their three kids of Albert Lea, Kaitlyn Kidder of Owatonna, Luke (and Steph) Andersen and their three kids of Ellendale, Rachel (and Matt) Hanson and their three kids of Prior Lake; siblings, Diane Erler of West Concord, Robert Kidder of Owatonna, Jean Kidder of Owatonna, David Kidder of Owatonna, Richard (and Ernie) Kidder of Plymouth, Brian Kidder of Maui, Hawaii, Kevin (and Julie) Kidder of Rochester; father and mother in law, Patrick and Barbara Lennon; brother-in-law, Mike (and Yvonne) Lennon of Owatonna and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Frank Kidder, Jr.; sisters, Deb O’Regan, Kim Fisher; brother in law, Lloyd Erler; sister in law, Lorna Kidder.
 
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 at 11a.m. at Michaelson Funeral Home with he Rev. John Weisenburger officiating. Interment will be in the Claremont Street Cemetery near Claremont. 
 
 
 
Michaelson Funeral Homes, Inc.
P.O. Box 482, 1930 Austin Road,
Owatonna, MN  55060   
(507) 451-7943