It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Scott Hellerstedt shares the sunset of his life on July 19, 2016 after a bravely fought ten month battle with cancer. Mike’s sunrise was on March 19, 1980. He was born in Mora, Minnesota, the son of Wayne (Cindy) Hellerstedt and Gail (Donald) Hall. Most of his formative years were spent in Ironwood, Michigan where he excelled at ski jumping winning many trophies over the years in competitions from Thunder Bay, Canada to Ishpeming, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois for the Wolverine Ski Club. Mike graduated from Newberry Area High School in 1998. Mike went on to become a certified motorcycle technician and in 2001 moved to the Denver area where he worked for Harley Davidson and BMW motorcycle dealers before entering the oil fields where he worked as a driller with Ensign Corp. While in Colorado he met the love of his life Sofia Cisneros and they were married on October 27, 2013. On June 25, 2016 he became the father of a son Gunnar Eugene. Mike was an adventurer and enjoyed anything fast. He regularly climbed mountains, enjoyed backcountry snowboarding and snowmobiling, and one of his favorite sports motorcycle roadracing. He spent several years as part of the Motorcycle Roadracing Association and won many trophies in competition.
Mike’s heart was full of love for his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Sofia and son Gunnar; parents Gail (Donald) Hall and Wayne (Cindy) Hellerstedt; brother Dan (Lesley) Hellerstedt; grandmothers Norma Koeppe and Joyce Hellerstedt; aunts Marilyn (Robert) Hammons and Diane (Wally) Lind; uncle Tim (Layne) Hellerstedt; niece Nora and nephews Carson and Brady Hellerstedt; and a host of friends considered as family.
An interment service will be held at noon on August 20, 2016 at Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba Michigan with a memorial luncheon to follow at the Quality Inn in Escanaba.
The Skradski Family Funeral Home of Escanaba and the Shannon & Malone Chapel of Peace Funeral Home of Westminster, Colorado are assisting the family with arraignments.
Dave & Judi Schwalbach
Wayne. Such tragic news. Dave and I will be praying for you. We will see you on the 20th. If you need anything you just need to ask. Love to all.
Dave & Judi Schealbach
Susan Beals
Dear Wayne, Gail, and families,We were saddened to read of the passing of your son Michael. It sounds like he had the same adventurous spirit as his parents. We cannot imagine the depth of your grief, but can only offer our deepest condolences.
Dennis and Susan Beals
Barb & Lou Bennett - Newberry, MI
Wayne & Family: I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Words seem so inadequate at this time, but I want you to know we will continue to think of you and pray that the God of all mercy and love will give you peace and comfort in your time of loss.
Rich and Lyn Aho - Iron River, MI
We are so very sorry for your lose and our prayers are with all of you. Memories of coaching Mike in ski jumping will always be with me. He learned the moves quickly and excelled in jumping with enthusiasm. It was a sincere pleasure working with him and his family. It’s rewarding to see that ski jumping created a life long bond with his fellow jumpers and friends. It’s best said by Ralph Waldo Emerson: The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it’s the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship. Mike leaves his legacy with Gunnar. Rejoice in his life, for he lived it well.
Isaiah Taylor - Oceanside, CA
I met Mike at MMI Phoenix. Mike was always enthusiastic for adventure. Whenever he would visit California he would always leave his “stamp” that he was there, a very classic character. As a father I am glad he was able to see his son into the world, with that said it is such a tragety to lose him this early. My heart goes out to his friends and family. Please contact me if there is anything I can do or stories I can share.
Darryl and Kaye Johnson - Ironwood, MI
We are so sorry for the loss of your son, Mike. I know you will cherish every memory forever. How wonderful that he was able to be there for the birth of his son, his legacy. May the Peace of the Lord be with you always.
Eric Hjertstedt Sharp - Ironwood, MI
I will remember him for his exploits on the sl jumps in the U.P. and beyond.