Michael “Mike” L. Anderson, 61 of Estherville passed away Monday, September 7, 2026, after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer. Abiding by his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.
Mike was born the son of Keith and JoAnn (Winans) Anderson on March 8, 1965, in Estherville, Iowa. He attended Estherville High School and then completed auto body classes at Iowa Lakes Community College. He went straight to work at Brian’s Auto Body in Armstrong where he worked for 10 years before moving to Colorado for a few years continuing to do auto body there. He eventually made his way back to Estherville where he built a career of 25 years welding at Aero Race Wheels.
Mike’s passions in life were working, racing and the family farm. He developed early a lifelong passion for racing. In his youth, he did a lot of motocross racing and won several trophies. He enjoyed watching auto racing of all kinds and working on and restoring vehicles. The family farm brought back generational memories for Mike dating back to his grandparents. Harvest was his favorite time of year. He loved to help his dad and uncle combine and drive the grain truck. He found solace at the farm mowing the home place.
He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, dogs (especially golden retrievers), smoking meat and oyster crackers, and spending time with his friends. He wasn’t one to pass on a cold beer with friends and was somewhat of a “Norm” at his favorite stops – Mother Nature’s and The Pub. He also enjoyed road trips to the racetrack or casino with JR and Kent.
Mike is survived by his siblings, Kelly (Don) Schultz, Mark (Sandy) Anderson, and Kathy (Lee) Steele; nieces and nephews, Amy (Jason) Renneke, Brandon (Dacia) Steele, Brittany (Al) Steele, Michael Anderson and Zachery Anderson; great nieces and nephews, Sophia, Isaiah, Bentlee, and Hudson; and uncle, Jon (Cindy) Anderson as well as a long list of faithful friends and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and two great nephews, Izaak and Jacob.