Michael Merlyn Kortleever was born on April 8, 1954, Merlyn and Connie (Johnson) Kortleever in Pipestone, Minnesota.   He was raised on a farm near Edgerton, Minnesota.  Mike was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Hardwick, Minnesota.  He received his education at the Edgerton Public School.  After his education, Mike started working for Bob Menning in Edgerton doing excavation work until he began trucking.  On January 31, 1974, Mike was united in marriage to Wanda Ten Cate at her parent’s home in Edgerton.  They made their home in different areas of Edgerton before they moved onto an acreage near Edgerton in 1983.  After 33 years with Menning Trucking, Mike began working for Henderschiedt Trucking for nine years, until he suffered a small heart attack and later a stroke.  After two surgeries, Mike entered the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, Minnesota on January 19, 2016 where he stayed until his death on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the age of 61 years, nine months and 20 days. 

Mike was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick.  Mike was an avid outdoorsman; he loved hunting and especially fishing.  He also enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren camping. 

Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Wanda Kortleever of Edgerton; his children, Teresa (Tracy) Deadman of Harlingen, Texas and Kyle (Kim) Kortleever of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Mason, Brodie, Kendra, Kodi, Kyle, Cheyanne, John (Megan) and Juna; one sister, Michele (Joe) Skala of Owatonna, Minnesota; and many aunts, uncles and extended family.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Connie Kortleever and two infant siblings.