Michael P. Vandal

**In Loving Memory of Michael Phillip Vandal  June 25, 1942 – March 19, 2026**

Michael, the twelfth of thirteen children, grew up on his family’s farm in rural Willow City, North Dakota, the son of Leonard and Estelle (Nordin) Vandal. Life on the farm shaped his strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family and community.

He graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Willow City in 1959, where he especially loved playing basketball and formed friendships that lasted his lifetime.

In 1962, he married Sandra Zeiler in Dunseith, North Dakota. Together they built a life rooted in hard work and devotion, raising five children while Michael continued farming for many years. In 1984, the family moved to Minnesota, where they began a new chapter.

Michael filled every room he entered with steady hands, and warm smile that could brighten even the hardest day.

A farmer at heart, he understood the rhythm of the seasons and the satisfaction of honest work. He later became a skilled heavy equipment operator, moving earth with the same care and precision he brought to every part of his life.

Whether tending fields or running machinery, he took pride in doing things the right way.

There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. When something broke—machinery, appliances, toys, or spirits. If it needed mending, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

He was also a talented bread baker whose fresh loaves brought comfort to family and friends. After a long day, he enjoyed settling in with a brandy, often around a table of cards. He loved a good game, a good joke, and a good laugh shared with the people who meant the most to him. He found joy in bird watching and feeding the birds that visited his yard.

Family was his greatest treasure. He adored his wife of 62 years, cherished his children, and absolutely lit up around his grandchildren. Friends—many of whom felt like family—were an essential part of his life, and he valued every handshake, conversation, and moment spent in good company.

He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, and hard work.

Though he will be deeply missed, we are comforted by the memories he leaves behind and the example he set—a life built on love, laughter, and the simple, beautiful things that matter most.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Edward, Rose Marie, Theresa, Marguerite, Laurence, Helen, Aime, Eugenia, Cecelia, and Norman, as well as his grandson Matthew.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his children Todd (Mary) Vandal, Dawn (Mike) Zachman, Teri (Brent) Armentrout, Kelly (Joe) Perrault, and Heather (Cory) Gardner; 22 grandchildren; 31 great‑grandchildren; and four more great‑grandchildren arriving soon. Two sisters. Alice(Edmond, deceased)Leonard, Minot ND. Grace (Duane, deceased) Woodford, Concord, CA. And many nieces and nephews

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Elk River, MN at 12:30 PM. The visitation will be an hour prior. Michael will be laid to rest at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Luncheon to follow.