Michael L. Dempsey, age 78 of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away at home on Sunday, August 21, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Michael Leonard Dempsey was born on May 31, 1944, in East Grand Forks, MN, the son of Leonard and Jeanne (Bridgeford) Dempsey.  He grew up in East Grand Forks, MN and graduated from Sacred Heart School with the Class of 1962.  He joined the US Army

Infantry and was stationed overseas.  On August 7, 1965, he was united in marriage to Jean (Janina) Noyes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks.  He worked for Hoff Brothers Farms for a few years.  He then farmed for many years on his own in rural East Garnd Forks.  Michael also farmed pecans in Arizona for 10 years during the winter months.  Following his farming career, he worked for his brother Joe at Dempsey Truck and Trailer Service in Grand Forks.  During his retirement years, he enjoyed playing cards at the V.F.W., breakfast at Darcy's Café, watching the Vikings, Twins and UND hockey.

Family members who survive Michael include his wife of 57 years, Jean Dempsey of East Grand Forks, MN; children, Jo Beth Dempsey of East Grand Forks, MN, Kelly (Gus) Dean of Eagan, MN, Jill (Kris) Kennedy of Apple Valley, MN and Katie (Bryan) Edvall of East Grand Forks, MN; special nephews, Josh (Nicole) Grinde of East Grand Forks and Ryan (Jennie) Grinde of Grand Forks, ND; 7 grandchildren, Clare, Maggie, Sam, Ethan, Melonie, RJ and Tony; and siblings, Joe (Julie) Dempsey of Grand Forks, ND and Rayanne (Kip) Sillers of East Grand Forks, MN; and his U.S. Army buddy and brother-in-law Ric (Darlene) Noyes of East Grand Forks, MN. He is also survived by his pets—2 dogs, Gracie and Missy, and 1 cat, Charlie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Jeanne; father-in-law, Michael "Jerry" Noyes; mother-in-law, Margaret Noyes; sister, Maureen "Kay" Bendele; nephew, Michael Bendele; brother-in-law, Neil Noyes; and sister-in-law, LaVonne Noyes.

Memorials can be made to the Sacred Heart Foundation, the EGF Food Self or a charity of your choice.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM on Friday, August 26, 2022 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3 ^rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed.  Go to www.dandahlfuneralhome.com and click on Michael Dempsey obituary.

Visitation: 1 Hour Prior to Funeral Service on Friday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Inurnment: Resurrection Cemetery ~ East Grand Forks, MN