Mike is a third generation funeral director. A great grandfather, two uncles were in the family funeral business and cousins have gone on to become funeral directors. He always felt that funeral direction was in his blood.

Originally from Hibbing, Minnesota, Mike graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science in 1990. After many years in the trade business (hiring out removal and embalming services), Mike found his dream home.

The Thomson-Dougherty Mansion, on the north-west corner of 26th Street and Park Avenue just south of Downtown Minneapolis, was operated for many years as a funeral home by the Thomson family. Mike saw it and fell in love with the elegant home. It is known as Thomson-Dougherty to give homage to the previous family who did funeral service there.

Mike believes that all families deserve to say goodbye their loved one with respectful, compassionate and professional service in a beautiful setting. Mike has spent years studying and teaching restorative art, the art of embalming and presenting a body for viewing by family and friends. He is known for his attention to detail in his work.

Mike is an active Shriner and Rotarian, served on the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors, and has close ties with the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science school, being a former instructor there. Mike has been invited to teach many continuing education courses for his colleagues.

Kou is an experienced entrepreneur. He is responsible for the overall management of the Legacy Funeral Home and sets the vision and service standard that is expected at Legacy.