Naples, Florida - Michael S. Cox, age 75, passed away on April 7, 2026, in Naples, FL, peacefully, with family by his side.

Mike was raised in St. Paul and later moved to Bloomington to raise his family. In his later years, he lived in Orono and split his time between Minnesota and Naples, Florida.

After earning his architecture degree from the University of Minnesota, Mike devoted 50 years to Wold Architects, where he was an owner and served as president for many years. He believed architecture should be artful, functional, and enduring—created not only for the present but for the future—and took great pride in his work.

Music was a lifelong passion for Mike, beginning with the St. Paul drum and bugle corps, where he first met the love of his life, Deborah. His love of music stayed with him throughout his life—his fingers often tapping out a beat and his favorite jazz always playing.

Deeply devoted to Deborah and their family, Mike found joy in thoughtful details and in creating experiences that brought people together. He took pride in caring for the home, from thoughtful landscaping to Christmas lights decorated in his own unique way. He loved time together, whether on ski trips or on the water, especially on the St. Croix, where he was at the helm for many of our best days.

Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Michelle (Mike) and Ryan (Kate); grandchildren, Declan and Alice; brothers, Bob and John (Mary); brother-in-law, Chuck (Jeanne) Klabunde; sister-in-law, Barb (Craig) Beske; brother-in-law, Rick Ranum; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary; sister, Kathy; and sister-in-law, Jean Cox.

A visitation will be held on May 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m., with lunch afterward at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Mpls, MN.

For those who cannot attend the service in person, it will also be live-streamed at 12:00 pm CT at https://mtolivet.org/live/

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National MS Society or the American Cancer Society.