Mendota Hts - Giefer, Michael Joseph of Mendota Heights, born on March 11, 1945, passed away at home surrounded by loving family on July 30, 2025, at age 80. Michael was born in Seattle, where his father was stationed as an Army officer during World War II. The oldest of four, he grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Saint Paul and was a happy kid who loved books, fishing, tennis, swimming, and sailing at the cabin. In high school, his friend group, "The Owls Club," stayed up late playing poker. His friends called him Chief. He graduated from Cretin High School, the University of Minnesota, and Georgetown University Law Center, earning his JD with honors in 1970. He later became a CPA through the University of St. Thomas. On a spring evening in 1971, Michael met the love of his life when he asked Donis Mohrbacher to dance. Married in 1973, they raised four children and shared more than 50 years together. Michael spent most of his career as a tax and estate attorney, rising to Vice President at Fiduciary Counseling, Inc. He made many valuable contributions and close friends over his 25 years at FCI. He retired in 2007 at age 62. Michael's favorite place was the family cabin on Big Trout Lake, where he enjoyed boat rides, nature walks, and swimming with the loons, venturing farther from shore than anyone thought reasonable. A lifelong birdwatcher, Michael was often seen with his binoculars, birding vest, and floppy hat. He was a regular at Twin Cities nature preserves and made annual spring trips to the Rio Grande Valley. He loved good conversation, history books, Peanuts comics, the Minnesota Vikings, The Beatles, and yes, ABBA. Preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Janet, and sister Katie. Survived by his wife Donis; children Paul (Melissa), Andy (Meggan), Ann Marie (Maureen), and David (Traci); grandchildren Maya, Molly, Cavan, and Ryland; siblings Judith (Albert) and William (Cindi); and many loving relatives and friends. Visitation (4 to 6:30 PM) on August 18 at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home (575 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul). Visitation (9:30 AM) and Mass of Christian Burial (10:30 AM) on August 19 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church (510 Hall Ave, St. Paul). Interment at St. Peter's Historic Cemetery in Mendota, with a luncheon to follow. O'Halloran & Murphy 651-698-0796