Mike Retica

Michael Louis Retica, 84 of Forest Lake, Minnesota. Died peacefully on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Lindstrom Senior Living Center due to complications related to dementia and traumatic brain injuries. 

Mike was born on May 19, 1939, in Austin, Minnesota to Mario and Mary (Decker) Retica. He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1957, then went on to receive a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1961.  Mike married the love of his life, Julie Thrana, on August 4, 1962, in Duluth. They lived in Minneapolis, Duluth, Hibbing, and Forest Lake. 

He started his career teaching elementary school and working summers at Northland Country Club in Duluth, under the direction of long time Club Pro Ev Stuart. Mike earned a Class A PGA certification and began his golf career at Mesaba Country Club, Hibbing, then Forest Hills Golf Club, Forest Lake.  After retiring from his golf professional career, Mike joined the Stein Carney Insurance Agency of St. Paul and later the Security Bank Agency in Hibbing and then the RDM agency of Circle Pines, Minnesota  After many successful years selling insurance, he finished his career working at The TPC (Tournament Players Club) in Blaine, as a starter.   

Mike was always very proud of his Hibbing roots. He enjoyed his high school days playing on the baseball and basketball teams.  Both teams earned state tournament appearances. His basketball team was coached by his father, Mario Retica, a Hall of Fame basketball coach.  He worked his summers of high school and college at Napoli Beverage Company and loved it!    

Mike had many passions: playing golf, duck and goose hunting, cooking, red wine, a good cigar and time with family.  His love for cooking was related to time spent growing up around his Italian grandmother, Bernadine Retica.  

Mike is survived by his wife Julie, son Mark of Forest Lake, daughter Andrea Golis (Frank) of Lino Lakes; grandchildren Michael (Lydia), Corin, Amanda (Anthony), Dani, and Lexi; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Margy Retica Hughes of St. Joseph, Mn., John (LouAnn) of Minnetonka; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Mike’s signature comment when leaving was, “Have a glass of red wine and make sure it’s Robert Mondavi. You know, he was an Iron Range native”  Mike will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. 

An open house for Mike’s family and friends will be held Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Forest Hills Golf Club, 7530 N 210th Street, Forest Lake. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Forest Lake Athletic Association (FLAAA), Forest Lake Education Building, 943 Southwest 9th Ave., Room 201, Forest Lake, MN. 55025 Attn: Al Hauge