Michael Robert Byron, 62, of Rochester, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at Rochester Methodist Hospital from complications of recently-diagnosed leukemia, with his family at his side.

Mike was born December 19, 1948 in Waseca, Minnesota, the first-born son to Jeanette and the late Robert J. Byron of Waseca. Growing up, Mike attended Sacred Heart Catholic school in Waseca, and graduated from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona in 1970. He worked in landscape maintenance at the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation from college, he taught English in Lansing, Iowa, for two years to ninth and twelfth graders, and found he really enjoyed working with youth. He began working as a house parent at the Minnesota Sheriff's Boys' Ranch and Girls' Villa in Austin, Minnesota. Mike pioneered as a youth services coordinator with Central Junior High and Community Corrections which later began a distinguished 34-year long career with the Rochester Public School District 535 where he served as a social worker, administrative assistant, and assistant principal. He loved mentoring and helping kids reach their full potentials, and has touched the lives of countless youths. Mike was a recipient of an award from President Ronald Reagan for his efforts. Mike was a strong believer in doing the right thing, and loved advocating for the 'underdog.'

Mike absolutely loved music, particularly The Rolling Stones.  He both wrote and performed rock and blues music especially with his band of in-laws, The Williams' Connection. He took great pride in his yard and enjoyed gardening and landscaping. One of his biggest passions was scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico. Mike's favorite retirement activity was being a wonderful grandpa to his grand-daughter, Jada.

Mike was survived by his wife Jeanne of Rochester; his daughter Angela (Marci) of Vancouver, British Columbia, son Keith of Minneapolis, daughter Sara of Rochester, and granddaughter Jada; mother, Jeanette Byron of Waseca; and siblings Sue (Ron) Dahling of Lake City, Kaye (Jeff) Monahan of Waseca, and Robert "Fred" Byron of Waseca. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Byron.

To accommodate both his friends in Rochester and his family in Waseca, a visitation will be held at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel, 1105 12 ^th Street SE in Rochester on Saturday, August 13 from 1-4 pm. The funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Sacred Heart, 111 4th St. NW, in Waseca on Sunday, August 14 at 2:00pm with Father Martin Schaefer officiating. There will be a visitation service at the church beginning at 1pm. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Poverello Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Boys and Girls Club in Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.