Meet St. Paul’s Parishioner Mike Imdieke: A Life of Service and Commitment to God and Faith

If you spend any time in Sauk Centre, you know Mike Imdieke. You no doubt have seen Mike riding around town on his electric scooter, whether it’s minus 30 degrees or 90 degrees. It doesn’t matter if there are a few inches of snow on the sidewalk. No matter the weather, Mike will be out and about.

A St. Paul’s parishioner, Mike is also known for attending 4 p.m. Saturday Mass every week. When asked what he does on cold and snowy days, his quick response is “I go” with a smile.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mike is committed to his faith, as well as to his work. He’s worked at the Sauk Centre Herald office since the mid-1990s, doing filing work, and since 1989 for WACOSA, a nonprofit organization providing work for those with disabilities.

Mike always has a smile to share, and he serves in the Greeter Ministry at St. Paul’s. His quiet commitment to his faith is something we may all strive to emulate. Mike loves his faith community in Sauk Centre and the people.

“People are friendly,” he says. “So are our priests.”

Mike grew up on a farm near New Munich with his five siblings and parents, Fred and Margaret Imdieke. He spent some of his school years in Melrose and several years in Worthington at a school for the disabled. His parents raised the family in the Catholic tradition. For Mike, it’s the only life he’s ever known.

Since 1989, Mike has lived in his own home in Sauk Centre. He gets some help with house chores about once a week. Mike can walk well enough to get into a vehicle when it’s necessary. He also has a trusty electric scooter that gets him all around town. And if the battery ever runs out, people in Sauk Centre are willing to help.

Mike’s smile and faith go a long way in getting him through, and his positive attitude and laugh are infectious. He’s happy to have work, a way to get around, and a great community and church.

Mike enjoys being with his family, including his nine nieces and nephews, in his time away from work. He also enjoys visiting with the people he meets throughout the day at work and around town. Also, in his spare time, he enjoys woodworking.

“I am not a good carpenter,” he says. “I just do it for fun.”

The next time you see Mike at Mass or out on his scooter, give him a wave or return a smile. May we all follow his example of a quiet, committed faith life!