Danvers - Michael J. Commerford, 49, died on Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Swift County-Benson Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 24, at 1:00 p.m., at the Church of the Visitation in Danvers. Friends may call on the family from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson. A Parish Prayer Service will be held at 4:30. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Michael James Commerford was born on August 13, 1963, in Rush City, Minnesota, the son of Norman and Marie Kalb Commerford. He was baptized in August of 1963, St Joseph's Catholic Church in Beroun, MN. He was confirmed October 25, 1976, at the Church of Visitation in Danvers, MN. As a youth he was active in cub scouts, FFA, track, and served as an assistant manager for Benson wrestling. Mike graduated from Benson High School in 1981. He then farmed near Danvers for a few years. On September 23, 1995, Mike was united in marriage to Julie Barsness at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, by Pastor Otterson. This union was blessed with over 17 years of marriage. They lived in Danvers, where Mike served as superintendent for Commerford Construction and Commerford Gravel. He was called from this life on Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Swift County Benson Hospital. He attained the age of 49 years, 8 months, and 6 days. Mike was a member of Team Arctic Racing, Danvers Fire Dept., National Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), and the Lakes Area Harley Owners Group of Alexandria. He had a passion for racing, fishing and motorcycles. He enjoyed racing his No. 47 Mod-4 race car for 3 years before serving as a board member and a flagman at Viking Speedway for 9 years. He also served as a flagman for Fiesta City Speedway in Montevideo as well as the Mayor of the City of Danvers. Mike is survived by his wife Julie Ann Barsness Commerford; his parents Norman and Marie Commerford; a brother Todd Commerford, all of Danvers; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Julian and Ruth Barsness, of Alexandria, a brother-in-law Mike Barsness; grandmother Eda Bachmann; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Warren and Marcella Commerford, grandfather Rudy Kalb, step-grandfather Lester Bachmann, and grandparents-in-law Ervin and Neva Barsness and Lena Garoutte.
