Michael B. Elhard

On Monday, September 13, 2021, Mike Elhard, loving husband and proud father, passed away at the age of 39. 

Mike was born on November 18, 1981, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Joyce Larsen and Paul Elhard. He graduated from Richfield High School in 2000. Mike received a bachelor’s degree in Community Development from St. Cloud State University and later obtained his master’s degree in Urban Planning. On September 27, 2008, Mike married the love of his life, Kristi Mulliner, and later welcomed their boys, Owen and Ethan. They settled in Eden Prairie, Minn. Mike was employed by Ecolab as the Salesforce Technical Business Analyst.

Mike’s family was his everything. He enjoyed playing sports, watching baseball, going for bike rides, and playing games with the boys. Mike’s love for Legos was passed on to his sons. Many hours were spent sorting and building creations together. Mike and Kristi enjoyed spending time with friends and being active together. In the wintertime, you could find Mike in the backyard building perfectly engineered snow ramps for the boys and their friends, where bonfires and s’mores completed the experience. Mike was always up for adventures with his family. They took amazing road trips to Colorado, Lutsen, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Tetons National Park. 

Running was Mike’s passion. He completed several races including Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon, Monster Dash 10 mile, and Twin Cities Marathon over the years and was training for the upcoming Chicago Marathon. When Mike wasn’t training, he loved tinkering with house and yard projects; Home Depot was a regular stop. Mike enjoyed keeping his refrigerator stocked with seasonal beverages claiming he was “keeping his people happy” when they stopped by. Impromptu neighborhood get togethers was one of Mike’s favorite pastimes. Mike was a quick wit, and his sarcasm was enjoyed by many. He cherished his annual guy’s trip with Adam, Mike, and Aaron; “Fun Times with Guys” was a loyal group of treasured friends. There wasn’t a cat video Mike didn’t find funny, an IPA that Mike didn’t love, and many breweries on his check list. Mike loved key lime pie, yellow cake with chocolate frosting, Harry Potter, Marvel movies, and Dave Matthews Band. Mike was pseudo famous for his month of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation quotes on Facebook, which brought laughter to many. 

Besides the love for his family and friends, Mike loved being a part of the Eden Prairie community. He would be so proud and grateful for the support this community has offered to his family during this time. 

Mike is survived by his wife of 13 years, Kristi; his two sons, Owen (11) and Ethan (8); parents, Joyce Larsen and Paul Elhard; siblings, Chris (Mary) Elhard, Jen (Steve) Walsh, Brian (Danice) Elhard, Laura (Sean) Elhard; parents-in-law, Dave and Nancy Mulliner; sister-in-law, Amber (Eric) Bauer; brother-in-law, Ryan Mulliner; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie, Minn., with visitation prior beginning at 10 a.m. Please go in door #1. Luncheon immediately to follow. The family will be attending a private burial. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Mike’s sons, Owen and Ethan, at Spire Credit Union as The Mike Elhard Memorial.