Michael David Cencich

Michael David Cencich, age 29, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Thursday November 23,
2023, at his home, Moses Residence, with his parents at his side.
Michael was born on June 23, 1994, in Hibbing, MN to David and Dorothy (Erickson)
Cencich. He attended Hibbing schools and graduated from Hibbing High School in 2013. He
attended Hibbing Community College. He worked various jobs in the community.
Michael was athletic and enjoyed many sports. He played soccer through his senior year in
high school and hockey through his sophomore year. He was a daredevil and not afraid to try
anything (which was a problem for his parents and resulted in several trips to the ER). He
enjoyed listening to music and singing rather loudly in the shower. He was a kind and thoughtful
person. He did not like to see people being excluded or bullied and usually did something about
it. He was loved by many and is going to be greatly missed.
On June 5, 2016, Michael went into a diabetic coma and as a result suffered from an anoxic
brain injury. He had been recovering since then. He lived at WELCOV a TBI unit in Red Wing
for the first year and a half and then at Moses Residence, in Grand Rapids, which is also a TBI
facility, until his passing. He was very strong and fought hard during these years. He slowly
continued to recover. He was able to communicate with a computer that would speak for him. He
never lost his sense of humor or mischievousness and enjoyed getting a rise out of staff.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Tony and Astrid Cencich, his maternal
grandparents Wilbert and Emma Erickson, his Uncle Harry Erickson, and his dogs Snickers, and
Buddy.
He is survived by his parents David and Dorothy (Erickson) Cencich, his sister Molly
Cencich and brother Jeremiah Cencich all of Hibbing, his sister Kelly Jean (David) Miller of
Kearney Nebraska, and two nephews Bryce Tobiason, and Tavean Miller of Kearney Nebraska.
Aunts and Uncles, Judy Cencich of Minneapolis, Ruth Enyart of Hibbing, Gary (Susan) Cencich
of Chisholm, Billie Jean (Dan) Lindsay of Hibbing, Glen Erickson of Hibbing, and Brenda
(Steve) Belak of Hibbing, and many cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hibbing with Pastor John
Dietz officiating, on December 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM
prior to the service. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing. Arrangements are with
Dougherty Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hibbing.
The family would like to thank the staff at WELCOV, in Red Wing, Moses Residence, in
Grand Rapids, Grand Itasca Hospital, in Grand Rapids for all they have done for Michael
through the years, and St. Croix Hospice of Grand Rapids.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health problems, please
reach out. You are not alone and there is help available. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration) 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Salvation Army.