Michael Francis Walsh, PhD

Walsh, Michael Francis age 86 of Mendota Heights Minnesota passed away very peacefully after a long illness February 22, 2025. 

Michael was born October 5, 1938 in Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. A proud Irishman, Michael attended University College Dublin for undergraduate studies. During his youth, Michael was an established and highly recognized Gaelic Football Player for County Mayo. The Irish press stating “Mick was the light which guided Mayo to victory…”

Michael left Ireland to attend the University of Chicago to receive his doctorate in Economics. He spent extensive time in Chile working on their economy with U of C colleagues and assisting directly in the health care of the Chileans. He then went on to New York where he worked as an Executive for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield while teaching adjunct at NYU and being a guest lecturer at various Ivy League schools.

In 1987 Mike moved to Minnesota to be President/CEO of Delta Dental of Minnesota and finish raising his family of three children. Under his leadership, the entity increased its membership, revenue and employment by more than 400 percent and built a major operations and call center in the Iron Range in Minnesota.  He ambitiously expanded the scope of businesses with the creation of DeCare International and its many subsidiaries and various business partnerships in Eagan and Gilbert (MN), New York and several other states in addition to three Irish companies in Claremorris, Cork and Dublin. During this time, Mike was named one the top CEOs by Irish America magazine as well as other organizations for his knowledge and business savvy.

In 2009, Michael negotiated a sale of Decare Dental to WellPoint, Inc. (now Anthem/Elevance) a Fortune 50 health insurer based in Indianapolis where he was part of the Executive team in various roles. The proceeds of the DeCare Dental sale resulted in the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation, a trust fund of $100 million to assist in supporting delivery of oral health care in Minnesota. Michael was extremely proud of this statewide philanthropic achievement.

Mike was known for his Irish brogue, sharp one liners and often quoting Virgil or Cicero or suddenly speaking in Latin or Spanish. He led his teams with discipline, wit and wisdom, encouragement, and guidance. He loved the United States and was quick to talk about the opportunity it gave immigrants such as him if you worked hard for it. 

During retirement Mike enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife in their home in Dalkey, Ireland, as well as golfing with his friends. Michael and Maureen traveled extensively enjoying time in their favorite U.S. and international locations. He also adored his Minnesota home, their dogs and greatly enjoyed attending the orchestra, theater, opera, and various political/educational lectures in the Twin Cities. Mike took enormous pleasure in having dinner with friends and from the many international students he and his wife hosted over the years at their Minnesota home— in particular Evelyn Jacome Arroyo Tyrholm and Bregeen Campbell.

Michael always said he had three missionary journeys that were life changing: attending the University of Chicago, his extensive time in Chile, and his marriage of 22 years to Maureen. 

Michael is predeceased by his parents Maureen and Gerald Walsh, sister Mary and brother Desmond, and first spouse Peg Walsh. He is survived by devoted wife/partner Maureen Kucera-Walsh of Mendota Heights, brother John Walsh and sister Peggy Mulroy (Pat) (County Meath, Ireland), son Dr. Michael F. Walsh (New York), daughter Maureen Walsh Burke (Jarlath) (County Mayo, Ireland) and daughter Elizabeth Walsh Ramon (Jeff) (Utah) and four grandchildren (Meadbh Burke, Michael Walsh, Lily and Brandon Ramon. 

The family would also like to recognize and thank caregivers Joe Burnett and Charlie Paulzine for their years of taking care of Michael in such a loving selfless way. The family is forever indebted.  They would also like to thank his medical specialists, music therapist, and all that provided care and support to them. 

Mass of Christian burial Friday, March 7 at 11am at the Basilica of St. Mary of Minneapolis with one hour visitation prior at 10am. To watch the livestream of the funeral Mass, go to www.mary.org and hit the livestream button on the home page.

Donations preferred to the Minneapolis Heart Institute for research directed by Dr. Daniel Melby, the Allina Health Foundation, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra or the Minnesota Orchestra.