Michael ‘Mike’ Ben McLaughlin
Michael ‘Mike’ Ben McLaughlin
Michael “Mike” Ben McLaughlin, 75, of Benson, Minnesota passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital July 27, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, with his daughter by his side.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson. Visitation will continue Friday, August 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Benson Performing Arts Center, followed by the funeral at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at the Benson City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Swift County Humane Society.
Mike was born in Benson, September 15, 1950, to Max and Mary (Frederick) McLaughlin. He graduated from Benson High School in 1968 before attending one year of college. He then enlisted in the US Army from 1969 to 1971. Mike was a paratrooper and worked in the records branch with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Following his honorable discharge, he completed another year of college at Willmar Community College before continuing his education for two years at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Mike began dating Patricia "Patty" (Graham) McLaughlin in 1972 after Patty boarded her horses on the McLaughlin family farm. Mike would often target shoot his bow and arrows into Patty’s hay bales – a story that became part of their history. August 28, 1976, Mike and Patty were united in marriage at Pilgrim Congregational Church. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter and 44 years together until Patty’s passing in 2020.
Early in their marriage, Mike farmed and drove school bus alongside his father. In 1981, he left farming so he and Patty could open Mc-T’s Billiards, which they owned and operated for 10 years. During that time, Mike was also promoted to Supervisor of Transportation for the Benson Public Schools and owned the Royal Car Wash. He retired from the school district in 2012 and sold the car wash in 2018.
Mike was an exceptional billiards player who continued competing in league play and tournaments until his passing. In 1979, he broke the Guinness World Record for the most pool balls pocketed in a 24-hour period, sinking 8,415 pool balls at Jack’s Rec in Benson. Throughout the years, Mike won numerous singles and team state tournament titles and earned his league’s annual Top Player award many times. In recognition of his many achievements, Mike was inducted into the VNEA (Valley National 8-Ball League Association) Hall of Fame in 2008. More than his accomplishments, Mike will be remembered for the friendships he built and the respect he earned throughout the pool community as an all-around great guy.
Mike co-founded the Blues Brothers Revue in 2002 and continued performing with the group until his passing. His late wife, Patty, was also a member, while his daughter, Jennifer, ran sound for the performances. Music was a lifelong passion for Mike, and few people knew 1950s and 1960s rock and soul better. Whether it was the artists, the history, or every word to the songs, Mike knew it all.
Mike loved spending time on Lake Minnewaska. Whether he was slaloming and spraying everyone on the docks, teaching kids to waterski, taking a leisurely boat ride around the lake, sailing, or simply relaxing on the patio with a cold one and good company, Mike cherished every minute of it. The cabin was the setting for countless memories with Patty, Jennifer, extended family, and later with his partner, Deb. Just as meaningful were the lifelong friendships Mike shared with his neighbors on South Shore Drive, who were an important part of his story over the years.
Mike was a craftsman who enjoyed restoring cars, boats, and motorbikes. He took great pride in bringing them back to life. Other pastimes that brought him joy included motorcycle rides with his best friend, Chuck Erickson, playing cards, spending time with his cats, and watching old films on Turner Classic Movies. Mike was also known for his meticulously mowed lawns – the shorter the grass, the better. He was an active member of Pilgrim Congregational Church, where he served as a Board Trustee and on the Planned Giving Committee.
Mike’s kindness, generosity, compassion, humility, selflessness, and sense of humor made him one of a kind. He was a true Renaissance man and will be deeply missed by many.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Jennifer McLaughlin of Blaine; his partner, Deb Vossen of Spicer; his sister, Linda Moriarty of Bloomington; and two brothers-in-law, Donald Graham of Willmar and Steve (Denise) Graham of Farmington. He also leaves behind three nieces, two nephews, two cats, a granddog, and other family and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Patty McLaughlin; his parents, Max and Mary McLaughlin; and his parents-in-law, Tom and Irene Graham. May Mike’s memory live on in all who knew and loved him.
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.
