Mike was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1950. He grew up in the Milwaukee suburb of Greenfield where he attended high school and participated in swimming, golf, and drama. After high school, Mike attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse where he continued to swim and where he met his wife, Linda.

Upon graduating from UW–La Crosse, he accepted a position as a physical education teacher at Rosemount Middle School; he also served as head swimming coach for Rosemount High School. He served in both of these roles until 1978, when he left coaching and pursued a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. Mike graduated from law school, cum laude, in 1982, and went on to practice in the areas of family law, criminal law, and personal injury. He also served as a mediator, parenting time expeditor, parenting consultant, and Early Neutral Evaluator in the family law area.

Now retired, Mike enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife Linda. They have a daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons. Mike remains active in the International Association of Lions Clubs, having served as club president, District Governor for Lions Clubs in Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington Counties in 2010–2011, and as Council Chairperson for Lions Clubs in Minnesota, Manitoba, and Northwest Ontario in 2011–2012.