Mike Gau Obituary: How Did Mike Gau Die?

Mike Gau Obituary: Mike Gau, aged 54, was a lieutenant with the Minnesota Belle Plaine Fire Department. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 23 years and was a respected leader and mentor. Additionally, he was a construction labourer for Veit & Company. Tyler and Taylor were the two children he had with Jenny Gau.

Mike Gau Obituary

On Thursday, September 1, 2023, an honorary parade was organised to commemorate Lt. Gau’s life and service. At approximately 4:00 p.m., the procession departed Minnetonka and travelled east on Highway 62 to Interstate 494, then south on Highway 169.

The ceremonial procession departed Highway 169 at Main Street (Highway 25) at 4:30 p.m. The parade continued through Belle Plaine, travelling north on Walnut Street and west on State Street before reaching Kolden Funeral Home.

Several other fire departments, including the Montgomery Fire Department, also honoured the fallen firefighter by placing a flag on a ladder vehicle. Numerous individuals lined the streets to show their affection and support for Lieutenant Gau and his family.

How did Mike Gau pass away?

Mike Gau was killed by a dump vehicle while working in a construction zone near the intersection of Rockford Road and Nathan Lane North in Plymouth on August 30, 2023.

At the scene, paramedics pronounced him deceased. The driver of the dump truck cooperated with the police investigation, and no charges were filed.

Mike Gau was struck by the vehicle while working as a flagger at the intersection of Rockford Road and Nathan Lane North at 12:30 p.m. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the dump vehicle, a 24-year-old man from Maple Grove, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. The incident remains under investigation.

Gau had been a volunteer firefighter for 23 years, and his colleagues and the community held him in high regard.

A Cheerful Appearance and a Loyal Volunteer

Since 2010, Lieutenant Gau has served with the Belle Plaine Fire Department, where he began his tenure in 2000. Throughout the years, he was a dedicated volunteer who responded to countless fires, medical emergencies, and vehicle accidents. Additionally, he participated in community activities and fire prevention education.

Mike Gau was well-known for his positive attitude and humour. He was consistently able to make his coworkers and those he aided smile and laugh. According to Henderson Fire & Rescue, he “could typically be located by following the laughter on a fire scene.” In addition to being a devoted spouse, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to a large number of people, he was also a devoted parent.