Claremorris mourns passing of one of its truly great sons

Michael Walsh, the Claremorris native who brought Delta Dental to Mayo over 25 years ago, has passed away in the United States.

Michael, who was aged 86, of Mendota Heights in Minnesota died peacefully on February 22 last after a long illness.

Born on October 5, 1938, in Claremorris, Michael attended University College Dublin for undergraduate studies.

A talented footballer, he played on the Mayo senior team in the early 1960s, with the Irish Press stating on one occasion: “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 colleagues from the University of Chicago and assisting directly in the healthcare 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 New York University and being a guest lecturer at various Ivy League schools.

In 1987, Michael moved to Minnesota to take up the post of President/CEO of Delta Dental of Minnesota. Under his leadership, the company increased its membership, revenue and employment by more than 400% and built a major operations and call centre 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, Michael was named one of the top CEOs by Irish America magazine as well as other organisations 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 the delivery of oral health care in Minnesota. Michael was extremely proud of this statewide philanthropic achievement.

Michael, or Mike as he was known to friends and colleagues, was renowned 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 emigrants such as him if a person worked hard for it.

During retirement, Michael enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife in their home in Dalkey, Ireland, as well as golfing with his friends. Michael and Maureen travelled extensively, enjoying time in their favourite US and international locations. He also adored his Minnesota home, their dogs and greatly enjoyed attending the orchestra, theatre, opera, and various political/educational lectures in the Twin Cities. He 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, Co Meath), son Dr Michael F. Walsh (New York), daughter Maureen Walsh-Burke (Jarlath, Mayo) and daughter Elizabeth Walsh Ramon (Jeff, Utah) and four grandchildren Meadbh Burke, Michael Walsh, Lily and Brandon Ramon.

Mass of Christian burial on Friday, March 7th, at 11am at the Basilica of St Mary of Minneapolis. To watch the livestream, go to www.mary.org.