Bob would always remember Mike as not just a dedicated and skilled farmer with an unshakeable work ethic, but as someone who could light up any room. Outgoing and warm, Mike had a rare gift for connecting with people of all ages — “he could talk to anyone, young or old.”

Mike’s sudden loss devastated his family, leaving his parents and three sisters struggling to imagine life without him. The shock rippled through the community, drawing more than 1,200 mourners to his visitation — more people than the entire population of Amherst itself. The outpouring of grief was a testament to the kind of person Mike was and the impact he had on those around him.

”I never realized Mike touched so many people,” Mike’s father told Stevens Point Journal.

Honoring Mike’s memory

His family, friends, and community were devastated. But in the wake of their grief, they turned their sorrow into action. They established the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund — a mission dedicated to preventing similar tragedies and educating farmers about the hidden dangers of their everyday work.

The Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund works to raise awareness about the dangers of manure gas exposure and provides farmers with the knowledge and tools to stay safe.