Itasca County Commissioner Burl Ives dies at age 57

GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids community is mourning the sudden death of Itasca County Commissioner and local businessman Mike “Burl” Ives on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

First elected in 2016, Burl Ives represented District 4 on the board, which includes southern Itasca County and portions of the city of Grand Rapids.

"Itasca County is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our family members, County Commissioner Burl Ives," a news release stated. "He was a dedicated Board member committed to the betterment of his constituents and Itasca County.

"He served with dignity and integrity during his tenure as Commissioner of District 4 and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this extremely difficult time."

Burl, 57, was the son of Mike and Mary Ives, prominent business and community leaders for nearly 40 years who’ve built housing in the area and opened Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids in 2008. Timberlake Lodge has become a community gathering place and host to charity events for many local causes and nonprofits. The family-run businesses have also owned numerous hotels and lodges in Minnesota and Iowa.

Obituary of Burl Ives

Just nine days before the death of Burl Ives, his father Mike died at the age of 80 at his home on Pokegama Lake. Burl worked alongside his father in multiple family businesses.

"The Ives family is tight," said Tom Pagel, Grand Rapids city administrator. "If you were to ask me, 'Who's Burl's best friend?', I probably would say his dad."

In the early 1990s, Burl started his own eatery, Burl’s Chicken and Burgers, according to his obituary. He moved into a career in the hospitality industry alongside his family in 1996. In 1997, he married his wife Kristine Bidinger in Grand Rapids, and together they had two children, 22-year-old Samantha and 19-year-old Thomas.

"When I think of the Ives family, I think of the best of family, the best of business and the best of community service," said Jim Hoolihan, a retired Grand Rapids business leader and former mayor who knew the family well. "They have bundled together, through their examples and their values and their hard work, a lifestyle that has contributed to the community in real tangible ways."

Hoolihan said the emphasis on service in the Ives family is what led Burl to follow in his mother Mary’s footsteps to become a county commissioner. Burl also previously served on the Harris Township Board and served on boards for various organizations.

"It's amazing and it's humbling to think of the generations of service, the role models that they provided, the tangible buildings and opportunities and things that have made our community even stronger," Hoolihan said. "We’re a better community because of that family and their work, and this is a sad time for the Ives and for the community."

Burl's obituary states he had a knack for making friends wherever he went.

"Whether he was snowmobiling, cruising on his motorcycle, fishing, cooking up a storm for friends, or striking up conversations with strangers, he embraced life. Above all, he was devoted to his family," it reads.

Masses of Christian burial for father and son will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. Mike's visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, when the service will take place. Burl's visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Timberlake Lodge Event Center and will continue at the church 10-11 a.m. before his service on Thursday.

Burl Ives had filed for a third term on the County Board, and his name will still appear on the ballot alongside opponent Brian Oftelie when early voting in Minnesota begins Sept. 20. If Ives were to win the election posthumously, a special election would take place in the spring to fill the seat.

Itasca County stated the auditor's office is working closely with the state of Minnesota and all local offices to ensure all statutes and procedures are followed throughout the election on Nov. 5.