Joseph Unrue

The family of Mike (Joseph Micheal) Unrue announce with great sadness that he passed away on July 31, 2025 following a bravely fought battle. Mike was born on May 16, 1953 in Louisville, Kentucky. He spent his childhood in Kentucky and Florida and by high school he had grown into a gifted track athlete, musician and volunteered to spread the gospel out of town the weekend of his senior prom.

In adulthood, Mike lived in Kentucky and Florida before settling in South Carolina in the early 1980’s where he was married and had three daughters. Mike was known for his dry sense of humor, and at times, gruff exterior. But, everyone who got to know him knew he cared for humanity deeply. His first marriage ended, but his deep love for family remained.

Mike was a brilliant writer, publishing books under both J.M.Unrue as well as the pen name M. A Street. Those who had the privilege of experiencing his storytelling, whether in print or by conversation knew how intricately he crafted words.

Later in life Mike reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Donna Unrue (nee Holbrook) and soon thereafter relocated to Fargo. He worked at HOM furniture and continued to write. He is remembered by friends and colleagues as someone who supported them in pursuing their goals.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Gerald Unrue and Nora Elizabeth Unrue; as well as his two younger brothers, Wade Mitchell “Mitch” Unrue and Kenneth Marshall “Marshall Unrue. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna of Fargo; daughters, Caitlin Stokes (Jarrod), Sara Warren (Drey), and Rebecca Unrue-Bills (Terry); as well as four step-children. Without a doubt, the light of his life was becoming “Papa Mike” to his grandchildren, Bennet Stokes, Aubrey Warren, Wesley Kate Warren and Oscar Bills. Those four will carry on his legacy of asking the critical questions, supporting those around them, and filling the room with boisterous laughter.

The family will hold a memorial celebration of his life in Ashland, Kentucky on September 13, 2025.