Ralph “Mickey” Rooney passed away peacefully in his sleep July 2, 2022 at age 93. Rooney worked hard for his success as a real estate agent, a career that started about age 40. (He was in the Million Dollar Club and often touted No. 1 in sales in Columbia Heights.) In the days before cell phones, he came to know all the places – including the Northeaster office – where he could stop in and use a phone. In the process, he’d share some news or promote a good cause.
Mickey was a middle child in a family of 12 children who grew up in St. Cloud during the depression. He scavenged, sweeping grain off the railroad tracks, where engineers gave him the nickname for his big ears. (That explains the Mickey Mouse hat at his 90th birthday party.) He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, assigned to prepare and serve meals stateside for the National Guard.
As a young man he sold insurance policies door-to-door and before that, WearEver pots and pans. “Our Mom would cook them a meal on the WearEver and then Dad would sell them the cookware,” related daughter Mary. His zestful, shoe-leather style of marketing carried through in everything he sold or did.
In Mickey’s obituary, his children said, “Bringing JOY was his life purpose! The twinkle in his eye as Santa for 60 years was one of his most precious gifts to many.” Mickey founded the “Nuns Sno Daze” through Knights of Columbus, of which he was a member for many years. Columbia Heights named him Humanitarian of the Year in 1978.
Faith, extended family and community, in the form of volunteering, or, with wife Peggy [McCollow], opening their house to many friends, made his days joyful. At his visitation, the room roared as friends and clients told stories of Mickey and caught up with each other.
Mickey is survived by his wife, Peggy; children Cheryl, Suzette, Ann, Mary (who carries on the real estate practice), Elizabeth, Ralph, Theresa; 19 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; his sisters, Jan and Elaine; and brother, Harold. Services have been held. The family asked that those wishing to honor Rooney “perform a random act of kindness in Mickey’s honor,” in lieu of donations.
Below: Peggy [McCollow] and Mickey Rooney, left as a young couple. Far left, note the Mickey Mouse-themed tie in Rooney’s formal photo. Above, riding in a Jamboree parade. Rooney got his start at Real Estate 10, thanks to a connection through his friend Al Kordiak. (Photos courtesy of the family)