Michael "Doc" Fatis, Ph.D.

Michael “Doc” Fatis, Ph.D., age 81, of Lake Jefferson, MN, passed away on August 2, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Marysburg, 27528 Patrick Street, Madison Lake, MN, 56063, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Michael was born on March 10, 1945, in Elmira, New York, to Angelo and Mary Fatis. He graduated from Elmira High School and went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in psychology from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Michael obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Ottawa, Canada.

Michael married Merry “Candy” Cole, and together they had one son, Nicholas, proudly born in Canada. They later divorced. Michael met Nancy Fenrick, Ph.D., a fellow psychologist in the basement of Armstrong Hall at Mankato State University in 1979. Michael and Nancy were married in 1985, and together adopted their son, James, in 1989.

Michael was the Director of Clinical Training for the master’s program in clinical psychology at Mankato State University for 26 years. He was also a practicing licensed psychologist. Michael developed the Riverview Clinic, an outpatient clinical psychology practice.

Michael’s true passion for hockey came to fruition when he, along with his son Nicholas, established the Minnesota/Rochester Ice Hawks – a premier Junior hockey program. The Ice Hawks were successful in advancing many young hockey players on in their future college hockey careers and related endeavors. He loved that his son, James, and grandson, Daytin, had brief Ice Hawks playing experiences. Michael also loved that he got to see his grandsons, Alex, Evan, and Crosby play hockey. As a proud grandpa, he also enjoyed watching his granddaughters, Colette and Kasota, participate in sporting events.

In his later years, he became “obsessed” with his indoor plants, currently having more than 100 plants in the house which he faithfully watered with banana and eggshell fertilizer. He also loved all of his cats, past and current. Michael especially enjoyed to travel. He and Nancy visited 50 of the United States, all 10 Canadian Provinces, much of Europe, and all 7 continents, including walking among the penguins on Antarctica.

Michael is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy Fenrick; children, Nicholas (Samantha) Fatis, and James (Jessa) Fatis; grandchildren, Daytin, Kasota, Colette, Alex, Evan, Crosby and Jasmine; great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Huxley, and Anaya; sister, Despie (Tim) Mouzakis; brother-in-law, William (Marie) Fenrick, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Mary Fatis; aunts, Annie and Irene; sister-in-law, Maureen Fenrick, and brother-in-law, Michael Fenrick.