Last Updated: July 2, 2026
Gurney is a small community in northern Wisconsin, tucked near the shores of Lake Superior. For us, this stop was more than just a destination — it was a homecoming of sorts. Michael’s father, Jim, grew up here. Jim was born 25 miles away in Bessemer, Michigan, where his father worked in explosives for a copper mine. When the mines began to shut down, Jim’s family moved to Gurney to farm — a fortuitous decision, as the land kept them self-sufficient through the Great Depression.
