Michael Page Glynn

Ithaca, Michigan

Loving husband, father, brother and grandfather passed away peacefully in Alma, Michigan on Friday, January 7, 2022, after an extended illness.  Michael was 80 years old.

Michael (Mike) was born in the family home on October 22, 1941, the son and fourth child of John and Fannie Emily (Page) Glynn in Ithaca, Michigan, Gratiot County.  He married Phyllis White on August 19, 1967 in Rockford, Michigan.  She predeceased him on October 9, 2002.

Mike and Phyllis were blessed with a son, Jeffery John in 1968.  Jeff joined half-brothers Mike and Brad Thum who Mike raised as his own.

Mike spent much of his boyhood years hanging out in the neighborhood garages of Ithaca getting his hands dirty with life-long friends Doug Williams, E.J. Potter, Tom Lockwood, Kendal Foster, Bill Hubbard, Fred Schaub, and future brother-in-law, Ron (Pebble) Stone.  Possessing extraordinary mechanical skills, Mike rebuilt his first engine at the age of 13.  Upon graduation, he pursued his love of mechanics by becoming a skilled heavy equipment mechanic/diesel technician/welder-fabricator for several road-construction and excavating companies including Meuhlenbeck Construction, Holloway Construction, and C. J. Rogers Construction, a career spanning over 35 years and a proud member of the Operating Engineers, Local 325.  Mike especially enjoyed life-long friendships with co-workers Kendal Foster, Jerry Ferguson and Ronnie Pung.  Traveling daily to construction projects around the state, Mike logged well over a million miles on just one of his work trucks, a testament to his mechanical skills.

He also enjoyed many hobbies – hunting and fishing with family and friends like his brother Tom and friend Butch Mates, snowmobiling, boating, and particularly farming near North Star with brother-in-law Ron Stone. Trips to the Upper Peninsula to go deer hunting and to Canada fishing were highlights of Mike’s recreational life. The annual family-reunion and fish-fry following the Canadian fishing trip were looked forward to by all! 

Mike retired early to care for his wife Phyllis as her health deteriorated.  After her heartbreaking passing, Mike took solace in his hobbies, driving (slowly) around Ithaca, cocktail hour with longtime friends at his brother Tom’s place telling tall tales, and coffee and cookies with the Stone’s and sister, Jeanne.  Mike looked forward to his Sunday tradition of driving to Alma with his son Jeff, eating Arby’s dinner overlooking the river, returning to Ithaca for ice cream, and taking the back roads home to the farm. Mike enjoyed a rich and full life, well-lived.

Surviving to cherish Mike’s memory are his sons, Jeff (Ithaca), Mike (Tiffany) Thum, (Dublin, OH) and Brad (Vicki) Thum (Ithaca); grandchildren, Matt, Sean, Aydin, Lexie, Nick, Samantha, and Zack (Thum).  He also leaves his sisters, Jeanne Glynn and Judy (Ronald) Stone (Ithaca).  “Uncle Mike” also leaves many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. 

He was predeceased by his loving wife Phyllis; parents, John and Fannie; brothers, Richard (Dick) and Thomas (Tom); and daughter-in-law, Molly (Siggins) Thum.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all those who cared for Mike during his illness. 

Passionate about local history, the family would appreciate any memorials in Mike’s name be made to the Gratiot County Historical Society. 

Funeral services for Michael will be 11am Friday, January 14, 2022 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Bill DeVuyst will officiate and burial will follow at North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Thursday, January 13 at the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Tom & Kathy Kanitz]

Jeanne& Judy & Ron, we are sorry for your loss. It’s been many years since we had contact with Mike, but are glad he had such a full life & leaves loved ones with so many great memories. I will always think of him & Phyllis on Arcada/Union street corners, & the Glynn family on E. North street in earlier childhood days. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[Julie Beard]

To Jeff and Jeanne and the rest of Mike's family. Mike was a wonderful man and was a wonderful friend to my Dad, Kendall Foster. When my Dad could no longer drive and pick up Mike, Mike would drive over and pick up my Dad for their daily jaunt to Burger King for "a senior coffee," then to Jeanne's to get her cookies and then to the cemetary to eat them. Mike also was a great support when my Mom passed and my Dad and he would talk daily on the phone. My Dad loved those calls and the friendship that they had for most of their adult lives. They met through work, working at the same construction companies and their friendship continued until my Dad passed last year. I was lucky to have gotten to know Mike again in the last year or so, and I enjoyed our phone conversations. He had a sharp mind and a vast knowledge of many things. I know he will be missed. Keeping your family in my heart and sending prayers.

[Craig Snyder]

My condolences to Jeff, Brad, and the rest of the family!

[Eilisia Schwarz]

My deepest sympathy to you, Jeff, and your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[Denny Page]

We remember how Mike would visit his brother Tom for their “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” get togethers. It was nice seeing him there reminiscing. Mike would drive the country roads to wave, drive by my house, & ask how everyone was doing. He was a very good cousin & person. He will be dearly missed. Condolences to his family. Denny Page & Family

[Vicky Wheeler]

Mike and Family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all at this time.

[Jennifer Joseph]

Condolences to Mike as well as the rest of the family.

[Gary and Joan Bailey]

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Unfortunately I just discovered it on Bardens funeral home page. Mike was a good man. Gary is Phyllis's nephew. Mike worked for Sargent's Road Construction Company for quite a period of time. Joan's brother in law Jack Byrnes was Mike's supervisor at that time. Jack remarked several times about what a hard working man Mike was. He also said Mike could fix anything. We are so sorry for the familys loss. May he rest in peace.