Michael Flegler's Obituary
Michael Flegler, formerly of Oshkosh, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 surrounded by family. He was born in Oshkosh, WI on January 2, 1954 to his parents Maney and Patricia (Grubb) Flegler.
Mike was one of the blessed souls defined to have “special needs.” But if we are honest, we are the ones with the special needs that folks like Mike are sent to fill by the God who truly loves us. If you think those generally marginalized by society could have no real impact on the world, you would be sorely mistaken when it comes to Mike Flegler. The greatest reward for living in a family with a special needs sibling is the unmeasurable volume of unconditional love that flows back to you from a heart not encumbered by the kinds of boundaries and measures so important to the able-bodied world.
Mike changed his world one friend at a time. Friendship with Mike was without strings. If he called you “buddy,” you were blessed to have entered a world gifted with a level of compassion you’d be hard-pressed to find in many other relationships. Mike was a sensitive observer, the first one to notice and positively comment on anything that was different from your last encounter. He missed nothing and was therefore hard to play tricks on though it was a constant game by the family his whole life.
Mike loved anything and everything having to do with vehicles no matter what form they took. From VW bugs and sports cars to buses and motor homes and everything in between. He was particularly fond of trucks, especially new ones! His expectations were therefore high and he was not shy about telling you if he thought your car was a junker and needed replacement. And you better come over with it, car-wash-clean in and out. Car cleanliness was next to godliness in Mike’s mind.
Mike was an avid Special Olympics participant and as an athlete Mike took the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath to heart. It can certainly be considered a tag line for his life. “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” And to that end it could be said of Mike …”and let me have the best time doing it!” Mike found joy and purpose in everything he did and he took work seriously. He constantly wanted to know “who was the boss” so he knew who to go them when he wanted a break. He was an active employee of Lakeside Packaging Plus over 40 years and was still attending there socially every Tuesday and Thursday helping lead the music and singing, another of his great passions. From Elvis to Johnny Cash, to the Beach Boys and the Beatles, Mike could sing it all.
Though he traveled a bit later in life, Mike’s neighborhood was his kingdom. He was blessed no matter where he lived to have good neighbors who loved him for the gift he was, watching out for him and welcoming him always. He ruled and reigned from the seat of his bike wearing out countless sets of tires patrolling Buchanan Ave over the years.
Mike loved his country and would be the first on his feet, hand over heart with the passing by of the American Flag. He loved and sang with great gusto and reverence, all songs celebrating patriotism or saluting our armed forces.
Mike’s watchword was “Family”. Nothing was more important. He was our greatest cheerleader, our staunchest protector, our counselor and consoler. Mike was known for breaking into prayer without warning, calling on Jesus for things most people would consider trivial or inconsequential. To Mike, everything was worth taking before Jesus for His intervention of power, grace and authority. He believed like he loved. Unconditionally.
With age, like with all of us, Mike’s range and level of activity slowed. Through no fault of his own, he endured more than his share of unexpected change in the closing decades of his life. But his indominable spirit remained vibrant and wholly inspiring right to the end.
Mike is survived by his five siblings: Connie (Al) Odell, Kim (Toni) Flegler, Vickie (Jim) Morris, Barb (Mike) Zellmer and Mary Beth (Steve) Leib. He had numerous nieces and nephews on which he doted and who doted on him.
Michael Flegler. We will miss you! You loved unconditionally, you lived fully and your fingerprints will remain colorfully inked on the fabric of our lives. We bless and release you into the arms of Jesus. Wait for us there, brother.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Noah Wride and the truly caring and capable team of medical and ministerial professionals who cared for Mike at St Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. To the unmatched caregivers, staff and the very special residents of Heartwood Homes, thank you for welcoming Mike into your family in a way that made him feel valued
and at home. Evergreen community… you were always on his lips and in heart.
A service celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at the Chapel at Lake View Memorial Park (2786 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh). Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 am. with a celebration of his life beginning at 11 am. A private graveside service for immediate family only will follow.
In Mike’s memory, his family would like to place a permanent “resting” bench in the yard between the homes he shared with his friends on De Pere Street in Menasha Wisconsin. Any donations generously given in lieu of flowers will put toward this monument.
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Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
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