Gary Michael (Mike) Elggren's Obituary
GARY MICHAEL (MIKE) ELGGREN
Diagnosed with bladder cancer just five short weeks ago, Mike valiantly accepted but lost his battle on February 3, 2024. Despite the devastating news, he spent his remaining days with dignity and grace, surrounded by his daughters who loved him so much. Mike was born on April 5, 1941, to Paul Fredrick and Carolyn Haymond Elggren. Mike was in the first graduating class of Highland High School, where he played football and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart Carol Lee Dance (later divorced), with whom he had four daughters. That’s a lot of estrogen for a sports guy—he wouldn’t have had it any other way, he adored them all.
At the young age of 25, Mike became the original owner of the very popular Michelino’s Italian restaurant, where customers became friends, employees were like family, and the restaurant was a huge sense of pride and joy for him. He sold the restaurant in 1979 and after taking some time off, he returned to the restaurant business he loved so much and opened up Dos Miguel's Mexican restaurant. Mike experienced many additional opportunities over the years yet none compared to the restaurant business, mainly because of the wonderful connections they had brought. Mike eventually joined Farmer Brothers Coffee, where he worked until his retirement.
He loved the sound of children playing, his grandchildren were the light of his life, he provided unconditional love and support, he served as a sounding board and enjoyed when asked to share his stories and wisdom. He loved outdoor sports, especially golf and tennis, family gatherings, good food, coffee, poker, and his cherished friendships. A lifelong learner, he enjoyed reading and history and had a quick recall and wit that remained until the end.
Though he could be stubborn, he had a large heart and a gentle soul. Among his strong core values were inclusion and fairness, and he rejected invitations to prominent organizations that practiced discrimination.
He is survived by his children, Jill Elggren, Ann Elggren Humphris, Sandra Elggren-Farish (Lane Farish), Stacy Stetner (David Kovacs), and Magen Brower Munford, his 11 grandchildren, Dustin Farish, Braeden Humphris (Lisa), Rob Denver (Melissa), Kim Denver, Casey McNamara (Eric), Skylar Farish (Arianna), Carlee Brady (Richie), Lexi Purrington (Matt), Abi Farish, Cydney Farish, and Chandi Munford, and ten great-grandchildren as well as his siblings, Tom Elggren (Jolene), Elise Read-Lehmkuhl (Tom), and the many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barbara Melynk and Donna Elggren Curtis, and beloved nephew Lance Curtis, in addition to many special aunts and uncles over the years.
Not wanting to be the center of attention, it was his wish that he be cremated and that a funeral service not be held. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time. We invite you to share your cherished memories, photos, and/or stories here or via email at [email protected]. Mike believed nobody should ever go hungry; in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food pantry or your favorite charity.
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