Michael Hubert Flerchinger was born in Fort Benning, Georgia on December 25, 1952, and he passed on Veteran's Day, at 04:11 on 11/11/24. Mike was a Marine first, a man's man, and he loved his family and friends. He was a sweet hearted soul and would always help those in need. Mike was also a jokester, and he wasn't always on his best behavior; wink, wink.

Mike spent his formative years in Walla Walla, WA. From a young age Mike liked to fish and hunt. As a child he worked picking strawberries to earn extra money. At the age of 8 he gave his mother a beautiful silver tray with his earnings as well as gifts for the rest of his family.

Mike is the oldest out of four children; followed by his sister Mary Flerchinger Harris (Jim; spouse), brother, Mark Flerchinger (Diane; spouse, Judy; daughter, Ron; son) and Lisa Flerchinger, the youngest, who passed on 1/15/23.

Mikes Mother, Erna Lehnert was born in Prussia in 1923 when it was considered part of Germany. At the end of WWII, she made a dangerous escape to Bavaria. It was there that she met Mike's father, Hubert Peter Flerchinger, who was serving in the Army; they married in 1949.

Mike was proud to be a Vietnam Veteran. He also served in Indonesia, the Philippines, Okinawa, Panama, and helped save a town in Haimaey, Iceland, from an erupting volcano!

After an Honorable discharge and a rank of Seargent, Mike went to work in the oil fields as a Pipefitter. He worked in Alaska, Wyoming, Texas, and in a refinery in Southern California. He later worked as a machinist for the Union Pacific Railroad. Mike retired from the Hinkle Yard in Hermiston, OR.

Mike's first marriage was to Vaune Mortenson who had three children. Mike helped rear Jenny, Justin and Jason. He was also close to his grandchildren but, particularly close to Anthony who was Isabell's and Justin's son. Anthony was Mike's pride and joy, and he never tired of boasting it!

Mike married Cathy Callan in 2014. He cared for her throughout a serious illness until she was well five years later. They spent eleven plus years together, in which Mike gained two more adult step-children; James and Sarah, along with two more grandchildren. Subsequently Cathy cared for Mike throughout his battle with his declining health and nursed him until he drew his last breath. He was surrounded by his family and friends for a celebration at their home in Pasco, WA, a week before his passing.

Mike will be sorely missed. No more fishing and hunting trips with his brother Mark, his friends nor with his grandson, Anthony. Mike owned a Duckworth fishing boat which he requested that we take him on his last ride this coming spring. His family will accompany the new Captain of the boat, Anthony, as we spread his ashes where he loved to fish for Chinook Salmon. Those closest to Mike know he was ready to pass over to Heaven, and he went home peacefully to Jesus.

John 5:24 Verily, Verily I say unto you, he that heareth my Word,

and believeth HIM that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but hath passed from death to life. -

1599 Geneva Bible