Michael Lance Wieringo, died suddenly Sunday evening, August 12, 2007 in his home in Durham. He was 44 years old. Mike was born in Vicenza, Italy on June 24, 1963.
Mike graduated from Rustburg High School in 1981 and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Illustration. Beginning his career as a comic book illustrator in 1991, Mike soon gained the worldwide respect of his peers and fans alike as one of the top artists in the field. He worked on nearly every major publication but was proudest of the book Tellos, his own creation. Mike was a lover of animals, a kind and generous person, a good friend and a loving and much-loved son and brother.
Mike is survived by his parents, Cecil E. and Shirley Dean Wieringo of Lynchburg, VA; his brother, Matt Wieringo and wife, Suzanne of Richmond, VA; his beloved cat, Charlie.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2007 from the chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. An additional ceremony celebrating Mike's life will be held at a date to be determined in Lynchburg, VA, where Mike grew up.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the ASPCA (www.aspca.org) or to The Hero Initiative, 11301 Olympic Blvd., #587, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (www.heroinitiative.org).
On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select Obituaries.
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I worked with Mike and Matt in the Admissions office at VCU for several years. I fondly remember the laughs and the fun we had. Mike will be missed greatly. I wish all of the Wieringo great comfort in knowing how kind Mike was to all those he knew. My deepest sympathy.
David White
August 20, 2007
Shirley & Cecil,
You are in our heart and prayers.
Shirley you are some kin to Buddy(Curtis) and Cecil, I went to school with you at Brookville High.
May God bless you all and keep you in his tender loving care.
Maxine Dean
August 17, 2007
I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. He was one of my best friends in High School. We worked together at Food World Grocery store for several years after school and on weekends. We shared many good times together. He helped my mom by producing the art for her company Christmas
cards along with several other projects.
He was simply one of the most kind and caring people I have ever known. I feel horrible that we did not stay in touch over the years and was shocked to find that he lived right here in the triangle.
I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to Matt, Shirley, and Cecil.
Bill Henderson
August 17, 2007
im so sorry for your loss i went to school with mike
audrey moore myers
August 17, 2007
Shirley and Cecil, so sorry for the loss of you son, Michael. I know you were so proud of his accomplishments in life. He will live on in his art,and always in your hearts.
Annie Mayberry
August 17, 2007
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. I used to work with Matt at 'Everybody Needs One', and he always talked so highly of his brother, Mike. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Brenda
August 17, 2007
Mike remains one of my favorite artists of any era. He will live on in Tellos and the many other worlds he took us to through his work.
L Lee
August 16, 2007
To the Wieringo Family,
I was very sorry to read about Michael. I met Michael and his brother Matt through Esther. He was one of our work-study students while attending VCU. He was always respectful, and everyone in the office was amazed at his talent. I remember when he was moving to NY after graduating. May God get your family thourgh this diffucult time.
Joy Jackson
August 16, 2007
Mike and I attended high school together and we were in the same art classes at Rustburg High. I had not seen him since 1981 but am still saddened by his passing.
Sharlene Callahan Mitchell
August 16, 2007
Cecil & Shirley,
My deepest sympathy in your time of loss. The loss of a child is hard no matter what the age.
Janice Bowes
August 16, 2007
Michael,
You did want you loved and we all love you for it. Time passes quickly and many things are forgotten, but my friend you will always be with me.
Thanks for everything.
Chris Garbee
August 15, 2007
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