Michael B. Feinstein

Michael B. Feinstein, age 80, of Gurley, NE passed away in Loveland, CO on Thursday June 19, 2025. An informal gathering will be held from 5 P.M.-7 P.M. on Tuesday June 24, 2025 (his birthday!) at 832 3rd St in Gurley, NE with Pastor Leon "Bud" Gillespie leading us in prayer. He and his wife's cremains will be scattered by the family in all of their favorite places. Memorials can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Northern Colorado Crematory is in charge of Mike's care.
Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel to leave condolences for the family. You may view Mike's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.
Mike was born June 24, 1944, in Columbus, OH to Meyer and Jo Feinstein. As the only child it was in Mike's nature to grab life by the horns and become an independent, successful, and chivalrous gentleman.
Mike joined the military at the age of 20 where he served our country in the Army branch and was primarily involved in the Vietnam War. He received many recognitions including Vietnam Service Medal, Aircraft Mechanics Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, National Defense Service Medal, and Marksman Badge (M-14 Rifle).
He married Pamela in the late 1970's and they shared successes in their professions which led Mike into the candy sales business. He later remarried to the late Janis Feinstein August 21, 1986, and became the stepfather to Chris and Kelly. As a father figure he instilled the importance of hard work, loyalty, to have a sense of humor, and not to take any bull$h!t from anyone.
Mike and Jan's house was always popular when Chris and Kelly were growing up because he always had the latest candy samples on hand. He had a hand in developing Sour Patch Kids and was very proud to represent companies like Brach's Candy and Cadbury Schweppes. When he wasn't busy with his career you could find him fishing, shooting guns or talking politics.
After raising Chris and Kelly in Aurora, CO and completing his career in candy sales, he and Jan moved to Gurley, NE in 2018 to be closer to family and enjoy retirement. Mike enjoyed the slower pace and not having to travel anymore. You could often find him perched on their porch with a fine cigar in hand and a good book while surrounded by their 4 cats: Easy, Loosie, Claude and Belle. He remained close with a group of gentlemen he developed friendships with throughout his career who he was very proud to call his buddies.
He also served on the Village of Gurley board and enjoyed making a difference in his community. He had a special gift of knowing a little bit about almost everything, especially history.
In November 2023 he was given a second lease on life after a scare with his heart. He received a new aortic valve, pacemaker and defibrillator. Unfortunately, the valve narrowed and on June 19, 2025, he passed away from a broken heart. After Jan passed away August 1, 2024, he always said it was him who should've gone first. We believe it was the Holy Spirit who orchestrated the way things went because he would not have wanted Jan to be alone on earth, but he did not want to be without her for long. When Jan passed, he was quoted to say, "I may not go to church, but I know God's up above watching over us and I know where I'm headed."
Mike never wanted to be a burden to anyone, nor did he ever want to consider living in a rest home where someone else would tell him what he could and couldn't do. It only seemed fitting that he was able to take one last helicopter ride just a few hours before his passing as an honorable soldier should.
Michael is preceded in death by his wife Janis Feinstein, father Meyer Feinstein, mother Jo Feinstein, and mother-in-law Helen Harmon.
He is survived by his son Chris Gallagher and his wife Toni of Pagosa Springs, CO; daughter Kelly Reimers and her husband Eric of Sidney, NE; granddaughter Natassia Jarvis of Denver, CO; grandson Mason Reimers of Sidney, NE; granddaughter Natalie Reimers of Lincoln, NE; and many others who he considers to be like family.