Michael George Flanagan

MICHAEL GEORGE FLANAGAN Michael (Mike) George Flanagan, 71, of Au Gres, Michigan, passed away on August 11, 2025, with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Mike was born in Whittemore, Michigan, on October 5th, 1953, to Harry and Mary Grace (Beckley) Flanagan and was baptized at the Baptist Church of Whittemore. Mike graduated from Pontiac Northern High School in 1971, where he was an accomplished wrestler and also played football. He was named Athlete of the Year for all three years in Junior High. He spent most of his career as an Operating Engineer and was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 324. Mike met his future wife, Victoria (Turner) Flanagan, while living in Whittemore. He married Vikki in 1993 and also became a proud stepfather to Shauna (Kietzman) Fox. Mike had a love for horses his whole life and owned his own through most of it. He was happiest on horseback or even just standing in the pasture, spending time with the horses. He shared his love for barrel racing with his daughter and cherished the time they spent together at horse shows and rodeos. Whether on the trail or on the farm, Mike loved being with his animals and the quiet peace they brought to him. In 1993, Mike and Vikki purchased a farm and moved to Au Gres, where he enjoyed spending time with his horses and spent many wonderful years making memories with family and friends. Mike cherished the role of father and grandfather and enjoyed his two grandchildren, Sophie and Maxton Fox. He especially enjoyed watching them play sports and teaching them about the outdoors. Mike held a deep pride for those things that were most important to him, and family was at the top of that list. He always had time for his grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them, whether he was growing pumpkins, eating ice cream, playing checkers, reading books, or just sharing a moment. He was a constant supporter of Sophie and Max and loved attending as many sporting events and band concerts as he could, often riding with Shauna across northern Michigan to the different events. Mike also loved spending time with Vikki, and they have enjoyed many recent trips together, visiting New York, Nashville, Arizona, and other smaller vacations. Mike and Vikki also enjoyed the smaller day-to-day moments, even if it was just holding hands while walking back to the car. Remaining to cherish Mike's memory are spouse, Vikki Flanagan; children, Shauna (Tom) Fox; grandchildren, Sophie and Maxton Fox; brothers, Harry (Janice) Flanagan, Frank Mahon, James (Mary) Mahon, and Owen Smith; sisters, Sandra (Mike) Felske, Cathy (Mark) Klebba, Penny Molony; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Mike in death are his parents, Harry and Jean Flanagan, and Frank and Mary Grace (Beckley) Mahon; sister Jackie Sandy; and brother Lester Smith. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14th, from 5:00-8:00 pm and Friday, August 15th, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Buresh Funeral Home in Au Gres. There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, August 15th at 12:00 pm at Buresh Funeral Home in Au Gres, with a luncheon to follow at Edmonds Inn in Au Gres.