I am so sorry to learn that Mike has passed. I just found out last week when we made our annual trip to Walmart. I always looked forward to seeing him. 

He was one of the greatest and most positive people I have ever met. I will really miss him. I always valued his sincere friendship. 

God Bless 

Wallners, Dixons, and Linkers ….. a perfect celebration of Mike.

Tailgating — with The Geezer Baggo Team

Pre game warm up

On the field — with with Mike and Taylor

This story takes place one slow, hot summer morning in 2016. My sister, Martina, and I had just gotten our drivers licenses a few weeks before, hers deserved mine not so much. The DMV guy concluded to my dad that I needed more practice before I could be out and about on the roads by myself. Martina had driven me and our friend to FAC, and when we were leaving I had the brilliant idea that this would be the perfect time to practice my driving skills. FAC was only a 3 minute drive from our house. I made it to the neighborhood perfectly, almost to our house. I could see Mike outside mowing the lawn. When I was turning into the driveway I got confused and slammed on the gas instead of the brakes, ramming the car into my dad’s parked, brand- new truck. Big Oops. Mike saw the whole thing. My parents heard the crash and came running out. At first there was shock and confusion over what happened. Then once they saw we were all okay, the anger started to seep in. Thank god Mike was outside. He was laughing, completely diffusing the situation. He told us some story about how Taylor or Katie had crashed their car. I remember him telling my dad “oh it’s not even that bad, your truck has barely a scratch!” He was the best. He made us all put this mishap into perspective and realize that no one got hurt, and we’re all okay. The rest of the stuff we can fix. That’s Mike, always calming people down and making them realize that everything’s going to be okay. I thank god that I got to grow up next door neighbors with Brenda and Mike, my childhood would be incomplete without them.

I’m deeply saddened to say goodbye to a truly wonderful neighbor, friend, and human being. Mike set the bar extremely high as my wife always asked me why I couldn’t be more like Mike.   His kindness, generosity, and warmth truly impacted me and my family. Though you may be gone, the memories and impact you’ve left behind will always live in our hearts. I’ll never forget the time we lost our son for a short period of time. To find out he came looking for you to help him build a mace in your garage.  Rest in peace. “Your friend and window licking….crayon eating little buddy”

— with Stephanie Thomas

Family dinner for senior night

He was always there for sporting events, family dinners, and to just talk. I remember going over to their house, walking through their garage, grabbing a beer from the fridge, and just sitting at the kitchen table talking. Mike was always supportive, loving and knew how to make you laugh. 

My family and I were incredibly fortunate and blessed to live next door to the Wallner's for 10 years.  We move to IL a few years ago but have maintained a strong relationship with Mike and Brenda.  While we are heartbroken about losing Mike, we feel so very lucky that we had him in our lives.  We feel like Mike and Brenda are family as they were always there for us, in the good and rough times.  They helped us raise out 3 children by modeling love, compassion, support and true friendship.  

Mike was always so positive, fun and able to make us laugh, no matter how dire the situation.  I will never forget the time my newly licensed 16 year old daughter, ran her new car into the back of her father's new car in the driveway by mistaking the gas pedal for the brake pedal.  Right after we heard the crash, we hear Mike congratulating her for her first wreck and laughing.  We all started cracking up.  Thank you Mike for bringing laughter to that situation. 

Mike would cheerfully make nighttime emergency visits when my husband Aaron was out of town and we had intruders and dying dogs, all of which turned out to be figments of my imagination.  When my children would go missing, the first place I looked was the Wallner's living room where I would often find them sitting in the living room or at the kitchen table, shooting the breeze with Mike and Brenda.  

We will always cherish the many events we spend together, holidays, graduations, hosting cycling teams, celebrating birthdays, and finding joy in the simple things.  

Mike lived life with such joy, kindness, fun and humility.  What a model for all of us.  My family and I are eternally grateful that Mike was in our lives.  His incredible Joy and Love will live on in Brenda, his children and grandchildren.  

Mike was the ultimate family man, friend and work colleague.  We always joked about our football teams - he reminding me that Denver beat the Panthers in the Superbowl.  He checked in regularly and was a prayer warrior for friends when he was fighting his own battle.  I’ll always cherish our friendship and strive to be half the friend he was to all.  My deepest sympathies to the entire family.

Mike & Brenda meeting our baby Ellis for the first time!

Mike officiated our wedding and the ceremony was so special thanks to his beautiful and thoughtful words!

Can’t process this. He was the kindest, funniest and loving man we knew. Prayers for your family. Love Joseph and barbara hassan 

My favorite memory of working with Mike...me: how is that shoe selling? Mike: In pairs! ;) One of the good guys. 

Brenda, I remember when you started dating Mike. You two shared a love and passion so deep. He had the kindest heart to match yours and I was so happy for you!  I’m sure your love grew deeper thru the years!  I am so sorry for your families loss.  The sweetest souls are sometimes gone too soon.  I’m sending you all my love and prayers. 💕