Memorial service for Dennis Michael “Mike” Stillwagen, 67, will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with Pastor Timothy Dorsch officiating, under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home. Burial will be later in Floral Haven Cemetery, Tulsa. Visitation with the family will be Friday evening 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, at the funeral home.
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Mike was born January 30, 1951, in Tulsa, OK, to Michael Lawrence and Mildred Irene (Quist) Stillwagen, and passed away on October 18, 2018 following complications from surgery.
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Mike grew up cherishing fond memories of his childhood and teen years. He was athletic and excelled at all the usual activities for boys; Cub and Boy Scouts, archery, baseball, high school football, dove hunting, and water sports. He loved the water, whether it was swimming, skiing, fishing with his family, boating, or completing his life saving certification. He continued his love for water activities by joining the East China Sea Sailing Club while being stationed in Okinawa.
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When he was 12 years old, he began throwing newspapers from his bicycle at 5:00 AM for the Tulsa World. That newspaper route came in very handy when he met his high school sweetheart, Diane, during his junior year. He was 16 and she was 15. All that peddling to deliver those papers provided Mike with money to take Diane on dates and earned him the title, “Mr. Pretty Legs” in high school. They married June 8, 1974, and spent 44 more wonderful years together.
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Mike graduated from Northeastern State University in 1978 with a B.S. in Botany. He laughed about taking the eight-year plan. The plan included a four-year stint with the United States Army, where he served in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. He and Diane enjoyed traveling throughout Asia and embracing the customs and delicious food.
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May 1981, Mike received his MS degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He then completed his medical technology certification and went to work for St. Mary’s Hospital lab in Enid. He eventually moved to Bass Baptist Hospital laboratory and transitioned from med tech to senior business IT analyst supporting medical laboratory computer software systems. After 29 years, he retired from Bass and went to work for Diagnostic Laboratories of Oklahoma as a senior systems analyst. In addition to his medical career, Mike taught evening phlebotomy classes for 17 years at Autry Technology Center.
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Mike’s true passion was building homes and woodworking. However, he was a Jack of all Trades, and would tackle any task. He built stage props for dance competitions, school drama/music productions, furniture for his daughters, an altar for Redeemer Lutheran Church, and whatever else he was asked to make.
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A long-time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, he served as an elder, trustee, vice president of the congregation, and dependable supporter of all events.
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He is survived by his wife, Diane, daughter Kimberly and husband, Josh O’Neill and granddaughter Riley, Enid; daughter Audrey and husband Philip Crum, Tulsa; sister Sheryl Broderick and husband Ed, TN. Other relatives include three brothers-in-law and wives, and seven nieces. He is preceded in death by his father Michael, mother Mildred, and a niece.
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Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Redeemer Lutheran Church Building Fund or Wounded Warriors.
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To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dennis Michael "Mike" Stillwagen please visit our Sympathy Store.
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Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580)233-2700.
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Obituaries are posted due to the generosity of these sponsors...
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