Mike Henry Geenen

Michael Henry Geenen

2/14/1954 - 7/31/2023

Our dear son and brother, Michael "Mike" Henry Geenen, aged 69, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 31, 2023. Mike was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Sunday, February 14, 1954, to Joseph E. Geenen and Mary A. Ulmen Geenen. He moved with his family to a house off 15th and Peoria in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 1970s, and worked alongside his dad at the family gas stations.

Mike was an avid bike rider and runner. He traveled solo across the U.S. in his early years, participating in and winning motocross competitions. Mike had a wide range of interests and hobbies, including reading, gardening, coffee, Mountain Valley Spring Water, health food, working on his favorite imported cars Porsche and VW, science, and talk radio. He purchased a telescope and enjoyed stargazing. He meticulously planned his fruit and vegetable gardens in late winter, reading The Farmers Almanac and ordering from heirloom seed catalogs. He cultivated various plants, such as elephant garlic, horseradish, apples, plums, okra, rosehips, blackberries, and raspberries, among many others. He employed innovative gardening techniques, including composting, using fish meal as fertilizer, and introducing ladybugs and praying mantises into the garden for natural pest control.

Mike played the role of an unofficial surrogate dad to his two youngest sisters, Therese and Margaret. Always looking out for them, he took them to health food stores and garden centers and accompanied them to and from school. He was an exceptional older brother, ahead of his time in numerous ways. Mike's cherished dachshund Fred, also known as Fritz, held a special place in his heart. While losing Fred was incredibly difficult for Mike, we find solace in knowing they are now reunited. Mike has also been reunited with his father Joe, sister Monica, and brother Tim, all of whom predeceased him.

Mike is survived by his devoted mother, Mary Ulmen Geenen, whom he affectionately called 'Ma', his siblings: Joe Geenen, Kathy Ayala, Maureen Payne, Pat Geenen, Steve Geenen, Susan Bowman, Dennis Geenen, Mary Engelman, Henry Geenen, Jeff Geenen, Therese Geenen, and Margaret Geenen. He is also survived by numerous family members in Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting something in your garden in memory of Mike.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service.