Michael Lee "Mike" Waide, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend died peacefully, at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at home in Alton, IL. The earth lost a great guy, but Heaven gained an angel.
Mike passed still donning his signature hair-cut; the flat-top from his boyhood, his ready smile, and his familiar "Okey Dokey!"
Mike loved his family first. He was proud of both his children and all his grand-children; He enjoyed working around the house/yard, fishing, playing sports, bicycling, the St. Louis Cardinals, family gatherings, and especially holidays.
Mike was born February 21, 1946 in St. Louis MO and later adopted by Frank and Hope Helen (Lane) Waide in 1953.
After graduation from Alton High School (1964), Mike joined the Navy. A proud Viet Nam veteran, he flew the American and Navy flags where he could see them daily.
Mike married Sharon Jean Siemer on December 10, 1966. A loving and admired couple, they had two children, Darin Waide (Kat) of Alton and Dana Croxford (Michael) of Godfrey: and six grandchildren, Aiden, Landon, Alana and Mailee Waide and Bryce and Lyla Croxford.
Despite contracting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at 40, Mike continued to work at the Venture Stores, rising from loading dock worker to manager and then manager of the company's central warehouse.
Although MS finally disabled Mike, he had a smile for visitors and an upbeat spirit. A people person, everyone he met liked Mike. He felt lucky to have not just one family, but four: the Waides, the Siemers, the Kaners, and the Croxfords.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren, named above, his sister, Marilyn Hope (Waide) Lake and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his caretaker.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Dec. 2023), his adoptive parents, his brother, Frank J. Waide, Jr., his birth father and stepmother, his half brother, Sidney (Jackie) Kaner, his Siemer in-laws, Leo and Alfreda, many uncles and aunts, and too many friends.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2024 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Friends and family may visit our website at www.gentfuneralhome.com to leave condolences to the family.