Michael Flechsig, 65

Michael John Flechsig, 65, of Illinois, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on December 18, 2023.

Born on December 26, 1957, in Palatine, Illinois, Pastor Mike was the son of the late Chester and Arlene Flechsig. He was preceded in death by his sister, Terry Anne, and brother, Joe Flechsig. He is survived by his beloved wife, Isane; devoted children Terry Ann (Elika) Korhonen and Amanda (Daniel) Owen; cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Abigail, and Elizabeth Korhonen, and Silas, Asher, Obadiah, and Hadassah Owen; and brother James (Audrey) Flechsig.

Michael graduated from Christian Outreach School of Ministry with a Bachelor of Divinity and was ordained to the ministry in 1990. He served as a missionary from 1990 until 1997, including in Brazil where he met his Brazilian Princess Isane. Both of Michael and Isane’s daughters were born in Brazil before the couple moved back to Illinois in 1997, where Michael drove trucks and served as an Elder at New Hope Church in Fox River Grove, Illinois.

Michael answered another call to ministry in 2008, this time to pastor churches, all in the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He pastored at Ortley Free Lutheran Church in Ortley, South Dakota for 3 years, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Pleasanton, Texas for 4 years, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Blackduck, Minnesota for 7 years, and Faith Lutheran Church in El Campo, Texas until the day of his passing. Throughout his time serving all over the country, Pastor Mike made a point to minister in nursing homes, children’s after school programs, and motorcycle clubs. All in all, he dedicated over 14 years of pastoral ministry, and never wavered in his fervor to reach lost people for the Cause of Christ.

When not actively ministering, Michael spent his days exploring every inch of God’s Green Earth on his motorcycle, camera in hand. He was on a constant quest to find beautiful landscapes to capture and the world’s best taco stand; the latter of which he always claimed was Nora’s Tacos in Sabinal, Texas. He loved visiting his daughters, who live on opposite sides of the Country, and took a yearly motorcycle trip thousands of miles to see his grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Michael’s commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ was evident. He desperately wanted everyone he met to know that there is a free gift of forgiveness, mercy, and love, afforded by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and all who seek God can find Him. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and enthusiastic grandfather. But above all of those things, he was a follower of Jesus, and loved Him with all of his heart.

A memorial service to celebrate Pastor Mike will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10:00am at First Baptist Church Pleasanton, 400 N Reed Street, Pleasanton. A brief visitation will be held from 9-10 am.