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Obituary: Michael David Linenfelser

by jmaloni
Fri, Apr 8th 2022 10:00 am

Heaven just became a lot more entertaining. Michael David Linenfelser entered into rest on March 8, 2022.

Michael, or “Mookie,” was born April 10, 1951. He was a 1969 graduate of Grand Island High School, and then went on to Sullivan Community College to receive a degree in advertising art.

He married his eighth-grade sweetheart, Penny Leigh Costello Linenfelser, and worked for Wayside – his family furniture store – alongside his parents and brothers. When the store closed in 1985, he went into the newspaper business in advertising sales.

A majority of his spare time was spent at the family homestead on the Niagara River or cruising the river on his brother’s boat, the Teddy Lee. After the passing of his parents, he moved his family into the house on East River and continued the family traditions, including the famous Labor Day chickens on the spit.

One of his favorite things to do was to lay in his hammock by the river, and welcome friends and family who would “walk down the hill.” He would always offer a drink and encourage them to take a swim or to hold on to “the ring” and feel the Niagara’s current.

Michael was an Island guy. He lived his life on Grand Island, vacationed every year on Martha’s Vineyard, and then discovered a love for Key West. After his retirement, Michael and the love of his life, Penny, would travel down south to Florida. They visited friends and family here and there until they’d land in Key West, where they’d spend a month. They’d lay under a palm tree at Fort Zachary Taylor beach during the day and bop around Duval Street at night.

He loved music, making art, was an enthusiastic conch blower, Bills fan, poem reader and overall facilitator of fun.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Daniel Linenfelser; and brother, James (Teddy) Linenfelser. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years; two daughters: Lisa (Shawn) Hall and Anne (Oliver Jr.) Stuardi; four grandchildren: Oliver III, Grace, Caroline and Elliott Michael. Also his siblings: Dan (Joann) Linenfelser, Mary (Fred) Cook, John (Carol) Linenfelser, Paul (Donna) Linenfelser; best friends Doug and Patricia Harding; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service in Michael’s honor took place at the end of March. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael’s name to the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper organization.

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