Michael Thomas Greiner, 38, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024, following a brief and unexpected illness. He was a bright light to all and a friend to many.
Michael was born in 1985 to Kimberly (Hall, Greiner) Nicholas and Daniel Greiner of Hart, Michigan. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI and Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon.
Mike was fortunate to be able to pursue his passion and took great pride in his work as a booking agent and sound engineer at Turnstiles Bar. Mike cultivated a community around live music and entertainment and was a staple in the local music scene. He prided himself in creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons and live bands alike, apparent to anyone who attended a show at Turnstiles Bar or Mulligan’s Pub.
Additionally, Mike enjoyed emceeing Pong Night at Tin Can, both hosting and performing karaoke, trivia, and mixing music for fun. He was an avid fan of Sci-Fi, the Detroit Red Wings, metal music, and loved to enjoy great food, traveling with family, and playing video games during his downtime. His various artistic talents included painting, graphic design, and many other media. Most importantly, he enjoyed quality time with friends and his Partner in Life, Kait.
Michael was preceded in death by his uncle, Craig Hall; grandparents, Thomas and Marjorie Greiner, Marvin Hall, Yia Yia Katina Nicholas, and father, Daniel Greiner. He will be profoundly missed by his mother & dad, Kim Nicholas & Sam Nicholas; brother, Andrew (Rachel) Greiner; sister, Alicia Nicholas; and grandparents, Beverly Hall, and George Nicholas. He will be deeply missed by his special partner in life, Kaitlynd Maling. Also surviving are aunts, Linda Solem, Brenda Peterson, Jane Greiner, Janet (Karl) Larson, Maria (Richard) Roberts and uncles, Dale Hall, Ken Hall and Mike Hall, as well as numerous cousins and extended family members and friends.
Michael supported and the family is requesting donations, in lieu of flowers to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org), or The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan (Benice.org)
Visitation will be held 6-9pm, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, and 11-1:30pm on Wednesday, January 31, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Memorial Prayer Service will be held at 1:30pm following visitation on Wednesday. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held following interment, at Turnstiles Bar, 526 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, with a live music tribute starting at 8pm.
4 Responses
So sorry for your loss. It was nice to see read about his involvement in the local art and music scene. Although I have not seen him in several years, he seemed to be happy and very social the last I saw him.
Michael was a beautiful light for us, and for the world. He was kind and honoring to all. My heart aches for his loss. We will all carry his inspiration forward. Love you each – Penni and Chris
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was friends with his father Dan. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Kim, Sam, Andrew, Alicia, Kait and more: I am so sorry for the loss of your son, your brother, your life partner, your family member, your friend and also my younger cousin. It is so sad and shocking to have to bear a loss this sudden. It is heartwarming to read how many people loved Mike for his amazing qualities and talents. I am so sorry for your broken hearts. I hope the outpouring of love and care helps you all through this time.