Michael "Mike" Wayne Mihills

Michael “Mike” Wayne Mihills was a one-of-a-kind man whose presence could light up a room and whose personality left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was magnetic, with a smile that was impossible to resist, a quick wit, a sarcastic sense of humor, and a charm that drew people to him wherever he went. Everyone loved Mike, and it was easy to understand why. He had a special way of making people feel seen, valued, respected, and genuinely cared for.

Mike was a charmer and a flirt, always making the women around him feel beautiful and the men feel respected. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. No matter a man’s age or position, Mike would never dream of addressing him as anything other than “sir.” It was how he was raised, and it was simply who he was. Beneath his humor and playful personality was a man with a big heart, a generous spirit, and a genuine love for people.

Born on April 29, 1976, Mike was the son of the late Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Mihills and Cecilia “Telia” Faye Mihills. Telia had difficulties with pregnancy, having previously suffered through multiple miscarriages, she was on bed rest for the majority of her pregnancy with Mike. He had a 50/50 chance of survival, but in true Mike form, he was determined to beat the odds and make his arrival. He had important things to accomplish and only 50 years to make it all happen. Being her miracle baby, Mike was the absolute joy and love of Telia's life. His whole family changed the day he was born. Their lives were finally complete when Michael entered the world. His Granny & Pa also shared a deeply profound relationship with Mike. He felt so lucky to have them next door while he grew up and he learned many life lessons from his beloved Pa. He truly cherished every moment with them.

From the time he was old enough to ride one, jet skis were Mike’s passion. What began as a childhood love eventually became his life’s dream. As a young man, he spent time working on skis at Austin Jet Skier alongside Joe, never imagining that one day he would own the very place that had helped shape his passion. In 2020, Mike made that dream a reality when he purchased Austin Jet Skier. It was one of the happiest and proudest accomplishments of his life. He hadn’t just bought a business; he had fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Racing was another huge part of Mike’s life. He loved spending weekends racing. The smell of exhaust and race gas gave him a thrill. The bonds and friendships he made meant the world to him, and the racing community was a second family he cherished deeply. One of his favorite traditions was the annual trip to Lake Havasu, Arizona, for World Finals. October was a month he and his wife, Katie, looked forward to all year long, as they spent two wonderful weeks together in a place that held so many special memories. It was also in Lake Havasu, on October 9, 2019, that Mike proposed to Katie, beginning the next chapter of their love story.

Mike also had a deep love for hunting and the deer lease, land that had been part of his family’s life for generations. There was no place quite like it. It was his sanctuary, his happy place, and where he felt most at peace. The property held generations of family memories, from childhood trips and hunting alongside his grandfather and father to some of the most important milestones of his own life. It was where he and Katie said “I do,” and, fittingly, it was where Mike spent his final moments. There truly was nowhere else on earth he would have rather been.

After high school, Mike went to work for his father at Paleface A/C, where he remained until his father’s passing in 2012. From 2015 to 2020, he worked alongside his friend Nick Franz at Oak Hill Body & Paint. In 2020, he took the leap and pursued his dream of owning Austin Jet Skier, a business that brought together his passion, hard work, and love for the jet ski community.

Perhaps Mike’s greatest adventure was finding the love of his life. On July 21, 2018, he met Katie Mary-Michelle Cox, and for them, it was love at first meeting. They found in one another a soulmate and a best friend. Together, they grew, built a beautiful life, and created a home filled with love, laughter, and their beloved Jack Russell terriers. Mike and Katie were married on February 22, 2020, and shared a love and partnership that made their life together so special.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Katie Mary-Michelle Mihills, his brother, Wayne Anthony Mihills, his uncle, Daryl Wetzel and wife Dawn, and numerous other living relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Mihills and Cecilia “Telia” Faye Mihills, and grandparents, Jack and Frances Wetzel (Granny & Pa) and Kenneth and Kathy Mihills.

There is one thing Mike’s family and friends should know and carry with them: Mike was happy when he left this world. He was at the top of his game, living a life he loved and one he was incredibly proud of. Mike never wanted to grow old, and in his own way, he got exactly what he wanted. While those who love him are left heartbroken, struggling to understand a world without his smile, laughter, and larger-than-life presence, Mike would want something different for all of us. He would want us to smile. He would want us to laugh. He would want us to celebrate his life rather than only mourn his passing. Most of all, he would want us to be happy for him.

Mike lived fully. He loved deeply. He chased his dreams and made them come true. He built a life surrounded by the people, places, and passions that meant the most to him. He left this world having experienced a love he cherished, friendships that became family, and a life he was proud to call his own.

The world is a little less bright without Mike in it. His smile, his humor, his unmistakable charm, and the way he made people feel will never be forgotten. He may have left us far too soon, but he left behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will live on in everyone who knew him.

Until we meet again, Mike. Keep smiling, keep riding, and save us a place at the lake. You were loved beyond measure, and you will be missed beyond words.