Michael W. Glines

Michael W. Glines was the first and only boy born to Fredrick and Dorothy Glines on the 8th of March, 1947 in Racine, WI. While his Dad served in the Army during Mike’s early years, the young family moved around the Midwest before settling in Racine permanently. As a card-carrying member of the Baby Boomer generation, Mike rode his bike all over the city, scraped his knees, played baseball with his buddies, and took his job as big brother to three younger sisters very seriously. During his teen years, Mike was a well-liked student who could often be found “scooping the loop” around town (and probably winking at the girls) in his friend’s Corvette.

In 1967, Mike enlisted in the Army to serve his country in the Vietnam war. While this was a relatively brief period in his young life, his time in the military would forever shape his world and legacy. Mike and his wife of 55 years were fixed up as penpals while he was away. Kathy sent Mike doting letters and photos of her modeling her newest bathing suits. Mike sent her sweet nothings from a faraway land, and a love affair for the ages began.

Mike served proudly as a medic with the 4th Infantry Division during the war. During this time, he developed a lifelong interest and a heart devoted to caring for people. He retained his medical knowledge and was always ready to offer his expertise and caring hands to anyone in need. In fact, he often surprised and impressed his own doctors and nurses with his medical know-how while being treated throughout his life.

After bravely serving and returning to Wisconsin, Mike began his career in the Water Treatment Industry. In 1973, he founded Marlo Inc. with his father, Fred, and subsequently touched the lives of hundreds of people as an employer and successful business owner. Mike was an incredibly hard worker, and under his leadership Marlo, grew, expanded, and became a leading company in the industry. Working alongside his wife, Kathy, they grew the business together while preserving its family-focused culture. Second only to his time served, and his beautiful family, his legacy at Marlo was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Mike and Kathy were married wearing a lovely white dress and a powder blue tuxedo in 1971. They grew their family together adding three children: Jessica, Michelle, and Brian. Mike rarely missed a band performance, dance recital, or soccer game. He spent his Sundays with his second great love, the Green Bay Packers - never a fair weather fan, he supported the Pack in good times and bad. He never missed a game.

Not one to sit still for long, Mike was an avid hobbyist. In his younger years, he could be found at the softball diamond, the bowling alley, the racquetball court, and of course, the golf course. He enjoyed fishing, wood carving, building elaborate models, and eventually realized his life long dream of scooping the loop in his very own Corvettes.

In 2017, Mike welcomed a surprise addition to the family with open arms and an open heart after discovering he was the father to an adult daughter, Kim Smith. It’s a long story.

In his final years, Mike’s warrior heart was tested as he fought—and won—many health battles. Kathy always referred to him as her Timex watch. He just kept tickin’.

He lost his final battle after a valiant and courageous fight on February 3, 2026, at home, peacefully surrounded by family, knowing he was loved deeply, and that his legacy would continue on.

Mike is survived by his wife Kathy (nee Williamson) their three children: Daughter Jessica Breiwick (Jamie) and their children Nathan, Jack, Nolan, and Eliza; daughter Michelle Jager (Edwin) and their children Camden and Casey; and son Brian (Sarah) and their children Otto, Frankie, and Freddie. He is also survived by his daughter Kim Smith (Dave) and their children Dakota and Currylynn, as well as 3 sisters, and many extended family members.

The family would like to express their gratitude to some very special people: Mike’s sister Kathy and brother-in-law Bob, for their generosity, kindness, and friendship over many years; and Dr. Cory DeBose and the wound care staff at Aurora St Luke’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Racine Community Foundation and Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Inc - Wisconsin Chapter.

A private interment will take place on at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Mike’s Life with exact details to be determined.