Michael “Mike” Wayne Griechen, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2025, in Cabool, Missouri, due to a heart attack. Born on March 24, 1959 in Mtn. Grove, Missouri, Mike was the beloved son of Jewel Mae Smith (née Baney) and Russell Edsel Griechen.
Mike spent most of his formative years in Cabool, Missouri. While he left for a few years to live and work in Colorado and Mississippi, he returned to Cabool where he remained as a resident of that community for his remaining years. While in Mississippi he spent quality type with family who lived there and worked in the food services industry cooking for a couple of the area restaurants and also worked for a local furniture fabricator.
On returning to Cabool, Missouri, Mike worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in several local nursing homes, where he cared for elderly residents with kindness and patience. He also worked for a time at the Texas County Memorial Hospital in the same capacity caring for elderly patients there. His nurturing spirit and genuine love for those he served made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
In addition to his caregiving work, Mike enjoyed cooking and had a lifelong passion for growing houseplants and exotic plants and was especially fond of the different types of elephant ear plants. He had a deep love for plants and was known for his exceptional green thumb, a gift he proudly inherited from his mother. His home was always filled with thriving greenery, and he took joy in nurturing life and beauty in quiet, meaningful ways.
Mike is survived by his siblings from three marriage unions. From the marriage union of his father, Russell and his mother, Jewel, siblings Raymond Griechen of Cabool, Missouri, Connie Wiederaenders of Springfield, Missouri, and Kenneth Griechen of Tupelo, Mississippi. From the marriage union on his mother Jewel and his step-father Herbert, Sr, siblings Herbert Smith, Jr. and Dale Smith, both of Cabool, Missouri. From the marriage union of his father Russell and his step-mother Evelyn, siblings Delilah High of Marshfield, Missouri, DeAnna Griechen of Moneta, Virginia and Darrin Griechen of Spokane Washington. He is also survived by his step-father Herbert Smith, Sr. of Cabool, Missouri and step-mother Evelyn Griechen of Mooreville, Mississippi.
Though he had no children of his own, he was Uncle Mike to 7 nieces (with another on the way), 7 nephews, 10 great-nieces, and 10 great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Jewel Smith, and his brother, William Griechen from the marriage union of his father Russell and step-mother Evelyn.
His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at a later time.
Mike’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical staff and the community for their support during this difficult time.
