Michael Andrew Hyrman

On March 27, 2026, Michael Andrew Hyrman (Mike) passed peacefully into his heavenly home, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was a truly remarkable man who had a profound impact on everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, creativity, and perseverance. He will be remembered not only as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, but also as a teacher to his many art students, a creative problem solver to those who worked beside him, and a brother in Christ to the many people he came to know through his faith. His greatest joys were his family, his art, and his faith. His face lit up whenever he had the opportunity to share those passions with others.

Born on May 19, 1957 to Charles and Rose Hyrman in Flint, MI, Mike was the sixth of ten children. A Catholic family with a proud Czechoslovakian bloodline, the Hyrman household was never quiet and always full of love. Many of Mike’s most defining characteristics exhibited early in life, always thinking outside the box and approaching everything with a positive, can-do attitude. He remained close to his siblings and extended family throughout his life, always looking forward to traditions like the annual “Family Camp.”

Mike met the love of his life, Diane, in 1974. After both coming to know Jesus in 1979, they married in 1980 and built nearly 46 years of marriage on the foundation of their shared faith. Together, they raised four beautiful daughters. Mike was a loving, devoted and intentional father. Ever a child at heart, Mike went to great lengths to make sure his daughters had a memorable childhood. He spent winters building ice skating rinks in the yard, sledding, and making snow forts. He built elaborate zip lines, tree forts, and rope swings. He was a constant voice of encouragement to his daughters, and always taught lessons that lasted far beyond the moment at hand. He took every opportunity to impart his values to his kids and grandkids, serving both as a living example and a compassionate mentor.

Mike served in the Air Force and attended some college, but he liked to say his real education came from the School of Hard Knocks. Mike was a lifelong learner and tinkerer, never afraid to try out a new skill or business idea. He was self-taught in many of his specialties and used his wide range of experience to develop innovative solutions in every career path he took. Mike channeled his creativity and problem solving into his work in computer programming and data systems management. He took pride in the professional success and recognition he earned during his career.

An exceptionally gifted artist, Mike pursued many creative endeavors throughout his life. Over the years, he worked in a variety of media including painting, woodworking, printmaking, and photography. After taking a workshop from esteemed artist Rod Lawrence in the early 2000s, Mike’s passion for watercolor painting was ignited, and he often said that was when he began “painting with purpose.” In the following years, Mike produced a huge volume of artwork, capturing the beauty of the people and places he loved with precision and style. He shared his knowledge by teaching classes and mentoring artists, and helped countless people develop their artistic talents. One of his proudest accomplishments was an innovative artistic process that used the science of vision mechanics to create a true 3D illusion with stunning results. His art has been nationally recognized and has received numerous awards, and his paintings are proudly on display in many homes. Some of Mike’s art can be viewed at mikehyrmanart.com, and a selection of his work will be on display at his Celebration of Life.

Mike is survived by his wife Diane, his daughters Shawna (Joshua), Amber, Valerie (John), Elyssa (John), “bonus” daughter Brianne, and grandchildren Elijah, Lilyana, Malachi, and Ezekiel. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Anne Weishaar, Rose Ludwig, Joe Hyrman, Cecilia Johansen, and Agnes Shrewsbury, and dozens of other cherished family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rose Hyrman, and siblings Charles Hyrman, John Hyrman, Teri Anthony, and Pat Hyrman.

Family, friends, and all who have been touched by Mike are invited to join the family in Traverse City for a visitation at Life Story Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 8th from 6-8pm, and his Celebration of Life Service at East Bay Calvary Church on Thursday, April 9th at 11:30am followed by a time of fellowship with light refreshments. Mike will be laid to rest in a private burial service at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Flowers and gifts are not expected, but those wishing to make a thoughtful contribution are invited to donate to the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Mike’s name. His soul lives on with his Savior in heaven, and his memory will live on with all who knew him.

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