Mike Phelan

Michael John Phelan, 75, passed away on November 25th, 2022, at Hospice Care Center in Longview after a short battle with cancer.

Mike was born in Renton, WA to Kathleen Mae Johnson and Charles Stuart Phelan. Right out of high school he served in Korea for the United States Army. He came back to Washington and took a job welding while pursuing his childhood dream of owning a dairy farm. After working for others and running small operations, Mike took a risk - bred 40 heifers and hoped for the best. People thought he was crazy to take that kind of chance before he even had a farm, but he had faith. In the Spring of 1977, he and his wife Frances found a small run-down farm in Cathlamet, WA and before those heifers calved, his farm was up and running. They raised their three children on the farm. Early on, times were tough, and money was scarce, but they continued to work hard and with Mike’s vision always at the forefront, they built a successful business and created a beautiful, simple life for their family. In 2015, Mike and Frances retired and spent the next few Winters in Arizona. Anyone that knew them would say Frances wore the pants…but that was only because Mike let her. The love he had for his wife was unmatched. When Frances became sick, Mike was her caregiver to the very end. He adored his wife and life just wasn’t the same without her. He always had a kind spirit and was a gentle man, with few words and a sweet smile. He was an active member of the Diking District in Cathlamet and a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. He was a lifelong Seahawks fan, never missed an opportunity to spend time with family, go camping, listen to live music or enjoy a good fire.

He is survived by his brother Stuart (Emily), children - Ed Whittle (Aisha), Darrell Whittle (Pam) and Jessica Leuthold (Nick). His grandchildren - Trent, Shyanne, Scarlett, Colby and Marissa and his great grandchildren – Bostyn and Cash. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Frances, both parents, brother Bob and sister Diane.

A memorial and reception will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Cathlamet, WA on Saturday, December 10th at 1:00. And in true Mike fashion a bonfire will be held at the family farm following. Dowling Funeral Home in Cathlamet will handle the memorial and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in the name of Mike Phelan to Community Home Health and Hospice in Longview at PO Box 2047, Longview, WA 98632.

- Paid Obituary -