Michael “Mike” D. Lacey

Michael “Mike” D. Lacey, age 70, of Shelton, died on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha surrounded by his family.

Memorial services for Mike were held Saturday, October 4, at the Shelton United Methodist Church with Pastor Rachel Nkonge officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome. com.

Mike was born on May 7, 1955, in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Leland “Lee” and Nellie (Koonce) Lacey. His family moved to Shelton in 1964 where he grew up and attended Shelton Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1973.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, LeAnne Willard, on March 6, 1976, in Kearney. After which the couple lived in Shelton where he was employed by Lee’s Truck Sales and Repair as well as Lee’s Trucking, working side by side with his best friend and brother, Bill.

Being a father and grandfather made Mike the proudest.

Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandchildren, sharing stories, and making them laugh with his ornery humor. He also made sure to spoil them whenever he got the chance. In recent years, he and LeAnne enjoyed going camping and fishing with their friends and family. Mike genuinely loved experiencing life beside LeAnne, his family and friends, with a cold beer in his hand, never failing to bring his memorable laughter to the occasion.

Mike served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Shelton Volunteer Fire Department and also served as chief.

Mike is survived by his wife, LeAnne Lacey; daughter, Jessica (Jeremy) Frink, of Lincoln; son, Justin (Jill) Lacey, of Cleburne, Texas; grandchildren, Owen and Elliet Frink, and Madi and Barrett Lacey; sisters, Linda (Gary) VanOrsdall and Nancy (Tom) Lowe; brother, Bill (Kelly) Lacey; sisters-in-law, Lori West, of Kearney, Lisa (Kent) Schwab, of Silverthorne, Colorado, and Lichelle (Jim) Aden, of Gothenburg; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; mother and fatherin- law, Lee and Betty Willard; sister-in-law, Lynelle Willard Parks; and infant sister, Lydia Lacey.