As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Michael L. Agin’s heart beat approximately 3.4 billion times in his lifetime, and each one was devoted to serving his country, building a career, investing in his community, and—most of all—loving his family.
His first official heartbeat came on December 12, 1933, when he was born in Chicago, Illinois, the second child of Mary (Yergovich) and Lawrence Agin. He grew up in a Croatian neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side and graduated from Crane Technical High School in December 1951.
Though unsure of his plans after graduation, those early heartbeats carried him forward. A chance conversation with his high school chemistry teacher in early January 1952 opened the door to enrolling at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, later that month.
There, he played football and ran track for the Buccaneers. After three semesters, however, his heart was no longer in it. He stepped away from academics and enlisted in the Army.
That, however, was not the path God ultimately had for him. During basic training, a freak accident sent a bullet through his right elbow. After a year of rehabilitation at facilities across the United States, the Army granted him a medical discharge, along with the means to complete his education.
Mike’s heart led him back to Beloit College. This time, he returned with greater purpose, pursuing studies in chemistry and geology while also assisting with coaching the football team. In doing so, he discovered a calling for teaching and coaching.
After graduation, Mike taught chemistry and earth sciences at Riverside- Brookfield High School near Chicago, where he also coached football and wrestling for the Bulldogs. During this period, he continued his own education, earning a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. He later served as a visiting lecturer and associate director at Arcadia University (formerly Beaver College) in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
After nearly a decade of teaching and coaching, Mike entered a science education program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Two years later, he completed his PhD and accepted a teaching position in the newly formed Science Education Department at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.
As a professor at Michigan Tech, Mike guided dozens of talented math and science students as they became accomplished high school teachers across the United States. His involvement at the university extended well beyond the classroom.
During his tenure at Tech, Mike also served as director of National Science Foundation workshops across the country, aimed at introducing computers into high schools during the 1970s and expanding elementary students’ access to math and science.
On campus, he served as Director of Education, Cultural and Public Services and was a key figure in—eventually becoming the director of—Michigan Tech’s Summer Youth Program.
He contributed to numerous academic publications on science and mathematics education and lectured on related topics at conferences across the country. He also co-authored the Michigan Tech Centennial.
In 1991, after three decades devoted to education, Mike retired from Michigan Technological University.
Mike’s heartbeats were devoted not only to his education and career, but also to his community. He coached youth hockey and served for several years on the board of the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association. His passion for sports extended beyond the rink. He served as tournament director for a Junior Olympic wrestling program, the Invitational Wrestling Tournament, and the Northern Intercollegiate Wrestling Tournament.
That same sense of service led him into public education. From 1978 to 1986, he served two terms on the Houghton–Portage Township School District Board. At Michigan Technological University, Mike also participated in task forces and served on numerous committees focused on improving campus life and supporting the professional development of faculty and staff.
From 1978 to 1988, he served on the Huskies Club Board of Directors, including terms as Vice President and President, and was a member of the Michigan Tech Athletic Council from 1977 to 1983. He also helped shape the original Sport Hall of Fame selection guidelines, revise the Club’s Constitution and By-Laws, and plan Huskies Day, Winter Carnival events, and other programs.
This led to ultimate recognition of Mike’s community involvement in 1996, when he was elected to the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame for his leadership in establishing The Huskies Club Endowment Fund and his long service in support of campus athletics.
But Mike’s heart beat strongest for his family. During his second stint at Beloit College, he met his first wife, Frances Ann Jackson. They married in June 1960 and welcomed three children into the world: Michael, Frank, and Carolyn. Though that marriage ended in 1981, it wasn’t long before his heart skipped a beat again when he met Marilyn Ryan. At first, he asked her out, and she declined. Later, she asked him out, and he declined. A mutual friend eventually suggested they give it another try. They did. Mike and Marilyn were married in August 1985, and Marilyn brought four wonderful daughters into Mike’s life—Kelly, Amy, Kristen, and Anne. They remained happily married for the rest of his life.
Following his retirement from Michigan Tech, Mike and Marilyn moved to the Twin Cities so Marilyn could pursue her doctorate. Over the years, they lived in several places across the United States—including St. Paul, Minnesota; Groton, Connecticut; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and White Bear Lake, Minnesota—before returning to Houghton, Michigan, in 2018.
After 91 years and 361 days, on December 8, 2025, Mike’s heart beat for the last time. He lived a life well lived, shared love generously, and left an enduring legacy of service, kindness, and devotion.
Though his heart has fallen silent, its rhythm lives on in the hearts of those he loved most—his wife, Marilyn; his children, Michael S. (Marta) Agin, Frank (Linda) Agin, Carolyn (Fred) Bruno, Kelly Ryan, Amy Ryan, Kristen Ryan, and Anne (Casey) Polkinghorne; his grandchildren, Rachel, Joseph, Lucas, Logan, Chase, Alex, Sam, Meg, Andrew, Jordy, Jack, Elise, and Nora; his great-grandchildren, Blake and Colette; his brother, James (Nancy) Agin; and the many nieces and nephews who carry his story forward.
As the rhythm of his heart gave way, his soul was welcomed into heaven by his parents; his brothers, Stephen and Larry Agin; his sister, Mary Lou; his nephew, Larry Agin; and his grandson, West Michael Agin.
Burial will be in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
- The Omega House
- The Summer Youth Program at Michigan Tech University
- The charity of your choice.
A visitation will be held for Michael on Friday December 19, 2025 from 1:00pm-6:00pm at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, Michigan.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
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