Michael Tyrrell

 

Michael Stephen Tyrrell of Lafayette, Indiana died on September 21, 2025, at Creasy Springs Health Campus, where he received nursing care following a stroke several months earlier. Mike was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend—an avid golfer, skier, and fly fisherman.

Mike was born on July 15, 1948, in Lafayette, Indiana to Stephen and Loretta Tyrrell. He grew up in West Lafayette, surrounded by sisters, cousins, and friends who were his constant companions in the neighborhoods of Oak and Maple streets. Mike loved dogs; they often accompanied him on his adventures. He attended school at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette until the 4th grade, when overcrowding required a move to the West Lafayette public schools. Mike graduated from West Lafayette High school in 1967. He attended Purdue University, where he received a BSH degree in 1972 and a MS degree in Industrial Relations in 1973. While at Purdue, Mike was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Mike worked for several years in employment and benefits at Warner & Swasey Co. in Winona, Minnesota, but soon returned to West Lafayette, where he was employed for over 30 years in human resources at Purdue University. Mike worked closely with the Purdue athletic department and often traveled with the football teams to away games, including to Purdue’s Rose Bowl game in 2001. Mike was always an optimistic Purdue fan. Even into retirement, he and his best friend Mike Roberts would talk on the phone after each Purdue game, analyzing the game and looking forward to the next win.

Mike enjoyed snow skiing. One of his favorite places to ski was Lake Tahoe, which he visited with his brothers-in-law Kevin Keller and Chuck Poore and his nephews David and Stephen Poore. Mike was also an accomplished fly fisherman, angling for trout in Arkansas and New Mexico. He greatly enjoyed fishing for cutthroats, browns, and rainbows on the Rio Costilla in northern New Mexico.

Most of all, Mike loved golf. He played frequently, especially after retirement, and attended national golf tournaments with Mike Roberts. Mike also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, especially euchre. He met with a group of friends for a weekly euchre game. He traveled with family and friends to Switzerland, Mexico, Alaska, California, Texas, and New Mexico.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Loretta Tyrrell, his sister Margo Keller (Kevin) and his sister Margie Poore (Chuck). He is survived by his sister Marlene Tyrrell (Ben Pierce), niece Sarah Dumas (Matt), and nephews Stephen Poore (Lora), David Poore (Angela), and Michael Pierce (Amber). The family greatly appreciates the exceptional medical care, therapy, and comfort that Michael received from his care team at Creasy Springs Health Campus and Franciscan Hospice.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Saturday, October 18 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, Indiana, with visitation starting at 1 pm, followed by the service at 2 pm.