Michael "Mike" Flister

Aug 14, 1961 -

Jul 14, 2026

Michael "Mike" Flister, 64, left this earth during a fierce battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at home in Anchorage, Alaska. He was in the arms of his loving wife of 45 years, Margaret "Ann" Flister. Mike was born the first of three sons in San Angelo, Texas, to MaryAnn and Herbert Flister. With his proud U.S. Air Force family, Mike traveled the world, living in some 13 different homes through his life, from Okinawa to Belgium, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Maryland.

Mike graduated in 1979 from Bartlett High School in Anchorage. He met his wife Ann in 1980. They married late the same year in Annapolis, Md., and soon returned permanently to Anchorage where they raised their family.

Mike was known for his big personality and many talents. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved music - playing and listening - nature, animals - wild and domesticated - plant life, gardening and sports of all kinds. Mike was especially skilled at salmon fishing and relished time spent with family and friends angling on Alaskan rivers, particularly the Russian, Kenai, and Talkeetna rivers. Mike was a loving father and grandfather who generously shared his knowledge and imparted independence in his children and grandchildren. Mike worked hard to support his family through several careers, most recently as fishing department manager at the Anchorage Cabela's.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Flister of Anchorage; daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila and Kyle Finch of Eagle River and Jacqueline and Jacob Plancich of Kenai; mother, MaryAnn Flister; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Joan Flister; and sister-in-law, Maggie Flister, all of the Baltimore, Md., area; mother-in-law, Anita Lipps of Murray, Ky.; and brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Cheri Lipps of Anchorage and Randy Lipps and Junko Turnbull of Athol, Idaho. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Camille, Garrett and Everett Finch of Eagle River; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his father, retired Lt. Colonel Herbert Flister; brother, John Flister; and father-in-law, Thomas Lipps.

A celebration of life is tentatively planned for August 2026; details will be announced later.

Memorial donations may be made in Mike's name to the Shriner's Children's Hospital.