Kyle Eugene Umlor was the last person to ask for or to accept help from anyone - if he couldn't earn it or achieve it on his own, he wasn't interested. But he was also the first person to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

So in that honor, we have setup this GoFundMe (although we all know Kyle would be against it) to honor his memory and to help his legacy live on.

Funds raised will help Renee and Charlie during this difficult time, including the hospital bills incurred during Kyle's lengthy stay and procedures; the unexpected funeral expenses and their transition.

Remaining funds will be used to establish a memorial scholarship in Kyle's name for students at Kyle's alma mater, Harbor Springs High School, and at Charlie's school, Buckley Community Schools. The scholarship will support those students who, like Kyle, have so much potential but may not have applied themselves fully and who are taking a non-traditional career path. With only a high school education, Kyle was one of the hardest working people you'll meet and was driven to succeed not only in his career but in all facets of his life.

We are so appreciative of any support you can lend during this difficult time. Please keep Renee and Charlie in your thoughts and prayers.

-----------------------------------------

Kyle Eugene Umlor, 38, of Buckley, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A visitation will take place at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey, Michigan, on January 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm followed by a celebration of life service at 3:00 pm.

Born in Petoskey, Michigan, on February 23, 1987, Kyle graduated from Harbor Springs High School in 2005. He found success in the machining field, first as a machinist and most recently as a field sales engineer for Walter Tools, where he was awarded the 2023 Sales Engineer of the Year for the East Michigan District.

Kyle had a passion for everything in his life, from his family to his career to his hobbies. One of his favorite pastimes was rebuilding and riding his beloved Harley-Davidson, which he started in 2024 and enjoyed many adventures throughout 2025; one of his goals was to go to Sturgis. Kyle also spent many hours tinkering in the garage with Charlie, working on dirt bikes, snowmobiles and anything with a motor. Kyle was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying kayaking, hiking, fishing, archery, shooting and riding dirtbikes, snowmobiles and ATVs with his family and friends. Kyle also enjoyed travel and exploring, having gone on many adventures with Charlie and Renee and recently found a love for Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

Kyle had recently found his passion for Christianity and read the Bible from cover to cover. He was living his life by God’s word and was actively searching for a home church.

Kyle is survived by his wife, Renee (Gagnon), his son Charlie (14) and their dogs Jax, Gunner and Klaus; his mother Tammy (Sayan) and father Pete; his sisters Amy (Cavitch) and Magen (Kay); and his grandmother Jean (Sayan).

Kyle will be remembered for his passion for life, his love for his family and his unwavering work ethic and integrity - you will be hard pressed to find someone who worked harder than Kyle. He was determined to conquer any challenge put in front of him and invested time in self-improvement and growth to reach his full potential. One of his visions was to “live my life as an example of what is possible”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the GoFundMe account, In Memory of Kyle Umlor, at gofundme.com/f/kyleumlor. Funds will be used to support Renee and Charlie, including hospital bills and funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will be used to start a memorial scholarship fund for graduating seniors at Harbor Springs High School and Buckley Community Schools to support students pursuing a non-traditional path toward their career.