Virgil Michael Nystrom

Virgil “Timer” Michael Nystrom

Virgil Michael Nystrom, 68, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, ascended to his heavenly home on August 15, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his family, friends, and receiving compassionate care from Jacob’s Ladder and Three Rivers Hospice.

Michael was born on December 14, 1957, in Mansfield, Missouri, to Bobbie Joe Robertson and Celia Sieve. He attended United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois.

Michael was a proud veteran, enlisting in the United States Army at age 17. He served from 1975 to 1979, ultimately being stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Michael was a hard worker who spent his early working years in various fields, including healthcare and construction. In 2004, he attended Missouri Welding Institute, excelling to become an industrial welder. He earned the distinguished nickname “Monkey Mike” because he could weld in the most difficult sites. He was also known for saying he could outwork all those “kids.”

Michael had a deep passion for the outdoors, especially fishing. He knew all the great places to fish and spent as much time as he could on the water. He shared countless memories with his family while exploring nature and teaching them about the world around them. Nature was truly his happy place.

Michael was a man of strong faith and attended Freedom Christian Center in Aurora, Missouri. For the past 18 years, Mike poured his heart into the ministry of Christ teaching and mentoring those he encountered in need. His work with the Freedom Dream Center was especially meaningful to him and was something he deeply cherished. The Lord meant everything to Michael, as his illness progressed, he was prepared for the Lord to bring him home.

Michael was preceded in death by his biological father Bobbie Joe Robertson; father, James Nystrom; sister, Diane Robertson; grandparents, Virgil “Grit” and Lela Robertson; and Jack and Esther Rasso.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Nystrom of Mt. Vernon; his mother, Celia Sieve of Springfield; son, Nathan Nystrom of Colorado Springs; daughter, Promise Rocha and husband Anthony of Colorado Springs; daughter, Kaylene Vallery and husband Todd of Greenbrier, Arkansas; daughter, Amanda Plunkett and husband Ryan of Springfield; Amy Waite and husband Chad of Salt Lake City, stepdaughter, Harleigh Scrimsher of Springfield; stepson, Devon and wife Jolanta of Chicago; stepson, Spencer Scrimsher of Mendota, Illinois; and stepson, Riley “Noah” Holland of Cuba, Missouri.

He is also survived by his brother, Bob Robertson and wife Alicia of Springfield; brother, Bill Nystrom of Rock Falls, Illinois; sister, Thena Faught and husband Neil of Benton, Arkansas; sister, Jessica McMillin and husband John of Springfield; and James and Tammy Nystrom of Rogersville.

Michael was a proud “Papa” to his 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a dear friend to many.

Michael leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, family, friendship, and a love for the outdoors. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he has been welcomed home by the Lord he loved and served.

A celebration of life will be held on September 25th at Freedom Christian Center in Aurora at 3pm for those who would like to celebrate Michael’s life.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Jacob’s Ladder and Three Rivers Hospice.