Michael "Mike" J. Upton

Lake Crystal Mortuary 648 S. Main Street Lake Crystal, MN 56055 (507) 726-6161 Michael "Mike" J. Upton, age 63, longtime owner of "Uppies Sales and Service" of Lake Crystal died Friday, September 26, 2014 at his home. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Lake Crystal Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First United Methodist Church of Lake Crystal or American Cancer Society. Mike was born February 21, 1951 to Hilland "H.A." and Josephine (Bertczyk) Upton in Ortonville, Minnesota. He moved with his family to Lake Crystal in 1955. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1969 and attended Mankato State College. He was united in marriage to Pamela K. Knutson on November 12, 1971 at the First Methodist Church, Lake Crystal. Mike worked for his father, H.A. in the family service station and later bought the business in 1981. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Lake Crystal. Mike enjoyed riding his motorcycle, talking to his customers at "Uppies", attending car auctions, vintage cars and Ford Tractors, watching the Minnesota Twins, going to Barnes and Noble, driving the many Corvette cars he owned over the years, and most of all spending time with his family. Mike is survived by his wife, Pam of Lake Crystal; three children, Molly (Seth) Yocum, Rory Upton, and Ian Upton all of Lake Crystal; five grandchildren, Rylan, Oliver, Bennett, Nora, and Nita; brother, Bud (Sue) Upton of South Cle Elum, Washington; brother-in-law, Bob Stevensen of Madelia; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Stevensen; brother, Bobby.