He passed away on Aug. 24, 2025, at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis surrounded by his loving family.

In between those dates, Michael lived a rich life that was filled with 80 years of love, laughter and conviction.

Michael grew up in Hoytsville and attended North Summit High in Coalville, Utah, before later attending Utah State and then Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Nancy, and earned his degree at the Y.

They first connected when Michael was serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States mission, when Nancy wrote to him at the request of Michael’s sister Susan, who was Nancy’s roommate at the time. Rumor is that Nancy won him over with a dish of sugar-filled divinity, and they’ve been sweethearts ever since.

They were married on July 14, 1967, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

With Nancy by his side, Michael spent more than 45 years working in a variety of roles, from salesman to manager, at Sears (Provo, Utah and Burley, Idaho), International Shippers (Burley, Idaho), Cameron Sales (Rupert, Idaho), Greenline Equipment (Tremonton, Utah) and Komatsu Equipment (Salt Lake City, Utah).

He retired in 2012 following a fulfilling career that allowed Michael, ever the soft-spoken listener, to connect with those he came in contact with.

He had a passion for trains and wood working — and a fondness for caramel cashew ice cream. His children, and even grandchildren, remember when ice cream was the recommended best medicine for a tummy ache or any other ailment.

To this day, his woodwork, from finely crafted cabinetry to wooden plaques with spiritual messages, adorns the houses of his loved ones.

Michael especially loved creating wooden toys for both his own children and later, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The most popular has been his wooden marble roller — that one, in particular, has created many smiles, giggles and playful shrieks over the years.

As skilled as he was with his hands, he was even better with his heart

Michael was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his life, he served in a variety of religious leadership roles, among them as a stake patriarch in the Syracuse Utah Legacy Park Stake. Michael also spent time serving in the stake presidency, bishopric and on the high council during his family’s moves that included time in Orem, Utah; Burley, Idaho; Tremonton, Utah; and Syracuse, Utah.

His favorite pastime, though, was spending time with his wife, Nancy, aka his sweetheart, and spoiling her with affection. He never passed up the chance to be the consummate gentleman and open her car door, and each day, Michael set the example of how to treat your loving companion — with respect, care and devotion.

For the past 22 years, he and Nancy have lived in Syracuse, where — as they did throughout their lives — they have made countless friends while touching the hearts of others through their soft-spoken, kind personalities.

For six months in 2013, Michael and Nancy served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbus, Ohio, where they quickly fell in love with those they were blessed to interact with.

Michael and Nancy also served an intercity mission in Ogden, in the Lorin Farr 5th Ward.

Michael enjoyed his missionary service at the LDS Employment Center in Layton in recent years, including several years with his sweetheart by his side. This work brought him particular joy and utilized his mastery of being able to connect with others on a personal level.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, and their five children — Sandy (spouse Eric, living in West Haven), Tad (spouse Jenn, living in Ogden), Heather (spouse Mark, living in Springville), Dillon (spouse Karla, living in Las Vegas) and Brandon (spouse Lacey, living in Herriman) — as well as 14 grandchildren: Ben, Becky, Jacob, Rachel, Josh, Hannah, Maddie, Lizzie, Campbell, Emily, Katelyn, Matthew, Marissa and Isabela.

Michael is also survived by five great grandchildren: Abby, Amara, Berkley, Caleb and Aubrey Jo, who was born just days before Michael’s passing, as well as his brothers Arlin and Paul, and sister Brenda.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Isabelle, and his sister, Susan.

There will be a viewing for Michael on Friday, Aug. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Mortuary in Syracuse at 869 S. 2000 W. Another viewing and funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 at Syracuse Utah Legacy Park Stake at 2024 S. 1475 W. in Syracuse — the viewing will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with funeral services starting at 11 a.m.

Interment will be at Syracuse Cemetery at 1250 S. 1000 W. in Syracuse.