Michael Allen Coffelt

1957 - 2016

Michael Allen Coffelt
7/7/1957 - 8/25/2016


Michael's journey of life began on July 7, 1957 in San Jose, Calif. Michael was only 59 years old when he passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 25, 2016. He was surrounded by those who loved him and held him dear. Michael succumbed to a 20 month courageous fight against the incurable, debilitating disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) which is often known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Michael grew up and went to school in San Jose. He graduated from Yerba Buena High School in 1975. He received several swimming and percussion scholarships to attend Santa Clara University. While attending college he competed against some of the USA Olympic greats in swimming.
Michael lived in San Jose until 1988 when he moved his family to Auburn, Calif. He enjoyed living in the Sierra Foothills and all its beauty. Michael loved riding his Harley through the Sierras and wine country region, for it gave him a sense of freedom. He was passionate about his bike, enjoyed the camaraderie and rode for many great causes.
Michael was very active in the Rotary Club and as a Director for the Salvation Army for many years. He felt it was important to give back to others.
Michael was a self-made entrepreneur having one of the first major companies in the independent financing industry. At a very young age, Michael learned the art of negotiating and was good with numbers. His first job, at the age of seven, was selling golf balls to the golfers at the local golf course. He knew how to make a deal happen even at the young age of seven. Michael had found his niche in business - sales. He worked for several companies including Trans Leasing International and GE Capital. In every company that Michael was employed by, he was recognized as the top salesperson in vendor financing sales (he wouldn't have had it any other way). In 1999 Michael started his own financing company and was very successful for over 16 years until he was forced to retire due to being diagnosed with ALS.
Michael met the love of his life in August of 2006. He married his love, Cheryl Nelson, on August 30, 2008. They began their life together by building a vineyard from scratch on their property. After a few years, Michael decided that he was going to try his hand at wine making. He made an award winning primitivo wine that was loved by all.
Michael always lived life to the fullest. He traveled all over the world, enjoying different cultures and had visited all 50 states in the USA. You could find him at a Black Tie event one night and the next day working the vineyard on his tractor. Michael played professional racquetball, was a great golfer, loved all water sports especially waterskiing, scuba diving, boating and swimming. He loved to fish, hunt and garden. He was a great cook and dancer.
Music was a big part of Michael's life. He played percussion in some of the biggest night spots in the USA. Playing at the House of Blues in New Orleans and Chicago was a highlight of his life.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Coffelt; his daughter, Rachel (Ryan) LaCasse of Sacramento, Calif.; two step-daughters: Jacquilyn (Jon) Duncan of Roseville, Calif., and Ilissa (Steven) Bobst of Citrus Heights, Calif.; his grandchildren who he adored: Trevor Duncan, Lily Bobst, Isadora LaCasse plus one grandson on the way; his brother David (Mona) Coffelt of Redmond, Wash.; two neices: Becky Coffelt and Laura Coffelt; plus many loving relatives and lifelong friends. Michael also leaves behind his faithful canine companions, Tanner and Harley, who stayed by his side until the end.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Doyt and Fay Coffelt; his Uncle Marvin and Aunt Florence Coffelt, who meant the world to him.
Michael was so very blessed by the many Angels that came into his life to support him and help him through his journey. They made his world a better place.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Michael's life on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. For information on event location, please contact the family at:
mcoffelt@nationaltlc.com