Michael Craig Nettesheim

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." 

The Beatles

Our father and best friend, Michael Craig Nettesheim, 71, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024. He was born on October 6, 1952, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the son of Victor Adolph and Joyce Marie (Liebe) Nettesheim. He grew up in quaint Germantown, WI among beautiful orchards and farms, among cold winters where the snowdrifts were as high as the houses. He enjoyed his walks home from school visiting the dairies along the way where he developed his love for ice cream and custard. He was studious and took his schooling seriously; casually reading the dictionary and encyclopedia, playing in the band, and taking first place in his school championship spelling bee while in the 8 th grade. 

Mike kicked off his adventure in adult life by riding his motorcycle to Colorado where he built his first home and married Pamela Young on June 11, 1982. They later divorced. Mike was an avid learner and obtained his B.S. in Geology where he enjoyed working in the great outdoors. He later furthered his studies and received a Master of Mineral Economics degree from the Colorado School of Mines. 

Never one to be tied down, Mike packed his bags and headed to Utah in 1988 to work for Kennecott Copper. Little did he know, fate had a surprise in store—a seven year old named Brandee and a three year old named Bryce. They came with a bonus prize: their mom, Shelly Alder Quintana. Mike, ever the wise man, married Shelly on August 26, 1990, in West Jordan, Utah, and he began his lifelong goal of nurturing his family. Mikey and Renee later joined the party, completing the Nettesheim crew while the family lived in Craig, Colorado. Although later Shelly and Mike parted ways, they remained close and continued to foster a loving environment for their kids and grandchildren in Fruit Heights, Utah. 

Mike worked as a financial analyst for Kennecott Copper and Iomega. During this era, Mike and his good friend from Brazil, Claudio Schneider, spent time developing a business together in Utah. Later in his career, he enjoyed working in sales with his brother-in-law Gary’s company, Tiffany Marble. Mike was also proud to work for the Winter Olympics when they were hosted in Salt Lake City in 2002.

Mike most enjoyed anything that had to do with his kids and grandkids. He loved supporting them in all their interests and hobbies and would be at every soccer game and recital he could attend. He took a special interest in sharing his passion for music, golf, and collectibles with his family. His favorite bands included the Beatles, the Bee Gees, and Alan Parsons Project, and he loved attending live concerts and “blasting the tunes” when doing chores or tooling around in his garage. 

Mike would fondly remember visiting Claudio and his good friends, the Castros, in Brazil, and the motorcycle trips he took with the Alder brothers on his prized Harley, even when they resulted in funny mishaps and were stranded for hours in the rain. His sense of humor was legendary—if you were around Mike you were laughing. Silly sounds, goofy voices, and endless jokes were his love language. Mike’s circle of love was wide and he welcomed everyone with open arms; whether you were a neighbor, a niece, a nephew, or just someone in need of a good friend. Mike was especially known for loving and accepting all. 

He is survived by his fabulous four: Brandee Davis, Bryce Quintana, Mikey Nettesheim, and Renee Nettesheim; grandkids, Joel, Thomas, and Tenzin; along with his Aunt Arlene, sister Shelley (Dennis) Klermund, brother Jeff (Chris) Nettesheim, and a caravan of cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Mike's legacy of love and laughter lives on. Mike is now reunited with his parents, his grandparents, and Liam Davis, his grandson. 

In honor of Mike’s incredible life, please join us at his Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Community Center at Lindquist’s Office Building, 3434 Washington Blvd. We will be enjoying Mike’s favorites: Pizza, Coke, and Nielsen’s Custard. In lieu of flowers, give your dad a hug, listen to his jokes, and maybe share a Coke.

Mike’s family requests and encourages that any stories and favorite memories be shared below.