Michael Jay Van Dahm

Michael (Mike) Jay Van Dahm passed at St. Mary's hospital after a brief illness surrounded by family on November 1, 2023. He is survived by his wife Judy (Spann) Van Dahm, his daughter Christina Van Dahm
(Karl Almgren), sister Jayne (Larry) Tesar of Denver, Betty (Dan) Shumway, half-sister Cathy VanDover and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Grace Mantlo and half-brother Lester Lewis. Mike was born in El Paso, Texas on July 10, 1947, the 4th child of Jay Van Dahm and Ruth Erickson. Mike attended Riverside Elementary and Orchard Mesa Junior High School in Grand Junction. He played the violin and achieved "first seat" status in their orchestra. He also became a standout wrestler in 9th grade and then honed those skills at Grand Junction High School. Mike made the varsity squad his junior year there and went on to become the State Champion in his weight class during his senior year. He was selected for the honor of attending Mankato State University's highly acclaimed two week "Greco- Roman" style wrestling camp in Minnesota, an Olympic training camp. All these achievements enabled him to win a four-year "free ride" scholarship to Western State College in Gunnison where he continued to win state recognition because of his fierce reputation and steely determination to "pin" his opponent. Mike rose to #2 in the nation at his weight. Mike earned a teaching certificate in 1969 and began his teaching/coaching career at Palisade High School. He then transferred to GJHS where he spent another 10 years as assistant and head wrestling coach. He completed his long career at East Middle School winning their "Teacher of the Year" award in the late 1980's. He was a member of the Colorado Wrestling Officials organization officiating high school and college wrestling matches all over Colorado. He was honored with being selected several years to officiate at the state tournament. Mike continued his education going beyond a master's degree. Mike retired and moved to Fruita, Colorado. Mike married Judy Spann in 1997. They enjoyed renovating their 100-year-old house, were avid campers, spent some time in Arizona in the winter and spending time with family and friends. Mike was an avid fisherman and hunter and seemed to make friends wherever he went. Mike died of a sudden illness leaving a great hole in the lives of family and friends.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the van Dahm family.