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Michael Broadbent Obituary
Cedar City - Michael Verl Broadbent returned to the arms of his mother, father and His Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday December 7, 2020 with his loving and devoted wife by his side. He was a victim of the horrible disease Parkinson's dementia which rapidly took his life after contracting Covid-19.
Dr. Michael Verl Broadbent (of Lisle, Illinois and Cedar City, Utah) was born to two loving and doting parents, Dr. Leroy Verl Broadbent and Esther Lucile Lambert Broadbent on Feburary 13, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was raised as an only child to Verl and Lucile and loved many grand adventures with them while growing up in Cedar City, Utah. They established in him a great love for the National Parks in Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon.
After losing his mother at the age of 18 he went on to make her proud by serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission and graduating from College of Southern Utah (now Southern Utah University) and UCLA with a PhD in Medical Physics.
Michael was blessed with a second mother who came into his life after he returned home from his mission. Catherine Giles McDonough Broadbent loved him fiercely and added the great blessing of a brother and two sisters to enhance his life.
Michael met the love of his life, Carol Lee Hafen and married her on June 13, 1968. Together they were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Utah Temple. Soon after he married, Mike left to serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After the war he and Carol went on to raise 5 children in the Chicagoland area while he worked in hospitals throughout Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin. There was never a drive he made without a book on tape or music playing throughout his car.
Michael was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout his lifetime, all of which he served faithfully. His very favorite calling, however, was that of a temple worker in the Chicago Illinois Temple. There was no place on earth that brought him greater joy.
Mike instilled a love of culture to his family. He enjoyed music, books, theater and many other genres of the arts. He grew up with beautiful art work hanging on the walls of his family home. Although an only child, he was surrounded by many cousins. He participated in many mischievous endeavors with them by his side. He continued to be mischievous throughout his life. One learned quickly not to trust him when that twinkle entered his eye and grin spread across his face.
Michael is survived by his wife, Carol Hafen Broadbent, and children JaNae (Dan) Horrocks, Lynette (Brian) Baird, Kevin (Catherine) Broadbent, Ann (Tyler) Burningham, and Deborah (Nic) Crossette and 13 grandchildren, with 2 additional bonus grandchildren and their families, his stepbrother Steve (Lynne) McDonough, and stepsisters Susie (Ed) James, and Dianne (Ed) Castro along with many cousins whom he loves as siblings. He is proceed in death by his sister Kay Broadbent, his parents L. Verl Broadbent, E. Lucile Lambert Broadbent and Catherine Giles McDonough Broadbent, along with his in-laws Ralph Ruesch Hafen , Iris Buchanan Hafen and brother-in-law Steven Roy Hafen.
On behalf of Mike, his family would like to sincerely thank Stonehenge and BeeHive care facilities and Canyon Hospice Services for their tender loving care through the last year and a half of his life. A special thanks goes out to "our" nurse Amber Gloster.
Funeral services will be held, in person, on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary in Cedar City, Utah (190 North 300 West, Cedar City, Utah). A viewing will be held Friday December 11, 2020, from 6 - 8 pm and Saturday morning from 12-12:45 at the same location. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Live-streaming of the funeral service and online condolences can be viewed at www.sumortuary.com. Please wear a mask to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers please find someone to serve as Mike loved to do.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Broadbent
Sponsored by Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City.
Frank Chaffin
February 12, 2021
Yesterday I received the latest SUU Alumni magazine and as I looked through it, I was greatly surprised to see that Micheal had "graduated" just recently. I became acquainted with him as a fellow student at CSU in the mid 60's. We shared many experiences. One in particular was one afternoon after class, we decided to go down to the Kolob Canyons and hike in. We jumped in his new '64 1/2 white Mustang and we drove in as far as the road had been graded, then hiked clear to the back of the canyon where we found a large snow field and waterfall. This was late spring, early summer. We did more hikes as time went on, some great memories. He was a good friend, one who often helped me in making right choices. Also got to know his dad, both professionally and in his Church assignments. As school came and went and we all went our ways, I often remembered the times Mike and I shared and wondered how he succeeded in life. I heard he had gone to the Chicago area but didn't know that he had returned to Cedar or that he fell victim to dementia. I mourn his passing but also know that he is free of this terrible discouraging illness. My best wishes and tender feelings to the dear family of a wonderful friend.
Brad and Marianne Broadbent Caldwell
December 15, 2020
We were lucky to be seated at the same Lion House table with Carol and Mike a couple of Broadbent Cousin Christmas parties ago. Loved getting to know them better then, and also now hearing even more about Mike’s life through your beautiful tributes and celebration of his wonderful life. With our love and sympathy,
Linda Brown
December 15, 2020
Michael was so gracious to show Mike and me, my sister Peggy and her husband and my brother, Ron, around the petroglyphs near you guys. My brother Ron was suffering from cancer at the time and he has since passed. But one of his passions was petroglyphs and that time with you and Michael meant so much to us. We love you Carol. Praying for your comfort every day. Love Linda and Mike Brown.
Gaona and Mitch Schoppmann
December 13, 2020
Sorry Carol for the loss of your sweet Michael. We loved having Mike come to our home as our Home Teacher, he was always prepared and left our home blessed by his service to us and to his Heavenly Father. May his sweet peace give you and your family comfort at this time.
Steve and Lynne McDonough
December 13, 2020
It was a wonderful tribute to Mike. I think Mike was proud of all his children today. We will miss you Mike.
Bill and Jamie Matthews
December 12, 2020
Dear Carol, Deborah and Broadbent family, we were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He will leave a huge void in the lives of all those whose lives he touched. He was such an amazing and fun person and he will be missed deeply. Our deepest condolences. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you, Bill and Jamie Matthews
Jane and Chris Church
December 12, 2020
I am thankful that we were able to view Mike's funeral from home! I wanted to be there so badly! I wish I could hug you all! I loved seeing all you cute Broadbent kids and loved listening to all your memories of your Dad. I have great memories of him. I was so glad when we moved to Nauvoo and finally lived close enough to visit more often. I remember going out to eat with Mike which was a real treat for us. I remember that when he came to visit us in Nauvoo, he'd drive 20 miles further to Missouri to buy gas to save a few cents a gallon. I remember driving to Utah with Mike and Carol, and how he teased Mary because she thought the cows were "so cute!" Mike is a very good man. I'm positive that our family were recipients of some of his anonymous gifts. Thank you, Mike! We will miss you. I love you, Carol! We are praying for you and your sweet family.
Donna Law
December 12, 2020
What a lovely service and what wonderful memories shared by each of the children. Dr. Broadbent was a lovely man, and I'm so glad I was in the room today. So many thoughts, teachings, and memories reminded me of how grateful we are that families are forever. Carol, I'm glad we've been able to get reaquainted in recent weeks. Much love.
Jen Herzog
December 12, 2020
Broadbent Family,
You put together such a lovely service today for your dad and husband. The music was beautiful and all of the speakers did such a fantastic job honoring Mike. He sounds like an easy person to honor as he had such a tender relationship with each child. Our prayers are with your family.
-Dan & Jen Herzog
Elaine Broadbent Tschaggeny
December 12, 2020
Stan and I so appreciated being able to attend virtually cousin Mike's funeral service. We so enjoyed the talks and music. I loved hearing the stories shared and will be a better person because of the things I learned about Mike. I always loved seeing Mike, Carol, and their children at the Broadbent family reunions and parties. We cousins always have so much fun together and Mike surely added to the fun. I loved seeing his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his eye. That, and he will be missed. Carol, what a wonderful example of care and devotion you were to Mike. I love you cousins Mike, Carol, and children. I am so thankful that our family will be together in the eternities and I look forward to our wonderful reunions on the other side with Mike and all!
Stanley Tschaggeny
December 12, 2020
Waiting for the arrival of The Chicago Broadbent (my cousin after marrying Elaine Broadbent), the first time I met Mike at the Bear Lake reunion is my first memory and encounter with Mike. There was a significant amount of buildup about him. He did not disappoint. It was all surpassed by Mike himself. Everything said about him during the funeral was in fact true in person; good jokes and bad. Always, always a joy and uplift to be with him. Thank you Mike and family for making my life better. You are missed.
Bill Grubbs
December 12, 2020
I was planning to attend the funeral but did not get the information in time to make the trip. I am thankful I had the opportunity to watch online and thoroughly enjoyed all the wonderful talks and memories of Mike. At my age, I am often wondering what my path will be getting out of this life. Mike certainly endured to the end and will be enjoying the beautiful mansion that was waiting for him as he waits for Carol to join him someday. Please give my condolences to the family!
Charles Tiberius
December 12, 2020
Thank you Brother Broadbent for taking me in, giving me hope, and for loving me. Your example of hard work, giving to others, love for your family, and intellect will forever be in my mind and heart. I love you.
Diane Hafen
December 12, 2020
What a beautiful funeral service! It was so nice to learn more about the husband and father Mike was. ( I already knew about him being a tease.) It was really good to hear about the positive impact he had on each of his children and fun to see their personalities as well. Love to you all, and especially to Carol.
Dennis Baird
December 12, 2020
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. We are blessed to have known him and send our love to Carol and Lynette and all of the family. Dennis and Pam Baird
Dianne Castro
December 12, 2020
Beautiful service! Loved all the wonderful memories of my brother. He was a wonderful husband, brother and father as it was shown today with all the fabulous memories that were shared by each of his children and grandchildren. Hugs and kisses to you all, so wish I could have been there! OXOXO Dianne (Aunt Cooch)
Rachel (Hatch) Olson
December 12, 2020
What a beautiful service. I was so grateful to be a part of it from afar. Thank you for making that possible. I loved hearing such amazing memories of your dad. I'm grateful for your family being in my life. I am lucky to have many memories in your home. I'm better for knowing the Broadbent family and I'm so glad I could be at the dinner table and see your dad several times. What a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing your memories of him with us today. I, too, definitely remember the water down the neck/back of someone at the dinner table! My deepest sympathies to the whole Broadbent family. I'm so sorry your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Dennis Baird
December 12, 2020
Thanks for a warm welcome on a frigid Chicago day for the reception for Lynette and Brian. We've loved hearing about your family ever since, and are so grateful for Lynette. It was an inspiring funeral service from the family. Love you all. Dennis and Pam Baird
Greg Jones
December 12, 2020
I loved him like a brother. I am glad that he has been released from his burdens, but I will miss those visits and meals out with him. We loved the funeral and got new insights. We remember our cruise to Alaska with him and Carol every week or so.
Claudia Fisher
December 12, 2020
Thanks for letting us share the beautiful funeral service via the internet. We send our prayers and love to all the family members. We have wonderful memories of Mike's humor, compassion, and loving spirit. Bob and Claudia Fisher
Randy and Judy Peterson
December 12, 2020
The Funeral Service was lovely. So glad we could participate virtually.
Laura Thueson
December 12, 2020
Beautiful funeral service and memories of a wonderful man. Love you Lynette and family!
Brian Hafen
December 12, 2020
Beautiful service and tribute to Uncle Mike. Glad we were able to participate from Illinois. Love you all!
Brian & Joy Hafen Family
Justin Lee
December 12, 2020
Thank you for sharing such special memories. It was fun to see you all.
Richard Morris
December 12, 2020
As a friend and early classmate in Cedar City, I appreciated the opportunity to watch the streamed funeral service. It was a great tribute from a loving family.
I was in the Broadbent home many times on 2nd West and played in the back yard. We also had a good exposure to ham radio.
Best of everything to the family.
Gary Church
December 12, 2020
Love you Uncle Mike, and family! We’re praying the Savior will be with the Broadbents during this difficult time.
Dee and Ellen sorensen
December 12, 2020
we enjoyed talking to Michael. We have enjoyed the funeral and seeing his family. He was such a great man.
what great memories of him. He truly left a great Legacy! Love to All!!
David and Katherine Broadbent
December 12, 2020
Dear Family, David and Katherine Broadbent are with you for the virtual services. We love our cousin Mike and his family, and are grateful for the tributes to him. I have always been glad to share a birthday with him and our Uncle Ray.
Ron and Mindy Morgan
December 12, 2020
Michael was very welcoming to us when we first became members of the Ashdown Forest Ward. We will never forget his kindness. Our sympathies and prayers to the family.
Melayna Lee
December 12, 2020
We love you
Dick & Lynette Mitchell
December 12, 2020
Mike Broadbent enjoyed a "life well lived." As a husband, father and a friend, he lived the gospel of Jesus Christ and endured to the end. He loved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and stayed faithful to the Lord throughout his life. We were blessed to live near he and Carol for over 30 years, and thoroughly enjoyed their friendship.
Donald Parry
December 10, 2020
I grew up in the neighborhood with Michael and remember his birthday parties. When he was about ten, his parents had bought a war surplus life raft which was about three feet high and made a great swimming pool when filled with tap water. That was not your conventional birthday party, but we had a great time.
When we were in high school, there was a service project to go clean and refurbish the C on the mountain. When we got to school, someone told us that Michael's mother had passed away that morning. Despite what must have been going on in his mind and heart, Michael was there to help. Service was very well ingrained into his soul and life.
Our condolences to Carol and the family. He is truly a great man. His mother is proud.
Don and Kay Parry
McClain Bybee
December 9, 2020
Michael was a dear classmate and friend. We had many, many experiences together. I chuckle now at the times we as young boys went into his father's study to look at the medical books researching the "birds and the bees." Michael was always kind and considerate of others. Our family extends our most sincere condolences to his family at this time. We pray for God's Comforter to bring them peace at Michael's passing.
Doug Reichman
December 9, 2020
Dear Carol and Broadbent Family,
We are sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great man and will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to your family at this time.
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