◆
In Loving Memory Of
Michael Rueckert
May 15, 1955—December 31, 2018
Life & Legacy
After cheating death more times than seemed humanly possible, on Dec. 31, 2018, Mike died doing what he loved — skiing with his family.
Michael John Rueckert was born on May 15, 1955, to Albert and Goldia Rueckert. He graduated from South High School, served in the Japan Osaka Mission, then attended the University of Utah before earning his doctorate from Los Angeles Chiropractic College. He always slept well because he knew that if we worked hard, the Lord would bless us. He worked alongside his brothers in both serving and business his whole life.
Mike and Kendra’s marriage was “a classic tale of true love and high adventure.” He found a partner who would support him in his adventures and love him for it. For 41 years they enjoyed taking trips together, anywhere from Alabama to Iceland. Their love was shared through playing games and doing puzzles. He would frequently tell Kendra and their kids how beautiful her face is. He demonstrated his love with clever cards and gifts. Together they were unstoppable, from planning a party to serving their neighbors.
Mike was loved for his loud laugh, his wide smile and his gag gifts. He was always happiest outside — hiking red rock canyons, cruising snowy slopes, kayaking and skating on thin ice. He was often seen running long distances around Stansbury Lake. But, his greatest superpower was being a husband and father.
Mike’s faith was based on action; his personal motto was: “Get off your butt and serve!” His humor, ‘git-er-done’ attitude, and enthusiasm for the gospel was contagious. He was a scout leader, a bishop and a temple worker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mike and Kendra had accepted the call to depart for the Philippines Cebu Mission on Jan. 21, before Mike’s unexpected transfer.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Albert Adam Rueckert and his brother, Andy. He is survived by: his mother, Goldia; five brothers: Tom (Debbie), Dave (Ann), Jim (Becky), Rob (Sarah) and Dan (Eloana); his wife, Kendra Dee Moffett; six children: Sparkle (Nestor), Troy (Katie), Rusty (Susanna), Spring (Kaplan), Marty (Cindy) and Rondi; and a plethora of
grandchildren (15).
A viewing will be held Friday, from 6-8 p.m at the Stansbury Park Bayshore Church, 5899 Bayshore Drive. The funeral will be at the Stansbury Stake Center, 417 Benson Rd on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m., with a viewing from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be at the Stansbury Park Cemetery.
Michael John Rueckert was born on May 15, 1955, to Albert and Goldia Rueckert. He graduated from South High School, served in the Japan Osaka Mission, then attended the University of Utah before earning his doctorate from Los Angeles Chiropractic College. He always slept well because he knew that if we worked hard, the Lord would bless us. He worked alongside his brothers in both serving and business his whole life.
Mike and Kendra’s marriage was “a classic tale of true love and high adventure.” He found a partner who would support him in his adventures and love him for it. For 41 years they enjoyed taking trips together, anywhere from Alabama to Iceland. Their love was shared through playing games and doing puzzles. He would frequently tell Kendra and their kids how beautiful her face is. He demonstrated his love with clever cards and gifts. Together they were unstoppable, from planning a party to serving their neighbors.
Mike was loved for his loud laugh, his wide smile and his gag gifts. He was always happiest outside — hiking red rock canyons, cruising snowy slopes, kayaking and skating on thin ice. He was often seen running long distances around Stansbury Lake. But, his greatest superpower was being a husband and father.
Mike’s faith was based on action; his personal motto was: “Get off your butt and serve!” His humor, ‘git-er-done’ attitude, and enthusiasm for the gospel was contagious. He was a scout leader, a bishop and a temple worker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mike and Kendra had accepted the call to depart for the Philippines Cebu Mission on Jan. 21, before Mike’s unexpected transfer.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Albert Adam Rueckert and his brother, Andy. He is survived by: his mother, Goldia; five brothers: Tom (Debbie), Dave (Ann), Jim (Becky), Rob (Sarah) and Dan (Eloana); his wife, Kendra Dee Moffett; six children: Sparkle (Nestor), Troy (Katie), Rusty (Susanna), Spring (Kaplan), Marty (Cindy) and Rondi; and a plethora of
grandchildren (15).
A viewing will be held Friday, from 6-8 p.m at the Stansbury Park Bayshore Church, 5899 Bayshore Drive. The funeral will be at the Stansbury Stake Center, 417 Benson Rd on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m., with a viewing from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be at the Stansbury Park Cemetery.
Memory Wall
In Honor & Remembrance
Rachelle (McDermott) Snow
I so enjoyed visiting with Mike at our high school reunion in August. I just read the beautiful obituary and marvel at his life. Many memories of growing up in Cannon First Ward of him and his family. I did not find the information on the funeral in time to attend. I wanted to be there. I cannot express enough sympathy for this sudden, unexpected tragedy. But the timing of it does seem to suggest he was called to serve elsewhere. It sounds like he lived life fully and served with a smile. Love to Goldie, brothers and his wife and family.
Jan 6, 2019
Robert and Adele Young
Dear Kendra and family, Mike was such a terrific, happy and fun-loving person, we are certain he is laughing with all the "other angels" in heaven as he begins his new "transfer" into his new "assignment". It is said that when we pass through the veil, we are completely happy and do not look back on our mortal lives. But, Robert and I feel Mike looks upon Kendra and the rest of the family thinking -- "What? I didn't get to go on my 'other' mission?" He will be sorely missed in our Stake, our Ward, in his Priesthood Quorum and -- most of all - in his earthly family. We shall pray a special blessing for the angels to attend you, Kendra, and please know that our thoughts are prayers are with you all as you begin this difficult time without Mike/your Dad/your Grandfather/your Brother and our friend. With love, Robert and Adele Young
Jan 5, 2019
Tami Peterson
Tami Peterson lit a candle for
Jan 4, 2019
Tami Peterson
Mike was a great neighbor when I was a kid in Utah. He was fun loving and always friendly. I remember him showing me his prized baseball cards and being generous with his time as well as being a friend to my dad. Sending love and warm thoughts to his family at this difficult time. xxxx
Jan 4, 2019
Julene Overly Maddocks
It was so fun talking to Mike at our High School Reunion in August - still the same big smile and big heart! He will be missed!
Jan 4, 2019
Anonymous
Sparkle and family,
Sending our love.
Deanna Mendez, Shannon Player-Timmons, Melody Hyde, Jane Harris, and Michelle Leckie
Jan 4, 2019
Amy & Matt Stephens
Im very sad to hear that Mike will no longer be with us. He was truly one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people weve ever known. He had a way of helping and serving people in a personal way that was based on genuine love for all people. The world needs many more people like Mike.
Jan 3, 2019
Becky Roberts
Mike was a great Bishop to my family, level headed and practical in trying times. He and Kendra were also good friends and neighbors to me all the years I lived in Stansbury Park. He will be missed!
Jan 3, 2019
Karen Desmond Oborn
I will always remember Mike, spending time with my brother, Steve, in our home. He was always happy and was truly blessed with a one-of-kind personality that made people want to be aroundhim and feel his enthusiasm for life. I'm sure his humor could never be duplicated, it was all him. He was a person who knew how to treatothers, even being the little sister of his friend, I was always treated with respect. This great man will be missed by so many. Such an awesome example of living his life in Christ.
Jan 3, 2019
Mike and Laurie Newhouse
Mike's compassion and love for others has always set such a great example for us. He lived his life in the present looking for opportunities to serve. We will miss his happy countenance and goodness.
Jan 2, 2019
Brady & Melinda Johnson
Kendra and family, you all are in our prayers! We love all of you! We are all better people for having had the chance to be around Mike and learn from his example. We will miss his infectious laugh, his great sense of humor, and his service-first attitide. He is truly one of a kind! Families are forever and know that you will see him again!!
Jan 2, 2019