Michael Stahle Freed

Michael Stahle Freed, passed away, peacefully, on September 21, 2026.

Born on November 23rd, 1953, Michael was the third son of Cristie and Peter Freed.

Michael attended East High School and the University of Utah where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Speaking a foreign language was important to him. Like other challenges, he jumped in, taking classes at the University of Utah and language immersion in Mexico and Spain. He delighted the families who hosted him and achieved his goal of speaking Spanish fluently.

Michael was a natural athlete, beginning with little league baseball and swimming. His family trips “Up Weber,” where he rode horses, fished, and hiked increased his love of the outdoors. He even spent a day building a dam on the Weber River, creating a pool approximately 3 or 4 feet deep enabling the family to swim in the ice-cold water.

Michael learned to ski at an early age and rapidly became an expert. He raced slalom, downhill, and competed in ski jumping. Downhill racing was his favorite. He won first place in the Junior Nationals. Later on, he mastered skate skiing, moving with elegance and confidence. Soon he added kayaking and biking. While living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he won first place in the Pole, Peddle, Paddle Race- a time of his life he talked about with great pride.

Michael was a talented musician. He taught himself to play the banjo and pedal steel guitar. He played in a band in Salt Lake City then moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he and the band performed in The Cowboy Bar.

Michael loved traveling, taking yoga classes, and cooking. His business at Q Street Gallery was an avenues gem. He sold the work of local artists who created jewelry, glassware, and all beautiful objects meant for display. Michael himself was a true artist of woodworking. He had many close friends and was never afraid to show off his sense of humor. He was the life of any party. Friends have remained close and supported him always.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother Cristie, father Peter, and brother David. He is survived by his brother Howard, sisters Anne Goldberg (Bob), Kristen Freed (Bryan), and Jennifer Freed; sister-in-law Luella Freed; nephews Stephen Souvall (Page), Peter Souvall, and Christopher O’Bagy (Mariah); and nieces Julie Freed, Kirsten Freed, and Madison O’Bagy (Ryan). He also leaves behind many cousins and close friends.

Our family cannot express enough gratitude to Michael’s angel, Julie Freed. She has been a loving, compassionate, and fiercely protective caregiver to Michael. The connection Michael and Julie developed is strong. Even now it can’t be severed.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held graveside at the Salt Lake City Cemetery on the corner of Le Grande and Cypress. October 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.