Michael Jerry Veenendaal

1947 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Michael Jerry Veenendaal < >

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July 6, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah 840092
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    July 7, 2021
    11:00 AM
    8680 South 220 East, Sandy Utah 84070
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    Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully June 30, 2021 after a valiant struggle with Cancer.

    He was born September 14, 1947 to George Arthur and Aleen Whitman Harrison Veenendaal in Salt Lake City, Utah. He met and later married Marilyn Russell on March 13, 1970 in the Salt Lake City Temple.

    Mike attended Olympus High School, after which he moved to Utah Technical College to obtain an associate degree in Fire Science.

    He was employed for 5 years at Zions First National Bank, served as President of George’s Plastic Laminating (family business) and then moved on to where he spent his career employed by Sandy City Fire Department for 33 years after volunteering for them for 5 years. He along with his brother Dan were instrumental in instigating the Hug-A-Bear Program for the fire Department in Sandy. He assisted in attaining the new innovative Transport Engine, the first one in the state of Utah. He eventually retired in 2009 as Deputy Fire Chief.

    After retiring from the fire department, he continued and finished his career working 7 years at the Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) as Director of the Fire dispatch. He was instrumental in starting the Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) for the state of Utah. This was an organization to help handle the stress and day to day trauma experience of first responders. He also helped to organize the METRO automatic aide for area fire departments.

    He belonged to the State Fireman’s Association for 51 years where he served as Chaplin for 2 years.

    As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mike served a two year mission to the North British Mission. He loved and had a great Testimony of Jesus Christ. He served in two Bishopric’s, the Stake Presidency, but most of all loved working with the youth when he served as Stake Young Men’s President and had a dedicated involvement in scouting for many years.

    Mike loved to volunteer. He worked at the Ching Rescue Farm, and the CAWS Society, was a member of the Sandy City Exchange Club serving 2 years as president and was the Coordinator of the Community of Sandy City’s Citizen’s Pride Days.

    He loved Cars and bought a new one every 3 years stating that you can either make a car payment every month or spend the money repairing one. This love carried through going to the NHRA drag races every October with his son or any member of the family who would go with him.

    He loved to cook and took gourmet cooking classes, often cooking at many occasions for us and others.

    He made friends wherever he went and was greatly respected by all. He never judged anyone, but always had a helping hand reached out to those in need. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They had many unusual but MEMORABLE adventures together.

    His motto was: EVERY DAY IS A GREAT DAY – SOME JUST BETTER THAN OTHERS!

    He is survived by his Wife of 51 years, Marilyn; Children: Missy (Dave) Widdison, Michelle (Jason) Anderson, Michael (Michelle) Veenendaal Marci (Mark) Legerski. Grandchildren: Skyler, Kira, Sierra, James, Saxton, Taylor, Owen, Ryker, Corbin, Zaiden, Annalyn. Great Grandchildren: Rayne, Zyaire, Liam.

    Preceded in death by his parents George and Aleen Veenendaal, in-laws Orvid and Trena Russell, sister Louise Swenson, and two grandchildren Kaitlyn and Hunter Anderson.

    Our family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses who served him at the Huntsman Cancer Center. Also Bristol Hospice services especially Natalie, Mike, and Dave.

    Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 11 AM at the Sandy West Stake Center, 8680 South 220 East in Sandy. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, as well as just prior to the funeral services beginning at 10 AM at the Stake Center. Interment to follow services at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

    Those wishing to attend the services virtually or who may not be able to attend in person may watch the services which will be streamed via Zoom by clicking on the "Watch Services" button above. You will be required to sign in to a Zoom account in order to watch the services.



    Guestbook/Condolences

    So sorry, a good friendand a good person. A great " Brother in red"


    - Dave Jensen

    Marilyn and family,
    We are so sorry about learning of Mike’s death, Our prayers and love we send to you all! May you feel the beautiful tender mercies of our Heavenly Father at this time!
    Love
    Rick and Kaye Anderson


    - Kaye Anderson

    From the Nielson Family:
    We are deeply saddened for this loss to the Veenendaal family, the Sandy community and to us all. Mike was a bright spot for us personally and professionally— never afraid to bring a different perspective to any discussion. So affable - from any distance his smile gave him away, and he was always ready with a laugh. He’s gone too soon, but leaves a gold standard legacy for all time. We wish him and his family peace and comfort - and our forever love.
    Jake and Janne Nielson and Family


    - Jake Nielson Family

    Mike was a man who made every one feel special and welcome. His smile was always present & even when you felt low he made you feel better. He has touched many lives for the better. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us. Thanks Mike for being so thoughtful and helpful in all you did in life. Say hi to Dad, Mom & Louise. Love you.


    - Betty Kresser

    so sorry for your loss. Mike was a very caring man who loved his family very much. I enjoyed working with him 40 years ago at Sandy Fire. He will be missed.


    - Ron Cromar

    Marilyn and family: Rosemarie and I are sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He is a fighter and I'm sure he had as good of spirt as possible over the last two years. Mike and I spent a lot of time with the kids in the ward camping hiking teaching and learning. He is such a good friend and I have learned a lot from him home teaching. He even let me ride in his Corvette just to encourage me to go. He developed great relationships with all we home taught as well as all the youth we worked with. What a great man.


    - Greg Johnson

    What a great example of selfless service, a true hero. I have always believed I life should be measured not in years rather by the impact it has made on the lives of others. Mikes contribution in this way can not be measured he not only led a life service himself but led his family down the same path. Mike, Missy, and Marci my thoughts are with you allay this sad time. God bless.


    - Vince Rowley

    Marilyn and family,
    Mike was truly a lovely, lovely man and it was my pleasure getting to know him over the years. I loved seeing him at CAWS events, and admired that he took time out to help the animals very much. You have been lovely neighbors to my parents, and I know Mike was very respected and appreciated as a member of the HOA.

    Mike was truly one of the nicest people I've ever met. I am so sorry for your family's loss, but know his legacy lives on.

    Sending love and light,
    -Hydee Fratto


    - Hydee Fratto

    So many of our friends and loved ones leave us and we are saddened when they go. We are filled with memories of the differences they have made in many lives. Mike is truly one of those that will be missed and has truly made a difference in the EMS and Fire Service. I loved his smile and willingness to do more than asked. So loved working with him over the years. He will be missed.


    - Deann E. Barnson

    Our hearts go out to you and your family. We are sad to hear about Mike's passing. He has left a lasting legacy of service and kindness. May you all find comfort in the days and years to come as you look back on all the wonderful memories of him and who he was. We will certainly miss that smiling face that he always had whenever we we around him.

    We send our love,,
    Len and
    Karin.


    - Len and Karin Johnstone

    Our love and prayers are with you. May God bless and comfort you and your family. The Savior's love and His Spirit guide you and His love sustain each of you.


    - Gary and Judi Tisor

    Best smile and and so much love for the Lord that he always showed in happy service. We feel lucky to have learned from his great example and how much fun he made life. Lots of sympathy on a tremendously sad loss of a much missed respected man. Grateful to have known him.


    - Missy Riffle

    Marilyn,
    Mike fought a good fight and was so positive and courageous! He made the world a better place and will certainly be missed. Our love and prayers are with you and your good family during this tender time. May you feel our Saviors loving arms around you and much comfort in the coming days.

    Love, Rick and Annette Smith


    - Annette Smith

    Dear Veenendaal Family
    I am truly sorry for your loss. Mike was a great person who I worked with for many years. Also one of the most positive and happiest people there was. Even after retirement meeting up with him at Harmon’s on Saturday.
    Mike I am really going to miss one of the true great. Rest In Peace brother
    John


    - John Evans

    Working with Mike in the Exchange Club was really not work at all. Being with Mike was always a pleasure. When we cooked dinner at the Ronald McDonald house, Mike always had everything under control, right down to the thermometer to check the temp on whatever we were cooking.
    He and I spent hours talking about cars. Mike loved cars! We talked about all the cars we had owned. It was always a pleasure to spend time with Mike. Where ever you end up, I hope you find that 69 Camaro.


    - Kevin and Cindy Wilde

    Dear Marilyn & Family-
    Mike was 1 in the kindest most genuine people I have ever met. I never heard him get angry & he always had a smile!! He loved his family so much and was fiercely protective of his daughters as they were growing up. Remember the things he taught each 1 of you-he will never be more than a memory away!

    ((( ))) love Roberta


    - Roberta Meldrum Saxton

    Last saw Mike a few weeks ago after being his neighbor and fellow Board member for years.The world stopped turning for a bit when Mike stopped.In my life,I have never met a more generous and kindhearted, giving, human and we will always be a little better because of our moments shared with him and his rock,Maryilyn.


    - Bob and Irene Fratto

    Marilyn. So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He is no longer suffering. I have come to believe that when good men like your husband have accomplished all they needed to do here the Lord takes them home for other responsibilities. Mike was such a great man and will be missed. Prayers are with you on your journey till you meet again❤️


    - Stephanie Fowler

    We are saddened to hear the news of Mike's passing. He was a great person and friend. We enjoyed his professionalism and dedication to the job as well as his friendship. He was one of the good guys and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Gary and Sharon


    - Gary Lancaster

    We love you and your family.Mike will be greatly missed around here. He was a good mans and friend to all of us. When I look at your driveway every morning I still am sad not to see his black truck. I will keep in touch always and you can count on me to be there for you.😿sending love and prayers to your family


    - Joan Symes

    So sorry for your loss but how lucky you are to have had Michael for so long. A true example to everyone and always willing to step up and do what was needed (even to be Exchange Club president two years in a row when no one else would accept the position). One of his qualities I will always admire is his positive attitude. Even through his illness he never complained. Such a good friend and mentor. I know he's watching down on you all and will never be too far away.

    Kevin Thacker


    - Kevin & Gail Thacker

    I will miss you uncle Mike and the world will too, such a great person. Love you. Tassi


    - Tassi Brotherson

    So sorry for your loss Marilyn! He was a good man and will be missed.


    - Michelle Bennett

    I miss you uncle Mike. You will be missed and the world is missing out on such a great person. Love you, Tassi


    - Tassi Brotherson

    Our hearts go out to you. We remember his warm welcoming smile as well his many hours of church and civic service.


    - Gerry and Mel Taylor

    Marilyn,
    I love you. You have always been there for us as a group of women trying to make a progrram run; and you havve been so willing to bend your own schedule to be there when you were needed. And always with a smile and a giggle. We don't know how much caring for your husband fit into all this, I sincerely hope the two of you got all the time together you needed. It's never enough time when we send a loved one on without us. But I pray that you will be able to be content as you carry on in your life without his presence.
    My heart hopes you will be able to stay on with us in DUP, but just know how much grace and hope you've given to all of us. Take care, dear friend. Karla


    - KARLA HORTIN

    This was my grandpa. He was a great man. He always helped my family out. He would always help out someone who needed it. He would always help the next person in line, make sure everyone’s happy, make sure everyone’s loved, put others before himself. The best dad, brother, son, grandpa, uncle, cousin, anyone could ask for. I am going to miss him


    - Corbin legerski