Michael Fitzgerald

Michael James Fitzgerald—beloved father, friend, poet, and cowboy—passed away at his home in Santaquin, Utah on Friday, September 17, 2021, while on his knees in prayer.

Mike was born on November 14, 1957 to Robert and Jane in Multnomah County, Oregon. He was a middle child through and through, spending his boyhood riding horses, shooting skeet, roping cows, and occasionally attending Catholic school.

At times, life was cruel to him, but he never lost his tenderness. His love for the Savior and the scriptures defined his life, and the gospel brought him great comfort. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 18 and believed wholeheartedly, emulating Christlike love in every way. He could find something to love about everyone he met, and spent his short time on earth caring for, serving, and rescuing others. He served as a missionary in Northeast Ohio, as Bishop of the Mapleton 12th Ward, in the Salt Lake City homeless branch, in the Utah State Prison, and in the Draper Utah Temple.

Mike was an accomplished writer, owner of his publishing company, Overdue Books, an experienced outdoorsman, geode hunter, and lifelong learner. He loved country western music, cowboy poetry, and John Wayne movies.

He is no longer constrained by a body that gave him so much trouble and is reunited with his parents, brother Mark, beloved dogs and horses, and the many loved ones who preceded him in death. He is galloping through the clouds on the back of his roping horse, Stanley.

Of all his loves, he loved his family the most. He is survived by his sweetheart Cristi, daughters Melissa (Joey), Amy, and Aubrey (Forrest), grandsons Callan, Nolan, Ian, Kimball, and Oliver, sister Dr. Shawn Clausen, and dogs Denver and Murphey.

A memorial service will be held at the LDS chapel located at 4300 N Canyon Road, Provo, Utah on Saturday September 25, 2021 at 11:00 am. Family will greet friends prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment will be in the Mapleton Cemetery.

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