The world lost one of its very best.
On November 7th, Michael J. Andrus passed away at the age of 53 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. Mike was a radiating source of love to all who were blessed enough to meet him.
Mike gave freely of the things that mattered most: his time, his love, his attention, and his kindness. He didn’t just ask how you were doing. He genuinely wanted to know. And when you answered, he listened.
He had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether you knew him for five minutes or fifty years, you walked away feeling like you mattered.
Mike had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in the beauty, adventure, and peace of the natural world.
His desire to understand, encourage, and help others was reflected in his education and service. He earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. He also served as Commander of Search and Rescue, taking on the responsibility of leading others in situations where courage, compassion, and selflessness mattered most.
His faith and love of service were equally important parts of his life. Mike served an LDS mission in Boston, Massachusetts, and later served as a bishop in Grafenwöhr, Germany, for seven years. This calling allowed him to love, guide, encourage, and serve those around him.
He was a storyteller, a prankster, a master of mischief, and a man who understood that life was far too short to take yourself too seriously. His family and friends were frequently his favorite audience, and there was rarely a shortage of laughter when Mike was around.
Mike was the person people turned to for strength, courage, wisdom, and reassurance. He was a steady presence in an unpredictable world. A quiet example of what it meant to live with integrity, compassion, and unconditional love.
He was the person to look toward when life became difficult. The compass that pointed toward courage, goodness, and everything that truly mattered.
And perhaps the most remarkable thing about Mike was that even when life became unimaginably difficult for him, his concern remained focused on everyone else.
Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father of three, and grandfather of two. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Maratee, and together they built a life filled with love, memories, laughter, and the kind of moments that become even more precious
with time. The love he had for his family was at the center of who he was, and the life they shared will remain one of his most meaningful legacies.
His legacy will not be measured by possessions or accomplishments. It will be measured by the countless lives he touched, the people he lifted, the lives he helped save, the faith he shared, and the laughter he created.
Mike leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who were blessed to know him, and enough stories to keep everyone laughing for generations.
We will miss his voice, his stories, his laughter, his hugs, and the beautiful way he made this world feel a little safer, kinder, and more joyful.
We will miss the man who made ordinary moments extraordinary simply by being there.
And while our hearts are broken, we are endlessly grateful that we got to share this life with him.
The world was a better place because Mike was in it. And for those of us fortunate enough to have loved him, a part of him will always remain with us.
Funeral Details:
A viewing will be held Friday November 13th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 115 E Cherry St, Grantsville, UT 84029
A funeral service celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 10:00 AM at Grantsville West Stake Center, located at 115 E Cherry St, Grantsville, UT 84029
Interment will be held at the Brigham City Cemetery located at 300 E 300 S Brigham City, UT 84032 following the funeral approx. at 2 PM
Event Code 899807
Those wishing to Stream the funeral services a link will be coming.. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/broadcasts?cid=rdb_v_broadcasts&lang=eng
9 Responses
I have worked with Mike for the past 8 years. In that time, I learned of this caring nature and the love that he had for his family and those around him. He will be missed for these reasons and many more. Thank you Mike for all the memories.
Mike is one of the truly ‘good’ men I have had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed. I am grateful for the talks he and I were able to share. I hold good thoughts for those that love and miss him and find peace in the belief system that sustained him. Until we meet again, my friend.
It’s hard to express the love and compassion that Mike shared with those he met. His loss cant be measured. Sending Love and Prayers to his family. Watch over us and keep us safe Mike until we meet again. I know you live on in heaven as well as in the hearts of many here on earth. RIP my friend.
I had the pleasure of working for such an amazing man Mr Mike, during my time in Germany. He was more than just a boss; he was an encourager, a wonderful role model, and a true inspiration to me. His leadership, kindness, and the positive impact he made have stayed with me throughout the years. Even after all this time, I have never forgotten him and will always appreciate the opportunity I had to work alongside him. He will truly be missed. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May God give you strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time. Rest peacefully. ❤️Mr. Mike
Rest in peace Mike. Thank you for your service to tooele county search and rescue…
I had the privilege of working with Mike during the past three Change of Command ceremonies at the Tooele Army Depot, and in that time I came to deeply appreciate his professionalism, kindness, and calm presence.
He approached every challenge with a positive attitude and a steady dedication that made working alongside him an honor. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always a jokester, finding small ways to bring laughter and lighten the stress that naturally came with planning and executing the ceremonies.
Mike will be sincerely missed, my thoughts are with his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
I am speechless and so so sorry Maratee and family! My love and genuine regards to all!
Hugs …
Mike was one of those rare people you meet in life whose genuineness you recognize as a true treasure. I am incredibly thankful our paths crossed and for the friendship, mentorship, and memories we shared during our days at Dugway.
To his family, whom he loved so deeply, I am truly sorry for your loss. Mike spoke of his family often and always with such pride, sharing stories and adventures that made it clear just how much you meant to him.
He was the kind of person you meet and immediately realize this world needs more people like him. Genuine, kind, generous with his wisdom, and someone who made a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. It is truly hard to think about him and not hear little voices yelling Mr. Mike as he walked the halls of the CDC.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him as you navigate this tremendous loss. The world lost a great man far too soon.
I’m saddened by the loss of this fine man. I had the honor of coaching Mike in high school, where he was a fierce competitor and a great leader. We lost him way too soon! It is great to read the tributes others have shared. He has impacted so many. To his family, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.