Michael Leroy Deden

Born on July 11, 1957, in Nebraska to Evelee Ellen Ellsworth and Oliver William Deden, Mike's early years were filled with bike rides, mischief, and fun times with the McKnight and Thomas families. A spirited and stubborn child, school wasn't always his favorite and he often gave the principal a run for his money. His teenage years led him to Aunt Betty’s farm in Nebraska, where he learned how to drive, farm, and build character (per his dad’s request) along with muscles. It was also there he began building skills for his future. With the support from his father and family, he became a master of many traits including roofing and barn-building.

Despite a lifelong admiration for redheads, fate had other plans and in his senior year of high school, he met the love of his life at a Halloween party. Judy, a sophomore who was brunette was introduced by Uncle Tim and the rest was history. They married on August 6, 1977 and began their life together.

Mike and Judy raised four children: Penny, Jenny, Jason, and Jonathan. He poured his heart into being a father, always making sure his kids felt equally loved. Whether it was monster truck shows, motocross races, circus trips, or explorations to Cripple Creek and Cave of the Winds, Mike made memories that would last generations. A simple comment from Jonathan about parmesan cheese being “fart cheese” became a family staple.

His passion for life extended to his prized vehicles—his '65 Mustang and especially his '73 Jeep, which he later gifted to Jason. He worked long hours, but always found time for four-wheeling with his brother-in-law Tim. Naturally, Mike claimed his Jeep outperformed all others in the mud.

Mike's entrepreneurial spirit came to life when he began selling fireworks, eventually opening his own stand. Hard work was never something he shied away from, and he made sure to include his whole family in the adventure, turning that hard work into memories. After each season of running the firework stand, he treated the family to getaways—camping trips, cabin stays, mountain adventures, and more, always with party tunes and plenty of Mountain Dew. He would event tap the bottom of the can to make sure he got every last drop and always kept Reese’s nearby.

Christmas was a treasured holiday and he proudly stepped into the role of Santa Claus alongside daughter Jenny. This was another special tradition passed down from his own parents.

Mike was stubborn, spirited, and full of heart. The infamous unbuilt 10x12 shed stands as a lighthearted testament to his determination and perhaps the equal stubbornness he shared with his family.

On his 60th birthday, Mike celebrated in true style with a hippie-themed bash, beaming with pride at the turnout, tie-dye, wigs, and groovy fun. There was no shortage of laughs with Mike around. Mike loved concerts in the park, Sunday dinners, and late-night games of Phase 10 with Judy, Jonathan, JoJo, Lilly, and Miles. Everyone who visited got a warm hug and a kiss—always a “smack on the lips.”

As his family continued to create memories, they began welcoming grandchildren. First Allan then Andrew, Shania, Aelissa, Jarred, Ashley, Jaxon, Jayden and Vivinna. He loved his kids, but grandkids were something special. Then, his love continued to grow as great grandbabies joined the family. First Lillyanna then Gracelyn, Colton, Hudson, Raelyn and soon to be another baby boy and girl.

He had a special bond with his loyal pup Skidmark (though some say it was Jayden’s or Jonathan’s and sometimes Penny’s - honestly there is a shared custody schedule).

He loved teaching the grandkids how to catch crawdads and race them. He also loved taking them to Lowes build a grow events. He dreamed of taking them all on an RV trip, and though his health made that difficult, the love and time he shared with them meant everything.

In his final days, even in hospice, his humor remained—he jokingly requested a redheaded nurse. While that wasn’t possible, he was cared for by an incredible team who helped fulfill one last wish: to be transported to the funeral home to see his grandson Andrew, who unexpectedly passed away on June 14th. He was able to see Andrew on June 19th and he went to bed knowing that Andrew would be waiting for him in heaven with open arms.

Mike leaves behind a legacy of deep love, unforgettable memories and a family that will carry his stories, traditions, and laughter forward.

He is survived by his wife; Judy Deden, his four children; Penny, Jenny, Jason, and Jonathan, his 8 grandchildren; Allan, Shania, Aelissa, Jarred, Ashley, Jaxon, Jayden and Vivinna, his great-grandchildren; Lillyanna, Gracelyn, Colton, Hudson, Raelyn and soon to be another baby boy and girl, his siblings; Janice, Steve and Dennis and many extended family members and friends.

Mike rests in peace with his grandson and smoking partner Andrew, his brother, John, and his parents; Evelee and Oliver.