Michael Raymond Vanatta

Michael Raymond Vanatta, age 78, of Longmont, Colorado entered into rest on Friday, January 10, 2025. He passed at Longmont United Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side.

Mike or "V" as he was affectionately called, was born October 19th, 1946 in Longmont, CO to Edgar and Genevieve (Behnke) Vanatta.

He grew up in Hygiene, CO which held many happy memories. He enjoyed helping his Grandad Clay Vanatta with his gas station Vanatta Service. He worked tirelessly helping his Grandma Gladys with her flower garden and huge yard. He was an amazing gardener.

Mike went to Hygiene School and graduated from Longmont High School in 1964.

After high school he enlisted in the Air Force. He followed enlistment with a tour in Vietnam during the war. He was proud to be an American. Mike followed in his father Ed's footsteps and was a past commander of the American Legion John Harold Buckley Post 32. He made sure his children knew how to raise, lower and fold the American flag properly and proudly.

He attended University of Colorado and Maryland University where he graduated.

After graduation he worked at Rocky Flats and Denver Health as the Senior Salary Compensation Analyst until retirement.

He enjoyed carpentry and was very skilled, if you thought of it he could build it. When he wasn't working on a carpentry project he traveled to not only Vietnam but also across the United States as well as Australia, Switzerland and England. He enjoyed traveling as much as possible.

On February 2, 1990 he met his life long partner Carmella Murray and her daughter Lacy. A year later on February 2nd, 1991 Mike and Carmella got married at Peaceful Valley Chapel. Together they had 3 more children, Emily, Sara, Michael. He was always proud of his 4 children he beamed with pride when bragging about all 4 of them.

He was a family man always enjoying time with them. He was a loving husband and father. He was a quiet guy until it came to a good prank where his humor really shined!

He is survived by his wife of 33 years Carmella. His children Lacy Cleaver (Charles), Emily Vanatta (fiance Tommy), Sara Vanatta, and Michael Vanatta.

Grandchildren Adam and Alex Cleaver. His sisters Michele Soule (Gary), Pat Manwell (Charley) and nieces and nephews Gretchen, Greg, Reagan, Chris, and Alison. Cousins Walt Vanatta, Roger Vanatta.

He is also survived by his lifelong friend John Hanson, Ron Montoya, and mother in law Janis Rieks. He leaves behind his faithful dog Chloe.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Clay and Gladys Vanatta, Joseph and Sara Behnke, parents Edgar and Genevieve Vanatta and Vera Rubendall.

A Celebration of Michael's Life will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Howe Mortuary & Crematory, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. A reception will follow the service at the American Legion Post 32 located at 315 South Bowen Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501.

Services in care of Howe Mortuary of Longmont.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with Michael's family.