Michael Gordon Leonhardt

Mike Leonhardt, lovingly known as “Pz,” “Peezy,” or “Parnell” to his friends — but most importantly known as Dad and husband — passed away peacefully in his sleep from a heart attack at his home in Kearns, Utah, on May 12, 2026, at the age of 48.

Mike was born on April 23, 1978, in Murray, Utah, to Gordon and Kathy Leonhardt. He spent his early years in Kearns, where his larger-than-life personality was already on full display. As a kid, Mike and his friends organized backyard wrestling shows, creating flyers and hanging them on doors before performing for anyone who showed up. Even then, he had a gift for bringing people together and making life entertaining.

At the age of 10, Mike moved to West Jordan with his mother and sister, where he built lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life. During his teenage years, he spent time in Idaho with his Uncle David and Aunt Elaine — memories he always reflected on fondly. He loved the chaos, bonding, and even the fighting with his cousins — every minute of it.

Mike’s love for sports was legendary. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Tar Heels, and, of course, the Utah Jazz and, most recently, the Utah Mammoth. His knowledge of sports history was unmatched. If anyone needed to know a stat, a game detail, or some obscure sports fact, they called Mike. He not only knew the answer — he was almost always exactly right.

His love of sports began early. As a young boy, he had his mom drive him downtown to collect autographs, eventually amassing thousands by the time he reached high school. He became well-known among ticket scalpers, collectors, and sports fans alike. His admiration for Michael Jordan was especially well documented, including convincing his mom to buy him a White Sox cap so he could blend in and get close enough for a picture with MJ himself — and he succeeded.

Mike witnessed countless iconic moments in sports history live and in person, including once receiving a pair of Dennis Rodman’s game-worn shoes that had to be returned when the game against the Utah Jazz went into overtime.

At just 18 years old, Mike began working as a parking attendant for Central Parking at Crossroads Mall. What started as a first job became a nearly 30-year career built on loyalty, hard work, and dedication. Through multiple company acquisitions, Mike remained committed to his roots and ultimately served as Senior Parking Operations Manager for the greater Salt Lake area with Metropolis Corp. Throughout his career, he oversaw parking operations for countless major events, including the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

Although Mike and Sara attended high school together and knew of each other mostly in passing, years later they reconnected through mutual online friends and quickly formed a bond that changed both of their lives forever. From their very first dance together in their basement, they both knew they had found a love meant to last.

Early in their relationship, when tragedy struck Sara’s family in Iowa, Mike never hesitated to step fully into the role of partner and father figure. He invited Izaak to stay with him at his home while Sara was away with family, and from that point forward, the bond between them only grew stronger. Though they had not known each other long, their connection was immediate and unshakable, built on a shared love of hip-hop, wrestling, and football.

Within their first year together, their son Payton was born. Of all Mike’s accomplishments and passions, nothing made him prouder than being a father. Being “Dad” was the role he cherished most in life. He made it a point to make memories with Payton and Izaak often. From family vacations, to words of wisdom he left them with that will last throughout their lives.

Mike would want everyone to remember this: If something doesn’t feel right, speak out. Speak up. Use your voice for good. He loved life deeply and lived it to the fullest every single day.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sara Carter; son, Payton Leonhardt; stepson, Izaak Carter; mother, Kathy Leonhardt; sister, Erika Johnson; niece, Hayley Frost (Justin); Uncle David Smith (Elaine); and many beloved cousins on both the Smith and Leonhardt sides of the family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Leonhardt; grandparents, Alvin and Mary Smith; and grandparents, Heinz and Gene Leonhardt. 

The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, stories, and kindness during this difficult time. We feel your love deeply.

An evening viewing will be held Wednesday May 20, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106.

An afternoon viewing will be held Thursday May 21, 2026, from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 2:00 pm.

Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park

There will be a small gathering with light refreshments for immediate family following the burial at Wasatch Lawn. All friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating Mike’s life at 1250 W Winchester St. (6400 S.), where food and drinks will be served for anyone who would like to come, share memories, and celebrate the man so many loved from 4:00–10:00 p.m.

Come as you are to honor Mike!