I am so sorry for your loss.  Even though I only knew Mike many years ago, he made a lasting impression.  I knew him from orchestra, debate, and other geeky high school activities we both seemed to like.  He was always particularly smart and funny, and I remember he liked my "Currently Seeking a Country to Rule" pin so much that I eventually gave it to him.  I also remember that he was the perfect tweedy "Narrator" in the school production of Into the Woods.  I'm glad to hear that he went on to have many adventures and to live an extraordinary life, albeit one that was too short.  I am sure his wit and humor will live on in those who loved him.    

From F. Donal O’Brien

Mike and Nicole were our neighbors in the Potter School Condos in Newport, RI when Mike was assigned to the Surface Warfare Officers School. Along with another retired Naval officer here, the three of us had been destroyer sailors at one point or another in our Naval careers, which made for lots of good sea-story-telling. And it gave us the chance to form friendships with Mike and Nicole.

Everything about Mike Gotthold was big. 

He had big appetites. He was passionate about food – its preparation and consumption. He would have been a Michelin-starred chef after the Navy, had he had the chance. We enjoyed adult beverages with him on our building’s patio. (He also liked cigars, but he did that alone on the patio.)

He held big opinions, and was unafraid to express them. His positions were well-thought-out, and he could defend them effectively and with good humor, so even those on the other side of a discussion admired him. Most importantly, he had the courage of his convictions.

What was biggest about Mike was his heart. He had a generosity of spirit that we’re lucky to find a few times in our lives, and Mike had it in full measure. If you needed any help, he was there in an instant. He deeply loved his country, and he loved the Navy.

Most of all, he loved his family. He loved his parents, and he was proud of his extended family. But nothing exceeded his love for Nicole and Liam and Rachel. I remember when Liam was born – Mike and Nicole had left the tiny apartment in the Potter School, but they brought their new baby for us to see. Mike was clearly overjoyed with his new status as a father. And as you look at the family pictures on this website, his excitement with Liam and Rachel shines through like a sun.

Mike was taken from us much too soon, but he left memories of friendship, integrity, and passion that will remain with us forever.


When I met Mike three years ago, he greeted me with a warm smile and a huge hug.  He was a loving soul with a generous heart, infectious laugh,  amazing cooking skills, endless knowledge and unconditional friendship.   

When I asked Mike to share a recipe for pancake mix, not only did Mike copy his favorites but gave me a copy  of his cooking bible, ‘How to Cook Everything.’   Mike would do anything for his friends!

Mike adored his family: A superhero for his kids and a thoughtful husband.  I can still recall his loving speech at Nicole’s 40th surprise party. When I last saw Mike, at his farewell party last September, he gave me huge hug goodbye and warm smile and said he knew that Nicole would take great care of their kids while he was gone, but he hoped that everyone would help her while he was away.  

Nicole, should you need anything, I am here.   My heart is broken for you, Liam and Rachel.  Mike was taken too soon, but he sure left a great impact on this world.  I’m blessed and thankful that I had the opportunity to know him.  

Jennifer Wheeler
  

From the moment we met Mike, we knew we met a man who lived life by taking the bull by the horns, always jumping in with both feet, and doing everything with passion.  He lived larger than life, going for the gusto and believing in the idea of carpe diem - and he would know that the literal translation is “pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the next one.” And he would know that sentiment was first published in 23BC as part of Horace’s Odes. He amazed us with his fountain of knowledge of both mundane and important things across most any subject. Mike was generous with his laughter, his knowledge, his friendship and his love. We cannot think of anyone we have ever had the pleasure to spend time breaking bread with that personified gregariousness more than Mike. His laughter was infectious, and his passion inspiring. He was thoughtful and kind and the type of friend anyone would be lucky to have in life if even for just a few moments. Our time was too short, but our memories and his lasting impression will loom large, like the presence Mike had in any room. We already miss him dearly, but take joy in knowing he is already firing up the BBQ and teaching knife skills in heaven above.

Nicole, Liam and Rachel - we are so sorry for your loss. We know what Mike meant to you, but we also know that you are a family filled with strong hearts and good souls and that the spirit of Mike will live on in each of you. Always know you are welcome in our home at anytime and we will remain connected with you in mind and spirit even from a distance. You are cherished friends and we wish you all the best in health, happiness and joy in the years ahead.

With love,
Jill, Ted, Lachlan and Luca Jansen

Mike, the kind heart, with his 1000 watt smile,  infectious laugh and boundless enthusiasm. The guy in the room who took the biggest,  bite out of life.  As a food nut, I thoroughly enjoyed taking big bites with him,  Thanksgiving, Euromarket, my time with him was all about the food.  And Mike was all  about the meat,  his BBQ skills  are stuff legends are made of.  What a wealth of knowledge, and so generous with it. I will never forget his smoked Thanksgiving Turkey. Divine. God  Bless Mike, may he be ensconced in a giant Bbq kitchen in sky. God bless Nicole, Liam and Rachel, Mikes birth family and Nicoles. Our thoughts and prayers are with all. ❤️

I have so many wonderful memories of Mike. Being Nicole’s best friend gave me a front row seat to their love for each other and their family. A few of my favorite memories are:

(1) Mike’s 30th surprise birthday party- Since Mike’s birthday was around NYE, Nicole decided to combine the 2. Mike secretly told me he knew there was a party, but for me not to tell Nicole he knew. His friend took him out for the day and Nicole and I spent the day cleaning. I was so mad at Mike because I knew he knew about the party and yet he left dirty dishes and take out containers out. When Mike arrived back at the apartment and walked into his surprise party he was genuinely surprised. While he knew there was a party he got the location wrong. We laughed for years over the mess we had to clean to get ready for the party. 

(2) Wedding in Norfolk- Mike had hats made for all of his family and Nicole’s family from the USS Mitscher. Each hat had something embroidered on the back; mom, dad, brother. He ended up surprising me with a hat as well and had sidekick embroidered on the back. He wanted me to know he considered me family. Mike had a way of making everyone feel special and this hat certainly did that for me.

(3) Nicole’s 40th Birthday- Mike contacted me and told me that for Nicole’s birthday he wanted to buy me a ticket to come surprise Nicole. Since they were living in the Netherlands it was a larger challenge to coordinate  and keep it a secret. He enlisted the help of Kim to figure out the details. Kim and I flew to the Netherlands, all while keeping this secret. Mike picked us up from the airport so happy Nicole had no idea we were there. He walked into his house like he would any other day after work while Kim and I both hid behind bushes waiting for the signal to knock. She was shocked and Mike was excited to have surprised her. It was the last time I saw Mike and one of the most memorable experiences of my life. 

I love and miss you. 

It's the night of a world class cocktail party at your place in Schoorl. It's after 2am and nearly everyone has left. I cycle Claire home and return to a great big smile, hug, and a glass of your favourite whiskey. Just the two of us left. Discussing everything and nothing, laughing, enjoying each other's company. 

That shared moment marked the start of a great friendship. We shared many loves: the expat life in the Bergen area, fine food and wine, whiskey, poker, hosting and socialising, and much more. 

Wonderfully generous and caring, you leave a great big hole in the hearts of many. Thankfully, I have fond memories that I will cherish forever: our great conversation, your excellent story telling, shared laughs at poker nights with the guys, your genuine appreciation of our cooking when dining at our place ... but most of all, your great big bear hugs. 
Nicole, we are here for you, Liam, and Rachel - always. 

With our deepest sympathy from our hearts.  We will always remember Mike as the bubbly happy person with a zest for life.  Love always! 


Dear Nicole, Liam, and Rachel,
We are so deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news of Mike’s passing. Ever since I got the message, I have been struggling to think what to share that could possibly do justice to Mike’s incredible soul.  

I met Mike in the Netherlands several years ago because Rachel was in a gymnastics class together with my daughter. I heard him speaking English  and started a conversation and was immediately drawn to his friendly, engaging, and genuine personality. He introduced me to Nicole (and the rest of the family) and we felt welcomed from the very first moment and have been continually grateful for their warm hearts, generous spirit, and ability to make anyone feel like a lifelong friend.  

Mike was an amazing person who will be missed but never forgotten. Our hearts and prayers go out to the rest of the family during this unimaginably difficult time. 

Sending love from NL,
Leigh & Roelof

Dear Nicole, Liam, Rachel and family,  
The incredibly sad news of Mike’s passing away hit us hard and left us heartbroken for you and the kids. There just aren’t enough words to express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Mike was such an amazing and generous man, a great storyteller, amazing cook, and never hesitated to let his friends know how proud he was of having you as his beautiful wife and children. We will cherish the memories of all those wonderful moments spent together, such as your 40th birthday surprise party (he was so excited and nervous about it!) and several New Year’s eves. Mike and you are in our thoughts every day ❤️.

Dear Nicole, Liam and Rachel,

Your family and energy is a pillar of the school community here in Bergen and, even though we’ve only been here for a short time, we are so grateful to have known Mike… and to have been blessed with tasting his exceptional barbeque cooking! Like so many others have said, we will always remember his friendly smile and good humour. We share a love of good food and I have a fond memory of bumping into Mike at the market, both of us experiencing a moment of panic when our ‘go-to’ quiche stall wasn’t there and Mike had to anxiously radio back to Nicole to seek further directives about brunch. 
His passing is an incomprehensible loss and you are in our thoughts daily. 

With love from Bergen,

Emily, Will, Cici and Elise Drury

I am very saddened to hear this news. I grew up with Mike in Wenatchee knowing him as "David's little brother." I lost track of him after high school and my service in the United States Marine Corps as an armor officer. I am tremendously proud of and grateful for his service. My deepest condolences to Dr. Gotthold, Julie, and David. Semper Fidelis.

Larry and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Mike, and our hearts reach out to his wonderful parents.  Mike was a member of our Short Shakespeareans drama Troupe in his younger years. I particularly remember him as a delightful Caliban and, also, a charming romantic lead. He came back to see a performance in Wenatchee many years later.  He laughed heartily and applauded the young actors.  We are so proud of what he accomplished in his life.  We will forever remember his marvelous laugh and bright smile. Love to his family at this time.

Rest in peace. A small memory left behind here in Schoorl.

I know Mike as the soldier with the believes in the job that we shared! When the Gotthold family first joined the ESB community, Mike and I talked about Navy stuff when we happen to bump into each other; nothing serious mostly and to me that was Mike.... An open and happy face and always a friendly word; The Nice Guy!
 The last time I saw him was during sports day in nursery where I saw him pulling a blanket with 7 or 8 nursery children on it. The sight of the big guy being the draft horse for a bunch of cheering little people  cracked me up and I that pops in my head every time I think of him.

My thoughts and prays are with you, dear Nicole, Liam and Rachel.

Dear Nicole,

What a devastating news I've heard  two weeks ago. I didn't know your husband personally, only from seeing him walking around in our school. By seeing all these messages here, I'm guessing he must have been the loveliest guy, husband and father ever. I want to wish you all the best for a future without him  and I hope that you, Rachel and your son will learn to cope with this big lost.

All the best,

Frederiek (European school Nursery NL)

Mike was a most welcomed addition to the Team at the Lejeune Leadership Institute, where he worked. He was a professional; always ready and willing to help in any capacity. No meeting was complete without him and his insight was most valuable to us. He always had a smile and a story to tell us as to his weekend adventures. He will be greatly missed and the entire Gotthold family is in our thoughts and prayers every day. 

Mike you are such a dear friend. Mike you were always welcoming, kind, caring, hospitable, generous and loving. You were always there with a 'Mike man hug',  no matter how you were feeling or what situation you were in. During our short friendship, Mike, we shared some fantastic times. Our long weekend in London in 2019 , will regrettably now be only a memory and not a benchmark for all the future trips we were going to have in each others company. I feel so privileged to have these memories and they will remain with me forever. They won't be memories of what we saw or the landmarks we visited, just memories of the simple and special things we did together,  sharing a pint (or six!),  exchanging views and opinions,  learning the history of England (from an American!) getting to know each other better; and most importantly growing our friendship. 
I will miss you terribly Mike. Of course, I remember what you asked me to do and you can rest in peace, knowing that I intend to do my absolute best to honour that commitment. Take care Big Man - save a stool for me!

A 10T memory of a 3T

Yes, there you are: Tongs, Thongs (or flip-flops as some say) and a T-towel over the shoulder. A great big smile and a hug to boot. A memory etched never to fade.

Your excitement and my appreciation for your culinary skills never dampened – even when I announced I was vegetarian. Our themed fancy dress dinner was a ball and you took to your role like a duck to water! What a giggle – and all with no alcohol as you were full on KETO. You opened your Thanksgiving celebrations to my in-laws in my absence and touched yet more hearts with your bona fide generosity and hospitality. You may have shied away from the photo camera my friend but so many memories have been captured in our minds and in our hearts.

Nicole you have always inspired me since the day we met and no more so than now: your family values, your love for your children and forever selfless (no need for translation there). We love YOU x.

Liam you are a very clever young man; follow your heart, follow your dreams and reach for the stars. Opportunities await you.

Rachel keep on smiling and making everyone laugh with your curiosity, reflections and questions– you are the best and we love that of you.

Mike`s passing has left so much heartache, but his love left memories no-one can steal. 

We love you all. We are here, whenever, however. 

I'm still heartbroken of the news of Mike's passing.  Nicole, Liam, Rachel, David, Bill, and Julie, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.  I fondly cherish my memories with each of you and Mike, although fewer with Nicole and the kids, I'm so blessed that I had the opportunity to meet you a couple of years ago in SoCal.  My memories of Mike as a teenager, fishing, water skiing, and swimming at Lake Almanor as well as those in Wenatchee tubing down the river and of course....fishing, have helped me with some of my life choices and decisions even in current times.  Thank you for sharing him with all of us who will definitely miss his big personality and easy laugh.  God speed cousin.  

Dear Nicole, Liam, Rachel, and family,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your loved one, Mike.
I served with Mike at the NLMARFOR Maritime Battle Staff, and will remember him as a great friend.

Your sincerely,
Frank Ramakers

Dear Nicole, Liam and Rachel. Ever since I met Mike which was only a few years back here in Bergen, I recognised the spirit of wanting to take care of others through food, laughter and gatherings. For me it started when he tasted my home brew beer and casually mentioned hist first beer brewing was at the age of 16. Ever since we met each other regularly over food, drinks and poker. And most of all, the desire to learn as he knew a lot about history, the world and always eager to learn more. I will miss him and think about him everyday right now. Huub

Dear family,

What a tragedy! I served with Mike during his time at NLMARFOR and we had many laughs and fun. The deep sound he made was memorable. I whish him fair winds and following sees in this last journey and my thoughts are with his family.



We enjoyed a fun evening of St. Patrick's Day celebrations with Mike, Nicole and friends. Mike was friendly, kind, smart and funny and is a huge loss to the community of the European School and his adoring family. 

We remember his delicious pulled pork and the incredible birthday cake he baked Rachel for her 6th birthday. No doubt that he was a man of many talents, willing to do whatever it took to support those around him.

Our thoughts and love will continue to be with Nicole, Liam and Rachel. 



We're so sorry and devastated! The Groseclose family loved Mike, and we have many great memories of him and growing up together with the Gottholds in Wenatchee. You are in my prayers!

I am still in shock and disbelief that Mike is no longer with us. He was an important figure in my life always. Thinking of Mike makes me smile. I will remember fondly the late night dance parties,  his love of good wine bourbon,  his passion for food, and most importantly his love for his family and friends. I feel honored to have been a part of his life. 

I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mike's family.  He was a dear friend in college.  He was a great story teller and had a kind and generous heart.  He was a man that I feel lucky to have known.  I will remember his warmth and humor.  He was a great support to me when my father passed away.   I am truly sorry for your loss.  

Nicole,first of all my condoleance with the lost off Mike. All the strenght and support for you and your family. Hope to see you soon whenever your back home in Bergen. 

Growing up together with Mike in Wenatchee was a blessing. I will always remember him for his kind heart,  huge smile, unmistakable laugh and passion.

My most sincere condolences to all in family,

Francisco Ardila

The world has lost a truly good guy. Mike was a dedicated family man and always had a kind word to say. Everyone who knew him will be able to cherish wonderful memories. 

Our memories of Mike are still so vivid - endless encounter at the ESB, warm and friendly smile at the parties, laughters at the dinner table in our house ... the best of all are his hugs and sincere greetings. All these will live inside us forever, and Mike will live with us forever. We will offer everything we could to support Nicole, Liam and little Rachel, wherever they live. 

Love from the North Holland,
Lin, Giustino, Domenico and Valentina MANNA

This memory is extremely old but when Rachel was a baby and he had to pick up for the first time by his self at the daycare center. We pretty much just had him stand there with Rachel and we gathered everything. He was smiling and playing with Rachel who was not letting him go for anything.  Seeing the bond they had was so heartwarming. He will be missed.

I remember Mike’s wonderful, loving speech he held for Nicole at her 40th surprise birthday party in their house a couple of years ago. It was so full of his love to her and he expressed how grateful he was for his lovely family.

At the Euromarkt event in school, he was really enjoying being behind the BBQ and talking to everybody from all corners of the world. Always with joyful eyes and a cheerful comment - when we were cleaning up afterwards and we were all exhausted after a long day, he kept the spirit up.

Last time I saw Mike was outside the school, where we talked about a parent event coming up. He regretted that he couldn’t be there – he was leaving for his duty in the U.S. I wished him a good journey and stay in the States – and told him that I would keep an eye on Nicole and the kids - and we hugged. 
I will of course keep my promise.


I didn't really know Mike well, except for his general happy demeanor and passion for life. A few things stick out; his pulled pork and dedication to his family.  
Family is lasting and Liam and Rachel shine in Mike's absence but he will never be far.
To Mike, we were blessed to have been a part of your journey. Thank you. 

When I think of Mike I think of a huge smile and wide open arms welcoming us to his home. Mike and Nicole were our first new friends when we moved to the Arrowood community in Southern California. They had a fantastic backyard overlooking a beautiful valley, and as others have posted, I remember Mike as an amazing host. I always noticed, that no matter how many people were around, you always felt like a special guest.  His love for his family and enjoyment of life just emanated from him. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. 

Mike would always great me with a smile,hug,and ask if i wanted a coffee ask how I doing and always listen to me no matter what I treasured memory of Mike was when his lighted up looking at Nicole dressed in lycra as superman he was so proud that she was his . Sweet dreams Mike the HERO xxxx

Dear Mike,
I can’t believe you are gone. I loved seeing you around town biking with Nicole and the kids. My good memories of you are at your parties at your house - you were always the best host. I remember when you first moved here, before you guys got to know everyone and became so popular, you shared with me your ideas of opening a sports bar or an American dinner- all just small seeds of ideas of what to do in Europe after retirement. Either way- both of you were certain you wanted to create something here. 
Also a lot of laughter during the Euromarkt festival- our American table was a hit, and your pulled pork chicken recipe is always brought up when the kids and I eat mediocre versions of it. “Gosh mom remember Mike’s pulled pork, this is no match, I can’t wait till Euro market again this year.” 
We will miss your kindness Mike, your humor, and your stories (always so many stories 😀). 
Rest In Peace, and we will do our best to take care of Nicole and kids in any way. 
Love,
Rosa

Dearest family and friends, 

The news of Mike his death was so bizar that it was hard to believe and take in.  
The words about him in the obituary are so spot on of how we got to know him. 
I will never ever forget the meat he created, to me he did not prepare or made food, but he truly created it, for Huub his 50ties bday party. I just could not stop eating the amazing delicious beef & pulled pork. I found out he worked on it for days.... it was obvious..... I will also never forget the yummie moscow mules he prepped.... 
But most of all.... we shall miss his super kindness, he was so amazingly easy to like, never with judgment and always with a smile, a joke a kind word.... A unique person has left earth to ‘celebrate after life’.... 
We wish everybody close around Mike lots of  courage and strength to find a way to fill the gap he left in so many people their hearts. I hope, one day ... he awaits us in the afterlife with an amazing moscow mule and even ‘amazinger’ food to celebrate.... 
Warmest regards, 💛 
Hed & Isabeau 

Mike and I met and became friends in college. I have many funny memories from gatherings and fraternity functions... but my favorites are memories of him taking extra time to check in on me in our senior year. My boyfriend, now husband, graduated a semester early and joined the Navy and at the time that seemed a heavy blow (ah, to be 22).  Mike made time to hang out with me, specifically to make sure I was hanging in there :) I’ll never forget.  
We were so happy to reconnect with Mike and Nicole years later in Virginia.  We spent a memorable New Years in Norfolk with them and our sons became friends.  It was a joy to see him so happy with Nicole and his kids.

OBITUARY

Michael John Gotthold

January 3, 1975 – June 9, 2020

Waring-Sullivan Cherry Place Funeral & Cremation Service

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