Michael Kenneth Schutte

Surrounded by family, Michael Kenneth Schutte passed peacefully to his heavenly home on May 21, 2026, in Windsor, Colorado. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, coach, mentor, and faithful servant of Christ, Mike lived a life marked by purpose, generosity, leadership, and a deep love for others.

Mike was born on September 20, 1941, in Greybull, Wyoming, to Arthur and Idell Schutte, the third of nine children. From an early age, he displayed the determination, discipline, and character that would define his life. He graduated as valedictorian of Greybull High School in 1959, where he excelled as a four-sport athlete, earning all-state honors in football, track, and baseball, all-conference honors in basketball, was a member of the National Honor Society, attended Boys State, and set his high school discus record that still stands today.

Mike attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship, playing running back and defensive back for the Cowboys. As a starting halfback and safety on the 1961 team, he helped lead Wyoming to one of the finest seasons in school history, finishing with a single loss and a No. 17 national ranking. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in business and accounting.

His greatest life decision came even before graduation when, in December 1962, he married the love of his life, Karen Wamhoff. They loved to dance and often cleared the floor while swinging to their song “In the Mood” and other era favorites. Mike often said Karen was “the wind beneath his wings,” and together they shared 64 years of marriage, raising four sons, building careers, traveling, and enjoying family.

Mike’s professional life was defined by vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and servant leadership. After beginning his career in accounting and sales, he joined Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie in 1971 as National Admissions Director. He became president and sole owner of WyoTech in 1978, transforming it into one of the nation’s premier automotive and diesel technical training institutions, impacting thousands of lives. In 1986, he was named Wyoming Businessman of the Year and sold WyoTech to Macmillan Publishing. Although he retired to San Diego, “retirement” never slowed his passion for mentoring, leadership, and community service.

Mike invested deeply in young people through coaching. He coached youth baseball for seventeen years, leading the 1978 Laramie Little League All-Stars to a Wyoming State Championship and a memorable regional appearance in San Bernardino, California. He founded the Laramie Vigilantes Senior Babe Ruth program, winning two state titles. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to youth athletics, he was named Wyoming’s Volunteer Amateur Coach of the Year by the U.S. Baseball Federation in 1987.

Throughout his life, Mike served in numerous leadership roles. He served as president of the Laramie Chamber of Commerce, the Laramie Quarterback Club, and Laramie Youth Baseball; was a founding member of the Cowboy Joe Club, the University of Wyoming’s athletic booster organization; and later served as a University of Wyoming Trustee. His devotion to his alma mater earned him both the University of Wyoming Distinguished Alumni Award and the Cowboy Joe Club’s White Hat Award in 1989.

His love for Wyoming athletics continued throughout retirement. As a charter member and president of the Wyoming Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, he helped grow the chapter into the nation’s largest. He received the National Football Foundation’s Western Regional Leadership Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Even later in life, Mike continued to build and mentor. In 2010, alongside one of his sons and a business partner, he launched Green CO2 Systems in Fort Collins, Colorado, an innovative company focused on sustainability and exceptional service that continues to grow nationally.

Yet for all of Mike’s accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family and his faith in Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord deeply and faithfully served in the churches he and Karen attended throughout their lives. He was also actively involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Northern Colorado, encouraging young athletes to pursue both excellence and faith.

Mike treasured his family above all else. He was endlessly proud of Karen—not only as a devoted wife and mother, but also as an accomplished interior designer and author. He delighted in attending her book signings and celebrating her accomplishments. His love, encouragement, humor, wisdom, and unwavering faith shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Mike is survived by Karen, his beloved wife of 64 years; his four sons, Mark, Todd (Julie), Brett, and Erick; ten cherished grandchildren—Nadia, Michael, Ian, Morgan, Jacob, Tanner, Colin, Christopher, Josie, and Kaleb; and four great-grandchildren, Weiland, Beau, Sawyer, and Maxx.

He is also survived by his siblings: Diana Dowling, Julia Cheatham Graham, Kay Bryan (S.J.), Peter Schutte (Barbara), Christina Miller (Wayne), Angie Schutte, and Tim Schutte (Janeen), along with beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former students, players, and colleagues whose lives he touched deeply.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Idell Schutte; his sister, Patsy; and other beloved family members who welcomed him into eternity.

The Schutte family extends heartfelt gratitude to Pathways Hospice and the compassionate staff at Columbine Commons Health and Rehab for their exceptional care and kindness during Mike’s final years.

Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a private inurnment at Resthaven Memory Gardens the following day. If you are unable to attend the service in person, we invite you to watch it by going directly to https://live.redeemerconnect.com/ In recognition of Mike’s lifelong devotion to the University of Wyoming, a Celebration of Life will also be held in Laramie this fall, with details to be announced at a later date.

In honor of Mike’s lifelong commitment to mentoring young people in faith and athletics, memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes – Northern Colorado. Those wishing to further honor Mike’s legacy may also contribute to the Karen and Mike Schutte College of Business Scholarship Fund at the University of Wyoming. Established in 1986, the scholarship reflects Mike’s belief that higher education can transform lives, just as his University of Wyoming education helped launch a lifetime of entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. Through its endowment, the scholarship will continue in perpetuity, providing educational opportunities for promising students with financial need for generations to come.

Donations to the scholarship fund may be made at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/81785/donations/.

The Schutte family is grateful for your support in continuing Mike’s legacy of faith, education, and service.

Mike lived fully, loved deeply, led faithfully, and finished well. His life was a testament to the goodness of God, the strength of family, and the power of investing in others. While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the assurance that he is home with his Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”