Michael Leavitt

Michael S. Leavitt, 44, of Idaho Falls, Idaho died October 10, 2016. Mike was born to LaDeana and LeRoy Leavitt in Pocatello, Idaho, on January 19, 1972. He attended school in Idaho Falls, graduating from Bonneville High School in 1990, and then going on to graduate from ISU with a degree in drafting. Mike worked for CTA Architects & Engineers from 1998 to the time of his death. In 1995, Mike married the love of his life, Krista Marie Johannsen. Together, they had two beautiful children: Hunter Michael Leavitt (9-11-1998) and Mikayla Marie Leavitt (12-15-2006). Mike had a deep and abiding love for the outdoors. Camping, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling were among his passions. He spent hours on the lake in his float tube and shared this passion with family and friends. He never missed an opportunity to take his children, his niece, or his nephews out to the water. Never saying anything negative about anyone, it was easy to see that he was a good soul. Everyone he met was a friend with whom he easily shared his infectious smile and corny jokes (he never failed to laugh at his own jokes, despite what we told him). Beyond that, Mike stood as a testament to what a father and husband should be. He was an enduring and always present part of his family's life. When his son decided to start playing ALL the sports, (soccer, baseball, football, hockey) Mike not only supported and celebrated him, he learned to play these sports so that he could help coach. Every bump and bruise on his body was a reminder of how much he loved his son. When his daughter, Mikayla, was born with spina bifida, he went all in to insure his daughter achieved all her dreams. More than that, he became a champion for children with disabilities in our community. He campaigned for and started the Sled Hockey program for special needs children in Idaho Falls because his little girl wanted to skate like her older brother. During summers, he was involved with Field of Angels, a special needs baseball league. His children had no bigger fan than their father. He urged them to do their best, whether in school, sports, or just being a kind and decent soul. When he wasn't actively doing these amazing things, Mike also showed his love through cooking. His favorite dishes included pork barbacoa and chicken scaloppini. His adventures in cooking were not always successful, but you could always taste the love. Well... the love and the garlic, his two favorite ingredients. Funny, smart, loving. Father, son, husband, friend. So many words to describe this man we were so blessed to have in our lives. But they all fall infinitely short of the impact he had on us. Our hearts ache with this loss, broken over him leaving us far, far too soon. We ask for your heartfelt prayers as we remember this wonderful man and mourn his sudden and untimely passing. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Krista; his son, Hunter; his daughter, Mikayla; his parents, Leroy and LaDeana; and his brother, Jerry. A funeral mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Holy Rosary Church, 905 South Lee Avenue. Rosary services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, with a visitation following until 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. There will be a reception following internment at Christ the King, 1690 East 17th Street.

Funeral Mass will be held