Michael William Stever

Michael William Stever, 76, of Penrose, Utah, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025. He was born on April 18, 1949, in Tooele, Utah to Nola and Jim Stever.

Mike was an “Air Force Brat” and loved the time he spent in Germany with his family. Mike graduated from Burkburnett High School in Texas in 1967. It’s “rumored” that as a master of pranks, he managed to drive a mini cooper down the main corridors of the school for the senior class prank. After graduation, he joined the United States Army. During his time in the army, Mike was in Special Forces and a JumpMaster. His military service included two tours of Vietnam and over 20 years in the Utah National Guard and he retired as a Major.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Mike enrolled in Weber State College in Ogden, Utah where he served as a student body officer (VP of Student Activities). He believes his claim to fame was convincing John Denver to come to the college to perform. He studied English and Theater Arts and acted in many college theater productions and wrote for the student newspaper. After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Weber State, he began his lifelong career in public service, including becoming a Police Officer with Ogden PD, a schoolteacher, a volunteer firemen/EMT, and emergency manager. Mike was a pioneer in the Emergency Preparedness Management Field, where he was well known and well respected. Mike was an Emergency Preparedness instructor with the State of Utah and an adjunct instructor for FEMA. Upon retirement, he was inducted into the Utah Emergency Management Association’s Hall of Fame.

Mike met and married Eloise King in 1976. They resided in Ogden, Utah and had four children. They were active at their church and the community. Perhaps one of Mike’s greatest challenges, which later became one of his biggest accomplishments, came in 1993 when he lost his wife to breast cancer and became a single father of four children, ages 5-16. Before anything else, he was a devoted father and emphasized that family shows up and supports one another. He worked to instill core values of integrity, empathy, and to always be a person of honor and he reminded the children often that he is the “Paterfamilias!”

In 2011, Mike married Dorene Schulze—affectionately known as “The Duchess of Penrose”—in a joyful celebration surrounded by family and friends. After years of waiting for the right partner, Mike found his perfect match in Dorene. He not only called her “The Duchess,” but treated her like one every day. With love, devotion, and a touch of grandeur, he made sure she always felt cherished, and together they built a life fit for royalty at their beloved Penrose Manor.

Mike had a keen sense of adventure and enjoyed travelling with Dorene and their family to experience different places and cultures. He enjoyed traveling even more when he could brag about the discount he found online and the tips he learned from Rick Steves.

He loved history and was especially fascinated with the American Civil War and World War II. He was particularly inspired by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain who was instrumental in the ultimate Union victory in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Mike was a natural born storyteller; he loved writing about his life experiences. He loved sharing his stories with his family, who were usually laughing due to his sense of humor and writing abilities. In his early life, he wrote movie reviews for The Standard-Examiner. As a theater major, he loved live theater and well-written and directed movies. His children could never understand his allure of The Three Stooges and Svengoolie.

His favorite superhero was Superman, and he was known to wear a Superman cape at any time and usually had a backup cape. His favorite color was camouflage, and he always packed a camo poncho liner when traveling in case of a pirate attack. Safety first.

Mike was known for his signature “Mike-isms”—witty one-liners that brought a smile to everyone around him. Favorites included: “Stop me if you’ve heard this,” “Now, back to me,” “We’ve trained for this!” and “Give me the Reader’s Digest version.” He often described himself as “borderline excellent” and was “as serious as a heart attack”—usually with a grin. To know Mike was to laugh with him, and his humor will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Dorene Stever, and his four children from late wife Eloise: Emily Stever, Adam (Rebecca) Stever, Susan (Daniel) Pinchbeck, and David Stever. He was a proud grandfather to Heston Johnson and Hayden Stever. He was also blessed with four “bonus” children: Shanon Hayden, Jenny Schulze, Travis (Amy) Schulze, and Meggan (Jonathan) Callister. His life was further enriched by his “bonus” grandchildren: Jacob (Aubrynn) Hayden-Sloat, Trenton (Brooklyn) Hayden, Allee Schulze, Ben Domery, Millie Schulze, and Lynley Schulze.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Nola Stever and wife, Eloise King Stever.

More than anything, his devotion to his family was always his priority. He fought for fairness, principles and causes he believed in. Even in his final days, he insisted that his “Save Ukraine” sweatshirt always be visible to show others his support. Mike was a true patriot who sincerely loved serving his country, his community and standing on principle.

Memorial Services Information:

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Utah Military Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, located at:

Utah Military Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park 17111 South 1700 West Bluffdale, UT 84065

Interment will follow the service at the same location.