Michael John Mangold
Michael John Mangold was born on January 8, 1971, to his parents Conrad and Linda Mangold, at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. As an infant, he and his parents moved to Colorado where he grew up. They built their home in Hilldale Pines in the foothills near Aspen Park. Mike attended West Jefferson Elementary and West Jefferson Junior High before moving to Lakewood, Colorado, where he attended Alameda Junior High and Alameda Senior High. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and became a “proud Buffalo”. He then went on to attend PTA school in Fort Morgan, Colorado, and later accepted a job at Sunrise Medical. After working for Sunrise Medical, he worked for Covidien/Medtronic until his death.
Michael loved sports, especially football, and was a huge fan of his beloved Denver Broncos and CU Buffs. He also followed all the other Denver sports teams even while living on the east coast. He enjoyed playing fantasy football and would often consult with his sister, his cousin Chuck and friends on his picks. He loved snow skiing, hiking and spending time in the outdoors of Colorado. He also got involved, for a short time, in hot air ballooning and enjoyed the balloon festival in New Mexico. One of the lights of Mike’s life were his two nieces, Morgan and Josie. He would share pictures and stories about them to so many and thoroughly enjoyed being their Uncle Mike. He always looked forward to their video chats and spending time with them when he was in town.
Michael was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, at the end of 2016 and lost his courageous fight on March 14, 2021. At present, there is no cure for this disease, but much research is being done. Anyone who would like to make a donation in Michael’s name may do so at the MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Fund) website, https://themmrf.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/. He is survived by his mother, Linda Mangold, his brother Mark (wife Erin) Mangold, his sister Katie (fiancé Kyle) Mangold, his nieces Morgan and Josie Mangold along with many aunts and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Conrad Mangold, his grandparents Cyrus and Mary Gaustad, step grandmother Marge Gaustad and Charles and Bernice Mangold. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in late spring to honor Michael. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Michael’s sister, Katie, at katherinemangold@yahoo.com.