Michael Lynn Merket

Michael Lynn Merket, 70, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2022 at his home in Panaca, Nevada. Mike lived a thousand lives in one. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah he was the oldest of five brothers. He had a rambunctious childhood, complete with hopping trains and leading school protests. In the 1970s, Mike lived an exciting bachelor life where he trained as a hairdresser and excelled in martial arts. He received his black belt in Tang Soo Do and won the 1979 Nevada state martial arts competition. He met the love of his life, Glenna Joy Cooper while working as a hairdresser at the Maxim Hotel in Las Vegas. He knew she was his soulmate when he asked what she wanted to do for their first date and she opted to get a hotdog and go bowling. A few short months later, they were married at his parents’ home in December 1982. In 1983, they welcomed their son, Noel and in 1984 they were sealed for all time and eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints St. George Temple. The next year, their first daughter, Danielle, was born and they relocated to Orem, Utah shortly thereafter. At the time, Mike was a successful Associate for Miracle Ear. In 1990, their third child, Vanessa Joy, was born, and the family moved to Cedar City, Utah. Mike started his own Karate studio while concurrently retaining his position at Miracle Ear. Realizing that his work was taking him away from his greatest joy, his family, he went back to school at Southern Utah University to obtain a teaching degree in Mathematics and Computer Science where he graduated in 1995.

Subsequent years would entail teaching jobs across Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Alaska. His greatest strength as a teacher was his unfailing faith in each student. He particularly was drawn to those who reminded him of his younger self and the struggles he faced while in school. He frequently stayed late or came in early to help students. After the graduation of their youngest daughter, Mike and Glenna fulfilled their long-time dream of living in Alaska and moved to Soldotna. They made their home there for almost 10 years, which is the longest they lived anywhere in their married life. In 2009, Mike nearly lost a battle with cancer but after a grueling months-long recovery he went into remission. In 2010, Mike and Glenna became grandparents. Mike adored both of his grandchildren and loved joking with them and telling his famous stories which “used to be true.” Sadly, in 2017, he lost the love of his life and soon after relocated to Panaca, NV to be closer to his family.

Of his favorite hobbies, the first and foremost was watching movies. He was a huge movie buff and probably one of the main reasons Blockbuster held on so long. A running joke amongst friends and family was that if you wanted to see a movie, don’t talk to Mike about it first or you’ll receive a play-by-play recap longer than the movie. A few other of his pastimes were his unwavering support of the Utah Jazz basketball team, his love of playing (and winning) Gin Rummy, and making his infamous pickle rolls for any family gathering.

Mike is survived by his three children, Noel Merket (Audrey Merket), Danielle Merket, and Vanessa Joy Blatchford (Chris Blatchford), his mother, Virginia Merket, and his two grandchildren Cooper and Ellen.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Panaca Ward Chapel. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-9:45 am at the Church. Interment will follow in the Kanarraville, Utah cemetery at 2:30 pm under the direction of Southern Nevada Mortuary. 

Click the lick below to watch live stream of Michael's service.

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