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Michael Phillip Thatcher

Michael Phillip Thatcher obituary, Cortez, CO

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Ertel Funeral Home

42 N Market St

Cortez, Colorado

Michael Thatcher Obituary

Cortez, CO-Michael Phillip Thatcher left this world on October 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with lung cancer and its complications. True to his nature, he departed with his perfectly manicured gravel and lawn in place, heading for greener pastures.

Born on December 22, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Michael attended Granite High School, where he met Denise, the mother of his children Tiffaney and Steven. Later in life, he was blessed with another daughter, Valerie, with Becky. In his later years, wearing his best partially unbuttoned Hawaii Five-O shirt, Michael met his wife, Norma, of 24 years.

Michael dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to Meadow Gold Dairy. His long-standing career was a testament to his values-loyalty, perseverance, and integrity. He was not just a milkman, he was legendairy!

He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, gardening, traveling, and indulging in sweets. In his later years, he relocated to Cortez, Colorado, where he discovered happiness and formed amazing friendships. Michael was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and friend. He was known for his quick wit and signature corny dad jokes that brought smiles to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Serell and Valerie [Goose]); his brother Steven; and his sister Janet.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife Norma; his children Tiffaney (Kirk), Valerie (Patrick), and Steven (Cassie); five grandchildren-Caden (Cora), Hailey, Abi (Gabe), Jayla, and Alexander; two step-grandchildren-Destinee and Jake (Natalie); his sisters Susan and Jill; and brother Mark.

His children extend their deepest gratitude to Michael's wife, Norma, whose unwavering care brought comfort and joy to Michael throughout his final days.

The family also wishes to thank the entire medical community for their compassion and dedication-your work is truly heroic.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held at a future date.

We lost you too soon, and we were not ready. But as you would say, "That's life." Fly high, Dad.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal on Oct. 16, 2025.

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Funeral services provided by:

Ertel Funeral Home

42 N Market St, Cortez, CO 81321

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