Michael D. Wyatt

MICHAEL D. WYATT, 71, of Grant, NE, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021, at Centennial Park in North Platte, NE.

Mike was born October 18, 1949, at Sutherland, Nebraska, to Floyd "Dean" and Lorna (Miller) Wyatt. When he was young, the family moved to a rural area which is modern-day Thornton, CO. He graduated from Mapleton High School in 1967 as a leader in his class in many regards. He furthered his education at NJC in Sterling and was poised to enter CSU to further his education in Agricultural Sciences when he was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam. Mike served in the 101st Airborne Division, the light infantry division that came to be known as the Screaming Eagles. By the time Mike's tour was complete, he had been awarded a multitude of service medals, including three Bronze Stars with valor, which is among the highest of awards given for combat bravery. He subsequently spent time at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs as an instructor.

Following Mike's discharge, he returned to the Denver area, where he began learning the electrical trade as an apprentice. A few years later, he would move to Grant, Nebraska, where he married Tonia Martens on March 13, 1977. Their union was blessed with three sons, Jacob, Jared, and John.

Mike had an entrepreneurial spirit and always sprang toward his visions. Mike had been a partner in the Nutrena Feed Mill, owned a service station, worked as a manager and grain merchandiser for the Grant Coop, farmed in both agriculture and aquaculture, and consulted in both conventional and organic agriculture.

As Mike aged, he began to suffer from the effects of kidney failure, which necessitated dialysis and an eventual kidney transplant, among many other things. Despite how his health came to be diminished, Mike's spirit remained strong. He developed wonderful relationships with his boys and deeply loved his grandchildren. He had an ornery streak and appreciated having a good time and sharing those moments with friends and family. Seventy-one years doesn't seem to be quite enough, but the years he was given were marked with purpose and uncommon valor.

Survivors include Mike's wife, Tonia Wyatt of Grant; sons, Jacob (Daphne) Wyatt of Ogallala, Jared (Amanda "Gerty") Wyatt of Spearfish, SD, John (Ann) Wyatt of Centennial, CO; 7 grandchildren, Blake, Joslyn, Ana, Aiden, Josh, Karlie, and Rex; his parents, Floyd "Dean" (Lorna) Wyatt of Skiatook, OK; 2 siblings, Nancy (Michael ) Wilcox of Skiatook, OK, David (Denise) Wyatt of Evans, GA; nieces, Michelle Beckes, Diana Gandy and Amanda (Adam) Cooney; nephew, Matthew (Veronica) Wyatt; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Mike's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 10:30 am at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Bush as Celebrant. Interment with military honors will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Thursday, from 1 pm until 4 pm, at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. The Rosary will be recited at 7 pm at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant is in charge of arrangements.