Obituary: Michael Scott Kernodle

Michael Scott Kernodle "Coach K" A noble Viking warrior lost his final battle when Michael Scott Kernodle passed away on March 18, 2007. Mike was born in Chicago on December 27, 1954. He had many cherished childhood memories of time spent on the family farm in Indiana. At Western High School in Las Vegas he played soccer and football. A big, strong, athletic man, he played football as a lineman for four years at SUU, graduating with honors in 1975. He was proud to be in the "Coaching Factory Hall of Fame". During his college years he became a member of the LDS church, which was always a source of comfort and strength. With a passion for knowledge, Mike became an exceptional teacher and coach for 30 years, 25 of those at East High School. He loved teaching world history and was an award winning soccer coach. He had the gift of encouraging students to be their best. He was recently named the Regional Soccer Coach of the Year. With a career full of wins and awards, he said his greatest achievements were the men and women his students became. Mike wrote that his goal in life was to be a good man, father, teacher, coach, friend, and husband. He will be remembered as a man who reached all his goals. The mountains are where Mike felt most at home. Although he was an avid sports fan and wrote beautifully, fishing was his favorite pastime. Mike was blessed with two great loves. He married Deanna Forsyth (later divorced). On July 17, 2001, Mike married his soul mate, Becky Middleton. They lovingly joined families. In 2003 they had a son, Sam, who closed the family circle. His infant son, Daniel, preceded Mike in death in 1991. Michael Kernodle will be missed by those he leaves behind: his wife, Becky; his children, Nicole, Joey, Dallon, Dana, Scott, and Sam; his parents Lela and Richard Kernodle; his sisters, Mary Olsen, her son David; Lisa Mead, her daughter Melissa; a brother Ken (Julie) Kernodle and their daughter Katie; mother-in-law Mary Clark; many extended family, friends and students will also miss Mike, but for now he needs to take Daniel fishing. The funeral will be Friday, March 23 at 11 a.m. at the Winder Stake Center, 4366 S. 1500 E. Family and friends may also pay their respects at the Winder Stake Center on Thursday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. and prior to the services from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.holbrookmortuary.com The family expresses special thanks to Dr. Gordon Smith, the University of Utah Liver Transplant Team and all the nurses for their tender care. Mike himself became an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the "Coach K Scholarship Fund", to support outstanding soccer students at East High School, c/o Bank of Utah, Attention: Roger Tidwell, 711 South State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Funeral Directors: Holbrook Mortuary.