Michael Kirby Denney

Michael Kirby Denney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 1, 1946, in Murray, Utah. Mike was the son of Elaine ‘Ras’ Rasmussen and Hudson John Denney. Throughout his life, he touched the hearts of everyone that was lucky enough to meet him, with his generosity, kindness, and wisdom. He will be remembered for always doing his best to take care of those around him.

Mike met his sweetheart, Loraine Wilcken, while in high school and fell head over heels in love. Mike and Loraine were married on February 5, 1965, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Mike was smitten and always made sure Loraine knew how much he loved her. He often expressed his love with the phrase “You are Safe in my Heart.”

Throughout his professional career, Mike was a member of the Heat and Frost insulators local 69 and worked all around the U.S. He was also co-owner of Denney-Moe construction.

Mike was a devoted father to his six children: Sherese, Janae, Erin, Justin, Kameron, and Karson. He taught his children about cars, finances, and sports, while he supported them in their education, careers, and talents. His children will always remember him for his love of carrot cake, waking up to his favorite songs on Saturday mornings and how he would remind them to “turn off the lights,” “not sit on the table,” and to shut the door because “we aren’t paying to cool (or heat) the outside.” Mike was an incredible father figure to many beyond his immediate family, always willing to help, teach, and offer advice.

Mike was a wonderful grandpa/bapa to his 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He made each of them feel special when he would spend time with them at baseball games and dance recitals. His grandchildren will treasure the memories of helping him with projects and looking through his coin collection with them.

Mike was known for his love of books, coin collecting, construction projects, and cars. He found joy in sharing a book that was meaningful to him with a neighbor or family member. He was a good friend and was always mindful of others' needs.

Mike was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a devoted servant of the Lord. His faith was reflected in his mission at temple square with Loraine and his service at the temple. Being a temple worker brought him so much joy and purpose in recent years. Mike sought to live the teachings of Jesus Christ by serving and caring for others as his testimony and example influenced many lives. While his earthly journey has come to an end, his influence and memory will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loraine Wilcken Denney; his parents, Elaine ‘Ras’ Rasmussen and Hudson John Denney; his daughter, Sherese Jessee; and siblings Gary Denney and Sandra Ressler. He is survived by his sister, Pamela Black; his five living children, Janae (Kendell) Holmstead, Erin (Bill) Branham, Justin (Brandie), Kameron (Nicolette), and Karson (Betsy); 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Mike was a steady presence within his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of hard work will live on through his family and the many people whose lives he touched.

Funeral Services

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 552 E 11400 S, Draper, UT 84020. Viewings will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S 700 E, Draper, UT 84020, as well as prior to the funeral services from 10:00am to 10:45am. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Mike’s memory to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world. Donate at https://imaginationlibrary.com

The funeral service will be streamed live at:
https://evt.live/michael-denney

Condolences may be offered on this website in the Guestbook below.