Michael William Josse

Michael (Mike) William Josse, 80, died at home on April 17, 2023, after a brief, yet courageous, battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born June 21, 1942, in Culver City, CA to Charles and Barbara (Hunt) Josse. 

Mike married his sweetheart, Virginia Dorothy Lopez, on August 21, 1964, and they were later sealed for eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Los Angeles Temple on April 2, 1966. Together they had 7 amazing children who loved them both very much. 

He served as a police officer for most of his adult life. He also worked as a bus driver, a farmer, a travel agent, at a ski resort, a campground host at Fish Lake, and at Bryce Canyon. The impression he left was unforgettable. He was once approached years later by someone he had arrested who thanked him for being so kind and respectful. His time as a campground host and working at Bryce Canyon brought him so much joy as he got to meet, and talk to, people from around the world. He very rarely met a person with whom he could not have a lengthy conversation.

Before their final move to Provo, Mike loved to serve in the Manti Temple with Virginia. Once they lived in Provo, they were thrilled to be able to volunteer in the Provo Temple and at the Missionary Training Center together.

Mike had an adventurous spirit and often combined that with his love to connect with people, especially his family. Many of the family memories are of backpacking, camping, snow skiing, water skiing, exploring roads that no other person would be brave enough to drive, and so on. He was never content to just sit on the sidelines and watch life move by him. He was also smart and talented. He could fix anything. He would replace engines in cars, build additions on his houses, do electrical work, or anything else, if he had a book to guide him.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Virginia. He is survived by his children David (April) Josse, Denise Josse, Deanna (Billy) Steelman, Dennis (Robin) Josse, Dale (Ruth) Josse, Donna (Josh) Nolan, and Dana (Josh) Sorensen; 28 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

We want to thank the team at Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Hematology Clinic, the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Infusion Center, and Symbii Home Health and Hospice for the great care and love they provided for the last several months.

The family will be holding a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, they request blood and/or platelet donations made to the American Red Cross in Mike’s honor.