Michael 'Mike' Waldburger Obituary (1946

Michael Thomas Waldburger, 73, of Yakima, Washington, was welcomed to his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, October 16, following a valiant battle with brain cancer. He was lovingly cared for at home by his devoted family until the day of his homegoing. Mike was born on August 31, 1946, in Seattle, Washington, to Max and Reva Waldburger. Born into a navy family, he lived in various places as a child and teen, including Astoria, Oregon; Pensacola, Florida; Kodiac, Alaska; Burbank, California; Sunnyvale, California and Guam. Mikes dad served several tours at NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, where the family purchased a house in 1955 and made Oak Harbor their permanent place of residence. Mike was an athlete in high school, his favorite sport -- baseball. While his family resided on Guam, his Little League team came close to playing in the Little League World Series, but lost its final, qualifying game to Japan. Mike and his dad teamed up, with Dad serving as a coach and cheerleader one of Mikes favorite memories. Mike graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1964. Then it was off to four years of college at, what is now Central Washington University, from where he graduated in 1968 with a B. A. in education. It was there that Nancy Nicholson caught his eye and then his heart. They were married on August 17, 1968, in Yakima. They shared life together for 51 years, during which their love and devotion to one another, to their family and to their God only grew more secure and precious. Following their marriage, Mike and Nancy made their first home in the Lynnwood-Edmonds area, where Mike began his teaching career at Mountlake Terrace Junior High School. In 1976, and two children later, they purchased a bigger home in Mukilteo, where they resided for the next 22 busy years of school for the kids and its many activities, jobs, church ministry, sports events, family gatherings and family adventures. Following Mikes retirement from the public school system in 1999, he and Nancy moved to Yakima, Nancys home town. This was not always a shared desire; but once the move was made, Mike became convinced it was the best decision they had ever made. He loved the more rural feel attained by orchards and farm land, thoroughly enjoyed the weather, especially last winters snow, discovered the beauty of the valley and was very ready for the slower pace of life in contrast with that of the west side. Mike continued to put his teaching skills to use at Riverside Christian School, where he taught both 5th and 6th grade during his 18 years there. Nancy also worked at Riverside for seven years, where they enjoyed sharing a workplace and the camaraderie of a small school community. Mikes teaching career spanned an amazing 48 years. He was passionate about his lifes work and left a lasting impact upon his students. He not only served in a classroom, but also coached football, basketball and baseball. Mike was a member of Ahtanum Pioneer Church, active in ministry and committed to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, ever growing in his faith. He was a fun-loving man with a great sense of humor and always eager to share a good joke. He loved American history, was passionate about his country, fastidiously took care of lawns and gardens and proudly rooted for his favorite sports teams, particularly the Washington Huskies. Mike had a special love for all three of his families his wife, children and grandchildren; his Ahtanum Pioneer Church family; and his Riverside Christian School family. All were recipients of his kindness, gentleness, godliness, faithfulness, thoughtfulness, humor. To know him was to love him. Mike is survived by his wife Nancy, son David (Amie) of Marysville, daughter Jill Colby (Kevin) of Yakima, granddaughters, Allyson and Noelle Colby and Emma Waldburger, grandsons, Tyler Colby and Joshua and Micah Waldburger.. A memorial service celebrating Mikes life will be held at Ahtanum Pioneer Church on Saturday, October 26, 1 pm., followed by a reception and preceded by a private interment. Arrangements are through Brookside Funeral Home. Suggested memorial recipients are Ahtanum Pioneer Church, Riverside Christian School and Memorial Hospice. Mikes family is very grateful to all family and friends for their outpouring of love, prayers and support of all kinds these past months and to God for His unwavering goodness and faithfulness. Celebration of Life Ahtanum Pioneer Church Saturday, October 26, 2019 1:00 PM 8500 Ahtanum Rd Yakima, WA 98903 Followed by a reception.