Michael W. Shurtleff

Michael Wilcock Shurtleff, 66, of Columbia, South Carolina, returned to his heavenly home on May 19, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Provo, Utah, on May 24, 1956, the son of James Leonard and Sandra Wilcock Shurtleff. Mike grew up in Sandy, Utah, the oldest of four brothers. He graduated from Brighton High School and received his bachelor and masters degrees from Brigham Young University. After one year of college, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines from 1975-1977. He was sealed to his eternal companion, Catherine Biesinger, on June 23, 1978, in the Salt Lake Temple, and they were blessed with five daughters and two sons. During college, Mike began his love of teaching the gospel as an instructor at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. He then started his 35-year career as a seminary teacher and later an institute coordinator, moving his family from Murray Utah, to Pensacola, Florida, and then to Columbia, SC. He loved the youth and young adults, enjoying his work with high school students, students with special needs, and college students. Mike had the unique ability to help people recognize their personal worth, and many of his students attribute life-changing moments of faith to his care and counseling. Music was always an important part of Mike’s life. In his teen years, he played the accordion, banjo, guitar, and jews harp in several groups and bands. Music continued to be the heart of the Shurtleff home, from songs around the piano to church choirs to a family jug band. Having gained a love of reading from his own grandmother, he was also an avid reader, loving all genres of literature and especially the scriptures. When he wasn’t reading, he was often found in the kitchen, creating memories while cooking with his children. After retirement, he found a new love in woodworking and spent many hours making gifts for his family. Yet, all of his interests and hobbies pale in comparison to his love of the gospel and his service to God, church, and community. Mike held many different callings, including serving as a bishop, a scout leader, a high counselor, a member of the stake presidency, and as the stake president of the West Columbia, South Carolina Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his final days, he served in a calling he’d always wanted - in Primary as a teacher and music leader. Mike is survived by his sweetheart, Catherine Shurtleff; his seven children: Rachael (Jason) Ross, Rebecca (Chris) Fuller, Michael (Beth) Shurtleff, Tabitha (Donnie) Mills, Elizabeth (Jason) Dawson, Josh (DeAnna) Shurtleff, and Sarah (Cruz) Mata; his 21 grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way; his mother, Sandra Shurtleff; his brothers: Mark and Mindy Shurtleff, Keith and Nina Shurtleff, Kevin, Jane Loftus and Barbara (deceased) Shurtleff; and his sister-in-law M’Liss Shurtleff. Mike was preceded in death by his father, James Leonard Shurtleff. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 7449 Broad River Rd, Irmo, SC 29063. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1330 Whippoorwill Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169. In memory of his dedicated service to the Lord, the family asks for contributions made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund in lieu of flowers.