Michael Toelle

Michael David Toelle (69)  3/19/1953 - 8/24/2022:  Michael, Mike, Pops, Papa Mike, Tio Mike, Big Toe. Born March 19, 1953 to David and Mary Pat Toelle, in Corona CA, oldest of 3 brothers, grew up in the California sun and developed a lifelong love for the ocean, swimming, football (Raiders), and Beach Boys music. 

Mike graduated from Sacramento High, then played football for Cal Poly before turning to a life dedicated to proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force. It was there he met the woman of his dreams and future wife, Elizabeth. They married in 1975 in Santa Fe, NM, and spent their early family life serving together at different Air Force bases around the US and Europe. At some point during this time, Mike dabbled in a cappella music with his friends, and we have a tape recording somewhere to prove it. There would never be a time again that he would listen to an a cappella song on a volume lower than 10.

They started their family in Germany with the birth of their son Bryan, and landing back in Clovis, NM they completed the family with the birth of their daughter Heather.  While raising their family in New Mexico, they developed strong roots. Mike spent his free time reading Steven King books, building things in his workshop, watching people on tv build things in their workshops, and going on family road trips to camp and fish. He was a great storyteller, and you were incredibly lucky to be around the campfire with him on a night he was inspired to spin one.

Mike retired along with Liz after nearly 40 years of service to their country, most of those years spent working together on the same projects. Mike accrued many military accolades and honors throughout his military career in Security Forces. 

They built their dream cabin together, and a peaceful mountain life in the Brazos Canyon after the years of service left Mike with severe PTSD. Thankfully, they discovered the Veterans Wellness & Healing Center in Angel Fire, NM where he found help and healing.

“Papa Mike” loved all his grandkids dearly and wanted nothing more than to be together, traveling regularly to see them. Watching them enjoy the land and mountain life the way he did was a highlight of his life. He helped provide them with many cherished memories together.

In July 2010 Mike gave his heart to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Everyone who knew Mike before this life changing time, saw how his faith changed him so completely. His life became a testimony of God’s Love to all who knew him. He took great joy in his service to the San Jose parish up until his passing. He spent many Sunday’s greeting church goers while his brothers in Christ taught him the “cowboy ways.” Mike was grateful to have developed many deep friendships in his beloved church family.

The joy brought by Mike’s sense of humor and clever wit will be missed. There was always laughter when he was in the conversation. A great example was when his mother-in-law asked him to make her urn.  He spent many loving hours on it.  When it was finished, he proudly presented it to her and told her, “I’ve done my part, now you do yours.” The more he loved you, the more he wanted to make you laugh.

From the first thing in the morning, he was blasting the oldies music while working in his shop. You could also find him honing his golf skills on the Tiger Woods game, or on a putting mat. One of his greatest joys was working his land in Chama.  The other one was ice cream. This man had a sweet tooth that rivaled Willy Wonka.

Mike passed away in the arms of his wife at his home on August 24, 2022, just 75 days after late-stage cancer was discovered in his body. He was surrounded with prayers, great care, and precious loved ones in his last weeks of life.

Mike is survived by his loving and nurturing wife of 47 years, Elizabeth, his son, Bryan, grandson Taylor, his daughter and her husband, Heather and James, grandkids Jade, Liz (Dustin) and Jared, mother-in-law Lucy Trujillo, daughter-in-law Helen and so many brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, godsons, family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at San José Parish in Los Ojos, NM. Rosary at 9:30 am, Mass at 10:30 am with burial following at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 2:00 pm on September 20th 2022.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center in Angel Fire

VW&HCP.O. Box 805Angel Fire, NM 87710

Or online at:  veteranswellnessandhealing.org