Michael Dennis Dessert

Michael Dennis Dessert, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children on August 30, 2020.  He fought a courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome until the end.

Mike Dessert was born on October 30, 1943 in Inglewood, CA to William and Catherine Dessert.  He was the second oldest child of fourteen children. Mike’s job growing up was to take care of the babies in the nursery.  He was a master at feeding, changing diapers, nurturing and loving his brothers and sisters.  Mike grew up in Lawndale, CA.  He attended St. Catherine Catholic School where he played football, basketball and softball.  He also was the president of the Chiro Club organizing all the social events. Mike was a 1962 graduate of Lawndale High School. He played varsity football and was the vice president of his class.  After high school, Mike was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and met Sarah Brady.  Everyone but Mike knew she was out of his league.  Somehow Mike convinced Sarah to go on a date.  It wasn’t uncommon seeing them on a date with three or four kids in tow.  In 1966, Mike was drafted into the Army, at which time he decided he better convince Sarah to marry him. Mike and Sarah married June 1, 1966.   A year later they would have their first child, Michael Jr. Mike was sent to Vietnam shortly after.  Once Mike returned from the war, he and Sarah made their home in Lawndale, CA.  Mike worked for AirResearch at night and went to school during the day to earn his Aircraft and PowerPlant Maintenance License. He later owned a service station. While living in CA, they would have two more children, Matthew and Jessica.  In 1974, they decided to take a leap of faith and moved their family to Boise, Idaho.  They bought a tiny farmhouse in Kuna, Idaho. Mike would embrace country living, raising cows, chickens, goats and the meanest rooster around. Mike worked at the Idaho National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. Idaho living also gave them two more children, Gabriel and Timothy.  Eventually, Mike would become an auto mechanic; finishing his career at  FEDEX. Mike and Sarah were committed to raising their children Catholic.  Mike was very passionate about his relationship with Christ and in 1983, he became a Deacon in the Catholic Church.  He was honored to serve his church and community.  He especially loved to perform baptisms. All of Mike’s children attended Bishop Kelly and he was their number one fan. You would often see him at football practice or on the sidelines during the games.  In the gym, his voice would often be heard above all the cheers. Mike also loved to fish and hunt.  His family has great memories of camping, fishing and hunting with him. Mike also had a boat that never seemed to be working, but it was his prized possession.  One of Mike’s greatest accomplishments was being an allstar Grandpa. He loved all his grandchildren and loved being part of their lives.

Mike is survived by Sarah, his wife of 54 years; children Mike Dessert (Jill),  Matt Dessert, Jessica (Josh) Magnuson, Gabe Dessert and Tim Dessert; grandchildren Mikelle, Samantha, Michael, Kim, Ellis, Brenna, Cashel and Cooper; brothers and sisters Judy McQueen, John Dessert, Catherine Dessert,  Louise Inder, Jim Dessert, Tom Dessert, Jane Beltran, Molly Dessert, Jerry Dessert and Ruthie Dessert. He is also survived by a handful of great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and inlaws.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers William Dessert and Paul Dessert and sister Joan Stimfig.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; viewing will be at 10:00 am. The Dessert family would like to thank the Boise Veterans Oncology Department.  Mike received weekly blood infusions for the last two years and they treated him as family.  We would also like to thank Treasure Valley Hospice.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either of these organizations.