Michael “Mike” Richard Bruchs

Michael Richard (“Mike”) Bruchs of Parker, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, after spending his final day surrounded by his loved ones following a courageous and long-fought battle with cancer.

Michael Richard Bruchs was born on January 2, 1957, the second child of Richard James Bruchs and Dwan Merilyn Stoeckmann, in Huron, South Dakota. His family moved from South Dakota to Illinois and Indiana before settling in Fairborn, Ohio, when he was in middle school in 1967. In Fairborn, he made lifelong friends and graduated from Fairborn-Baker High School in 1975. Always looking for adventure, Mike began working as a travel agent in Dayton, Ohio, where he was able to fulfill a childhood dream of visiting Hawai’i. That trip sparked a lifelong love of travel.

In 1978, Mike began a 35-year career as a customer service and ramp agent with United Airlines in Dayton, Ohio. His career took him to San Francisco and Monterey, California, before he moved to Denver, Colorado in 1983.

While working at Stapleton Airport, Mike met his future wife, Amy Goodyear, in 1985. He was her on-the-job trainer and always reminded everyone that she asked him out. Mike and Amy transferred to Colorado Springs Airport in 1986, where they worked together for 20 years. Mike then later transferred back to Denver, this time to DIA, to finish out his career with United. After over four decades together, Mike and Amy remained each other’s greatest companions. They built a life centered around their family, shared adventures, and countless memories.

After marrying in 1987, Mike and Amy settled in Monument, Colorado, where they raised their three children, Austyn, Bradley, and Madison. Mike shared his love of travel with his children, and through his flight benefits with United, he was able to travel all over the world with his family, visiting dozens of countries and logging close to a million miles. He especially loved traveling with his dad. Most of all, Mike loved traveling to visit family in Ohio, Minnesota, and Germany.

Towards the end of his career with United, Mike started a home inspection business serving the Douglas County, Colorado. He inspected thousands of homes and especially enjoyed helping first-time homeowners and building lasting relationships with his clients. He continued the business until retiring in 2023.

In addition to traveling, Mike loved being outdoors. He was a skier and runner for most of his life, but what he loved most was spending time with his family. He was an active and involved father, volunteering in his kids’ classes, serving as a Boy Scout leader, and bringing the kids to dance, theater, and sports practices. He rarely missed a recital, camping trip, play, or game.

With the arrival of his grandchildren, Mike was busier than ever. He rarely missed an event and spent countless days at the pool, building Legos, and playing any and every imaginary game. Mike and Amy moved to Parker in 2019 to be closer to their grandchildren, and he cherished every opportunity to be part of their lives.

Whenever you asked Mike how he was doing, his answer was always, “Better than good.” It was more than a phrase; it captured the optimism, humor, and gratitude with which he approached life. Mike had a big presence, an infectious positivity, and an extraordinary ability to make the people around him feel loved. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Mike is survived by Amy, his loving wife of 38 years; his three children, Austyn (Ben) Jenkins of Arvada, Bradley (Julie) Bruchs of Castle Rock, and Madison (Adam) Gibson of Centennial; his five siblings, Greg Bruchs of Dayton, Ohio; Pat (Saundra) Bruchs of Brookville, Ohio; Kelly Saatzer of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Kerry (Paul) Backes of Avon, Minnesota; and Cori (Tony) Foos of Fremont, Ohio; his nine grandchildren; his father-in-law, Tom Goodyear of Denver; his brothers-in-law Paul Goodyear of Centennial, and Drew (Sara) Goodyear of Castle Rock; 18 nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Kaley and Piper.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Deborah Bruchs; his stepfather, Ken Weiss; and his mother-in-law, Nancy Goodyear, who always treated him like a son. He is also preceded in death by his beloved sisters-in-law Mary Beth Bruchs and Karen Goodyear.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday September 12, 2026 at 12:30pm at Wellspring Church located at 3885 S Broadway, Englewood, Colorado 80113. Family and friends are invited to come together to honor and remember Mike, share cherished stories and memories, and celebrate the life he lived and the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Joe’s Home in Cincinnati, Ohio host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form, which has been the home of his beloved nephew, John Patrick Bruchs, for the past 36 years.