He was born March 6, 1944, in Blair, Nebraska, to Clifford and Elnora (Lauritsen) Taylor, the oldest of three boys. He lived on a farm near Blair until the age of 2 at which time his family moved to a farm northeast of Fremont. He attended country school and graduated from Fremont High School in 1962. After graduation he attended Midland Lutheran College and served in the Army Reserves until 1970. He married Sharon McKinney on March 27, 1965, at First United Methodist Church in Fremont. After their marriage, they moved to a farm south of Nickerson where he farmed his whole life. To this union a son, Todd, and a daughter, Taron, were born.
Mike had a full life. He was a dedicated family man that loved being around family and enjoyed attending his grandkids' activities. Mike was always willing to help anyone with anything and he never met a stranger. His love for farming was very apparent. He took pride in the way his fields were always weed-free and his road ditches were always mowed. He had a passion for bowling, golfing, Husker sports and traveling. He enjoyed traveling the world with his family and exploring new adventures. He was an active member of Fremont First United Methodist Church for 60 years and served on many committees. He served on District #65 school board, was a 4-H leader, and a member of the Fremont FOE.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Todd (Linda) Taylor of Nickerson; daughter, Taron Taylor of Fremont; grandchildren, Matt Taylor, Nicholas Taylor, Nathan Taylor, Kaleb Jorgensen, and Kialynne Jorgensen; brothers, Gordon (Gail) Taylor of Fremont, Wayne (Shirin) Taylor of Omaha; brother-in-law, Don (Judy) McKinney of Louisville; sister-in-law, Judy (Jerry) Nielsen of Fremont; other family, friends, and his beloved dog Buddy. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and parents-in-law.
The funeral will be 9:30am, Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Fremont. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials to the family for future designation.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(20)
Mari Nielsen Hoffer
CLARKS, NE Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Sharon, Todd and Taron I was so saddened to hear of Mike's death. I hope and pray your memories are a true source of comfort to you all.Jacque Battiato
Lincoln, NE Sunday, February 10, 2019 Sharon and family: So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He always seemed to be just a nice guy. I appreciate what he did for Russ. He was kind, honest and a true family man. I know he will be missed by his family but also by the community. A great loss for all.Kathy Taylor
Healdsburg, CA Sunday, February 10, 2019 To Mike Taylor's wife, children and grand-children, So very sorry for your loss. I know the shock of it is still with you. From all the wonderful things that were said about Mike, I know he lived a great life full of family, friends and love. He, I am, sure gave as much love as he got. Mike's 2nd cousin, Kathy.David
Seward, NE Saturday, February 9, 2019 Todd and Linda;I am so sorry to hear this news of your Dad's passing. My memories are of him mowing the ditch on the east side of highway 77 and just always being so proud of the farm and his family. God's blessings to you as you move ahead and reflect on his impact on you and so many others. David and Michelle
Jeannine Moeller
Hooper, NE Thursday, February 7, 2019 We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.Lynn & Jeannine Moeller
Jo Lynn McKinney
Ellsworth, NE Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Aunt sharon and family, I was so very sorry to hear of Uncle Mike's passing, it came as quite a shock. He was one of the Best men I have ever had the opportunity to know. I am comforted as I hope you all are with the knowledge that he is with our beloved father. I hope you will find some peace in knowing how greatly respected and loved he was by all who knew him. Love to all and again I'm so very sorry.Janet A Chubb
Dallas, TX Wednesday, February 6, 2019 I remember Mike mostly as a little boy and he was such a cutie with those big brown eyes. I would go stay with Aunt Elnora to help her out. I don't think I was much help because I always got homesick and had to go home. My sympathies to his wife, children, grandchildren and brothers Gordon and Wayne. Janet Taylor ChubbMary Barrett
Highlands Ranch, CO Wednesday, February 6, 2019 So sad to hear about Mikes passing. I remember him more when we were young cousins at Taylor get togethers. Fun and a nice guy even then. I am so sorry for your loss, Gordy and Wayne, (and his immediate family)...You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May you find solace as family together. Cousin, Mary (Taylor) BarrettMarie E Cameron
Boise, ID Wednesday, February 6, 2019 I was so sorry to hear about cousin Mikes passing. I didn't see him much as I moved away. When I did it was always nice to talk to him Very pleasant My twin sister Mary and I( Taylor Twins) sang at his wedding. When we were younger I had a crush on him!!! Alot of fun times at Taylor Family get togethers My sympathies and prayers for the familyEllen Moeller
Lincoln, NE Wednesday, February 6, 2019 What an exceptional person Mike was. Unpretentious, smart, honest, kind, gentle, genuine, and sincere. The world was a better place because he was here. Never ending love and prayers for those of us left to mourn his absence.Cheryl Hutchinson/Mueller
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Sharon, Gordon and families, I am saddened to learn of Mike's death. May God watch over you and give you strength.Daniel Phifer
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 5, 2019 I am sorry to hear about Mikes death.John and Jolene Schauer
Fremont, NE Monday, February 4, 2019 Sharon, Todd and Linda, Taron, and families,We were so sorry to hear of Mike's death. He was such a kind and gentle man and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was always wearing a smile too. Spring and Fall will hold special memories of when he was working on our farm, yet willing to stop for a cup of coffee, a muffin or piece of coffee cake, and a visit. He certainly was a special man. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
John and Jolene
Kialynne Jorgensen
Fremont, NE Friday, February 1, 2019 My sweet grandpa and best bud,You are the greatest man I have ever known. There are no words that could sum up how thankful I am to call you my grandpa. The world lost some of its shine the moment you left, but I find comfort knowing you are in the arms of Jesus. As I look up at the night sky, I know that you are a bright star graciously shining down. To my dearest family, there is no other people I would want to go through this difficult and tragic life change with. We are so strong and we will prevail because we have such a wonderful guardian angel providing us the strength from above. I am praying every day for our family that we continue to live life to the fullest the way that our beloved grandpa/husband/father/brother always did.
Ed Soll
Tucson, AZ Thursday, January 31, 2019 My deepest sympathies to you Sharon and your family. Mike was a really great high school friend and Voc Ag alumni. I never saw Mike without a grin or big laugh on his face. Remember our trip together to the Worlds Fair in Seattle in 1962 like it was yesterday. So glad I got to see and play golf with him at our 50th class reunion.I moved away from Fremont in 1970, but always remembered him fondly. Ed
Ethelanne Sherman
Fremont, NE Thursday, January 31, 2019 Our thought and prayers go with your family. I graduated with Mike and knew him as a gentle man. I loved talking with him at the bowling alley, too. He was a good man and is now sitting at the right hand of God.Randy Schulz
Missouri, MO Wednesday, January 30, 2019 So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for the whole Family and may God be with you all.Pamela Mulliken
Nickerson, NE Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Todd, Linda, Sharon and grandchildren, we are so so sorry for your loss! He was so kind and warm and always had a smile! Let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family!Jack and Pamela Mulliken
Linda Newman/Mic Becker
, NE Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Words are inadequate. Know you are held in prayer.Judy Anderson
Fremont, NE Wednesday, January 30, 2019 Sharon, Todd, Taron and familiesI just don't know what to say. I'm sorry seems so inadequate. Mike was one of the kindest men anybody has ever known. I just pray that you all will find some comfort in knowing he is safely home in the arms of Jesus. And I pray that God will wrap his arms around all of you and comfort you in the difficult days ahead.