Michael James Linnens

Graveside services for Michael James Linnens will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Summit Ridge Cemetery with Chaplain Marvin Graves officiating.  

Visitation will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 at Ertel Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  

We would like to invite family and friends to join us at Dolores Community Center immediately following the graveside services, where food will be provided. 

Michael was born July 18, 1965 in Cortez, CO, the son of James Onslow and LaVaughn Claire (Bunce) Linnens. He passed away Friday, February 07, 2025 in Cortez, CO at the age of 59.  

Growing up, his family called him Mikey. Into adulthood, we all knew him as Mike, although he preferred going by Michael more recently. 

Michael grew up working on the family homestead, Mule Shoe Ranch, with his 7 siblings. Michael attended Dolores High School and was known to cruise Main Street with his friends. 

Michael started work at age 16 at Mountain Gravel. He received his certification in diesel mechanics from VoTech. He worked for over 40 years in this position. Mountain Gravel became Four Corners Material, and he worked his way up to management, where he oversaw 4 different shops at the same time. Michael was a darn good mechanic; he could even diagnose a problem over the phone! He went to work at Lonestar Truck Group in Farmington, NM. His work took him to many states, where he was able to explore and spend time with family. His work even took him to Peru one time!

Michael admired the San Juan Mountains and enjoyed spending time outdoors, including camping, hunting, water skiing at Lake Havasu, off-roading with sand rail and 4-wheelers, snowmobiling, and archery (even having entered competitions). Michael did many of these activities with his parents, siblings, nephews, nieces, and children. 

Michael was an enthusiastic Nascar fan, specifically of Dale Earnhardt Jr., and he attended many races in person with his brother, John, and his brother-in-law, Bill. Michael loved to cook and was pretty good at it, too!

Family meant the world to Michael, and he meant the world to them. He enjoyed any opportunity to spend time with his family; he was always eager to hear about his loved ones’ adventures and accomplishments while offering unconditional support. 

He had many close coworkers and friends whose company he enjoyed throughout his life. Michael knew what a blessing it was to have a community of folks that loved him. 

Michael is survived by his children, Ryan Roelker (Jessica) of Cortez, CO and Megann Linnens of Cortez, CO, by his grandchildren, Lylah Roelker and Zaidynn Linnens of Cortez, CO, and by his siblings, Martha Anchando of Cortez, CO, Lois Davis (Russ) of Ouray, CO, John Linnens of Cortez, CO, Rob Linnens (Dana) of Trenton, FL, Amy Taylor of Colorado Springs, CO, and Linda Wade (Bill) of Dolores, CO. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ken Davis of Ouray, CO, Keith Davis (Bethany) of Pleasant View, CO, Matthias Taylor (Merissa) of Colorado Springs, CO, Andre Anchando of Grand Junction, CO, Wyatt Wade (Cheyenne) of Franklin, NC, and Nichelle Taylor (James) of Eugene, OR, and by his grand nieces and nephews, Shay Davis, Gavin Davis, Cordelia Taylor, Taelynn Davis, Paige Davis, and a grandniece on the way (Miss Wade). 

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, James and LaVaughn, 2 infant siblings, brother George and sister Deborah, and brother Phillip Linnens. 

Michael was a very caring and loving person, known for his kind heart and generous spirit. He often helped his family and friends in times of need. Throughout his life, he faced many challenges, including struggling with his mental health, which led to alcohol dependence. Michael was not alone in his fight. He had a supportive and loving family that wanted the best for him in life. He would want to share for anyone who may be fighting similar battles, that you are not weak for struggling; you are strong for continuing to fight. He would want others to know they do not need to fight alone, and there are resources available to receive help, including local organizations or calling 988 for immediate support.