Mike Lander was born in Roseburg, Oregon, to parents John and Helen Lander. He was raised on the family farm in Roberts Creek with his sister Janet and his brother Jack. He lived the majority of his years there, and there was nowhere he would rather be. He loved to farm.

Mike graduated from Roseburg High School in 1963. While in high school, he was active in Future Farmers of America, taking part in many activities, holding chapter offices, and raising cattle. Most importantly, while in high school, he received a Valo-Gram from a pretty girl, and the rest became history. Mike married Sherrie Simmons on Dec. 19, 1964. They celebrated 60 years of marriage

After high school, Mike attended Oregon State University for two years. He then went to work in plywood mills for several years. Mike and Sherrie were blessed with three fantastic children: Jodi, Steven, and Kimberly, who in turn blessed them with grandchildren, who also in turn blessed them with great-grandchildren. Mike loved his family and took great pride in supporting them in their sports, hobbies, and life endeavors. He was always eager to hear about what they were doing and their plans for the future.

On Dec. 6, 1970, Mike was born again when he received Jesus as his Savior at the Green Community Missionary Church. This decision inspired him to go to Bible College. In 1972, the family left for Mt. View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta. Mike graduated with honors three years later and received a degree in Pastoral Ministries.

In 1977, the family moved to Birch Bay, Washington, and Mike pastored his first church. While living there, he started a kids wrestling club, the Blaine Barracudas. This was the beginning of over 45 years of family memories built around the sport of wrestling.

The family moved back home to Roseburg in 1984. Mike worked at Champion International and then, in 1990, returned to preaching. Mike faithfully served at the Mid Valley Missionary Church for 35 years.

After moving back to Roseburg, Mike started Colliding Rivers Mat Club in Glide. He went on to coach wrestling at JoLane Middle School for many years. Those years held many treasured memories for him and were the start of some very valued lifelong friendships.

Mike also spent many years working at Associated Buyers. He appreciated that job very much. He became interested in coins, enjoyed talking with customers, got to work with his granddaughters, caused his share of mischief, and made good memories with people he came to love. Special thanks to Dave and Kristy for always watching out for him, (even if you couldn't keep him off the ladders) for all the support you gave him, and all the fun memories you made with him through the years.

Dad had a goal of preaching at least one sermon at age 80. He met that goal on Dec. 1, 2025, when he preached, and over 100 loved friends and family came to surprise him and celebrate his birthday. He preached his last sermon on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Dad also had a lifelong goal of eternity in Heaven, he achieved that goal on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Dad was loyal. He was faithful. He was compassionate. He loved deeply and knew lives could be changed by loving people. He taught us to love God. He taught us the value of hard work and to never take the easy road, or the most direct road. A lot of surprises and great memories can be found on a "shortcut". He taught us to set goals, to attempt to win each day, and to influence for the good. He loved farming, growing grapes and flowers, memorizing scripture, reading, sharing good food with people he loved, sports, practical jokes, and laughter. We are blessed to have had him in our lives, and many are better because of him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sherrie, and his children, Jodi and Selmar Hutchins, Steve and Heidi Lander, and Kim and Mike Root. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Courtney, Clint and Eleanor Von Linsowe, Selmar and Hannah Hutchins, Austin Hutchins, Carson, Rhett and Harper Hutchins, Tyler Lander, Brooke Lander, Hezekiah Shelton, Bradley, Paige and Hank Lander, Ryan Root, Jeremy and Adaline Root, Erin, Lee, Melanie and Grayson Snyder, Nakota, Logan and Hailey Root.

We look forward to celebrating Mike's life, laughing together, and sharing treasured memories at Mid Valley Church, August 23, 2025.