Grand Marshals Mike & Rhonda Vanchiere

Mike Vanchiere & Rhonda (Rupp) Vanchiere met at Ricks College in the summer of 1972. They started dating in September and knew after a few dates that there was something very serious and special between them. They continued dating until the summer of 1974 when Mike went on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Fukuoka, Japan.

They were married in October 1976 in the Salt Lake Temple and moved to Louisiana — Mike’s home — for two years, where Mike finished his undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University. They were blessed with their first baby while at LSU.

After Mike graduated from LSU, the family moved to Orem. It was much closer to Idaho, Rhonda’s home state! Mike earned his master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University. They were blessed with five more beautiful children in Orem. They have three girls and three boys. They now have 24 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren that have filled their lives with so much joy.

After graduating from BYU, Mike took a job with Provo City in the economic development department. He worked there for about five years before he was hired by a private development company that packaged SBA 504 loans, now called Mountain West Small Business Finance. He worked there until he retired at the end of 2019. He loved his work there. While working there, he was asked to be a national trainer for NADCO (the trade association for Certified Development Companies).

He was considered an expert in his field and a favorite trainer across the country. He was famous for his funny one-liners, his southern boy charm and his keen sense of humor.

Mike served his community and his church in various capacities. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club, chairman of the Boys & Girls Club and president of the chamber of commerce as well as part of many other organizations and boards. His latest community service was in Lindon City. Mike served on the planning commission, as a city council member, and as a member of the Waste Management Board.

Mike passed away last October due to complications related to a 4-wheeling accident. He loved the Lord. His favorite thing was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being a missionary. But, most of all, he loved and served his growing family and his wife. He was so proud of them.

Rhonda attended two years of college at Ricks College and then worked at a bank in northern Idaho while Mike was serving his mission. After they married, she worked at LSU and managed apartments. As the children started coming, she wanted to spend her time as a mother, wife, and homemaker, which she was able to do. She was the president of the Wives of Public Administration Students for two years and loved that.

Rhonda has served in the Church of Jesus Christ in various positions throughout her whole life. She loved working as president of the Primary twice and serving in presidencies working with the Young Women of the church. She served her community as a voting judge and a delegate to the State Republican Convention. She loves to keep up on politics. While her kids were growing up, she served in PTA as president at both Windsor Elementary School and Timpanogos High School and as council president of the PTA for Orem City. For years, she worked part-time as a receptionist in Mike’s office at Mountain West Small Business Finance. She loved the people she worked with, especially her husband, Mike!

Mike and Rhonda are known for their hospitality and ability to make anyone feel welcome in their home at any time. Their home has been fondly referred to by friends and family as “Hotel Vanchiere,” and they wouldn’t have it any other way.