Michael Lee Gouker

Michael Lee Gouker (Mike) passed away peacefully in his home on December 19, surrounded by his family, after a courageous five-year battle with prostate cancer. Born on November 21, 1952, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Delbert and Betty Gouker, Mike was the second of four children. At the age of 11, his family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, when his father began working at the Nevada Test Site.

Mike graduated from Western High School, where he began to cultivate his strong work ethic. At the age of 12, he started delivering newspapers and he never stopped working hard throughout his life. While working at a pie shop owned by his future wife Cherie Hatch’s uncle, he met Cherie, and the two married in 1974. They welcomed five children into their lives: Chrystee, Stacey, Jessica, and twins Mike and Joe.

Mike began his professional career in the electrical trade, completing an apprenticeship and working for ACME Electric. He later spent time working at the Nevada Test Site before co-founding Fast Trac Electric. In 2001, Mike sold his half of the business and founded Mammoth Underground, the same year he and Cherie divorced. Over the last decade, he pursued various entrepreneurial ventures, often holding meetings over lunch at Archi’s with his many friends.

Known for his boundless energy, Mike was always busy with a project—right up until his final days, with the sound of tractors working on his latest yard project surrounding him. His dedication to work was matched only by his love for his family.

In 2005, Mike began the career he cherished most: being “Papa Vegas” to his 11 biological grandchildren and the countless “adopted” grandkids who called him Papa. To Mike, every child was family, and he made everyone feel loved and important. He shared the role of grandparent with his significant other, Diana Burney, who stood by his side for many years.

When he wasn’t working, Mike was living life to the fullest. He loved skiing, scuba diving, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and boating. These activities were only made better because of the time he spent with his family and friends while doing them. One of his life’s ambitions came true when he purchased a boat in Alaska, where he spent his final summer fishing with his family off Kuiu Island in the Inside Passage.

Mike was the heart of every gathering. His quick wit, endless jokes, and teasing nature endeared him to all. He had a talent for turning any occasion into a party, and he was happiest when surrounded by the lively chaos of his large and loving family. Mike had many friends and “buddies” that were always involved in whatever work or play scheme he had.

Mike is survived by his siblings Dan (Rita), Scott, and Kathy Bergman; his children Chrystee (Nathan) Hill, Stacey (Andy) Peterson, Jessica (Ryan) Mahoney, Mike (Joanie), and Joe; and his grandchildren: Caitie, Sondra, Nila, TJ, Dylan, Chas, Quinn, Vandal, Aubrie, Della, and Zepplin. Mike was the foundation of his family, a father figure not only to his own children but to countless others. His love, guidance, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is also survived by the many “adopted” children and family members he held dear: Kelcie Macdonald, Kody Gray, Cahl (Marcella) Gouker, Tara Pulaski (Chris Jones), Luis (Nayeli) Diaz, Olivero (Erindera) Mares, and all of their children; Frank, Luis, Brianna, Carolina, Tristan, Jasen, Hunter, Brinley, Mia, Laila, Braxton, and Harley.

The Gouker family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Your visits, kind words, prayers, and generosity have meant the world to us as we mourn and celebrate Mike’s extraordinary life.

A visitation for Michael will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Palm Mortuary - Northwest, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131. A committal service will occur Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery, 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131.