Mike Van Woerkom lived a BIG life. Standing at an impressive 6’9” tall, he had huge bear paws for hands that could often be found holding the tiniest of babies or multiple littles in his big lap. He had a big ol’ smile that only got bigger as he either teased someone for “being so short” or pranked his closest family and friends. Mike had a big laugh that accompanied that grin and was as easy to pick out of a crowd as he was. It goes without saying that with Mike gone from this world and onto the next, he has left a big hole in our hearts.

Michael John Van Woerkom, 52, made our world a whole lot smaller with his sudden passing. Mike suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm on April 13, 2026.

A celebration of life was held April 18, at the Old Moorcroft Gym.

He was born in Colby, Kansas, on Dec. 15, 1973, to Roland and Sammilee (McCrady) Van Woerkom. He was the brother of Jewel, Jacque, Dana and Max. No matter the birth order, Mike was always the “bigger” brother! If you see family photos, it is easy to pick out who the “big teddy bear” was! It is quite possible the last time he got to stand in front of a family photo was when he was just a youngster!

After growing up in Gillette, Mike spent most of his adult life living and working in northeast Wyoming. He spent most of his time in Campbell and Crook counties working in some capacity in the oil field. In years past, he owned and operated his own company, and for the last decade, Mike worked for Firesteel Well Service in Moorcroft. Mike’s knowledge was invaluable to anyone he worked for and with. Many young men, and women, learned a lot about working, and living life, from a man known for his integrity, work ethic and loyalty.

In May 2002, Mike made a big decision to marry the love of his life, Jessica. It is highly contended that he really didn’t know what he was in store for, but they had a love for each other that is truly admired.

In recent years, Jessica and Mike began to travel the world, and they would often include other friends and family on their adventures. Whether it was traveling, fishing or hunting, Mike lived for the outdoors.

Mike took great pride in being “Coach Mike” to many kids during his tenure as a softball coach for the Gillette Blue Jays. He had the honor of being Coach and Dad to daughter, Jordyn. As you can imagine, Mike left a big, lasting and positive impression on many youth over the years! To this day, the kids he coached and mentored still refer to him as Coach Mike!

Whether you knew him as Big Mike, Coach Mike, Uncle Monkey, Dad, or just Mike, you already know how much he loved helping others. What you may not know is what a big impact he had on others upon his passing. Unlike his very big presence on earth, Mike became part of a very, very small population when he left us for the eternities. Mike checked the box to be an organ donor on his drivers license and he became one of the ONE PERCENT of people that give the ultimate gift of living on in others. One organ donor can help up to 75 other people go on to live longer and fuller lives when they pass. Mike gave the ultimate gift as his last act of generosity, which is no surprise to those of us who knew him!

Mike is survived by his wife, Jessica; his daughters, Destinie Layten of Douglas, Jordyn Alleman of Lusk, and Sammilee Van Woerkom of Green River. He is also survived by his brother, Max (Connie); sister, Jacque Schutt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike has been reunited with his parents, Roland and Sammilee; his older brother, Dana; and sister, Jewel.

While we will miss him terribly, we rejoice knowing they must be having one big celebration being together again.

If you would like to make a contribution for expenses, a memorial account has been set up at Highmark Federal Credit Union or by calling 307-696-6032.

Mike’s family wishes to extend a very special thank you to his employer, Firesteel Well Service, for all they have done in this incredibly difficult time.