Michael Robert Taufen, 62, of Lewiston, passed away on December 25, 2015 after a massive heart attack. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Uniontown Community Cemetery, a pot luck to follow at the community building. The family will greet friends at a visitation on Sunday, January 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kimball Funeral Home in Pullman.

Mike was born on August 24, 1953 in Pullman, Washington to Robert & Margaret (Mertens) Taufen. He grew up in the Uniontown area where his parents farmed and attended Colton High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and served four years before being honorably discharged. After he returned stateside, he met Penny McArthur and the couple married on April 15, 1978. Early in their marriage they lived around eastern Washington including Othello, Richland and Walla Walla before settling down in Lewiston. They later separated.

Mike was a mechanic and truck driver and was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He enjoyed fishing and camping as well as spending time with his family. He was a truly amazing man who put others before himself. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his mother, Margaret Taufen of Spokane; children, Catrina Ritter of Albion; Crystal Taufen of Uniontown; Robert Taufen of Spokane and Caleb Taufen of Lewiston; Caleb's mother Shana and five step-children Noah, Amarea, Shyann, Micah and Rhyan; siblings Mary Taufen-Burcham, Walt Taufen, Cathrine Reisenauer, Otto Taufen and Betsy Shepard, as well as eleven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions in Mike's honor are suggested to the Albion Fire Department or to a charity of choice. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the members of the Albion Fire Department and Pullman Regional Hospital for their prompt, efficient and genuine care rendered on Christmas Day.

Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.