Michael Breneman Wirthlin, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away September 2, 2025, at the age of 56. Michael had just returned home from his regular run at Sugarhouse Park when he suffered a massive and completely unexpected heart attack.

Michael was born August 12, 1969, in Whittier, California. He graduated from Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, and received both a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Architectural Restoration from the University of Utah.

Michael was a gifted artist who expressed his talents beautifully in all aspects of his life including paintings, drawings, architecture and home design. He brought beauty and class to the world around him and enriched the lives of all who knew and loved him. Michael spent much of his professional life restoring historic homes in the greater Salt Lake City area.

Michael was an avid and lifetime learner. When a subject caught his interest, he was relentless in researching and absorbing every detail and fact. His knowledge of art and architecture was extensive. He could walk down any European street and point out and expound upon the smallest detail. He could spend hours and hours in museums and places of worship and would enthusiastically share the historic and artistic significance of many of the items on display.

Michael is survived by his mother, Jeralie Wirthlin and siblings Mary Ann (Douglas) Grant, J. Mark (Allison) Wirthlin, Carolyn Wirthlin (Verl Hovey), Jill Wirthlin Tyrrell and John (Ellice) Wirthlin.

Michael is interred at the Salt Lake City Cemetery next to his family who preceded him in death: His father, Richard B. Wirthlin, his brother, Richard L. (Joni) Wirthlin, and his sister, Susan Ileene Wirthlin.

He is gone too early and we will miss him dearly.