Professor K. 'Klaus' Michael Seibt

Professor K. (Klaus) Michael Seibt, 81, of Ephraim, UT passed away from natural causes on May 17, 2024.

Michael was born on May 19, 1942, to Margarete Bertha Schulz and Felix Eberhard Rudolf Seibt in Konigsberg, Germany (East Prussia) during World War II.  He was the youngest brother of Sigrid Karin (Manfred) Hechtle of Hyrum, UT and Father to Gregory Wayne Seibt (Tabitha Bay Seibt), Shannon Camille Seibt (Jessie Howes) and Garrett Walter Seibt (Ruth Crockett Seibt).  Michael was grandfather to 9 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Carter Benjamin Seibt, and his older brother, Peter Wolfgang Jurgen Seibt who passed away in Germany on December 31, 2023.

Michael first arrived in the United States as a Foreign Exchange Student at the age of 16.  He immediately took to American culture and adopted it as his own as he felt at odds with the people of his native land because as he put it, they were “too serious.”  Following his time in the U.S. as an exchange student, he begrudgingly returned to Germany to work and save money so that he could return to America as soon as possible. Michael had a great sense of humor and an infectious optimistic view of life, despite the challenges he faced during his wartime youth. He embraced all things American and had a deep love for the freedom and opportunities he was able to pursue in the U.S.  Through his hard work, coming over with literally just the clothing in his knapsack, he was able to achieve the American Dream.  Shortly after returning to the United States, Michael met and married Laraine Pugmire (now Anderson), divorced in 1979.  Michael’s three children produced from that union are his greatest pride and joy. 

Michael was passionate about education.  He obtained his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of Utah.  He completed all the coursework required to achieve his Ph.D.   Michael also attended Law School in Boulder, CO, after which he decided his true passion was in teaching.  Michael was a Professor at Brigham Young University for 14 years, but his favorite position was the one he retired from at the age of 81 at Snow College.  He taught Ancient and Modern World History, Political Science, Comparative Governments and American History for 33 years at Snow College, officially retiring on June 1, 2023.  He never wanted to retire, always looking forward every year to greeting a new crop of students who were eager to learn.  Teaching was his true passion.  The influence he had on generations of formative minds is remarkable and will live on through all of them.  

Michael had a deep, booming voice which was often compared to James Earl Jones.  It served him well in dramatizing his lectures to captivate his students and draw them in to the subject matter he taught.  He loved to have fun in the classroom and would often use his voice to impersonate a howling wolf.  Michael loved Nature and had a special affinity for wolves.  He spent his free time hiking in the hills, typically accompanied by his German Shepherds.  He loved to travel and would take his children for annual summer vacations to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to white water raft, horseback ride, hike in the Tetons, and of course to shop on the square for all things wolf, and amber jewelry, the gemstone of his birthplace.  Michael loved Classical Music, especially Mozart.   

The values that Michael held close and that will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren are the importance of an education, a strong work ethic, and the importance of manners and gratitude.   Above all else, Michael was all about the expression of his love to his children and those around him.  Even as speech became more difficult for him, he was still able to say, “thank you” and “I love you.”  He will be dearly missed by all who came into contact with him. 

There will be a small graveside service and burial on Monday June 3, 2024 at 1:00pm at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 5th South, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Michael’s family would like to suggest that you spend time outdoors laughing with your loved ones in lieu of flowers or donations. If you feel so inspired, please howl toward the sky while thinking about Michael. Our guess is you will hear him join in.