Michael John Rover, Mike, was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on April 27, 1959, to the late George F. Rover Jr. and Ruth Rover. Mike spent his first few years in New Jersey and New York before a short stint living overseas that ultimately led to his family moving to Houston, Texas, where he spent the rest of his life. He was baptized at St. Peter The Apostle Church in River Edge, New Jersey, confirmed at Sacred Heart in Suffern, New York, and later was reconfirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Scarborough High School Class of 1978 where he met the love of his life, Karol, at Senior Prom and they proceeded to get married on August 27, 1983. They shared 37 years of marriage filled with love and adventure. Together they raised three wonderful daughters and welcomed three wonderful sons-in-law: Stephanie McNeely (Jon), Kalie Strickling (Sam), and Lauren Mayberry (Blake). They have been blessed with five grandchildren: James McNeely, Quinn McNeely, Michael McNeely, Emilia Strickling, and Holden Strickling. They have faithfully served and attended Salem Lutheran Church for the past 30+ years. He was known for making a joyful noise while worshipping his Lord and Savior, giving a big ol' hug and praying over all who he encountered.

Mike had an entrepreneurial spirit and after working different jobs decided to open up his own pet-shop, All God's Creatures, which displayed his passion and care for exotic animals. From there he moved to Holiday World of Katy, and spent the last 14 years of his working career at Bass Tool and Supply where he was a well-respected and valued Sales Rep. who was known for going above and beyond for customers as well as his Fajita lunches.

Mike was loved by many and he will be remembered for his kind, gentle, loving, and sweet smile. He loved God, his family, his country, and the great State of Texas. He could be found on weekends attending track meets with his daughters growing up, or cheering on his Baylor Bears with his family at his side. Mike enjoyed fishing, camping, drawing, painting, gardening with a special emphasis on bonsai, and decorating his Christmas tree.  Mike loved telling LONG stories over a cup of coffee, a Dr. Pepper, or a good ice cold Shiner Bock. He passed down his love of trains and dinosaurs to his grandkids and loved being a Papa. Cooking became a passion of his which allowed him to serve everyone he met; from a normal family dinner to catering for a few thousand people at Deutschfest at his home church of Salem Lutheran Church & School.

Mike spent his last few years in a courageous battle against Neuroendocrine cancer helping raise awareness to such a rare disease.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Karol; his three daughters - Stephanie McNeely (Jon), Kalie Strickling (Sam), and Lauren Mayberry (Blake); his grandchildren - James McNeely, Quinn McNeely, Michael McNeely, Emilia Strickling, and Holden Strickling; his brothers - George Rover III and Steve Rover (Carol); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, amazing neighbors, and a plethora of great friends from all stages of his life.

Sic 'Em Bears, Love Ya, God Bless, and Zebras Unite!

In lieu of flowers we would love you to donate toward Salem Lutheran Church's Cancer Care fund ( https://salem4u.churchcenter.com/giving/to/care-ministry-fund ) . Over the years they have been more than generous with assisting any needs that Mike and Karol have had and they would like to continue being a blessing to others battling cancer.

"I am Blessed, Highly Favored, and Redeemed" ~Mildred Lieder

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, October 28, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Klein Funeral Home - Tomball, 1400 W. Main, Tomball, TX 77375. A funeral service celebrating Mike's life and faith will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 29, at Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball, TX 77377, with interment to follow at Salem Lutheran Cemetery.