Michael Isaiah Okiror Golden was born in 2011 near Soroti, Uganda and spent much of his first couple of years in Amecet Children's Home there. In the middle of 2014, he was adopted by Dan and Kelsey Golden and came home to Omaha.
He quickly charmed all who got to know him with his smile and his laugh. From an early age, he was a big fan of Mickey Mouse and would giggle from the couch throughout shows. As he grew older, he developed a fondness for audiobooks about magic and fantasy. Harry Potter and Narnia were particular favorites.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, he never managed the muscle control to walk or talk, so he observed all from his wheelchair and his facial expressions provided his communication. There was something magical about asking him a question and getting a big smile in return.
He loved being tickled, watching practical jokes unfold, reading books together and listening to music, particularly powerful female singers.
Michael died on March 29, 2025, with his family nearby. He was 13.
He is survived by his mom Kelsey, dad Dan, brothers Max and Amos, and sisters Lorelai and Charlotte. As well as many loving extended family members and a support system that adored him. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Waypoint Church in Omaha, 1313 N. 48th St. Attendees are encouraged to dress colorfully to celebrate Michael's smiling personality. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Amecet Children's Home in Uganda or the Omaha Public Schools Foundation's Neighboring Friends program.
He quickly charmed all who got to know him with his smile and his laugh. From an early age, he was a big fan of Mickey Mouse and would giggle from the couch throughout shows. As he grew older, he developed a fondness for audiobooks about magic and fantasy. Harry Potter and Narnia were particular favorites.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, he never managed the muscle control to walk or talk, so he observed all from his wheelchair and his facial expressions provided his communication. There was something magical about asking him a question and getting a big smile in return.
He loved being tickled, watching practical jokes unfold, reading books together and listening to music, particularly powerful female singers.
Michael died on March 29, 2025, with his family nearby. He was 13.
He is survived by his mom Kelsey, dad Dan, brothers Max and Amos, and sisters Lorelai and Charlotte. As well as many loving extended family members and a support system that adored him. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Waypoint Church in Omaha, 1313 N. 48th St. Attendees are encouraged to dress colorfully to celebrate Michael's smiling personality. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Amecet Children's Home in Uganda or the Omaha Public Schools Foundation's Neighboring Friends program.