I was born and raised in Sidney, Nebraska and graduated from Sidney High School. I met my wife Vicki while attending the University of Nebraska-Kearney. I majored in mathematics education and taught school in Cozad, Nebraska for five years. During the summers, I continued my education at the University of Arizona working on a masters degree and completing it in 1974. From there, I attended Pacific University in Oregon where I was a member of four honoraries and earned my Doctorate of Optometry.

My wife and I have three children. My oldest is Sarah, who is also an optometrist married to an optometrist. Sarah and Mike own their own practice in Parker, Colorado and have given us two grandchildren. I also have two sons in graduate school, Samuel and Hans.

My interests include running, singing with the church choir and Valley Voices, bow hunting, traveling and photography.