Michael Gunvordahl

A memorial service for Michael Donald Gunvordahl was held at the Union Baptist Church in Burke, SD, at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, with Pastor Mark Tuttle officiating. Joe Fahrenbacher was in charge of registration, and music was provided by the Mayer family, vocalists, accompanied by Jane Tuttle, pianist. Urn bearers were Anthony Mayer, Mitchel Klundt, Max Klundt, Carson Klundt, Cruz Klundt, and Harley Klaudt. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Michael Donald Gunvordahl was born on August 1, 1943, in Casper, WY, to Lorraine and Charles Parker. Lorraine later married Harold Gunvordahl, and the family made their home in Burke, SD. Michael was then adopted by Harold, and later three siblings joined the family— Terry, Jack, and Chris.

Michael grew up and attended Burke High School, graduating in 1961. He was a Bulldog through and through and loved to share memories of football and other antics that he and his classmates enjoyed. He was very involved in music, and he and the other band members were often hired to play for dances in the area. He kept the saxophone that he played in high school.

He was a member of the Union Baptist Church of Burke and attended Unity Church in Florida during the winter months.

Michael married Diane Deffenbaugh, and to this union three daughters were added— Lisa, Kelly and Jennifer.

Michael was always looking for adventure and excitement. The first of these adventures was learning to fly. The story goes that he would ride his bike to Gregory at the age of 10 to study under George Grubbs, Sr. This began a long and accomplished career with many hours logged in the air as both a commercial pilot, and crop dusting and spraying.

We’ve been told of many death-defying acts that he performed while flying. A few of these events were flying under the Platte-Winner bridge and under the Arch in St. Louis. When asked if he got into trouble for these events he would answer, “Not if you do it only once,” and, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission.” Several years later the bridge story was confirmed by a camper at Snake Creek Recreation Area who had witnessed the event. Along with flying, Michael was also in love with the sea and proved that by sailing his boat with Diane as his first mate from South Dakota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico with a final destination of the Florida Keys.

Michael was a master of many skills. He was a carpenter and mechanic of autos, airplanes, and boats. There was never a challenge to redo or rebuild that he ever declined.

In recent years Michael connected with several of his half siblings through the internet. He was able to develop some special relationships, especially with his brother, Peter. They shared several talents and interests. Most relevant was their love for flying. They were able to spend many hours working together in recent years and enjoyed their times together.

Michael Gunvordahl, age 81, died June 18, 2025. Survivors include his wife Diane; daughters: Lisa (Steve) Mayer, Burke, SD, Kelly (Scott) Klaudt, Gregory, SD, Jennifer (Lonnie) Klundt, Gregory, SD, and bonus daughter Shannon Young Blood of Florida;. brothers: Terry Gunvordahl of Calgary Ontario, Jack Gunvordahl, Burke, SD; and sister Chris Schmitz of Florida; his half siblings, sisters: Penelope Boccaccio Parker and Christine Parker; brothers Charles Boccaccio Parker and Peter Boccaccio Parker; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, sister-in-law Belinda Gunvordahl and great-granddaughter Hadley Klaudt.