Michael Donald Gunvordahl was born on August 01, 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 3 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 still has 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 his high school sweetheart Diane Deffenbaugh and to this union 3 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 his greatest love, 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 troubled 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 years earlier. 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 the final destination 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 have been able to spend many hours working together in recent years and enjoyed their times together.

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

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. Also surviving him are his half siblings, sisters Penelope Boccaccio Parker and Chistine Parker, brothers Charle Boccaccio Parker  and Peter Boccaccio Parker. Michael is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

When we see an airplane and watch the sunset we will think of you.

Memorial services for Mike Gunvordahl, age 81, of Burke, SD will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Union Baptist Church in Burke.  Burial will be at a later date.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Church.