Michael Amundson

Michael Erling Amundson, 72, of Ayr, Nebraska passed into the next world on November 8, 2024. Born in Bangor, Wisconsin the oldest of four children to Erling and Lena Amundson, Mike grew up on the family farm, starting in a one room schoolhouse and moving to the town school where he played football and basketball (always around farm chores, of course). He stayed on the farm for many years, raising three kids while volunteering in so many ways, from constable at local township events to Farm Bureau, church boards, school board and so much more. When the youngest graduated, Mike left the area to figure out what he was going to do when he "grew up" and ended up in Nebraska, where he met his partner in life who brought with her his bonus daughter. With all his children, he was able to be Papa to the grandkids and great granddaughter, a role that meant more to him than anything else in his life. He always had a helping hand to offer (we all knew he showed love by doing things for us including never letting anyone else pay the check without a fight), a bad joke to tell, and a booming voice that could be heard from anywhere.
He is survived by his partner, Patricia Vacek, his children Tonya Mikkelson (Lester), Shannon Amundson (Greg), Shane Amundson (Stephanie), and Ashley Rodgers (Jay), grandchildren Damien (Lacey), Sabrina (Sallie), Deven, Dalton (Ashley), Jaelynn, Ashlynn, Sebastian, and one great grandchild, Grey Mikkelson. Also surviving are his three siblings Steve (Anna), Anna (Finn), and Linda (Joe). He was proceeded in death by his parents.
Dad taught us to work hard, something he did his whole life. He taught us that none of us are perfect, he knew he tried hard at things, but like us all, he fell short of what he wanted. And he taught us to love, however imperfectly, because nothing will remain when we are gone but the love we created in the world. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please tell the ones in your life you love them. Dad would want to know he left more love in the world.
Graveside service will be 1:00pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Hastings, Nebraska. DeWitt Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting his family with services.
Memorials may be directed to his family for a future designation.