Mike V. Mikunda, of Prior Lake, passed away Friday, May 5, 2017 at the age of 72. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Prior Lake. A Christian Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one-hour prior, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Reverend Bruce Laabs will preside and Mike’s grandchildren will act as urn bearers. Memorials preferred and will be distributed by Mike’s family in his honor.

Louis and Patricia Mikunda celebrated the birth of their first child, Michael Vaughn Mikunda, on December 23, 1944 in Newark, New Jersey. Mike was the oldest of eight children. His dad was in the military and the family spent time in New Jersey, California, and Wisconsin before settling in Richfield, Minnesota.

As a boy, Mike loved spending summers at Uncle Joe’s farm (Mikunda Meadows) in Conrath, Wisconsin helping Cousin Jim milk cows and pitch hay among other chores. Mike’s love of baseball began in grade school when his father helped start Richfield Little League. His love for sports continued in high school where he joined the ski jump team. He also developed his love for motorcycles and bought his first one with money earned from several “inventive” odd jobs.

Shortly after high school, Mike’s mother passed away and he stepped in to help his dad raise his five younger siblings. Five years later Mike’s sister, Maureen, died in a car accident and once again Mike was a source of support for his family. In time, Mike’s dad remarried; blessing the family with Phyllis and two additional sisters.

After graduation in 1963, Mike attended Mankato State University. He quickly became known as “the guy who drove his motorcycle through the halls of the dorm”.

At a bonfire in Lakeville, Mike met his wife, Diane Sikorski. Mike and Diane dated for a year before deciding to elope. They borrowed a friend’s car, drove to Watertown, South Dakota and were married on May 14, 1966. They were stranded when their car broke down and splurged: $40 bucks to buy an old station wagon to get them home. There were no keys, so they had to start the car with a knife. Upon returning to the Twin Cities, they spent their wedding night in their separate homes to keep their secret safe. Once the secret was revealed, Mike and Diane exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Diane’s hometown of Detroit.

Mike and Diane settled in Prior Lake and were blessed with three children: Tory, Tawn, and Tate. As a family they enjoyed many activities, especially camping. Mike and Diane loved hauling the family all around the country in their station wagon and pop-up camper enjoying blue grass festivals and time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Mike worked very hard to provide a good life for his family. He owned and operated the Goodyear store in Shakopee for many years. He later managed the Goodyear store in Lakeville and retired five years ago. Mike was the “go to guy” for anything car related. Mike’s passions were family, motorcycles, and cars. His true joy were his grandchildren. He loved going to their events. Papa and Nana were always on the front line enthusiastically cheering them on to victory.

Mike was an avid reader of mystery novels and zealous fan of Dylan’s music. Mike played in a variety of leagues: softball, volleyball, bowling, darts, and table tennis. He and Diane loved to travel and explore new places. As a daredevil, Mike was always looking for adventure including a skydive at 50, riding his Harley with Diane, and his many memorable trips to Sturgis.

Mike was very active in the recovery community which enriched his spiritual growth. He was a sponsor and mentor to many and developed long-lasting friendships.

Mike was a kind, easy-going, and tenderhearted man with a quirky sense of humor (that always made him laugh). He was a rock for his family. After a few years of health struggles, Mike is now at peace. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Diane; children, Tory (Danielle), Tawn (Jeff) Comp, Tate; grandchildren, Trevon, Tayla, Payton, and Lila; siblings, Steve (Ellen), Jenny (Jim) Hayden, Julie (Doug) Knose, Stephanie (Calvin) Boone, Nicole Pedersen; sister-in-law, Cindy Pafiolis; fifteen nieces and nephews; many loving relatives and friends.

There to greet Mike in Heaven are his parents, Louis, Patricia, and Phyllis; siblings, Rick and Maureen; sister-in-law, Margie; and brother-in-law, B.J. Pedersen.

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