Michael Shawn Gunnarson, age 57, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 22, 2021. Mike was born on January 5, 1964, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Warren Lynn Gunnarson and Carol Ann Greer Gunnarson. He was one of four children. Mike attended Hillcrest High School and graduated in 1982. He was proud to be a Husky and represented the school in football, basketball and baseball. Mike set many school records, some of which still stand. He particularly loved football and that love followed him throughout his life as an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Mike was a talented self-taught musician. He performed at many events and loved to sing and write music. Along with a group of friends, Mike created and played in a band called "Satin Steele". Mike had a gift for poetry, writing many poems throughout his life. Mike was involved in his community and touched the lives of many through his acts of service. He loved helping those in need. He was a mentor and often provided wise counsel to those that were close to him. He enjoyed being an impersonator and making people laugh. Mike was one of a kind.
Mike married Cindy Brown-Walker on August 27, 1993 – later divorced. During their marriage, he adopted Jenifer and Nichole and together had a son Colton Gunnarson. Michael was a loving father and a proud softball coach to both Jenifer and Nichole. Mike passed on his musical talent to his son Colton. He also passed on his example of selfless love. He enjoyed taking his children on vacation, to baseball games and to concerts.
Mike proudly worked for the United States Postal Service for 23 years. He enjoyed his job and the friendships he formed there. He held various positions and passed away while acting as the Supervisor of Transportation.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Jeffrey Gunnarson. Survived by his sisters Terri (Danny) Powell and Julie (James) Ewell, children Jenifer (Kirk) Sanders, Nichole (Brian) Lloyd, and Colton Gunnarson, grandchildren Kaylissa, Zariah, Madyson, Izaic and Braylin as well as nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his significant other, Jennifer Imes, “his sweetheart”.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 3, 2022 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 am prior to the services.
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My condolences to Mike's family and loved ones. I am one of Gunnar's coworkers and and friends. Anyone who met him soon realized that he had many special talents and was a generous man. I will miss him greatly!
Tim Stephan. (TDub)
This breaks my heart. Mike and I became good friends in his Satin Steele days . I used to hang out with Rod who played bass, so I got to know Mike well. I was there first roadie. Great memories. So sorry for your families loss. Gods speed Michael..
Your Friend, Mike Graham
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a good friend and a great employee. He was a great example of the phrase, "What you see is what is what you get"! Enjoyed our time together.
My first memory of Mike was at a baseball field in Midvale. My Dad and Bobcat Madsen were coaching little league baseball and back then, Mike was affectionally known as ‘Olaf Gundersen’. Mike was a character and made everyone laugh right up until the day we graduated from Hillcrest.
I reconnected with Mike a few years ago and he had not changed much. Yes, older but his light, generosity and humor were still intact. What a loss for his family and all of us that were lucky enough to say we knew him. Mike, rest in power, peace, and your bright light.
Such an amazing man and friend. Our prayers and love to his family and friends. Steve and Annette Chaus
May his memory be eternal
Mikey was always in the spotlight.. . Since he was 2 years old. One Saturday, word came down that the glorious Gunnarson’s were going to the zoo! Then Mike fell and cracked his head open on the mantle. Zoo postponed. Fast forward 2 months yay! Zoo Saturday again. AGAIN, Mike falls and cracks his eye open on the mantle. Zoo cancelled. The promise of the zoo minus cancellation = 13 stitches
A true angel on earth!
My condolence's to Michael's family and Jennifer Imes. Michael was not only a member of our Postal family but he was a good friend. He always had a smile and a joke to tell. He did an amazing impersonation of Hot Rod Hundley. He shared some of the incredible poems he had written with me. He shared videos of Colt performing, he was always so proud of him and loved that they both shared the same passion for music. Michael told me of his recent trip to see Adam Lambert live in concert and how much he enjoyed it. Michael was a bright light to all of us and he will be greatly missed, may he rest in peace and may all those who knew him find comfort in the memories we shared with him.
Mike, My heart aches for u & ur loved ones. U were a very close & dear friend. U were also one of the very few great supervisors I ever had. Ur talent to lead with professionalism & caring was in a league all its own. My heart is still heavy with sadness. This world has lost a great human being. U were the very essence of giving. U were a diamond in the rough. I will never forget u & the many things we learned together. U are much loved by many & many of us will continue looking up to u. Ur poetry brought a light some of us needed to pull us out of the pains we thought no one else understood. That was u Mike. U understood. U shall never b forgotten. XOXOXO
Sending my condolences to Mike's family. Mike was my Supervisor and he will be greatly missed. He was compassionate and cared so much for his employees. He had so many talents. I loved when he shared his poems with us, they always had so much meaning. He also had some great jokes and made us laugh. Until we see each other again.
I wish to extend my sympathy to Mike"s family. I met Mike at work (USPS) but knew him as a fellow TSO fan. Although he went to a few more concerts than me, we shared many great stories and run ins at their shows. I will be thinking and offering a special prayer up for him now and especially at TSO's next show!
A great friend and best boss at the postoffice. Mike I miss your friend ship😪