Michael H. Dunfield

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael H. Dunfield a distinguished military officer whose courage, leadership, and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew him, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, with his daughter Carolyn by his side. He was 78 years old.

Michael, known as "Mike" to his friends and comrades, and affectionately by “Poppi” by his grandchildren, and only “Michael” by his sweet, adoring and loving wife when in trouble. Mike was born on October 10, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah. From a young age, he exhibited a sense of duty and honor, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in the United States Army. He joined the armed services as a non-commissioned officer, which eventually led to him becoming a commissioned officer. He served in the following branches as an officer – Ordinance, Quarter Master, and Operations Planner. He was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff Officers College.

Throughout his military career, Lieutenant Colonel Dunfield served with distinction in various assignments both at home and abroad. He was a highly decorated veteran, having served in Vietnam, Cold War, and Dessert Storm and represented the United States as a guest to North Korea and stationed in Germany. His exemplary service and commitment to his fellow soldiers earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him. He earned numerous commendations for valor and leadership – Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (3rd Award), Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, and Army Service Ribbon.

Beyond his combat duties, Mike was first and foremost a devoted family man and cherished friend. He married the love of his life, Carol Diane Dunfield (Cox), whom he met at the young age of 15. They spent the last 53 years together. He was known for his unwavering integrity, his quick wit, his stubbornness at times, tireless work ethic, and he deeply loved his family and found immense joy in their company. He was always busy helping, he never asked for anything in return, love from his family, and of course all the big hugs and kisses he could get that was more than enough for him. On top of the most important role being a Husband, Dad, and Poppi he was a hardworking man, he did not know the meaning of the word “rest”. After “retiring” from active duty, Mike continued to work and joined the IBEW local 354 union and served in a leadership role.

Mike is survived by his two children Carolyn Perkovich (Dunfield) (Jim)and Cynthia Dunfield, and his five grandchildren whom he adored – Alexsandria Cross (Chris), Megan Bemis (Sean), Nikolaus Perkovich (Olivia), Sarah Wheeler, and Brendan Wheeler, and his six great grandchildren – Alexander “Xander” Michael Cross, Bella Rose Cross, Evangeline Viola Cross, Carol Diane Cross, Addison J. Bemis, and Gracelynn C. Bemis. He is also survived by four sister in-laws, and two brother in-laws.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol Diane Dunfield, his father Hanford Albert Dunfield, his mother Ardith Spencer Dunfield, his sister Diane Bartlett (Dunfield), sister Kaye Clay (Dunfield), sister Margie Dunfield, and his sister-in-law Sharleen Cox-DeOllos.

A funeral service honoring Lieutenant Colonel Michael H. Dunfield will be held at Larkin Mortuary Riverton, 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065, on Monday, July 15, 2024. The viewing will take place from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by the funeral service from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Burial with military honors will be held at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park at 2:00 PM where Lieutenant Colonel Michael H. Dunfield will be laid to rest alongside the love of his life, wife Carol Diane Dunfield.

Rest in peace Poppi, Lieutenant Colonel Dunfield. Your duty is done, your service honored, and your memory cherished forever. You will forever be in our hearts, and we love you more than words can describe.