1945 ~ 2025
Michael (Mike) R. Dunn, loving husband, father, grandpa/papa, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2025, surrounded by his precious family. Mike was a strong, kind, and uniquely loving man. His final years were marked by quiet courage and the unwavering care of his wife, Kathy.
Born January 3, 1945, in Preston, Idaho, to Ray and Ione Dunn; Mike was the eldest of four children. He married the love of his life, Kathryn (Kathy) Cummings, on June 8, 1964, beginning a 61-year journey of love and truly equal partnership. Together, they raised three daughters: Lisa, Amy, and Stephanie, and cherished time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mike was a constant presence at family events, games, recitals, and Sunday dinners, always leading with integrity, love, humor, and quiet strength.
Mike had a sharp intellect and the ability to share his knowledge in a way that was modest and well-received. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was very creative and could do most everything around the house and yard. He was very creative, and his home reflects his talents in woodwork, artwork, and handywork.
Mike and Kathy belonged to a bowling league early on and later joined the Mick Riley Couples Golf League at Mick Riley, where they played for 30+ years. Through these activities they made many friends and participated in many golf tournaments in Moab and St. George. They enjoyed planning their own itinerary for trips to Scotland, England, and Italy with Tim and Sheila, and Ireland with Fred. Mike enjoyed skiing with family and friends, and years later spent just about every Sunday morning skiing at Alta with lifelong friend Tim.
Mike had a real love for motorcycles and bought his first one at about sixteen – a Triumph. Later, he started riding dirt bikes with his friends at Ajax Presses. He provided dirt bikes for Kathy and his daughters and took them camping and riding at the Sand Dunes with dear friends. He owned an Indian, Husqvarna, a beloved 1975 Norton Commando, and lastly a BMW that he especially enjoyed riding up Little Cottonwood Canyon.
A gifted draftsman and engineer, Mike worked at Ajax Presses, Polyseal, New Draulics, Pneumatrek, and Trebor, earning ten U.S. patents for his innovations in fluid power and semiconductor technologies. He was respected and admired for his intellect, creativity, and integrity.
Unbeknownst to many, in 2011, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by his friends, the Imma’s, for outstanding achievement in immaturity. He always looked forward to the golf trips to Las Vegas and Primm with his lifelong and loyal friends. Each time they met for their award dinner they would sing the hallowed song “Sweet Immaturity”, which was written by Mike. This award acknowledged he had kept to himself the fact that he holds Ten (10) United States Patents, which is a feat unequalled by any other Imma, and obviously gave him the right to call himself the “Imma Engineer of All Time”. Their motto was “You are only young once, but you can be immature forever”.
He is survived by wife, Kathy, daughters Lisa (David) Kingsbury, Amy (Tony) Benich, and Stephanie (Clark) Sneary; grandchildren David Jr, Alex (Kailee), Ryder (Sam), and Abby Kingsbury; Justin (Mackenzie), Max (Tori), and Peyton (Lindsey) Benich; Chloe’ and Clark (Norah) Sneary. Great-grandchildren Iris Kingsbury, Justin Jr., and Rory Benich. He is also survived by his siblings Kathy, Fred, and Karen, and brothers-in-law Jim Cummings and Kim Winters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held next Spring.
My condolences to Kathy, Lisa, Amy and Stephanie, David, Tony and Clark. Kathy, your husband was the most amazing man I have ever known and the best brother anyone could ask for. There will always be a huge space in my heart where Mike will reside, as I am sure all of you feel the same.
My condolences to the Grandkids. Judging by the stories told at get-togethers, I know that Mike was very close and proud of all of you, secure in the knowledge that you would grow and succeed.
To Kathy Alleman and Karen Whitear, love you both. Life will be very different without our Bro but we will carry the torch.
Mike, my bro having 17 years between us and you having married when I was two years old I don’t remember you living at home? But I do remember spending sleep overs with Lisa at your home and her at mine. I recall playing Barbie’s, favorite board games such as Clue, ice and roller skating and going to the movie theater. When a bit older I got the chance to ride a dirt bike. Your cool purple fast back corvette and silver Comet stand out in my mind. We listened to a lot of fantastic music spinning on your turntable. In my mind you were a rock star.🌟 Kathy, I’ve always thought you to be so nice and beautiful. Do you remember me calling you “That Girl”? The first time I saw Marlow Thomas play that character I thought it was you! Your partnership with Mike has been a great inspiration to me. I want to tell you how blessed he was to have you. Your family loves and appreciates your remarkable relationship and your devotion to Mike! I know he was a devoted and loving husband. To me you are the Example of the perfect couple!
Mike was one of those guys who had a quiet , humble presence about him which made you feel welcome and you wanted to know him even more. Even though I haven’t spent much time with Mike over the last many years, I have always felt close to him. I’m very grateful for the time that I did get to spend with Mike and Kathy.
I loved his dry wit, and can hear his laugh in my head. When it came to designing and building things, he’s the smartest guy I know.
He loved his wife and daughters above everything. He lived a life of being surrounded by, and loving all of those who loved him most., It doesn’t get much better than that!
My condolences to everybody who will certainly miss him.
That was a wonderful tribute to Mike! I was unaware of his many talents and business accomplishments. I’m sure you are all very proud and will share hugs and memories of Mike as you all find closure together! Keep those Sunday dinners going in his honor.
It was a privilege to have known him and being on the receiving end of his shining eyes and smile. God Bless you all in your time of sorrow.
I love you Kathy.💕
What a beautiful and informative obituary for Mike. I didn't know most of this information and am happy to say I knew him. I send my deepest love and hugs to you Kathy and your sweet daughters. May your fond memories bring you calm and comfort. Lynda
Remembering the great times riding our Triumph Cub motorcycles in high school and many Imma adventures.
Mike Dunn was truly one of the greatest, his smile and wonderful laugh will always be remembered. So many incredible memories of times that I was fortunate enough to spend with “Dumbo”, the co-author of “Sweet Immaturity” and member of the Imma Hall of Fame. I’m missing him so badly right now, but I know he’s never going to be forgotten !!!
LONG LIVE THE MOST HANDSOME, LOVING, GENIUS, SUPPORTIVE, AND ONE-OF-A-KIND GRANDPA A GRANDSON COULD EVER ASK FOR.
I’LL NEVER FORGET YOUR SMILE OR LAUGH.
I LOVE YOU, GRANDPA — YOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER LET YOUR ENERGY FADE.