Michael Edward “Mike” Stutzman, 69, of Burwell, Nebraska died May 28, 2023 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Burial will be in Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell. Pastor Fr. Scott Harter will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m. at Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to 4 The Cure.
Mike was born February 17, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska to Louis “Doc” and Dorothy (Kahlandt) Stutzman. He graduated from Tekamah-Herman High School in 1972. After graduation Mike traveled all over as a union carpenter. He then opened an archery and sporting goods shop in Lyons, Nebraska. He met Terry Dunning and they moved to South Carolina, where he continued his carpentry work. On August 30, 1986 they were married in Lyons, Nebraska. They lived in South Carolina until 1988, when they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike was a carpenter there, where he helped build the Mirage Hotel and Casino. Mike and Terry had both children there before they moved to Burwell in 1990 to own and operate the Calamus Refuse that they purchased from his uncle Henry. After selling the company in 2009, Mike moved to Akaska, South Dakota, to do carpentry and enjoy hunting and fishing. He moved back to Burwell, and worked at Jeffres Sand and Gravel until his health diagnosis forced him to retire.
Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his Harley motorcycle. He loved to visit and had a dry sense of humor. He always had a saying for something. Mike knew no stranger. Even in his last months in the hospital, he created connections and shared many laughs with the staff and healthcare providers. His greatest joy was his family, and mostly his granddaughters.
Mike is survived by his wife Terry Stutzman of Burwell, Nebraska. His son, Dillon Stutzman of Burwell, Nebraska and his daughter, Lydia and Dustin Riggins and their daughters, Adley and Georgia of Arcadia, Nebraska. His mom, Dorothy Stutzman of Burwell, Nebraska. Two brothers, Gregory and Vicki Stutzman of Loveland, Colorado and Steve and Kathy Stutzman of Las Vegas, Nevada. Brother-in-laws, Jack and Linda Dunning of Decatur, Nebraska, Tom Dunning of Decatur, Nebraska, Sean Dunning of Omaha, Nebraska, Jerry and Pam Dunning of Onawa, Iowa, Kevin and Machelle Dunning of Bennington, Nebraska. Sister-in-laws Michaela and Ron Brewer of Omaha, Nebraska, Georgann Dunning of Scribner, Nebraska, Kim Dunning and Don Bray of Sioux City, Iowa, Marie and Al Snow of Tekamah, Nebraska, and Martie Dunning of Omaha, Nebraska. An aunt, Margaret and Melvin Andrews of Albion, Nebraska, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mike was preceded in death by his dad, Doc Stutzman, and an infant brother, Steven Stutzman.
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