LTC (Ret) Michael Joseph Dutchuk

Michael was born in Dickinson, ND and was reared in Bismarck, ND, where he spent his formative years. After high school Michael attended the University of North Dakota at grand Forks and was graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1989. Upon graduation, Michael entered the U.S. Army as a Chemical Officer. LTC (Ret) Dutchuk served in varied Chemical Corps Command and Staff positions. Michael served as Instructor and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In 2003, Michael deployed to Iraq with III Corps from Fort Hood Texas as the Corps Chemical Plans Officer, CJTF-7 & and MNC-1 Deputy Chemical Officer. LTC (Ret) Dutchuk often stated that one of his most challenging, yet rewarding assignments was that of Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the US Military Academy at West Point. Michael truly enjoyed interacting with the young cadets and took tremendous pride in knowing he was making a difference in the lives of the future leaders of US Army. LTC (Ret) Dutchuk attended the Combined Arms Service Staff School and the Command and General Staff College. LTC Dutchuk holds a MS Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. During his military career spanning over 21 years LTC (Ret) Dutchuk was awarded the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award); Army Achievement Medal (4th Award); National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; and the Army Service Ribbon. After retiring from active duty, Michael continued his service to the US Army and the country he loved so well when he went to work at the MSCoE Homeland Defense/Civil Support Office as a Physical Scientist. He was responsible for developing the training and equipment that enables soldiers to support state and local governments in lifesaving efforts after major man-made or natural disasters. His most recent work was leading participants from over 15 Army and Joint schools and commands in developing solutions for response to weapons of mass destruction events in the US and its territories. He was gifted with an ability to make complex problems understandable, enabling the team to effectively address many interrelated issues. Mike’s legacy will live on in the professional expertise and personal mentorship he provided to both civilian and military personnel. Apart from his career, Michael was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time at home. He enjoyed fishing and looked forward to getting out on the lake whenever he returned to his North Dakota roots. He was an avid participant in “World of WarCraft”, a hobby he shared with his brother, Robb several times a week. All who knew Michael appreciated his sense of humor and his tremendously quick wit. Strong man that he was, he could be brought to his knees by the love for his family. Michael and Frances started their very loving marriage on November 13, 2004. His love and admiration for Frances was only rivaled by his relationship with Nicholas and Hana. He felt Nick’s kind heart taught him more of love every day and fiery Hana taught him that maybe he isn’t the only one who was always right. He was also a sucker for his pugs, Dutch and Daisy. Michael has shared with friends, “I won the lottery of life - the perfect wife; the perfect children; I even like my in-laws!” Michael is survived by his loving spouse, Frances and their two children, Nicholas (18) and Hana (14); Waynesville, MO; his beloved mother, Sharon, and his brother, Robb of Bismarck, ND; father-in-law, Robert Watts Mansfield and his wife, Susan of Fort Collins CO and his mother-in-law, Shigeko Riley and her husband, John of Killeen, TX. Michael was preceded in death by his beloved father, Joseph Dutchuk. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2014 in the Soldiers Memorial Chapel of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with Chaplain (MAJ) Timothy Stiers and Chaplain (CPT) Jonathan Porter officiating. COL Dave Wilcox recalled his wonderful memories of LTC (Ret) Dutchuk. David McKay provided the music for the service and serving as escorts were SFC Monica Jackson, SFC Lewis Darden, SFC Gedney P. Riley, SSG Benjamin Perez, SSG Terrell Robinson, SSG Nathan M. Henry, SSG Brian C. Jones and PV2 Joshua E. Bentley. Serving as honorary escorts were COL Dave Wilcox, COL Michael Boluyt, Rori McNamara, Dave Deyak, Michael Bean, Larry Lazo and Mary Pernaselli. Burial with full military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com.

LTC (Ret) Michael Joseph Dutchuk

October 22, 1966 - April 29, 2014