Cpl. Michael A. Pursel

Cpl. Michael A. Pursel

Michael A. Pursel Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 7, 2007.
For as long as anyone could remember, Michael A. Pursel wanted to be a soldier. And he knew his stuff. When he was just a small child, Pursel received a tiny Army uniform from his parents. They soon got an earful. "These just aren''t right," Pursel''s mother, Terry Dutcher, recalled her son saying. "I have no rank. I have no patch. I have no name." Pursel, 19, of Clinton, Utah, died May 6 in Baqubah when a bomb detonated near their vehicle. He joined the Army at age 17 and was assigned to Fort Lewis. He was remembered for his love of his family and friends, of basketball, cars and the outdoors. Staff Sgt. William Rose recalled how Pursel had struggled to adapt to using night vision goggles, drawing laughter from the crowd when he described hearing Pursel fall during night training missions. "We''re proud of Michael, and Michael was doing what he always wanted to do," Dutcher said. "In light of how it turned out, I know Michael was happy. I just take peace in that right now." He also is survived by his stepfather Jeffrey Dutcher Sr., father Dean Pursel, and stepmother Mellony Pursel.

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Sign Michael A. Pursel's Guest Book

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January 21, 2021

Kent Sawyer posted to the memorial.

May 28, 2018

Barbara Jung posted to the memorial.

May 29, 2017

Barbara Jung posted to the memorial.

Kent Sawyer

January 21, 2021

Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m sure you were a great person. You were friends w my friend Ryan. He often mentions you.

Barbara Jung

May 28, 2018

Dear Michael!
Rest in Peace! You are not forgotten!

Barbara Jung

May 29, 2017

Dear Michael!
10 years! You are not forgotten!
Rest in peace!

Charlie Gili

February 11, 2017

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Pursel Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Michael A. Pursel US Army Corporal. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Barbara Jung

February 24, 2015

Rest in peace dear Michael!

Barbara Jung

May 27, 2013

Dear Michael,

God bless you. Rest in peace.

Even at 2 we knew.

Terry Dutcher

May 7, 2012

Hey Little Man,
5 years, 5 years, it never gets easier. I am so proud of you. I miss you more than anyone can imagine. I don't know how I make it each and everyday, but somehow, someway I do. I know you are in the Army of the Lord now and loving every min of it. What I wouldn't do for just one more day. I love you so so much buddy. Always and forever, love mom.

Peggy Childers

May 6, 2012

To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael A. Pursel:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."

Barbara Jung

July 3, 2011

Dear Michael,
Rest in peace. You are not forgotten.
I hope to visit your memorial in Arlington, again, as soon as possible. God bless you and all the other fallen comrades.

May 12, 2011

My Michael,
I love you with all my heart. I miss you so very much. Soon we will be together again. I love you buddy, love mom

Peggy Childers

May 6, 2011

To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael A. Pursel:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Barbara Jung

December 19, 2010

Dear Michael,

Rest in peace. You are not forgotten.

Michael is not forgotten by his friends.

Jim Beasley

July 15, 2010

Terry,
From the time of your loss, my son has had a memorial bracelet with Michael's name on his right arm. As you can see, it is quite worn and it has been through a few battles. It has not been something to leave behind. I suppose that he and others like him have carried on the dream that Michael started. I am happy to see that Michael is not forgotten. God bless you.

Terry Dutcher

May 8, 2010

Michael,
3 years and it is like yesterday you were in my arms as a baby. I can still remember your smell. I can remember singing "Kokomo" to you as I would rock in you in my arms. I love you and miss you more than words can say. My heart aches everyday waiting till we are together again. I love you with all my heart, Love, Mom

Lollie Peet

May 8, 2010

Micahel,
We think of you often. Thanks is just not enough words for your sacrafice. However, thanks for believing in our country and I'm proud to be a part of your family. P/S make your mom take me to see you again.
Love Aunt Lollie

Peggy Childers

May 6, 2010

To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael A. Pursel:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

February 23, 2010

February 23, 2010

Lisa Wieliczkiewcz O'Rourke

February 19, 2010

Hey Michael
Was just thinking about you. Found some pictures of you when you were in Missouri. You were with my Mom and grandpa. You are our hero.Miss you
Lisa

12.24.09

January 24, 2010

christmas day 2008

Edward Liu

October 19, 2009

michael, You are an amazing hero to us all. Terry, my name is CPT Liu and I met you at ANC in July. I am so sorry you lost your son and I promise that i will remember him every time i visit SEC 60. This nation will never forget all that he did. I pledge that him and the 500 plus buried at ANC from OIF/OEF will never be forgotten. I found this picture from christmas 2008. I hope it brings you some comfort. Nobody there is ever alone during the holidays. i promise you that. Michael's site is one of the first ones to the left. if anyone can't see it, contact me and i will be happy to send you a copy via attachment.

Barbara Jung

September 2, 2009

Dear Michael,
Thank you for your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.
GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE.

July 18, 2009

I miss you buddy. I will see you in April. I love you, Mom

Terry Dutcher

June 18, 2009

I love you Michael. You were so brave and willing. My life will never be the same without you in it. I try to move on like I know you would want. It is so hard. I love you with all I have.
Love,
Mom

Karen & Jim Anspaugh

May 25, 2009

Dear Terry and Dean,
On this day of honoring our fallen heroes you can imagine our sadness upon seeing this entry. We have often thought of you and wondered how you all were doing. We send our deepest sympathies and will keep your Michael and the whole family in our prayers.

Love,
Karen and Jim Anspaugh

Peggy Childers

May 7, 2009

To the family of Cpl. Michael A. Pursel:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

DAD

May 6, 2009

I LOVE YOU MICHAEL, THANK YOU, MISS YOU.. DAD

Erin Grice

May 5, 2009

hey mike tommorow marks your third year gone. i just cant believe you are gone at such a young age. everybody misses you. yoou are such a good hero to our country and letting us be free!!!! i love you and miss you every day god bless you erin:)

Kenna Larra

January 22, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,300 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

dean pursel

January 10, 2009

thank you michael.love dad

Barbara Jung

November 24, 2008

Michael,
It has been one year ago since I visited your grave site, and met your mother there. This year I could not make a trip back to the United States, but I will be returning to the Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day (2009). I will be visiting you again then. I pray that you and all of the soldiers there are resting in peace.
Michael, I often think of your mother. I also understand the sacrifices that you and your fellow veterans have made for your country. God Bless you and each and every veteran who lies in rest with you in Section 60.

June 24, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Pursel!

Jacquie praying for your mom

Jacquie & Mike Splain

May 17, 2008

Barbara Jung, Munich, Germany visited Arlington's Operation Iraqi Freedom burial grounds with Michael and Jacquie Splain, of Florida. We were heartbroken as we watched your mother cry at your grave site. We mourn with her. We felt her love for you, and it transferred to us. I am attaching a picture that we took that day.

Gale Poindexter

May 6, 2008

To the Family of Cpl Michael A Pursel. On this sad anniversary day that we share, I Thank you for your courage and sacrifice. He was a true American HERO.

Rest in Peace

Proud mother of Sgt Joel W Lewis, FT Lewis, KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq

Erin Grice

April 5, 2008

wow mike i cant belive that you are gone. i miss you everyday. our family is doing good. we went to your sisters wedding and had fun i saw your picture.and I love you tons! i wish your were here. LOVE YOU! love erin your best friend

Gale Poindexter

February 2, 2008

Our sons are in heaven together. GOD Bless your family.

Gale Poindexter
proud mother of Sgt Joel W Lewis, 28, of Barrie, Ontario, Canada
KIA 5/6/07 with heroes:

Cpl. Michael A. Pursel, 19, of Clinton, Utah.
Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, 23, of Lodi, N.J.,
Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, 25, of Clarkesville, Ga.,
Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, 21, of Gretna, Neb.,
Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw, 21, of San Antonio, Texas.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

November 17, 2007

I previously signed Michael's guest book. Terry it was an honor meeting you at ANC on Friday and I cry with you in your loss. As I promised you each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor your dear son. Know that he and the others will NEVER be forgotten. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry Michael was taken from you.

August 15, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

August 14, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Pursel and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Mark & Nancy Umbrell

June 26, 2007

Dear Pursel Family,
Our son, Lt.Colby Umbrell is buried next to your Michael. We just returned from Arlington today and wanted you to know we paid our repects to your son also and left flowers.
We could send you a picture if you would be comfortable with it. Otherwise we send our prayers.
Take care,
Mark and Nancy
Umbrell
[email protected]

June 21, 2007

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

MARK AND NANCY UMBRELL

June 5, 2007

TO THE FAMILY OF AN AMERICAN HERO,
MY WORDS CAN NOT BEGIN TO EXPRESS OUR SORROW FOR THE DEATH OF MICHAEL, ONLY THE UNDERSTANDINGTHAT WE AND OTHER PARENTS OF FALLEN SOLDIERS KNOW THE GRIEF THAT YOU ARE GOING THRU.OUR SON LT COLBY UMBRELL DIED 05/03/2007 AND IS BURIED NEXT TO YOUR SON IN ARLINGTON. WE LIVE 3.5 HRS AWAY AND WILL HONOR YOUR SON EVERY TIME WE VISIT, YOU CAN COUNT ON IT! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US WHEN YOU FEEL READY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOU AND YOUR SONS SACRIFICE.

WITH LOVE AND HONOR
MARK AND NANCY UMBRELL
[email protected]

ROBYN Garside

June 3, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

Rhela Fretz

May 23, 2007

I am saddend and very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you day and night. I know you will hear alot of this and If you need anything just call, it helps but doesnt really help. I have lossed a few loved ones these last couple of years but nothing as devastaing as yours and people may say they know what your going through but they can only imagine your pain they cant feel it unless they have been there themselfs so dont let anyone tell you they know what your going through cause they dont. Everyone is different and everyloss is different you handle it the only way you know how. once again i am sorry for your loss and if you ever wanna talk i am hear and i live close by! :)

Dennis (USMC - Vietnam) & Pam Robertson

May 22, 2007

We are saddened at the loss of this fine young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In loving memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06

Tom Gugliuzza

May 22, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Pursel family in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Michael you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there frequently. I promise each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor Michael.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Ronn Massie

May 17, 2007

God bless the family and friends of Michael. You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Michael for being such a hero.

(In rememberance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

Linda Clifton

May 17, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Katie Miller

May 16, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Knowing you are in a better place is a great comfort to all who had the pleasure of meeting you! You did not die just a solider, You died a hero. A hero that was helping his country. We may never know why god took you away at such a young age. But god has a reason for everything. I love how you had so much faith during your time in Iraq. Hopefully everyone will remember what you said during your tour, "I have peace. I know the lord. He is with me and I am not afriad".
My heart goes out to your family. Especially your father and mother.

Mary Sanders

May 14, 2007

Mike you were a great person to get to know always kept a smile on everyones face...My heart goes out to your family I know u in a better place God has his angel now...much love to you..you'll be deeply missed

Lisa/Kevin Wieliczkiewicz

May 14, 2007

My heart goes out to all of you. I keep looking back at the photo of him as a baby with that smile. It just doesn't seem real. Know that he is not alone, he is with "family". If you need anything just call. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

shaylee

May 11, 2007

mike this doesnt seem real. I cant believe this happened. I will miss you alot. you were a good friend. im glad i knew you. you made my life brighter.

Joseph Oates

May 11, 2007

I would like to express my heartfelt sorrow to Michael's family, and friends on your tremendous loss. May God guide you through these dark days and bring you peace and comfort in the times ahead. May you cherish your memories of him, and know that he touched many lives, including myself and many others that are better people because of knowing him.

Garnet Jenkins

May 10, 2007

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, for the loss of
your Brave Young Soldier, Cpl. Michael A. Pursel,
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain
that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface
through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.

May Michael Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God
and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Pursel family.
I am the sister, of such a 19 year young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

May 8, 2007

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

May 8, 2007

Please accept our condolences in the loss of your loved one.
May God bless you with comfort and peace. Thank you for your sacrifice.


In loving memory of our nephew
Spec Philip Cody Ford
C Co 3rd/509th Geronimos
Ft Richardson AK.
KIA Baghdad 10-Dec-2006
Ron and Kim Baker

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

May 8, 2007

The eternal rest promised by God is yours as you are paid in full.

Sandy Bonesteel

May 8, 2007

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

Gary Allain

May 7, 2007

you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

SHIRLEY DONEY

May 7, 2007

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Carol Cline

May 7, 2007

Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

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January 21, 2021

Kent Sawyer posted to the memorial.

May 28, 2018

Barbara Jung posted to the memorial.

May 29, 2017

Barbara Jung posted to the memorial.