Michael Dean Cunningham

1949 - 2021

Ranger Sergeant Michael "Mickey" Dean Cunningham transcended into the next phase of life on February 7th, 2021. He was 71.
Michael was born on September 21st, 1949 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio to parents Clarence Cunningham and Charlene Holbrook (Kennedy). Mr. Cunningham was a helpful man from the very beginning of life - helping with everything as soon as he was able, from chores and housework, to help keep things running as smooth as possible. Michael also helped raise his 2 youngest siblings, Donna Mills and Lash White, along with the help of three brothers, John, Gary and Larry Cunningham.
Growing up, Michael and Gary were the best of friends, getting into all kinds of trouble, while John, the eldest, watched over the crew, protecting them from harm. Early years were rough as the boys lost their father at an early age. Later, Charlene, (Grandma Kennedy to the family), married Frank Kennedy. He helped with the two younger siblings, Donna Mills and Lash White, to complete their family.
Eventually all four boys went into the military and joined the Army. Michael saw most of the travesties of war. As an E5, he led a crew of four into a front line battle during the Vietnam War. Michael served from 67-72, receiving an honorable discharge and a bronze star. While in the military, Michael showed unbelievable courage while in charge of his platoon. Even after being blown out of 3 helicopters and getting shrapnel fragments in the rear he still pressed on to continue fighting for what America Stands for: Freedom and Family, as that was the most important thing to him.
After the war, Michael traveled around with his brother Gary eventually meeting the women they would have their children with. Michael moved to Alaska in 1980 where he started work at Unocal in Nikiski. There he met and married Stacy Maxwell, aka Stacy Steger and had three kids together, Ryan Cunningham, Tera Cunningham and Marlee Schaare.
Michael and Stacy raised all three kids in Nikiski Alaska, where he took delight in spoiling them. He would step in to help anyone at the drop of the hat- and while he didn't speak much but he had a presence like no other.
We all love you Dad we hope to see you in the next life. You will be missed greatly.
RIP Sergeant.