Michael Francis Dugan

With deep sorrow, we announce that Michael Francis Dugan of East Grand Rapids. Michigan, passed away peacefully on the Solemnity of Pentecost, June 8, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on the Ides of March, March 15, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, Mike lived a life grounded in integrity, patriotic service, humility, and the Catholic faith. Mike was a devoted husband, cherished father, and a beloved grandfather, known as “Bobo” to his grandchildren. Quick with a joke or an offer of aid, Mike was blessing to all who knew him.

Mike was the beloved husband of Christina Margareta Dugan for 52 beautiful years. They met during their first days of college at St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, in 1967. And since then, they have been through thick and thin: Glynco, Georgia; the births of their children; major anniversaries; world travels to Spain and China; bouts of cancer; and Mike’s decade-long battle with dementia. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. And except for about five days during their marriage, after an ill-advised shaving adventure, Mike rocked a mustache that put even Tom Selleck to shame.

After graduating from college with a degree in Zoology, Mike entered the United States Navy, serving as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F-4 Phantom. Mike was a proud member of the VF-74 Bedevilers Squadron and served on the U.S.S. Forrestal and Nimitz. After active duty, Mike continued his service in the Reserves until, out of principle, he retired because he believed there wasn’t enough work to justify his continued service and drain on the public fisc.

After leaving active duty, Mike began a successful career in sales. As a sales representative, Mike was a windshield warrior, logging thousands of miles over the U.S. interstates in good and bad weather. Mike often had to visit the paper, automotive, and other industrial plants he served at odd hours or during the third shift. Despite this frequent travel and irregular schedule, Mike never complained.

But Mike was not defined primarily by what he did but by who he was. First and foremost, Mike was a steadfast husband and a dedicated father to Conor (Laurel) Dugan and Molly (Myles McDonnell) Dugan. Mike taught Conor and Molly and their spouses what true fatherhood is.

Mike was also irrepressibly curious. He loved learning about scientific discoveries or the etymology of words. His dictionary was well-worn from its frequent use. Mike spent many nights pouring over some text on his back porch with a scotch next to him and Bach playing in the background, learning about a new subject. Mike loved intellectual give-and-take. A favorite photo of Mike is from May 1992 where Mike is seen engaging William F. Buckley in conversation at a gala here Grand Rapids.

Mike’s notes and letters to family and friends were a source of encouragement and support to all who received them. He had a way with the written word. And while never the most talkative in a room, Mike’s spoken words were invariably loving and kind.

Mike also possessed a quiet and steadfast Catholic faith that manifested itself in great generosity and care. Mike lived his beliefs: attending Mass regularly, volunteering his time, and treating everyone he met with dignity and kindness. He believed in service to others, the power of prayer, and the importance of living a good and honest life.

In addition to his wife, children and their spouses, Mike is survived by six grandchildren, Gianna, Michael, Seamus, and Finnian Dugan and Olivia and Madeline McDonnell, his siblings Margaret (Jon) Fabri, Edward (Barbara) Dugan, Thomas (Maureen) Dugan, and Teresa Dugan, and numerous nieces and nephews who remember Uncle Mike with fondness. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Margaret Dugan, his sister Kathleen Miller, his sister-in-law Linda Dugan, his in-laws, Hans and Anita Betzen, and his brother-in-law Ian MacArthur.

Family will greet friends and relatives from 5-8pm on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546, with a Rosary service at 7:30pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, June 13, 2025, at St. Stephen Parish, 750 Gladstone Drive SE, East Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506, with visitation one hour prior. Fr. Scott Nolan presiding. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Wounded Warrier Project in Mike’s honor. A party to celebrate and share memories of Mike’s life will be held in August.  May he rest in the eternal peace of God’s loving embrace.