Michael Kuchenski

A Liturgy of the Word for Michael "Mike" Kuchenski, 98, of Dickinson, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, with Deacon Ron Keller celebrating. Burial will take place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation for Mike will be 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home, prior to his service on Thursday.

Mike passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Hill Top Home of Comfort.

Mike's story began on his father's homestead in North Dakota, where he worked as a farmer before setting out to build a life and business of his own. He founded Mike's Excavation, which, through years of hard work and determination, grew to become one of the largest excavation business in southwestern North Dakota.

But Mike's talents reached far beyond his work. Music would become one of his greatest joys in life. A naturally curious and gifted man, he taught himself to play several musical instruments and had a true gift for songwriting. In later years, while spending his winters in Texas, Mike could often be found singing and playing the guitar for large crowds, sharing the gospel and country music he loved so much.

Mike also had a competitive streak. He became an accomplished billiards player, winning numerous championships over the years. He also had a love of stock car racing, his car proudly representing #88-a fitting choice, as 8 was always his favorite number.

Even retirement couldn't slow his creative mind. Mike spent countless hours in his workshop designing, building, fixing, and inventing. He created tools and apparatuses that he used throughout his entire career. Yet for all he accomplished, those who knew Mike will perhaps remember most the man himself. He was even-tempered and steady, with a wonderful sense of humor and always a joke at the ready. He was hardworking, inventive, musical, competitive, and endlessly capable-a true original.

Mike was predeceased by his daughter Daylene and his son Larry. He is survived by his daughter Charlene, son Marvin, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You will be terribly missed.

Love you always...Charlene xo