Michael Juhl

Michael Robert Juhl, 57, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on December 14, 2020, after a 16 month battle with ALS.

 

Mike loved his idyllic childhood in the small town of Dike, Iowa and often said those were the best years of his life. He told many stories of playing with his army men in the sandbox and working in the school shop with his dad. He wanted those, who touched his life in Iowa, to know that he loved and appreciated you.

 

After graduating from Iowa State University, Mike joined the United States Air Force and began his journey to becoming a commercial airline pilot. He served our country in Desert Storm flying C-130s where he earned the Air Medal for meritorious service. After leaving the Air Force, Mike was offered a position with Delta Air Lines and spent 29 years doing something he passionately loved: flying the Boeing 757/767. He even had a “signature move” in those extremely soft, smooth landings in which he took great pride.

 

Mike Juhl was the “fun” uncle, dad, friend and husband. He was known to laugh in a movie with wild abandon and if he told you a story, you made sure to give him a wide berth for his waving hands and arms he used for emphasis. He loved a thrill and if he took a spill over the handlebars of his mountain bike or down the mountain while skiing (something he called a yard sale) it was with a great badge of honor. It made for a good story to tell later with those waving arms. Passionately he loved his son, Mason, and considered him his best friend. He taught great lessons of life, love, work, and design and was so proud of the man Mason has become. Their bond was admirable and their laughter abundant. The other love of his life was his wife, Elizabeth. They met on a blind date in 2011 and Mike would later tell the story that when he saw her pass the window to the restaurant, life turned into slow motion with the song “Dream Weaver” playing in the background. He would say to her “I love you to the moon, Baby”! Although ALS stole from him and tortured him, he still managed a smile for everyone. He wanted his family to know, “I have loved every moment of my life and I’m glad each of you were a part of it. Thank you for giving me your love and letting me love you...I LOVE OUR FAMILY!”

 

Mike is survived by his much loved wife Elizabeth, son Mason, step daughter Caroline House, and his faithful dog Riley, all of Dallas, TX; parents Richard and Joann Juhl, Dike, IA; sister Connie (Dan) Vella, Canton, MI; brother David (Julie) Juhl, Des Moines, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. At Mike’s request, his ashes will be spread in two of his favorite places: Breckinridge, Colorado and under his favorite tree in the front yard where he can forever admire the house he designed. Due to the limitations of gatherings, a service will be held at a later date. In leu of flowers, Mike would love for you to make donations to our local no kill shelter, Dog and Kitty City, https://www. dognkittycity.org/donate.html.