Michael Dowhaniuk, 87, United States Army retired (1976) military officer, El Paso, Texas, passed into heaven into the loving arms of our father and savior, Almighty God Jesus Christ, on Monday, April 10, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mike’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Ben Wanner as celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Mike was born on November 30, 1935, son of George and Agnes Dowhaniuk, near Dickinson, North Dakota. He had 10 brothers and sisters. Mike graduated from military officers college, Russian language school, security graduate, all with honors and also held a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Mike played hockey briefly in Canada as a young man and then attended the seminary to become a Catholic priest. He ultimately joined the United States Army. In 1958, Mike married love of his life Claudia at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. They were happily married for 59 years until Claudia’s passing in 2018.
Mike proudly served as a Captain in the United States Army in support of, and as a Commander in infamous battalions and covert operations. He proudly and fiercely defended his country with two tours in Vietnam. Mike received numerous awards and commendations for his service, not the least of which included many Star Medal Awards. Mike was an Airborne parachute jump master with dozens of mission jumps and was Expert Carbine. After 20+ years Mike was promoted again in the Army Reserves and retired as proud son of United States of America and the United States Army to Texas. Mike continued to work after military retirement as an accountant in the banking industry.
Mike is survived by his daughter Teresa, his son Blaine, grand-children Candace, Lindsey and Jade, and his brother Max. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.
