Michael Francis Kukachka

Michael's Story

Michael Francis Kukachka, 73, of New Hope, left pain behind on June 17, 2021, to soar free and rest with our Heavenly Father after a 4-year journey with cancer. He was born in New Prague on August 12, 1947, to the late Millie (Turek) and Stanley Kukachka. He was raised in the Bloomington area with a short stay in Brainerd, where he pitched a no-hitter in Junior High. He loved playing baseball, and continued through high school while being watched by scouts from the Twins organization. That dream didn't work out due to cronic illness, but he continued to play organized local ball into his 40s. He was a graduate of Bloomington High School Class of 1965.

And if baseball was his first love, then NHRA Drag Racing with his ’68 Charger or his ’71 Charger Super Bee around the country was his second, beating out many a competitor and bringing home trophies and titles. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool, or an occasional game of chess. Michael was honest, disciplined, led by example, and never complained about the cards he was dealt even after 16 surgeries and 23 procedures. He began his long career at Hollander Publishing Company in the warehouse, moving to Technical Writer and eventually becoming Managing Editor of The Hollander Automotive Interchange Manual and database, and was dubbed by his customers, “The Guru of Interchange.” Once home, he authored two books, “I Need a Part for My Classic…” (Corvette and Camaro).

We will be missing his dry, wry sense of humor as well as his sage advice, and the oh-so-delicious grilled chicken that he made with his Secret Special Sauce. He was there for dance recitals, T-ball, band and orchestra concerts, plays, coronations and missing banners, braces and lost retainers, Missile Command to Pokemon, graduations, vacations, weddings, and the celebrated births of 13 grandbabies.

Survived and missed by the love of his life of 46 years, Patricia (nee Johnston); Step-Daughter Connie (Jeff) Sackmaster, Brooklyn Park; Daughter Stefany (Aaron) Pratt, Vienna VA; Son Jacob (Melissa), Crystal; Brother Jon (Teri), Coon Rapids; Grandchildren Joel, Brooke & Luke Sackmaster; Tristin (Maddie), Brandon (Sarai), William, Benjamin, Dallin, Aidan & Kathrine Pratt; Tayler, Landen & Natalia Kukachka; Nephews Eric (Erica) and Jason (Samantha); and many cousins whom he loved. All are welcome to an outdoor Celebration of Life at the Sackmaster home on Friday, July 2 at 3:00 pm. Call for address or email mkukachka@gmail.com.

life story

Mike about 2 years old

memorial service

Celebration of Life

July 2, 2021

Please call for address, or email mkukachka@gmail.com

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services