Michael August Hunst

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Michael (Mike) Hunst peacefully passed away at the age of 82 on Friday, December 26, 2025, surrounded by family at Prelude Cottages in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Mike will be dearly missed by his wife, Vicki, children David Hunst, Kathleen (John) Peters, Tracy (Scott) Davis, and Jim (Debbie) Duncan.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren Jessica (Max) Kolar, John Michael (Madicyn) Peters, Joseph Peters, Morgan (Matt) Vanyo, and Christopher Davis. He cherished his great-grandsons Baxter Kolar and John Jeffrey Peters (expected in January, 2026). Mike is survived by two sisters, Kathryn Garton and Patricia Carr, nieces, nephews, and cousins who dearly loved him.

Mike grew up on the family’s farm near Belmond, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1965 with a degree in Agricultural Business. He began his 38-year career with the US Department of Agriculture in Portland, Oregon, and was subsequently transferred to Washington, D.C., Lafayette, Indiana, and finally to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1994.

Mike and Vicki enjoyed hosting cousin reunions, out-of-town guests, and especially extended family. For several years, they spent many summer weekends in their pop-up camper at Minnesota State Parks, hiking, exploring and sitting around the evening campfire. After his retirement in 2004, they traveled extensively across the United States, visiting many National Parks, stopping to visit former work colleagues and friends along the way. Together they traveled to Ireland, Germany and Canada and enjoyed several international cruises. They enjoyed a small home in Indiana spending time with family and hosting many Christmas Dinners.

Mike enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was very witty with a great sense of humor. He made friends wherever he went through church, community, work, and family.

Mike’s strong faith shone in his generosity, love, and provision of support for his family and others. Although Mike could be frugal, he was lovingly giving with his time and resources, including serving his church, Woodbury Lutheran, for many years where he served as Financial Secretary. He would help anyone, including welcoming in and providing housing for friends in need. Mike loved to work outside and kept the yard in pristine condition, grew bountiful gardens and harvested apple and cherry trees. Mike contributed to his community in many ways, including working in the church garden for many years where thousands of pounds of produce were donated to community organizations.

Mike was a lifelong sports fan, following the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, as well as Purdue University sports. He was an athlete when he was young, and was a great influence to his children’s athletics.

Mike battled Parkinson’s disease for over seven years. He fought hard to keep active and fit by participating in many Physical Therapy sessions and did leg strengthening exercises at home. As a resident at Prelude, he and Vicki walked outside in nice weather and in the hallways trying to maintain strength in his legs.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Margaret (Dempsey) Hunst.

Funeral services will be at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Rd. Woodbury, MN on Friday, January 9, at 11:00 with visitation starting at 10:00.

Memorial contributions may be made to World Vision or Woodbury Lutheran Church.