Michael Durnen

The livestream of Mike's service will be available at: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMDY4MzMyOTI4MjM1MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Michael (Mike) Durnen, 55, a lifelong resident of Winona, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023 at his home with his family.

Mike was born October 5, 1968 in Winona to Raymond and Bonnie (Helleland) Durnen.  He graduated from Winona Senior High and attended Winona State for political science.  Mike’s strong work ethic was apparent throughout his career. In his younger years, he worked at the Blackhorse and Westgate Bowl. Mike then transitioned his career path wanting to further serve and help others while making a positive impact on the community. He began working for Winona Public Schools in the special education department while also working seasonally for the City of Winona. Mike’s true passion was working in Park Maintenance as it allowed him to share the beauty of the Winona community with all those he knew. When the opportunity arose, Mike accepted the role of Superintendent of Park Maintenance, his ultimate career goal. Mike loved helping to care for and maintain the city he always called home.

Mike loved many things in his life but loved nothing more than his family. On January 16, 1997, Mike became a dad to Colin Durnen. Mike loved being a dad and would go above and beyond to do anything for his son. On June 27, 2015, Mike married his best friend and his “person in life” Amanda Lyons. He also became a father to Layna and Jack Rutkowski and knew his family was now complete. Mike was an outstanding father and husband. He always put his kids and family first. Mike never hesitated to change his plans to be present with or for his kids. He enjoyed the many years they participated in the sports they loved and encouraged them to live in the moment. He took pride in watching them become the good people that they are today. He could never have a conversation without sharing about his kids.  Mike was a huge fan of Minnesota sports, a past Hall of Fame bowler, and a strong competitor in Fantasy Football. He loved spending time with his friends, neighbors, and campground crew.

Mike was a great friend and someone you could always rely on to be there for you.  He would do anything for anyone, was dependable, motivated, quick-witted and was a man of his word.

He will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Amanda; children, Colin Durnen (Kaila Vahradian) of Plover, WI, Laney Rutkowski of Milwaukee, WI and Jack Rutkowski of Winona; parents, Ray and Bonnie Durnen; brother, Robert Durnen and his sons, Tyler and Zachary of Burnsville, MN; Amanda’s parents, John and Polly Lyons; brother-in-law, Patrick Lyons (Sarah Krahn) of Madison, WI; sister-in-law, Lindy (Noel) Nichols and their sons, Leo and Jasper of Apple Valley, MN; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Milton and Virginia Helleland and Raymond and Edna Durnen.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Sobieski Park Lodge, 965 East 7^th Street, Winona, led by funeral celebrant Jen Corcoran.  Visitation will be 11 a.m., until 2 p.m., also at Sobieski Park Lodge. Please dress casually as that is the way Mike would want it.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used to continue Mike’s legacy in various ways.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.hofffuneral.com.