Michael Morris Duncan

Michael Morris Duncan, 76, of Lincoln, passed away June 25, 2024, at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Michael was born in October 1947 to Morris and Rhea Duncan. He was the youngest of three kids, and lived for brief periods in Aberdeen and Shelley, Idaho, before settling down in Idaho Falls. He had an adventurous childhood: he enjoyed roping chickens, riding milk cans, and most of all spending time with his dad. In his childhood, he learned to love God, family, and country, and these three loves were the impetus for the decisions he made throughout all of his life. When he was a teen, his mother was injured in a fall, and Michael learned of the power of endurance from watching her perseverance. He was a gifted athlete: he excelled in track, basketball, and football.

After high school, he married Starla Hall, and prior to divorcing, they had two children: Mila (Randy) Wood and Michael Destry (Roselle). Michael enlisted in the Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam and advanced to the rank of Sargeant. About seven years after he finished his service there, he met and married Carol Sue Sautter in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they had five children: Mandie (Alan) Doty, Bryce (Mary) Duncan, Nancy (Jeremy) Jannuzzi, Megan (Mike) Ferrera, and Leslie Luke. His children, 14 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Mike purchased his father’s auto body business, and he took pride in working hard and treating his customers fairly and honestly. After a hard day of work, he would often stretch out on the floor with his head on a shoe, pop can, football, or whatever he could find, and let his kids climb all over him. He proudly cheered for his kids as he attended all of their athletic events and most of their practices. As his children grew to adulthood, he continued to support them in all of their endeavors. In 2005, Mike experienced a devastating illness and extended hospitalization. The endurance he learned from his mother, as well as his determination to watch his family grow, pulled him through. We were blessed with another 19 years with him. He continued to persevere through multiple health challenges, always motivated by his love for his family. On June 25, 2024, he passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

He was preceded in death by his mother; father; sister, Barbara; and grandson, Dak.

He will be remembered most for his loyalty, hard work, easy-going nature, his storytelling, his epic tractor bucket rides, impeccable lawn care, and his perseverance. Above all, we will remember Mike’s loyalty and dedication to his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Cortland Ridge Ward, 3934 E. 49th S. in Ammon, with Bishop Jeremy Petrus officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.