Michael David Kachulis

Michael David Kachulis passed away peacefully and with a little bit of magic on January 15th, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was 79. Michael was healthy and hospital-free for all but the last few months of his extraordinary life. Even while navigating Alzheimers, he could be found riding his Segway, traveling, doing backflips off his boat and playing golf as often as he could. He was essentially running circles around people half his age before a rare, fast moving cancer invaded his fun,

Born in Missouri Valley, Iowa on November 19, 1945, he graduated from Missouri Valley High School before becoming a Hawkeye at the University of Iowa. Michael earned his English major degree and honed his “art of debate” with one of his teachers, the renowned author Kurt Vonnegut. That might explain his lifelong commitment to speaking his mind and embracing debate on any and every subject. Sometimes infuriating, but most of the time captivating, he openly shared his wit, thoughts and suggestions. To all that met him, he was unforgettable.

Michael was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War in 1968, quickly becoming a sergeant E5 before being honorably discharged. His experience left him with a lifelong passion for travel and patriotism. Following several years as a self proclaimed “ski-bum”, Michael moved to Denver, Colorado to work for a railroad company. Realizing he was a businessman at heart, he decided to start United Railroad Services in 1979. Going it alone, in a little milk house office with just a typewriter, he grew his company into a thriving, successful business that not only built, repaired and removed many railroad tracks around the United States, but also created actual works of art. Some of them are seen by thousands of people every day, like the Concourse A large-scale railroad track installation at Denver International Airport. Mike was also the visionary behind Mima Grada, the family owned real estate company that continues to serve as part of his legacy.

In 1982, he spotted a pretty blonde from a distance at the pool of his condo and said “that’s the girl I’m going to marry”. He successfully wooed her through the grandiose gesture of craning a piano up the outside of the building to his home so she would give him piano lessons. He married Marianne Weingardt, or, “Marianne, Marianne!” (as he affectionately often called her) at the Del Coronado in San Diego, California on February 9th, 1985. They built a home in Parker, Colorado, and started their family life together after welcoming two children; Grant, born in 1987, and Danielle in 1988. He always said he had the “All American” family. Mike’s life was full, always putting family time first. Although he had a successful business, he never missed a single event the children participated in. And we mean not one single thing. Mike was the catalyst for many memorable events for family and friends, often pushing everyone to the fun limit and never shying from new adventures. He was generous and fair and loved to share his passions, including anything with a big engine; cars, boats, jet skis, snow mobiles, motorcycles, houseboats, and the ever increasing in size, motor-homes. He was an unusually lucky gambler who could spend hours in front of a slot machine. He loved Bourbon, and achieved “Squire” status at his favorite, the Jack Daniels Distillery. He was a passionate dog-dad who may have snuck one too many treats under the table. And although he didn’t take it up until he was 50, he loved golf. Much to everyone’s surprise, he had two hole-in-ones despite his wicked slice.

Along with his beloved wife Marianne and his children Grant Kachulis and Danielle Kachulis Ryan, he leaves behind his son-in-law Mitch Ryan, his grandson James “Carter” Ryan (age 4) whom Michael was educating on the fine art of arm wrestling, and his granddaughter Reese Kay Ryan (age 2), who had him wrapped around her little, but very sweet finger.

The magic of Michael’s life continued to the very last moment. While the family gathered around, they heard the distant sound of a train whistle. In disbelief, they listened as the train came and went perfectly during Mike’s last breath. Leave it to Mike to make a grand exit. We are certain he was carried to heaven on a train.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents Christ J Kachulis and Elsie (Spencer) Kachulis; his sister Crystal Kachulis; and his brother-in-law Gene Hochlan. He is survived by his siblings; Richard Kachulis (wife Kathy) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Gloria Hochlan of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Rocky Kachulis of Parker, Colorado; and Hollis Karcher (husband Bob) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind dear friends who filled his life with so much happiness. Thank you for the great times.

Memorial Services will take place on Friday,  February 21, 2025 beginning at 1pm at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. Burial and Veteran honors will take place at Friday, February 21 at 2:30 pm at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 3609 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado.. A Celebration of Life will be immediately following, with details on location to come.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider a donation be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, or the Alzheimer’s Association