Dr. Michael J. Junker, Dds

Dr. Michael J. Junker, DDS, 76, of Stillwater, passed away Sept. 1, 2024, after a lengthy illness. He died at home under the care of his loving family.

"Mike" was born in Stillwater on June 26, 1948, to Herman and Agnes "Babe" (Sinkler) Junker. The fourth of five children, Mike attended St. Mary's School in Stillwater and later Hill High School (now Hill-Murray) in St. Paul.

At Hill, he was a member of the National Honor Society while earning all-conference in basketball and baseball. The summer of his senior year, he was a stand-out catcher for his state champion American Legion team.

That fall, Mike enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated in only three years. After taking a year off to run the family business, Herman Junker Candy Company, when his dad died unexpectedly, he entered dental school and earned his DDS in 1974. He then served two years in the U.S. Air Force at the rank of captain, practicing dentistry in Korea and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

After returning to Stillwater, he established his own practice on Osgood Avenue, where it would remain for more than 40 years. One of the last of a breed of old-fashioned family dentists, "Doc," as he was known to many friends, served thousands of St. Croix Valley residents over the years and was well known for his good work, warmth and kindness. Rare was the occasion when -- out running errands or filling up the gas tank -- he didn't run into a familiar face delighted to share a laugh and a quick chat.

In 1979, Mike went from a single man to the father of a family of five, marrying the "love of his life," Jean Magnuson, adopting her son David, and seeing the birth of twins Mathew and Colleen. He was a devoted and loving husband, and a remarkable father who loved nothing more than time with family and friends, joking around and having fun: at Twins and Gopher games, fastpitch softball tournaments, kids' and grandkids' hockey games, bowling alleys, on the golf course, or hanging around the pool and grilling steaks.

No longer physically active, his final days were nevertheless spent with close family and friends, doing some of his favorite things: eating, napping, reading, telling stories, watching Jeopardy and cheering on his beloved Minnesota Twins.

Mike is preceded in death by his wife Jean; parents Herman and Agnes "Babe" Junker; and brother Paul Junker. He will remain in the hearts of his children David (LeeAnn), Matt (Lindsay); and Colleen (Andy) Fecht; grandchildren Mabel, Gigi, Felix, Axel, Kaden and Piper; siblings Pamela Carlson, Mary (John) O'Brien, and Patrick (Terri) Junker; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 423 Fifth St. S, Stillwater, Minn. Visitation 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave. N, Stillwater, Minn., and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.