On Jan. 21 2023, Michael (Mike) B. Urdahl, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 68. Mike was born on Oct.1, 1954, in Williston, N.D. to Leonard and Doris (Bergh) Urdahl. Mike was married to Jackie (McCullough) where they lived in Imperial.
He called Pennsylvania home but after being recruited to Dana College in Blair he made Nebraska his home. He adopted the Big Red but was always a Penn State and Phillies fan. Mike’s successful professional path included many years in Blair. He focused on telecommunications and the last several years he served as CEO of a Nebraska based telecommunications holding company. He worked on the regulatory side for many years and was instrumental in developing the state’s telecommunication legislation. He also worked with the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C.
His work life, family and great friends gave him so many opportunities to visit amazing locales all over the world. His hunting and golfing trip stories are still being told. Mike shared his love of Hawaii with Jackie during a trip to Kauai. They later returned to the Big Island with their three daughters for a week of food, fun and fabulous times. Another special trip was the summer the entire family including the “boys” spent a week in Spain.
Mike had a passion for sports. He played football and baseball in college and town team ball in Northeast Nebraska for many years. He was an avid golfer and loved to share the sport with anyone who would play. He was a great storyteller and most often they ended with a hook at the end and a punch line. Mike’s sweetest friend called him the Mayor of Nebraska because he knew someone everywhere he went.
He is survived by his wife Jackie, and three children and their spouses: Caitlin (Urdahl) and Steve Pollmann of Wauneta; Chelsey (Urdahl) and Jacques Thibodeaux, of Loveland, Colo.; and Claire (Spahn) and Lluis Altimires, of Overland Park, Kan. His grandchildren include Hayden and his wife Sarah, Landry and Teagan Pollmann and Max Altimires. He will be missed by his brother and three sisters, nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Leonard, his mother, Doris, stepdad Rod Harmon, and brother, Patrick.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Charles Schwab Field, 1200 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE.
In Mike’s memory and to honor his love of baseball, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to support the Blair American Legion Baseball Program c/o Blair American Legion - Baseball Program, 103 S 12 th St, Blair, NE 68008.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is assisting the Urdahl family.
