Michael Joseph Augustyn, 74, died of cardiac arrest in his Peterborough, New Hampshire home on July 3, 2026. He was beloved among those who knew him. Michael had the natural ability to make people feel safe in his presence, and the world was a safer place because of him.

As an officer in the United States Air Force, Michael was a genuine patriot. During times of danger, Michael kept his calm, using his quick wit and preparedness to keep those under his command out of harm’s way. Later, as a United States civil servant, he was in charge of maintaining safe communications for branches of the Armed Forces.

Michael was born in Colby, Kansas, to Joseph and Maribeth Augustyn. His family moved to Red Cloud and then Gothenburg, Nebraska, before settling in McCook, Nebraska. Michael graduated from McCook High School in 1970. He played varsity football, competed in gymnastics, and played trombone in the school band. He was a National Merit Scholar and president of the Math Club. Michael received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, from which he graduated in 1974.

In 1976, Michael realized his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He flew for the United States Air Force, piloting the C135, C130, C160, and G222, and was a C135 research pilot for the Apollo Program. In 1986, Michael became a flight instructor for the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center in St Joseph, Missouri. During the 1990s Bosnian conflict, he flew missions in Bosnia for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He made regular landings in Sarajevo and airdropped provisions into Bosnia. Michael retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After his Air Force retirement, Michael started a new career as an Information Security Officer for the United States Army at Fort Polk, Louisiana. For three years, Michael was the Systems Administrator for the 39th Signal Battalion and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe, in Belgium. He served two years as Information Security Officer for the United States Army, Europe, in Heidelberg, Germany. Michael did two tours as Security Officer for the United States Army Command, Kuwait, and served three years as the J-6 responsible for all United States Army Corps of Engineers communications in Afghanistan. After retiring from the civil service, Michael worked in information security for the Bank of New York Mellon, Washington D.C.

In 2014, he renewed contact with fellow McCook High School graduate, Laura Campbell. She was the love of his life. When they married a year later, Michael moved to Peterborough, New Hampshire, to be with her. He spent his retirement traveling with Laura, planting trees, installing irrigation for Laura Campbell Landscape Design, and spoiling his grandchildren and his dog Sandy. He was passionate about soccer and was enjoying the 2026 World Cup competition.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Laura; children Kimberly (Ron) Wheeler of Derry, New Hampshire, Douglas (Amy) Augustyn of Port Deposit, Maryland, and Andrew (Ari) Augustyn of Cockeysville, Maryland; grandchildren Lillian Augustyn, Alanna, Elise, Gabrielle, Paxton, and Zachary Wheeler; brother Charles Augustyn of Santa Fe, New Mexico; sisters, Kathy Robles of Kearney, Nebraska, Peg Andrews of Lincoln, Nebraska, Susan Augustyn of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, Carol Augustyn of Sierra Vista, Arizona. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the USO.

All are welcome to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Michael’s life on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10 AM, at All Saints’ Church, Peterborough with a reception to follow.