MICHAEL T. ZURFLUH, LT, USN

Michael Zurfluh '71

Date of birth: April 17, 1949

Date of death: June 2, 1975

Age: 26

Lucky Bag

From the 1971 Lucky Bag:

MICHAEL T. ZURFLUH

Tacoma, Washington

Zurf comes from the land of deer and trout and has taken his share of both in the state of Washington. Mike came to the Academy, rosey cheeked, straight from high school. He never lost his spirit while here, a few roommates maybe, but never his spirit. His fiercely competitive nature carried over well from the athletic field to the fantasyland of academics, and he could usually be found on the Sup's list. Mike has almost become a naturalized citizen of Virginia due to his continued attraction there. It looks like marriage is just around the corner for Mike, and after that, the best pilot the Navy will see for a long time to come.

MICHAEL T. ZURFLUH

Tacoma, Washington

Zurf comes from the land of deer and trout and has taken his share of both in the state of Washington. Mike came to the Academy, rosey cheeked, straight from high school. He never lost his spirit while here, a few roommates maybe, but never his spirit. His fiercely competitive nature carried over well from the athletic field to the fantasyland of academics, and he could usually be found on the Sup's list. Mike has almost become a naturalized citizen of Virginia due to his continued attraction there. It looks like marriage is just around the corner for Mike, and after that, the best pilot the Navy will see for a long time to come.

Loss

Michael was lost on June 2, 1975 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Barber's Point, Hawaii.

Other Information

His obituary, courtesy of Bob Capra '71:

Mike was born in Tacoma, Washington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Zurfluh of 2205 Brookdale Road in Tacoma. From early childhood, Mike was an avid outdoorsman, sportsman and athlete. His school years were marked by academic excellence and outstanding achievement, as evidenced by his election as Student Body President at DuPont Junior High School and Franklin Pierce High School and his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13.
Upon graduation from high school in 1967, Mike entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1971. His academy years were also highlighted by academic excellence and athletic prowess, especially in boxing where Mike won all of his fights and fought in the 127 pound class championship bout. He was also a member of the Naval Academy Flying Club.
After graduation from the Naval Academy and prior to reporting to the USS CACAPON (AO-52), Mike married the former Kathleen Margret Cook on June 12, 1971.
In January 1972, he entered Flight Training at Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1973 at Kingsville, Texas.
Mike then reported to Fleet Composite Squadron ONE and quickly gained the reputation of an outstanding Naval Officer and Naval Aviator, flying the A4E Skyhawk. He was a devoted husband and a loving father to his two sons, Steven Joseph, age 3, and Karl Robert, age 1.
Mike is best remembered for his true dedication to his country, the Navy and his shipmates, and his passing has left a very real void in all of our lives. Mike was lost at sea in the service of his country.

From the November 1975 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Michael Thomas Zurfluh USN died as a result of an aircraft accident on 2 June 1975 off the Naval Air Station Barber's Point, Hawaii. Memorial services were held at the NAS Chapel conducted by Capt. (ChC) John F. Laboon USN '44.
Entering the Naval Academy from the State of Washington, he was graduated in the Class of 1971. At the academy he was a member of the Flying Club and a champion boxer in the 127-pound class.
After graduation he reported to USS Cacapon, then entered flight training and was designated a naval aviator in November 1973 at Kingsville, Texas. He then reported to Fleet Composite Squadron One, flying the A4E Skyhawk. He was lost at sea while proceeding to an initial approach fix for landing at Barber's Point.
He is survived by his widow, Kathleen, and two sons, Steven and Karl; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Zurfluh, all of Tacoma WA.

His Find A Grave page is here.

Photographs

From the November 1975 issue of Shipmate.
Mike as a Midshipman 1/c or 2/c
Mike as a Midshipman 1/c or 2/c
14th Company Brigade Championship Lightweight Football Team, Mike's 1/c year. He was a star receiver and is front row center.
Michael’s baby photo: Born in Tacoma, Washington, 4/17/1949. Courtesy Mike's sister, Linda.
Mike and sister Linda. Courtesy Dr. Linda Zurfluh.
Family Photo: Left to Right: Sister Jan, Michael, Sister Lin. Front: Mary Ann and Robert Zurfluh. Courtesy Dr. Linda Zurfluh.
Mike and sisters Lin and Jan (front). Courtesy Dr. Linda Zurfluh.
Photo of Mike’s marriage to Kathleen Cook. In order from left to right: Captain Karl and Mrs. Cook, Kathleen, Mike, Mary Ann and Robert Zurfluh. Courtesy Dr. Linda Zurfluh.

Remembrances

From FamilySearch (originally posted to USNA.com in a longer form):

Arriving at the Naval Academy in June 1967, I found the climate very much like my home in Texas - hot and humid. From day one, we did lots of marching and running which did not bother me at all. In fact, I was one of the very few Plebes who actually gained weight that summer. When you start out at six one and 120 pounds, you only have one way to go - up. We were introduced to the Physical Training program which included lots of swimming, a physical fitness test (push-ups, pull-ups, etc.), a mile run for time AND boxing.
Being more of a lover than a fighter, boxing was totally foreign to me. At some point during Plebe Summer, the entire company went to boxing class in Macdonough Hall. A couple of Marine Captains were in charge, and they told us to pair off by height and weight. As it turned out, the last two guys unpaired were Mike Zurfluh and I. All I knew about Zurf was that he was from Seattle, Washington, only stood about 5' 6" and had a very flat nose and I thought funny looking ears. One of the Marines said, "You two freaks fight each other." We got our boxing equipment which consisted of really big gloves and protective head gear. These items had been used by every class of midshipmen since Admiral Dewey was a plebe and they smelled something AWFUL! After each boxing class, it took two days of hard hand scrubbing to get the stink off. But this was our first experience so we suited up and got ready for our turn in the ring. With my height advantage, I felt confident that I could keep Zurf away from my vital areas and punch around on him at will. It didn't turn out that way. When the Marine rang the bell to start our match, Zurfluh came at me like a shot and hit me at least a thousand times before I could even get my hands up! It was a massacre.
I did survive somehow; I think God made Zurf show some pity on me. I was helped out of the ring and Zurf was signed up then and there for the Brigade Boxing Team as a lightweight. Then and only then did Zurf let it be known that he had been a Golden Gloves champion in Seattle! The teaching point for that first boxing class was to watch out for short guys with flat noses and funny looking ears..."
I only saw Zurf one time after graduation. He married his sweetheart and went to flight school. Shortly before I deployed on my second cruise to Vietnam, I was invited to dinner by Zurf and his bride at their quarters on NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Zurf was flying A-4s for a composite squadron stationed there. Another classmate and company-mate, Marine Lieutenant George Rogers and his wife were also invited; and a grand time was had by all. Some time later during the cruise, I learned that Michael Zurfluh had died in a training flight accident in the Hawaiian Op Areas. The Navy had lost a fine officer. The world had lost a true gentleman and a wonderful human being. Captain M. W. Newman '71, USN (Ret.)

Company Memories

Ahead of the fiftieth anniversary of his death, Mike's company-mates contributed their memories of him, below.

From 1st Class year (1st set) roommate Gene Baker:

Mike and I were roommates during the first set of first class year. So, before a parade, Mike and I wanted to catch a little snooze. I went to the plebe room next door and told them to wake us up twenty minutes before the parade formation. Well, of course, the plebes forgot to wake us. We both woke up a few minutes after formation time. We quickly threw our parade uniforms on, including those darn leggings! We grabbed our rifles and flew down the stairs (ladder). In a dead run, we passed all of the companies that were marching behind fourteen company. We finally reached fourteenth company, thankfully before they got to Worden Field. We fell in on the last rank and successfully marched on.
Now, of course, no bad deed goes unpunished so we both got fried for "late to formation." We were glad there was no regulation for "very, very late to formation." This was during the time that we had to march off our demerits rather than restrict. So, on a Saturday afternoon, Mike and I marched off our demerits with our rifles over our shoulders for the requisite amount of time. And, no, we did not take too much revenge against the miserable, forgetful, low-rent, guiltily plebes.

From plebe summer roommate Roger Young:

During plebe summer, I was roommates with Mike along with Bill Zubkoff. Plebe summer was a shock and a learning experience for most of us that didn't have exposure to a military environment. On top of the plebe summer chaos, Mike faced a culture adjustment. He was a shy Pacific Coast guy, rooming with two outgoing East Coast guys, one from New York (me) and the other from Miami (Bill). We all got along and benefited from each other's friendship and viewpoints. He was the observer, never the center of attention but always a well thought out contribution.  Mike's height earned him a spot in the three man first row as we lined up for our morning 3 mile run: Organek, Burgess and Zurfluh. Mike was in great shape, had no body fat and could run effortlessly forever. Right behind him in the second row I reminded him that the running pace was somewhat in his hands and us non-runners appreciated all the help we could get to survive. Back in our room after the run, I was always amazed that he never broke a sweat and looked like he had just finished reading a book.
Mike was very competitive as a boxer and as a member of the 14th Company Brigade Lightweight Football Champion team. Although we all spent a lot of time together, it took a while until we found out about his accomplishments as a Golden Glove boxer. He put on his "game face" and showed his determination and boxing skills when boxing company mates in class. Mike Newman's story about their encounter is a classic.
It was a culture adjustment of a shy Pacific coast guy rooming with two extravert East coast guys, one from Long Island and the other from Miami. We all got along and benefited from each other's viewpoint.

From company-mate Denny Desmond:

I remember Mike Zurfluh with an always ready smile and positive attitude. At USNA we would mostly talk about fishing and the huge fish he would catch out west while I was catching dinky little (but beautiful) brook trout in north central PA. I always looked forward to our chats.
One of the things I would read while in the ready room at VC-2 (NAS Oceana in VA Beach) were incident reports, accidents in particular. I remember the day when reading the report there was an item about an A-4 in another VC squadron going down. To my shock and horror, it involved Mike Zurfluh, and it hit me hard. I had already lost a number of friends in aircraft accidents, but that one was closer to home. It was a very sad day. Then there comes the conjecture about what happened. Unfortunately, I guess we'll never know.
I was glad to have called him my friend.

From company-mate Bob Goodwin:

I only knew Mike a short while but in the time that I knew him, I found him to be reserved, quiet, kind, confident and compassionate. It was during plebe summer that I had the privilege of spending time getting to know him. It was very soon after meeting our 2nd class company leaders we were “assigned” for a better word which sport we “wanted’ to participate in. Although I wanted to try out for the plebe football team, it was “suggested” by one our 2nd class leaders what I really wanted was plebe summer boxing. It was there that I saw that Mike had two personas, one that we saw every day, and the one when he entered the ring. When Mike entered the ring, he became the warrior that the Academy was training the rest of us to be fearless, focused on the objective, determined to eliminate the threat and to that end win the fight. I think of Mike often and some of the private conversations we had, and I knew that Mike would be a success at whatever specialty he selected. I was saddened to hear of his loss and only wished I had more time with him.

From company-mate Ed Kellogg:

I got pretty close to Mike and Kathie during our time in flight training down in Kingsville, Texas. Kathie, because she was always feeding the bachelor officers that would show up at dinner time, and Mike because he was eager to display his outdoor affinity for hunting and fishing.
One weekend in southern Texas Mike convinced me and two other pilot trainees to go dove hunting with him. Sure Mike, that just sounds like a lot of fun. We of course had to make a competition out of trying to shoot some little birds that fly by, so the two of us that were rookies were placed together. Heck, I'm a Marine, I can shoot anything. Ha! Mike's team had their own shotguns, so my partner and I hit the Special Services building to rent ours. We knew nothing about how much ammo we'd need etc., so we each bought a full box of shotgun shells. If you haven't been to south Texas yet, the wind really blows hard. Those little birds would fly by in full after-burner. Our team used a half box each and never hit a one, until we accidentally fired at the same time and nailed one of those little critters. From then on we used the WWII flak principle until we got a total of 3 and quit. Of course, Mike and his mate could hear all our shots. They were ticked at our "LUCK". They bought the rounds, as promised, when we got home.
Just a side note about Mike's fatal accident. He had a real "D---" of a C.O. and Mike was pushing on his maintenance test hop to get it done. My personal view was that it was the usual last step on the A-4 test flight. The hydraulic disconnect. I flew A-4s at the time. You would get the a/c all trimmed up, pull the handle, and time the rate of roll. Sometimes it was easy and other times it could get away from you. Much more difficult out over the ocean. We miss you Mike.

Family

From Bob Capra '71 on April 29, 2025:

After Mike passed, Kathie and her two sons Steve and Karl relocated to Tacoma, Washington so they could be near Mike’s family.
Kathie attended Pacific Lutheran University, where she received a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She taught health and fitness and retired after over thirty years in that profession.
She married David Scott, who is also a retired educator, but she still goes by the last name Zurfluh.
She and David came to our 45th reunion in Annapolis, the 47.5 reunion in San Diego, as well as our 50th reunion in Annapolis.
Kathie and David were frequent visitors to spring training in Arizona, and discovered they liked seeing and feeling the sunshine, so they moved to a very active adult community in Goodyear, Arizona
Steven is a civil/mechanical engineer working in Engineering in Seattle, WA.
Karl lives with his wife, Sara, in Charleston, South Carolina, where he telecommutes to his creative director position with Petrol in Burbank, CA.

Memorial Service

Parkway Presbyterian Church Memorial; Service
Lt Michael T. Zurfluh
April 17, 1949 - - - - - - - - - June 2, 1975
Held At Parkway Presbyterian Church Tacoma, Washington
Saturday, June 14, 1975 11:00 AM

The Order Of Service

The Organ Prelude
Entrance of Honor Guard and Other Participants
The Call To Worship

*An Opening Hymn     Number 521
     (First three verses from hymn book and the fourth verse as found below)

     Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
     Through the great spaces of the sky,
     Be with them always in the air,
     In darkening storms or sunlight fair.
     O hear us when we lift our prayer
     For those in peril in the air.
*The Invocation The Old Testament Lesson and a Tribute to Mike Zurfluh
The New Testament Lesson.
A Memorial Tribute
Presentation of The Flag
The Closing Hymn     Number 85
*Taps
*The Benediction
The Organ Postlude
We want to express our appreciation to everyone who attended and participated in this service. Light refreshments will be served in the Social Hall by the Women’s Association of this church and you are cordially invited to remain for this fellowship time.
Mike was born in Tacoma, Washington, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Zurfluh. He graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1967 and became a member of the 1971 Class at the U.S. Naval Academy. He became an outstanding Naval Officer and Aviator, flying the A4E Skyhawk. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Margret Cook on June 12, 1971. He was a devoted husband and a loving father to his two sons, Stephen Joseph, age 3 and Karl Robert, age 1.
Mike loved the outdoors and was an avid outdoorsman, and athlete. He was never satisfied with the mediocre and but pressed forward to do his very best in every area of activity.
Participants in this service
The Honor Guard - Roy Browning
     Ken Gould
     Brian Johnson
     Dale Rock

The Rev. George Swank - LCDR - Chaplain USNR-R – Pastor, Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Tacoma
The Rev. Grenville A. Daun, pastor, Bethany Presbyterian Church, Tacoma
The Bugler - Lawrence Skeeham
The Rev. Wesley J. Drummond, pastor, Parkway Presbyterian Church, Parkland
Mrs. Wesley J. Drummond - Organist
The Rev. Herb Siefkes, Clinical Social Worker, Seattle

Mike's survivors include his wife Kathleen, his two sons, Stephen Joseph and Karl Robert
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Zurfluh
Two sisters, Linda and Janice
Memorials may be given to the Franklin Pierce ROTC program and may be handed to an usher.

Barber’s Point, Hawaii, Memorial Service
A PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
     O Lord, our Christ, may we have Thy mind and Thy
spirit; make us instruments of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
     where there is injury, pardon;
     where there is discord, union;
     where there is doubt, faith;
     where there is despair, hope;
     where there is darkness, light;
     where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek
     to be consoled, as to console;
     to be understood, as to understand;
     to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
     it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
     and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
     Amen
If I take wings of the morning and dwell in the
uttermost parts of the sea, even there Thy hand shall
Lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.
--Psalm 139:9,10
MICHAEL THOMAS ZURFLUH
LIEUTENANT
UNITED STATES NAVY
APRIL 17, 1949 ------ JUNE 2, 1975
Mike was born in Tacoma, Washington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Zurfluh of 2205 Brookdale Road in Tacoma. From early childhood, Mike was an avid outdoorsman,sports-man and athlete. His school years were marked by academic excellence and outstanding achievement, as evidenced by his election as Student Body President at DuPont Junior High School and Franklin Pierce High School and his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13.
Upon graduation from high school in 1967, Mike entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1971. His academy years were also highlighted by academic excellence and athletic prowess, especially in boxing where Mike won all of his fights and fought in the 127 pound class championship bout. He was also a member of the Naval Academy Flying Club.
After graduation from the Naval Academy and prior to reporting to the USS CACAPON (AO-52). Mike married the former Kathleen Margret Cook on June 12, 1971. In January 1972, he entered Flight Training at Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1973 at Kingsville, Texas.