07/14/2026
Please help us congratulate our newest Unsung Hero: Mike Grafsgaard! 🎉
Mike Grafsgaard has spent a lifetime serving his country, his community, and his fellow veterans.
Born and raised in Devils Lake, Mike is the youngest of eight children. After graduating from high school, Mike deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm as a member of the ND Army National Guard. He was mobilized for 11 months, with 9 months spent overseas before returning home. Mike resumed his studies at UND Lake Region State College (formerly UND Lake Region), completing his general education courses before transferring to the University of North Dakota. There, he earned his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering, graduating in 1997.
His professional career includes positions with the North Dakota State Water Commission, Greater Ramsey Water District, and eventually the City of Devils Lake, where he followed in his father's footsteps. His father served as the city's Water Superintendent for many years, while Mike has dedicated the majority of his career to serving the community as City Engineer and Public Works Director.
Mike also proudly served in the North Dakota Army National Guard, retiring in 2009 after 20 years of service.
Following his return from Desert Storm, Mike became involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Along with another veteran who had deployed with him, he began spending time at the local post. For Mike, the VFW quickly became more than a meeting place—it became a place to relax, enjoy good conversation, and spend time with fellow veterans.
"Working in my role with the City, it seemed everywhere I went to relax, people had city questions and wanted to talk work," Mike recalled. "At the VFW, the old Vets knew it was break time, and nobody asked me work questions. There were no egos—just down-to-earth good people. It was my place to unwind." It wasn't long before fellow members encouraged the younger veteran to become more involved. Mike joined the House Committee, helping oversee building improvements at the VFW.
One project became especially meaningful to him. As many veterans aged, they realized some could no longer access the building because of the stairs. Determined to make the VFW welcoming to everyone, Mike helped lead a series of improvements. The projects included replacing the roof, remodeling the bathrooms, updating the bar area to improve wheelchair accessibility, and ultimately installing a wheelchair lift. Mike helped to successfully secure the grant that made the lift possible, ensuring veterans with mobility challenges could once again enjoy the fellowship of the VFW.
Mike also oversees the VFW's Veterans Christmas Gift Program, a tradition started by the late Duane Carter, a World War II Veteran. Each Christmas, Mike and fellow veterans deliver gifts to veterans living in local nursing homes. This year, rather than presenting Christmas gifts, the group is celebrating America's 250th anniversary by delivering a patriotic gift set featuring an American flag along with the flags of each military service branch.
His commitment to honoring veterans extends to his work with the VFW Honor Guard. When able, Mike helps provide honors for Veterans at military funerals, participates in parades, and volunteers during the community's annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs.
Another special project for Mike was helping make Devils Lake more accessible for outdoor recreation. After noticing that many aging veterans and others with mobility challenges could no longer enjoy fishing, Mike helped spearhead the effort to build handicap-accessible fishing piers on Devils Lake. Working alongside many dedicated volunteers, he helped secure grant funding to make the project a reality. Mike is quick to emphasize that it was truly a team effort. "I wasn't the only one involved," he said. "It took a lot of people working together."
Mike also volunteers with Lure 'Em for Life, an annual fishing camp sponsored by the Park Board. For many years, he and a couple retired Guard friends used a week vacation to help children experience the outdoors. He recalls becoming hooked on the program after one little camper excitedly told him, "I've never been in a boat before!"
The camp teaches much more than fishing. While one group of children spends time on the water, another learns to tie knots, identify lures, and practice other fishing skills before switching groups.
One of Mike's favorite memories came several years ago, shortly after purchasing a new boat. Although he hoped to keep the carpet spotless, one camper landed a Northern pike. His Guard buddy dropped the slippery fish onto the floor, and exclaimed, "It was just so slippery!" while smiling at Mike. The moment became one of many fun memories that reminded Mike why he continues to volunteer year after year. His boat, appropriately named the "Walleye Slayer," has become known among campers as the "fun boat", with Mike and his Guard friends involved.
Mike's service doesn't end there. He also serves as Head Usher at his church, where he enjoys encouraging young people to become involved. Whether it's ushering, ringing bells, or helping with the offering, he believes giving youth opportunities to serve helps build lifelong connections to their church. He laughs that he'll help with just about anything—except the singing.
Looking back, Mike considers himself fortunate to have returned to Devils Lake, where he was able to build a career, raise a family, and give back to the community that has given so much to him. Now his two older kids have gone away to college and returned home to live in Devils Lake. “Nothing makes you more proud than knowing your kids can live and work anywhere, but they choose to move home” Mike said. When asked what motivates his many volunteer efforts, his answer is simple. "The community has been very good to me," he said. "I just want to give back."
When he isn't volunteering, Mike enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with his family, and relaxing around a campfire.
Whether he's helping veterans, mentoring young anglers, improving accessibility, or quietly serving behind the scenes, Mike Grafsgaard exemplifies what it means to be an Unsung Hero. His dedication has made Devils Lake a stronger, more welcoming community, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Congratulations, Mike! Thank you for making a difference for so many!! ❤️
If you’d like to nominate someone for the Unsung Hero award, email [email protected]
