Michael Syfie, Jr.

Funeral services for Michael Syfie, Jr. were held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. Music was provided by Todd Mundhenke, soloist, accompanied by Janeeen Hlavka, pianist. Registration and flower attendants were Bev Beck and Caitlin Moody. Casket bearers were Bob Serr, Curtis Kerner, Ted Braun, Bob Diekmann, Eugene Brumbaugh, and Brian Syfie. Honorary casket bearers were Mike’s friends and neighbors. Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD, with military honors conferred by the Gregory and Dallas American Legions and the National Honors team. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Michael Joseph Syfie Jr. was born to Mike Syfie Sr. and Salma Saab on May 11, 1942, in El Paso, TX. Later in 1942, the family moved south of Dallas, SD. Mike was the third child. His older siblings were George and Rosemary (twins) and they were later joined by younger sister Helen. Mike was also a twin, but unfortunately his twin brother Charles died at eight months from pneumonia.

Mike attended country school south of Dallas and then attended Gregory High School, graduating in 1961. Mike was drafted into the Army in 1964.

After he returned home, he helped his dad on the farm. On April 5, 1969, Mike married Linda Giedd. The love they had grew for each other and they were blessed with three children. Mike farmed for many years; raising cows, pigs, goats, sheep and horses. He always told people he milked for 50 years. Mike started helping his dad at age five and quit milking at age 55 in 1997. Afterwards, he took on part time jobs doing carpentry, and working with bees.

Mike taught himself to play the guitar and became quite good. He enjoyed playing for friends and neighbors. He also liked to ride horses and motorcycles including a 1951 Harley Davidson. Mike loved to hunt and target practice. He also did his own butchering, processing cattle, pigs, sheep, and deer into many tasty bolognas, sausages and even head cheese.

In Mike’s early years, he attended the Carlock Lutheran Church. In his later years, he attended the Berean Church and was baptized by Pastor Scott McClellen.

In 2010, Mike’s health started to decline. After a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, Mike passed away in the Winner Nursing Home on March 22, 2024, at the age of 81.

Mike is survived by his wife Linda, son Jesse and special friend Ruth Kennedy of Gregory, SD, daughter Sheila and husband Jake Imhof of Dallas, SD, and son Steve and special friend BilliJean Colford of Gregory, SD; granddaughter Tamara Imhof; sister Helen of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law Diana Syfie of Ainsworth, NE; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; infant twin brother Charles; sister Rosemary; and brother George.