Gene Michael

Gene Michael, age 75, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Gene G. Michael was born February 26, 1947, to George D. and Emma (Peterson) Michael in Kadoka, South Dakota. Gene was baptized into the Catholic Church. He graduated from Philip High School and then went to work on the family ranch where he resided his entire life.

Gene was united in marriage to Sheryl Burns in December 1966, and in their 60 years together, they were blessed with four children: George Paul, Amy, Gina, and Lori.

Gene loved being on the ranch and he spent many hours driving around in his Kubota checking his cattle. When he was not out checking cows, he loved to welcome company and could visit for hours. Everyone was welcome in his home at the dinner table. Nobody was a stranger.

Gene was incredibly supportive of his children and grandchildren’s activities. He and Sheryl received the basketball parents of the year award when his girls were in high school. His pride and joy were his grandchildren. He believed in hard work and taught both his children and grandchildren the meaning of an honest day’s work. Gene was a person of values and really wanted his grandchildren to practice good character. When they were in elementary school, he had them write letters, vowing to be courteous and thoughtful teenagers, to respect others and have self-discipline.

He was a lifetime member of the Western South Dakota Buckaroos and a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Survivors include his wife Sheryl; son George Paul (Christi) Michael; daughters Amy (Nick) Semenza, Gina (Ben) Dutzar, and Lori Fritz; nine grandchildren: Dustin and Emma Michael, Cyrissa Thompson, Kyle Barber, Sydney and Ashton Dutzar, and Janie, Cain, and Lauren Fritz; three great-grandchildren: Ryder Thompson, Sterling and Harper Moos; one brother Anderson (Janelle) Michael; two sisters Mary Lou (Chuck) Schimke and Delores Ebberts; brothers and sisters-in-law Don and Kerry Burns, Jim and Kayleen Anderson, and Sheila Burns; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Emma Michael; sister and brother-in-law Bea and Deanie Williams; father and mother-in-law Donald and Shirley Burns; and brother-in-law Richard Burns.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein.

Interment followed at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.