Michael Joseph Grunewaldt, 74, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on February 1, 2025. He passed peacefully with his wife Nancy and her family by his side at their home in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Mike was born in 1950 in Faulkton, South Dakota. In his younger years, Mike enjoyed playing baseball with his twin brother, Jim, in Orient, SD. He also ran cross county in high school and enjoyed boxing on a local team under the direction of Oscar Hagen.
Mike graduated from Faulkton High School in 1968 and SDSU in 1972. He returned home after graduating to pursue his passion for agriculture and remained a loyal Jackrabbit fan for the rest of his life.
Mike married Nancy Bent on December 21, 2000, in Faulkton, SD at St. Thomas Catholic Church.
Mike enjoyed many years of raising Black Angus Registered Cattle and always looked forward to his annual bull sales and the many friendships he made during this time. He also cherished the good friendships he made with generations of hunters that traveled from all over to hunt wild pheasant through the business that he and Nancy started and operated for many years.
Nancy will fondly remember Mike for his generosity, kindness and hospitality and his enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors, hunting, and agriculture. Above all, Mike will be remembered for his strong faith and for the strength and courage he showed when facing very difficult challenges.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, brother Dave (Doris) of Ashton, SD, sisters Kathy Sarutzki of Sioux Falls, SD, Lorraine (Michael) Fernandes of Bigfork, MT, and Lois (Tim) Tankersley of Amarillo, TX, in-laws Barb Duncan of Rapid City, SD, Claude (Karen) Bent of Hot Springs, SD, Judie (Rich) Peterson of Elkhorn, NE, and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and great Nieces and Nephews.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother Jim, parents Leo & Mary Grunewaldt, in-laws Bill & Jean Bent, numerous Aunts and Uncles, brother-in-law Bob Sarutzki, and brother-in-law Dan Duncan.
Mike was often heard saying thank you for coming and to make a long story short. ADIOS!
A memorial service will be held in Faulkton at a later date.
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