Michael Davis
April 15, 1963 ~ May 31, 2023
Mike Davis, 60, of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Rapid City.
Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the United Methodist Church, Highmore, with Pastor Augie Aviles officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Burial will be at the Highmore City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to AFSP/Huron Walk, 5013 S. Louise Ave #329, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.
Mike was born in LeMars, Iowa, to Jerry S. and Marilyn L. (Jones) Davis. He grew up in Pierre, South Dakota and graduated from Pierre Riggs High School and SDSU.
Mike was a man of the land, a manager of both ground and critter alike. His love for wildlife management and conservation reigned high in his daily desires. Though he worked many years in the Ag business as a career, his passion for Ag far outreached the confines of his office. Any support he could muster was gifted passionately to his neighbors and friends. Attending auctions, one of his favorite past times, helped him find the "treasures" that would inspire his next idea or improvement to life which didn’t go unnoticed by anyone. He was a collector of not only materialistic things but also knowledge and history.
His niche for dogs created countless opportunities for various families. Some opportunities he created included: allowing families to gift their child's first puppy as a Christmas present, granting a boy his best hunting buddy, and providing veterans with service animals which helped them cope through the darkness. His breeding lines made him the creator of lifelong memories, not only ours but many families that will talk about their dogs for generations.
His most significant and all-encompassing passion was the love he contained for his son, Leeam. He constantly desired the most mentally profitable life for his son, from the farm and many "Mike adventures" to a trip to South Africa for hunting and fun. He was beyond proud of Leeam’s love for football and competitive, mischievous spirit. Leeam’s knowledge of conservation and love for animal care is a direct reflection of Mike and assuredly will be carried forward.
He is survived by his son, Leeam Davis, Huron; two brothers: Marty (Amy) Davis, Black Hawk, and Mark (Kathryn) Davis, Rapid City; sister, Mari Ascherin, Custer; and nephews and niece: Derek Ascherin, Andy (Jessica) Davis, Joey (Tori) Davis, Zach Davis, and Macy Davis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry S. and Marilyn L (Jones) Davis; sister-in-law, Jodi Davis; brother-in-law, Mark Ascherin, and nephew, Alex Ascherin.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Mike's arrangements.
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Dear Family of Mike!!! Mike was a fellow FSA employee with me!! I enjoyed our interaction at various meetings thru the years!!! May the Lord Bless and Comfort All of you!!! Sincerely, Randy L Richards, Brookings , SD
So many memories we shared over the 40+ years we have been friends. We helped each other through some rocky times. 4th of July will never be the same. My two Mike’s are together now. I bet that was quite the reunion. Leeam and Mari my heart is with you and I am so very sorry. Leeam you are his greatest joy in life. I remember Mike just about walking on air when you were born.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all Mike’s family. Mike was my 3rd Cousin on my mother’s side Delores Fisher Matre. Mike’s family lived in several city in South Dakota so I wasn’t able to get to now his brother’s and sister as well as I wanted to. Mike was always such a trust worth, honest and loyal Man. He was someone you felt good seeing and catching up with. He was dealt a rough hand in life but managed it the best he could. I know he is at piece at this time and with family and friends with no more pain. He loved working the land with someone he admired greatly is Grandfather Darell Davis! His heart was part of the family homestead and worked and lived there improving the place in honor of his Grandparents! Many wonderful memories from old and new he will have many things to talk over with Grandpa Darell. Gone to soon Mike but very glad no more pain!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Mike's family. May they bring you comfort and peace. Mike always had stories to share. In Deepest Sympathy,
Dear cousins Davis, my heart aches for y’all & Leeam. Mike was so good about stopping in Parker to see grandma Jones making her day! He was a special cousin & Micks & my ring bearer his love of the land, dogs, & his talented writings are well remembered. Prayers to you all.
I don’t think there was anything that Mike wouldn’t have done for Leeam. Dustyn has a lot of fun and fond memories of fishing and snowboarding trips, sleep overs, and Halloweens with pillowcases of candy. Mike helped them count and sort. After they moved away from Pierre, Mike always called to see if Dustyn wanted to spend the day with them. He taught them a lot. I hope
Marty, Amy, and family,
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May his memory live on in all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this most difficult time.
I used to work with Mike in FmHA/FSA. He was such an interesting, intelligent and witty guy. We always had fun conversations. My condolences to your family. A side note… I worked with Jerry in RC many years ago at Farm Credit.
Dear Leeam and my Davis cousins. My heart aches for you all during this sad time. I wish I could be there to celebrate Mikes life with you. My memories of Mike are simple in that he loved nature…lots of camping, hunting and fishing. I loved his sense of humor and love for his country. I remember him reading at Grandma Jones funeral…he had a talent for writing from the heart that’s for sure.
Love to all – Lisa
Mike and I went to junior high, high school, and a couple years of college together. We hunted, fished, boxed, and did many other things together. I'll miss MIke's quick wit and his devious smile. He was a good man.
My heart goes out to Mike's son, Leeam. I never had the opportunity to meet Leeam, but it was very clear that Mike loved him beyond measure.