Dennis Michlitsch

Dennis Michlitsch, age 69 of Milbank died December 26, 2016, at the Ortonville Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Gary DeRouchey will officiate and burial will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday at Mundwiler Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m.

Dennis David Michlitsch was born in Eden, SD on April 23, 1947 to Evelyn (Schultz) and Garhard Michlitsch. Dennis attended Catholic grade school in Eden and graduated from Roslyn High School, where he was a stand out on the football field for the Vikings. While growing up in Eden he developed a love for hunting and fishing which gained him the nickname “Woodtick.” In 1965 he attended Northern State University and in 1971 joined the South Dakota Army National Guard 2nd Battalion 147th Field Artillery HHB out of Webster, SD. Dennis later returned to Eden to assist with the family farm. In 1972 he moved to Milbank, SD and began work with the SD Department of Transportation- Civil Engineering. While in Milbank he met his wife, Janet (Whempner) and they wed in 1973 and had 2 children.

Upon retiring as the Forman of the SD Department of Transportation-Maintenance Division in 1999, Dennis got the opportunity to devote even more time to hunting and fishing with his son, grandchildren and many friends. He had a tale to tell each day to all his friends at coffee and had the trophy mounts to back up his stories. Dennis had an attitude of living life to the fullest and enjoying the ride, which he exhibited in so many ways. He was dedicated to his family and friends, always willing to offer advice and insight on any topic.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Judy Ashcraft and Audrey Evenson. He is survived by his wife, Janet Michlitsch, son James Michlitsch of Milbank and daughter Sharon (Dan) Thole, of Ham Lake, MN. Grandchildren Cadence and Carson Thole of Ham Lake, MN. Siblings Jean (Fred) Stiner of Eden, SD; Carol Seal of Sun City, AZ; Gary (Arlene) Michlitsch of Denver, CO; and Evelyn Hugget of Helena, MT along with several nieces and nephews.