Michael George Stangeland

Michael George Stangeland was born on February 13, 1963, to George and Betty (Sueverkruepp) Stangeland at his family home in Gary, SD, having been delivered by his grandma, Alma Stangeland. He attended Gary grade school until 1970 when the family moved to Clarkfield, MN, and he continued going to school at H. A. Hagg before going on to Canby Area Vo-Tech and graduating with a degree in welding. Michael was a jack-of-all trades and wore many hats in his lifetime including: welding, delivering mail, driving bus, garbage truck, and was especially proud of his work as a sergeant correctional officer at the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton. He had also worked at correctional facilities in Moose Lake and Oklahoma over the years. Above all, Mike was known as a professional lawn striper, and dedicated many years to perfecting the art of grass maintenance on his beloved lawn mower. Michael was a huge Minnesota sports fan—Vikings, Twins, Gophers—you name it, he faithfully followed it with enthusiasm. His family would like to think he may have even had a little something to do with the Vikings’ most recent win from the best seats in the house. Michael was quite adept at bowling, having won many tournaments in his lifetime and even bowled in Reno for nationals. As diverse as his work occupations were, so were Michael’s hobbies—fishing, hunting, deal searching at auctions, and riding motorcycle, he loved it all. Most especially, Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, grandkids, and beloved cats.

On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at the too-young age of 59, Michael passed away with loving family by his side at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Betty; oldest brother, Randy; grandson, Brayden; nephew, Javin Muilenburg, and other extended family and loved ones.

Michael is survived by his wife, Tracy; children, Bobbie Jo, Trista, Nathan, Travis, Kayla, Nick, Krista (Tad), Brandon, and Nikkie (Jake); grandchildren, Kelcee, Kobe, Zach, Jakeb, William, Alyssa, Layla, Fletcher, and Colton; siblings, Danny, Deanna, Lori, Tony, and Duane; many cousins and extended relatives, and his precious cats, Vanilla Ice and Tigger.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 4th, 2022 at 2 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

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