Michael James McAuliffe was born December 6, 1942, in California. He was the son of James and Ella (Henderson) McAuliffe. Mike or "Mac" would follow in his father's footsteps; Mac would serve as a US Marine for 23 years doing 3 tours in Vietnam. Mac was a highly decorated Master Sergeant awarded not only the Purple Heart, but also the Silver Star for combat bravery.

He married his bride, Betty (nee Zahornacky), in 1963. The couple went on to have two children by whom he is survived: Regina Stetter (nee McAuliffe) of WY; and James McAuliffe (Cindi) of SD.

The Harley enthusiast, tremendous bowler, and software engineer. Mac fell in love with the Black Hills, moving in 1991, to the last home he would ever own in Sturgis. His children gave him three grandkids each, Regina, giving him, Chantale (Ryan) Morgenstern, Michael Ickes, and Julie (Jarrod) Morgan. His son, James gave him, Kelly Eastman, Frankie Rowe, Jamie McAuliffe, and Christian Mueller. Though he and his bride were separated, Mac never remarried; he was known to always support his bride and his large family. His grandkids went on to bless him with eleven great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Wyatt, Cody, Elijah, Landon Daniel, Finnley, Amelia, Hayden, Landon Joseph, Logan, and Allie.

On August 30, 2021, Mac passed away privately as were his wishes, giving his love to his children with dignity and quiet strength at Fort Meade Veterans Hospital.

He is survived by his children; grandchildren; great grandchildren; his beloved brother, Daniel McAuliffe, of Washington State; and his loyal companion, O'Malley; and his lifelong friend and companion, Renee LeBoeuf.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents: James and Ella McAuliffe.

Committal services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors.

Click on link to view service folder