Michael Raymond Philipsen was born to Gary and Marilyn Philipsen on November 18, 1980, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He joined sisters, Karen, Kathy, and Gerri. Later he tried to leave his little sister, Melissa, at the hospital!

As a young boy he enjoyed playing with his trucks and Legos. When it was time for him to start school, he didn't want to go because there was no refrigerator in the classroom! He attended all 13 years of school in Newell, graduating in 1999.

After graduation he had many jobs; building houses, roads, and any job his dad needed help with. Lately his favorite job was running the paver for Anderson Western – he had found his niche, really enjoying the job.

Mike loved spending time with his kids and his dogs.  Also, you could find him, with a bag of popcorn in his hands, at their games. Mike and his dad raised sheep together and he eventually built up his own herd. Mike and his dad enjoyed their time together doing many projects around the farm.

Mike passed away at his home in Vale, SD, on October 23, 2022.

He is survived by his parents, Gary and Marilyn Philipsen of Vale, SD; sisters, Karen (Phil) Thornhill of Newell, SD, Kathy (Loren) Opstedahl of Union Center, SD, Melissa Mahaffey and special friend Ben Wetz of Vale; daughters, Skyler, Elizabeth, and Hailey; numerous nephews and nieces; one great niece; and two great nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Raymond and Rachel Philipsen; maternal grandparents, Gerald and Mary Lauer; and his sister, Gerri.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Vale Community Club, Vale Cemetery, and the Vale Fire Department.

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