Steven Allen Michalson "Big Steve" October 24, 1952 – September 15, 2025

Steven Allen Michalson, affectionately known as "Big Steve," 72, of Sturgis, SD, passed away on September 15th. He was born on October 24, 1952, in Hibbing, Minnesota, to Emory and Victoria Michalson (Amiot).

During his youth, Steve's stepfather, Jerry Hermes, served in the United States Air Force, which gave Steve the opportunity to live in several places, including California, Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, and Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Minnesota for high school and graduated from Motley High School in 1971.

Following graduation, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1975. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation.
In May of 1974, Steve met Delores Hillyer. They were married on February 21, 1976, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

After being honorably discharged in 1975 due to a service-connected injury, Steve returned to Minnesota. He earned a degree in Auto Body Repair from the Thief River Falls Vocational Technical Institute and began working at a body shop in Hallock, MN.

In 1982, Steve and Dee moved to Vale, South Dakota, where he worked for several body and paint shops, including Big Al's Autobody in Sturgis. Their daughter, Samantha, was born in 1984. In 1987, the family moved to Sturgis, and in 1988, they were #blessed with a son, Jacob.
Over the years, Steve held a variety of jobs: he worked on oil rigs, at a bentonite mine, in several body shops, and at the Black Hills National Cemetery. In 1989, he became the Building and Maintenance Manager at the Sturgis Post Office, where he remained until his retirement in 2008.
Steve was larger than life. His passion for motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and Pabst Blue Ribbon often made him the life of the party. A natural prankster, he loved practical jokes and bringing laughter to those around him. He spent much of his time outdoors—shooting, tinkering, and working on vehicles. When inside, he enjoyed playing cribbage, watching movies, and cooking. He was especially proud of his chili—he made a mean one.

Steve is survived by his wife, Delores Michalson; daughter, Samantha (Matthew) Smith; son, Jacob (Ashley) Michalson; grandchildren: Amy Goodrich, James Goodrich, Kenleigh Michalson, Axel Heidrich, Hudson Michalson, and Anja Smith; sister, Thana (Russ) Prochko; and siblings-in-law: Ruth Hermes, Susan (Jack) Ester, Shirley (David) Trickle, Katherine (Keith) Tysdahl, Marty (Stuart) Dahl, and William Hillyer. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished family friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; stepfather, Jerry Hermes; brothers, Greg Hermes and Thomas Michalson; sister-in-law, Carol Jackson; and in-laws Kenneth (Claudia) Hillyer, Margaret (Bob) Hicks, Hoyt Hillyer, and James Hillyer.

Services will be held at Kinkade Funeral Home in Sturgis:
●    Visitation and viewing: Friday, September 26th from 5:00–7:00 PM
●    Funeral service: Saturday, September 27th at 1:00 PM
●    Interment: Monday, September 29th at 10:00 AM at Black Hills National Cemetery

Steven Michalson Folder