Mike Struble, age 69, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Friday, December 23, 2022 at his home in Kadoka.
Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at the City Auditorium in Kadoka, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Milton Michael “Mike” Struble was born in Kadoka, SD to Leslie William and Helen Muree (McRae) Struble on August 1, 1953.
Growing up in Kadoka, Mike delivered newspapers for the Rapid City Journal and worked at Pauly’s Dairy Mart. Following graduation from Kadoka High School in 1972, he worked for the Vroman’s at I-90 Standard. He attended Mitchell Vo-Tech, graduating in 1976 with a certificate in Automotive and Diesel Mechanics II. He worked in Valentine, NE and after returning to Kadoka was employed at Philip Motor Company. Mike worked many years for Steve Jeffords at Kadoka Standard Service. A work-related injury led to major back surgery and the continued stress to his back forced him to give up his profession as a mechanic. He worked part time renting rooms for Ken and Cindy Wilmarth at H&H El Centro Motel. Mike also drove the ambulance for the local EMT service from April 2003-January 2016, keeping on top of the maintenance and making sure it was spotless in between calls.
On June 9, 2001 he was united in marriage to Kolette Bitting. They owned and operated Creative Cuts and Fitness on Main Street, Kadoka. Not a hairdresser or able to work out on the exercise equipment, Mike and Marly kept a ready supply of fresh cooked popcorn for the girls at the bank and anyone stopping by. One of his past times there was playing cribbage. The couple were later divorced in 2011.
Cars and motorcycles remained an interest in his life along with Nascar and auto racing in general. Fishing was a great pastime for him with a couple favorite local fishing holes and a memorable trip to Canada with the “boys”. In the CB radio era Mike’s handle was “Mountain Dew Kid” and Mountain Dew remained his beverage of choice. Mike was an active member of the Kadoka Trap Club and served as treasurer. He was a baptized member of Concordia Lutheran Church and served as a trustee on the board.
Mike was asked to be Santa at a local event which began a great enjoyment in his life. He looked forward each year to the holiday season covering quite an area as Santa getting as much enjoyment out of it as all of the kids (and adults) who sat on his lap sharing their biggest Christmas wish with him.
In November of 2017, Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and sought treatment at the Cancer Institute in Rapid City. His treatment was ongoing and at the time of his passing he was making weekly trips for chemo infusions.
Marly, his faithful companion of 16 years disappeared from their home on March 18th of last year. He never gave up hope that his furry pal would one day come home.
Survivors include two sisters Cindy O’Connell of Rapid City, Mayola Horst and her husband Jim of Kadoka; three brothers Tom Struble of Philip, Butch Struble of Lead, and Tony Struble and his wife Traci of Vine Grove, Kentucky; and former spouse Kolette Struble of Belvidere; nephews and nieces; Leslie O’Connell, Blake (Stacy) Horst, Raymond (Karla) O’Connell, Wendy (Chad) Horst, Craig (Sona) O’Connell, Quentin Struble, Bruce O’Connell, Erin (Chaz) Wheeler, Alea “Charlie” (Jason) Mook, Skyler Struble, Tanya (Demetrius) Lafarier, Keegan Struble; great nephews and nieces; Aubrey (Jeffrey) Patterson, Alex O’Connell, Weston and Hayden Struble, Andrew (Aubree) O’Connell, Jordan (Carter) Hackler, Lanie O’Connell; Taylon, Kayla and Judian Schutz, and Harper Perhus; great-great nephews and nieces: Landon Raile, Alayna and Brooks Patterson, Alani O’Connell, Athena Hackler, Noah, Tyler and Phoenix Schutz; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Muree; a nephew, Kristopher Struble; a great-niece, Aerial O’Connell and a brother-in-law, Dale O’Connell.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 264 Kadoka, SD 57543.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.
