Rush Funeral Home Logo
Logo Image
(605) 859-2400 You can call us 24/7
Newsletter Get new obituaries by email
Search Search through the obituaries

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 1:30 PM (Mountain).

Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota



Print Obituary

In memory of

Mike Struble

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Friday, December 23, 2022 at his home in Kadoka at the age of 69

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.

Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at the City Auditorium in Kadoka, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, May 27, 2023 - 1:30 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
“My Wish”
“I’ll Fly Away”

USHERS
Rick Groven - Tom Parquet

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

  • Cindy and family: Sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. May he rest in eternal peace. ~ Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (5/13/2023)
  • Our condolences go out to all of Mike's family and friends. May God give you His peace at this hard time. ~ Chris and Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (5/11/2023)
  • I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great guy. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City, SD (1/3/2023)
  • I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. I met Mike through my job at PHS and would visit with him from time to time when he was at the hospital as an EMT. A very kind man with a nice smile and a gift for helping others. You are in my prayers. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (1/2/2023)
  • I will love an miss u very much uncle Mike u always be in my heart ~ Tanya Lafarier Massachusetts (12/31/2022)
  • I am sorry for your loss. ~ Joan Kerns Mitchell, SD (12/30/2022)
  • RIP Mike. Condolences to your family. ~ Kelly Rock Indian Land, SC (12/30/2022)
  • We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He will be missed and may he rest in peace. ~ Jeff Stilwell Rhodhiss NC (12/29/2022)
  • We are sad hear of Mike's passing, he is a friend, his laughter and smile was heartfelt, I meant Mike in the 70's, we went motorcycle rides when we had time off, will keep y'all in our prayers, he will be missed. ~ Jerome &Theresa High Horse Wanblee SD (12/29/2022)
  • Sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Kelly & Teresa & Clare Madsen Fort Pierre (12/28/2022)
  • So sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Such a kind person. He will be missed
     ~ Janice and Craig Heigh 2500 Lunar Dr (12/28/2022)
  • Mike was the best man at my wedding Freind co worker. R I P. Prayers to the family ~ Dan Davidson Meridian,Idaho (12/27/2022)
  • So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He is in no more pain. May he rest in peace. ~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun Martin (12/27/2022)
  • Prayers and condolences to your family. ~ Patty Morris (Seidler) Menifee, CA (12/26/2022)
  • Mike, you were the best guy to ride in a headers uncorked El Camino at 125 mph to the.Merriman races , I miss you man! RIP ~ Casey Rapid City (12/25/2022)
  • Sending love and sympathy to all of Mike's family. He will be missed by all who knew him. ~ Ron & Marilyn Gartner Interior SD (12/25/2022)
  • Sympathy to the family in your loss. Mike made the best Santa Clause. May he Rest In Peace ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (12/25/2022)
  • Sympathy and prayers for all. Mike was a great guy. Thinking of you all. ~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (12/25/2022)