Michael Barfuss, 72, of Winner, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN.  Memorial service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 9:13AM at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow at a later date.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Winner Methodist Church from 6:13PM to 7:13PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:13PM.

Michael Dean Barfuss was born on September 28, 1952, in Lisbon, ND, to Lawrence and Ruth (Gramstad) Barfuss. He passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Mike grew up in Leonard, ND, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. In high school, he could be found on the basketball court, the track, the football field, the baseball diamond, or the golf course—always giving his all. He was recognized with many honors, including Outstanding Teenager of America, Valedictorian, and honor student.

After graduating, Mike attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, studying Industrial Engineering and proudly serving as a member and president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He later graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in management.

Mike's career path was as varied as his talents. For 16 years, he managed the family farm before moving into roles as an insurance adjustor, farm loan officer, and seed dealer for DeKalb—where he was even featured in their magazine advertisements. He was an active leader in his community, serving as President of the Leonard Lions Club and as a board member for the Chaffee/Lynchburg Elevator.

In the years that followed, Mike moved to Winner, SD, where he continued his career in agriculture, serving as Agronomy Manager and later General Manager of Dakota Pride. He also worked as interim manager for several co-ops before returning to Winner, where he held multiple positions with Country Pride until his retirement in February 2019.

Not long after retiring, Mike began a courageous battle with numerous health challenges, including Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Pneumothorax, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and the complications of living with a heart pump. Through it all, he faced every trial with grit, humor, and unwavering love for his family.

Mike had many joys in life—golfing, attending his grandchildren's athletic events, and competing. He was famous for giving nicknames to those he loved: Mydoit, Highpockets, Buckwheat, Screamer, and The Boss among his grandchildren. Even his LVAD (Heart Pump) equipment had names—Fred (the bag), Wilma (the controller), and Pebbles and Bam Bam (the batteries).

Above all, Mike's greatest love was his family. He married the love of his life, Vickie (Heid), on May 18, 1974. Together they built a beautiful life with their children: Heidi (Wes) Haney, Jon (Haley Jorgensen), and Karl (Amanda Sage). He was a devoted grandfather to Aiden, Lilly, Lidia, Lincoln, Norah, and Liam, and a loving brother to Laurel (Olson). He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ruth, and his brother, Lynn.

Mike will be remembered for his quick wit and unshakable work ethic.   His legacy will live on in the love of his family and the countless lives he touched along the way.