Michael Vaske – Brookings

Michael Vaske, 72, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at the Brookings Hospital surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with a 6:30 vigil service at Rudes Funeral Home in Brookings.
Michael Eugene Vaske was born on Sept. 14, 1951, to Fredrick and Maxine (Ishmael) Vaske. He attended St. Marys School for his primary education and graduated from Elkton High School in 1969. Mike attended South Dakota State University and belonged to the Civil Air Patrol before joined the United States Army in 1972.
While in the Army Mike was united in marriage to Terry Lynn Burton on Nov. 29, 1985. He actively served in the Army, stationed in Germany, until retiring 22 years later in 1994. While in the Army, Mike enjoyed hunting in Germany, Turkey, and many other European countries. He also served at Fort Huachuca AZ, for a time where he was active in starting the Rod and Gun Club.
After retiring from the military, he worked in Brookings as a mechanic, carpenter, and an assembler until re-retiring in 2017. In his retirement, Mike enjoyed working on tractors, riding his motorcycle and was an avid gun collector. Mike was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the V.F.W.
He was also a member of St. Williams Catholic Church in Aurora, SD, and at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings, SD.
Mike is survived by his wife, Terry, Toledo, OH; sister Jean (Larry) OBryan, Rapid City, SD; brothers David (Deanna) Vaske, Brookings, SD; Edward (Teri) Vaske, Prescott, AZ and Fr. Philip Vaske, Casper, WY; nieces and nephews: Jody (Dave) Pederson, Volga, SD; Jessi Paige and TreVahn and Shaelynn, Jackson, MI; Misty Paige, Denver, CO; Katie Schulte and Freya and Clary, Sioux Falls, SD; Emily Vaske, Sioux Falls, SD; Michael Hills, Brookings, SD; Jessica Garver and Daniel, David, Dayton, Declan, Elkton, SD; also many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Maxine (Ishmael) Vaske, niece Niki Pierce and nephew James Vaske.