Michael Buckholtz

Michael “Rooster” Buckholtz, 53, passed away at his residence outside of Brookings on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Visitation will be held at 4:30 to 6 p.m. with a time to share stories at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 1, at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD.
Michael Forrest Buckholtz was born on an army base in Heidelberg, Germany, on Feb. 10, 1971. Soon after his birth, he came home to South Dakota, feisty and a spitfire that was fueled by being the oldest and only boy.
Growing up, Michael enjoyed being a big brother to his sisters, where he loved teasing and pulling pranks on his sisters. In 1989, Michael graduated from Brookings High School. Life took Michael on many adventures, his favorite was being a dad. While living in Kentucky and Tennessee, he had the honor of becoming a dad to two beautiful daughters. One more daughter was added to the family after relocating back to South Dakota.
During his life, Michael enjoyed many jobs, always looking to learn new skills. He was an accomplished tradesman, from doing odd jobs to being an experienced floor installer. Michael took pride in the work he did and enjoyed doing it.
Michael had many hobbies including fishing, anything outdoors, gardening, cooking and grilling with friends and family. He lived many places during his life and called them all his home. From Alaska, where he had many adventures with his dad, the south, where he became a dad, and South Dakota, where he always had a warm meal waiting from his mom. Michael will always be remembered for his fierce love for his friends and family, his quick wit, laugh, smile and of course his love for animals.
Michael is survived by his mother, Jolene (Tom) Koziatek of Brookings, SD and his father Wayne (Diana) Buckholtz of Soldotna, AK; 3 daughters, Tysa Rae (Ian) Cochran of TN, Bree Anna (Aaron) Wolters of TN and Maggie Lou Bedow of SD; 3 sisters, Eva (Kyle) Buckholtz of Valley Springs, SD, Tanya (John) Thomsen of Lake Benton, MN and Jessie (Seth) Koch of Brookings, SD; step-sister, Emily (Chris) Koziatek of Eugene, OR; nieces and nephews, Trevor Buckholtz, Skylar (Katie) Versteeg, Brooke (Derek) Fey, Shawna Thomsen, Faith Thomsen, Colten Thomsen, Lorelei Koch, Liliana Koch and Wyatt Koch; several aunts and uncles; one grandchild; special friend Deb Cline and his special fur babies, Hawk and Sadie whom guarded and protected him until the end.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Esther (Kilpatrick) Buckholtz, Johnnie Jurrens and Ilene (Ramlo) Jurrens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Brookings Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.