Michael Pillatzke

Michael Pillatzke, age 64, of Milbank, died on February 21, 2019, at his home, losing his battle with Andexal Carcinoma.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosen, MN. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank and will continue one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday at the church. Fr. Brian Oestreich will celebrate the Mass, and interment will take place at Milbank City Cemetery.

Michael Francis Pillatzke was born on June 4, 1954, in Milbank, SD, to Martin and Helen (Kelzer) Pillatzke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Catholic Church in Nassau, MN. Michael was raised near Milbank and graduated from Grant-Deuel High School in 1972. He lived on the family farm his entire life and represented the family’s third-generation of farmers to live there. Michael started milking cows at an early age and recently sold the last of his cows in 2018. He also raised corn, oats, and alfalfa.  Michael loved farming side by side with his brother, Leo.

On June 27, 1992, Michael was united in marriage with Linda Marie Pribbenow at St. James Catholic Church in Nassau, MN. He enjoyed going out for supper and pizza at Pizza Hut was his favorite. Michael played on a dart league in Bellingham.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and nephew, Kyle, and loved working on the farm. He had a gentle spirit and was a very quiet man.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda; step-son, Gerald Lee Pribbenow of Watertown, SD; grandchildren: Amanda Halvorson, Brittiany Pribbenow, Jared Pribbenow, and Mason Krause; two great-grandchildren; brothers: Eugene (Marlys) Pillatzke of Milbank, SD; and Leo (Diane) Pillatzke of Milbank, SD; sister, Kathy (Kenny) Morris of Milbank, SD; sister-in-law, Brenda (Allen) Brandenburger of Revillo, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Michael in death are his parents; brother, James; and nephew, Eugene Pillatzke, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Grant County Cancer Fund, PO Box 346, Milbank, SD 57252.