Michael Dean Fox

Michael Dean Fox, longtime resident of De Smet, SD, passed away on December 16, 2024, with family by his side, at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mike was born in Webster, SD on April 29th,1960 to Joseph and Arlis Fox. He was one of seven siblings.

Mike was a gifted athlete, excelling in football, track and baseball. He once held the high school pole vaulting record in Watertown, SD. After high school he attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD where he was the quarterback for the Northern Wolves. After college he returned to Watertown in 1984 to work with his father at Fox Grain and Seed for several years.

Mike and Pamela Kling Fox were united in marriage on June 24, 1989, in Watertown, South Dakota. During their 27 years of marriage, they were blessed with two daughters, Kristen and Makayla, who were the pride and joy of his life.

In 1993, Mike moved his family to De Smet, after accepting a position as a District Sales Manager for Pioneer Seed, where he spent over 20 successful years. Known for his public speaking skills and award-winning performance within the company, he built many strong relationships that later inspired him to start his own seed business, AgVenture of SD, LLC. While raising his daughters in De Smet, Mike also served on the local school board, eventually becoming its President for several years.

Mike was a passionate outdoorsman, especially known for his love of fishing and hunting. He spent much of his time on the water or in the field, whether in a boat, an ice shack, or hunting upland birds and waterfowl. He had a remarkable talent for training hunting dogs, which fueled his enthusiasm for the outdoors year-round. Hunting camp created many cherished memories for family and friends; his playful spirit shone through in the practical jokes he loved to play. Mike had a gift of making people laugh, and his sense of humor will be deeply missed. Mike also had a love for horses and enjoyed riding and working with them. He passed on his passion for the outdoors and animals to his daughters, a legacy that continues to live on in them.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Arlis Benson Fox; his in-laws, Bernie and Katie Kling; his grandparents, John and Mabel Benson and Walter and Viola Fox; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Kristen (Radley Hohenberger) Fox, Makayla Fox, his father Joseph Fox (Sioux Falls, SD), siblings Kelly Fox (Sioux Falls, SD), Kimberly (Tim) Schweitzer (Pueblo, CO), Rob (Denice) Fox (Hot Springs, SD), Dianne Fox – Welch (Denver, CO), Christina (Mark Kemper) Fox (Colorado Springs, CO), John (Kim) Fox (Steamboat Springs, CO).