Michael Spain

Michael Spain, of Montevideo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo, at the age of 87.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31, at the United Methodist Church in Montevideo, officiated by Pastor Sam Kautz. Visitation with the family will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church on Monday.

Michael Charles Spain was born on August 21, 1937, in Watertown, SD, to Tillie and Charles Spain. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1956 and enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly thereafter, serving his country for two years and was honorably discharged in 1962. Following his military service, Michael attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, pursuing further education.

He was united in marriage to Mary Jeanne (Johnson) on August 21, 1959. To this union three girls were born: Beth, Dawn, and Michele. They made their home in Montevideo for these last 57 years. 

Mike worked for Welkers Office Supply as a salesperson for many years before opening his own retail store, Spain Sports & Camera on mainstreet in Montevideo. After several years in business, Mike decided to give his knowledge of owning a small business to others. He taught small business management at the Southwest Technical College in Granite Falls for 12 years.

Above all, Mike will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary for 65 years and took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Often, he would reflect on his blessings, looking around at his family and saying, “I’m so lucky” and turning to Mary and saying, “Look at what we did.”

Mike was also known for his love of debate. He loved in-depth, meaningful conversations with family and friends. He self-proclaimed that he was not good at small talk because he enjoyed talking and debating too much. It wasn’t uncommon for him to say that he should have been a lawyer.

In his free time, Mike enjoyed golfing with his friends and family, taking family vacations, and going pheasant hunting. He frequently traveled to Alaska and California to visit his daughters and loved spending fall days hunting in South Dakota. His passion for golf led him to play on numerous courses across the country, including the iconic Pebble Beach in California. Mike was also an active member of the Methodist Church.

Mike will be remembered as a man who embraced life, cherished his family, and left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his wife Mary; his daughters: Beth (Bill) Lovdahl of St. Cloud, MN, Dawn (Eric) Sheffield of Orangevale, CA, and Michele (Dan) Walstad of West Sacramento, CA; his grandchildren: Brittney (Matthew) Holst, Amy (Mark) Warrell, Ryan Walstad, and Nathan Walstad; and his great-grandchildren: Eleanor Warrell, Penelope Warrell, Madelyn Lovdahl, and Violet Holst.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Cole Michael Lovdahl.