Michael “Mike” Halseth, age 78, of Madison, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 28th at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve Lindley officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will be immediately following the service. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery with military honors provided by Madison American Legion and Madison VFW. The funeral will be livestreamed on Rustand-Weiland Funeral Chapel Facebook page.
Memorials can be sent to Trinity Foundation, 203 N. Harth Ave., Madison, SD 57042 or Bethel Foundation, 1001 S. Egan Ave., Madison, SD 57042.
Michael Lee Halseth was born on August 5, 1947, to Melburn & Shirley (Beck) Halseth in Madison, SD. Mike graduated from Franklin High School in 1966 and briefly attended South Dakota State University. On April 5, 1968 he married his high school sweetheart Sharon Van Duyn. They moved to California where Mike worked for the phone company. While in California he enlisted in the US Navy on December 19, 1968, serving his country with honor aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1972, and returned home to begin a life of service in a different capacity. Upon his return, Mike began working for the local phone company in Madison. There, Mike spent 40 years installing and repairing phones. Mike was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Madison VFW, and the Madison American Legion.
Mike was a man of many talents and interests. His love for archery, painting, carving, woodworking, fishing, hunting, and golfing brought him great joy and provided cherished memories for his family. He was particularly skilled in woodworking, creating furniture and cabinets for his home and even taking on the task of remodeling it. Neighbors often found Mike helping them build cupboards or drawers, always ready to lend a hand. He poured his artistic style into carving detailed and elaborate items which he gave as gifts to his loved ones. His love for flowers, especially tulips and poppies, was profound, and he maintained a beautiful flower garden that began in his high school years. Generous by nature, Mike was a quiet caregiver to many. He never hesitated to help others, embodying the very essence of selflessness. His actions spoke louder than words, and those who knew him best will remember the countless ways he enriched their lives without ever seeking recognition.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Eric Halseth of Rincon, GA; daughter, Tami (Ed) Simon of Longmont, CO; two grandchildren, Kylie Simon of Broomfield, CO, and Sean Simon of Longmont, CO; brother, Patrick (Betty) Halseth of Post Falls, ID; brothers-in-law, Russel (Midge) Van Duyn of Prescott, AZ and Gary (Gloria) Van Duyn of Colman, SD, eleven nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Donna Halseth of Castle Rock, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jackson; nephew, Jonathon VanDuyn, and his father and mother-in-law, John & Audrey Van Duyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jackson; nephew, Jonathon VanDuyn, and his father and mother-in-law, John & Audrey Van Duyn.
