Michael Royston

Michael Royston


Dates

March 22, 1938 - November 2, 2021

Obituary

Michael Royston, 83, of Mitchell, formerly of Ethan and Dimock, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 6, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Ethan, SD. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Friday, at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM scripture service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Michael Joseph Royston was born on March 22, 1938, in Mazomanie, WI to Earl and Ann (Goltz) Royston. He spent his young childhood in Wisconsin and Iowa near the Mississippi River while his dad worked on the railroad. After his dad died when he was 10, Mike and his family moved to Ethan, SD.

He attended and graduated from Ethan High School in 1956. On January 9, 1960, Mike married Carolyn (Carol) Cross and they had 7 children. Mike worked several retail jobs until July of 1961 when he began working for the Mitchell Police Department. He worked at the Police Department for 27 years ending his career as the Assistant Chief of Police.

Mike enjoyed hunting with his boys and working outside. He would enjoy putting up the fence, then taking down the fence.... then putting it back up again. He also enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles. He loved old county music and watching Marlon Brando movies. Recently his idle time was enjoyed by putting together model cars, jigsaw puzzles, and playing solitaire.

Mike once wrote 'The highlight of my life would be becoming a father, becoming a grandfather and becoming a great-grandfather." Family was important to him. He enjoyed watching them grow up and spending time with them.

Grateful and blessed for having shared his life are his wife of almost 62 years, Carol; children, Vicki (Randy) Neve, Mike (Denise) Royston, Shane (Nancy) Royston, Tammy (Mike) Morgan, Travis Royston, and son-in-law, Gabriel Anderson; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Anne (John) Murtha; brothers-in-law, Ray Moulin, Russ (Judy) Cross; and sister-in-law, Bev (Ken) Mikkelson.

Preceding Mike in death are his parents; infant daughter in 1962, daughter, Dawn Anderson; grandson, Zachary Morgan; brother, Tom; sister, Lynne Moulin; half-brother, Cornelius; half-sisters, Marge and Marian; and his in-laws, Doc and Helen Cross.





Posted by Connie Lee Royston on November 13, 2021
.I am so very sorry and wish the family and Aunt Carol well.....I remember writing letters back and forth with Uncle Mike for quite a while there years back, and grandpa (Cornelius Royston) always thought very highly of him.....He had wanted me to go out to South Dakota to visit, but it never happened.....You are all in my thoughts.
Posted by Chris Finney on November 8, 2021
I worked with Mike back in the late 80's. He was a great cop and an even greater co-worker! My thoughts and prayers are with those loved ones he leaves behind.
Posted by Jan (Goltz) Konarske on November 6, 2021
Mike was so happy to hear that I moved to the Nashville area two years ago. He loved his old country music. I miss Mike’s Christmas letters, beautifully hand written.
Posted by Pat Dicus on November 6, 2021
So sorry for your loss. May you find some comfort and peace in your memories of Mike.
Posted by Jonilyn & Curt Gau on November 5, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you🙏
Posted by Scott & Barbara Phillips on November 4, 2021
Carol,
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Posted by Debbie Jennings on November 4, 2021
Carol and family sorry for your loss. May your memories of him live on forever, God bless
Posted by Russ and Judy on November 4, 2021
Carol and family so sorry for your loss. We will all have memories hold them close to your heart
Posted by Rose ( Darleen) Larson on November 4, 2021
Mike was a class mate at good old Ethan High School.
May he rest in peace. To the wife and family, may you cherish the good memories. God bless you all.
Posted by Christie Ruml on November 3, 2021
Shane and family so sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by Christie Ruml on November 3, 2021
Shane and family so sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by Sue VanderHeiden on November 3, 2021
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. May he rest in peace.Thoughts and prayers for the entire Royston family.
Posted by Jackie Christiansen (Clark) on November 3, 2021
One of Mitchell's BEST COPS... back in the day. REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE MIKE.
Posted by Gary and Kay Shafer on November 3, 2021
We know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. 
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. ✝️
Posted by Charlene Goltz Knight on November 3, 2021
Mike, you were are still are such a sweet cousin
Posted by Linda McBrayer on November 2, 2021
Marty what was said to me when my grandma Hoffman passed away was that no one ever really dies they live on and all who love them. I found great comfort in those words throughout the years and I hope your family will as well
Posted by Bev Mikkelson on November 2, 2021
So sorry about Mike. But you know what! Dawn gets to have her daddy now. Carol, you are soo lucky to have your family. I love each and everyone of them
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