Mike's prayer service and funeral service will be live streamed through Clausen Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook page.  Please like the page and the live stream will begin approximately 10 minutes prior to both services.

Michael Dean Tietgen, 60, of Burke, SD passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021, at his home after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born on May 5, 1961, in Burke, SD to Robert and Luella (Bentz) Tietgen.

Mike was raised and continued to live and work on the family farm south of Burke, SD. Mike attended the Klug country school until he finished 3rd grade. He then attended the Burke School District with the Class of 1979.

In his youth, Mike and his family raised and trained coon dogs and horses.  He enjoyed many hunts and being on the back of his horses along with many friends and family members.  If Mike wasn't on the farm, he was playing baseball.  This started his love for the sport.  After youth ball, Mike switched to softball and started playing for the Jamison Jackrabbits and later for the Moonlighters softball team.  One proud softball moment was being presented an Eagle feather from his Native American softball buddies.

Mike had many hobbies.  He loved a good competitive card game of Pitch and Pinochle.  One had to be careful playing with him because he was a card counter, making it difficult to win against him.   There wasn't a family gathering without a game of cards.  Mike was an avid gardener who loved fresh tomatoes, eggplants, swiss chard and many other fruits and vegetables. He loved to cook for his family and was famous for his fried chicken and "Iron Mike" chili. Mike was notorious for saying "It tastes like owl."

Family was the most important thing in Mike's life.  Not having his own children until later in life, Mike had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews.  Known for having a sweet tooth, Mike loved to share his treats with them, having them stay at the farm and taking them to the sale barn.

Mike was proud to be a member of the Ponca Indian tribe. He enjoyed learning and sharing about his heritage.

Mike was an established bachelor until he met the love of his life at the Burke Rodeo. They were united in marriage to Rochelle (Clary) on September 1, 2001.  He was the kind of husband that took the time to make the small things special such as a handmade card and flowers for special occasions.  Mike was blessed with 2 sons, Sawyer and Morgan who were his pride and joy.  When his boys were younger, their time was spent with special bedtime stories, songs, setting traps for the Easter Bunny, and creating Halloween fun.  As they grew Mike shared his love of ranching, baseball, movies and how to make people smile through humor.

Mike is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rochelle Tietgen, and two sons Sawyer Tietgen and Morgan Tietgen, all of Burke SD; Father Robert Tietgen, Burke, SD; Brothers Peter Tietgen, Herrick, SD and Richard (Linda) Tietgen, Burke, SD; Sisters Patricia (Jeff Carty) Mourer, Lennox, SD and Tammy (Duane) Johnson, Arlington, SD and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Luella Tietgen.

Funeral Services for Michael "Mike" Tietgen , 60, of Burke, South Dakota will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Civic Center in Burke.  Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery of Burke.  Visitation will be Monday from 5 PM until 7 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.