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In memory of

Michael Millstead

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, December 16, 2010 in Laguna Hills, California at the age of 58

Michael Hayden Millstead was born July 20, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Ralph and Mary (Fitzwater) Millstead. Michael spent most of his life in Phoenix Arizona, where he was once employed in the Insurance business working with his father, R.G. "Doc" Millstead.
Three years ago, Michael spent several months in Philip to spend more time and to assist his father. His father Doc had moved to Philip after the death of his wife and Michael's mother Mary. Michael loved Philip and especially enjoyed the friendliness of the townspeople toward him. Upon Doc's death Michael moved back to California where he has since resided.
Michael is survived by two children; Jeremy DiGioia who is serving our country in Germany and a daughter Sarah who lives in Chandler Arizona.
Michael also is survived by four grandsons; Dominic and Aiden DiGioia and Kyler and Sawyer Millstead. He is also survived by his sister Marsha Millstead Willis; his brother-in-law David Willis; a nephew Sam Willis; and a niece Katie Willis, all residing in California. Also surviving him are his cousins, Linda and Merle Stilwell of Kadoka.
As all the Millstead's considered Philip their home town, whether living there or not, Michael will be buried near his parents at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Graveside services were held 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Graveside services: 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

  • Marsha and family,
    We are sorry to hear of your brother's passing. We think of your family often. Your father was a good friend and a very kind man and always spoke so highly of his family. We were lucky enough to meet Michael a few times through him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Miles and Jessica Wheeler, Rachel and Elise
    (Family of Dud Wheeler)     ~ Jessica Wheeler Philip (12/16/2010)
  • Dear Marsha
    I am deeply saddened by the news of Michael's passing. I have often thought of the two of you and wondered how you all were doing.
    How proud Doc was of his children and grandchildren and how I have missed him, as I know you do so even more.
    May God bless you with the comfort that passes understanding and may you be surrounded by the sweetness of a family comforting each other and remembering together.     ~ Rebecca Williams Philip (12/16/2010)
  • Thanks Jessica and all the Wheeler family for your kindnesses to the Millsteads in the last few years. Dud was one of my favorites of my Dad's friends and I always really enjoyed visiting with him on my trips to Philip. ~ Marsha Millstead Irvine California (12/16/2010)
  • Rebecca, thank you for your condolences. And a special thank you again for the wonderful care you provided for my Dad. The Hospital is lucky to have you in its service. ~ Marsha Millstead Irvine (12/16/2010)
  • Dear Marsha
    My family knew and loved Mike like family since we were kids growing up in Scottsdale. I will always remember Mike's quick wit and humor that could keep us laughing for hours. I was able to see him a couple of years ago and enjoyed catching up and reminiscing about old times. He will truly be missed and we will never forget the friendship we all had with him for over 40 years.     ~ Denise Gatesh Wylie 6266 N 87TH ST Scottsdale AZ 85250 (12/16/2010)
  • My sister Denise and I always loved Mike and thought of him as family. We have known him since he was in grade school in Scottsdale. My husband Bob and I are very sad to hear of his passing. He was truly the funniest guy I have ever known.

    Dale Gatesh Silberblatt, Scottsdale, Az.     ~ Dale Gatesh Silberblatt Scottsdale, Az (12/16/2010)
  • Thank you Denise...Mike really had a good time on that trip.Thanks for being such good friends. ~ Marsha Millstead Irvine California (12/16/2010)
  • I never personally was able to meet Michael Millstead. Ironically my life today would not exist without Mike. There are three things in this world that make me a man...my true love Sarah Maria..Mikes daughter..Kyler his grandson...Sawyer my son and Mikes grandson...without Mike Millstead my life would be non-existent..thank you Mike for all you did for me...hope you are smiling down on all of us along side your mom and pop....I will meet you Mike.....on the other side..... ~ Jeffrey M. Wygle wjeffrey21@cox.net (12/16/2010)
  • Marsha, I just learned of Mike's passing. We were such close friends in the early 1970s that I feel like a part of my history just vanished. As someone else said, he was one of the funniest people on earth, and I probably owe quite a lot of my own sense of humor to him. We spoke briefly after your dad's passing a while back, and I could tell that he truly valued those last few months with your dad. I am glad to have known him as a such a good friend over the years and will miss him. I hope you're holding up. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you, ~ matt wood phoenix, az (12/16/2010)
  • Thank you Matt...you are very kind to remember my family. Mike retained his humor until his passing.
    Scottsdale Forever....     ~ Marsha Irvine (12/16/2010)