Michael Norman Bouton was born on February 10, 1950 to Ione (Jerde) and Norman Bouton in Mitchell, SD.  He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1968.

Mike joined the United States Navy in 1969.  He served as a Gunfire Control Technician on the US Camden AOE2.  Over the years, Mike was based out of Long Beach, CA and the Philippines.  Mike served three tours in Vietnam and was able to travel to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, and various other locations.  He was honorably discharged in 1972.   He was recently honored by Hospice of Siouxland for his service to his country.

After Mike's time in the Navy, he moved to the Black Hills area and reacquainted with his high school friend, Tom (Janet) McNary, now of Deadwood, SD.  The synchronicities in their lives were astounding.  Mike recently told many stories of their "hippie days" together, and Mike shared his love and appreciation of all music with his best friend, "Mack."  They were recently able to reconnect, and the magic of their friendship remains.

Mike graduated from Black Hills State University with degrees in Political Science and Sociology.  He returned to Mitchell as a mental health counselor, met and married Katherine Renae Williams at St. Mary's Episcopal Church on December 6, 1980 in Webster, SD.

Mike worked at the State Training School in Plankinton from 1990-1992, and later became a case worker at Woodbury County Social Services.  He eventually became assistant director and retired in 2012 after 20 years of service.

Mike and Kathy's beautiful daughter, Hillary Ann Bouton, was born on Mother's Day, May 11, 1986.   After they divorced, and Kathy succumbed to illness, Mike dedicated his life to his daughter.  He furnished Hillary with a beautiful home, a huge yard for planting and watching their dog, Misty, run through the grass. Mike and Hillary thrived in their new surroundings as they discovered new hobbies and pursued dreams.  They put thousands of miles on their little car, visiting book stores and thrift shops. They followed sports teams throughout the upper Midwest, and amassed a music collection unsurpassed by few.

Mike's true gift to the world was providing care for his beautiful daughter after it became evident that she was suffering from the same illness (OPCA) that her mother had.  He saw that his daughter wanted for nothing, was always able to enjoy her passions, and was comfortable.  As the care for Hillary became more intense over the last ten years, he engineered devices that would make life easier for his daughter, played the music that would make her smile, and only marveled about how fortunate he was to have so many blessings. This was an attitude that followed him to the end of his life.

A favorite family quote from Mike was, "I consider it an honor and a privilege to care for my daughter."  She was what he lived for, and in the end, he truly gave his life for her.

Mike learned that he had stage 4 metastatic cancer only a week before his daughter passed away on June 15, 2018. Mike made the most of his last days on this earth by doing what he loved; spending time listening to his many albums with his dog, Missy, in his beautiful home in Sioux City. His newfound family, friends and neighbors became an important part of his life as he neared the end of his battle. He discovered that he and his family were special to many in their Morningside neighborhood, and he was very grateful.

He spent the last week of his life in northeast South Dakota, staying with what he called his "adopted family" as he took in beautiful sunsets, the sounds of the seagulls, and the joy of being surrounded by those who loved him.  As Mike felt about Hillary, his family felt the same honor and privilege to care for him in his final days.  Mike passed away at Sun Dial Manor on July 19, 2018.

Mike Bouton was an amazing man that will be missed by his sister-in-law Karen (Paul) Johnson of Webster, SD, his brother-in-law Michael Williams (Ralf Reuschenbach) of Minneapolis, MN, his nieces Leslie (JJ) Anderson of Valley Springs, SD, Lynnsey (Chad, Shae, and Sean) Sichmeller of Webster, SD, and his dear friend Twyla Olson of Webster, SD.  Survivors also include two sisters; Kathy Bouton of Burlington, VT and Shelly Demers of Nashua, NH.

In accordance with Mike's wishes, no services will be held.

www.coesterfuneralhome.net