Mike Volek, 69, of Highmore, passed away Monday, November 1, 2021 in North Carolina.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:30pm, Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Hyde County Auditorium. A private family graveside will be held at a later date.

Mike Volek was born, raised and spent his whole life working in the Highmore area. He went home to the Good Lord on November 1st while enjoying the beautiful fall leaves of North Carolina in the company of a good long-time friend and his beloved wife, Dixie.

Mike & Dixie enjoyed 35 years of wedded bliss. In their early years they played sand volleyball, basketball at community open gym, and hosted card parties. They enjoyed lighting up the dance floor, especially at the Fireman’s Ball. There was always time for an ice cream date while on their adventures. They share a heart of service for others.

Mike worked hard his whole life, always giving each task his best effort. He saw the value of a job well-done. When asked how his day was going, he would usually respond, “Any day God gives me health and the ability to get up and go to work is a good day.” Mike loved working with animals, the land and people.

He spent his teen years on horseback caring for cattle. He often reminisced about these adventures. His favorite time was those moments just before sunrise, when he was settled on the back of the horse, surrounded by cattle.

In his early 20s, he began managing the SDSU Experiment Farm west of Highmore. It was a labor of love as he kept the farm in tip-top shape all of those years. He loved watching crops and trees grow. Every year as he planted trees, he would say, “I’m planting them for the future.”

As a dedicated law enforcement officer for over 40 years, Mike discovered his true calling: working with and helping people. Proud of the years he devoted to the Highmore Fire Department, Mike served as both a fireman and an EMT.

Traveling to see good friends, exploring new country and enjoying live music (classical and country alike) brought him joy. Mike enjoyed picking fruit, canning jelly, making homemade bread and eating a good hot meal surrounded by those he loved.

His greatest, deepest love was for his two grandsons, Koen & Kaden. Papa spent hours crawling around on the floor playing tractors, reading books, making waffles each morning, and sneaking them snacks any chance he could. He was proud to have taught Koen how to drive a tractor, swing a hammer and run a shovel. Kaden enjoyed tractor rides on papa’s lap.

The greatest lessons Mike taught his daughter Shanda are:
1. Talk to everyone, kindness & conversation will fix most anything
2. Do something every day for someone else, but you don’t need to advertise it
3. Never be in a hurry
4. Give. Give time. Give money. Give whatever you can to anyone who needs it.

Nate, his son-in-law, knew the way to Mike’s heart was through sweets and his old-fashioned ways. When asking Mike’s permission to marry Shanda he brought a dowry of caramel rolls. Their relationship grew closer each day as they cared for their family.

Mike is getting into mischief up in heaven with his sister Susie and the many others that have went before him. He will be remembered for being stubborn, old-fashioned, offering free advice, his quick smile and always being willing to help anyone. We miss him already!

In lieu of traditional memorial gifts the family requests that you give to someone or something in whatever way you can. Give five dollars to a stranger who needs gas, a listening ear to someone having a hard day, whatever it is, find a way to do something for someone. Think about living like Mike for just a moment and then act. If you are able, please share your caring actions in Mike’s memory with the family. They would love to hear the impact of these moments.

All flowers will be given directly to brighten the Highmore Nursing Home for the residents and staff.

All plants will be given directly to Mike’s work family at the Hyde County Courthouse.

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