Dan R. McMichael, age 79, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2012 in Vancouver, Washington surrounded by his loving family.

Dan was first and foremost a family man and is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Janet; two daughters, Maury Hill (husband Larry Blake) and Kimberly Ellis of Spearfish; two sons, Cody McMichael (wife Valerie) of Spearfish and Ty McMichael (wife Rhonda) of Juneau, Alaska; eleven devoted grandchildren, and 5¾ great grandchildren.

A baby daughter, his parents, Floyd and Doris McMichael of Laramie, Wyo., his sister, Donna Clancy of Ventura, CA, and a baby great-granddaughter preceded him in death.

Dan was retired from private business and school administration in both Wyoming and South Dakota. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture and Education in 1955. He joined the Air Force, trained as a fighter interceptor pilot, and retired from active reserve duty as a Captain in 1973. After the Air Force, he taught school in Veteran and Yoder, Wyoming. During that time, he and his wife farmed for fifteen years in Goshen County, WY. He received a Masters degree in Systems Technology and Education Administration in 1968 from Chapman College, Orange, CA. In Wyoming, Dan was School Superintendent at Ft. Laramie Schools, Lingle-Ft. Laramie School, and Torrington Schools from 1962 – 1972. He received his EdS. Degree in 1972 and moved his family to Spearfish, SD to become Spearfish's Superintendent of Schools where he worked for sixteen years. He retired in 1989 to participate in private business as a building contractor and owner or manager of several businesses in Spearfish. He was a founding partner in the creation of the City of Spearfish's Bike/Walk Pathway, now maintained and expanded by the City of Spearfish. He and his wife have an honor garden along that pathway created by his family in cooperation with the City of Spearfish.

Dan belonged to fourteen Honorary or Professional Organizations, six Civic clubs, several community and business organizations and served on numerous local and state committees and boards. He was an active member and served as officer at one time or another in most of these organizations.

A private family service is being planned followed by interment at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Condolences can be sent to 120 N. 7th Street in Spearfish.

His family suggests that as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Dan's name may be sent to Spearfish Veteran's Monument (SVM), P. O. Box 1702, Spearfish, SD 57783.
Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com