Michael Allen Kilmer, 73, of Spearfish SD, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in his home.

Mike was born on July 20, 1952, to Maxine Allen and Trevolyn Kilmer in Long Beach, California. He was the 1st of 2 sons. He attended high school and College in Long Beach, California. Mike then moved to South Dakota to work on the ranch with his cousins. Mike did a variety of things in the ranching community, including riding bulls and training racehorses.

Mike had a variety of jobs in his life, including serving as Program Director at Sky Ranch for Boys, working at Homestake, and designing websites. He had 2 sons during his first marriage, Stoney and Chet Kilmer. Mike was married to Phyllis Shoop in 2001.

Mike’s passion in life was boxing. He was the President of the SD Boxing Association for 14 years. He trained both of his sons and multiple amateur boxers in the northern Hills. Mike championed the bill to have sanctioned MMA events in South Dakota. He served 13 years as the head of the South Dakota Athletic Commission.

Mike had a passion for music. He played piano at the local nursing homes, bringing energy and excitement to the room with his infamous honky tonk playing style.

Mike enjoyed traveling and the sunshine. He made annual trips to Mexico on scuba diving excursions, pushing limits in the ocean as much as he did on land.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents Maxine and Trevolyn.

Mike is survived by his wife Phyllis, brother Jeff Kilmer of San Francisco, son Chet (Kristen) of Spearfish, son Stoney (Angela) of Belle Fourche, stepdaughter Ivy Bach (Justin) of Belle Fourche, stepson Colby Burke of Belle Fourche, stepson Casey Burke of Kingman AZ. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com