Michael Edward Nona

December 29, 1963-December 29, 2024

Mike Nona…he was a testament to a life well-lived, marked by adventure, ingenuity and a profound love for family, friends and the great outdoors!  He passed away (on his birthday) while on a trail at Devil's Tower, WY, a place he dearly loved.

Born to Bill and Marilyn (Bachand) Nona in Santa Monica, CA, Mike's early years were filled with curiosity and an insatiable desire to explore the world around him.  It didn't take long for his talents and passions to emerge, setting the stage for a life filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences.

Raised in Sturgis, SD, and a 1982 Graduate of Sturgis Brown High School, Mike spent his free time skiing, hiking, swimming, fishing and pushing the limits with his mom at every turn!  He was an altar boy at St. Fransis of Assisi Church, active in Boy Scouts (all the way to Eagle scout) attending the 1977 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Moraine State Park, PA and was quite talented when asked to sketch or draw up a map.  He went on to marry Vicki (Nelson) Nona in 1986 and welcomed a daughter, Kasha in 1988.

Mike pursued many possibilities for his future but knew it had to involve a skillful mindset with an impeccable result.  He dabbled in drilling/blasting for Yenter Blasting out of Colorado and worked at The Open Cut, (a remnant of the once-thriving Homestake Gold Mine ) Lead, SD doing excavation.  Laying carpet, (which he hated), printing work at Clark Printing out of Spearfish and finally on to tile work.  Hard work but Mike made some beautiful creations!  He later founded his own company Templar Tile and the rest was history!  It has been said by the many that worked with him how incredibly talented he was.  Meticulous craftsmanship for jobs that were never rushed with stellar results.  Mike was in high demand with his calendar booked!

Avid thrill seeker that Mike was; skier, rock climber, ice climber, angler, he decided to give disc golf a try.  He was hooked!!  Going on to excel in the craft, he was instrumental in helping set up the Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf Course.  27 holes of huge cliffs, steepness, amazing views and abundant wildlife!  Happiness for him was playing a round with all his friends in this amazing place Mike called home.  He was recently able to participate in a PDGA tournament as a scorekeeper. The course had an annual Ice Bowl Tournament, raising funds for charitable foundations. Feeding South Dakota is one of those who benefited from their donations.

Mikes love for adventure never diminished over the years.  He had a passion for life that was to be admired.  The many things of this earth that he loved…Growing and maintaining a beautiful garden that he spent so much time perfecting ,then enjoying and sharing the bounty of all his hard work.  Racing outside to see an approaching thunderstorm, just wanting to be in the moment.  The thrill of reeling in that "BIG" one then making a feast of his bounty.  Oh what an excellent cook he was!!  Paddlefish anyone??  On his boat in the wee hours of the morning, getting that first glimpse of daylight, water like glass anticipating the first tug on his line…FISH ON Mike!

As we reflect on the life of Mike, we are reminded of a man who knew no boundaries.  He will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts. His life was a testament to the power of adventure and boundless love. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the memories he created and the lives he enriched.

Our family hopes you will keep telling stories, drinking a beer in his honor, recalling a secret memory that only you and he would get, knowing he walks with you on a round of disc golf and is cheering for you when you hit those silver chains of the basket and never forget that he was the BEST…best dad, best grandfather, best brother, best son, and best friend any of us could hope for.

Mike leaves behind his daughter Kasha (Nona) Linn, St Cloud, MN, son-in-law Rick Linn, St Cloud, MN, grandchildren, Isabel and Maebel and sister Becky (Nona) Townsend, Snohomish, WA.  He is preceded in death by his mom, Marilyn (Bachand) Nona, Sturgis, aunt Patsy Bachand, Sturgis, gramma, Anne (Charnesky) Bachand, Sturgis and dad William Nona, Riverside, CA.  He was also adored dearly by his cat Miss Chiff (Chiffy).

A Celebration of Mike's life is being planned for June 2025.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com