Dr. Micheal Henry Zehfus of Spearfish, South Dakota, aged 68, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD, following a heart attack. He was born November 28, 1953, to John and Colleen (Cook) Zehfus and spent his childhood in Weyauwega, WI. Mike met the love of his life, Betty Regina Culbertson at a NSF Science Camp held at University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, during the summer of 1971.

After graduating from Weyauwega High School in 1972, Micheal attended Ripon College in Ripon, WI, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1976. He and Betty married on May 14, 1977, and the couple promptly moved to Chicago, IL, where Mike pursued his Master's degree in Biochemistry at the University of Chicago. Then to Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, where he earned a PhD in Physical Biochemistry.

The next decades would see the couple pursuing a semi-nomadic lifestyle - on the hunt for a place to settle. Their travels included postdoctoral positions at the  University of Pennsylvania, Hershey PA; followed by another in Madison, WI; then an eight year stint teaching at the Ohio State University; a one year appointment at Ohio Northern University, Ada OH; and finally a tenured teaching position at Black Hills State University, Spearfish SD, where he was known as "Dr. Z.". He taught chemistry courses and guided students in research projects for over twenty years before retiring in the Spring of 2019.

In the course of their journey across the US, they welcomed two children into their family; Corey John Zehfus in 1986, Pennsylvania; and Torin Atlas Zehfus in 1988, Wisconsin.

Mike was, some would say, a mad scientist complete with the flyaway mussed up hair; a musician, an outdoorsman, a loving husband and father, and a man of profound faith. Mike played saxophone in the Northern Hills Community Band, Belle Fourche Cowboy Band, and  the BHSU Concert Band; as well as singing  in the Spearfish UCC Choir. Mike was an avid outdoorsman, Eagle Scout, onetime troop leader and wildly successful deer hunter - at least by way of comparison to his brother Mark.

Micheal Henry Zehfus was preceded in death by his father, John Zehfus and his mother Colleen (Cook) Zehfus. He is survived in death by his wife, Betty Regina (Culbertson) Zehfus; his two children, Corey Zehfus and Torin Zehfus; his grandchild Azarel Betts; and his brother Mark Zehfus.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted at the Spearfish United Church of Christ, on Saturday, August 20, 2022. There will be music, storytelling, and embarrassing photos. Friends, colleagues, former students, all are welcome to come celebrate and commemorate the life of Dr. Mike Zehfus, 'Dr Z'.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to BHSU Friends of Music, a non-profit organization committed to providing support for the Music Department at Black Hills State University and scholarships to young musicians. Donate in-person by bring paper checks or cash to the Joy Center just south of the football field, or online at:

https://www.bhsufoundation.org/donate?fbclid=IwAR08ji1I_xwdSZ83HQkqfILwwnbEFQyMe_hqdQ9HkUMwFD6ej5TL1IKD074