Michael Scott Bortnem age 38, passed away Saturday Feb. 22, 2020. 

Memorial services will be held Friday, Feb. 28 at 3:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Estelline, followed by a celebration of life at Dakota Ringneck Lodge, Lake Poinsett until 9 p.m. Geise Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be given in memory of Michael to a trust being set up for his daughter, Peyton.

 Michael was born April 5, 1981, to Bryan Bortnem and Karola (Schwartz) Bortnem-Peterson in Brookings, SD.  He attended school and graduated from Sioux Valley High School, Volga SD in 1999.  Michael participated in youth wrestling and 4-H.  Michael spent a lot of time at both his grandparents’ farms growing up as well as spending many summers on the farm. 

After graduation Michael worked in the Brookings area before attending the Montana School of Taxidermy in Helena, MT.  He was very artistic and took pride in his workmanship.  Michael was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and fireworks.  He enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his daughter Peyton.  He also worked in the plumbing and HVAC business for several years. 

Michael enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and could always put a smile on everyone’s face.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Peyton Bortnem, Volga, SD;  father and step-mother, Bryan and Cathy (Hoss) Bortnem, Rutland, SD; mother, Karola Peterson, Estelline, SD;  brother, Erik Bortnem; sister, Jessica (Matt) Thielen , nephew, Camden and niece, Addison; step-brother Daniel Peterson, step-sisters, Amy Peterson and Sarah Shujairi; maternal grandparents Ralph and Donna Schwartz; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Marvin and Ann Bortnem, and step-father, Bohn Peterson.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.geisefuneralhome.com.