Mike Fried

Mike Fried, 70, of Selfridge, ND, and Hermosa, SD, was called home by the Lord on March 20, 2025. Mike passed away unexpectedly while working on the farm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM CDT on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Selfridge with Fr. Basil Atwell as celebrant, Msgr. Chad Gion as concelebrant, with music provided by Fr. John Paul Gardner. Burial will follow at St. Philomena Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM CDT on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary & Prayer Service at 7:00 PM CDT with Deacon Kevin Leingang presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Mike was born on March 24, 1954, in McLaughlin, SD, the son of Albert and Helen (Simons) Fried. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Selfridge along with his eight siblings. Mike attended the one-room Walker Schoolhouse near the farm during first and second grade. He continued his education in Selfridge and graduated from high school in 1972.

Growing up, Mike enjoyed learning to play music with his first guitar and his appreciation for music continued throughout his life.

Following high school, Mike moved to Bismarck and worked at Melroe. In 1975, he returned to his childhood home to help his dad on the farm. In 1983, Mike and his brother, Dennis, purchased the farm and ranch from their parents and formed a joint venture.

Mike met and married the love of his life, Michelle (Mikki) Leingang, in 1987. They exchanged their vows twice on October 30, first at Medcenter One, Bismarck, where Mike’s mother was hospitalized, and again an hour later at Christ the King Church in Mandan.

After their marriage they worked side by side farming and ranching with the dream of someday retiring in the Black Hills of SD. Their dream came true in 2018 when they sold the cattle and purchased a home in the Black Hills near Hermosa. Although Mike did not fully retire, he spent as much time there as possible, and Mike and Mikki loved entertaining friends, neighbors and family in their new home. Mike continued to farm until 2022 when he semi-retired.

Their faith deepened over the years and became a cornerstone of their marriage. They were active at St. Philomena Church, Selfridge, where Mike served as a trustee. After moving to the Black Hills, they became active members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hermosa, where they have treasured friends.

When they could, Mike and Mikki spent many hours on Lake Oahe fishing for walleye. Their bigger adventures included a Caribbean cruise, attending a wedding in Puerto Rico, and a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia.

Mike loved the outdoors and always took time to appreciate the beauty of nature. He loved fine dining, ice cream and donuts. Mike had a great sense of humor and was often referred to as “the biggest kid in the room”. He loved visiting with new people and made friends easily. He loved life, was warm-hearted and spread joy through his contagious laughter.

Mike will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 37 years, Mikki, brothers: Dennis, Bob (Mavis), and Bernie (Melva); one sister, Carmen (Mark) Walker. Brothers-in-law: Duane (LeeAnn) Leingang, Marvin Leingang, Chuck (Debra) Leingang, Jeff (Doreen) Leingang. Sisters-in-law: Diane (Ernest) Evinger, Paulette (Adam) Vogel, Patricia (Richard) Gisinger, Annette (Ronald) Eckroth, and Cindy (Larry) Moos. Numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews, many friends, and his beloved blue heeler, Gypsy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen Fried; brothers: Curtis and Bryan; sisters: Kathleen Schantz and Patricia Fried-Hill, parents-in-law, Anton A. and Elizabeth Leingang; sister-in-law Darlene Leingang; one nephew and one great nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to Black Hills Pregnancy Center, 1774 Centre Street #1, Rapid City, SD 57703; Catholic Indian Mission, PO Box 639, Fort Yates, ND 58538-0639 or St. Michael’s Parish, PO 379, Hermosa, SD 57744. Condolences to Mikki may be mailed to PO Box 92, Hermosa, SD 57744.

Dearest Mike, Rest in Peace.