Michael John Coulter
Michael “Mike” Coulter, age 80, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House, with family by his side. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. Interment will be in the Hills of Rest Cemetery. A Visitation with family present, will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory.
Michael John Coulter was born on September 28, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Tracy Fred Coulter and Norma Genevieve (Miller) Coulter. Mike grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1964. He went on to attend South Dakota State University, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in Mechanized Agriculture.
In 1964, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served until 1968, including a two-year tour in Vietnam. Following his military service, he returned home and married Kathy Ann (Kersten) of Aberdeen, South Dakota, on November 3, 1973, in Brookings.
Mike was active in the MinnIKota Girl Scouts for ten years and worked at the Oak Lake Girl Scout Camp, serving as both a waterfront director and handyman. It was there that he met Kathy (Camp Counselor), who would become his wife of 52 years.
After graduating from college, Mike worked a variety of jobs while finding his career path. Over the years he worked as an insurance salesman and mechanic before establishing a career in inventory control and purchasing for several Sioux Falls businesses. In 1985, Mike designed his family’s energy-efficient home, where he and Kathy continued to live.
Mike loved spending time outdoors and took great pride in creating a large yard designed for his children and grandchildren. Many games and treasure hunts were enjoyed there over the years. His hobbies included photography, fishing, reading, and wrestling with his children and grandchildren. He loved being outdoors with his wife Kathy, together they enjoyed cross country skiing, camping, hiking, and shared an appreciation for trees, especially the Ginko tree.
Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy Coulter of Sioux Falls, SD; his daughter, Kersten (Randy) Dobberpuhl of Sioux Falls; and his sons, Justin (Dan) Coulter of Golden Valley, MN, and John (Kelsy) Coulter of Sioux Falls. He was blessed with five grandchildren, all of Sioux Falls: Coulter Dobberpuhl, 19; Ryder Dobberpuhl, 17; Carson Coulter, 16; Braxton Coulter, 14; and Avaya Coulter, 11. He is also survived by his siblings: Anthony (Charlene) Coulter of Sioux Falls; Christine (Jim) House of Wichita, KS; Mandy Coulter of Sioux Falls; and Laurel (Denny) Campbell of Sioux Falls; and a host of many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tracy Fred Coulter, and his mother, Norma Genevieve (Miller) Coulter.