Michael J. Aman, 65

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Michael J. “Mike” Aman, age 65, of Blair passed away Dec. 2 in Rochester, Minn., following a year-long battle with leukemia. There will be a Rosary Service Friday December 9 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday Dec.10, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be a private service.
 
Mike was born in March 11, 1957, in Hot Springs S.D., the second of ten children born to Jim and Freda Aman, of Custer, S.D. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer. He had nine siblings: Cindy, Patty, Carol, John, Lloyd, Sandra, James, Richard, and Stephen. Mike grew up in Custer, and graduated from Custer High School in 1975. Mike had deep love for the Black Hills, and enjoyed hunting and fishing as he grew up.
 
After high school, Mike graduated from Creighton University in 1979. In August 1981, he married Lori (Krogstrand) Aman, also of Custer, at St. John’s. That September, he returned to Creighton to attend pharmacy school, graduating from the accelerated program in 1983, after which, Mike and Lori moved to Blair.
 
Mike and Lori were blessed with two children: Mikala and Colton. Mike’s family was his crown jewel. Never was he happier than when he was enjoying his kids’ sporting events and activities, from catching softballs as Mikala pitched, or watching Colton play soccer. He was an extremely proud father. He taught his children how to work, how to laugh, and how to serve. Later, he was blessed with two grandchildren: Brody and Blaire, who became the apple of his eye. He was thrilled to know that he had two more on the way.
 
Mike was an avid distance runner from the time he was in high school. He participated in innumerable road races over the years, including marathons. It was a rare occasion when he didn’t start his day with an early-morning 5-mile+ run. For years, Mike could be found on weekend training runs with his good friend, Bob Schoby.
 
Mike was a private, humble man, who never thought twice about extending a helping hand, and never expected (or wanted) any recognition. He held high expectations for himself and those around him. Mike liked things “done right,” which really meant “his way.” He was a loyal friend and a valued mentor. He could talk to anyone about anything, and sometimes liked to “poke the bear,” just for a reaction. He was witty, a bit sarcastic, and told too many corny jokes. He loved good food, particularly anything off the grill. He enjoyed going for rides and checking out what was new around town, including trips to the “plunge” and the river. He could fix anything, was meticulous (sometimes to a fault), and was an impatient backseat driver.
 
Mike was no stranger to hard work. His summers during high school /college were spent working for the railroad, and in the construction industry as a crane operator. Once he became a licensed pharmacist, he first worked at Keystone Medicine Chest in Blair. He began his career with WalMart Pharmacy in 1993 as a staff pharmacist, then a pharmacy manager. He then moved into a Health and Wellness Market Manager role, first with WalMart Supercenters, and more recently in the Neighborhood Market sector, supervising pharmacy operations in Nebraska and Kansas. We joked that he likely earned membership in the “million mile club,” due to all of the driving he did for the company. His WalMart team members became like family. Mike “bled blue,” not only for WalMart, but also for his beloved Creighton Bluejay basketball.
 
Mike held a deep faith that grew as he went through treatment, his bone marrow transplant, and his recovery. He was so grateful for all of his siblings, who agreed to be tested to become his bone marrow donor. He was forever grateful to his sister, Carol, a perfect donor match, who proceeded with donation, despite health risks for herself, and gave him hope. Throughout, God provided him the strength to put one foot in front of the other, even when that became nearly impossible.
 
Mike is survived by his wife, Lori; his children Mikala (Josh) Dein of Blair, and Colton (Danielle) Aman of North Platte; siblings Cindy (John) Daly of Box Elder City, S.D.; Carol Aman (Stan Rish) of Nampa, Idaho; John(Peggy) Aman of Rapid City, S.D.; Sandra (Stan) Stenson of Ingleside, Texas; James Aman of Tillamook, Ore.; Richard Aman of Lakewood, Calif.; Stephen (Libby) Aman of Menahga, MN; grandson Brody Dein, granddaughter Blaire Aman; brother in law Ron (Kaye) Krogstrand and Mark (Penny) Krogstrand of Omaha; sister-in-law Vicki (Glanzer) Krogstrand Beach of Firth, Idaho; sister-in-law Kitty Aman of Custer; and numerous nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Freda Aman, sister Patty, brother Lloyd Aman, and beloved pups, Molly and Cutler.
 
Memorials may be directed to St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair, The Washington County Ministerial Association or the Jeanette Hunt Blair Animal Shelter.