Chad Michael Likness' Obituary
Chad Michael Likness was born in Britton, S.D. on May 7, 1977. He passed away surrounded by family and love.
His primary school years were spent at Britton Elementary and Britton High School. After graduation, he attended Lake Area Tech in Watertown, S.D.
Chad began his career with Tyson Foods in 2003 as a Draftsperson Designer and quickly distinguished himself through his leadership, innovation, and dedication. Over more than two decades with Tyson, he held numerous leadership roles across Engineering and Continuous Improvement, steadily advancing throughout the organization.
In 2025, Chad was promoted to Vice President of Poultry Engineering — a reflection of the respect he earned throughout his career and his deep commitment to the people and work he cared so much about. His professional journey was marked by intelligence, hard work, mentorship, and a constant drive to improve the organizations and teams around him.
Chad was known for his determination, loyalty, and deep love for his family. He worked hard throughout his life and took pride in providing for the people he cared about. He built strong relationships through humor, conversation, music, and his ability to make ordinary moments memorable.
He loved going to concerts, traveling, late nights listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Above all else, Chad deeply loved his son Easton and cherished the life he built with his wife Vivian and their family.
Even during difficult seasons, Chad continued to live fully and intentionally. Those closest to him will remember his strength, wit, generosity, and the way he gave his time so freely to the people he loved.
Chad is survived by his wife Vivian; his son Easton; his step sons Jonathan and Lucas; his mother Cathy Stiegelmeier; father Leonard Likness; brothers Dustin Likness, Tyler (Allyson) Stiegelmeier, Blake (Kaitlin) Stiegelmeier; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Kim Stiegelmeier, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
“Stay with me, let’s just breathe.”
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Rogers. A private burial will take place at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens.
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