RAPID CITY - Dwight Anthony Sobczak Jr. passed away on December 24, 2017 at home at the age of 52 after a lengthy illness. As a boy, Dwight lived in several different places and learned to make friends wherever he went. He maintained high school and college friendships over the years while making new friends in Rapid City.

Dwight was born August 29, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, to Dwight and Gloria Sobczak. He started school in Michigan but later lived in Arlington, Texas, two different times with a year in Boston, Massachusetts, in between. He graduated from Lamar High School in Arlington in 1983 and then attended Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Arlington. He was a talented baseball player as a young man, with a profound loyalty to the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys.

While in college he was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Laura Etheredge. They married on December 30, 1989, and after five years of marriage moved to Rapid City. Their family was completed when they welcomed Tyler and Hannah, who brought Dwight endless joy and pride. Dwight enjoyed every experience he had with his children; however, he especially enjoyed the experiences that involved sports and travel.

Dwight is survived by his wife and children, as well as his mother Gloria Sobczak. Other survivors include his brothers and their spouses; Duane and Lori Sobczak of Rapid City, Dan and Kellie Sobczak of Rapid City, and David and Kate Sobczak of Edmond, Oklahoma. He is predeceased by his father Dwight Sobczak Sr. and an infant brother, Dean Michael Sobczak. Other survivors are his 11 nieces and nephews, as well as aunts and uncles and many cousins.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 28, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 4500 Jackson Blvd., with a Christian Wake Service to follow at 7:00 pm.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 am on Friday, December 29 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Father Brian Lane presiding. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall.