Dwight A. Sobczak, Sr. (73) passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in Rapid City.

He was born March 5, 1943 in Detroit to Anthony Joseph Sobczak and Frances Catherine (Brucki) Sobczak. He was raised in the Detroit area, a hard-working young man who achieved the accomplishment of Eagle Scout by the 8th grade. In high school, he began to play football which meant his days were spent at school, followed by football practice, then work at a gas station, and home finally about 2 a.m. It was in high school where he met the love of his life, Gloria Jean Moebs, who later became his wife. His hard work paid off, as he was honored as a high school All-American and offered a football scholarship to the University of Detroit. He later also studied metallurgy at Wayne State.

He coached all four of his sons in various sports and cherished their company on the lake, on the golf course, and on family vacations.

His career with Vac-Hyd, US Turbine, Turbine Casings and Coleman Company took the family to Michigan, Texas, Massachusetts, Georgia and South Dakota. As a boss, he empowered his staff to do their job and then he let them do it to their fullest.  He was patient but to the point.  His style was to roll up his sleeves and work hands-on wherever he was needed.

Dwight was active in many charitable organizations including Black Hills Works, Catholic Social Services, YFS and Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation, where he served as president for many years. Dwight will be remembered in his community for his generosity and his selfless giving of time, knowledge and other resources.

He very much enjoyed being "Papa" to his grandchildren: fishing and boating, watching them take part in sporting events and school programs, and even the occasional dance recital. But perhaps his greatest source of pride was his bride of 52 years.

Dwight is survived by his wife Gloria, his sons Dwight Jr. (Laura), Duane (Lori), Dan (Kellie) and David (Kate), and ten grandchildren: Tyler, Hannah, Ben, Emily, Chloe, Bailee, Cade, Nash, Blake and Blair, all of Rapid City. He is also survived by his sister Judith (Tom) Kozicki; two sisters-in-law, Ginger (Rich) Bernier and Joyce Moebs and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by young son Dean Michael, his parents Anthony and Frances, a dear brother-in-law Kenneth Moebs, and his mother-in-law Florence Moebs, for whom he cared deeply.

Visitation will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 4500 Jackson Blvd., on Thursday, January 26, at 6:00 PM, with a Christian Wake Service at 7:00 PM.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, January 27, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Brian Lane presiding.