Michael Lloyd Sweet
June 18, 1944 – November 6, 2024

Michael Lloyd Sweet, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on June 18, 1944, in Glendale, California, Mike was the son of Charles and Juanita Sweet. He grew up with his sisters, Sandy and Zella, charming everyone with his humor, kindness, and protective spirit.

Mike's early years included time in Rapid City, SD, Sioux City, IA, and Odessa, TX.  A proud graduate of Odessa's Permian High School's Class of 1962, Mike forged lifelong friendships and was remembered as Mr. Permian and head cheerleader. While a student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he met the love of his life, Vicki Burr, a nursing student whose charm he could not resist. Mike earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree, working his way through college, bonding with his Pi Kappa Alpha brothers, and courting Vicki. They married on August 21, 1965, and spent 59 joyful years together, raising five children and welcoming nine grandchildren into their lives.

Mike began his career as a speech therapist in Omaha, eventually transitioning into the trucking industry, where he worked his way through regional management, including several years in Billings, MT, before settling the family permanently in Rapid City. Mike served as General Manager of Barber Transportation, earning national recognition for his leadership with the American Trucking Association. After the sale of the company, he thrived in real estate, helping hundreds of families find homes while earning accolades, including Black Hills Realtor of the Year in 1995.

Mike's life was defined by his devotion to his family and community. He was an active volunteer, serving on boards for United Way, the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, Storybook Island, and the Black Hills Workshop. His faith was central to his life, and he was a committed member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry and as Junior Warden.

As a father, he was passionately involved, from teaching his children life skills, to coaching sports teams and reviewing cheerleading routines, to helping with both school and personal projects in a hands-on, deeply supportive way. He did more than attend events, he advised, taught, and encouraged his kids and kids-in-law in all their endeavors, leaving a lasting impact.

Above all, Mike loved being "Popa Sweet" to his nine grandchildren. A true "super fan," he was endlessly proud of his grandchildren, cheering them on through every game, accomplishment, and milestone, and he cherished every second spent as a family.

Mike made friends easily, and his name alone brings a smile to those who knew him. He was generous and forgiving, and saw his life as an adventure to savor, where every moment and relationship was worthy of attention. His Texas-style BBQ cookouts on the 4th of July are legendary, and always involved generations of friends and family who joined in this annual event.

He lived bravely and gracefully with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a difficult disease, defying its limitations to savor time with his loved ones for as long as he could.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki; his children, Susan (Andrew Browder), Sarah (Kirk Behrendt), Mary (Mike Bohon), and Charles (Erin Sweet); his nine grandchildren: Kinzie, Lily, Zoe and Bo Behrendt, Connor, Annie and Claire Bohon, and Quin and Tate Browder; his sister, Zella Waitt, and his sister-in-law, Kristi Nelsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra Flanagan, his son Christopher Sweet, and his niece Amy Waitt.

A funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (717 Quincy Street in Rapid City) on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m.  Lunch will follow in the parish hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Emmanuel Episcopal Church for building and grounds, Storybook Island, or the American Lung Association for pulmonary fibrosis research. In honor of Mike, attendees are encouraged to wear red, his favorite color.

Mike's gentle humor lit up every room, his smile made everyone feel welcome, and his memory will forever warm the hearts of those who knew him.