Final Salute

Michael John Fitzpatrick Sr., 79, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 27, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls.  A Prayer Service will conclude the visitation at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, also at the funeral home.  Interment with military honors will follow at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls.

Michael John Fitzpatrick Sr. was born on September 23, 1945 in Madison, SD to James and Bettie Fitzpatrick. He graduated from Washington High School in 1963. Later in 1963, he joined the Navy Reserve, attending boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training in Chicago, Illinois.

He married Sandra Kay Neisius in September of 1964. The marriage produced three children as well as countless grandchildren and great grandchildren. Daughter, Cindy (Tim) Tennessen. Grandchild, Rebecca (Casey), great grandchild, Lucas. Grandchild, Anthony (Tetyana), great grandchildren, Izabella, Sofia, Jeremiah, Damian and Elijah. Son, Michael John Fitzpatrick Jr. Grandchild, Dylan, great grandchildren, Kinzie, Lizzie and Jaylynn. Grandchild, Logan (Kelsey), great grandchildren, Kiyah and Paisley. Daughter, Heather (Ryan) Loehr. Grandchild Elizabeth, great grandchild, Carter. Grandchild, Nicholas (Abby), great grandchildren, Elliot and Elanor. Grandchild, Emily (Deven).

Also in 1964, Michael was called to active duty. He was stationed in various locations such as California and Okinawa Island. Most notably, Michael proudly served in Vietnam from 1964-1966 at Camp Adenir Da Nang East as a Navy Seabee, building roads with heavy equipment.

In January of 1976, he was married to Vicky Lynn Moschell. The marriage produced two more children, and multiple grandchildren. Daughter, Virginia (Greg) Ochsner. Grandchild, Makayla (Liam), great grandchild, Natalie. Grandchildren, McKenzie, Megan and Mischa. Son, James (Natalie) Fitzpatrick, grandchild, James Jr.

Michael worked various jobs, including the airport, Terrace Park and Thermal King but his most notable occupation as a truck driver for 40+ years. He was an owner-operator at Erin Endeavors for 30+ years, he also drove truck for Midwest Coast, TBI and finished out his career with Crystal Red Transportation.

Grateful for sharing his life are his sister, Patricia Fitzpatrick and his brother, Rick (Mary Kay) Fitzpatrick.

In his younger years Michael enjoyed music and dancing, especially country music. Later in life he could be found spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He did not miss any of their activities, and he always made sure to be the first car in the parking lot. After retirement, he proclaimed his faith by attending various church activities and men’s bible studies, and spreading the word. Michael also had a love for classic cars.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bettie; infant sister, Rebecca Marie; and grandson, Jeremiah Tennessen.

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