Michael (Mike) ‘Babe’ Paul Leveque, 67, passed away July 23, 2026.

Mike was born on March 25, 1959 in Deadwood, SD to Nicholas and Wynona (Faye) Leveque and was the youngest of three children. Mike lived in several places growing up including St. Onge, Lead-Deadwood, and parts of Wyoming.

Mike spent several years operating heavy equipment and owned a HVAC business in Gillette, WY. He met Diana Leveque (Gerlich) in 1982 and they married on June 24, 1985. They moved to Pennsylvania where they had their one and only daughter, Brittany before moving back to South Dakota and making Sturgis their home and helping to take over the family business when his father fell ill. Mike spent the next years of his life operating a successful gravel business, maintaining billboards, managing rentals and trailer courts. They raised their daughter and made many lifelong friends. Mike was active in the Hell Fighters ministry in Sturgis and had a very strong faith in the Lord. He was able to help care for both his grandchildren so they did not have to attend daycare until they both started preschool and especially enjoyed taking Seth along to load and haul gravel. He worked very hard every day of his life and took pride in providing for those he loved. He never hesitated to help someone in need. A strong cup of black coffee, good company, and conversation were among life’s simple pleasures that he cherished the most.

He is preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Leveque, Sr (1992) brother, Nicholas Leveque Jr. (2001), mother, Wynona (Faye) Leveque (2009), and wife, Diana Leveque (2023).

He is survived by his daughter Brittany (Leon) Paugh of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren Seth and Tessa Paugh of Rapid City, SD; brother Victor Leveque; sister-in-law Regina Gerlich of Deadwood, SD; and nephew Travis Gerlich of Sturgis, SD.