Tom Hunt, 87, of Sturgis, SD, passed away on November 14, 2023, at Monument Health Sturgis Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on March 6, 1936, in Sturgis, SD, and was a lifetime resident.

In elementary school Tom attended the St. Martin's Catholic School through 2nd grade.  Tom graduated from Sturgis High School in 1955.  He was an avid athlete and participated in football, basketball and track for the Scoopers.  Tom ran the chains for the Scoopers football team for 25 years.  He was a lifelong Scooper fan, sparking his children's interest in sports.  You could find Tom at almost any Scooper sporting event and the biggest supporter and fan of his children's sporting activities.

Tom joined the Army in 1955 and was a Paratrooper/Medic in Germany. He was in the 1085th Medical Detachment / Helicopter Ambulance Unit.  He belonged to the South Dakota National Guard for 30 years in the 109th Engineer Battalion (maintenance).  He was a lifetime member of the 11th Airborne Division.  He retired from the South Dakota National Guard as a Sergeant First Class.

Tom graduated in 1960 from the Medical Technology College in Minneapolis Minnesota. He completed 4 years of Laboratory training including military training. Tom began his Laboratory career in the Belle Fouche Hospital advancing to the Sturgis Hospital in 1961, as the Laboratory Supervisor for 31 years.

Throughout his lifetime he was a lifeguard at Bear Butte Swimming Pool, medic with the Sturgis Ambulance, active member of the Sturgis Jaycees, served as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Sturgis Fire Department, active in coaching youth Little League Baseball and Basketball and Boy Scout Leader.

Tom was a lifelong member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Margaret of 63 years; six children, Michele Mueller (late husband John), Greg Hunt (Ramona), Colette Decker (Randy), Elizabeth Hansey (Shaun), Patrick Hunt (deceased) and Charlie Hunt (Stacy). He was also blessed with seventeen grandchildren:  Rosalie, Margaret, Joey, Matt, Maddie, Drew, Mollie, Marah, Clint, Nick, Stephanie, DJ, Tommy, Evan, Sayde, Blayn and Brox.  Additionally, he leaves behind fourteen great grandchildren: Cody, Jackson, Avery, Reegan, Beckett, Ben, Blake, Ella, Landon, Ridley, Charles, Bailey, Rory and Robert. He is also survived by his half-brother Charles.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Renee, stepfather Glenn (Pete), his half-brother, Jim, sister, Leona, son-in-law, John, and son, Patrick.

In memory of Tom, donations can be made to the Cathedral of St. Joseph Catholic Sunday TV Mass for the Homebound in Sioux Falls, South Dakota or the St. Jude's Research Hospital.

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