Michel Harmon Clites

Michel Harmon Clites, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 6, 2023, at his home in Brookings, SD. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings, SD. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 11, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Rude's Funeral Home in Brookings, SD.
Michel was born July 22nd, 1946, to John Lowell Clites and Clair Bertha Mae Parker Clites in Nevada. He was the third of seven siblings: Joyce (Tom) Wall, Kathy (Paul) Hammons, Richard (Leona) Clites, John (Jan) Clites, Randy (Jane) Clites, and Susan Clites.
Mike grew up in Roswell, Howard, and Carthage, South Dakota. He graduated from Fedora High School and attended one year of college before pursuing his master electrician license. Mike started Clites Electric in 1978 and operated the business until 2010.
Mike married Jeanne Thompson on September 22nd, 1967, in Brookings, SD. Children born to this marriage were Chad Clites, Michelle Sedlacek, and Heidi (Aaron) Diediker.
On March 21st, 1981, he married Vicky Jo Burrull Kindt in Chamberlain, SD. Vicky brought to the union three children: Scott (Jeni) Kindt, Cory (Melanie) Kindt, and Kristi (Jamie) Jacobsma. To this marriage were born Steven (Jennifer) Clites, and Carrie (Johnnie) Sack.
Mike's interests included hunting, stock car racing, and showing and breeding Quarter Horses. He participated in horse shows for many years with Vicky, Carrie, and granddaughters Nikki and Lexie. He was deeply involved in the SDQHA and the WCQHA. He served as president and held various board positions and futurities in both.
Mike was also very involved in his church and community. He served on many committees and boards. As a commercial electrician, he was involved in the construction of commercial buildings and businesses in the Brookings area such as Daktronics, 3-M, Larson's Manufacturing, Twin City Fan, Rainbow Play Systems, and SDSU.
Mike was known to all as quiet, kind, generous, compassionate, intelligent, wise, and caring. He was a mentor and a true friend to many. But mostly he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife Vicky, his brothers and sisters, his children: Scott, Cory, Michelle, Kristi, Heidi, Steven, and Carrie, as well as his 26 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his son Chad, and two grandsons Jordan and Isaac.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcome donations to a local Veteran charity of your choice.
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