Michael J. Waits, age 73 of Cheyenne, WY and formerly of Huron, passed away on March 11, 2025 under hospice care. A private family service was held to honor Mike's wish to be buried alongside his parents at St. Martin Cemetery in Huron.

Michael John Waits was born on August 28, 1951 to TC and Marjorie Waits in Huron, South Dakota. When he was in school Mike held many jobs, starting out as a delivery boy for newspaper routes. He would spend hours visiting with the older customers when he did his monthly collections for their subscriptions. During his teen years he worked at the Double H café as a short order cook. After graduating from Huron High School in 1969, Mike started his masonry apprenticeship, working with his dad, TC on June 1st of that year. He also held jobs at Metz Bakery as a night shift baker and worked as a diesel mechanic during the winter months when brick work was hard to come by.

Mike married Leslie Welch in 1978. When he was married to Leslie they had two sons, Adam and John.

Mike's career as a mason took him to many jobs in different cities and states. Every job was a different experience and challenge for him, but it was a trade he took seriously and truly loved. Mike lived and worked in Cheyenne, Wyoming for over 25 years doing masonry work until he retired in 2017. His interest in computers kept him busy learning all the new technology that came with that hobby. He was always interested in trying out the new software and computers.

Mike battled cancer for 8 years but lived positively and always had stories and wit to share with whoever he talked to. He passed away peacefully at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne with several of his best friends at his side. Our family will be forever grateful to them for all the care and friendship they gave him.

Mike is survived by his siblings: Richard (Frances) Waits of Rapid City, April (Richard) Marshall of Huron, Randy (Addie) Waits of Sioux Falls, and Pam (Ken) Freeman of Black Hawk, his sons, Adam (Laura) Waits and John (Stella) Waits; three grandchildren, Carter, Ethan and Hattie Waits.

He was preceded in death by his parents, TC and Marjorie Waits; grandparents Clarence and Nancy (Waldron) Waits and Peter and Mary (Steichen) Parquet.