Michael “Mike” Ray Pruitt, 66, of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, following a diagnosis of brain cancer earlier this year.

A celebration of life will be held at the Gettysburg Baseball/City Park Area at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, where family and friends can gather outdoors to share memories, music, and laughter in his honor.

Mike was born on June 14, 1959, in Camp Pendleton, California, to Richard and Audrey (Sauer) Pruitt. He grew up between California and North Dakota and graduated from Elgin High School, where he was named FHA Romeo and homecoming king. He later trained as a lineman at Bismarck Junior College and went on to become a proud member of IBEW Local 1245 (California). He earned his Journeyman certificate at Huntington Beach State College, becoming the first in nine years to score a perfect 100%. With that certification, he was cleared to work through any union hall in the world—and he did—traveling from coast to coast as a construction “tramp” journeyman before eventually finding his place back on the Plains.

In 1993, Mike joined Montana Dakota Utilities. For more than two decades, he was the one people trusted to keep the lights on in the middle of blizzards, thunderstorms, or sweltering summer nights. He hung up his hooks in 2014, leaving behind not only a career but a reputation in Gettysburg and the surrounding area with his grit, skill, and reliability.

Mike’s life was full of music, laughter, and the simple joys he never took for granted. He loved fishing, grilling the perfect steak for his family, settling in with a good movie, and sharing a cold beer with a neighbor. He could spend hours feeding the birds, watching National Geographic documentaries, or keeping a close eye on the weather. He was a lifelong fan of classic rock and Westerns—especially those starring John Wayne. One quote he often repeated summed up the way he lived his life: “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.”

He is survived by his daughters, Rochelle Cline, Rabecca (Cheyenne) Pruitt, and Megan Pruitt; his mother, Audrey; his siblings, Debra (Tim) Jackson, Timothy (Angie) Pruitt, and Gregory (Dawn) Pruitt; his grandchildren, Emma, Adalina, and Charles; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; and his cherished nephew, Jace.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls for the extraordinary care and kindness they gave Mike in his final months. His time there was spent surrounded by love, smiles, and the food and movies he enjoyed most. His family takes comfort in knowing his stories will live on in everyone who loved him. To many, he was the MDU Man. To others, he was the Miracle Man. But to us, he was simply Mike—larger than life and loved beyond measure. 

Mike’s family invites all who knew him to raise a red beer in his honor, share a story, and remember him with the laughter he so often inspired. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that Mike held dear. https://www.stjude.org/donate/ 

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Mike’s arrangements.

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