RAPID CITY | Darlene C. Haight, 72, Rapid City, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.
Darlene was born April 3, 1941, in Faulkton, SD, to Dwight W. "Tom" and Clara Lou (Garrison) Reidt. She attended country schools in the Roscoe area, Igloo and graduated from Rapid City High School.
She moved to Rapid City in 1952 and has lived here since.
On June 20, 1964, she married Delbert Russell Haight in Rapid City.
Darlene worked at Black Hills Packing Plant until it closed and then worked at Bob Gallant Trucking.
She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and loved to travel.
Darlene is survived by a son, Russell Haight, Rapid City; a grandson, Ethan Buechler; two brothers, Verne (Lorraine) Reidt, Roscoe, Floyd (Virginia) Reidt, Rapid City; a sister-in-law, Della Reidt, Casper, WY; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert, on June 15, 1988, parents, brothers, Clifford and Roger Reidt and a sister, Ethel.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 5p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Rapid City, with Rev. Bill Paepke as officiant. Interment will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com.
Joyce left this world and gained her wings with family by her side to begin her new journey on Friday, January 31, 2014. She was 78 years old.
Joyce was born on August 21, 1935, in Hemingford, Neb., to James Goodwine and Florence Traster. Florence married George Tuma September 13, 1940 and Joyce was soon adopted by George. Joyce spent her childhood in Nebraska until 1951 when the family moved to Igloo.
On September 17, 1954 Joyce married Laurence LeRoy Hudson of Edgemont and to this union five children were born. Between 1954 and 1958 they lived in a few different states until settling in Salem, Ore. In 1982 LeRoy and Joyce divorced and Joyce moved back to S.D., making her home in Oral and in Hot Springs until her passing.
Joyce loved a good book and a long chat on the phone and anything peach. She loved to watch The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, Murder She Wrote and Golden Girls. She was a most loving and proud Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother and she enjoyed all the photos she received of all the kids. There wasn't anything she loved more than her family and getting together with them. She will be greatly missed.
Joyce is survived by her children; Larry Hudson of Oregon, Judy Rose of Oregon, Stanley (Carrie) Hudson of Mississippi, Madonna (Klay) Benson of South Dakota and Michael Hudson of Oregon, as well as 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren along with two more great-grandchildren due this year. She is also survived by her brother, Michael (Maureen) Tuma of Hot Springs, a niece, Mary Olsen, of Washington and her nephew, Paul Tuma of Wyoming.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Florence Tuma, James Goodwine and a niece, Merriah Tuma.
The family wishes to thank Rapid City Regional Hospital MICU for their wonderful care of Mom and for making her comfortable during this time. A huge “thank you” to Klay for helping to take care of Mom. She loved you and appreciated all that you did for her.
Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I shall die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen
Joyce requested no funeral. A memorial will be held June 20, 2014 in Hot Springs.
Family and friends may sign Joyce's online guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com
Fred Kelvin Coates, age 81, passed away February 12, 2014, in the comfort of his home in Edgemont, SD.
Fred was born to Fred and Alice (Dickinson) Coates in Fall River County, SD, on November 24, 1932. The Coates family was pioneers to the area, emigrating from Lancashire, England. Fred grew up in the Provo, Igloo, and Edgemont area. His father was postmaster at Provo, then at the Black Hills Ordnance Depot during World War II.
Fred bore the effects of childhood polio for life. He proudly and fiercely refused to be a victim of disease. He married Frederica Dorner, and they had one son, Albert Herrick. He was employed as a rural mail carrier for fifteen years in the Provo-Ardmore area; then worked for the Fall River County Road Department for twenty-six years, driving truck, mowing ditches, and some office work.
He was a faithful member of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs, SD. Fred was the unofficial historian of the Coates family; keeping close tabs on extended family members from South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Texas, England, and elsewhere. He was a treasure trove of anecdotes, with photos, newspaper clippings, and other lore.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Fredia; son, Herrick; parents; brother, Herrick; brother, Allan; and sister, Doris Huff.
He is survived by nephews, Bob Coates of Somerset, SD; George Coates of George, TX; nieces, Patty Dawson of Hot Springs; Evelyn Dinning of Bonners Ferry, ID; Margie Yongue, Blanchard, SD; great nephews, Richard Odegaard of Montana; Jim Odegaard of Miller, SD; as well as numerous cousins, relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2014, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs with Deacon Linda Valandra and Rev Dr. J. Edwin Coates officiating. Interment will follow at the Edgemont Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Fred's name for the Edgemont Senior Center, PO Box 566 Edgemont, SD, 57735.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of the McColley's Chapel of the Hills Edgemont, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
June 9, 1929 - Feb. 25, 2014
Shirley June (West) Fiester died on February 25, 2014. She was born on June 9, 1929 in Broadwater to her parents Ira Raymond and Helen West. She grew up on a ranch south of Bridgeport. She graduated from Gering High School. She earned a teacher's certificate from Chadron State. From 1947-49, she taught in a country school around Hemingford. She married Robert Fiester on April 22, 1950. They lived in Igloo, South Dakota where they raised their family. Robert worked at Black Hills Army Depot. In 1965, they moved to Savanna, Illinois. In 1972, they moved to Gering. As a young girl, Shirley trusted in Jesus Christ and was baptized. As a mother, she faithfully took her children to Sunday School and church. She attended Central Church of Christ in Gering. Whenever she faced difficult moments in life, she turned to God. She found comfort and peace in Scripture and prayer. Shirley was generous, kind and compassionate. She was fond of crocheting, reading books and gardening. She enjoyed babysitting her great grandchildren. She appreciated camping trips and attending family reunions. For several years, she provided in-home care for the elderly. Recently she was a foster grandparent at CAPwn. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Helen West, her husband Robert A. Fiester, her son Robert D. Fiester and her siblings Clyde, Don, Jack and Mary West. She was survived by her siblings Mildred Carpenter, Betty Weddell, Landis West, her children Danny (Shirley) Fiester, Carole Collins and Alan Fiester. She had 8 grandchildren, Laurie (Sergio) Robles, LeAnne (Josh) Skavdahl, Lacey (Mike) Collins, Mike Collins, Kim (Chuck) Emmerich, Daniel (Shelley) Fiester, Jonathan (Michele) Fiester, and Sarah (Brandon) Yuill. She also had 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild Kyleigh Schanaman Robles. The viewing will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Gering Memorial Chapel. The memorial service will be at 10 am on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Bible Baptist Church in Scottsbluff. The graveside service will be Friday at 3 pm at the Hemingford Cemetery in Hemingford, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the family. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.geringchapel.com.
Edward L. "Ed" Stevens of Edgemont passed away March 5, 2014, at the Fall River Hospital in Hot Springs. He was 68 years old.
Ed was born in Edgemont on March 12, 1945, the only son of Earl and Lorraine (Kant) Stevens. He was the beloved husband of Marlous L. (Benda) Stevens with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.
Ed was employed by the government and worked at the Igloo Army Depot in Igloo. After several years Ed was transferred to Hawthorne Naval Depot in Hawthorne, Nev., and later was transferred to Umatilla Depot in Umatilla, Ore.
Ed returned home to Edgemont, taking a position as a car salesman for Reichart Chevrolet in Edgemont and was busy building a new home on the Stevens' family homestead in Red Canyon. Ed continued selling cars until he was hired by Burlington Northern Railroad as a conductor in 1974. Ed retired after 32 years of service with the Burlington Northern Railroad in April of 2006.
Ed was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many hours doing so with his sons, and in recent years his grandson. He loved the family's ranch and after retiring, looked forward each day to doing what needed to be done on the ranch.
Often you could drive down Red Canyon Road and see the entire family working together on the ranch. All of his time was spent with his children and grandchildren.
Ed was a people person and truly enjoyed visiting with anyone near him. 'Grandpa Ed' was most frequently seen in the stands of any Edgemont School event watching and enjoying any event his grandchildren were participating in.
In addition to his wife Marlous (Benda) Stevens, he is survived and will be deeply missed by his sons, Bob of Edgemont, and Randy (Diane) of Edgemont, five grandchildren; Cassandra Groen of Blacksburg, Va., Caylen Groen of Rapid City, Lacy Stevens of Spearfish, Ronnelle Stevens of Lincoln, Neb., and Lathen Stevens of Edgemont, as well as his mother-in-law, Vivian Woehl, of Edgemont.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and a son, Ron Stevens.
A memorial celebration of Ed's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 10, 2014, at the United Church in Edgemont with Pastor Tom Peacock officiating.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Ed's name.
Arrangements have been place in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com
ALTON -- Pat. L. Nichols, 71, died Thursday, March 20, 2014. She was born Oct. 2, 1942, in Salida, Colo., to the late Charles and Virginia (Joslin) Ludington. Survivors include her husband, Larry; daughter, Renee Nichols; and brothers, David Ludington and Charles Ludington. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Karin Nichols.
A rosary and vigil will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Clark-Gashaw Chapel, Osborne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Osborne. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to Alton Pride in Alton, or the Center for Health Improvement or Oncology Department, both at Hays Medical Center, Hays.
Martin James Hanna passed away at his home on April 10, 2014. Services will be Monday April 21, 2014 at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Palmer Alaska at 2:00 p.m. with graveside rites at Wasilla- Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla Alaska. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 35 located at mile 46 Parks Highway.
Martin James Hanna was born on January 19, 1929 in Bucyrus North Dakota to Martin and Dena (Tangbakken) Hanna. He married Virginia Dewitt on December 12, 1953. Five children were born to this union, Burton Hanna of Anchorage, Robin Morehouse of Wasilla, Kim Morris of Wasilla, Brent Hanna who preceded him in death in 1987 and Tyrone Hanna who lives in Homer Alaska.
Martin Graduated from Provo High School in Igloo South Dakota in 1947 where he was an outstanding athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track, he still holds the school record for the mile run.
Martin was a role model not only because of his work ethic, but also because of his tenacity and strength. He was able to overcome polio and poor hearing (caused by a childhood accident) to be successful in his career. He had many friends and was well respected and admired. But more importantly, his greatest success was at being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his grandkids and his great-grandkids and had a lot of fun with them all and enjoyed watching them play sports. He was heard to say, "I've thought about moving some place warmer but all my kids and grandkids and great grandkids live up here, and in the end they're what really matters."
Martin attended St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church and was a member of St. Anne and St. Simeon Society. Martin kept a picture of his wife Virginia tucked away in his prayer book and each Sunday during the hymns he would take out that picture and look at it fondly, he was her loving caregiver for the last 14 years of their 52 years of marriage.
He is survived by; his son, Burton Hanna and his wife Kathy, and their children Darrin Flute, Jason Kratsas and his wife Anya, Kimberly and Jamie Henderson, and Brent Katchatag and great grandchildren, Sequoia, Maria, Elias, and Aiden. Daughter Robin Morehouse and her children, Kelly Morehouse, Clinton Morehouse and Josie, and Jennifer Morehouse and great grandchildren, Kelsi Morehouse and Izzy Sutton. Daughter Kimberly Morris, and her children Karla Wilkerson, Brian Wilkerson, Kammy Morris and Dion Jones, and great grandchildren, Kaila and Karli Wilkerson and Marquese Martin Jones. His youngest son Tyrone Hanna and his son Derek Hanna. He is also survived by his loving sister Idelle Olson and her children DiAnne and Laurie Olson. His niece and nephew Leo Hanna, and Dena Jepson an numerous other family in South Dakota.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife Jeanie and son Brent, his parents Martin and Dena Hanna, three brothers, Wayne Hanna, John Hanna, and Donald Hanna.
One of his favorite quotes was by the late Reverend Robert Young, "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Virginia E. Yeoman was born in Bridgeport, Nebraska on May 27, 1923 to Otto W. Ring and Estella A. (Kisner) Ring, and died in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on April 21, 2014 at age 90.
She is survived by two sons, Donald Vassos and Larry Vassos and his wife Cassandra. She is also survived by her grandson Travis and his wife Niki and granddaughter Diana Vassos, great grandchildren Rochell, Logan and Lindsay and great great grandson Derrik.
The Funeral will be at 11AM Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3020 Federal Boulevard. Private Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Helen L. Smith of Oro Valley, AZ passed away on May 19, 2014.
She was born in Lead, SD, the daughter of Claire and Mary Alspach. Helen married the late Joseph Smith in 1955, and lived in South Dakota, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada before moving to Arizona 15 years ago.
She is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Smith, Cynthia Stuckey and Heather McCoy; seven grandchildren and her sister, Rita Schirber.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, Dawn Smith and her brother, Harold Alspach.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Casa de la Luz Hospice of Tucson.
At Helen's request, no memorial service will be held. Arrangements by VISTOSO FUNERAL HOME.
Margaret "Peggy" Elaine Shepherd, 89, of Wilmington, Ill., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at her home surrounded by family.
Margaret Elaine was born on Feb. 3, 1925 in the Black Hills. She was the daughter of the late John A. and Isa E. Young-Assmann. There she was raised and educated before marrying Royce "Shep" Shepherd on July 8, 1944 in Santa Ana, Calif. Together Peggy and Shep resided in various states including South Dakota, Colorado, Georgia, Nebraska, and New Jersey, before settling in Wilmington, Ill. in 1959. There Peggy belonged to the Brookside Mothers' Club, sold Avon, and was a Den Mother for Scout Pack No. 458. Prior to going into the private sector providing care for several long-term friends, Peggy worked at a bank in the Provo, South Dakota Army Depot, and at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Ill. as a LPN. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, and P.E.O. Chapter GK. Peggy also volunteered her time with the Joliet Area Community Hospice. She enjoyed playing cards, walking, crocheting, and keeping in touch with dear friends from years past. Peggy will be remembered for her love of spending time with family and friends. She will also be remembered for her dedication of corresponding through cards, notes, letters, phone calls, and personal visits.
Survivors include her children, Royce Elaine "Lucky" Shepherd Clark of Aurora, Colo., Margaret (Jerry) Wilburn, Curtis Shepherd (fiance Debbie Bell-Karaszewski), and Dean (Beth) Shepherd, all of Wilmington; grandchildren: JulieMarie Shepherd and Sarah Janae Shepherd, both of Aurora, Colo., Mark (Denise) Wilburn of Wilmington, Jenna Wilburn (Nick) Gonzales of Parker, Colo., Stacy Wilburn of Braidwood, Ill., Doug (Heather) Shepherd of Boca Raton, Fla., and Hannah, Brett and Evelyn Shepherd, all of Wilmington; two step grandsons: Christopher Crescenti of Minooka, Ill. and Kevin Crescenti of Wilmington; great grandchildren: Malorie, Gavin, Aaron Wilburn, Mackinley and Grant Wilburn, Christopher Faris, Haley and Autumn Crescenti and Connor and Dakota Shepherd; one sister-in-law Pattie Lee Wilson of Georgia and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, as well as her dear caregiver Tseegii Tovuugil.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Shep (1986); two grandsons: Michael Wilburn and Christopher Shepherd; one brother Leo (Garnet) Assmann, and daughter-in-law Deborah K. Crescenti-Shepherd.
Visitation and a video tribute was held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Baskerville Funeral Home, located at 700 East Kahler Rd. in Wilmington, Ill.. Funeral services and a celebration of Peggy's life will be at 10 a.m. today in the funeral home. Reverend Shirley Pulgar-Hughes will officiate. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Ill. where together Peggy and Shep will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made as gifts in Peggy's memory to GAMA (Galactosemia Association of Midwest America), 19405 West Manteno Road, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 (www.galactosemiamidwest.com), First United Methodist Church of Wilmington, 401 East Kahler Rd., Wilmington, Ill. 60481 or to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main St., Wilmington, Ill. 60481.
Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington, Ill.
Derwin Kelley Bonenberger, 77, Hot Springs, died Friday, June 13, 2014, at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30pm on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at Black Hills National Cemetery with Chaplain Lloyd Nielson officiating. Military honors will be provided by Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.
Dewane Edward Stearns, age 78, passed away on June 28, 2014, at his home in Edgemont, SD.
Dewane was born in Edgemont, SD, on September 2, 1935, to Edward and Ida (Heiser) Stearns.
He is survived by wife, Flora Stearns of Edgemont, SD; children, Kathy (Bill) Cullen of Minnetonka, MN; Jerry (Melissa) Stearns of Edgemont; and Deann Stearns of Custer, SD; brother, Frank (Carol) Stearns of Cheyenne, WY; sister, Phyllis (Harry) Skea of Rapid City, SD; as well as five grandchildren, Renee Cullen; Amanda Cullen; Kaylen Stearns; Jared Stearns; and Jana Stearns.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014, between 5-7pm at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 5, 2014, at the Assembly of God Church in Edgemont with Pastor K.C. Smith officiating.
Interment will be held 2:30 p.m., Saturday, July 5, 2014, at the Horsehead Cemetery in Fall River County.
Memorials have been established in Dewane's name to benefit the Edgemont Ambulance Service, Edgemont Volunteer Fire Department, and the Ardmore Fire Department.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com
AKRON, Iowa | Julaine Kusler, 89, of Akron passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, at Happy Siesta Care Center in Remsen, Iowa.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Akron. Burial will be in Alexandria, Minn. Arrangements are under the direction of Carlsen Funeral Home–Schroeder Chapel in Akron. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com.
Julaine Ione Olson was born on Oct. 12, 1925, in Bristol, S.D., the daughter of Walter and Johanna (Hustad) Olson. She lived in the Alexandria, Minn., area until her family moved to the Black Hills Army Depot in Igloo, S.D., in support of the war effort. She graduated from Provo High School in Igloo
She was united in marriage to Ernest J. Kusler on Dec. 26, 1947, in Edgemont, S.D. Early on, they resided in north central Iowa in the towns of Alden and Popejoy before moving to Akron in 1974. Julaine worked for K-Products in Hawarden, Iowa, for a number of years until retiring in 1988.
During retirement, Alexandria became a special place for Julaine and Ernest as they made a summer getaway there, enjoying many days of fishing and being outdoors. Ernest passed away on April 28, 2000. Julaine continued to live in Akron until moving to Happy Siesta Care Center in February 2014.
Julaine was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron. Through the years, she enjoyed baking, gardening, and spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Kathleen (Craig) Wellen of Rochester, Minn., Rex Kusler of Las Vegas, Nev., Joseph (Susie) Kusler of Aptos, Calif., and Benjamin (Bonnie) Kusler of Akron; her grandchildren, Amy Wellen, Nicole (Luke) Jurgensen, Jessica Kusler, Emily Wellen, Alison Kusler, Kacie Kusler, and Jenna Kusler; seven great-grandchildren; three nieces; and a nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest; an infant son, Stephen Michael Kusler; her sisters, Roumelle Kellner and Mary Ellen Wallen; and her brothers, Robert Olson and W. James Olson.
Charles Russell 'Chuck' Catlett, age 84, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on November 23, 2014, at VA Medical Center in Hot Springs.
Chuck was born on December 5, 1929, to Andrew and Hannah (Hupp) Catlett in Sherrard, WV. He was married to Doris (Way) Catlett for 55 years. Chuck worked as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed gardening, woodwork, fishing and hunting. Chuck was a loving father.
He gave back to his community through 30 years of service on the city council and by being a part of Naja Shriners and Masons Shriners actives. In November 5, 1985, he was made Master Mason for Masons Shriners. He served as Worshipful Master in 1990-1991. Chuck joined Mount View Lodge in Edgemont on June 15, 1989, and was Worshipful Master from 1992-1994.
Preceded in death by his wife, Doris; and daughter, Joan Braaten.
Survivors include son, Howard (Elaine) Catlett of Moorestown, NJ; daughters, Karen Cordova of Albuquerque, NM; Charlene (Charles) Bacchus of Albuquerque, NM; sister, Johan McKee of Wheeling West Virginia; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2014, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home with Pastor Clint Walker officiating. Committal services will follow at the Evergreen cemetery.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Chuck's name to benefit the Shriners Children's Hospital.
ABERDEEN | Francis Dean "Bud" Nelson, 79, died Dec. 14, 2014, in Aberdeen, due to complications with the flu.
Bud was born Sept. 19, 1935, in Hot Springs, to Geddis and Dorothy Nelson. He joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Provo High School at Black Hills Ordnance Depot, Igloo, SD, in 1953. Following boot camp in Camp Ripley, KS, he was deployed to Japan, where he served in the Far East Honor Guard. In 1957, he was transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, where he married Carol Thompson, a high school friend. He served in Korea where he distinguished himself by achieving first place in the 7th Army Military Stakes Competition.
From 1960 to 1963, Bud was an ROTC Instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Bud and his family were transferred to Germany, where he served in the tank unit of the 64th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in Schweinfurt. They moved to Bad Tolz where he was an instructor at the 7th Army NCO Academy. In June 1966, they returned to the United States and he trained with the Counterintelligence Corps at Fort Holabird, MD. Bud was deployed to Vietnam and returned in 1967.
He received his AA Degree from American River College in Sacramento, CA, in 1970 and moved his family to Pierre, SD, where he worked for SD state government in data processing. He became a full-time member of the SD National Guard in 1981 and was stationed in Flandreau, Brookings, Aberdeen and Hot Springs, retiring in 1989. He was employed at the Hot Springs VA Medical Center from 1989 to 1997. In 1998, Bud's right leg was amputated in Sioux Falls.
Bud is remembered for his pride and devotion to his family, his long-time commitment to his own physical fitness, long distance running and love of big game hunting with family and friends. His time of military service and the friends he gained there meant the world to him.
Grateful for having shared Bud's life are his wife, Carol; daughters, Christi Mack (Glen) of Aberdeen, Shari Nelson of Grand Forks, ND, and Shelly Courtney (Rob) of Sioux Falls; brothers, Peter (Judith) Nelson, Robert (Aletha) Nelson and Arthur (Nancy) Nelson; and grandchildren, Jason Mack, Katy Mack, Alex McDonald, Rosie McDonald and Amber (Derek) Allen; three nephews and four nieces; and many loyal friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carl Nelson; special aunt and uncle, Margaret (Pete) and Francis (Buster) Nelson; and grandson, Aaron Harris.
The family is planning a memorial service in the spring of 2015.
Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory is handling the arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.
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