Justin Speer, New Underwood, age 93, died on September 21, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center in New Underwood, SD.
He is survived by sister-in-law, Elsie Matt and brother-in-law, Charles Boydston (Margaret); all of New Underwood. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Those preceding him in death were his wife, Ardis, his parents, Hugh and Ollie Speer, infant sister, brother-in-law, Cecil Boydston (Alice), Arnold Matt and nephew Carrol Boydston.
Justin was born in Rapid City, SD, on Dec 3, 1919, to Hugh and Ollie Speer and grew up on the Ben Oliver place in Viewfield, SD, where he lived most of his life. Justin graduated from New Underwood High School in 1937.
After graduation, he had various jobs until he began trucking for CM Trucker with regular runs to Denver each week. He married Ardis Boydston on Jan 21, 1942, and they worked in Rapid City until the death of Justin’s dad in 1943. Justin and Ardis then moved back to Viewfield to take over the family farm.
Their life on the farm evolved over time. Besides maintaining the operations of the farm, they started a broiler chicken business where Ardis was in charge of caring for the chickens and Justin helped dress them. They raised and sold thousands of broiler chickens over the years.
Justin expanded the farming and ranching on the home place by renting additional farm ground and buying the Hacken’s place in 1948. In 1952, they started a Grade “A” Dairy and scaled back the farming and ranching. Through the years, the help of several hired hands were required to help Justin and Ardis with the day to day operations.
Justin was very active in the Viewfield and New Underwood communities. He served on the New Underwood Community Hospital Board for eighteen years, was active in the Lions Club, The Catalyst Club, Viewfield Community Church and also member of the New Underwood Community Church.
He also enjoyed a variety of activities. Ice fishing and league bowling were among his favorites. He also owned a two passenger plane which he and Ardis flew regularly to Oregon to visit his mother.
They did not have any children of their own, however, they often housed various nephews, nieces and children of family friends. Nephews Ron Matt and Lynn Boydston lived with them to attend high school in New Underwood and helped Justin and Ardis on the dairy. Terry Miller, daughter of Helen and Leroy Miller, spent many summers with them as well. They also enjoyed attending activities and being involved with their brother’ and sister’s families.
In the early 1990’s, Justin and Ardis retired from the farm and moved to their home in New Underwood.
He will certainly be missed by his family and friends and all who knew him!
Viewing will be at the Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City on Thursday, September 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2012 at New Underwood Community Church in New Underwood with Pastor Wes Wileman officiating, with viewing one hour before service. Burial will be at New Underwood Cemetery. There will be cake and coffee served at the church following the burial.