Patty Fortney November 22,1953 - September 18, 2024
Special Remarks from Ercell and Family:
I personally feel so lost and sad that she has gone on ahead. I know that she is in a better place but it is still so darn hard being without her. Knowing I will meet up with her again in heaven is my only saving grace! Not ever hearing her sing will leave an emptiness in me that I will feel forever. Her singing always made me tear up. I just couldn't believe that I could be married to someone that could sing like that. I just never got used to it. I hope I can stop crying long enough to thank you all for being there for her and me. I know she loved you all! - Ercell
Mark Sletten February `4, 1978 - June 18, 2024
Keith Fawcett October 22, 1959 - June 7, 2024
Nat Aarsby June 6, 1936 - February 15, 2024
Joan Nathalee Morrill Aarsby, “Nat” was born on June 6, 1936, (She always liked to say 6/6/36) in Santa Paula, California. The oldest of 2 redheaded daughters of J. Nathan and Katharine C. (Casey) Morrill. She and her sister Marilyn spend all their growing up years in the family homes in Santa Paula, during the WWII years. She told many stories of life during those war years.
Paul Marrs November 24, 1955 - February 10, 2024
Walt Simons September 29, 1930 - January 27, 2024
Walter Allen Simons was born September 29, 1930, to Sam and Ada (Burditt) Simons in Sturgis, SD. Walt spent his childhood years on their homestead in Marcus. He then attended Sturgis Brown High School. After graduation, he earned his teachers certificate at Black Hills State Teachers College. Walt taught school for a short time, before joining the US Air Force during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he married Barbara Newbill on August 27th, 1955, in Alburquerque, New Mexico.
Dean Rueb - September 3, 1955 - January 22, 2024
Dean was born to Delbert and Lydia (Kerher) Rueb in Mobridge, SD on September 3, 1955. He was raised and thrived on the family farm in Herreid, SD. He attended Herreid high school graduating in 1973. After graduation, Dean attended Trinity Bible College for 1 year. He married the love of his life, Norma, after an extremely patient courtship of 5 years
Robert Welch March 9, 1929 - January 19, 2024
Bob was a devoted follower of Christ and served in leadership positions at the churches he attended throughout his life. As a young man, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon moving to Massachusetts, he enjoyed a long career at General Electric in Lynn, MA as a Senior Engineer. In retirement, he and his beloved wife Barbara loved to travel across the country in their trailer, even as far as Alaska.
Marlowe Kinkade January 14, 1933 - December 26, 2023
Hayden Porter September 4, 1929 - December 21, 2023
Hayden was born on September 4, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Bert H. and Edith A. Porter. He was raised on the homestead in Montana with his sister, Margie, and brother, Harvey. His mother was his teacher for grades first through eighth in one room schools, Pine Butte, and Waddle Creek. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1946. He married Nancy Alexander, August 24, 1957, in Kokomo, Indiana.
Larry Schell December 27, 1960 - December 19, 2023
Carolyn Brost April 12, 1938 - October 11, 2023
Ray Lewis September 16, 1948 - March 11, 2022
Ray was born on September 16, 1948, to William and Lue Lewis in Gary, Indiana. He grew up in English Lake, Indiana and graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School. After graduation he went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. This included time spent overseas in Vietnam, where he was tasked with going and "blending in". Ray was also stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, which kindled a love for South Dakota that continued through several moves around the country and the world.
William Engwall September 27, 1930 - August 24, 2023
William served two years in the military. In his early years, he was an avid bowler . He worked most of his years as a sheet-metal worker. William was a great cook, and gardener. William was a loving and generous patriarch. He spent much of his later life coming to his children’s home and helping them. Some words that come to mind when you think of William are kind, dependable, knowledgeable, and caring. He will be missed dearly.
Wayne Sletten March 7, 1933 - August 21, 2023
Wayne was born March 7, 1933 in Mobridge, SD to Philip and Anna (Swenson) Sletten. As a young boy, he caught a train to Faith to spend the summer at his grandparent’s ranch on Sulphur Creek, beginning a love of the western South Dakota prairie. Wayne’s family settled in Winthrop MN where he graduated as valedictorian from high school in 1950. Upon a suggestion from his mother, Wayne pursued a degree in veterinary medicine because the career would combine his love of the outdoors with a chance to move to the Faith area. Wayne graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1956.
Earl Remington January 4, 1937 - August 15, 2023
Arvin Tilstra October 23, 1930 - August 7, 2023
Arvin Vernon Tilstra was born on October 23, 1930, to Cornie and Fannie (Hommes) Tilstra on a farm southwest of Rock Rapids, Iowa. He attended country school in Lyon County, Iowa finishing in Rock County, Minnesota. He then moved to a farm northwest of Steen, Minnesota. Arvin loved the farm and farm animals. He always had a favorite dog that would help him with chores around the farm. After grade school, Arvin stayed home and helped his father farm until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. He and Cena Mae made their profession of faith in February of 1952. While in the service, Arvin attended leadership school in Japan and was in Korea when the war ended. His rank was sergeant when he was honorably discharged in December of 1953.