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Charles Lunderville
Charles N. Lunderville, age 58, of Milbank died
unexpectedly on Saturday, July 12th in Milbank.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Milbank. Rev. Mike Doran will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home and continue at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service.
Honorary bearers will be: members of the Milbank Fire Department, the employees at Ron’s Equipment Painting, and the Grant Roberts Ambulance staff. Casket bearers will be: Daryl Liebe, Darwin Beachem, Paul Beachem, Nathan Beachem, Gene Wendland, Brad Vaudrey, and Jim Wendland.
Music will be provided by Janet Liebe, organist and Della Doran, vocalist.
Charles Neil Lunderville was born December 1, 1949, in Breckenridge, MN. He was the son of Neil Everett and Mary Agnes (Franklin) Lunderville. He attended school in Milbank and graduated from Milbank High School in 1970. While in high school, he worked for Community Oil Company. Following graduation, Charlie served in the Army National Guard. He returned to Milbank and farmed with Herb Wendland. He worked at Community Oil Company until their closing, then worked for Gewwein Motors and Eastside Car Wash. He most recently was employed at Ron’s Equipment Painting.
Charlie was an active EMT with Grant Roberts Ambulance Service and an active member of the Milbank Fire Department. He was a volunteer for the annual cancer walk and was a valuable core team member for ten years. He was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Milbank.
Charles Lunderville is survived by seven sisters: Shirley Ann and husband Norvin Beachem of Ortonville, MN; Marge and husband Duane Liebe of Milbank, SD; Karen and husband Steve Vaudrey of Brooklyn Center, MN; Sandy and husband Dennis Mattson of Texas; Phyllis and husband Lyle Schultz of Milbank, SD; Rona Cloos and Rod Muilenburg of Milbank, SD; and Nyla and husband Gregg Daggett of Fairfield, CA; brother-in-law: Jim Johnson of Rushford, MN and sister-in-law: Betty Lunderville of Reed Springs, MO; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mary; one brother, Bill; and one nephew, Cory.
Delton Minder
Delton Minder, age 83 of Milbank passed away March 28th at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 31st at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Keith Bicknase will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Mundwiler Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. and continue at the church Wednesday morning, one hour prior to the service.
Casket bearers will be: Mike Quade, Earl Dikstaal, David Minder, Steve Minder, Jim Gesswein, and John Gesswein.
Honorary bearers will be his grandchildren: Stephanie Bjorklund, Danielle Minder, Nicole Minder, Nathan Minder, Sara Minder, Alyssa Kwarciany, and Wyatt Kwarciany. The organist will be Roger Goosen.
Delton Leroy Minder was born November 18, 1926, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of John and Martha (Jann) Minder. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith on December 5, 1926, in Geneseo Township by Pastor F. W. Huesner and was confirmed on November 10, 1940, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Delton served in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952. Delton was united in marriage with JoAnn Hagen on May 24, 1952.
Delton farmed in the Milbank area for 14 years and was a field representative for the National Farmer’s Organization for 28 years. He retired in 1994, and worked for the Milbank City Parks Department. He also drove cars for Gesswein Motors. He was a faithful member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and served as a church elder, as well as a Sunday School Teacher.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn of Milbank, SD; three sons: Darwin and wife Cindy Minder of Lennox, SD; Kevin and wife Janet Minder of Wichita, KS; Bryan and wife Val Minder of Robbinsdale, MN; one daughter: Janelle and husband Patrick Kwarciany of Marshfield, WI; seven grandchildren; one brother: Milton Minder of Milbank, SD; three sisters-in-law: Harriet Minder of Wilmot, SD; Janice Gallacher of Prescott, AZ; Harriet and husband Sam Sangrey of San Diego, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Father James Wolf
Father James Wolf, age 84, Big Stone City, died July 8th at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City.
Bishop Paul Swain will officiate and burial will be in the St. Charles Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and also at 5:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church followed by a scripture and rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday morning, one hour prior to the Mass.
Honorary bearers will be Father’s first altar servers on March 14, 1948: Elmer Binsfeld, Eugene Cloos, and Francis Benkofske; and personal friends, Don and Joan Reiffenberger.
Casket bearers will be: Tom McGeary, Patty McGeary, Eric McGeary, Shaun McGeary, Doug Quick, and Jim Quick. Music will be provided by Lonie Rausch, organist and Shaun McGeary, vocalist.
James J. Wolf was born September 6, 1923, in Big Stone City, SD. He was the son of Gilbert F. and Elizabeth C. (Ahartz) Wolf. He studied at the Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN before completing his theological studies at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN. He was ordained by Bishop William O. Brady on March 14, 1948, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City. His first assignment was as an assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, SD where he served until 1956, then became administrator St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hecla, SD and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Westport, SD. In 1961, he became pastor at Armour and Delmont. He served those parishes until 1966, then became pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen. That same year he was named a consulter for the diocese. In 1973, he became pastor at Holy Name Catholic Church in Watertown, SD. In 1982, he became pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Pukwana, SD. In 1988, was pastor of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Redfield, SD. He retired from active ministry in 1995. He lived many of his retirement years at St. Mary’s in Aberdeen before moving back to Big Stone City and Milbank in the last years.
Over the years of his priesthood, in addition to serving as a consulter, he also served as a member of the diocesan board of education, the priest senate and priest council, and the priest retirement board, and as a confessor for the Presentation Sisters. He provided weekend coverage until only the last few years, and earlier this year celebrated in 60th anniversary of ordination.
Father James Wolf is survived by one sister, Frances Quick of Benson, MN; two nephews and three nieces: Doug Quick, Patty McGeary, Jim Quick, Mary Faiman, and Carol Nash.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sister Martina Wolf, OSB.
Rusty James Elliott
Rusty James Elliott, age 27, of Arlington, TX died July 3rd in Arlington. He was born August 23, 1980, in Arizona. He was the son of Billy D. and Gayle (Lentz) Elliott. He loved his family and church.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 10th at 10:00 a.m. at Eagles Nest Cathedral in Dallas, TX, with Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. (972)-562-7788.
Graveside services in the Wilmot City Cemetery will be Saturday, July 12th at 4:30 p.m.
Rusty is survived by his father, Billy; sister, Becky Elliott; brother, Jason Elliott; grandmother, Birdie Elliott; two aunts and two uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle and his maternal grandparents, Irene and Herman Lentz.
Jerry Stedman
Gerald W. Stedman, age 95, of Summit died July 4th at St. William’s Care Center.
Funeral services will be Sunday, July 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit. Rev. Justin Neugebauer will officiate and burial will be in the Hope Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Music will be provided by Val Moen, organist and Hannah Lee, vocalist.
Honorary bearers will be all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Casket bearers will be: Denny Jensen, Ricky Knutson, Dick Palmer, Tom LaChance, Harold Binde, and Gene McKernan.
Gerald W. Stedman was born December 15, 1912, in Des Moines, IA. He was the son of Clyde W. and Laura (Hutchinson) Stedman. He attended school in Hecla, SD and graduated in 1935. He served in the United States Army during WWII, from 1942-1945. He was united in marriage on July 7, 1947, in Clark, SD with Leila Galbreath.
Jerry was a grain buyer for Peavy Elevators in Sisseton, Henry, and Summit for 28 years. He traveled with the Milwaukee Railroad signal department until he retired in 1978. Jerry enjoyed gardening, yard work, and repairing Big Mows.
Jerry is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law: Jerri Lynn and Roger Olson of Brookings, SD; Marise and Ed Lee of Apache Junction, AZ; Julie and Delbert Rosin of Elgin, ND and Karin and Corrie Quale of Summit, SD; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Laura; his wife, Leila, one sister, Dorothy Linderman and one step-sister, Nina Zeller.
Louise Miller
Louise Miller, age 90, of Ortley, SD died July 3rd at the Lake Area Hospital in Webster.
Funeral services will be Monday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ortley Free Church. Pastor John Rieth will officiate and burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery at Waubay.
Visitation will be Sunday at the church from 5 – 7 p.m. and continue on Monday, one hour prior to the service.
Music will be provided by Carol Gobel, pianist and Pastor John Rieth, vocalist.
Honorary bearers will be all her grandchildren and families. Casket bearers will be grandsons: Keith Christofferson, Kevin Christofferson, Steven Christofferson, Douglas Burns, Donovan Burns, and Darin Burns.
Louise Elaine (Grinde) Miller was born March 27, 1918, in Sisseton, SD. She was the daughter of Ole and Sarah (Lingen) Grinde. She attended rural school in Roberts County, SD. She was united in marriage on September 3, 1938, in Sisseton with Raymond Miller.
Louise and Raymond lived south of Ortley and later moved in to Ortley where they made their home. They were blessed with three children: Sandra, Susan, and Richard.
Louise was very active in her church and Sunday School, taking on various rolls such as Superintendent, teacher, and President of the ladies aid. Louise loved working in her garden, baking and cooking, (especially lemon pie and potato salad). She always enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, and attending family events.
Louise and Raymond enjoyed spending time at their lake home on Blue Dog Lake and owned and operated an antique store in Ortley for many years.
Raymond passed away in April of 1991, and Louise continued to lived in her home until moving into the Bethesda Nursing Home in Webster in 2006.
Louise Miller is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Sandra and Lloyd Christofferson of Summit, SD and Susan and David Burns of Ortley, SD; 9 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond; one son, Richard; one granddaughter, Theresa Burns; four sisters and four brothers.
Margaret Pribbenow
Margaret Pribbenow, age 86, of Milbank died June 30th at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Rev. Colleen Natalie Lees will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank Cemetery.
Visitation will be at Mundwiler Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. and continue at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service.
Musicians will be Julie Ludwig, pianist and Jeff Natalie Lees, vocalist. Casket bearers will be grandchildren: Jason Habeck, Mike Pribbenow, Jeremy Pribbenow, Gerald Pribbenow, Richard Remmers, Jennifer Remmers, and Albert Pribbenow.
Honorary bearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Margaret Hannah (Bray) Pribbenow was born December 31, 1921, in Grant County, SD. She was the daughter of Guy and Lydia Belle (Bice) Bray. She attended grammar school in Big Stone Township, Strandburg, and graduated from Milbank High School in 1939. She was united in marriage on September 29, 1944, in Sisseton, SD with Lester Pribbenow.
As a young girl, Margaret’s mother died in 1928. Margaret lived with her father on the family farm during the summer, and during the winter months while attending school, lived with her older brothers and sisters. Following her education, Margaret worked as a mother’s helper and later for Schad’s Bakery. She worked as a waitress, cook, and baker for various restaurants, including Trevett’s Café. She was also a cook at the Milbank Hospital. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Margaret Pribbenow is survived by her eight children: James and wife Mary Pribbenow of Minneapolis, MN; Louise and husband Orville Habeck of Marvin, SD; Lloyd and wife Mary Lou Pribbenow of Milbank, SD; Robert and wife Kim Chi Pribbenow of Prince George, VA; Charles and wife Sue Pribbenow of Castlewood, SD; Linda and husband Michael Pillatzke of Milbank, SD; Loretta Lehner of Brooklyn Park, MN; and Steve Pribbenow of Eagle River, Alaska; 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters, three brothers, and two sons-in-law: Kenneth Remmers and Michael Lehner.
Marlen Willprecht
Marlen Willprecht, age 77, of Milbank died June 20th at Golden Living Center in Milbank.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Keith Bicknase will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday at Mundwiler Funeral Home from 5 – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the service.
Military honors will be provided by the American Legion, Birch-Miller Post #9 and the VFW, Grant County Post #3486.
Marlen Matthew Willprecht was born March 31, 1931, at Cayuga, ND. He was the son of August E. and Anna C. (Henke) Willprecht. Marlen served in the United States Navy, enlisting on October 30, 1951, in Bismarck, ND. He was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on October 28, 1955.
Marlen was united in marriage on January 21, 1956, in Colfax, ND with Eileen D. Fox. Marlen and Eileen lived in Cayuga, ND until 1963; then in Bloomington, MN until 1969. They lived in Northfield, MN and Maple Lake, MN until 1975, then moved to Monticello, MN until 1981. They lived in Lubbock, TX from 1981, until 1992, then moved to Milbank and have since resided.
Marlen worked various jobs in the different places that he lived, including farming, aluminum foundry, owner of a siding, roofing, insulation business, injection molding supervisor, and was a buyer/seller at flee markets. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank and a member of the VFW, Grant County Post # 3486. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and flying.
Marlen Willprecht is survived by his wife, Eileen of Milbank; seven children: Mary and husband Eldon Peterson of Buffalo, MN; Richard Willprecht of Britton, SD; Dennis Willprecht of Big Lake, MN; Jerome Willprecht of Fair Haven, MN; Larry Willprecht of Madison, SD; Patti Briggs of Eden Valley, MN; and Paula and husband Fred Demarais of Bristol, SD; one brother: Arlen and wife Jan Willprecht of Lidgerwood, ND; 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.
Alba Luz Gamez Benavides
Alba Luz Gamez Benavides, age 25, died June 12th as her vehicle was swept into the north branch of the Yellowbank Creek, during flood conditions. Alba was employed at Zemlicka Dairy, south of Milbank. She will be returned to her family in Managua, Nicaragua. She has one brother living in the United States, Samuel Gamez of Veblin, SD.
Leon Pepka
Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 7th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Ken Lulf will officiate and burial will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery.
Leon Pepka died December 8, 2006, at his home in Murrieta, CA after a year-long battle with cancer.
Leon was born April 25, 1947, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of Leo and Berniece Pepka. He attended St. Lawrence Catholic School and graduated from Milbank High School in 1965. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served a tour of duty in Vietnam from May of 1966, to June of 1967, as an MP for six months at Marble Mountain.
He was a squad leader for perimeter guards at a large helicopter base for the remainder of his tour. With less than 18 months remaining in his enlistment, he earned the opportunity to go to Drill Instructor training. During his tenure as a DI he trained six platoons, four of which were designated as honor platoons. He was awarded the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). All this was accomplished by the age of 22. In June of 1969, he was honorably discharged.
After his discharge he attended and graduated from the Orange County Sheriff's Academy which led to a 31 year career in law enforcement. He served at the Santa Ana and Fountain Valley, CA, police departments. In 1972, he earned an Associates Degree in criminal justice followed by a Bachelor of Arts in public management in 1974. Mr. Pepka retired from the Fountain Valley Police Dept. in 2000, with the rank of Sergeant.
For the last 15 years of his police career, Mr. Pepka had organized a Veteran's Day celebration honoring the veterans in the area. The event also commemorated the Marine Corp's birthday and continues to be held today. He was affectionately known as the "Marine's Marine".
After a few years of retirement, he went back into the service of his country. In 2004, he signed up to serve with the US Department of State Police Advisory Mission Iraq. He was Chief of the West Baghdad Police Advisors. In that capacity, his team trained and mentored all of the Iraq police for the Westside.
Surviving are his wife of nine years, Mariko Pepka of Murrieta, CA; two daughters: Cheri of Orange County, CA and Deanna of Austin, TX; two brothers: Victor of Joshua, TX and David of San Marcos, CA; four sisters: Lois Kreuger on Onalaska, WI; Judy Ruoff of Milbank, SD; Marie Karels of Bellingham, MN; and Margaret Rohlfs of Boulder City, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Lorraine Wittrock and an infant son.
Joyce Erickson
Joyce Erickson, age 86, of Ortonville died June 1st at Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, MN.
Memorial services will be Thursday, June 5th at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Rev. John Ragan will officiate and burial will be in the Mound Cemetery at Ortonville.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, and continue Thursday morning, one hour prior to the service.
Joyce Velma Erickson was born on Feb. 2, 1922, in Big Stone County, MN, north of Correll. She was the daughter of Leslie and Elma (Holgerson) Allen. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Joyce graduated from Correll High School and then took classes in business at Appleton, MN. Joyce moved to Minneapolis, MN and worked. While in Minneapolis Joyce met Glenn and they were married on Dec. 30, 1947, in Correll. They spent the first year of their life together in Elkhart, IN where Joyce worked for the telephone company. In 1948, they returned to Minneapolis and lived there until 1966, then moved to Ortonville, MN. In Oct. 2004, they moved to Fergus Falls, MN to be closer to family.
Joyce was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, where she helped in many areas, including working in the church office part time. Her church family was a very important part of her life. Joyce loved to travel and looked forward to a summer vacation trip every year. After retirement, she and Glenn were able to visit many parts of the country and even spent several winters in warmer climates. Joyce's greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She really enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow up. Joyce was also blessed with a great grandson who really brought great joy to her.
Joyce is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Keith and Bernadette Erickson of Fergus Falls, MN; four grandchildren: Chad (Anita) Erickson of Alexandria, MN, Angie(Dan) Ringwelski of Fergus Falls, MN; Heather Erickson of Milbank, SD and Michael Erickson of Fergus Falls, MN; step grandchildren: Rick (Abby) Byzewski of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Peter Byzewski of Fergus Falls, MN; Gordon Byzewski of Minneapolis, MN; and Scott Byzewski of Fergus Falls, MN; great grandson Blake Erickson of Alexandria, MN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, her parents, one brother and two infant sisters.
Robert Mogard
Robert Mogard, age 38, of Milbank died May 31st as a result of a vehicular accident, east of Milbank.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 4th at 2:00 p.m. at American Lutheran Church. Rev. Craig Werling will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Mundwiler Funeral Home from 5 – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service.
Honorary bearers will be Robert’s nieces and nephews, his softball team, and the employees of Valley Queen Cheese. Casket bearers will be: David Lee, III – nephew and Godchild; Steven Mogard, Todd Wellnitz, Kenneth Herslip, Chris Madsen, Jason Veen, Daniel Anderson, Joel Orff, Scott Wellnitz, Tim Cliff, Tom Cliff, and Lorwin Files. Music will be provided by Caroly Ydstie, organist; Judd Orff, vocalist accompanied by Elaine Hallberg.
Robert Chad Mogard was born October 8, 1969, in Minneapolis, MN. He was the son of Peter D. and Bonnie K. (Anderson) Mogard. Robert graduated from Milbank High School in 1988, and attended college at St. Mary’s University in Bismarck, ND and Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Robert was employed at Big Stone Cheese before working for Valley Queen Cheese Factory.
Robert was a devoted father and loved every moment spent with his children. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He volunteered with the youth soccer program. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of American Lutheran Church.
Robert Mogard is survived by his children, Taran and Dezarae; his parents: Peter and Bonnie Mogard of Milbank; two brothers: Allen Mogard of Dawson, MN and David and wife Maria Mogard of Milbank; one sister, Tammy and husband Mike Hamson of Bellingham, MN; 9 nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, two aunts and four uncles.
Russell Townley
Russell Townley, age 75 of Milbank died May 29th at Golden Living Center in Milbank.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Phillips will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Honorary bearers will be all his friends and relatives.
Russell Edward Townley was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 28, 1932. He was the son of Clarence, Jr. and Ida (Marolla) Townley. He had one older brother, Clarence Townley, III. Their father had a heart condition and in 1949, the family sold their home and moved to Monterey, CA to join Clarence, Sr. in the real estate business. Russ’ dad loved to play golf and conducted most of his real estate transactions on the golf course. He died as he would have wanted, at the ninth hole.
Russ joined the United States Air Force in 1950, and his basic training was at Sheppard Air Force Base. He was stationed in Korea for two years. After his discharge from the Air Force, he worked for Boeing in Seattle, WA until his father’s death. He was united in marriage with Dorinne Walsh in March of 1960, and joined the United States Army on May 31, 1960.
Russ entered service as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. They were blessed with a daughter, Jennifer. In February of 1963, Russ was stationed in Korea for 18 months. He returned home and was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. Russ was assigned to the 11th Air Assault (later being renamed 1st Cavalry Division) as the unit was gearing up to move to Viet Nam. He witnessed two bad helicopter crashes and decided that he needed to change careers. He applied to language school as he wanted to be an interrogator. He attended language school in Washington, DC to learn Indonesian and then to intelligence training in Baltimore, MD. Some days he couldn’t leave the military post due to protestors of the Viet Nam War. He was then stationed at Ft. Hood, TX and went to language school in Ft. Ord, CA to learn Vietnamese.
In March, 1967, he was sent to Saigon, Viet Nam as an interrogator. He wasn’t allowed to carry a weapon while in Saigon and wrote home asking to be sent a sling shot, because there were so many rats wanting to live in his quarters. The Vietnamese he was interrogating were very afraid of him as they believed he was the devil because he had blue eyes!
Russ retired from the Army at Ft. Ord, CA in July of 1976.The family moved to Milbank, SD in 1977.I n 1979, he and Dorinne were divorced. He worked for Job Service in Milbank and moved to Brookings, SD, and continued to work for Job Service. He met his second wife, Lorrie Anderson, and they were married in July of 1982. Russ accepted a job with Social Services and moved to Rushville, NE, and then to Chamberlain, SD where he retired in 1995. He returned to Milbank to be near his daughter and her family, and has since resided.
Russell Townley is survived by one daughter and son-in-law: Jennifer and Douglas Aden of Milbank; three granddaughters: Karista (Eric) Karges, Britanni Aden and Samantha Aden; three step children: Vicki (Patrick) O’Brien, Gene Anderson, and Dean Anderson; step grandchildren: Colleen (Craig) Williams, Caitlin O’Brien, Carl Anderson, Amber Anderson, Mark Anderson, and Andrea Anderson; great grandchildren: Jaraan Myers, Isabella Myers, and Ethan Karges; and ex-wife, Dorinne Bjerke of Watertown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jerry and his second wife, Lorrie.
