Obituary: Durward A. "Dud" Wheeler

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In memory of

Durward A. "Dud" Wheeler

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 82

Durward Albert “Dud” Wheeler was born May 27, 1926, the son of Arthur and Marie (Valet) Wheeler. He was raised on the family ranch southeast of Philip with his two brothers, George and Richard, and two sisters, Lillian and Ardene. He attended elementary school at Brady School near his house and graduated from Philip High School in 1945.
After graduation he worked for the Western Cattle Company before joining the United States Army, where he proudly served his country in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the place he loved most to be, the ranch.
On November 6, 1957 he was joined in marriage to Helen Lorna Erickson Stechmann, and began a new life with his stepson Eric Stechmann. His son Miles was born in August of 1959.
Dud’s heart and soul was devoted to his two loves, his family and his ranch. He was blessed with three grandchildren, David, Rachel, and Elise. They filled his life with joy. He was a 60-year member of the Masonic Lodge and was on the administrative board of Philip’s Masonic Cemetery until the time of his death. Dud was also a member of the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post and served in the South Dakota National Guard in the 50’s and 60’s.
Dud is survived by his son Miles Wheeler and his wife Jessica of Philip; his son Eric Stechmann and his wife Kathy of Shoreview, Minnesota; three grandchildren, David Stechmann of Seattle, Washington, and Rachel and Elise Wheeler of Philip; one brother George Wheeler of Philip; one sister, Ardene O’Connell and her husband Jiggs of Dickinson, North Dakota; a dear friend Belle Ravellette of Philip; and a host of relatives and friends.
Dud was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lorna; his parents Art and Marie Wheeler; one sister Lillian Phillips; and one brother Richard Wheeler.
Visitation was held 4-7 pm on Friday, August 8, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Saturday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Masonic Graveside Rites and Interment with military honors by the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip, was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, August 9, 2008 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist
Kim Kanable – Vocalist
“Precious Lord, Take my Hand”
“Oh Christ The Same”
Congregational Hymns
“This is My Father’s World”
“Praise and Thanksgiving”
USHERS
Ralph “Chip” Kemnitz – Dugan Stewart
PALLBEARERS
Miles Wheeler – Eric Stechmann
Justin Wheeler – Charles Ekstrum
David Stechmann – Darral Brooks
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
MASONIC RITE SERVICES
Philip Lodge #153
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Friday, August 8, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, at the American Legion Hall.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

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Sorry to hear about your loss. Dud was always a joy to see at the clinic. Keep the memories close to your heart. Your family is in our prayers. God Bless. ~ Jenny Reckling Philip (8/6/2008)
Dud's Family...sorry about your loss, he was a good person and will definately be missed. I am glad that we got to know him and have him around with our families. We are thinking about you at this difficult time, God Bless. Heather & family
~ Heather Schreiber Wall (8/6/2008)
Deepest Sympathy to Dud's Family. We will miss seeing him when we return to Philip to visit. He was an old friend for many years and a pleasure to have known. ~ Bev & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas (8/6/2008)
Miles, Jessica and family. Sorry to read of your loss, it's never easy to lose a parent but somehow we get through it. I never knew your dad but heard lots! My dad, Jim Williams and Dud went to the Army together and they liked to talk Army tales! They had some fun and I am sure we never heard the "good" tales! Keep the great memories close and that will help you get through this difficult time. ~ Tom and Jane Aasby Rapid City, SD (8/6/2008)
Miles,Jessica,& family,
I was so saddened to hear of Dud's death.I'm praying that God will hold you in the palm of his hands, as you walk through this difficult time. Elise & Rachel you were very special to your grandpa. You'll always have those special memories. God Bless You!! Love & Prayers Marty & Debbie Hansen ~ Marty & Debbie Hansen Philip SD 57567 (8/6/2008)
Miles, Eric and families:
We were sorry to learn of Dud's passing. We have so many fond memories of your parents....they were both a joy to be around and it was our pleasure to have known them. May the love of your families and friends help comfort you at this difficult time. ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City SD (8/6/2008)
Our sympathy on Dud's passing. May your memories carry you thru this difficult time. ~ Tom and Shelia Trask Wasta SD (8/6/2008)
Dear all, Dud will truly be missed. It was always great to visit the ranch and have him be there. He always treated us and our children like gold and the love he had for his family was always apparent. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Jeff, Meg, Alex and Sam Columbia Heights, MN (8/6/2008)
To all of Dud's family, my sincere condolences. I will always be grateful for Dud's friendship to my Dad, Doc Millstead, during his last year of life. And what a pleasure for me to spend lots of time with Dud during my Dad's last months and hear the wonderful stories between them! He was a terrific man whose family reflects his loving values! ~ Marsha Millstead Irvine, California (8/6/2008)
Miles and Jessica, May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. Know that you are in our prayers. ~ Doug & Nancy Thorson Quinn, SD (8/6/2008)
Eric, Miles and family, We want you all to know how saddened we were to hear of Duds' passing. Our family has lost a dear friend and I know your mom and dad were always near and dear to both of my parents. I will continue to pray for all of you during this time and the days ahead. Gods grace to all of you! Judy ~ Judy Goldhammer (Kennedy) Wall (8/6/2008)
Dud's Family,
Sorry to hear about Dud. I didn't know him before he was in the hospital and I took care of him. I'm glad that I got to know him, he was always very pleasant when I worked with him. He will be missed. ~ Marilyn Uhrig Philip (8/6/2008)
Miles, Jessica and Family
We would like to express our sympathy on the passing of Dud. Please accept our prayers and know that he is with God. May God be with you always and comfort you.
Merlin, Susan and Family ~ Merlin and Susan Bennett 20512 Buhl Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 (8/6/2008)
Our condolences to you all. Praying for peace and comfort. ~ Arthur McIlravy family Philip SD (8/6/2008)
Jessica, Miles, and Family of Dud~
We are sad to hear that you have lost someone so dear-but know that he and your family have experienced a tough spring and summer. It is a comfort to know he is no longer suffering. Dud was always a kind person, a real gentle giant! We know it will be hard for you to imagine him not being around, but are sure that you must hold many delightful memories near your hearts. We wish you God's speed in healing and hope that Dud pops in and out of your thoughts and that this brings a smile to your faces now and again. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill and Boys Milesville (8/6/2008)
Dear Eric and Kathy and David, I hope that you are all doing okay, I love you all a lot, I wish I could be there with you. Sending all my love from Cairo. ~ Jessica Eise Cairo, Egypt (8/6/2008)
Dud was a very kind and caring Uncle and person in general with that sense of humor that touched so many. ~ Scott O'Connell 1264 North Avenue 50, Los Angeles,Ca 90042 (8/6/2008)
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to your family. With each new day may Almighty God give you strength.-Ps.55:22. Our loved ones leave the world but never our hearts. ~ The Kindred Family dianprl@hotmail.com (8/6/2008)
Dud was my platoon Sargeant in the Korean War. We were both drafted about the same time in 1950 and came home together in 1952. I was from Hetland, SD
Dud was very good hearted, in spite of a gruff exterior at time. He was a good friend also. ~ Harvey Melstad 304 Linden Lane, Bismarck, ND 58503 (8/6/2008)