Obituary: Edward Fitch

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In memory of

Edward Fitch

of Milesville, South Dakota, died on Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Philip Nursing Home at the age of 90

Edward Fitch was born September 19th, 1917 in Pierre, South Dakota the first child born to Harve and Mary (Bodkin) Fitch.

He grew up and received his education in Milesville rural schools. Ed was drafted into the Army in March 1942. After completing his training Ed was sent to Europe where he was assigned to the 14th Armored Division. Later he was transferred to the 9th Army. Some of the highlights Edward saw during WWII were; Battle of the Buldge, five battle campaigns; Normandy, North France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. Edward received his discharge on the 24th of November 1945, at Camp McCoy Wisconsin, arriving home the day after Thanksgiving. Shortly there after Ed ventured out to the West Coast and drove trucks cross-country. Not satisfied with that life style Ed returned back to his original roots the family farm at Milesville South Dakota.

On October 10th, 1953 Ed married Frances Burjes in Detroit Michigan. To this union, three sons were born Burjes, Brian, and Bryce. The Fitch’s assumed operation of the Fitch farms and continued to run the Burjes homestead. When their sons were old enough to be in sports, Ed and Frances were faithful followers.

Ed was a member of the American Legion and VFW. Edward and Frances were members of the Evangelical Free Church in Milesville. Both Ed and Frances enjoyed many volkwalks through the years, loved to dance and belonged to the Bad River Dance Club. They also took many trips in their motor home.

Survivors include three sons Burjes Fitch and his wife Cheryl of Philip, Brian Fitch and his wife Sue of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Bryce Fitch and his wife Pam of Sioux Falls; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister Dorothy Nesberg of Madison, Wisconsin; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife Frances on September 7, 2005; his parents; one brother Bud Fitch; and two sisters Mary Jane Hovland and Ella Hart.

Visitation was held 2-5 p.m. on Monday, September 8, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Philip, with Pastor Gary Wahl officiating.

Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #173 of Philip, was held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary Wahl
EULOGY
Pastor Al Brucklacher
MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Pianist
“One Day At A Time”
Tylissa Fitch– Vocalist
Chris Fitch – Cello
Cory Fitch – Violin
“Amazing Grace”
Fitch Granddaughters – Vocalists
“Grandpa, Tell Me About The Good Old Days”
Marianne Frein – Pianist
“On The Wings Of A Dove”
USHERS
Michael Peterson – Nick Weiers – Justin Thorpe
PALLBEARERS
Trevor Fitch – Truett Fitch
Theo Fitch – Cory Fitch
Christopher Fitch – Len Cotten
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
American Legion Post #173, Philip
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation: 2-5 p.m. on Monday, September 8, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Philip.
Interment with military honors: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

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To all the family of Ed~
We know what a patriarch you have lost with the passing of Ed and want you to know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to let go of special people like Ed and Frances...such a huge part of history goes with them. He was very kind and caring and so proud of his Fitch family! You have our deepest sympathies.
Vonda, Jason, Nick and Carson ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville (9/5/2008)
We are so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. We have fond memories of him and your Mom and know that they will be greatly missed by a wonderful family that they were always so proud of. You are all in our prayers!
Jackie (Handley)Collins, Janis (Handley)Bevins and Jill Handley (Daughters of Neil Handley) ~ Jill Handley Nevada (9/5/2008)
Burjes, Brian,Bryce and families,
You have our sympathy and prayers. ~ Pat and Carla Quinn Centennial CO (9/5/2008)
to the Fitch Family- My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I remember growing up and hanging out with Tyneal and being around Ed. He was such a wise cracker and always so upbeat!! Take care and God Bless! ~ Darcy Swift darcy.swift@mckennan.org (9/5/2008)
Burjes, Cheryl & Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories you have, let them give you strength during this difficult time.
-Kayla & Eric ~ Kayla Bastian Pierre, SD (9/5/2008)
To Ed's Family:
My heartfelt sympathy to you all during this difficult time. While working at the hospital and nursing home I enjoyed every minute that I worked with Ed. I enjoyed; going for walks with him down the halls, his assistance in helping us get the ladies to the dining room, dancing with him when Leonard was playing and listening to his wonderful stories. Last winter he would always ask me how the weather was and how the cows were doing. He used to tell me about the many times he and Francis would run into my parents on the Volksmarches. He was always such a character and so uplifting. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you reflect on your memories of such a wonderful man. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten by anyone whose life he was a part of. Love and prayers, ~Wendy ~ Wendy Cook-Madsen Cottonwood, SD (9/5/2008)
Ed would go to the nursing home to listen to Lennard Blucher play his accordian on Tuesdays. When I would ask him to dance, he would always remind me that Frances loved to dance too. Ed really liked to dance to a waltz. What a special gift that God bestowed on your family. The love & the love of music. May your family continue to be blessed as you walk through this difficult time, all that knew your mom & dad loved them. Love & Prayers
~ Debbie & Marty Hansen Philip SD (9/5/2008)
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Your Dad was a kind and gentle man. His word was his bond and he was a true friend to our family. He will be missed greatly. ~ Nancy (Pekron) & Rick Ehrhardt Brandon, SD (9/5/2008)
Burjies, Brian and Brice,
It was my honor to care for your father the last day he spent on earth before he left to be with his Lord and Savior. He died a dignified and peaceful way. He was a joy to care for during the past few years and he will be missed by all of us. Cherish the memories and know that you all are in our thoughts as you grief his passing.
Most Sincerely,
Carmen Fees ~ Carmen Fees Philip (9/5/2008)
Burjes & Family

I was sorry to hear about Ed's death. I didn't know him very long, but always enjoyed talking to him about ranch life and how things were going in his life. Always such a easy person to talk to, and very interesting. I will always remember him as one of the 'characters' of Philip. ~ Mark Ford Sartell, MN (9/5/2008)