Obituary: Glenn M. Ferley

Print Obituary

In memory of

Glenn M. Ferley

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 90

Glenn M. Ferley was born April 8, 1919, in Balfour, North Dakota, the son of John and Elizabeth (Hove) Ferley. He grew up in North Dakota where he attended school. As a child, the family moved to a farm eight miles west of Northwood, Iowa, where he continued his schooling, graduating from Northwood High School.
When Glenn was a young boy, he rode as a jockey in North Dakota. His horse’s name was Pinto. After Pinto burned in a barn fire, Glenn kept the rib bones, which he used to play music. He also farmed with his folks near Northwood.
Glenn was united in marriage to Esther Noe on July 2, 1944, in Silver Lake, Iowa. They made their home on the farm until 1946 when they moved to Pierre. While in Pierre, Glenn worked for his brother, Lester, in the Dukelow and Ferley Jewelers. On November 29, 1949, they moved to Philip, South Dakota, where they owned and operated Ferley Jewelers. They ran the store until health reasons forced his retirement in 1999, after 50 years.
Glenn has always loved Philip from the time he and Esther pulled into town. Glenn always enjoyed life and enjoyed playing tricks on his old friends; these friends were the grand ol’ men of Philip. Their pranks went from food disappearing from the bakery and meat market to taping the receiver button on Max’s telephone. These men would then become serious whenever there was something to do, they would all pitch in. One of the mainstays of Philip and these men were their daily coffee breaks, up until a few months ago Glenn continued to enjoy this ritual.
In the early days, bowling on the Ferley Jewelers team, dancing with his wife Esther in the dance clubs, and the Philip Volunteer Fire Department were major parts of his life. He was the man in charge of ringing the noon whistle; you can always count of the watch repairman to know the correct time.
Glenn always had a place in his heart for kids, he loved their eagerness to learn and share. He loved their faces when he showed his rattlesnake eggs, dribble glass, and other interesting gadgets. His love of kids overflowed when it came to his grandkids and great grandkids. He would spend many a day telling stories and laughing at his and their antics.
Every year the family would spend a few days at KOA campground at Mt Rushmore, Glenn loved to bring the smoked turkey and enjoyed these restful days with his kids, grandkids, great grandkids and Esther.
Glenn’s wife Esther preceded him in death on January 23, 2009.
Glenn continued to live in Philip at the Assisted Living Center, and later the Nursing Home.
Glenn was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Philip, and was a big fan of the Denver Broncos.
Grateful for having shared his life include three sons Steve Ferley and his wife Beth- Anne of Rapid City, Jerry Ferley and his wife Lee Ann of Oelrichs, and Dan Ferley and his wife Lana of Ft. Collins, Colorado; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother Lester Ferley of Pierre; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Esther, Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters Adele Harmon, Arlene Nelson, and Lila Kindervag.
Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church on Wednesday, November 25th.
Funeral services were held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established to First Lutheran Church of Philip, and the Philip Volunteer Fire Department.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 2:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Elvera Moos - Vocalist
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
"Holy, Holy, Holy"
USHERS
Mike Groven - Corky Thorson
PALLBEARERS
Jessica Ferley - Heather Ferley
Shane Ferley - Shanna Sandal
Chad Ferley - Casey Ferley
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation: 1-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the church
Funeral services: 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
Memorials: First Lutheran Church of Philip, and the Philip Volunteer Fire Department.

Sign the guestbook

Dear Steve, Jerry, Dan and families,
Yesterday I was able to say a private good bye to this intelligent, funny and kind man. I am so blessed to have been a part of these last years with him and Esther. I have many memories of laughter and love with them.
Selfishly, it tickled me that he always knew me by my voice and greeted me warmly until the last day. I hope he made it in time for afternoon coffee with "the boys" who have gone on before...
My deepest sympathies to all of you who loved him so very well...I don't believe he ever knew a day of loneliness. That is a precious gift you all gave him.
May God truly comfort you as you say good bye so soon after doing so for your mom.
Tearfully, Rebecca ~ Rebecca Williams Philip (11/18/2009)
Steve and Beth Anne and family...we have lost another main street legend. Glenn was just like the energizer bunny when it came to generating "busyness" amongst the bunch. It has been a tough couple of years for you guys but the memories that you have! the pictures you share! and the support from your friends will somehow make this a little bit easier to get through. Take care, dear friends, and remember the tree stands!

~ Nancy Philip (11/18/2009)
Hello to Steve, Jerry and Dan and families. It has been so many years since I last saw any of you. I'm the lone cousin living still in ND. I have many great memories of both Esther and Glenn, even though it has been many years since I've seen them and any of you. I send my sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of both your mom and dad. I know how difficult it is even though they are now in peace. Please know that I am thinking of all of you. Thank you, Steve, for the calls. I greatly appreciate it. I hope to see all of you again one day! With love, your cousin, Renee ~ Renee Kindervag Rogness Williston, ND (11/18/2009)
Deepest sympathy to all the Ferley family. We have known all of you for many years and will miss seeing Glenn at the bowling alley coffee gang when we are in Philip. You are in our prayers at this time. Sincerely, Cork and Bev ~ Cork & Bev Jahner Kerrville, Texas (11/18/2009)
I'm so sorry for your loss. Philip has lost one of its grand ol' men. Glenn was such a great guy to be around. I so enjoyed visiting with him. His stories of the antics the Philip businessmen used to play on each other always brought twinkle into his eye. May God wrap you in his arms and bring you comfort and peace. ~ Nancy Haigh Philip (11/18/2009)
To Glenn's Family,
I got the pleasure to know Glenn while I worked at the Silverleaf. He was always up for anything! Whether it was dancing in the dining room, playing pea/flyswatter baseball at lunch, or just inviting me in to watch the Bronco's play on Monday night. I shared many good memories with Glenn and will always keep those near. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. ~ Felicia Porch Gillette, WY (11/18/2009)
Glenn was one of the first people to welcome me here when I moved to town over 37 years ago. I wasw always happy to be able to do 100% of my jewelry and watch needs with Glenn. He and Max and their Moosemilk parties were legendary. The card games in the back of Husband's Variety were also. Nobody will come close to filling those shoes. ~ Boyd Waara Philip, SD (11/18/2009)
Steve, Dan & Jerry, Wanted you to know I was saddened to hear of Glenn's passing. Although I am sure he is elated to be with Esther at last. Another one of the pioneer businessmen to leave us....a legacy hard to beat. We will miss them all especially this first Holidays without them, our lives just won't be the same! Judy ~ Judy (Kennedy) Goldhammer Wall (11/18/2009)
Steve and Beth Ann,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Glen was very special and give person. I remember my folks telling how when my Mom had surgery and needed some blood he was a match and he came and helped her with a donation. He will be missed.
You have our thoughts and prayers. ~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael 719 Ranae St., Delta CO. (11/18/2009)
Our hearts go out to all of you in this time of loss.
Know you are in our hearts and prayers. ~ Peggy Warner-Pallos Oelrichs, SD (11/18/2009)
Dear Steve and Family,
We are so saddened by the passing of Glenn, he was one of the nicest "family" members of Philip. As a business man, he was one of the best (even though Dave and I never felt like he charged enough for what he did!), and treat you with such kindness. He will alway hold a special place in our hearts and remember the days when he would stop in and have some coffee with us and "the guys".

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and may God Bless you and yours.

Dave and Cheryl ~ Dave and Cheryl Dick Beloit, KS (11/18/2009)
I was so sad to hear of Glens passing. I remember when Glen used to come out to my parents' ranch & help gather cattle to move from one place to the other! I also remember as a kid going into the store to look at all the pretty jewelry & gifts that were there. He would smile & always chat with me while I was there, he never treated me like a 'kid'. He was a very generous & special man, I will always remember him with a smile in my heart. My sympathy is with you all during your time of grief. Remember the happy days & good times...as I'm learning, these are the things that keep you going forward after loosing someone you love. He is once again happily doing the things he loved, free from pain & enjoying being with Esther again.
God Bless,
Cindy ~ Cindy Gabriel Nuzum Philip, SD (11/18/2009)
Dear Family, I was certainly touched by all the loving comments written about Glenn; he really was a wonderful person, husband, father and grandfather. I have such fond memories of him: I can see him dancing with Esther--they were such a great couple. I remember how he would get down on the floor with Todd, Aaron and Allyson and play with them--how he loved to read from the Child Craft books. He was such a gentle and sweet man who touched with love everyone who knew him. He will be missed. Love, Mary ~ Mary Ferley 511 S. Congress Ave. Evansville, IN (11/18/2009)
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD, I HOPE YOU REMEMBER ME I USE TO LIVE ACROSS THE STREET FROM YOU AND WE USE TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN TOGETHER. JUST HAD TO DROP A LINE AND LET YOU KNOW HOW SORRY I AM
~ CAROLYN HORNE WEGA SEATTLE WASHINGTON (11/18/2009)