Funeral services will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, September 19, 2016 at the V.A. Medical Center in Ft. Meade at the age of 89
Harold Raymond Stickler, better known as “Bud” by his family and friends, was born May 8, 1927, to Lona and Raymond Stickler in Okaton, South Dakota. He grew up in that area and worked as a ranch hand until 1945 when he was drafted into the Navy.
He was inducted in San Diego, California, and after completing basic training, he was discharged since the war ended. Bud went to Belvidere where he worked for his uncle farming. He was drafted again in 1946, and before he reported, they canceled the induction. He went to work for the DeVries ranch from 1946 to 1951. Bud was drafted again and sent to Sioux Falls for a physical. He was inducted at Ft. Snelling and sent to Ft. Louis for basic training for the Army. He was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas in May 1951.
Bud returned to South Dakota in September and was united in marriage to Dorothy Richards on October 21, 1951. They went back to Ft. Bliss where he was given papers to go to Korea. Since he only had six months left on his enlistment, he was sent to Ft. Louis and served as a mp in 436. Bud was honorably discharged in March 1953 and came back to South Dakota.
He worked in highway construction, ranching, and building grain elevators from Midland to Courtland, Kansas. During this time they had a son, Steve, and a daughter, Janice. He worked for the city of Philip and then started his own carpentry business in 1972. He continued to work well into his eighties doing odd jobs and home repairs.
Bud always put others ahead of himself and enjoyed giving back to the community.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Dorothy, of Philip; son, Steve (Tammy) Stickler of Omaha, Nebraska; his daughter, Janice (Craig) Heigh of Rapid City; honorary daughter, Audrey Fischer of Parkston; seven grandchildren, Victoria, Brennen, Callan, Stephanie, Brandea, Kara, and Jennifer; six great-granddaughters; one brother, Carold Stickler of Loveland, Colorado; one sister, Elaine Yanish of Courtland, Kansas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane and Gary Stickler; one sister, Edna Mednansky; and one granddaughter, Desiree Hanssen.
A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2016, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment with military honors will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
VISITATION
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 - 6-8 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, September 22, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Sally Jankord - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
"How Great Thou Art"
"In The Garden"
USHERS
John Kangas - Les Wintrode
PALLBEARERS
Jerry Elrod - Tom DeVries
Raymond O'Connell - Craig O'Connell
Mark Coyle - Josh Calhoon
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Dave Calhoon - Jerry Ingram
Jack Heinz - Dale O'Connell
Dave Schriever - Larry Christopherson
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Friday, September 23, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota