Greg T. Fitzgerald

Gregory Thomas Fitzgerald was born August 29, 1949 in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Thomas and Eileen (Nelson) Fitzgerald.

He grew up on the ranch north of Milesville and received his elementary education at King Country School. He then attended Philip High School, graduating in 1967.

On June 13, 1968, Greg entered the United States Army and worked as a unit supply specialist. He was honorably discharged on May 3, 1970.

He was united in marriage to Bonnie O’Dea on June 1, 1974 in Philip, South Dakota, and to this union were born three children, Shawn, Scott, and Brittany.

They farmed and ranched north of Milesville until 1980. They then moved into Philip where Greg worked for Philip Livestock Auction until 1992. In February 1992, he started driving truck. That same year he moved his family five miles south of Philip to pursue his dream of living in the country.

Later he decided he needed more family time so Greg and Bonnie both made career changes as they started a new venture, opening the Dakota Bar & Grill.

Greg enjoyed being in the outdoors, whether it was with pigs, cows, or going to rodeos. Greg enjoyed working with livestock, and he loved watching his son, Scott, rodeo. In Greg’s later years, he cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter Taryn.

Greg was a member of the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Bonnie Fitzgerald of Philip; two sons, Shawn Fitzgerald of Memphis, Tennessee, and Scott Fitzgerald of Philip; a daughter Brittany Smith and her husband Brock of Philip; one granddaughter, Taryn O’Dea Fitzgerald; his parents, Thomas and Eileen Fitzgerald of Pierre; two brothers, Dean Fitzgerald and his wife Janice of Philip, and David Fitzgerald and his wife Maralynn of Philip; a sister Carla DeLeon and her husband Michael of Casper, Wyoming; eleven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.

Interment with military honors by the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

MINISTER
Pastor Paul Bly

MUSIC
Rita O'Connell - Pianist
Beth Fitzgerald - Vocalist
"Adonai"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"The Lord's Prayer"

USHERS
Dustin Hummel - Andy Fitzgerald
Stephanie Knutson- Jordan Schofield

PALLBEARERS
Robert Baye - Frank Parsons
Dave Schofield - Glenn O'Connell
Chuck O'Connor - George Fitzgerald

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
American Legion Post #173, of Philip

"A Cowboy's Prayer"

Heavenly Father, we pause, mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We ask that you be with us at the rodeo and we pray that you will guide us in the arena of life. We don't ask for special favors; We don't ask to draw around a chute - fightin' horse or to never break a barrier. Nor do we ask for all day light runs or not to draw a steer that won't lay. Help us, Lord, to live our lives in such a manner that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear and deep, that you, as our last judge will tell us that our entry fees are paid.

Service Details

Funeral Services:
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 3, 2002
American Legion Hall in Philip

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