Clifford L. "Duke" Ferguson

At the time of his passing, "Duke" was a resident at the Sunrise Assisted Living Community in Willowbrook, IL, where Retta and he had moved in March of 2002 to be near their two daughters, Joan and Linda. "Duke" was preceded in death by Retta, his wife of nearly 60 years, his brother Eli, his sister Fern, his half-brother William Ferguson, his half-sister Margaret Ferguson and his granddaughter Carmel Blake.

"Duke" was born in Top Bar, SD, to Susan B. "Susie" and Messer A. "Cap" Ferguson on January 1, 1911. He grew up on Plum Creek in a log cabin on the family owned Rafter Cross Ranch, 35 miles NE of Philip. While living there he attended a country school until moving to Philip where he attended Philip High School, graduating in 1928. After spending two years working on the ranch, "Duke" entered South Dakota State University in 1930 and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1934.

After graduating from college, "Duke" worked for the Philip Bank as a field man. In the late 1930’s, "Cap" became too ill to handle the ranch so "Duke" returned home to assume those responsibilities. On September 5, 1943, "Duke" was married to the former Retta Lancaster in Pleasant Hill, MO. After their marriage, Retta and "Duke" worked and lived on the ranch until they moved to Rapid City in 1985. Many of those years they partnered with Ethyl and Tom Ferguson. The Rafter Cross is now run by Linda and Larry Smith along with their daughters, Lindsey (Matt), Larissa and Lariann.

"Duke" was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Philip and later, the First Congregational Church in Rapid City. Very active in a variety of organizations, "Duke" served on the School Board in the Milesville area, was a 50+ year member of the Philip Masonic Lodge, a long time member of the Shriners, was elected Haakon County Republican Chairman in 1958 and served in various other positions within the Party. In 1948 he was installed as a Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, he served for eight years on the South Dakota Building Authority and four years on the State Fair Board.

"Duke" is survived by his two daughters Joan Blake (Larry) and Linda Boerwinkle (Tom), as well as grandchildren, Christopher (Jolene), Gretchen and Jeffrey. "Duke" also had great-grandchildren, Dalten and Tristen Blake, nieces Faye Cartmell and Karen Nickerson, great-niece Bonnie Nickerson Lloyd (Ben), great-nephews Dan Cartmell (Barb), Tom Cartmell, Bill Nickerson and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, it was "Duke’s" request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Retta’s name.

First memorial service was 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Larry Blake officiating.

A second memorial service was held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 2004 at the First Congregational Church (1200 Clark St.) Rapid City, South Dakota, with Pastor Ted Huffman officiating.

Private family interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota.

FIRST MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, June 12, 2004 3:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

MUSIC
Doris Marie Strom

SECOND MEMORIAL SERVICE
Sunday, June 13, 2004 2:00 p.m.
First Congregational Church
Rapid City, South Dakota

MUSIC
Joan Brookes - Organist
Doris Strom - Vocalist

USHERS
Tom Boerwinkle - Larry Smith

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

Service Details

FIRST MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, June 12, 2004 3:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book