Frederick Lyle Hunt was born November 22, 1956, in Pierre, South Dakota, the eleventh of eighteen children born to Lyle and Ida (Fosheim) Hunt. He was baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland. He attended twelve years of school in Midland, graduating in 1975. While in high school, Fred participated in basketball and football. Following graduation, Fred worked road construction. Later, he was a general laborer for various farmers, ranchers, and business people.
Fred had an accident in 1993, suffering a spinal cord and brain injury. He lived in nursing homes for six years. He enrolled in Black Hills Workshop's Community Transitions and moved into his own apartment. He cooked and cleaned with some assistance. Fred became quite a traveler in his wheelchair.
He worked for a short time at the switchboard for Ellsworth Air Force Base until medical problems intervened. He took classes to become more skilled in computers. He has participated in online checkers tournaments with players around the world.
Fred enjoyed cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the residents of his assisted living apartment. His door was always open because he loved company and enjoyed a good laugh.
His nieces and nephews were very close to him and he enjoyed spending time with them. Even though Fred had many trials and tribulations, he didn't let them get him down.
Survivors include his mother Ida Hunt of Midland; nine brothers Roy Hunt and his wife Carol of Midland, Ted Hunt and his wife Dena of Spearfish, Jerry Hunt and Keith Hunt of Midland, Terry Hunt of Watertown, Gordon Hunt and his wife Cheryl, Jeff Hunt, and Barry Hunt all of Battle Mountain, Nevada, and Ron Hunt of Irvine, California; eight sisters Christine Niedan of Midland, Teresa Palmer and her husband Marvin of Murdo, Peggy Johnson and her husband Roger of Pierre, Penny Schafer of Midland, Shari Estep and her husband Pete of Austin, Texas, Janice Tolton and her husband Jim of Midland, Lisa Hackerott and her husband Brian of Midland, and Michelle Meinzer and her husband Cameron of Midland; two special aunts Anna Dick and her husband Martin of Rapid City and Till Mulcahy of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his father Lyle Hunt on August 17, 1986; a great-niece Alexis Raley; and a brother-in-law Curtis Niedan.
Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Monday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 29, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.
Interment was in the Midland Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, January 29, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Paul Bly
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Organist
USHERS
Rueben Vollmer, Jr. – Kirby Schofield
PALLBEARERS
Ken Standiford – Roger Dale
Pat Fosheim – Kenny Gillaspie
Terry Olson – Lawrence Stroppel
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Scott Martin – Randy Sampson
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
Guest Book
Our hearts go out to you. God Bless all of you
~ Keith and Linda Farries
1500 W. Thorton Pkwy #381, Thornton, CO 80260 (1/24/2007)
Fred was a great neighbor and a great friend he will be missed.
~ Matt Bunkowske
1820 Galaxy Dr., Rapid City, SD 57701 (1/24/2007)
Our sympathy to all of you. Fred will be missed. I can remember when I was a little girl and Lyle was building Mom & Dad's house. Fred was supposed to be there helping his Dad but he would find little out of the way places to take a nap! You are all in my prayers and I think of you often!
Steve, Pam & Michael Kendall
~ Steve, Pam & Michael Kendall
107 Black and Yellow Trail, Ft. Pierre, SD 57532 (1/24/2007)
Fred had a special place in my heart and he always will. He will be missed very, very much. I will miss setting him straight!
Love to all
Anna & Martin Dick
~ Anna & Martin Dick
4871 Anderson Rd., Rapid City, SD 57703 (1/24/2007)
Our sympathy to all the family. I wish we could join you today as you gather to celebrate Fred's life and lay him to rest. I have so many memories of when we lived in Midland, just down the hill from your family and our kids were going to school together. Fred was special and maybe that is why God called him home so soon. I have saved pictures, letters and articles about Fred and he will always be remembered in my heart. He was an inspiration to many, how he dealt with his problems with courage and determination.
He is finally free from the pain, and frustrations of his limitations. Free at last.
Take care of yourselves and each other. Keep his memories alive in your heart.
Love and prayers to all.
Edith and Suzanne Schofield
~ Edith and Suzanne Schofield
Box 555, Evansville, WY 82636 (1/24/2007)
Ida and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He always had a big heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Vaun & Katrina Hewlett and Family
2105 E. Dakota Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501 (1/24/2007)
So sorry to hear about the passing of Fred. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Bon, Bren and Family
Osborne, KS (1/24/2007)
Dear Penny,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Fred! Although i didn't know Fred very well, i have heard many stories about him and how you always had to get him a Sturgis Rally shirt! [smile]
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
As always,
Rita Carey
~ Rita Carey
Rapid City, SD (1/24/2007)
Ida & Family,
We are so sad to here about Fred. I have alot of memories of him growing up and remember how much he made me laugh. He was a wonderful man and always pitched in to help whomever was in need. Our families were so close that I thought of Fred as a watchful uncle. My heart goes out to you all. Just remember that he is with God now and I'm sure making him laugh and helping out. He is our special guardian angel, glad he will be watching over me again! He will always be remembered in my heart! God Bless you all!
~ Stacy (Johnson/Farries) & Troy & Kids
107 Yosemite Dr., Mansfield, TX 76063 (1/24/2007)
Ida and family,
I'm sorry to hear about Fred, have a lot of memories of him from when I was growing up. We wrestled a lot of calves together over the years and I remember the cap that I won from him when I beat him in a game of pool at the Office. He was a hard worker and would help anybody when they needed it. He had a lot of friends and will be missed by all. You will all be in our prayers.
~ EJ, Karin, and Alaina Engelhaupt
4412 Alison Ave., Gillette, WY 82718 (1/24/2007)
Ida & family,
We were sorry to hear about Fred. May if comfort you to know that we share your sorrow and our thoughts are with you.
~ April Neuhauser & Tom Schultz
P.O. Box 1144, Ft. Pierre, SD 57532 (1/24/2007)
Dear Ida and family
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time. Fred is now free of any pain and handicap and able to spread his wings and fly. His smile is broader now and he is looking over you.
~ Jack & LaVona Kirkpatrick
Hayes, SD (1/24/2007)
Ida & Families:
How sad we were to hear that you had lost Fred. Our family knows all to well what it feels like to loose a beloved son/brother/uncle. We know that Fred was all of those and his being gone will leave a big empty space in your family. Just know that we are all keeping you in our prayers. Picture Fred in Heaven, doing all those things he wasn't able to do here on earth. Travis thought of Fred as a special friend and spoke of him often. I know he visited him whenever he could and always admired the way Fred accepted his limitations after his accident and made the best of his life. I'm sure they will look each other up and talk about old times. May God hold you close as you adjust to your loss. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland, SD (1/24/2007)
To Fred's Family,
I have a lot of great memories growing up with Fred across the street. I can't think of anyone who could skin and cut up a deer quicker than Fred. Fred was always willing to give a helping hand or lend a ear when needed. He was always a loyal friend to our family. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to you and yours.
~ Greg and Sherrie Larson
23112 Justice Lane, Rapid City, SD (1/24/2007)
Fred was such a great guy. I have so many memories that make me smile. His heart was huge and he would always help me with whatever I needed. He has a special place in my heart and is like family to my family. Please find comfort in knowing that he is in heaven and able to do all the things he has not been able to do over the last years. Dad probably greeted him and they haven't quit talking since he got there. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Kathy (Larson) and Bob LaDue
9802 Dutch Creek Dr., Anamosa, IA (1/24/2007)
To Ida & families
I was so sorry to hear about Fred. I have many memories of him & our kids when they were growing up & also later in his life. As I am growing older life isn't what I anticipated as a younger person. I never thought about having to lose family & friends so young & it is hard. Our only consolation is, they are in a better place & free of many hardships they encountered in this world. Life brings tears, smiles & memories; the tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever. Blessed be the memory of Fred. Love & prayers, Ronnie & Emily
~ Ronnie & Emily Sammons
Midland, SD (1/24/2007)
We are so sorry for your loss...and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Carl & Delores (Gillaspie) Suminski
1310 Memorial Dr., Broken Bow, NE 68822 (1/24/2007)
Jan, Michelle we are so sorry to hear about your brother. I worked with him when he was in the Philip hospital 8-9 years ago he was a wonderful man. If there is anything we can do for you, remember we are a phone call away.
~ Jeremy & Krystal Noteboom
Philip, SD (1/24/2007)