George Ainslie

of Philip, South Dakota , died on Friday, May 15, 2026
at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 89

George Edward Ervin Ainslie was born to Charles and Reland (Carson) Ainslie on July 20,1936 at Wanblee, South Dakota, the fifth of eight children.

George attended country school near Wanblee and then moved with his parents to Kadoka where he then went to school starting in 2nd grade. George worked several jobs during the summers and after school ended. He enlisted into the US Army in April 1957.

George was united in marriage to Kay Stephenson on May 22, 1958 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. He was deployed to Korea in June of that year. He was honorably discharged in April 1960.

George then worked for Western Cattle Company, did construction, and ranched until 2010.

They had five children together: Diane, Cheryl, Jerry, Karla, and Marlene.

Left to mourn are his wife of about 68 years Kay; children, Diane (Gary) Walker; Cheryl Behrend; and Marlene Scheessele; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Pat Hart and Gary Stephenson; sisters-in-law, Joan Patton, Arlene (Bob) Ingersol, and Sue (Darwin) Koepp; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death his son Jerry; daughter Karla; parents and parents-in-law; four brothers: Martin, Jim, Bob, and Frank; and three sisters Lila Marie, Barbara, and MaryEllen.

A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 with a Christian Funeral Vigil at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

A Christian Funeral Committal with military honors will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 182 Philip, SD 57567.

Service Details

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL MASS
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

OFFICIANT
Fr. Grant Gerlach
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Maureen Palecek - Cantor
Marianne Frein - Pianist
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Congregational Hymns
“On Eagles Wings” #441
"I Have Loved You" #595
“Taste and See” #337
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” #670

LECTOR
Linda Stangle

ALTAR SERVERS
Tel Guptill - Tess Guptill

USHERS
Terry Pinney - Scott Carson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All of George’s Grandchildren

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL COMMITTAL
WITH MILITARY HONORS
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - 10:00 a.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

Kay prayers for you and your family. Know you have many wonderful memories to fall back on. So glad you had so many years with George. I remember our years as teenagers. Was fun..
   ~ Connie Lee Mission,TX (5/16/2026)
So sorry to hear of your loss Kay. My condolences
   ~ Eileen Stolley Kadoka (5/17/2026)
Kay and families, We are thinking of all you folks. We all know that George is in a better place. Hold on to the memories. Prayers to everyone.
   ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (5/18/2026)
We are so sorry to hear about your significant loss. Kay, such a devoted wife. Even though he is well again, it is still a hole in your heart and life. Please know we care. Prayers as you move through this next chapter in your life.
   ~ Roxy and Ray Formanek PHILIP (5/17/2026)