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In memory of

Donald Eugene DeVries

of Belvidere, South Dakota, died on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 50

Donald Eugene DeVries, better known as Don to his family and friends, was born October 1, 1954, in Murdo, South Dakota, the son of Fritz and Kate (Boeckman) DeVries. He grew up on a ranch east of Belvidere, where he attended grade school at Stanford Rural School and Belvidere Grade School. He graduated from Kadoka High School in 1972, where he met his wife Dana Dennis. They were united in marriage on July 8, 1972 in Kadoka, South Dakota. After their marriage, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where they attended college. He graduated with a degree in court reporting, but nothing could keep him from his love for ranching. In 1973, he and Dana moved back to the DeVries homestead, where he grew up, and continued to work and raise their three daughters. He farmed and ranched with his parents until Fritz’s death in 1989. He has continued to operate the ranch until the present time.

In addition to ranching, he also loved breeding and raising quarter horses, as well as flying, having his pilot’s license for many years. Don was always generous with his time, being a member of the Belvidere Community Church where he served as an elder for many years. He was instrumental in the development of the Belvidere Christian School where he served as president and presently serving as secretary. He has served on the Belvidere Cemetery Board for many years, and presently served as sexton of the cemetery and worked very hard at maintaining the cemetery grounds.

Don was a member of the West Central Board of Directors since 2000, a member of the Belvidere Volunteer Fire Department, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, and the American Quarter Horse Association.

He was a man who gave selflessly to his neighbors and community. Don loved

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Dana DeVries of Belvidere; three daughters Terri Tieman and her husband Aaron of Kenai, Alaska, Kelli Halls and her husband Shane of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Kerri Schofield and her husband Andy of Belvidere; a step-granddaughter Cassidy Halls; his mother Kate DeVries of Belvidere; a sister Ruth Ann Niehoff and her husband Dennis of Carson City, Nevada; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father Fritz DeVries on October 3, 1989.

Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, at the Kadoka Auditorium, and one hour preceding the services at the auditorium on Thursday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Larry Dolezal officiating.

Interment was in the Belvidere Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, July 21, 2005 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
OFFICIANT
Larry Dolezal
MUSIC
JoAnne Stilwell - Pianist
Linda Blom - Vocalist
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
"How Great Thou Art"
Congregational Hymn
"Because He Lives"
USHERS
Mike Blom – Wade Fox – Keith Bonenberger
PALLBEARERS
Jim Nemec – Jim Addison
Jim Willert – Ted Vobr
Tojo Osborn – Mike Perault
Chuck Willard – John Rodgers
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
And All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota
Pastor Gary McCubbin, officiating

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, July 21, 2005 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

  • We wish that we had had the opportunity to know him. He did so many wonderful things. I know he was a blessing to his family and all that knew him. ~ Ron & Jan Laughlin PO Box 406, Goldthwaite, TX 76844 (7/17/2005)
  • We were so sorry to hear the news of Don's sudden death. I was thinking about you not many days ago, and wondering when you and Don would be able to come to Washington to see us, and hopefully you still can do that someday. Sorry that we were not able to meet him. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort during these sad days. ~ Bill & Fern Schaefer 8507 375th Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 (7/17/2005)
  • So sorry about They say God always takes the best and we know that is true about Don he was the best May God help you though these times. ~ Calvin and Patricia Saucerman Midland, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Dear Dana and Family, we know that Don walks with the Lord, but we also know how much he will be missed here by family and friends. Please except our deepest sympathies and know that our prayers are with you. We know the Lord will give you strength to see you through. ~ Richard & Denise Pittluck 3713 Sonoma Circle, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156 (7/17/2005)
  • Dear Dana and Girls - It with very heavy hearts we hear of the passing of Don. Although we only had a chance to know Don just one summer when we worked together at "1880 Town" we came to have the fondest memories of the Devries family. Les and I knew how close knit your family has been and know this comes as a terrible loss to all of you at this such young age that Don was. We wish we were closer so we could gather each of you in our arms to try to comfort you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Les and Rose Clark 300 S. Bryan Rd. - N9, Mission, TX 78572 (7/17/2005)
  • Dana & girls, My heart breaks with yours. I know how it feels to be one "left behind". You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Robyn (Smith) Bailey 415 Eighth St., Spearfish, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Dana, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sallie Hullinger Cuny     ~ Sallie Hullinger Cuny 2535 220th Street, Piedmont, SD 57769 (7/17/2005)
  • I have so many great memories of Don from Sunday school, all the years at the Belvidere store, and the occasional play days at the house when I was little. Always a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone!!! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and don't hesitate to call if any of you need anything. ~ Jody Petras 8 Bengal Dr., Rapid City, SD 57701 (7/17/2005)
  • I just heard about your loss today, I am so sorry. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He will always be remembered as a man with a smile and a kind word. If there's anything I can do in the days ahead please don't hesitate to call. ~ Lynn (Schofield) Dunker & Family Wall, SD (7/17/2005)
  • I am so sorry to hear about your loss having just met Don a week ago. Don was a very kind and generous man. I pray that God will comfort you in your sorrows. ~ Kuang Ku Madison, WI (7/17/2005)
  • We, and all of the staff here at the clinic, express our deep felt concern and respect for your whole family at this time. May His peace be with you and sustain and comfort each of you in the days ahead. ~ Garth and Gayle Reid Kenai, Alaska (7/17/2005)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May God Bless You all in your time of need. ~ Karri Jo (Heeb) Buck & Family 24105 Ottumwa School Rd., Midland, SD 57552 (7/17/2005)
  • We are so sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. ~ Lacy (Fedderson) Puhlman and Family Midland, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Dana, Terri, Kelli, Kerrie and family:

    May the love of family and friends help you through the days ahead. Someone once sent me the below verse when my mother passed:

    "It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter and the love in our hearts that help to push away the pain. And although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that bring the smiles back again." I truly believe that God guides you through these times.

    You are in our thoughts and prayers….
    Andrea and Clark     ~ Andrea Ulisky and Clark Ashley 34208 Gina Drive, North Ridgeville, OH 44039 (7/17/2005)
  • So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers!! ~ Roxy Barber Formanek Philip, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Kate, Dana, Kelly, Terri, Kerri and families. We are so very sorry about your great loss. We will all miss Donnie's happy laughter and kind caring ways. What a great neighbor and friend! Bert always loved being wherever Donnie was because he always took the time to visit with him and always made him feel so grown up! Please remember we are ready to help in anyway and will be here for you! Don't hesitate to let us know! He left many happy memories with everyone that he knew! We love you all and you are in our thoughts and prayers!! God will help you through this!! ~ Mike, Marlene, Laney, Lesa, and Bert Perault Belvidere, SD (7/17/2005)
  • We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Don always had a friendly hello and happy smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time in your life. ~ Justin and Pam Bryan Oacoma, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Memories of Don will always be with a smile because that is the way I always saw him, smiling. Our prayers are with you. ~ Alison (Mansfield) Davis Osage, WY (7/17/2005)
  • What a great man! Our deepest sympathy to all Don's family. We look forward to the day we will walk and talk with him in glory. ~ Melvin, Clarice, and Jessie Roghair HC 74 Box 16 (7/17/2005)
  • Dana, Terri, Kelli, Kerri-
    I am very sorry to hear about your loss. He was such a GREAT! person. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.     ~ Kayla Block Eagle River, AK (7/17/2005)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Though I have not seen Don for years it is hard to forget that great smile and kind heart. ~ Scott and Julie Crouse 311 Eleanor Avenue, Morris, MN (7/17/2005)
  • We are very sorry about your loss and may God be with you all. ~ Mary Reimann, Beau & Gage Ravellette Milesville, SD (7/17/2005)
  • We are so very sorry to hear of Don's untimely passing. We greatly enjoyed visiting with him again last week. He had such a great sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. ~ Roger & Paul Shirk Mayville, WI (7/17/2005)
  • So sorry to hear about you loss. Had such a nice visit with Don when he was down here in Avon a few months ago. Granny sure enjoyed there visit. May God Bless you, comfort and sustain you and yours during these dark and sad hours. May the happy memories and pleasant times of days gone by be ever present in your hearts and minds. ~ Janet Rauch Box 4, Avon, SD 57315 (7/17/2005)
  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Kathy Larson 438 39th St., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (7/17/2005)
  • Dear Kate and Dana and girls: This is hard to believe. I am so sorry for your loss, for you and Belvidere both. May God be especially close to you at this time. Grieving with you, in Christ, Beryl ~ Beryl (Addison) Geer P.O. Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82717-2018 (7/17/2005)
  • I was shocked to hear about Dons passing yesterday. His easy manners and quick smile were a patch of color in an otherwise black and white world. Only a few have walked the walk. Don was one of them. ~ Bill and Belinda Dithmer Wanblee, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Don was one of God's special people. No matter what life dealt him, he found a way to look on the bright side of things. His smile was freely given to all, and along with his heartfelt laughter and good humor, he made the world a brighter place to be. He will be greatly missed by friends, neighbors and family. Our prayers are with you all. ~ Susan and Steve VanTassel and Children Midland, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Our hearts ache for you. We know how much you will miss Don. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin Midland, SD (7/17/2005)
  • Words cannot express the void our community will feel without Don. We will always remember him for his laugh and good sense of humor. He took pride in his family, friends and gave to the community without once thinking of himself. Don was a once in a life time friend that no one can ever replace. We are happy to have shared our friendship with Don and know that he will always have a place in our hearts. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. ~ John, Jo and Jory Rodgers PO Box 35, Belvidere, SD 57521 (7/17/2005)
  • So very sorry for you lose. You are in my prayers. ~ JoAnn (Buxcel) Saffert E6013 1150th Ave., Wheeler, WI 54772 (7/17/2005)
  • I am very sorry to hear of Don's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Jason Harry 125 E. Barbara Ave., Russell, KS 67665 (7/17/2005)
  • Don was a great guy who always had the time of day for everyone and a smile to share. He will be very missed. ~ Mark and Kris Sammons PO Box 92, Midland, SD 57552 (7/17/2005)
  • Dana and family,
    We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Don was a great guy and very pleasant to visit with. We will miss him as a personal friend and customer. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Aaron & Angie Doolittle (A & A Tire)     ~ Aaron & Angie Doolittle Midland, SD (7/17/2005)
  • . ~ Mark and Tammy Carlson and Family Kadoka, SD (7/17/2005)