Gene Deuchar Obituary

Gene Raymond Deuchar was born on October 29, 1950 in Philip, South Dakota, to Raymond and Mary Alice (Neville) Deuchar. He joined two big sisters, Dianne and Joan, with Cheryl and James following after, to complete their family.

Gene was baptized on December 3, 1950, and later confirmed in the Lutheran Church of Milesville. He grew up on a farm north of Philip, and spent his grade school years at the Hart School. Gene attended Philip High School, where he loved playing football and basketball, and graduated in the class of 1968. After graduation he attended college at Black Hills State University and South Dakota State University, but decided that he wanted to spend his life farming and ranching, so he moved back home.

In the early 70’s Gene started his softball career, which spanned over 30 years, playing in Philip, Milesville, Union Center, and several state tournaments. He was very competitive, but also reveled in the camaraderie of the game. During those years he also enjoyed snowmobiling and an amazing fishing trip to Canada. One day, while delivering water to the cistern at the Cheyenne School, Gene met Theresa Haughian. On Valentine’s Day 1976, Gene and Theresa were married at the Sacred Heart Church in Miles City, MT. To this union, three children were born, Jenna Jean, Dixon James, and Megan Jo.

Gene spent many hours in the field during his lifetime, his favorite part of the work being putting up hay. He often told stories about the thousands of square bales that his good friend and neighbor, Mike Gebes, loaded and stacked, before the days of the round baler. When the work was done, many memories were made socializing at ‘The Ridge’! He always looked forward to the opening morning of deer hunting in the fall, when he searched for the ’big buck’ with family and friends.

He hardly ever missed an event that his children and grandchildren were involved in. Gene spent hours watching basketball and volleyball games, track meets, wrestling tournaments, music concerts, and rodeos! He was always their biggest fan, and was very proud of each of them.

In the fall of 2023 Gene became a resident of the Scotchman Living Center in Philip, SD. One of the highlights of his time there was being named Prom King. The staff soon found out that he had quite a sense of humor! They learned not to say “Hi Gene,” otherwise he had a fun remark waiting.

Grateful for having shared Gene’s life are his wife of 48 years Theresa;, daughter Lisa Bruhn of San Diego, CA; daughter Jenna (Shad) Finn of Midland, SD; son Dixon Deuchar of Milesville, SD; and daughter Megan (Zeb) of Creighton, SD. Grandchildren include Logan Bruhn, Cass, Cole, and Emma Finn, and Nora, Coy, Cort, Elsie, and Chet Hoffman. He is also survived by sisters Joan Bessette of Philip, SD, Cheryl (Kieth) Harry of Midland, SD, and brother James Deuchar of Philip, SD as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary Alice Deuchar, sister Dianne Anderson, brother-in-law Duane Bessette, niece Sharon Ellwein, great nephew Dalles Brucklacher, father-in-law Dan Haughian, mother-in-law Mary Haughian, and brother-in-law Doug Stanley.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Philip.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment will follow at the Milesville Cemetery. Everybody is welcome to the Milesville Hall after the burial for refreshments and time of fellowship.

Guest Book

What a lovely service I watched online. Gene always made a point to say hi and visit with me whenever our paths crossed. I remember him coming to see my mom for his allergy injections. He loved to visit and have a cup of coffee. Hold the many fond memories close to your heart. Oh, and the music in the memorial video...spot on! Love to the whole Deuchar family.
~ Stacy and Gary Dole Pierre SD (1/4/2025)

Dear family of Gene's
How very well he was loved by you and taken care of by all of you.
I pray God's greatest comfort in this time of sadness.
May God dry your tears quickly.

~ Rebecca Essen Philip (12/31/2024)

Deuchar family, You all have my deepest sympathies. Many a good time and many good stories! Rest easy Gene.
~ Andrew Reckling Philip (12/31/2024)

I am so sorry for your loss. The family will be in my prayers.
~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (1/5/2025)

We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. Gene was a classmate of Joann's, lots of fun memories. He will be missed by many. Hold on to the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (12/31/2024)

I have great memories of Gene as he was one of my best friend's brother. Loved deer hunting season as I got to be one of the people chasing deer towards the hunters. Condolences to all his family, especially to Joan.
~ Becky Dougherty (Vos) Cheyenne, Wy (1/8/2025)

Sympathy and prayers to Gene's family and friends. The Deuchars have always held a special place in my heart all my life, even though I have been bad about staying in touch. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (12/31/2024)

Gene was a warm, kind man. I always enjoyed any time I spent with him. His was a good life well-lived.
~ Lee Harry Dillon, Montana (1/3/2025)

Dear Theresa and your wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, especially today. Gene was a special guy. With the love of you all, he dealt with his challenges so admirably.
~ Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (1/4/2025)

My sympathy to you all. May your memories ease your heart. As BBC a neighbor for so many years we always had a special friendship.
~ Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/1/2025)

Theresa & family sadden to hear the loss of Gene . We can now hold on good times in our hearts . may Gene rest in Jesus arms
~ Bill and Jan Rapid City (1/2/2025)

Theresa and Family,
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Gene. He was always a pleasure to visit with, and had a great sense of humor. I remember being at the hospital when he was dismissed after such a long covid battle. He was a HERO! Also enjoyed getting to stop in and visit while he was in the SLCenter. He enjoyed those chats, I think! Seeing you and Gene along the trail of several half marathons in the Hills was always good for my spirit! Jenna (and all the kids/grands) are lucky to have had such an avid cheerleading section! Many prayers of comfort to you all as you say goodbye to Gene...but know that his shiny mischievous eyes will be looking down and keeping watch over his family. You took good care of him, and he was blessed by you all.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (1/1/2025)

I will never forget Gene's strength and faith while he fought COVID-19. He will be missed greatly. Condolences to the family!
~ A PHS RN Philip, SoDak (12/31/2024)

Our prayers and condolences to the Duechar family
~ Patrick & Carla Quinn Centennial CO (12/31/2024)

I will never forget the warm welcome Gene & Theresa gave me when I came out of visit my brother. Gene also made sure I got to experience my first cattle branding. I will never forget that hot day of branding & then fishing. The pay off was the best fish fry afterwards.
Thinking & praying for you all during this difficult time.
~ Kimberly (Warner) Nickels Durand, MI (1/1/2025)

Sending love, prayers, and hugs during this difficult time. Uncle Gene was truly a wonderful man. May all the grand memories bring smiles to your faces and peace to your hearts. I can only imagine the rejoicing in the heavens and the reunion that awaited as Uncle Gene approached those gates - love you all!
~ Jared, Krystl, Lexus, Jaxon & Alex Vermundson Rapid City (12/31/2024)

One of the greatest blessings we have in Life is to love and be loved and Gene clearly experienced. May those of you who loved him be comforted knowing he knew he was loved and that he loved you! May the memories help you find smiles going forward.
~ Karen Pearson Rapid City (1/3/2025)

it was an honor caring for your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Rest in peace Gene.
~ Carmen Philip, SD (12/31/2024)

To the family, I got to know Gene in the mid 70's playing basketball together for the Mudhogs. At the same time playing softball with and against each other. Tournaments in many communities, Philip Softball League and Sundays in Union Center. Many great memories. Gene was a good friend. So sorry for your loss.
~ Craig Weber Philip (1/4/2025)

Flowers

Terry and Amanda Molnar and Corina and Kenny Kocer

Matt, Ashley, and Lena

Mudhogs and Ridge Runners

Angie, Aaron, and Family

Coaly, Sherry, Fallon, Malin, and Finn

Ann Haughian and Family; Jack and Eileen Nessan Family; and Michael and Myrna Nessan Family

Howard and Kimberly Manuel

Tom, Kristi, Jake, and Remington

Joe and Betty Barrie and Dan and Cindy Hauk and Family

Pat, Shelia, and Families

Dennis, Bryan, Willie, Teri, Alisa, Nick, and the crew at Ft. Pierre Livestock

Jake, Trista, and Kids

Ross and Janna Block and Gary and Jody Block

Keith, Cheryl, and Family; Joan and Jimmy; and Terry, Amanda, Cory, and Kenny

Mike and Faye Piroutek

Milesville Community Club

The Gebes Family

Brawlers Wrestling Family

"Uncle" "Great-Uncle" - Brenda and Andy Binegar and Family; Carman and Tom Heier and Family; Derek Brucklacher; Tracey and Brian Paulsen and Family; Craig and Dea Anderson and Family; Krysti and Jared Vermunderson and Family