Our beloved Marjorie Ann Hustead of Wall, South Dakota, went home to be with the Lord on May 14th, 2021, at the age of 92.
Marjorie was born in Madison, South Dakota, to Gretta and Harold Rensch. She was the third of their five children.
Marjorie always said her life really began when she met her husband, Bill, at the age of 16. A student at the Catholic boarding school in town, he was the love of her life. She attended Clark College all-girls school for a short time and then transferred to the University of South Dakota where she joined sorority life as a Kappa Alpha Theta. Marjorie and Bill maintained a long-distance relationship throughout their years as students and Bill’s service in the Navy, marrying in August of 1949. Bill whisked her away to his hometown of Wall near the Badlands where he ran the Wall Drug Store with his parents. They were blessed with seven children in eight years.
Marjorie leaves a legacy of wisdom, patience, and strength. She embraced life in western South Dakota, raising her children and instilling her Catholic faith and values in them. Bill adored her and had the utmost respect for her.
Marjorie loved to travel, and she and Bill toured the world together during the drug store’s off-seasons, spending time in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Her strength and endurance were put to the test with the loss of her son, Jon, at the age of 21, and throughout Bill’s battle with ALS. It was incredible to witness her care and love for Bill as he endured his illness. Marjorie’s legacy is one of unconditional love for her husband, stability and wisdom for her children and grandchildren, and unfailing strength during life’s trials.
Grateful for having shared her life are three sons, Rick Hustead and his wife Patt, of Wall; Teddy Hustead and his wife Karen, of Wall; and Patrick Hustead of Denver, Colorado; three daughters, Kelly Engelhart and her husband, Tim, of Denver, Colorado; Suzette Kirby and her husband, Steve, of Sioux Falls; and Jayme Chapman and her husband, Rich, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sheila Gottron of San Juan Capistrano, California; several nieces and nephews; a host of other relatives and friends.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son, Jon Hustead; her parents; three brothers, Pat, Dick, and Bill Rensch.
Memorials may be directed to the ALS Association.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Father Tyler Dennis as celebrant.
Private family Interment will be at the Wall Cemetery.
Guest Book
We all loved Punky! She was such a gorgeous, classy woman - so devoted to Bill and her family and such a diplomat! She always showed such a genuine interest in whatever I was up to, which made me feel special. Sending love to all you Husteads. We are with you in spirit and send love, peace and strength to your families. xx
~ Stephanie Bottum Foley
South Pasadena, CA (5/18/2021)
My sincere condolences to the Hustead family.
~ Terrence Culhane
Sioux Falls, SD (5/16/2021)
To the Hustead Family, Our hearts and love are with you as you remember the wonderful years spent together as family.
With our heartfelt sympathy,
Mary Ellen Lantis and Family
P.S. Bill and Marge loaned us horses on our honeymoon to ride in the badlands. Thank you for the memories.
~ Mary Ellen Lantis
Spearfish, SD (5/18/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was so kind and gracious all the time. I really enjoyed working for your parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
~ Greg & Eileen (Helms) Niederwerder
Rapid City (5/20/2021)
I was very saddened to hear that Aunt Punk had passed. She was my favorite aunt. And my very favorite childhood memories were going with Grandma Gretta to visit Wall Drug every summer and working at the Drug Store a few years in the restaurant and Running Top Gun.
Aunt Punky and Uncle Billy made me feel so welcomed every time I went there. It is because of them that I have such a deep love for the old west and it's history. Aunt Punky and Uncle Billy are a documented part of that history. Happy Trails Cowgirl.
Ricky Gottron
~ Rick Gottron
San Juan Capistrano, CA (5/19/2021)
To the Husteads - We are thinking of you and send our condolences to all of the Hustead family. Many good memories of our Wall neighbors.
~ Jim & Kristie (Tarver) Estes
Saint Paul, MN (5/19/2021)
Love you all so much, your Mom was such a gem. I was just reminiscing with my sisters on her voice. She had the sweetest voice, so genuine and heartfelt and hilarious, summed her up to a T. Big love to you all. xoxoxo
~ Roddy Bottum
New York City (5/17/2021)
My family always had the highest regard for Punky. She was a classy lady and raised a great family. Condolences on your loss. We grieve with you - but with the knowledge that God is good and faithful and takes his children home to be with him.
~ Margaret Jensen Rhodes
Baton Rouge (5/20/2021)
So sorry for your loss. you have so many beautiful memories to share!
~ Kenneth and Janet Wilson
18345 Smithville Rd (5/22/2021)
My condolences to the Hustead family.
~ Ruth Norman
Wall, SD (5/16/2021)
My condolences to all the Hustead Family. Punky was a classy, beautiful lady.
~ Kathy Hoffman Thompson
Whitewood, SD (5/18/2021)
I had the joy of meeting Marjorie through her daughter Kelly, my dear
friend since 1985 and met most of the Hustead through family events at the Engelharts in Colorado. It's been a wonderful journey to know this family. My first visit to Wall Drug was June of 1962 and it has held a special place in my heart ever since. Sending our love and condolences to the Hustead family, Engelhart and Kirby families too.
With our love
Trig and Beve Jo Gamble
~ Beve Jo Gamble
Parker Colorado (5/17/2021)
Just imagine her glorious welcome into heaven. We are forever grateful for our Wall Drug days and the kindness from the entire Husted family. Punky was had a classic impact on our community and that store. Blessings to all of your families during this time. We need our beautiful moms forever!
~ Keith & Cathy Thompson
Edwards, CO (5/19/2021)
Our sincere condolences to the Hustead Family.
~ Roger & Rita Griffin
Rapid City, SD (5/16/2021)
Justine and Doug Estes send our love and prayers to all of the Hustead family. Raising seven talented children birthed over an eight year span requires considerable love and energy that some might call an angel. Doing this while supporting a husband who develops a world class business is a miracle. Peace and love be with you.
~ Douglas Lee Estes
14136 Hacker Loop (5/19/2021)
My prayers are with the Hustead Family and for your Mom. As she enjoys the goodness of a loving God, so may you enjoy God's loving care. Blessings to each of you.
~ Fr. Tom Heck
Cape Coral, Florida (5/19/2021)
Pat, and all of the Hustead family, so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a loving and gracious lady.
I know that you all will miss her so much.
~ Jana Feller Jones
Philip, SD (5/18/2021)
Thinking of all of the Hustead family. A beautiful woman leaving precious memories.
~ Bobbie Jo and Gary
Wall (5/18/2021)
So sorry to hear of Marjorie's passing. She was always so nice and we enjoyed visiting with her at church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Tom and Jackie Shull
Wasta SD (5/17/2021)
What a wonderful woman, Great Wife and Mother. Bill has been waiting for her!!!
~ Gregg Forsberg
Cape Coral, FL (5/17/2021)