Wallace P. (Red) Willoughby, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend of Midland, SD died on January 5, 2017 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 88.
Wallace was born on October 30, 1928. He was the oldest of two children born to John Jeffery and Anna (Wolff) Willoughby. He grew up and lived his entire life on the family farm 17 miles north of Midland, where he still resided at the time of his passing.
He attended grade school in rural Haakon County at Pleasant View #26 and high school in Midland. He stayed out of school for one year to help his mother on the farm after his father’s death in 1944 and then returned to graduate in 1947.
In 1950, Wallace married his high school sweetheart, Irene Eckert, also of Midland. They lived on the family farm their entire 66 years of marriage raising cattle, wheat, and other crops. Here, they raised four of their five children as their son, Monte, passed away in 1955.
During his youth, Wallace’s favorite pastimes included playing sports, singing, and fast driving. As a young man, he played Whist in card tournaments for many years and also participated in a bowling league. In later years, he enjoyed coin collecting, watching the Twins and Vikings on TV, and was an avid reader. He read the Bible completely through two times.
In addition to hard work on the farm, he was a faithful follower of his children’s activities, rarely missing an opportunity to see them participate. Often times, he got up very early to complete the farm work so he could drive his car and later the school bus full of kids to a sporting, drama, or music event which was something he thoroughly enjoyed.
Wallace was a dedicated community member, serving as a member of the Midland School Board, a director on the ASCS board and the Midland Coop, church councils, and a 4-H leader for many years. In 1990, he joined the Haakon County Crooners and put his music talents back to use.
In 1984 Wallace was awarded the first place Soil and Moisture Achievement award for the Haakon County Conservation District. In 2010, he also accepted the Century Farm Certificate for 100 years on the Willoughby Family Farm.
Wallace was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland in 1955. He later joined Grace Lutheran Church in Hayes in 1996. He and Irene were also members of Luke Bible Study for nearly 45 years.
Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Irene, son Tim (Cathy) of Las Vegas, daughter Patty (Ron Piper) of Evanston, WY, sons Jeff (Julie) and Tony (Gaynold) both of Midland, sister Alice (George) Evans of Belle Fourche, four grandchildren Amy Escobar (Xerxes Allison) of Las Vegas, John (Chelley) Willoughby of Pierre, Tess Piper of Ogden, UT and Joni Willoughby of Midland, one great grandson, Cale Allison of Las Vegas, six step-grandchildren, eight step-great grandchildren and two step great-great grandchildren, niece, Valerie (Al) Garr, other numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Wallace was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his parents Jeff and Anna (1983), son Monte (1955), step-father Robert L. Evans (1973), niece Connie (1959) and his special aunt, Hattie McNeill (2008.)
Wallace requested his body be donated to science and will eventually be cremated with interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland with Pastor Lauren Ley and Pastor Tel Saucerman officiating.
Guest Book
Our deepest sympathies to the family. Jim remembers many dinners and coffee at your table, Irene, with great conversations with Red. We are grateful for your friendship over the years. Know that Red is at peace now. Prayers.
~ Jim and Barb Petoske
Sioux Falls, SD (1/8/2017)
Our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to the Willoughby family.
~ Julie Schwalm
Midland, SD (1/7/2017)
Sorry to hear of your loss
~ Gordon & Cheryl Hunt
Battle Mountain, Nv (1/16/2017)
So sorry for your loss. Such fond memories of Red! Prayers to all!
~ Krysti Buxcel Barnes
Murdo SD (1/7/2017)
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have been blessed to have Patty as a friend and I'm sure your family is as special as she is. May God give you strength and peace through this difficult time. May your memories sustain you and lift you up.
~ Cheri Dunford
Evanston, Wyoming (1/15/2017)
Irene and family: Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of a wonderful, gentle, humorous man. We enjoyed visiting with "Red", and will always remember his humor. We pray God to give you peace and comfort in your precious memories.
~ Nels & Dorothy Paulson
Hayes, SD (1/7/2017)
My heart is so saddened to hear of Red's passing! I have many fond memories growing up with your family. Husband, father and neighbor he will be truly missed by so many. Hugs and prayers! Love Mary
~ Mary Schwalm Scott
Pierre (1/9/2017)
Our love and prayers are with you all. Wallace was one amazing man. He will be missed by so many. We are proud to have known him.
~ Vesta and Ken Demester
Peoria, Arizona (1/15/2017)
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Red. He was such a nice man, always greeting you with a smile and friendly greeting. God be with you.
~ Barbara and Morries Jones
Midland, SD (1/12/2017)
Auntie Irene and Family,
Our deepest condolences, love and prayers in the loss of Uncle Red. I have many fond memories of him from my visits in SD when I was young. My most vivid memory was when I was ten years old Zander I followed him around the farm asking a thousand questions and him being so patient with me. He even took me with him one evening, in the pouring rain to check on the cows. How I regretted that outing as I was soaked to the bone by the time we got back to the little house. That was the year he was building the basement house and and I even followed him around as he was working. He will be truly missed by his family and all who knew him. Heaven has gained another voice to its heavenly choir. My love and prayers to all.
~ JoAnn and Wayne Catalano
Tehachapi, CA (1/15/2017)
We were so sorry to hear of Red's passing. He was a thoroughly nice man and a true friend. He was so glad when he saw you and always had a smile; a true gentleman. It was a pleasure to be counted as his friend. He is at his final destination now and has found complete peace in heaven with all the other angels. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield
Milesville, SD (1/10/2017)
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~ Leah Gerics
USA (6/17/2022)
I am so sorry to hear this news. Red was a wonderful man and a good friend to our family.
~ Nancy Folkerts Stafford
Des Moines, IA (1/7/2017)
Irene and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers
~ Kim Bierle
Midland (1/6/2017)
I was so sorry to hear of Red's passing. Some of my fondest memories of my teen years are of the time spent at your home place "working" for the summer. Red was one of the men I looked up to in those years and thought of often as I grew older. Out thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. I know he will be missed. John
~ John and Marti Gillaspie
Hill City, SD (1/8/2017)
Irene and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Red was a genuine soul and always greeted you with a smile. He will be missed by many people but will always be close in your hearts and memories. Let God hold you in His hand and give you the strength and comfort you need.
~ Kenny and Robin Stoner
Murdo, SD (1/7/2017)
Sorry for your loss Jeff and family. From the Jeitz family
~ Theodore Jeitz
Belle Fourche (1/7/2017)
Irene and family so sorry to read about Red leaving us for that better world we all are looking forward to. Know you have so many memories. I remember the one about jello...You were great neighbors. Prayers go with you all during these days. Connie
~ Connie Lee
Midland, TX (1/11/2017)
I am so sorry for your loss. Red was such a great man. Hugs and prayers. I wish I could be home for the funeral. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa, IA (1/7/2017)
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are prayers for your family and friends.
~ Janna Reeves
Midland (1/7/2017)
So sorry that we did not make it to Red's memorial service. Tom and his dad have many memories of pheasant hunting at your place years ago. We always enjoyed visiting with Red as he was always interested in what was going on in our lives. Red will be missed. Our prayers are with your family.
~ Tom & Mary Parquet
Midland, SD (1/25/2017)
Irene, Tim, and all.....I am saddened to hear of Red's passing. So many
fond memories of knowing him and seeing him out and about my little town of Midland. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. With love and affection, Pat Haddock Psalm 91...John 14:62
~ Robert "Pat" Haddock
Omaha, NE (1/8/2017)
Irene and family, Sending you all thoughts and prayers. Red was always so interesting to visit with and I enjoyed working with him my years as school business manager in Midland. It is so hard to let someone go, but the wonderful memories you have made over the years will be there forever. May God wrap his loving arms around your family as you gather together.
~ Marcia Jackson
Spearfish, SD (1/7/2017)
Irene and family, I am so sorry to hear the loss of Wallace. Sending prayers your way. Audra
~ Audra Yanda
Carlsbad, CA (1/8/2017)
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~ GeorgeOwext
(2/5/2023)
Irene and family--It was very sad news to hear about Red's passing. My brother Gordon and I were mentored by him every summer when we were young kids visiting "the farm." Of course, Aunt Anna, cousin Alice, and Uncle Bob (and even earlier, Uncle Jeff) were there too. How vivid are those memories, and how Gordon and I admired and loved our big redheaded cousin! He was always ready to take us swimming in a dam not far from the house, and to wear old cowboy boots that he had outgrown when we were wearing out old Spot and Babe, the horses of our childhood. I will never forget his laugh, loud, raucous, and totally genuine. I can hear it in my head now. A wonderful, good, thoroughly generous man. I am so sorry, and will keep all of you in my prayers.
~ Kenneth Brostrom
Saline, MI (1/15/2017)
Irene and Family,
Red is greatly missed. I shall always remember his joyous laugh.
~ Lavonne Blucher-Nameny & Jim Nameny
Cloverdale CA (1/18/2017)
Always a pleasure to talk he will be missed
~ Jeff hand
Harrisburg SD (1/7/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers to you all in the loss of Red. Cast your burden upon the Lord. Psalm 55:22
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (1/8/2017)
Tim and the whole Willoughby Family: I am so sorry for your loss. May God seem especially near during this time as you visit with family and friends and then as you have to go on with your lives. A quote I once read: "God gave us memories so we could have roses in December." -- very appropriate when our VERY LOVED ones leave us. God Bless. Beryl
~ Beryl (Addison) Geer
Gillette, WY (1/13/2017)
I was saddened to hear of Red's passing. It was always such a pleasure when an opportunity arose to have a conversation. I always appreciated that gentle smile and sense of humor. He will be missed. Prayers are being sent your way.
~ Mary Hengstler
Sundance, WY (1/7/2017)
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. It was always a pleasure adjusting for Red, Jeff , and Tony and the very fine dinner I was invited to participate in.
~ Dick Michel, crop adjuster for great american
Black Hawk, SD (1/13/2017)
Deepest sympathy and Hope the Lord will sustain you always.
~ Bonnie Sivage
(1/10/2017)
We are so sorry for your great loss. Our prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.
~ Dallas and Kaye McKinley
Midland, SD (1/10/2017)