Wesley E. Wahlfeldt

** To View Video Tribute - Click on Weblink Above ** Wesley E. Wahlfeldt, age 65 of Belle Fourche, died Friday May 25, 2012 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a short battle with cancer. Visitation with the family present will be held 5 to 7 pm Wednesday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. The memorial service will be held 1:30 pm Thursday at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche. Inurnment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery. Military Honor In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Wesley Ernest Wahlfeldt was born September 26th 1946 in Sturgis South Dakota to Glen and LaVonne (Symonds) Wahlfeldt of Newell. He grew up on the family ranch south of Mud Butte. Wes graduated from Newell High School in 1964 and attended Black Hills State College that following fall where he graduated in 1969 with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education and a minor in Industrial Arts. Shortly after graduation he was called to serve our country during the Vietnam War. He entered basic training at Ft. Lewis Washington on April 9th, 1970. Wes served proudly in the 25th Infantry; 25th Aviation unit during his deployment volunteering as a door gunner on a Medi-Vac. This was a voluntary assignment and after 3 months he went back to his regular job as a Company Clerk. While serving he earned two Bronze Stars, the Air Defense Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. There was no prouder Veteran than Wes. One of the highlights of his life was attending the Vietnam Memorial dedication in Pierre where he stood among his fellow veterans with pride. After his honorable discharge on May 4th 1971 he came back to South Dakota and worked as a Butte County Sherriff’s Deputy. It was during this time he met the love of his life Sandra Justice. They were married on February 8th 1975 and moved back to the family ranch where Wes worked alongside his father until 1984. In 1978 they welcomed their only child Kyle into the world. Wes dedicated his life to coaching his son in all sports, especially baseball. He volunteered for many years on the Belle Fourche Youth Baseball/Softball board, working towards making baseball a fixture of the Belle Fourche community. The past years were spent golfing alongside his son and friends. Wes was a true jack of all trades; he spent the last 20 years working with his brother in law, Jim Justice, as a contractor. He had many loyal customers in the community and considered himself very fortunate to be able to do what he loved for so many years. His biggest joy in life was being able to spend time with his 3 grandchildren and attending all of their events; they were truly the light of his life. Wes’ smile, strength, and positive attitude that were so contagious will be missed by all that knew him. Wesley is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sandra of Belle Fourche; son Kyle (Angie) of Belle Fourche; grandchildren Chris, Sean, Nolan; sisters Bobbi (Baine Maupin) Wahlfeldt of Camp Crook, Roxie (Jack) Huston of Sturgis; brother Bill (Pam) Wahlfeldt of Sturgis; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sharon Maynard. IN LOVING MEMORY Wesley E. Wahlfeldt Date of Birth September 26, 1946 – Sturgis, South Dakota Date of Death May 25, 2012 – Rapid City, South Dakota Memorial Service 1:30 P.M. – Thursday – May 31st, 2012 Christian Life Center Belle Fourche, South Dakota Officiant Pastor John Rehmeier Special Music Doug Larson, soloist “Silver Wings”, “The Other Side” Cong. Hymn – “The Old Rugged Cross” Judy Howard, pianist Urnbearers Tim Cleveland                                    Neil Smeenk Lyle Malcolm                                  Dick Symonds Interment Black Hills National Cemetery Sturgis, South Dakota Military Honors Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard