Dr. Oliver "OJ" Jewett

**  TO VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE, CLICK ON WEBLINK ABOVE **Dr. Oliver “OJ” Jewett, age 86 of Belle Fourche, died Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City. The funeral service will be held 11am, Saturday December 14th at the Christian Life Center, with Pastor Paul Howard officiating. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 pm Friday, with a 6pm prayer service, at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Interment will take place at Pine Slope Cemetery, in Belle Fourche. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Dr. Oliver Allan “OJ” Jewett was born February 7, 1927 on the Jewett family ranch near Isabel, South Dakota. He was the son of Oliver and Verla (Halstead) Jewett. At the age of 6, OJ moved with his family into Isabel so that he could attend school. He graduated from Isabel High School in 1945. After high school, OJ attended Hamlin University in St. Paul MN, the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, Northern University in Aberdeen, and in 1952 he received his Doctorate of Optometry from the Chicago College of Optometry. In 1953, OJ began his practice in Belle Fourche, retiring in October of 1997. OJ was united in marriage to Joan Tibke in Rapid City, on July 7th, 1954. To this union four children were born: Steve, Perry, Dee, and Jan. OJ was a charter member of the Christian Life Center, and a member of the South Dakota Board of Optometry. In his younger years, OJ was an accomplished boxer, having won the 1949 SD State Golden Gloves Lightweight Championship. He’s always been one to stay physically fit, and he enjoyed golf and playing pool. He had high standards. He was a man of integrity, whether at home or at work, and he loved his family very much. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. OJ is survived by his wife Joan of Belle Fourche; sons, Steve (Chris) of Belle Fourche, Perry (Kristi) of Spearfish; daughters, Dee (Mark) Pluimer of Colorado Springs, CO, Jan (Glenn) Miller of Lake Tahoe CA; 8 grandchildren, Jamie, Drew, Benjamin, Sierra, Kate, Mason, Emily, Austin; and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob, Gwyn, Jack; and sisters, Bonnie Cole, and Jane Ellis. Date of Birth February 7, 1927 – Isabel, South Dakota Date of Death December 10, 2013 – Rapid City, South Dakota Funeral Service 11:00 A.M. – Saturday – December 14th, 2013 Christian Life Center Belle Fourche, South Dakota Officiant – Pastor Paul Howard Special Music “Precious Lord, Take My Hand“, Jamie Jewett, soloist “ Going Home“, Judy Howard, soloist Cong. Hymn – “Because He Lives“ Honorary Casketbearers Ron Larson                                                            Bob Magby Don Liebelt                                                            Larry Ross Active Casketbearers Bill Jewett                                                          Tyler Jewett Drew Jewett                                            Armin Finkbeiner Hal Jewett                                                          Gary Riggins Interment Pine Slope Cemetery Belle Fourche, South Dakota