Willard Pummel

** VIDEO TRIBUTE IS AVAILABLE BELOW ** Willard Pummel, age 89 of Belle Fourche, died Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the Garden Hills Assisted Living Center in Spearfish. The funeral service will be held 10 am Saturday, July 9th, 2016 at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 pm Friday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Interment will take place in Pine Slope Cemetery. Willard Pummel was born November 25, 1926 in Dawson, North Dakota. He was the son of George and Lucille (Fenno) Pummel. In 1937, Willard moved with his family to Spearfish where he graduated from high school in 1944. During World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army, enlisting November 25, 1944. During his service he was stationed in the Philippine Islands and Yokohoma Japan. After the war, he continued serving in Japan, including serving as a member of the Honor Guard for General MacArthur. On May 17, 1948, Willard was united in marriage to Marie Rose Biegler. To this union four children were born: Gary, David, Patricia, and Stuart. In March of 1950 Willard accepted a position with First National Bank of the Black Hills in Spearfish, now Wells Fargo. In January of 1961, he was transferred to the branch located in Rapid City, and in 1965 to the branch in Deadwood where he served as Branch President. In May of 1977, he was transferred to the branch located in Belle Fourche, where he was Branch President until he retired. Throughout his life, Willard was devoted to public service. While living in Deadwood, he was elected to the City Council and as Mayor. He also served on the Days of ’76 Committee. In Belle Fourche, he was elected to the City Council and as Mayor. He was active with the Black Hills Roundup and served as Chairman. Willard also was also elected as SD State Representative and served from 1996-2002. He enjoyed working in his woodshop, target shooting with his guns, and the family fishing trips. Willard is survived by his sons, David (Kellie) of Belle Fourche, Gary (Christal) of Spearfish, Stuart (Debbie Carlton) of Casper WY; daughter, Patricia Pummel of Rapid City; brother, Blayne (Karen) Pummel of Spearfish; 6 grandchildren, Jerud (Audrey) Pummel, Chelsee Pummel, Bailee (Wes) Fremont, Derek Pummel, Josh Pummel , and Meredith Pummel; 2 great grandchildren, Mazie Pummel and Porter Fremont; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friend, Wanda Hoffman of Spearfish. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie; brother, Clayton; and sister, Ruth Herbig Celebration of Life 10:00 A.M. – Saturday – July 9th, 2016 Christian Life Center Belle Fourche, South Dakota   Officiant  Pastor Glen Pummel   Music Pianist – Lucy Cole Soloist – Debra Leverington “Come to Jesus”, “Softly and Tenderly” Duet – Lucy Cole, Hazel Maher “The Lord’s My Shepherd” Recessional – “Ashoken Farewell” Lucy Cole, piano – Hazel Maher, violin   Casketbearers Curtis Pummel                                                Josh Pummel Derek Pummel                                            Kevin Pummel Jerud Pummel                                               Steve Pummel Interment Pine Slope Cemetery Belle Fourche, South Dakota .