2022 National American Legion Auxiliary Public Spirit Award Winner

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  • Home
  • Our Mission
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  • The Horses
  • Sponsor a Horse
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  • SD Veteran Resources
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  • Tribute to the Fallen
  • Ranch Report
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TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN:

CW4 Jerome H. Loucks

Jerome Henry Loucks passed away on March 8, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born 23 November 1934 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to parents L.T. and Ruth Loucks. He is preceded in his passing by his parents, his brother Richard, and his sister Patricia. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Norma Jean Loucks, and children Sheri (Ron), Stacey, Sammy (Angie), Stuart (Lisa), Scott (Evelyne) and Steven (Debbie), 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

CW4 (R) Jerome H. Loucks proudly served our country around the world from 1953 to 1982, including a tour in Vietnam (recipient Bronze Star). After retiring from the U.S. Army, he was the local owner of Pops & Sons Truck Rental for 20 years, serving the community and military.

Since the 70’s Jerry has traveled home to Aberdeen with Norma creating a family tradition with his passion for the Pheasant opener in October. Over the years he has mentored his sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and recently hosted over 40 “family” members in Aberdeen, a city which has graciously entertained us and created many new “family members”.

His last 20 years were spent traveling with the love of his life, Norma, and his family.

Rest in peace…we love you, we miss you, your memory and legacy live on - husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, family.

Jerry was a lifetime sponsor of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 


DTOM Veterans Ranch is Proud to Honor Chief Loucks with the naming of our MRMS Therapy Center after him and his family: Keeping his family’s legacy alive and thriving. 

The CW4 Jerome Loucks Veterans MRMS Therapy Center.  


In Chief’s words…. “I wish I would have known about you guys a long time ago…maybe you could have helped me.”    Because of Chief LOUCKS it can never be too late to find and care for our veterans.  We have to find a way to get to them so it’s never “too late.”  Rest in peace sir….your legacy will live on here at the ranch, and every single veteran that comes through our doors will know of you and carry on your mentorship and sincere care for others.   

Tribute to the fallen

Neil J Horn

NEIL HORN: A SON, BROTHER, HUSBAND, FATHER, COWBOY, MARINE, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

Neil Joshua Horn was born on November 26, 1977 in Thief River Falls, MN to Terry and Sheila Horn. He grew up on the Horn farm outside of Gonvick, MN and graduated from Clearbrook-Gonvick High School in 1996. In his youth he loved to swim, fish, hunt, ride horses, play sports, and spend time with family and friends. He loved visiting at Grandma and Grandpa Horn’s house, where he enjoyed catching minnows, sharing cookies and lefse with Grandma, and taking many-a-nap on their couch.

Neil worked hard on the farm and especially enjoyed his time with the animals. He won numerous State Fair trips showing dairy cattle in 4-H. Besides farm work, Neil’s summers included lifeguarding at the Bagley lake. As a teenager, Neil’s Thunderbird was famous around town and his cowboy style preceded him.

At a young age, Neil showed a deep interest in the military; playing with army men and often reading books depicting historical events and battles. After high school graduation, he joined the Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for 8 years. It was early in his career with the Marines that he got to ride saddle-bronc for their rodeo team. Neil spent most of his Marine career traveling the world as a Marine Security Guard to defend the US Embassies where he was stationed. In 2002, Neil served in anti-terrorism capacities in North Africa, and part of his job was to train Marines in door-to-door combat and enhanced marksmanship. He was also an instructor for combat water survival.

While stationed at the Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, Neil met the love of his life, Jessica Simmons. They were married on July 3, 2003. Neil and Jessica proceeded to build a family together while moving around the world wherever his career took them. Neil became a special agent with Diplomatic Security for the Department of State on June 8, 2008. His position brought the family to live in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Cuba, Colombia, and Minnesota.

During his 14 years working in Diplomatic Security for the State Department Neil engaged in a wide array of investigations including human trafficking, terrorism, counterintelligence, the location and return of US fugitives, large scale visa fraud, and passport/identity fraud. As part of his Diplomatic Security position, Neil ensured the security detail for many dignitaries and leaders from around the globe. In June of 2022, Neil was honored to be selected for a position as a criminal investigator for the Department of Homeland Security, Tampa office.

Neil was presented countless awards for valor, accomplishments, and sharp skillful abilities. These awards were accepted with honor, grace and a humble pride. Neil’s most cherished accolades were his four beautiful daughters Alexis Cali, Lindsey Clara, Grace Camryn, and Chloe Rey.

Along with spending time with his family, Neil enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing guitar, and coming up with great mead and beer brews. He loved putting puzzles together and figuring out challenges. A firm foundation in Christ served as a moral compass throughout his life. Neil was a reader, a thinker, a solver, and had a captivating way with words whether writing or speaking. He could start by speaking to only one person, but before he was done he would hold an entire room's attention with the stories he told about his experiences. One meeting with Neil and you never forgot him. Neil was humble, yet larger than life.

Neil passed away on February 3rd, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the age of 45. He is survived by his wife Jessica, daughters Alexis(16), Lindsey(15), Grace(12) and Chloe(9). Grandmothers Arlene Horn and Shirley Vettleson. Parents Terry and Sheila Horn. Sisters: Jean Horn, Jodi (David) Fedje, Jackie (Logan) Kalinowski and brother Nathan (Tricia) Horn. Nephews: Everett, Tallon, Ayden, Joseph, Theodore, and Carter. Nieces: Elizabeth, Kennedi, Rosalyn, and Maddisyn. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Neil is preceded in death by his grandfathers Francis Horn and Walter Vettleson, uncles Chad Behrens and Kevin Vettleson, and cousin Heather Behrens.

Neil once wrote that the factors that defined him as a person were his intense loyalty to God, his country, and his family. It was his hope that he would continue to serve those things that he loved so much until the day, (in the words of our 40th President) that he “slipped the surly bonds of earth, to touch the face of God.” And, that is what he did. May his memory be blessed.

A visitation will be at the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley, MN from 5:00-7:00 on Thursday evening February 23rd, 2023 with a Prayer Service starting at 6:30. A Funeral Service will be held at Clearbrook Community Center on Friday, February 24th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation an hour prior. Internment will be held at United Lutheran Cemetery , Berner immediately following service. A Lunch will be served at Clearwaters Life Center in Gonvick following service and internment. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley is assisting the family with arrangements.


From Doc… “I will miss you forever, and I will mourn your passing for a long time.  Rest in peace Marine…I will never forget how proud you were when you came home and picked me up  wearing your Marine Uniform….the pride in you, I will never forget it, and I will help carry on your legacy for caring for others as well.  Rest in Eternal Peace Marine.”  

Tribute to the Fallen

Colonel John Michael Kain,

United States Army

Mike was born in Algona, Iowa on April 15, 1945, to Edward Kain and Viola (Dacken) Kain. He excelled in sports during his high school years gaining fame as an avid wrestler and football player. After his high school graduation, Mike attended South Dakota State University on a wrestling scholarship. During his senior year in college, Mike’s wrestling team won the NCC Tournament and finished 3rd in the NCAA…Go Jackrabbits! Mike also became involved in the Army ROTC program during his time at SDSU and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1968, commissioned a 2LT of Infantry.  Mike served over 29 years as an active-duty Army Officer serving in two conflicts (Vietnam and Desert Storm).

He had numerous duty assignments during his active-duty time. Most notably was as an Assault Helicopter pilot and platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division, Phong Din, Vietnam;  Company Commander, Company C, 1-8 Cavalry, Fort Hood, Texas; Commanding General’s Aide-De-Camp 3rdArmor Division, Federal Republic of Germany; Battalion Commander 2nd Battalion, 32nd Armor, Federal Republic of Germany; G3, 3rd Armor Division, Desert Storm; Brigade Commander 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado; Director, Center for Army Tactics, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Mike’s Culminating Assignment was Commander, Battle Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He retired from the active Army in April 1997, with the rank of Colonel. After retirement, Mike assumed the position of Program Director for Northrop Grumman Information Technology’s, Battle Command Training Program for the next 16 years.  This was a five-year, 414 million-dollar rebiddable program with a staff of 364 full-time employees and 230 part-time employees that utilized simulations to train Army units from Brigade through CORPS levels as well as Army Commanders functioning as Joint Task Force Commanders and Land Component Commanders.  

Mike’s military and civilian schooling included: Infantry Officers Basic Course, Rotary Wing Aviator Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Masters in Business Administration from Babson College, Airborne School, Ranger School, Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.  His military awards and recognitions include Distinguished Flying Cross, 30 Air Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge, and Ranger Tab.

Mike retired in 2013, and he and Charlene moved to Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota to start their long-awaited retirement life. 

Mike found peace and tranquility in Spearfish Canyon where they built their house.  He loved to fly fish, pheasant hunt, golf, tell jokes, and enjoy the friendships he and Charlene made.  If he was not fly fishing or out golfing, you could find him off-roading in his UTV, hiking, feeding the deer and turkeys, giving treats to the neighborhood dogs, or out riding on his Harley or Spyder. Mike was full of life and lived retirement to the fullest. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, and one of the best friends you could ever have. He had an upbeat personality and woke up each morning completely happy and ready for whatever the day had in store.

Mike was an active member of the Spearfish American Legion and Riders, the Deadwood VFW, the DAV, MOAA, the Spearfish Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, President of the Calamity Gulch Road district, and an Elder of St Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish.

Mike is survived by his wife, Charlene (Oseby) Kain; his son Scott (Dawn); his grandchildren, Ryan, Emily (Mat), and Michael; his great-grandchildren, Owen, and Kamden; sisters Phyllis Bierle and Beverly (Leonard) Plaehn; brother Jim (Irene) Kain; and a host of loving in-laws, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and longtime friends near and far.  Mike is preceded in death by his mother and father and brother Tom.


Mike’s horse was Booker…he loved Booker and had a heart of gold.  His legacy will live on here at the ranch as well.   Rest in eternal peace sir…you will never be forgotten.  

Tribute to the Fallen

Mr. Tom Perrizo, U.S. Navy/Marine, Vietnam Veteran

Thomas “Tom” Lawrence Perrizo was born June 3, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Kermit and Rosamond (Travis) Perrizo. At a young age, Tom and his family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1965.

After graduation, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Henderson DD785. He then was sent back stateside to Marine Corpsmen School. Upon completion of his training, he returned to Vietnam as a Marine Medic with the Third Marine Medical Battalion. After serving in Vietnam, he received a National Defense Service Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star in Marine Combat Insignia. He was honorably discharged on April 3, 1970, and returned to Aberdeen, SD.

Tom was employed at various jobs before he started working at 3M, where he was employed for nearly 30 years until his retirement. He was a faithful lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. An avid sports fan, Tom enjoyed all Aberdeen Central High School and Northern State University sporting events, as well as the American Legion Baseball Program. He also loved hunting and fishing.

As an active member of the American Legion, Tom served in many leadership roles. He served as Post Commander five times in his tenure and was serving as Brown County Vice Commander and Athletic Commander at the time of his death. Tom took great pride in also being part of the Honor Guard for many years.

Grateful for having shared Tom’s life are his three sisters: Terry (Brad) Place of Victoria, Minnesota, Linnea (Jim) Blotsky of Fishers, Indiana, and Pat (Daven) Gile of Madison, SD; brother, Mike (Michele) Perrizo, of Aberdeen, SD; brother-in-law, Bill Bogenrief of Canon Falls, Minnesota; and five nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lynda.


From DTOM Veterans Ranch…. Our hearts are absolutely broken that we have lost Tom.  Tom was so supportive of us and our mission because he experienced it first hand. He sat with us and talked about his service, he helped us at events…Tom was our family and we will greatly miss this man.  Rest in eternal peace Tom….    

Tribute to the Fallen

Mr. David Lemmer, (SD), U.S. Army, Vietnam

In honor of Mr. Lemmer, the DTOM Veterans Ranch plans to build the military memorial museum and name it in his honor.  Because of Mr. Lemmer and his family, DTOM began its mission successfully.   The museum will be called the David Lemmer Military and Memorial Museum.   

Tribute to the Fallen

SGT Bradley Jobe, (SD)

Sgt. Bradley Wayne Jobe was born on November 30, 1986 to Stacy Jobe and Leanne Buckner Jobe in Thornton, Georgia. He joined the United States Army in 2005; completing his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and specialized training in APG, Maryland as a Small Arms Specialist. He was then deployed to Iraq from 2007 through 2009 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his active duty career he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 183rd Maintenance Company as a Small Arms Specialist. After active duty, he transitioned to the Army Reserve working with the 452nd Ordinance Company as an Ammunition Specialist in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  He left the service in the fall of 2019 as a decorated veteran with many accomplishments to his name including: Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.  As a role model for new soldiers, he always wanted to help others grow and succeed.

Bradley was blessed with his first son Abram Grant Jobe on August 14, 2007. He was again blessed on February 12, 2012 with his second son, Stryker Jackson Sikkink-Jobe. He cherished his children and adored being a father. In the fall of 2017 he met his wife, Ashley (Kothe) Jobe. They married on December 8, 2018 with Stryker by his side in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Bradley leaves behind family and many friends that love and care deeply about him. He worked hard, played harder, but most importantly, loved entirely. He left a lasting impression with every person he met in his 33 years; leaving us with infinite memories and crazy stories. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he encountered.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Ashley Jobe of Harrisburg, SD; sons, Stryker Sikkink-Jobe of Harrisburg, Abram Jobe of Williamson, GA; his father, Stacy (Heidi) Jobe of Carrollton, GA; his mom, Leanne Jobe of Griffin, GA; sister, Alaina Pangburn of Sachse, TX; sister, Caitlin Jobe, brothers, Davis and Evan Jobe, all of Griffin, GA; grandmother, Pat Kimbrell of Logansville, GA; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends whom he considered family.   

Brad was preceded in death by his grandfather, LTC (Ret) Joe D. Jobe (Aka. Peepaw); grandmother, Bonnie E. Jobe; uncle, Darrell L. Jobe; his military brothers, Jacob William Dahl on October 23, 2014, Wyatt Andrew Feltman on March 9, 2017, Tel A. Iverson on September 13, 2017, Danny James, Thomas Uzialko.


We have to do better caring for our veterans, and we cannot lose another one on our watch…we have to find a way to get to our brothers and sisters before it is too late.  In honor of Sgt. Jobe, DTOM created the Bradley Jobe Memorial Gardens here at the ranch.  

Tribute to the Fallen

CPL Ralph E Baringer, (MN/SD)

United States Army/Airforce MIA

WWII: Germany

CPL Baringer's last radio contact was 12/2/1944 at 12:00A.M over the Rhine River, where his last words were "we're going down in flames into the river."   Ralph was from Minnesota and is the family of Mr. Christopher Reder

706 Bombardment Squadron and the 446 Heavy Bombardment Squadron


The DTOM MRMS Equine Arena is named:  The Ralph Baringer Memorial Arena… we will always remember him. 

Tribute to the Fallen

CPL Willis "Bill" Mehlhaff (SD)

United States Army


Willis "Bill" Mehlhaff was born July 25, 1930, to Fred and Lillian (Gerdes) Mehlhaff in Eureka, South Dakota. He attended school in Eureka and graduated in 1948. He played on the basketball team which was a two-time state runner-up in 1947 and 1948. He graduated from Northern State Teachers College in 1952 whereupon he entered the army and was stationed at Fort Ord CA, and Fort Meade, Maryland. He attained the rank of Corporal and was in the Military Intelligence Battalion. He was a member of the Marching Drill Color Guard for military burials at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. It was this service that prepared him to serve in the Eureka Fred Weller American Legion Post 186 Color Guard where he carried the American Flag for 40+ years. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Eureka and married Martha Weller on June 19, 1955. Along with his father F.K. and his brother Dean, Willis was a banker in Eureka for 35 years. He then became the Hospital Administrator at the Eureka Community Hospital.

Those who knew him and loved him do not need a litany of his accomplishments; nor would he like to see them written here. The most important things in his life were his complete faith in God, his wife, his children, their wives, and his grandchildren. Each day he received much joy from all of his family, friends and all those with whom he associated. Blessed for having shared Willis' life are his wife, Martha Mehlhaff of 66 years and their four sons; Charles Mehlhaff, Stewart (Lila) Mehlhaff, Douglas (Karen) Mehlhaff, and David (Deb) Mehlhaff; grandchildren: Taylor (Ashlynn) Mehlhaff, Matthew (Jessica Hollingsworth) Mehlhaff, Arianne (Eric Klohne) Mehlhaff, Kalen (Chris) Fuentes, Jordon (Jamie Hudspeth) Mehlhaff, Aleya Mehlhaff, Isaac Mehlhaff (Meredith VanEssen) Jonah Mehlhaff, Eli Mehlhaff, Santana Mehlhaff and Jocelyn Mehlhaff; 6 great grandchildren; and his eldest sibling Shirley Croonquist. Willis was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Lillian Mehlhaff, granddaughter Maggie Grace Mehlhaff; brothers Dean Mehlhaff and Bruce Mehlhaff; sisters Margaret Lemmon and June Mehlhaff.


From Doc.  “Mr. Mehlhaff was brought out to the ranch at age 92….in a wheel chair.  When I explained the program to him, I said “sir are you ready to get started with this therapy?  He said “Let’s do it.….”  he was gone a few days later.  It can never be too late…we have to find them so it is never too late.  Rest in eternal peace sir…I will never forget you.”  Doc T. 

Tribute to the Fallen

Richard "Duke" Alan Wilson (SD)

United States Army

April 16, 1944 - April 26, 2017


Duke was born on April 16, 1944 to Nathan H. Wilson and Helen Eagle in Sisseton, South Dakota. At a young age with his siblings went to the Tekawitha Orphanage and was separated and went to Wahpeton Boarding School, ND then returned to rural Sisseton until the age of 16 and he joined the Army. He married Celeste Greeley and later married Jeanette LaCroix July 15, 1974. After serving in the Army he lived in Standing Rock, Bullhead, Eagle Butte and returned to Sisseton.   He worked for the Tribal and Sisseton Police Department. He enjoyed mechanical work on cars, making dolls, drawing designs for star quilts and going to the casinos.


Rest in eternal peace brother….


Tribute to the Fallen

1st LT. Duane Wilfred Bellefeuille (MN)

Duane Wilfred Bellefeuille was born to Richard Bellefeuille and Alma (Plante) Bellefeuille on October 29, 1924 in Callaway, where he was raised, and he graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1942. After high school he worked in the Ship Yards on the West Coast until he and his buddy decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. 

Duane completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then was accepted for bombardier training at the University of Montana in Missoula. After just a short time he was called back into the infantry. 

He was trained in mountain combat at Camp Adair in Washington State and in December 1944, he and the rest of the 70th Infantry Division, the "Trailblazers," set sail for Europe. They landed at Marseilles France on December 20th and then drove northward to meet the Germans near "the Bulge." 

Duane was a gunner with an antitank platoon that saw their first action against a German SS Mountain Division near Wingen Sur Moder, France on Christmas Eve, 1944. 

His unit saw 79 straight days of combat and for his exemplary service under fire in the Ardennes, Duane was awarded a battlefield commission as second lieutenant. He remained in Germany with the Army of Occupation after the war and was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant in 1946.

Duane married Marian Golkowski in Fresno, Calif., on March 20, 1953. They soon decided that California wasn't for them and moved back home to Callaway. They raised seven children all of whom still reside within 50 miles of their original home in Callaway. 

Over his career, Duane worked for Johnson's Bee Farm in Callaway, as Post Master of the Callaway Post Office, as manager of the South Side Liquor store in Detroit Lakes and for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He then worked as the USPS rural letter carrier for the Callaway route, for over 25 years.

He lived to hunt, and did so at every occasion. He loved hunting elk in Colorado and did so many times, with his family and friends. He could shoot the eye out of a squirrel at 200 yards and put much wild game on the table for his family. 

Duane was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion. He served on the Callaway Fire Department for many years. Every Memorial Day for over 30 years, he honored all veterans interred at St. Mary's Cemetery in Callaway by placing and maintaining flags on their graves. 

Surviving Duane are his wife of 59 years, Marian; his sons, Darcy (Bonnie) of Vergas, Dan of Waubun, Doug (Diane) of Detroit Lakes, Joe (Kristi) of Ogema and Paul(Kristy) of Detroit Lakes; his daughters, Gwen (Larry) Hruby of Osage and Mary (Jonis) Estrem of Fargo; 18 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. 

Other surviving family members include his brothers and sisters, Mary Nugent, Dick (Marilyn) Bellefeuille, Keith (Natalie) Bellefeuille, Kenneth Bellefeuille, Danielle (Jim) Dixon and David (Betty) Bellefeuille; sisters-in-law Della Bellefeuille, Marna Bellefeuille and Jeanette Jahnke; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Duane in death were his parents; brothers Warren and Dennis Bellefeuille; brother-in-law Bernie Nugent; sister-in-law Lois Bellefeuille; grandson Ethan Bellefeuille; and son-in-law Jodi Kangas.

Duane never forgot the terrible experiences of serving in combat on the bloody fields of France in World War II and like so many soldiers of his and subsequent generations, he never thought of himself as anything other than an ordinary man. He always said that the heroes of war are the ones who don't come home.

Duane lived every day of his life with the memories of those fallen friends in his heart. Today he sees them again, to play cards, have a beer and think of only God's love and not the wars of man.


From Doc…. “Grandpa taught me to love math even though I was horrible at it…he wrote letters to me while I was in boot camp talking about his nights in a foxhole during the Battle of the Bulge….he was the only one that wrote to me.  I will miss his malted milk shakes, his fried potatoes, and his love of mathematical puzzles.  The man who taught me so much and no one ever knew.  Love you grandpa and rest in eternal peace.”  



Tribute to the Fallen

Keith "Butch" Allen Breidenbach (SD)

United States Army,

Vietnam

August 14th, 1944 - November 13th, 2021


Keith was born August 14, 1944 in Aberdeen, SD to Francis Breidenbach and Dorothy (Knie) Breidenbach Thorpe. Keith grew up in Aberdeen, and later in Chelsea, SD. At a young age, Keith started working for the Carda family farming and moving hay. In 1967, Keith was drafted into the US Army and served on the ground in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in January of 1969. Upon returning home, Keith resumed his work with the Carda family. On April 28, 1973, Keith married Barb Fischbach in Mellette, SD. In November of 1973, Keith began working as a custodian for the Warner School District where he worked until his retirement in August, 2010. He also spent much time working on his brother-in-law's farm in rural Warner.

Keith was a member of the Rieck-Morgan American Legion Post 137 of Warner, and served with the Warner Volunteer Fire Department. He also enjoyed spending time camping, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling, as well as taking trips to Sioux Falls to see his grandkids.

Grateful for having shared Keith's life are his wife, Barb; sons, Kevin (Rachel) Breidenbach of Sioux Falls, SD and Mark (Jeny Barnes) Breidenbach of Warner, SD; and his two grandchildren, Carson and Tenley Breidenbach.



Tribute to the Fallen

CPL Jerry P. Ingebrigtson (Mn)

United States Marines,

WWII: Asia Pacific, 1st Marine Division

April 17th, 1926- November 1st, 2009

Son of Tech SGT Arnold Ingebrigtson, enlisted to find his dad who was MIA in Manila (Philippines) at the time of his enlistment.  When Jerry finished bootcamp and was heading to Guadalcanal, he was notified that his father was captured and was enduring the Bataan Death March.  Jerry was later notified that his father had survived the death march but had been killed by the Japanese Army at Camp #4, Camp O'Donnell in the Philippines.  


From Doc. “Grandpa, I don’t have words to explain all of the things you taught me…and the day before I left for boot camp you handed me two SGT patches…and you did not tell me that they were your dad’s patches…. And you said “please sew these on your uniform when you become a SGT.…you taught me to always help someone if you had the ability and to never judge anyone… all of the life lessons, and I was never able to help you with your own PTSD and never understood you until you were gone…until it was too late to say…I understand.  I will always keep your memory close to my heart.”  Once a Marine…Always a Marine.”  





Tribute to the Fallen

Tech Sgt. Arnold Ingebrigtson (Mn/AL)

United States Army, 31st Infantry Reg.

WWII: Philippines, Bataan P.O.W.  

Purple Heart Recipient

Died: P.O.W. Camp #4 Camp O'Donnell

November 1st, 1901, - 5/29/1942

Father of CPL Jerry Ingebrigtson





Mailing Address:

DTOM Veterans Ranch

13952 387th Ave

Warner, SD 57479

501(c)3 82-0917469



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