Wilson M. Dent III, 88, passed away Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, at the Platte Avera Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
A celebration of his life was held Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Olive Presbyterian Church in Platte. Burial services were private.
Wilson Marcellus Dent III was born on March 31, 1927, to Wilson M. and Maude (Garrett) Dent in Forestburg. He attended rural school and high school in Forestburg and Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. He served in the U.S. Navy and 25 years in the National Guard.
Wilson was united in marriage with Fern Kempf on Dec. 7, 1950, in Alpena. To this union, four children were born: Leanne, Julie, Frank and Wilson. In 1956, Bill and Fern moved to Platte, where he was the State Game Warden until his retirement in 1988. His life as a game warden was not only to serve and protect the wildlife, but also the sportsman. He was instrumental in acquiring public hunting land in the area and walleye stocking of Lake Francis Case, and providing services of rescue and recovery. Those who met Wilson professionally knew he was fair and realized the stern verbal reprimand was more costly than the fine they would have received.
Bill was a member of the Olive Presbyterian Church, American Legion, South Dakota Peace Officers, Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge #93, the Yankton Consistory and the Big Bend Shrine Club.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing. For the last 26 years, he enjoyed warmer weather, spending winter months in Mission, Texas.
Wilson is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Fern; a brother, Roger Dent of Connecticut; two daughters, Leanne (Richard) Kirsch of Lisbon, ND, and Julie Dent of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; a son, Wilson (Barbara Jo) M. Dent IV of Mitchell; five grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Doris Maroon of Madison, Laura Tyrell of Jamestown, ND., and Audrey Kempf of Renton, Wash.; and a son, Frank Wilson Dent.
Memorials are requested to the Wings of Hope Cancer Fund, PO Box 192, Platte, SD 57369.
Messages of sympathy may be extended to the family through mountfuneralhome.com.