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.
-
Weather
Failure notice from provider:
Connection Error:http_request_failedUpcoming Events
May 2025 SSunday MMonday TTuesday WWednesday TThursday FFriday SSaturday 27April 27, 2025 28April 28, 2025 29April 29, 2025 30April 30, 2025 1May 1, 2025 2May 2, 2025 3May 3, 2025 4May 4, 2025 5May 5, 2025 6May 6, 2025 7May 7, 2025 8May 8, 2025 9May 9, 2025 10May 10, 2025 11May 11, 2025 12May 12, 2025 13May 13, 2025 14May 14, 2025 15May 15, 2025 16May 16, 2025 17May 17, 2025 18May 18, 2025 19May 19, 2025 20May 20, 2025 21May 21, 2025 22May 22, 2025 23May 23, 2025 24May 24, 2025 25May 25, 2025 26May 26, 2025 27May 27, 2025 28May 28, 2025 29May 29, 2025 30May 30, 2025 31May 31, 2025 -
Recent Posts
Contact Us
Archives
Tweet