Alex Wayne Pettit
April 3, 1982 ~ February 19, 2008
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
Alex Wayne Pettit of Ree Heights, SD died Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Hand County Memorial Hospital as a result of a vehicle accident.
Alex was born on April 3, 1982 to Mike and Linda (Roberts) Pettit. He grew up in Miller, SD with his father and stepmother, Ruth Pettit. He attended the Miller Elementary, Junior and High schools, but finished his high school career in Woonsocket High School while living with his mother and stepfather, Douglas Zimmerman. Alex graduated from Woonsocket in May 2000. While in high school, Alex enlisted into the South Dakota National Guard as a track vehicle mechanic. He attended Basic Training the summer of 1999 in Fort Leonardwood, MO and Advanced Individual Training the following summer. He was a member of the 153rd Engineer Company in Huron, SD.
Alex attended Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, SD to study diesel mechanics. On September 21, 2002 he married Kerry Rude at Cherry Creek Park in Sioux Falls, SD. He put his studies on hold to continue his career in the military when he transferred from the SD National Guard to Active Army and was stationed at Fort Irwin, CA. In January 2005 while serving with F Troop 1/11 Armored Calvary Regiment, Alex and his fellow soldiers deployed to Iraq and returned back to the United States in March 2006. From there, Alex came back to his hometown in May 2006 to be closer to his family. Alex and Kerry divorced in December 2006 but remained good friends. He fulfilled his military obligation by serving his final time with C Bty 17th FA in Miller receiving an honorable discharge. During his eight years as a U.S. Soldier Alex obtained the rank of Sergeant and earned the following awards: Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal.
Shortly after his move back to Miller, Alex began work as a ranch hand for Dean and Candice Locker outside of Ree Heights where he made his home. He loved the outdoors, which made this work perfect for him. During this time, he became a very proud owner of a Harley Davidson. This became his pride and joy, ranking closely to his beloved Pit Bulls, Girl and Buddy, who he was always ready to show off. Alex also had many other toys and projects going on to keep him busy when he wasn?t working. He always showed enjoyment in the activities of his family, but especially his little brothers Michael and John and niece Liz. He was always keeping busy, but never too busy to stop and help someone or just visit and share his quirky smile we all came to love. Alex was never at a loss of words, and he always had something to say that would bring a smile or laughter to anyone. Alex was a very caring and thoughtful person and continued that through the gift of organ and tissue donation.
Alex had plans to move to Mitchell next fall to finish his education, but will now go on to do bigger and better things.
Alex is survived by his parents, Michael and Ruth Pettit of Miller, Linda and Douglas Zimmerman of Forestburg; his sister: Laura (Josh) Smith of Miller; his brothers: Michael Pettit of Miller and John Rebehn of Plymouth, MN; his grandparents: Colleen Koeck of Miller and Elaine (Casey) Snodgrass of Highmore, Oliver and Grace Zimmerman of Forestburg, and Harry Schildknecht of Cebu City, Philipines; his niece: Anahi ?Liz? Aragon of Miller; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and of course, his dogs, Girl and Buddy.
He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jimmy Wayne Pettit, Donald Roberts, and John ?Don? Koeck; his great-grandmothers, Ruby ?Kitty? Evans, Phyllis Roberts and Maudie Pettit; and his great-grandfathers: Cliffton Riley Pettit and Alvin Leroy Evans, Sr.
Visitation was held Friday, February 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller. Funeral services were Saturday, February 23, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial was in the Morningside Cemetery, Ree Heights.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials are given.
Rembold Funeral Home of St. Lawrence was entrusted with Alex?s arrangements.
Alex was born on April 3, 1982 to Mike and Linda (Roberts) Pettit. He grew up in Miller, SD with his father and stepmother, Ruth Pettit. He attended the Miller Elementary, Junior and High schools, but finished his high school career in Woonsocket High School while living with his mother and stepfather, Douglas Zimmerman. Alex graduated from Woonsocket in May 2000. While in high school, Alex enlisted into the South Dakota National Guard as a track vehicle mechanic. He attended Basic Training the summer of 1999 in Fort Leonardwood, MO and Advanced Individual Training the following summer. He was a member of the 153rd Engineer Company in Huron, SD.
Alex attended Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, SD to study diesel mechanics. On September 21, 2002 he married Kerry Rude at Cherry Creek Park in Sioux Falls, SD. He put his studies on hold to continue his career in the military when he transferred from the SD National Guard to Active Army and was stationed at Fort Irwin, CA. In January 2005 while serving with F Troop 1/11 Armored Calvary Regiment, Alex and his fellow soldiers deployed to Iraq and returned back to the United States in March 2006. From there, Alex came back to his hometown in May 2006 to be closer to his family. Alex and Kerry divorced in December 2006 but remained good friends. He fulfilled his military obligation by serving his final time with C Bty 17th FA in Miller receiving an honorable discharge. During his eight years as a U.S. Soldier Alex obtained the rank of Sergeant and earned the following awards: Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal.
Shortly after his move back to Miller, Alex began work as a ranch hand for Dean and Candice Locker outside of Ree Heights where he made his home. He loved the outdoors, which made this work perfect for him. During this time, he became a very proud owner of a Harley Davidson. This became his pride and joy, ranking closely to his beloved Pit Bulls, Girl and Buddy, who he was always ready to show off. Alex also had many other toys and projects going on to keep him busy when he wasn?t working. He always showed enjoyment in the activities of his family, but especially his little brothers Michael and John and niece Liz. He was always keeping busy, but never too busy to stop and help someone or just visit and share his quirky smile we all came to love. Alex was never at a loss of words, and he always had something to say that would bring a smile or laughter to anyone. Alex was a very caring and thoughtful person and continued that through the gift of organ and tissue donation.
Alex had plans to move to Mitchell next fall to finish his education, but will now go on to do bigger and better things.
Alex is survived by his parents, Michael and Ruth Pettit of Miller, Linda and Douglas Zimmerman of Forestburg; his sister: Laura (Josh) Smith of Miller; his brothers: Michael Pettit of Miller and John Rebehn of Plymouth, MN; his grandparents: Colleen Koeck of Miller and Elaine (Casey) Snodgrass of Highmore, Oliver and Grace Zimmerman of Forestburg, and Harry Schildknecht of Cebu City, Philipines; his niece: Anahi ?Liz? Aragon of Miller; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and of course, his dogs, Girl and Buddy.
He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jimmy Wayne Pettit, Donald Roberts, and John ?Don? Koeck; his great-grandmothers, Ruby ?Kitty? Evans, Phyllis Roberts and Maudie Pettit; and his great-grandfathers: Cliffton Riley Pettit and Alvin Leroy Evans, Sr.
Visitation was held Friday, February 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller. Funeral services were Saturday, February 23, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial was in the Morningside Cemetery, Ree Heights.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials are given.
Rembold Funeral Home of St. Lawrence was entrusted with Alex?s arrangements.
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