Carl Ashdown

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Carl Ashdown, 87, of Highmore, passed away Friday, June 14, 2019 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Rev. Sara Kayser officiating. Burial with military honors followed at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2019 followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore,

Carl was born on July 18, 1931 in Highmore, South Dakota, to Walter and Sadie (Hale) Ashdown. Carl was the fifth of six siblings and except for his military service to Korea, spent the majority of his life on the family farm north of Highmore. He attended the South Dakota School of Agricultural in Brookings, South Dakota. During his third year in Brookings, Carl was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. In 2007, Carl was recognized by the Hyde County American Legion as their Freedom Fighter recipient.

Upon being Honorably Discharged from the Army, Carl worked for area farmers, did custom farm work, and installed carpet for the Pierre Furniture Store before returning to the family farm. On June 15, 1958, Carl married the love of his life, Lilly Duchene. Their marriage was blessed with daughter, Terry and son, Michael.

Carl loved living and working on the farm. He took great pride in his crops and beef cattle and was very talented in building and creating specialized livestock and haying equipment. He was not afraid of hard work and long hours and passed these traits onto his children. Some of his proudest and happiest times on the farm were spent with his grandchildren, Tristan and Taylor, who were his pride and joy.

Carl was a strong believer in community service, dedicating many hours serving on different boards and committees. He served on the Board of Directors for First State Bank of Highmore and Miller, the Farmers Union Board, ASCS Board, and Church Council of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Highmore.

Carl is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lilly (Duchene) Ashdown along with his children: Terry and Todd Marks of Harrisburg and Michael and Shauna (Vlcek) Ashdown of Highmore; his two grandchildren: Tristan and Taylor Ashdown; sister, Ethel Gusaas of Valley City, ND; and brother, Les (Elaine) Ashdown of Highmore.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings: Hugh Ashdown, Glenn Ashdown, and Ruth Robertson.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Carl’s arrangements.