Doyle Deiter

Doyle Deiter, 77, of Faulkton, passed away Friday, October 24, 2008 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life service was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Burial was in the Faulkton Cemetery.

Doyle Edward Deiter was born in Faulkton on May 7, 1931, to Charlie and Gladys (Reed) Deiter. He attended school in Faulkton and graduated in 1949. Following graduation, he attended SDSU and then returned to work at Deiter Implement. He was united in marriage to Jean Duncan on March 10, 1951. In September of that year, he entered military service where he was a paratrooper with the 187th Airborne. After serving overseas in the Korean War, Doyle returned to Faulkton and began farming. He and his wife Jean had four children: Rod, Linda, Jill, and Larry. After many years of farming, Doyle and Jean moved to town in 1998. Once in town, he enjoyed his daily review of the Deiter Brothers operation.

Doyle was an avid sports participant and fan. He played basketball in high school. He also played and coached baseball, and was a member of the Miranda Blues softball team. He was a part-time coach and faithful follower of the Lionetts softball team on which his daughters played for many years. He continued to attend Faulkton High School athletic events long after his children graduated. He was passionate about the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins. Highlights include attending the 1991 World Series at the Metrodome with his family, and meeting baseball legend Nolan Ryan.

Doyle will always be remembered for his generosity and his kind, loving nature. There was a special place in his heart for all children. He loved his children and grandchildren, and he made sure that they knew it. He also had a host of friends and was active in his community. Morning coffee with his “buddies” and a rousing afternoon game of 6-5-4 became a daily routine. He served as the Past Commander of the American Legion, a member of the V.F.W., a member of the Tamworth Township Board, President of the Lakeside Country Club, a member of the Shirk Home (Faulkton Healthcare Center) Board, and was active in his church.

Doyle's memory will be cherished by his wife Jean of 57 years, and their four children: Rod, of Walnut Creek, CA; Linda (Jeff) Erickson of Sioux Falls; Jill (Michael) Allen, of Grinnell, IA; Larry and special friend Mary Jo, of Pierre; nine grandchildren: Kim (Eric) Pauli; Beth (Dan) Frasier; Scott Erickson; Jamie (Ryan) Brown; Stephanie, Jennifer, and Courtney Allen; Kaylyn and Keaton Deiter; one great-granddaughter, Ella Frasier; his brothers Kenneth and Delmar (Loreve) Deiter; his sister Arlene (Jim) Jarvis; brothers-in-law Dave (Carol) Duncan; Dan (Barb) Duncan; and his Aunt Mildred Ramsdell. They are blessed to have shared in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Gladys Deiter, an infant brother, his grandparents, one daughter-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and one niece.

Memorials may be designated to the Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 100, Faulkton, S.D. 57438.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Doyle's arrangements.