Joe Lamb

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Joe Lamb, age 90, of Onida, SD, died unexpectedly Sunday, August 21, 2022 on his 72nd wedding anniversary at his home in Onida.

A celebration of his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Lamb Chevrolet & Implement’s back shop, Onida, - per Joe’s wishes, with visitation one-hour prior. Following burial in the Onida Cemetery, fellowship and a luncheon will be held at the Sully Buttes School Multi-Purpose Room.

Joseph James Lamb was born to Anthony Peter and Veo Zula Adare (Fortson) Lamb on November 24, 1931, in a dugout east of Onida on the Schmitgen place. Joe was their second child, joining sister Dolores, age four. A brother, John “Shorty” was also born in the dugout in 1934, and Charles “Charlie” was born ten years later in Onida. At age six, Joe moved to Onida with his family where his parents started the WNAX service station, selling the first gasohol known. This was followed by a move to the corner east of the Methodist Church where Tony and Veo started to sell gas, later adding groceries. Joe spent many hours helping at the family businesses along with working at the “show house” and with local farmers. Joe excelled in all sports, and had the opportunity to go to college, but after graduating in 1949 he chose to work at the family business and marry his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Hyde, on August 21, 1950.

After their marriage, Joe and Dorothy bought a one-bedroom bungalow across the street from Lamb Service. Daniel Joseph joined the family in 1951, Nancy Louise in 1953, and James Patrick in 1956. With the birth of their third child, Joe added on a three-bedroom addition. They made their family complete with Jeffrey Alan in 1958, and Joseph James, Jr. in 1965. They continue to live in the same location.

Joe bought the gas, oil and tire business from his father on his 21st birthday in 1952 and further expanded the business in 1957 when he bought the Chevrolet dealership from Buck Birdsall. They continued to expand their business in 1959 with the addition of Allis Chalmers and IH farm equipment in 1964. Later Joe would expand into grain bins, an additional gas station, and a hardware store. Joe and Dorothy were awarded many worldwide trips from their business success. They traveled to China, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Scandinavian countries along with many United States destinations.

In 1982 Joe was diagnosed with cancer and spent months at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN undergoing experimental treatments. At this time, he and Dorothy sold the family business to their sons, Dan, Jamie, Jeff, and Joey. With Dorothy’s vitamin regimen and daily encouragement, Joe kicked his colon cancer, and he and Dorothy went to work for their sons, eventually moving with them to their new building on highway 83.  Joe’s desk was conveniently placed by the south entrance where he greeted and directed customers and kept track of every detail from gas, tires, cars, and equipment. He worked every day until the time of his death.  Joe was blessed with employees he considered family, and in his 70’s and 80’s he often cooked large quantities of turkey and noodles, fish, deer, and antelope. Joe was glad to hand over some of these duties to daughter, Nancy, when she joined the business in 2011.  He could be a taskmaster with a quick temper just as easily as a quick wit, and his sons, grandsons and granddaughters were all expected to work under his guidance and tutelage.

Work was Joe’s life starting at a very young age, but he always found time to hunt, fish, and play football, basketball, and baseball. He continued to be involved in baseball and was an impressive pitcher for local teams and the Oahe baseball league, even catching the eye of Mickey Owens of Brooklyn Dodgers fame.

Joe was also very active in the Onida Fire Department, running from Lamb’s to the firehall in record speed. Responding to emergency calls that involved close friends took a toll and he retired from the department.

Hunting and fishing were enjoyed for all of his 90 years, and he loved buying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren their first guns. Many of his grandchildren have fishing stories in which they tested Grandpa Joe’s patience. Turkey, deer, and antelope hunting with the Fischer’s in west river country was a highlight of his hunting adventures.

His greatest joy has been the involvement of his family in his successful business and watching them grow the business. Joe has left a legacy of determination, hard work, commitment, and love of family. He loved following his children, and then his grandchildren, in their sports activities even venturing out to their numerous state tournament games. Joe will be remembered for his story-telling, quick wit, and Diet Cokes and Vodka! A library of information has been lost in the death of Joe, a 90-year resident of Sully County.

Joe is survived by his wife and partner of 72 years, Dorothy; five children: Dan (Colleen), Nancy (Terry) Weischedel, Jamie (Susan), Jeff (Becky), and Joey (Brenda); fifteen grandchildren: Kendra (JJ) Hofts, Riley (Tascha) Lamb, Brittney (Derek) Schiefelbein, Angie (Darren) Alexander, Amanda (Jake) Hegland, Ryder (Alyssa) Weischedel, Katelynn (Clay) Pottorff, Elizabeth (Travis) Salmonson, Jordan (Abbey) Lamb, Deidre (fiancé Alexander Perkins) Lamb, Kylee (Will John) Johnson, Chloe Lamb, Jalen (Tiera) Lamb, Josh Lamb, and Jett Lamb; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; numerous special nieces and nephews; and  brothers-in-law: Dick (Cheryl) Hyde, Bob (Brenda) Hyde and Steve (Kathy) Hyde. Joe also considered Sandy Stough a part of the family, the only one who listened and didn’t argue with him!

Preceding him in death were his parents, Tony and Veo Lamb; sister, Dolores (Howard) Hanson; brothers, John (Emma) Lamb and Charles Lamb; and father and mother-in-law, Conrad and Louise (Smith) Hyde. 

In lieu of flowers, please give a donation in Joe’s memory to the local charity or organization of your choice.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements.