Sheldon Reding
May 25, 1944 ~ March 30, 2020
Sheldon P. Reding, 75, of Harrold, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020 at his home surrounded by family.
Due to the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, private family Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2020 St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Highmore and burial at St. Johns cemetery in Harrold. A time of gathering and celebration will be held later this summer.
Sheldon was born May 25, 1944 in Harrold, SD to Peter and Evelyn (Boehimer) Reding. He grew up on the farm three miles west of Harrold along Highway 14 until he was in the third grade and then moved into town where he lived until he was married. He married the love of his life, Corien Fast on June 11, 1965. They were blessed with four children: Raymond, Ronnie, Roanna, and Reva. Sheldon and his wife Corien then moved to their farm known as the “Summerside Ranch” which is a mile south of Harrold.
Sheldon was baptized, confirmed, and active in the Harrold Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Sheldon farmed and ranched his entire life. He had a passion for dirt track racing. He raced for 30 plus years. He earned his pilot’s license and had the nick name “The Flying Farmer” while racing. During his racing career he won many trophy’s, championships, and raced at different dirt tracks. Other hobbies include bowling, playing cards, and shooting pool in his younger years. He made a trip to Sturgis, SD this past summer with his daughter and son-in-law for the rallies. He rode his Goldwing Honda that he purchased a couple years ago. Sheldon and Corien would enjoy heading to Deadwood for Deadwood Nights for quite a few a few years. He also enjoyed taking the side-by-side along with his sweetheart and checked the cattle or just enjoyed the view. He often spent his evenings sitting on the deck with his wife to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the scenery. He had a talent of being able to pull scraps out of the tree patch and build something useful for the shop. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. You might even catch him playing with his kitten at the shop, he had a strong presence with a soft heart.
Sheldon will be greatly missed by his wife, Corien of Harrold; children: Raymond Reding (fiancé Elaine Erickson) of Harrold, Ronnie (Twila) Reding of Blunt, Roanna (Lonnie) Garland of Cottage Grove, MN; Reva (David) Schulte of Oakdale, MN; thirteen grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
He is proceeded in death by parents, Evelyn and Peter Reding; grandparents, Elizabeth and August Boehmer; grandparents-in-law, Ida and Edward Fast; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Ed Ravnaas; aunt and uncle, John and Dorothy Zilverberg; aunt and uncle, Marcella and Nester Auch; and grandchild, Tristan.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Sheldon’s arrangements.
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Dear Corien and all of your large family – Please know that you have our sincere sympathy for your loss of Sheldon. We will be praying for an increase in your faith, strength, understanding, and peace of mind as you grieve.
I believe I first met Sheldon when I was asked to be the flight instructor for their newly formed Harrold Flying Club in 1978. The guys picked Sheldon to fly with me first, to see if I would fill the bill. Things went well, and he went on to earn his Private Pilot Certificate. I knew he was “famous” for being a very successful race car driver, and I was surprised at how careful and focused he was while flying with me. We became friends and that continued until his passing.
Sheldon’s family and mine went to St. John’s Catholic Church for many years, and I will always have fond memories of the many discussions we had at the “men’s
table” having coffee after Mass.
Sheldon was a man of faith, and it showed in his daily life and how he dealt with people.
I am sad that I have lost a good friend, but I am glad that his suffering is over, and he has most definitely gone to his reward.
Gary and Kay Ann Myers
Great sadness to learn of the passing of a truly great guy. Fortunate to have memories of Sheldon racing in Pierre and watching him, Marty, Jim, and Dennis slave over their cars down in their shop. We were lucky as kids to have him and others like him as a role model. To the family, he was much admired and we share in your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dagmar and Doug Burrer
I am so sorry to hear about Sheldon's passing. His family and friends are in my prayers. Sheldon added many hours of fun and entertainment to my life watching him race at the Miller Central Speedway track. I loved watching him race and cheered him every Saturday night at the racetrack. May God comfort you and give you strength.
I am sorry for your loss. I first met Sheldon in 1971 when he was part of Harrold Racers. He was always fun to visit with and full of knowledge. Keep the great memories in your hearts.
Sincerely
Leonard and Carolyn Spomer
My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. It was suck a joy to root for and watch Sheldon race all those years.
Sheldon Reding Family:
We are so sorry for your loss and can only imagine your pain. I have so many memories that it is impossible to write about. I have lost someone that I thought of as an older, wiser, big brother that I never had. In my family I was the older brother.
Through all the years of our lives–first as little kids playing in the streets then racing cars all over the country, raising our families, running our businesses, and finally to our lasts visits.
I have had the advantage of his wise counsel and protection for almost all of his 75 years. We were used to winning in life with a few setbacks but cancer was as of yet a very tough opponent. Rest in peace Sheldon and I will miss you every day for the rest of my life. You were 2 years and 3 days older and we made light of that all the time. If I'm lucky I may be able to catch you now.
Dennis & Marlene Marso
Sheldon was just a cornerstone of our community. He was respected by all. He leaves behind so many people that will cherish the memories of watching him race all of those awesome years. His time on this earth was far too short. Our sympathies to the whole family. I bet my Dad is in heaven waiting to share many stories of the good old days with his old friend.
So sorry to hear about Sheldon's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Gerald really thought a lot of Sheldon. On Saturday mornings, they would always be the last two sitting at the Senior Center having coffee and visiting after all the other men had left.
So very sorry to hear of Sheldon's passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family. I remember going to the races and cheering Sheldin and crew on to a win.
Sorry for you loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Sorry to hear of Sheldons passing. I always heard of the Flying Farmer when I was a kid on the radio racing reports. When I first met him a few years ago and asked him about his racing career he was very humble. Always liked to visit with him in the shop.
We are so very sorry! Sending you love and prayers.
We will always have our memories of gathering with friends and family at the farm. You will truly be missed.
I covered the car races in Huron for the Daily Plainsman for many, many years back in the 1970s. There was no finer gentleman on the track than the Flying Farmer. Sheldon, thanks for the memories. My sympathy to the family.
I watched Sheldon race many Saturday nights at Miller. Thanks for the memories. Red and white #11.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Reding family. You all lost a husband and father, and the Harrold lost a legend. He will always be remember for his racing days, but I will always remember him as one of the nicest people I have ever met. Rest in peace old friend.
Sheldon was one of the finest men I ever knew. He was a gentle soul but dominated at the race track. We would always think about him as we drove thru Harrold. May God be with all the family in these long days ahead. Guys like Sheldon only come along once in a blue moon. RIP…. Lance Beebe
Thinking of Sheldon's family during this difficult time. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him through his daughter Roanna and his grandchildren Vera and Syndney. I hope the happy memories will bring you some comfort. You are all so very loved.
We would like to express our sympathy to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Kip Decker Family.
I first met Sheldon in the first grade. I lived in the country and I often stayed at the Redings.Sheldon and I would terrorize Harrold. In the eighth grade my family moved to Aberdeen.From then, through high school I would take the bus to Harrold and we would take his dads 49 ford and cruise Pierre and Fort Pierre. The first race I watched was in Pierre, racing the 49 Ford he had fixed up for the track he was already a winner.
Life's paths change and I didn't see him often, but when I did it was always as if we had talked daily.His passing is hard and leaves us an emptiness.
Sheldon you will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Jim (Trena) Helsper.
My deepest sympathy to Corien and all the family! John loved working with Sheldon and we really enjoyed visiting with both of you. I know how hard this time is for you, but God is always here to help us through these hard times. My prayers are with you.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Reding family. You all lost a husband and father, and the Harrold area lost a legend. He will always be remembered for his racing days, but I will always remember him as one of the nicest people I have ever met. Rest in peace old friend.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Sheldon Redding family during this incredibly difficult time.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Sheldon Redding family during this incredibly difficult time.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Sheldon Redding family during this incredibly difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Sheldon passing. Had a lot of great times threw the years that I pitted for him. I will always have a lot of great memories of them years. Haven't seen a lot of him over the pass few years but our paths have crossed a few times and enjoyed the conversations we had. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sorry to hear of Sheldon's passing. Had a lot of great times threw the years that I pitted for him. I will always have a lot of great memories of them years. Haven't seen a lot of him over the pass few years but our paths have crossed a few times and enjoyed the conversations we had. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
We were so sorry to hear that Sheldon had passed. He was a true role model to Ron, regarding racing and farming. Back in the early 70’s Ron went to watch his first ever dirt track race at Miller, even before he ever thought about racing himself. He was so impressed with Sheldons racing skills that he wanted to race just like him! Well, the rest is history as they say! Ron always looked to him for advice and Sheldon always gave him honest answers. When not on the track, they would talk “farming” in the pits as they both had a love for the land. What we really want you to know, to us he was such a good man!!! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Ron and Deb Droog
We were so sorry to hear that Sheldon had passed. He was a true role model to Ron, regarding racing and farming. Back in the early 70’s Ron went to watch his first ever dirt track race at Miller, even before he ever thought about racing himself. He was so impressed with Sheldons racing skills that he wanted to race just like him! Well, the rest is history as they say! Ron always looked to him for advice and Sheldon always gave him honest answers. When not on the track, they would talk “farming” in the pits as they both had a loved for the land. What we really want you to know, to us he was such a good man!!! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Ron and Deb Droog
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sheldon was a gentle kind man that had time to talk to everyone. He gave me a chance to be on his race team and taught me a lot. Sheldon set an example by always going to church before races.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Deepest sympathy
My thoughts and prayers are with the Reding family. I have many fond memories of Sheldon at the tracks, he always had a smile and in a joyful mood. May Sheldon and Don share their racing stories together as I know they have many! Rest in Peace Sheldon. With Sympathy from the Don Wagner Family.
Our heart goes out to the Reding Family at this time for your loss. I will always remember getting to go to Huron Speedway and watching Sheldon race. In my teen years when I would be out at the farm with Ronnie and Roanna I just remember when we would walk into the house he would be sitting in his chair and he would look at you over his glasses that was all he needed to do and you knew you better behave. Sheldon will always be remembered as a very prominent man with a big heart in the town of Harrold.
With my deepest sympathy to the Reding family.
Joy Colson.
Reding family our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Sheldon will never be forgotten, he was one of the nicest, honest, helping hand, and kind hearted people anyone could ever ask for. We will miss seeing Sheldon in at the elevator and seeing his big smile. Sheldon is truly one of a kind and I know my family is honored to have known him and will miss him dearly.
So very sorry to hear of Sheldon, passing. He was one special man. When my kids were little, every Sat. nite was time to go see Sheldon race in Miller. Later on, my David (Flipper) Keller learned to race from Sheldon and was fixing up a race car when he passed away. Sheldon was his idol and such a good role model for a young man who just loved show cars and racing cars. Don also thought the world of Sheldon. Our hearts and prayers go out to Corine and family. God,s Blessings!
Sorry for your loss, i grew up in the racing circuit, my mother was the head lap counter at northwest speedway, James valley speedway and at the state fair speedway thru the Tony dean days, two years ago at miller speedway I stood with him and we talked about the past racing during the quiet times at the track, thanks for the memories, sincerely Doug Bjorke Huron.
Thoughts and prayers are with you folks. Sheldon was our Entertainment back in the 70,s on saterday nite watching him race in miller hardly ever losing one.Got to know him years later. Just one GREAT GUY!!
We will miss him at Sunday dinner.
We are so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to put into words just know we are thinking of you and sending you our prayers.
We were sorry to hear of Sheldon's passing, Sheldon had been a great friend since meeting him in 1999, he was always ready to help anyone that needed it and was a fine upstanding man, honest and hard working, the world will be a lesser place without Sheldon, we will meet again old friend….
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Corien and family -we would like to extend our deepest sympathies , although we only got to meet Sheldon once at Ed’s funeral Mom (Lorraine Ravnaas ) spoke so very highly of Sheldon and your family for all of the help with Ed and herself. He was a true blessing to our family as we were all so far away. Praying for your family as you go through this sad time. Sincerely Julie And John Roberts
Corien, sympathies to you & your family for Sheldon’s passing. Good memories of you both❤️
I have lost the man I most admired; next to my Dad. Every time I think of Sheldon; only one picture comes to my mind. It is in Miller, SD. He has just won another race in his #11 Chevy. He has just barely been able to crawl out of his car. He is dripping wet with sweat. He wipes his forehead to push his hair back off his face. He is wearing a tremendous smile; because he is completely surrounded by little kids four or five deep. He cannot get away from his car. The kids are yelling and screaming because they love him and he is their hero. He would stand there for as long as there were questions to answer and autographs to be signed; sometimes 20 minutes. He was my hero too; and I loved who he was. But I was already 17. Too old to go clamber all over him. Often, I would stand a ways away; and watch this happen after the last race on Saturday night at Miller Central Speedway.for years.
I believe Sheldon was loved by so many; because he loved so much.
Kay Heinzerling Reister [oldest daughter of Merlin & Peggy Heinzerling] We raced when Sheldon did. We were all blessed to have known someone so very special. I feel so sad. You must feel so awful to lose him.
"The Flying Farmer" just flew up to his Savior; who was very glad to see him.