DeWayne “Dewey” G. Bliss
June 14, 1946 – November 26, 2010
DeWayne Bliss, 64, of Brandon, SD died Friday, November 26, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Home in Lennox, SD.
DeWayne Gilbert Bliss was born in Canby, MN to Gilbert and Arlyn (Helgemo) Bliss on June 14, 1946. He attended school and graduated from Canby High School. He also attended and received a degree in heavy equipment from the vocational school in Staples, MN.
DeWayne enlisted in the US Army and proudly served from 1967-1969 with a one year tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a very proud Army Veteran.
He married Bev Jepp on April 4, 1970, in Sioux Falls, SD. They farmed near Canby until 1984 when they moved to Custer, SD. DeWayne worked a number of years for the Custer County Highway Department before retiring due to health issues. The family moved to Brandon in 2006.
When his health issues became severe, DeWayne resided in several care facilities; Custer Regional Senior Care, Johnson Memorial VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, Helping Hands Assisted Living in Brandon and since 2009, Good Samaritan Nursing Home of Lennox.
DeWayne especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in his younger years. He also enjoyed his family and was a very proud grandpa.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, December 3, 2010 at Heartland Funeral Home of Brandon with Pastor Phil Larsen & Rev. Allan Holte officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm with family present.
DeWayne is survived by his wife Beverly of Brandon, daughters Marissa (Jay) Shook, Edgemont, SD & Denise (Tim) Jones, San Diego, CA; four grandchildren, JR, Lexee, & Wyatt Bliss and Isaiah Jones; father, Gilbert (Gerda), Canby, MN; brother, Paul (Linda), Brookings, SD.
DeWayne was preceded in death by his mother.
Dear Beverly and Family:
You have my sympathy in the loss of your special loved one. It is always hard even though it is expected. My prayers are for a sense of peace and a special comfort in this difficult time.
Dr. Beck
DeWayne and I attended high school together. I am sorry to hear of his death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Annis Kay
DeWayne was my second cousin and we shared a birthdate. Although he was one year older, that shared birthdate always seemed to make a special bond. I remember DeWayne as always having fun, clowning around, making jokes. He liked to have fun and most everyone did when he was around. We celebrated our birthdays together just this past June and, although his physical problems were obvious, that fun-loving personality was still there. Hard to believe he’s gone. Rest in peace, DeWayne. You sacrificed your health and foreshortened your life responding to your country’s call in Vietnam and your memory will be honored.
Our most sincere condolances to Dewey’s famnily. Dewey and worked together for the county. We had some great times and worked hard. I will always remember the good times spent with him. cb
DeWayne and I were part of the CHS class of ’64. He always had a wonderful sense of humor. We all knew he had suffered greatly since returning from VietNam. He paid a huge price for his service to his country. Blessed be his memory.
Please know that your family is in our prayers.It is never easy losing a loved one but draw on the support of those around you. God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Find comfort that DeWayne is in the hands of God and free of pain and suffering. May you find the grace of healing and know that DeWaynes courage has been an inspiration to many. David and Sharon Smith
DeWayne and I were in 4H together for many years and also were part of the 1964 CHS class. Although I have not seen DeWayne for years I remember all the good times we had in the Oshkosh 4H club and the time spent at CHS. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bliss family.
Thoughts and prayers with the Bliss family. We were classmates of DeWayne’s, class of ’64 at CHS. Lots of fond memories of years gone by. DeWayne paid the ultimate price in defence of our country. I know he was very proud of his time in the Army. R.I.P. DeWayne
DeWayne and I are actually second cousins, but he was more like another brother. We grew up on adjacent farms and attended a rural Yellow Medicine County school together until my family moved to California. After we completed our military service obligations, he and Bev were married and moved to the farm where I once lived. It was always great to be able get back to Minnesota to visit them as well as spend some time in my childhood house. DeWayne will be greatly missed, and his family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
I just want to say how deeply sorry I am for DeWayne’s life being cut so short. I have to admit I didn’t know Dewey nor Bev for very long, however in the time I spent with the both of them I learned how true love, compassion, devoted partnership, and faith can get one through the toughest of times. Dewey also taught me to take what you have and make the most of it day by day and not short of a smile. I know in my heart that he rests in the most wonderful place, because his heart showed nothing but goodness. It is because of DeWayne that I found my place in this world… Thanks, DeWayne R.I.P
Our Sympathy to your family at this time of loss. DeWayne was always cheerful and upbeat even in the face of his health problems. Thanks for your service in Vietnam DeWayne.
To the entire Bliss family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tough time. At least he’s not in pain and hopefully resting in peace!
Dear Bev and kids
My heart was so sad to see that DeWayne passed away. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know it has been a long journey with his illness. Much Love, Michelle
Dear Bev,
Sorry to hear about the loss of DeWayne. You were inspirational in your care and devotion to him. Know that he is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol
Dear Bev and Family,
Sorry to read about Dewey passing away. I have very fond memories of his time with us in the Nursing Home in Custer. The many letters I read to him from his father and helping write letters to him as well. Now he can rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. It is so hard to have your loved one leave but know God is with you.
Diane Bombeck