James “Waldo” Revillo Waldner
July 19, 1936 ~ September 2, 2025
James “Waldo” R. Waldner, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion.
A Celebration of Life Open House will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at LifeChange Church, 6300 W. 41st, Sioux Falls, SD, with a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, 25965 477th Ave., Sioux Falls.
James “Waldo” Revillo Waldner was born July 19, 1936, in Wessington Springs, SD, the only child to James Paul and Lucy (Wallman) Waldner. Due to his dad working for Chicago Northwestern Railroad, James attended school in Wessington Springs, Huron, Rockham, Parker and Sioux Falls. He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls in 1954.
After high school, James joined the National Guard and worked various jobs until he enlisted in the army in March of 1958. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA, with a tour of almost 2 years in Germany. He was honorably discharged in March of 1961.
James met Janet Grace Gilbert, originally from Wisconsin, at an adult social at the Gospel Tabernacle in Sioux Falls, in 1961. They were married later that same year on October 7 in Minneapolis, MN. They had two children, David James in 1962 and Darla Jean in 1966. James went on many hunting trips with his son and friends. The family enjoyed taking scenic trips together.
James worked for the post office as a postal clerk then went to college in Sioux Falls for short time. He then started his own business, ‘Waldo’s Gun Supply’ in the basement of their home in 1968. They moved in 1974 to a property in town with two buildings – one which became their home and the other, his business. He closed his brick-and-mortar business in 1998 when they moved across town. He then started selling his inventory online for 22 more years, until his health declined.
James was a member of the National Rifle Association and a lifetime member of the Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Association. He was also the founder and past president of the Big Sioux Rifle and Pistol Club Shooting Range.
James enjoyed archery, fishing, hunting, target shooting, and stamp collecting. He also enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoyed watching westerns, history shows, and hunting and fishing shows. His wife, Janet was the love of his life, and they enjoyed watching Gospel music shows together.
James is survived by his wife, Janet Waldner, Marion; son, David Waldner; daughter, Darla (Sean) Tsuji; grandchildren, Ryan and Eryka Anderson, and Kiara Tsuji, all of Sioux Falls.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucy.
Waldo always liked outdoor sports and hunting. A good person to have known.
May the Lord comfort you all. It has been special to go to church with you these many years. I especially remember Darla being in the singing Christmas tree.