John Byron Wehde

June 8, 1933 ~ June 10, 2015

John Byron Wehde, 82, Huron, passed away peacefully, early Wednesday morning, June 10, 2015, at his youngest daughter’s home in Chancellor, SD.

A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday June 13, 2015, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 425 21st St. SW, Huron, SD 57053, and his burial will be at the family plot in Platte, SD, on Monday, June 15.

John Byron Wehde was born June 8, 1933, in Winner, SD to Edward and Hazel Angela (Anderson) Wehde in the Tripp County Courthouse. John was raised on a ranch in Mission, SD where he graduated from Todd County High School in 1951. John went on to attend the University of South Dakota and graduated from USD School of Law in 1957. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Reserve from 1951-1958. John married Char Edmisten August 31, 1959 in Mitchell, SD. John began his career in Pierre working for the Attorney General’s Office from 1960-1969. He then started his own law firm in Huron, SD where he practiced until his retirement. He enjoyed spending his retirement between his home in South Dakota close to family, and his winter months in Palm Springs, California.

John had a giving heart and always had enough love to share and touch many lives. He was a driven man with a desire for learning, an unwavering faith, and a love for performing music. Throughout his 82 years of life, John shared many accomplishments with his beautiful family and close friends. The last few years of John’s life were dedicated to publishing two books. The first book, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”, revisits John’s role in the Platte-Winner bridge lawsuit back in the 1960’s. His most recent book, “Exquisite Miracles”, illustrates many of John’s personal miracles and emphasizes his strong Catholic faith. Following the publishing of his two books, John was heard many times noting that he had finally done all that he set out to do.

John is survived by his 4 children, Mark (Nadia) Wehde of Minneapolis, MN, Dan (Karen) Wehde of Huron, SD, Angie (Todd) Mills of Rapid City, SD, and Laura (Dean) Menning of Chancellor, SD; 11 grandchildren, Brady, Sam, Melissa, Emily, Jayme, Anna, Jecelyn, Madison, Samantha, Jacob, and Krystiana; and 2 great-grandchildren, Raquel and Olivia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Arlette (Ed) Hart and Frances (at birth). He is also preceded in death by his best friend and cousin, Tommy Anderson.

Along with family, John is survived by special friend Jeanie Janes of Minnesota and her family. Another special friend, Betty Rose, who also greeted John in Heaven, left a special family who he loved as his own including; Bret Larson and family of California, Melinda and Jennifer Rumpza of Wolsey, SD, and Debra Dempsey and her family Tammy, Chad, AJ, Bobbee Jo and their families of surrounding areas.

John’s last wish was for us all to remember him with a smile and an act of kindness. In John’s words, “the eagle has landed.”

In lieu of flowers, John’s family asks you all to note down a fond memory of John and place it in the dedicated box. In honor of John’s giving spirit the family encourages you to pay it forward in all the days to come.

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