Velma E. McDonald

Velma E. McDonald age 83 of Aladdin, WY, died Monday April 6th, 2009 from an accidental fall that occurred at her home. The funeral service will be held 11am Friday April 10th, 2009 at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Visitation will be held 4 to 7pm Thursday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Northern Hills Hospice or the Belle Fourche Ministerial Association. Velma Evelyn Wilhelm was born December 23, 1925 in Custer South Dakota. She was the daughter of John A. and Mary (Koch) Wilhelm. Velma grew up on the family ranch near Custer and graduated from Custer High School in 1944. Velma always wanted to be a nurse and in 1947 she received her Registered Nurse Degree from the Spearfish Normal College and St. John’s Hospital in Rapid City. On February 12, 1950, Velma was united in marriage to Keith McDonald in Rapid City. To this union four children were born, J.O., Casey, Linda, and Susan. Velma’s first nursing job as an RN was at the John Burns Memorial Hospital in Belle Fourche, which she started soon after receiving her degree. She worked there full time until 1952 when she and Keith moved out to the McDonald Ranch, north of Aladdin, WY. When all the kids were in school she returned to her nursing career and worked again from 1968 until 1972 part-time. Velma will be remembered for her commitment to her family and also the ranch. She faithfully cooked meals and was good at it. She maintained a garden for many years, and was excellent at canning – especially when it came to dill pickles. Velma also liked to watch other people swim and have fun in their swimming pool and she spent much time maintaining the pool. Keith and Velma were blessed with 59 years of marriage and for the past several years they have enjoyed traveling all over the country and the world, having visited many different countries. In 2002 they were awarded the Ag Business of the Year by the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce. Velma loved her grandchildren very much and would often play games with them, and she also enjoyed reading bible stories to them. During the past several years, Velma had become very interested in family history, and she spent many hours recording the McDonald family history. Velma will be missed greatly by her family and friends, and the many memories will always be treasured. Velma is survived by her husband of 59 years, Keith of Aladdin, WY; sons, J.O. (Rhoda Mae) of Hulett, WY, Casey (Kim) of Aladdin, WY; daughters, Linda (Tim) Burch of Colony, WY, Susan McDonald of Omaha, NE; 9 grandchildren, Kelcie (Justin), Autumn (Zane), Luke, Cady (Fiancé, Forrest), Nick, Jodi (Shawn), Jaycie (Shane), Callie, Tait; 3 great grandchildren, Taylor, Kagan, Dallie; sisters, Mary Lou (Richard) Root and Ruth (Charles) Meador, both of California. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ellen Wilhelm of Custer; and brother-in-law, Bob Swanson of Faribault, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Art; and sisters, Gladys Wilhelm, Marjorie Tucker, and Alice Swanson. DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH December 23, 1925 ~ Custer, South Dakota DATE AND PLACE OF DEATH April 6, 2009 ~ Aladdin, Wyoming         FUNERAL SERVICE 11:00 A.M. – Friday – April 10th, 2009 Christian Life Center ~ Belle Fourche, SD OFFICIANT Rev. Paul Howard SPECIAL MUSIC “Abide With Me”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” Terri Kissack, soloist Cong. Hymn – “The Old Rugged Cross” Judy Howard, organist “Sissy’s Song”- Recording by Alan Jackson HONORARY CASKETBEARERS All Neighbors and Friends of the McDonald Family ACTIVE CASKETBEARERS Leroy Curren                                 Larry Fowlkes Tom Ferrell                                                     Major Miller Jerry Fish                                               Scott Ryan