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Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Myron Wachendorf Obituary
Myron was preceded in death by his loving wife Carole, son Robert (Bobby), brother Marvin, sister Marlene, and his parents.
A rock and roll pioneer, Myron had a 30-year career as a musician representing South Dakota worldwide. He formed Myron Lee and The Caddies while in high school and toured with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars at a young age. His was the first American rock band to play an extended tour across Canada. Myron worked with legends like Bobby Vee and Buddy Knox, and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest "rockers" of all time, putting South Dakota on the map of rock and roll history.
Myron is survived by his daughter Kelli and son-in-law David of San Marcos, TX; son Kris and daughter-in-law Tara of Sioux Falls, SD; and daughter-in-law Jillaina of Monument, CO. He also leaves behind grandchildren Ethan, Samantha (Phoenix), Megan, Michael, Maverick, Molly, Danielle, Ryan, Austin, and Baylee; great-grandchildren Alexia and Kya; and numerous other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Service, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering, will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church. The funeral will be livestreamed on First Lutheran's website (flcsf.org).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the South Dakota Wildlife Federation (sdwf.org) in honor of Myron's love of wildlife.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Myron Wachendorf
Betty Capps (nee Hoiland)
August 18, 2024
Myron was a great friend, a couple of my relatives played in his band.
I was awaiting a return text from him after his last procedure, as I was starting to text him a birthday wish on his birthday, my lifelong friend in WI, texted me to ask if I heard about Myron. I went ahead and texted him a goodbye. He grieved Carole’s passing. We consoled each other via texts and occasional phone calls as I had lost my husband of 55 years. I’m originally from Garretson & Sioux Falls. His granddaughter, Molly was born on our 51 wedding anniversary.
I miss him very much and a “deer” friend.. Goodbye my friend, you are now with Carole and Bobby.
James Zangger
July 17, 2024
So sorry to learn of Myron’s passing. I first met Myron in the early 60’s when my father taught him how to fly and also flew him and Fred to many of their show dates. I was barely a teenager and was impressed when he drove down in his new Cadillac convertible for flying lessons. I still have quite a few of his 45’s! I regret not having spoken with him for a couple of years but will always have a special place in my heart having known him.
Dianne Sandness Moen
July 15, 2024
When I was a young teenager, I would babysit for Carol and Myron. My father was Ivar Sandness. My brother Steve and I would talk many times about our memories. And they are good memories. Thank you.
I really don´t have the words, I´m just letting my heart speak out. God bless you.
Jeff Wachendorf
July 14, 2024
My dad and Myron were cousins, have great memories of going to see Myron play as a youngster, always a stand-up guy, we met for New Years dance at the Ram Kota where he played there for years, lots of Wachendorf’s showed up and our reservations got messed up, Myron took care of that and we had rooms, great loss, condolences to myrons family, I know the Wachendorf’s are having a big jam session in heaven.
Patricia (Elliott) Tille
July 13, 2024
I met Myron as a kid, when my parents bought me a Schwinn sting ray from Stiches. I would eventually graduate to a motorcycle which we also bought from Myron. Many years later while serving on the SF police dept as an officer I reached out to Myron to play at a benefit dance for the Fraternal Order of Police. As always, the music was great and everyone had a great time! Wonderful man, generous and kind, and a joy to know! He crossed my life from a kid to an adult! RIP ❤❤❤
Newell & Sharon Qualseth
July 13, 2024
Carole and Myron were such good friends. Carole was bridesmaid at our wedding 62 years ago. We visited them a few years back and enjoyed the wildlife surrounding their back yard and great conversations we had. Myron was proud of his beautiful tomatoes and love his deer, turkeys, squirrels and birds.
He will be missed by all, rest in peace Myron
Michael Otten
July 13, 2024
Rest in Peace, my condolences to friends and family, Godspeed
Al Brandt
July 12, 2024
I had the privilege of working with Myron at Stich’s Cycle and Marine in the early 1980’s where he impressed me with his ability to smooth talk people into buying boatsand his band’s music cassettes (still have it). His sense of humor possibly surpassed his musical abilities, as he had many great, interesting and funny stories to tell on a daily basis. He was a great guy all around.
Gary Dereu
July 11, 2024
Great music man and great friend.
Barry Bayer
July 10, 2024
With or without Bobby Vee, Westport was always full when you were on stage. More importantly, thank you for being my friend. I'll see you on the other side.
Barry Bayer
Ron Rysavy
July 7, 2024
Myron was such a a light for the area. What a great musician and good friend. He certainly loved all of God's people and animals.
SHARON Stich
July 7, 2024
Prayers go out to the Wachendorf family. Myron and I go back a long ways. In1968 Myron starting working for us at Stich's Cycle and Marine and did for 13 years. He was a great salesman. Of course we started going to all of his concerts and leaving afterwards to go to their house at 2:00 in the morning to play Volleyball in the backyard with outside lights on. We had some great times. Especially at Sir Richards. I am so grateful that I have his book to go back and read the highlights of his life. KEEP ROCKING UP THERE MYRON! Will miss you and carole.
Your longtime friend Sharon.
Denny Riswold
July 5, 2024
Prayers and great memories for the family! Myron a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather! Rock on!
Deb Montoya
July 4, 2024
Myron and Carole were at our place quite a few times in the past few years for dinners, watching Vikings games and holiday parties. They would also come out in the fall on Sundays after their movie to collect fallen apples for their deer. They were a special couple and now are blessed to be with each other once again. Sing with the angels, Myron. And sing to your sweetheart. Your soul is again complete.
Susan Jones
July 3, 2024
Myron, you are and will be missed. You were an inspiration to many. God Speed!
Dottie and Jerry Witkop
July 3, 2024
Our condolences to the family. Jerry and I danced many a tune to his music and we also knew his brother Marve who was around the Chevy Racing team back in the 60's
Jerry and Dottie Witkop
Kathy Shepherd Larson
July 3, 2024
May you have as much fun in heaven with aunt Carol playing music as you did here on earth. I know you’ll be great!
Don Young
July 3, 2024
I was deeply saddened to learn of Myron's passing.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Karl Thoennes & Family
July 2, 2024
Our family will certainly miss Myron in the Old Orchard neighborhood, and the deer and other wildlife have lost a great friend.
Peter Steven
July 2, 2024
Myron you were one of best friends, and I'll always remember all the amazing stories you would tell me when we would have coffee together.
Thanks for always being there for me.
The Rockabilly Kid will always remember you.
Bob Moline
July 2, 2024
We loved listening to the stories Myron would tell. I talked with him every day and couldn't wait to talk. Going to miss his smile. He was loved by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jackie and Don Stich
July 2, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time! We have wonderful memories of going to your dances and playing volleyball with you and Carole! God Bless!
Myron ( Mike) Schmidt
July 2, 2024
Myron was a great friend we would have coffee togeather until covid. We followed him where ever he played, Moose Club, Southgate Lounge, and tons of street dances. He will be missed by many. RIP
Dorothy (Kearney) Callahan
July 2, 2024
Myron you and Carole were wonderful friends and you will be so deeply missed. My condolences to your family and friends. God Bless, you dear Myron, it’s time to Rock and Roll with the Angels
Jerry Ingalls
July 2, 2024
We will all miss you and your wonderful stories on Facebook. RIP.
Jason Rowe
July 2, 2024
Thanks for the amazing memories Myron. The wonderful stories of your life will live on forever through the many people who love you. I am thankful to have known you and had the honor of listening to those many stories. You are a legend and will be missed by so many. Until we meet again my friend!
Dick Dawson
July 2, 2024
I had the pleasure of playing with Myron towards the end of his playing career. He was fun to be around, heck of a nice guy and we had some great conversations. He will truly be missed and remembered.
Vince Rundus
July 2, 2024
Myron will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family.
Preston & Decca Smith
July 2, 2024
A true friend since 1961, A well known musician of rock ‘n’ roll, who put the state of South Dakota And Sioux Falls on the map for all to see, he paved the way for other rock ‘n’ roll bands to achieve their goals. He was a person that cared how others felt, and show in everything that he had touched, his music will live on in our hearts forever, a man that loved wildlife, and the wildlife loved him, now he’s with the love of his life Carole And son Bobby in heaven . rest in peace Myron, your missed By All !!!!
Preston & Decca
John Halverson
July 2, 2024
I had great admiration for Myron and am grateful for his friendship. Our condolences to his family.
John Halverson
Betty Fideler
July 2, 2024
A true Rock and Roll Icon ! Rock on, Myron ! Now you can sing w/the angels !
Barry Schloss
June 29, 2024
Myron was a morning announcer on AM 1230 KKFN when we acquired the radio stations back in 1989-1990. He had the ability to draw attention and had a nice following of listeners. I remember him making a phone call to Dick Clark (former radio and television star) who he worked with years earlier, about someone wanting to moving a radio program from KKFN to another radio station.... Myron put a stop to that in about 2 minutes... Nice guy! People liked him...
Gary Hansen
June 29, 2024
My wife and I danced many times to Myron Lee at varies venues . He and Carol were friends of our thru the years. I know when Carol passed how how saddened he was. Stay happy singing and playing!
Sandy Meaney
June 29, 2024
May you find comfort in your memories.
Ricky Anderberg
June 27, 2024
Myron was a terrific musician and friend. He was always willing to share the stage with others and will be greatly missed.
Dean Schultz
June 27, 2024
I have known Myron and Carole since they were dating in high school. A great loving couple that will now be together again in heaven. May they both rest in peace.
Phil Schaefer
June 27, 2024
He was a very humble, and very well liked.
I worked with him for 8 years.
He was a devout fellow employee.
I loved listening to His Stories about the happenings during His tours.
He had an amazing band.
I have Great Memories, of A Great Man.
He will Truly be missed.
Phil Schaefer
Ron Arndt
June 26, 2024
We had the good fortune to dance at the Elk’s Lodge many Saturday evenings years ago, always enjoyed the music!
I remember visiting with Myron at First National Bank over the years, always had a smile on his face, just a great guy, he will be missed!
Thanks for the memories Myron!
Merlin Kock
June 26, 2024
Whenever Myron and his Caddies were playing at the Dell's Pavillion , Pipestone or Salem, I would be there. I personally had the pleasure of meeting him when I got a part-time job for Sioux Merchant patrol. We worked together on many assignments. He told me allot of his life and adventures! We had many laughs. Very talented man. A very very good friend . I will miss him dearly along with thousands of others! God bless Myron and all family members!!!
Dave Rowe
June 26, 2024
What a Rock and Roll legend! Will miss my good friend of 40 plus years.
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