Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2018
Hal Wick Obituary
Sioux Falls - Hal Wick, 73, peacefully passed away with his family present on March 8 at Sanford Hospital after a well-fought battle with cancer. He was born on October 31, 1944 to Roland T. and Esther (LaFontaine) Wick in New Ulm, MN. His family moved to the Cathedral District of Sioux Falls where he attended St. Joseph Cathedral School and then graduated with the first senior class at O'Gorman High School in 1962.
While attending SDSU, he fell in love with flying. Hal served in the Air National Guard for 24 years, where he trained as a Fighter Pilot in the F-100, and A7 planes, was a C-131 and C-12 flight instructor and Chief of Command Intelligence Division. Hal retired in 1994 as a Lt. Colonel. In addition to serving with the SDANG, Hal lived out his career dream as a commercial airline pilot, beginning with North Central Airlines in 1972, and retiring in 2004 with Northwest Airlines.
Passionate about our country, he served the people of South Dakota as a State Representative for 20 years, spanning five decades. He was an active member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Hal spent many years working on a Balanced Budget Amendment for the United States. This is work of which he was incredibly proud.
Hal was active at Christ the King Catholic Church, the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools, and with the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of several organizations throughout his life, including Hartford Lions, Sioux Falls Downtown Lions, National Guard Association of the United States, American Legion Post 15, and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Board.
His faith and family were truly his greatest passions. Hal married Jane Rance on September 4, 1965. He and his wife of 52 years were blessed with four children: Daughters Anne Nelson, Paula (Dan) Hagen, and Betsey Wick (significant other, Dave Carlson) all of Sioux Falls, and Son, Ross Wick (fiancé, Aja Jackson) of New Haven, CT. He dearly loved his grandchildren: Karin (Kyle) Brashler, Sioux Falls, Ellen Nelson, Minneapolis, MN, Hannah Valentine, James Nelson, and Samuel Hagen, Sioux Falls, and great-grandson, Benny Brashler, Sioux Falls, SD; two brothers, Roland "Ted" (Linda) Wick, Hot Springs, SD, Terry Wick, Augusta, GA; a sister, Beth (Dan) Jennings, Sioux Falls, SD; a brother-in-law, Bill (Pat) Fatland, Sioux Falls, SD; and several nieces and nephews.. Hal was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Kaye Fatland, and nephew Todd Fatland.
Open visitation will be on Monday, March 12 at Miller Funeral Home, Downtown, with family present at 5:00 PM, and Scripture Vigil at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 13, 10:30 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to be directed to the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools or Christ the King School Building Projects.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Sanford USD Medical Center and the Sanford Cancer Center for the care provided to their husband and father.
www.millerfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hal Wick
Wes Fisher
March 19, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Wick Family from Hal's friends at the American Legislative Exchange Council. Hal was an amazing person to work with and truly embodied the spirit of a citizen legislator. He was crucial in promoting liberty in South Dakota and as one of my colleagues wrote "he was truly South Dakota's Mr. ALEC". We will miss him greatly.
Mike Prax
March 11, 2018
Always enjoyed visits from cousin Hal, whether he was on his way to take the Corvette out for a weekend drive or up in Alaska for a fishing trip. Also admired his faith, determination, and sense of humor. A true gentleman who will be missed.
March 11, 2018
Another great state leader has flown west!!! Our sincere condolences to the family of Hal. We have known Hal for at least 50 years. We were colleagues all that while. A born servant of the people of our great state. In sadness Jerry and Mary Ann Krueger Aberdeen SD.
Kathy & Mick hanks
March 10, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of Hal Wick. MR.&Mrs Mick and Kathy (Wick) Hanks
March 10, 2018
Jane and Family
We send our sympathy for your loss. You and Hal had a good life and hope these memories will keep you strong during this most difficult time.
Rocky and Pam Darger
Joey Liesinger
March 10, 2018
Great Leader.
Great Husband & Father.
Great Friend.
A Christian.
March 10, 2018
Jane, Betsy, and family,
Sincere condolences of Hal's passing. What a good person.
We are remembering fondly the visits in your home when we would all divide up the precious cargo Hal had brought back from his flights to England (English and Irish cheeses). We all felt really rich.
May the joy and laughter of remembering that comes with healing soon replace the pain of remembering for you.
Love from the Nassers, Dean & Carole
Dean Nasser
March 10, 2018
Jane, Betsy, and family,
Sincere condolences of Hal's passing. What a good person.
We are remembering fondly the visits in your home when we would all divide up the precious cargo Hal had brought back from his flights to England (English and Irish cheeses). We all felt really rich.
May the joy and laughter of remembering that comes with healing soon replace the pain of remembering for you.
Love from the Nassers, Dean & Carole
Wayne K. Anderson
March 10, 2018
A good guy-stopped to chat a bit-did a good job for S. Dak. an excellent WICK for a candle in HEAVEN!
Denny Oviatt
March 10, 2018
So sorry to hear of Hal's passing. He was an outstanding citizen who believed in helping others throughout his life. It was always a pleasure to be in his company and visit with him. Thank you Hal, for everything you did for all of America. Rest in peace, my friend.
March 10, 2018
So sorry for your loss. I remember so well living next door to you all. May he rest in peace. KATHY Willging Bahnson
Mary (Wick) Lawver
March 9, 2018
Rest Peacefully after a life well lived in service to others
Brian and Lorrie Berg
March 9, 2018
You are an amazing person Hal,you will be dearly missed.our thoughts,prayers and love for all of you.
Ken & Kathy Evers
March 9, 2018
A great man who we've know since 1970 when he and Ken went through pilot training together in Del Rio, TX. Hal and Jane were lights in the 71-07 training group. An honor to have known Hal. He has flown to heaven. He will be missed. ❤
Vance Schaeppi
March 9, 2018
I believe that I was the last person to use the old farm house on the Wick property, I always had alot of respect for Hal. He will be missed. Vance Schaeppi
Pat Evans
March 9, 2018
Blessings to Hal and his family. I had the privileged of doing union work with Hal at Republic Airlines and I was always impressed with his moral compass. Hal, always tried to do what was right, no matter how unpopular that decision might be among the pilot group. Hal, may you rest in peace!
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Hal Wick's name
Memorial Events
for Hal Wick
How to support Hal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Hal Wick's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
