Harvey Wollman

Harvey Wollman

Services for Harvey Wollman, 75, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Freeman, will be held on Tuesday (today) at 11 am at Central Baptist Church of Sioux Falls. Walter's Funeral Home of Freeman is assisting the family.

On Thursday, July 28th, our Dad received life's ultimate promotion, from which he will not be returning. Although our hearts ache because we will miss him dearly, we are at peace because we know he is in a wonderful, peaceful, and perfect place where he will be welcomed by old friends, ride motorcycle and have the best seat to any game he wants to attend. Laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious, and you don't gain an ounce. An offer too good to refuse.

As Dad arrived at his new home and walked through those pearly gates, he leaned over to God and said, "See that guy, he played for the Canistota Hawks when they won the State Championship in 1958. He scored 36 points that game. He was tough. He married a gal from Ipswich whose brother lives up by Madison. His house is two miles south, and a half mile east on the north side of the road. His kid plays ball for Dakota Wesleyan now, he's tough too. And the guy he is talking to played softball for a team out of Sioux Falls, heck of a first baseman. In 1975, I played against him in a tournament up in Yankton. Bob Thompson and I pitched back to back games to come out of the loser's bracket to win it all."

Dad's genuine interest in people was like no other. Dad loved people and people loved him. His outgoing personality allowed him to meet people from every nook and cranny. Once our dad met you, he never forgot you. He remembered things about people that they did not remember about themselves.

Not only was he personable, he had an eye for beauty. Dad chose Peggy (Jucht) as his bride, they were married on October 28, 1957. He spent the next 57 years cherishing our mom and providing for her every need. In addition to his pride in his wife, Dad's buttons would burst when he talked about his five children, thirteen grandchildren and eight precious great-grand children. His love for us was indescribable and will never be replaced. He celebrated our accomplishments, accepted our mistakes and loved us unconditionally. He raised us to be courageous and strong and to trust in the Lord. For that we are forever grateful.

Dad's dedication to his faith started in Bridgewater at the Zion Mennonite Church where we attended as a family for several years. Once we moved to Freeman our family attended the Salem Mennonite Church where Dad and Mom became members. In 2004, Mom and Dad moved to Sioux Falls and chose Central Baptist as their church home. Dad was a faithful attendee who accepted, believed and committed his life to Christ.

Dad started his dairy co-op career as a young man in 1962, first as a can milk and bulk milk hauler for Farmers Dairy and Produce Association in Freeman, SD. The co-op merged with Associated Milk Producers (AMPI) in 1969. Dad served as an intregal part of the merger. Dad's work ethic provided him with many advancements and he retired as plant manager in 2006 after being with AMPI for 44 years. Dad's caring, yet confident personality, earned the respect of his employees, producers and supervisors. Dad was inducted into the South Dakota Dairy Associations Hall of Fame for his accomplishments while working for the leading milk-market cooperative in the State of South Dakota.

After retirement, Dad could not stand the thought of sitting at home without anything to do so he worked part-time as an adjuster with Rain and Hail. He was grateful his new position allowed him the flexibility to continue spending time with family and friends, attending countless ball games, while also allowing him to stay connected to local farmers and the agricultural community.

Dad was not only a talented businessman, but he was also a talented softball player. Dad was inducted into the South Dakota Fast Pitch Hall of Fame as a pitcher in 1997. Dad also was an avid bowler and bowled a perfect game.

Last but not least, the Grandchildren! Dad's grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved all of them immensely and would not hesitate to give a tight squeeze and a pinch to grow an inch. He attended their events faithfully and his presence will be greatly missed. Dad was blessed with many talents but his greatest talent of all was bragging about his grandchildren. Oh how he loved them so much!

While we have shed many tears in the recent days, we have also been able to smile knowing that Dad has reunited with his dad, John B. Wollman, his mom, Kady (Tschetter) Wollman, his son-in-law, Ken Waltner and his precious great-grandson, Alexander Joseph Waltner.

Those of us still on the list for our promotions are: Peggy, his beautiful wife; Daughter, Cindy Waltner (Larchwood, IA) and her children, Brett (Sarah) Waltner and Jenna (Chris) Thomas. Brett and Sarah's children, Kendal, Aivyana, and Nolynn; Chris and Jenna's son, Connor; Son, Curt (Kim) Wollman (Fargo, ND) and their children, Jenifer (Brandon) Peterson and Kady (Kevin) Nelson; Jenifer and Brandon's daughter, Ella; and Kady and Kevin's children, Harper and Mya and step-daughter, Taylor. Clete (Dana) Wollman, (Ramsey, NJ) and his children, Annika and Parker; daughter, Cheri (Matt) Scharffenberg (Tea, SD) and their children, Mason, Ethan, Noah, and Jakob; and daughter, Christi (Chad) Tieszen (Canton, SD) and their children, Mason, Lance, and Derek.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Canton High School, Tea Area High School, or Rapid City Christian High School Athletic Depts.