Merle Leroy Ankrum

Merle LeRoy Ankrum, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on September 23, 2025, at the Wakonda Heritage Manor. He was the son of Lester Ankrum and Minnie Reynolds. (education) On 10-24-53, Merle was united in marriage to Betty Jean VanBalen in Stephan, SD. This marriage was blessed with 6 children: Julie (Mike) Draayer, Jan (Keith) Ketterling, Pat, Perry (Sandra) Ankrum, Vanessa Taylor, Vance Ankrum. The couple resided on a farm/ranch in Highmore, SD. They shared 72 years together. He lived a life of service-first to his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, in the Korean War, then to his community as a Hyde County Commissioner, time in Phoenix, AZ and Sioux Falls and Fargo, ND as Property Manager. He was always in devoted service to his family, the animals he cared for on the ranch, and the land he faithfully farmed. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. His steady presence, gentle wisdom, and unwavering kindness blessed us deeply. He touched countless lives and made a lasting difference in the world through both his words and his actions. We are forever blessed by the love, kindness, compassion, integrity, and faith in God that guided his life. We honor his living legacy by striving to walk in his example-living with purpose, love, joy, and kindness, and offering our lives in loving service to others. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jean of Sioux Falls; three daughters and three sons: Julie (Mike) Draayer, Sioux Falls, Dr. Jan (Keith) Ketterling, Bismarck, ND, Pat, Sioux Falls, Perry (Sandra) Ankrum of Pierre, SD, Vanessa Taylor, Sioux Falls, and Dr. Vance of Sioux Falls. Five grandchildren: Brandon Moncur, LaceyJayne Henry, Adam Ankrum, Alexa and Alivia Ankrum; Four great grandchildren; Tyree Gottsch, Chloe, Landon Moncur and Malik Henry; his brother Chuck Ankrum of Appleton, WI He is proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Lester, his sister Clarice Shepherd, one sister in-law Janel Ankrum, one grandson, Jared Moncur, one granddaughter Abbie Lyn Ankrum, one daughter in law, Tammie (Vance) Ankrum. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00am at Heritage Funeral Home, a visitation will take place one hour prior. Interment will be in spring 2026. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the many kind words, prayers, and messages of love we've received during this time of our dad's passing. Each message has touched our hearts and reminded us of the love that surrounds us. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Feeding South Dakota and the Veteran's Support Services. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Merle Leroy Ankrum, please click here to visit our sympathy store.