Wallace Duane "Wally" Bachmann

Wallace Duane Bachmann, Sr., 95, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Golden Prairie Manor in Winner. Private Family Memorial Service with Military Rights will be held at a later date.

Wallace Duane Bachmann was born on January 17, 1930 in Gordon, NE, to Jake and Bertha (Bruce) Bachmann. After living in Gordon for three years the family moved to Bonesteel, SD where they lived for ten years. The family lived in St. Charles, SD for a short time then finally moved to a farm southwest of Gregory. Wally was the oldest of ten children being joined by Gordon, Janice, Loris, Jack, David, Ted, Henry, Hazel, and James.

Wally attended Gregory High School until he was a senior then went to work at Laney's farm for $20 per week. At the age of 20 he went to Tacoma, WA and stayed at his uncle's house where he worked at a drive-in theater, Boeing, and Mt. Rainier Depot.

He joined the National Guard but was drafted only one month later into the Army during the Korean War where he served as a helicopter mechanic. In 1954, Wally was discharged and returned home to Gregory where he worked on the farm and the Mobile gas station which he bought at the age of 25.

Wally married Darlene Doris Ulmer on June 16, 1955. Wally and Darlene were happily married for 70 years which they were able to celebrate in June of 2025. Together they had five children, Rita (Pat Steele), Rick(Carla), Randy (JoAnn), Wallace Duane Jr. (Darla) and Julie (Randy Godel). Wally was ordained as a Priest in 1964 in the Reorganized Church of Later Day Saints and in 1966 was ordained as an Elder. He was Pastor for 20 years in Winner.

In 1970 Wally and Darlene moved the family to Winner where he purchased a bee farm with his brother Jack. Wally spent 50 plus years in the bee business. Wally seemed to be a little accident prone. If a cat has nine lives, Wally had twenty and used every last one! He had a love of flying airplanes. He took up flying while living in Gregory and continued to fly until the early 2000's. He had some close calls while flying but managed to make the perfect emergency landings.

Wally is survived by his wife Darlene, all five children and spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

Cards of condolence can be mailed to

Darlene Bachmann, 1145 Golden Prairie Drive #306, Winner, SD 57580.