Wallace Ray Bothwell

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Wallace (Wally) Ray Bothwell of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away on December 19, 2025 at the age of 97. Funeral services will be held on December 27, 2025 at 10:30am at Rudes Funeral Home, Brookings SD. Visitation will be on December 26, 2025 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Rudes Funeral Home, Brookings SD. Memorials will be donated in Wally's name to the Midwest Honor Flight.

Born August 10, 1928 in Miller SD, Wally was the son of Raleigh Bothwell and Lillian (Patridge) Bothwell. Wally grew up on the family farm in the Colman/Rutland area and attended Rutland School. He began farming with his Dad after finishing school.

Answering the call to serve, Wally enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1951 to 1953 at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Tx during the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of Airman Second Class and earned the National Defense Service Medal.

In 1954 Wally met the love of his life, Byrnis Giebink at the Lake Campbell skating rink. Two years later On August 24, 1956, Wally and Byrnis were united in marriage at Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church Volga, South Dakota. Wally and Byrnis farmed in the Colman area for 35 years until their retirement in 1991. It was during this time that they raised their four children and instilled in them good values and work ethics. Wally was dedicated and hardworking and always provided for his family. Together he and Byrnis built a comfortable life. There was a time for work on the farm but Wally always had time to spend with the kids at home and to go on vacation after the crops were in. Wally's balance of work and love of family provided for many lasting memories and tight family bonds that never weakened even as the years passed. After retirement Wally and Byrnis moved to Brookings to begin their next chapter together until Byrnis's death from a tragic car accident in 2001. Wally persevered after Byrnis passed enjoying many more years. Anyone that ever met him would always comment on his soft spoken, but strong disposition.

Later in life Wally met Dolores Lengkeek who became his friend and companion. They enjoyed going out to eat, shopping at garage sales, and doing many things together. Dolores and Wally helped each other to stay young and vibrant.

Rooted in faith and community, Wally was a member of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Volga, SD and the Colman American Legion. A proud veteran, he was honored to travel to Washington, D.C., with his daughter Rhonda and son Mark on the Midwest Honor Flight, a journey he cherished deeply. Wally was fond of his cars, from his 1956 Mercury up through his later chapter in life where he was known for the red Cadillacs that he always drove. He also enjoyed traveling, going to farm sales, driving around the country side, walking, hunting, and fishing, and most of all, time with his family and grandchildren.

Wally is survived by his children, Ronald (Lisa) Bothwell of Colman, SD; Randall Bothwell of Sioux Falls, SD; Mark (Kristy) Bothwell of Vermillion, SD; Rhonda (Jason) Miller of Sioux Falls, SD

He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Aaron Miller; Dustin (Miranda Lasnetski) Bothwell; Nick (Lesley Lindholm) Bothwell; Stephanie (Steven) Cawiezell; Josh Adelmann, Joseph Adelmann; Ally (Wyatt) Price; Cody Behlings; and 9 great grandchildren, with one on the way; brother, Richard Bothwell; special friend, Dolores Lengkeek; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wally was preceded in death by his wife, Byrnis; his parents; his son, Michael; and his siblings Betty Bothwell; Elaine Poppe; Robert Bothwell; and Bonnie Davis.