Waldemar F. Dahlquist

STURGIS - Waldemar Frederick "Voldey" Dahlquist, 91, Sturgis, died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, at Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Voldey was born Aug. 7, 1920, at Newell, to Fred Hjolmer and Selma Marie (England) Dahlquist. He grew up on the family homestead and graduated from Newell High School. He attended college at South Dakota State in Brookings before moving to California to work at Consolidated Aircraft as a tool and die maker. He helped build B-24 bombers.

He married Rosalie Edwards on Dec. 4, 1942, in San Diego.

Voldey joined the Army Air Corps and served as a crew chief and mechanic. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., where he was employed as a mechanic for Western Airlines. They moved to San Diego, where he was employed through civil service and painted houses. In 1948 they returned to Newell where they farmed and raised their family. Voldey drove a school bus and worked as a plumber until 1961 when he started working for Fort Meade. He was in nursing services and later the engineering department. Voldey retired in 1985.

Voldey was an active man who owned and piloted his own plane. He built stock cars and motorcycle trikes. His shop was always full of projects and people. He helped anyone in need.

Voldey was a lifetime member of the VFW and former commander of the Newell VFW. He was a member of the Sturgis Weselyan Church, Sturgis Senior Center, American Trike Association, Hillbilly's camping club and the Good Sam club.

Survivors include his wife, Rosalie Dahlquist, Sturgis; a son, Rony (Jackie) Dahlquist, New Underwood; five daughters, Marlyn Crowser, Sturgis, Rhea (Robert) Johnson, Spearfish, Lorena (Wade) Derflinger, Faith, Denise (Kelly) Riggins, Kadoka, and Jonell (Wendell) Osborn, David City, Neb.; also two special sons, Art Dakness, Sturgis, and John Cram, Tilford; as well as 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, a son, and a son-in-law, Jack Crowser.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the First Wesleyan Church with Pastor Dan Ziebarth officiating. Burial, with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.