PIERRE, SD – Donald Degooyer, 101, of Pierre, South Dakota passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 22nd at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Highmore Cemetery in Highmore, South Dakota.

Donald Randall DeGooyer was born to Antone and Grace (Karns) DeGooyer February 14, 1925 on a farm south of Highmore SD.

He attended a one room rural grade school in Peno township and high school at Highmore and Ree Heights SD. He worked for a rancher until he enlisted in the army in 1944 where he served in Europe until the end of WWII.

Don reconnected with Elna Petersen upon his return home from his military service. They were married February 5, 1949. They lived on a farm south of Highmore until 1960 when they moved into Highmore with their four children. Don took a job delivering propane gas for Millard Kiel. In 1962, He went to work as head custodian for Highmore Schools . In 1979 he accepted a position as head of maintenance for the Pierre School District in Pierre SD. He retired from this position in 1992. He then worked as caretaker for Scotty Phillips Cemetery for a couple years and after went to work for Oahe Inc supervising residents in a group home setting. He retired full time at the age of 84.

Don was an active member of the Lutheran Church in Highmore and Pierre and a life time member of the VFW and American Legion.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his four children; Dean DeGooyer, Cheryl (Joe) Krier, Gary (Sue) DeGooyer and Karen (Randy) McSherry. Five grand children, David Hisel, Samantha Krier, Don DeGooyer, Sarah DeGooyer and Morgan McSherry. Three great grand children, Tanya Hisel, Teya Hisel and Sloane Waldron.

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