Donald E. Roesler | July 24, 1943 - June 30, 2021
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Jul 8, 2021 | 9:11 AM / 397 views
Don Roesler passed away on June 30, 2021 in Pierre, SD. He was born in on July 24, 1943, to Emil and Martha (Moos) Roesler. He was raised on a farm outside of Miller, SD. When his kids would drag their feet, Don was quick to tell them that as a 10-year-old he was expected to get himself up and out in the fields to help “The Old Man”. As an adult, Don was multi-talented. He could drive heavy equipment and big rigs, build pole barns or houses, could fix anything made of metal or wood, or he could create works of art from either.
In 1964 Don married Joan (Jo) Anderson from Pierpont, SD. They made their home in Miller and had 2 kids. In 1982 Don decided to try a new adventure, so they moved to Evanston, WY, where he worked in the oilfield. Later, he became a plumber for the Wyoming State Hospital, and eventually was made head of the plumbing shop. He was a valued employee, particularly due to his talent as a welder. He even welded a summer practice “sled” for the Jamaican Bobsled Team, who high altitude trained in Evanston.
Don and Jo were avid fishermen and loved camping. In 2007 they retired and moved back to SD to be close to the Missouri River and loads of walleye. They found their people at West Whitlock Resort, where they would spend the summers. They wintered in Mesquite, NV, where they also made wonderful friends at the Desert Skies Resort.
Don is survived by his wife, Jo, son Dirk Roesler of Bandon, OR; daughter Deeadra “Deed” (Doug) Kinniburgh of Pierre, SD; grandsons Andrew Roesler, Ryley (Ivey) Dawson, and Joey Kinniburgh; granddaughters Kyleen (Michael) Newman, and Amanda LaCroix; great-grandsons Sturgill and Townes Dawson; and great-granddaughters Lincoln LaCroix and Frankie Newman. Don has one sibling who survives him, Lynn Roesler, numerous nieces and nephews, and very special friends.
He was preceded in death by his Dad, Mom, older sister Verna (Volek), and younger brother Bob.
Per his wishes, there will be no “Dog and Pony Show.” Instead, have a toast and tell a story about Big Don. He was big as life and twice as funny.
