WHITE RIVER, SD – Carol Jean (Banek) Hutchinson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre, SD after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 15, 1954, in Kadoka, South Dakota to William and Marie (Karlin) Banek, Carol was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Norris, SD. She attended a small country school in Surprise Valley through 8th grade before moving on to White River High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Bob. During her high school years, Carol and her mother moved from their home on the ranch into White River so she could attend school there. She lived with her mother for her first two years, and for her final two years shared an apartment with Cleone Rasmussen—the two would joke that they never met a rule they couldn’t bend just a bit.

After graduating from White River High School in 1972, Carol continued her education at South Dakota State University, where Bob was already studying. Following Bob’s graduation, they were married on December 28, 1974, at St. John Lutheran Church in Norris, SD, on what Carol always remembered as a beautiful day. The newlyweds then moved to the Hutchinson ranch to begin their married life. Their family grew with the arrival of two sons: Ryan, born in 1978, and Cole, born in 1981.

At the ranch, they lived next door to Bob’s parents, Larry and Darlene Hutchinson. Carol and Darlene formed a special bond, working together to maintain an extensive garden and grove of fruit trees, spending countless hours picking and canning. Carol often reminisced about happy memories of picking apples and making apple juice with her two little boys. Once her sons were in school, Carol went back to work, joining the Farm Service Agency, where she dedicated 33 years of service before retiring in 2018.

In 1991, their nephew Ian came to live with them to finish his high school education. Carol would laugh when telling stories about his time with them—Ian’s rebellious spirit kept them on their toes, but he had enough redeeming qualities to make up for all the vehicles of theirs he managed to wreck, and always held a special place in her heart.

Carol cherished ranch life and had a deep respect for it. She always found beauty in the little things, appreciated the native wildflowers, enjoyed her garden and going on walks, loved the river that ran through their land, and cared deeply for their sweet dog Missy and all the other animals on the ranch.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved watching them play sports and participate in activities, hearing about their interests and achievements, or just being able to spend time together—whether that be playing board games (Aggravation was the all-time favorite) or baking some of her famous cookies together.

She loved her church, White River United Methodist, and all of her dear friends, and spent lots of time on church activities and projects, which she enjoyed.

In the summer of 2024, Bob and Carol celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by taking a trip with their sons and their families to Branson, MO. Carol treasured this time and spoke of it often. Her sisters also joined the trip, allowing her to spend precious quality time with them.

In her later years, Carol faced numerous health challenges, but she met them with grace, resilience, and unwavering optimism. Even as her own health declined, she remained remarkably selfless—always putting others first and continuing to show up for the people she loved.

Carol is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bob; her sons Ryan (Patty) of Rockton, IL and Cole (Jessica) of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Ashlyn and Aiden; Connor and Evie; sisters Bernice (Bob) Sandal of Lynn Haven, FL and Diana (Terry) Zieman of Springfield, MO; brothers-in-law Randy Hutchinson of Cumberland, MD; Bill (Chris) of White River, SD, and Ron Hutchinson of Valentine, NE; sister-in-law Micki Hutchinson of Dakota Dunes, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marie Banek; parents-in-law, Larry and Darlene Hutchinson; brother-in-law Barry Hutchinson; and sister-in-law Toni Hutchinson.

Funeral Services: Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am. The service will be held at the White River Community Events Center.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Benedict’s House, 415 S. Crow Street, Ste 1, Pierre, SD 57501 or the United Methodist Church, 324 N. Roosevelt Ave, White River, SD 57579.

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