Cecil Leo McGruder, 85, of Pierre, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023

Visitation: 10:00am, Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Feigum Funeral Home

Memorial Celebration of Life:  11:00am, Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Feigum Funeral Home

Interment:  Onida Cemetery

Click HERE to watch Cecil’s service.

Cecil Leo McGruder was born at the farm house on May 24, 1937, in Sully County, South Dakota, Cecil was a lifelong resident of the area and a stalwart member of the community. Cecil’s life was devoted to successfully and resourcefully operating the McGruder family farm.

Cecil attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Fairbanks Township in rural Sully County. He attended high school at T.F. Riggs in Pierre, graduating in 1955. He enlisted into the Marines in 1956 with his lifelong friend, Earl Fanger. They were honorably discharged together in 1958. Upon Cecil’s return to South Dakota, he began working for Ted Baker on his farm in Sully County. In his spare time, he performed in a band with his brothers Wayne, Marion, and several friends. He married Dorothy Spencer in 1959 where they had four sons in their 30 years of marriage.

After the passing of his father in 1960, he moved back to his father’s family farm. Through intense work ethic, appreciation for land and animals, and well-thought fiscal responsibility, he expanded the family farm by acquiring his grandfather’s homestead in the early 1970’s. This homestead went on to be recognized in 2011 by the Governor of South Dakota as a Century Farm for its tenure being in the McGruder name.

Farming and ranching were Cecil’s true passions. He spent his life producing cattle, hogs, and raising crops to feed them. Cecil became a self-taught expert in mechanical and electrical work, as well as carpentry, animal husbandry, agronomy, welding, marketing, and many other skills to ensure the farm operated smoothly. Cecil inherited his love for fishing from his father, and enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle. He had a special place in his heart for children and never met a stranger. His intellectual prowess and ability to compute things were distinctive qualities that made him extraordinary.

Cecil Leo McGruder’s life was a testament to the results of hard work, dedication, and love for one’s family, friends and community. Cecil’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Cecil is survived by his four sons: Keith (Kim Helgeson) McGruder of Eyota, MN, Leo (Sandra) McGruder of Pierre, SD, David (Marlene) McGruder of Watertown, SD, and Roger McGruder of Pierre, SD. He also leaves behind numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his siblings: Maxine LeMay of Little Rock, AR, Bessie McDonald of Malvern, AR, Wayne (Carmen) McGruder of Kenosha, WI, and Linda Reiswig of Mesa, AZ, numerous nieces and nephews along with a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Roosevelt and Fay (Buchanan) McGruder; brother Herman McGruder, sister Elnora Luttrell, brother Marion McGruder, and sister Ann Russell; granddaughter Heather Unser.

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