Chris Dutt, 74, Tolstoy, SD, died Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle, led by Rev. Steven Trefz, Chris’s nephew. Interment follows at the German Zion Congregational Cemetery, Tolstoy. Musicians will be Noah Johnson and Steve and Rebecca Trefz.

Visitation commences 5:00 PM Friday with a 6:30 PM prayer service at Lien Funeral Home.

Christian Arthur Dutt, son of Evelyn (Amsden) and Otto Dutt, was born at Holy Infant Hospital in Hoven on Apri 19, 1952. Chris, as he was best known, attended Tolstoy Grade School and Hoven High School, graduating with the Class of 1970. He attended college for one year and then was needed at home to help support the family. His support and care for his family continued his entire life. Chris worked many years with his father at Dutt Well Works. Later, an opportunity came up for Chris to partner with Larry Helm in Dakota Boring, where he expanded into drilling wells. Chris enjoyed this challenge. He was very proud of his ability to get wells working again and often said that “They need water for their Moos”! Chris continued to work as long as he was able, trying to get everyone’s well working as good as possible.

Chris enjoyed pitching fast pitch softball as a young man. He traveled to Mobridge, SD twice weekly for league play. He was often picked up by other teams for tournaments in several states. He also enjoyed slow pitch, playing with his brothers Charlie and Scott, and nephew Dan Trefz.

Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman. Although he was grateful for the extra years received after his cancer diagnosis, he was hoping for one more pheasant season. There were good times and bad times, but Chris faced them all with courage, humor, and determination.

Chris was also an avid (some may say rabid) New York Yankees and Chicago Bears fan. He watched or listened to every game he could and was intolerant of mistakes made by any player!

Chris is survived by two sisters—Nancy Trefz of Onaka, SD and Susan Dutt of Tolstoy; one brother, Scott (Shizue) Dutt of Winner, SD; four nephews; one niece; and numerous great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otto, on July 4, 2006; his mother, Evelyn, on July 22, 2022; His brother, Charlie, on March 14, 2017; Brother-in-law, Larry Trefz, on August 23, 2013; and an infant brother, Peter.

Casketbearers will be great-nephews—Marshall Johnson and Noah Johnson of Miller, SD; Carter Trefz of Menoken, ND; Morgan Trefz of Wecota, SD; Isaac Trefz of Jamestown, ND; and Samuel Trefz of Onaka.

Chris’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle.

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