HIGHMORE, SD – Clifford Clarence Volek, 85 years and 4 months, of Highmore, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the family farm.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore, with Rev. Shari Schwedhelm officiating. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Refreshments will be served at the Highmore Senior Center following the burial. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the church.

Clifford Clarence Volek was born on October 12, 1939, in Highmore to Clive and Harriet Allene (Bourn) Volek. He attended grade school at the rural Bramhall School, spending several weeks at a time at the Gaylord and Bernice Haiwick home due to extreme South Dakota winters. During his high school years, he played basketball and was a talented member of the track team. After graduating from Highmore High School, Clifford began working as an electrical lineman. In 1959, he returned to the family farm, where he lived and worked until his passing. Living on a farm afforded Clifford the opportunity to learn to weld, which was a valuable skill in helping repair machinery. He could and did fix almost anything! He also worked at the Highmore and Miller Sale Barns for many years. In the early to mid 1970’s, he worked with his father-in-law, Emil Roesler, to help build many pole barns in Hand and Hyde Counties.

Clifford was a dedicated member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, where he actively participated on the church council. He was also a proud member of the Roundup Club, helping with almost any task at Playdays and many 4-H rodeos. He was a lifelong supporter of 4-H, working with his brothers and daughters to prepare animals for achievement days.

He had a passion for dancing, playing cards, and he enjoyed watching professional football for many years. His hobbies brought joy to his life and to those around him. In his later years, he delighted in watching his grandchildren participating in a variety of sports, as well as watching his niece and nephew, Britney and Dustin, raise and show registered Gelbvieh cattle.

Clifford was first married to Verna Roesler on September 19, 1959, until her passing on September 10, 1993. He later married Doloris Ryan on October 3, 1998, and they shared 27 wonderful years together until his death.

Clifford is survived by his loving wife, Doloris; his daughters, Leann (Alan) Schell and Shawn (Doug) LaMont; his stepchildren, Randy (Jane) Ryan, Brad (Lori) Ryan, and DeAnn (Steve) Sprenger; his brother, Keith (Janice) Volek; his grandchildren, Taylon (Samantha) LaMont, Justin (Kathryn) LaMont, and Kaitlyn Hallstrom; six step-grandchildren, Kristi, Kayla, Trevor, Taylor, Chelsea, and Danielle; as well as 12 great-grandchildren; his niece and nephew, Britney Geppert (Lawton and Conley) and Dustin Volek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clive and Allene; his first wife, Verna; his brother, Charles; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Martha and Emil Roesler.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Cliff’s arrangements.

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