Fred Roy Egleston was born to Wesley and Mary (Gatton) Egleston on April 4th, 1947 on good Friday in Winner, SD. He went to be with His Lord and Savior February 11, at the CHI St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, NE.
As the second child of seven Fred spent his whole life on the place homesteaded by his grandfather, Fred B. Egleston. He attended Cody country school and graduated from White River High School in 1965. He also attended SDSU for one year.
Fred and Ardeth met when she was four and he was seven, but Ardeth was more interested it playing paper dolls with his sisters. They reconnected years later, in 1966 at a Christmas program at the same Cody school he attended and were married in 1968.
Fred was devoted to his family always putting them before his own needs. They had three children, Angela, Roy and John. Fred was a loving, patient, nurturing husband and dad. He loved to tell stories and was always teaching a life lesson of some sort. He was adamant that his kids were not only raised in the church but taught by example.
Fred was the ultimate Grandpa; he adored his six grandkids. He always had time for a ride to see the cows. In later years, Zoe and Wes gave grandpa a new lease on life. Although his time with them was too short, it was so precious to him.
Fred’s passion was the ranch life and all that it entailed. He was humbly proud of his legacy and that he was part of preserving the land. He loved the cattle and never tired of coaxing a reluctant calf to nurse. He worked fervently to improve the herd and meet high standards he set for himself. He was never interested in “cutting back” or taking life a little easier. He always said he was content where he was and with what he was doing.
Fred was always very community minded and began serving on the Cody Township board in 1968 and continued to the present. He was on the what was known as the Conservation District Board several years and was part of stared the yearly Rancher’s Workshops. He served on the White River School Board for 18 years. During his years on the board, he only missed one regular meeting. He also held a seat on the Country Pride Board several years. He was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church and was a trustee for many years. Fred was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Order of the Eastern Star where he was the Worthy Patron. He was invigorated by the challenges of the offices he held always looking at the big picture to take a proactive approach. Fred was a quiet, reflective man who was quick to listen and diplomatic when he spoke with wisdom. He never spoke ill of anyone, and offered support and encouragement at every opportunity.
He leaves his wife of 53 years, Ardeth, daughter, Angela (Tom) Buesing, sons Roy, and John (Sharon) and five grandchildren; Cydney Krogman, Justin and Destiny Egleston, and Zoe and Wesley Egleston. Six sisters: Naomi (Doug) Krogman, Mary (Tony) Perkins, Ruth (Jerry) Krough, Martha Forman, Winifred (Harley)Parson and Louise (Don) Loban. A host of nieces and nephews and cousins. A special cousin Dick Jans.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Mary, a grandson, Lane Krogman, and a brother-in-law Bob Forman. Brothers and Sister-in-Law Alan and Emma Johnson and John Johnson.
Funeral service for Fred Egleston age 74 of White River, SD will be held on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 1:00 PM at the White River Event Center in White River, SD. Burial will follow at the White River Cemetery. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 16th at 6:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in White River. Mr. Egleston passed away on February 11th, 2022 in Grand Island, NE.