Click here to view the livestream for Cecil's Funeral Service through First Presbyterian Church's Youtube.

Cecil R. Wiarda, 102, of Castlewood, SD, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church in Castlewood, SD. Visitation will be held the night prior on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Geise Funeral Chapel in Castlewood, SD, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with a time of sharing stories at 6:30 pm.

CECIL RICHARD WIARDA, son of Richard S. and Wilhelmina Wiarda, was born October 16, 1921 in Alcester, South Dakota.  At the age of six, Cecil, his brother, John, and his parents moved to Castlewood.  Cecil attended a one room country school the first year and second grade through high school in Castlewood. Following his 1941 high school graduation Cecil stayed on the farm until 1943 when he enlisted in the Army and enrolled in radio school in Aberdeen for six months. During his time in Aberdeen he met his future bride, Bernice (Bee) Fischer, from Roscoe. Radio school was followed by Army Basic Training in Sacramento, California. Bee and Cecil were married September 11, 1943 in Sacramento. Nine days later Cecil was on a ship to Hawaii where he was stationed for almost three years.

Once back in Castlewood, Cecil and Bee moved to the farm site where they made their home for the next 55 years. They grew potatoes, grain crops, corn and milked cows and raised pigs. They moved to Castlewood in 2000. During their retirement years, Cecil and Bee enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their motor home. They also enjoyed a few trips to Europe.

Cecil was an Elder and Trustee in the First Presbyterian Church. He was a past Commander of Olsen-Reid Post 250 and an active member for 79 years. He spent many Saturday nights in charge of the Bingo Nights sponsored by Olsen-Reid Post 250. Cecil served on the boards of the creamery, bank and cemetery. Cecil was a member and officer of the Castlewood Historical Society. Throughout his active years, Cecil enjoyed bowling, fishing, and hunting pheasants. His favorite pastime with friends and family was playing cards, especially pinochle, which he taught his children and grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared his life are three daughters, Sally (Randy) Kemink of Poughkeepsie, New York, Julie (David) Bragg of Wellington, Ohio and Jeannie (Len) Odenbach of Burke, South Dakota; two sons, Richard (Lois) Wiarda of Castlewood and Robert (Alinda) Wiarda of Dell Rapids, South Dakota; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernice (Bee); an infant son; an infant granddaughter; a daughter, Jeannie Odenbach; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Delice Gleysteen.