October 22, 1943 – June 8, 2022
Funeral services for Donald G. Farlee, 78, of Dupree were held Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the Dupree School Gym. Burial was at the Dupree Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Donald passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at his home.
Donald “Donnie” Gail Farlee was born October 22, 1943, to Don and Tina (Stambach) Farlee in Dupree. Donnie grew up north of Lantry with his parents and four brothers: Rick, Keith, Clint and Bob. Donnie spent his entire life in the Dupree community.
He attended grade school in Lantry and high school in Dupree, where he graduated in 1961. He lived with his Aunt Marion and Uncle Harry at different times throughout his high school years. After high school Donnie married Cherie Williams and they welcomed two sons, Robert and Enoch, and a daughter, Johnna Rae. Donnie graduated from Black Hills State University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts and Business Education. He later graduated from Northern State University with his master’s degree in Secondary School Administration.
Donnie started his teaching career in Cheyenne-Eagle Butte as the Industrial Arts teacher and Jr. Class and Rodeo Club advisor. In 1977 Donnie moved his teaching skills to the Dupree School System where he taught Industrial Arts, General Business, and was Jr. Class and Rodeo Club advisor. In 1990 Donnie became the 7-12 Principal and Athletic Director with the Takini Skyhawks. He was also the Drivers Ed teacher and Rodeo Club advisor.
While Donnie was working in education, he caught the trucking bug. In 1991 he started Farlee and Sons Trucking with his boys, Rob and Enoch. After the 1996 school year Donnie decided to step away from education and hit the road driving truck full time.
In December of 1996 Donnie married Mary Schweitzer-Lipp and they made their home in Dupree, with their son Ryan and stepdaughter Randi. Someone convinced him to return to the field of education where he became the 7-12 Principal/Administrator of the Tiospaye Topa School. He stayed there for 15 years and in 2013 retired from education. In 2019 Donnie turned the trucking business over to his son Rob.
Donnie loved the sport of rodeo. He was a long time South Dakota High School rodeo director. While he was working at Takini he helped start the rodeo club and build the rodeo arena for the school. He traveled to Oklahoma City to get the bucking chutes that were used in the arena. Donnie was instrumental in getting the point system for High School Rodeo. Donnie got his start in the rodeo scene working with John and Murphy Holloway Rodeos. He spent many years working with the Gunville Rodeo alongside his good friend, Harlan Gunville, and Longbrake Rodeo and his buddy Pete Longbrake.
Donnie loved and enjoyed family, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling and watching them participate in activities.
He is survived by his wife Mary; sons Rob (Nan) of Dupree, Enoch of Rapid City, Ryan of Isabel; daughter Johnna (Justin) of Dupree; stepdaughter Randi Lipp of Rapid City; grandchildren Slade (Jenny), Kayla, Cassandra (Kirby), Zeke, Kaia, Zayden, Ethan, Gavin, Braxton and Brenna; and great-grandchildren, Walker, Sariah, Nevaeh, Kree, Rafe and Shae.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rick and Bob, and grandson Kaige Justin.
(Mary Farlee’s address is PO Box 155, Dupree, SD 57623.)