Herbert Emil Landis

Graveside services for Herb Landis, 87, of rural Trail City were held December 30, 2020, at the Trail City Cemetery. A private family funeral service was held at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge.

Herbert Emil Landis was born June 8, 1933 in Dewey County to Philipp and Christina (Schlecht) Landis, German immigrants who came from Russia in 1905. Herbert was the ninth of ten children and the last surviving member of the family. He attended the elementary grades in—the Tulin School, the Landis School and Red Top School.

Herbert served his country proudly in active service in the US Navy from November 3, 1955 to August 5, 1957. He achieved the rating of engineman third class on board the USS Force, a mine sweeper stationed in the Pacific Ocean. He served four more years in the Naval Reserve before being honorably discharged in December of 1960.

Herbert married Rachel Doris Dabbert on December 17, 1960. They made their home in the same building where he graduated from the eighth grade, the Red Top School. He and his wife moved this building to its approximate location in 1961 and started their life together.

Herbert and Rachel celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 17, 2020. To this union four sons were born: Kelly, December 31, 1961; Steven, March 9, 1963; Todd, May 11, 1964; and Mark, July 16, 1968.

Herbert worked on various construction projects during the relocation of infrastructure caused by the construction of the Oahe Dam in Pierre. One of the bigger projects was the “new” railroad bridge crossing the Missouri River at Mobridge. The last off-ranch job Herb had was with Montana-Dakota Utilities in Mobridge from 1966 to 1979.

Herb ranched his entire life, never really retiring, but always involved with the day-to-day operations, right to the end of his life. Herbert passed away in his sleep on December 23, 2020 at his home, a mere 35 paces from the place of his birth.

His family wrote: “To some reading this, it might appear that Herbert’s life was inconsequential and unimportant, but that thinking is far from the truth. Herbert imparted joy and happiness, knowledge and thoughtfulness, and a little sadness at the very end. We all appreciate the goodness and the greatness of those 87-plus years. These last words here written in memory of our husband and father are truly heartfelt, joyful, and sorrowful, all at the same time. His passing, and loss of his presence are indeed painful, but his reunion with his Creator and Savior Jesus Christ, how joyful.”

(Rachel Landis’ address is 13380 Promise Road, Mobridge, SD 57601.)