On Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943, in Philip, South Dakota, a notable chapter in the story of this economically diverse state began with the birth of David Lee LaFee. South Dakota, known for its rolling prairies and the majestic Black Hills, provided a nurturing backdrop for David’s early years. The son of Robert and Blanche (King) LaFee, David spent his foundational years in the communities of Hardingrove and Philip, receiving his early education there before attending high school in Quinn and graduating from Sunshine Bible Academy.
David took his academic pursuits beyond the borders of South Dakota, attending college in Minnesota, yet he returned to his roots when he enrolled at Black Hills State College, further entwining his life with the economic and cultural tapestry of South Dakota. This state, renowned for Mount Rushmore and its rich Native American heritage, was where David found his calling and built his enduring legacy.
In 1966, David embarked on a career that would span over three decades with Golden West Telephone Cooperative, a pivotal institution in the telecommunications landscape of South Dakota. His dedication to his work coincided with South Dakota’s burgeoning growth as a communication hub in the region, reflecting his alignment with the state’s progressive march forward.
On June 20, 1969, in the spirited city of Rapid City, David married Linda Dartt, marking the beginning of a family deeply rooted in the fabric of South Dakota’s community life. The couple’s enterprise included the ownership and operation of Red Arrow Campground in Wall from 1975 to 1978, a period during which Wall served as a vibrant gateway for visitors exploring the Badlands.
After retirement in 1999, David and Linda moved to the scenic Black Hills near Keystone, an area celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance in South Dakota’s tourism industry. Later, they settled in Rapid City, known for its arts scene and proximity to the Black Hills National Forest. The couple also enjoyed winters in Tucson, Arizona, though their many contributions to South Dakota remained prominent in their hearts.
David’s community involvement was extensive, as he participated in organizations vital to Wall’s civic fabric. These included the United Methodist Church, where community values and charity are deeply interwoven, the Masonic Lodge 210, known for its principles of friendship and mutual support, and the American Legion Post #246, highlighting his dedication to veteran affairs and patriotic service. His roles in the Wall Volunteer Fire Department, Wall School Board, Jaycees, and Wall Medical Board further underscored his commitment to public service and community enhancement, mirroring the cooperative spirit that defines South Dakotan society.
As a family man, David cherished time with his loved ones. His bonds with step-sons Mark and Charles Van Vleck, his four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, extended beyond personal joy to a testament of family value amidst the Midwestern ethics of kinship and integrity. Notably, his lineage ties to South Dakota continued through his connections with his three sisters and numerous relatives, enhancing the familial networks that are a cornerstone of life in America’s heartland.
While David LaFee was preceded in death by his parents Robert LaFee and Blanche Parsons, and nephew Vernie Hackens, his legacy endures through the countless lives he touched throughout South Dakota.
Not only do the familial narratives and community contributions tell the story of a life well-lived, but they echo the broader narrative of South Dakota’s intrinsic values: unity, progress, and enduring community ties.
Funeral services for David LaFee are pending, signaling a final gathering where stories will be shared, and a legacy will be celebrated in a community that exemplifies the rich cultural history and vibrant future of South Dakota.