After a life of love and quiet grace, Wilbert Wieland, 99, has passed.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
Wilbert entered this world in 1925 — the start of a journey that would span 99 years.
Wilbert spent his working life as ['John Morrell and Co'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some answer a call. Wilbert was one of them.
Wilbert Wieland, 99 died Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Alcester Care Center. Memorial services will be at 10:00am Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Hofmeister Jones Funeral Chapel in Viborg with burial with full military rites at the Elim Lutheran Cemetery, rural Irene, SD. Wilbert A. "Willie" Wieland was born on July 2, 1925 at Ree Heights, SD to Andrew and Ella (Kost) Wieland. The family moved to Mitchell, SD in 1935. He enlisted in the US Navy on July 1, 1943. He served aboard the USS Chauncey DD 667 in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged on July 6, 1946. He joined the SD Air National Guard on April 7, 1949. When the unit was called to active duty during the Korean War he was stationed at the Rapid City Air Force Base (now Ellsworth AFB). He was honorably discharged on July 23, 1952. Following his discharge from the US Navy he attended Augustana Academy in Canton, SD and Mitchell High School to complete his high school education. He was united in marriage to Beulah M. Engen on February 7, 1948 at Alexandria, SD. To this union two sons where born, Milt and Paul, Paul passed away on June 21, 2003. He retired from John Morrell and Co. on August 30, 1985 after 37 years of service, where he had worked in the garage for 31 years. After retiring he spent 3 years as a driver for School Bus Inc. His wife Beulah died on July 20, 2023. Wilbert enjoyed many things over the years, like golfing, doing jigsaw puzzles, working on cars, metal detecting and talking, to name a few. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beulah, son Paul, sister Trudy, brothers Clarence and Al, and brother-in-law Earl. Grateful for having shared his life are his son Milt, daughter-in-law Pat, a grandchild, Pyrrha, a sister Eldora, brother-in-law Dave, and sister-in-law Pat.
