Carl Leo Anstett 74, long time resident of Hill City passed away peacefully on September 1, 2011 at the South Dakota Veterans Home in Hot Springs. By his side was his loving life partner of 26 years, Barbara Burnham.

Carl was born to Leo and Florence Anstett on July 9, 1937 in Hot Springs SD they lived in Oelrichs where they owned a grocery store, "Anstett's Market". Carl attended high school at Chadron Prep. After a short time at Chadron State College he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was trained as a communication specialist and attained a "Top Secret Security Clearance". Carl was very proud of his service to his country. While in the Air Force he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Thoendel in 1958. They were married for 25 years and they had two daughters together. They lived in many places including Germany, Turkey, Hawaii, and Washington D.C., where he served at the Pentagon. Following his 20 years of military service, he moved to Hill City where he worked for the Forest Service until his retirement at the age of 61.

Wherever Carl was in the world, he enjoyed nature and the outdoors, swimming in the ocean, fishing with his grandchildren, and camping. His very best days were spent sailing, riding his Harley, or walking his dogs through the hills. Carl was colorful and unconventional, the original old time Harley rider and mountain man. His favorite song was "Ramblin' Man".

His beautiful blue eyes will be missed by family and friends.

Carl is survived by his companion, Barbara Burnham of Hot Springs; former wife, Dolores Anstett of Colorado Springs; and his sister, Dorothy Gregson of Sundance WY. Daughters Deborah (Brad) Vollmar, Sonna Anstett (Jeff Caves), of Colorado Springs. His pride was in his grandchildren, Hunter and Britta Horsfall, Huck Vollmar of Colorado Springs, Tyler, Allison, and Tatum Henderson of Hill City. Nieces include Kathy (Roger) Teat of Cherry Log Georgia, Jana (Keith) Metcalf of Newcastle; Nephews Jeff Gregson of Belton,TX, and Joe Gregson of Hill City; and many cousins, great nieces and nephews. Other dear friends of the Black Hills include Jamie and John Henderson, Mark and Paul Burnham, Rich Morris and True Rickenbach of Chadron. Last but not least, all his Veteran friends at the V.A.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Leo Anstett of Hill City and his brother-in-law, Glen Gregson of Sundance WY as well as his beloved dog, Ginger.

You are invited to join family and friends for an informal reception sharing memories of Carl's life. Feel free to bring your photos and stories to the South Dakota State Veterans Home (auditorium) 2500 Minnekahta Ave, Hot Springs, SD on SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Carl will be laid to rest in the Oelrichs Cemetery next to his parents.