Funeral services for Ellwood "Buck" G. Christopherson, formerly of Sundance, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, S.D., with Rev. Michael Fox officiating.

Burial, with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Mr. Christopherson, 79, of Sturgis died Thursday, March 13, 2008, at his home.

He was born Oct. 27, 1928, in Viborg, S.D., to Andrew and May (Jensen) Christopherson. He was educated in Viborg before attending high school in Hurley, S.D. He dropped out of school to farm for his family during World War II.

He met Gloria Jensen and after dating for two years, were married Sept. 25, 1950, in Viborg. They lived in Viborg and Hurley until 1977 when they moved to Sundance, where he worked in coal mines. His health forced him to work in construction and with the Forest Service. He retired in 1998 and moved to Sturgis.

Mr. Christopherson enjoyed working on cars. He had a passion for roses, especially climbing roses, and tomatoes. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and taking his grandsons fishing and camping. He loved to spend time driving around on back roads and watching the farmers in the spring and fall. His largest love was his family.

He was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of Sturgis; five sons, Andrew Christopherson of Sioux Falls, S.D., Larry Christopherson of Spearfish, S.D., Merle Christopherson and Terry Christopherson, both of Gillette and Rick Christopherson of Elk Mountain; one daughter, Bonnie Sorensen of Lennox, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Earl and Harry; one sister, Viola; two infant siblings; one daughter, Sharon; and one infant granddaughter.

A memorial has been established.