KLEINHEKSEL, ROY JAMES
SP4 US ARMY
VIETNAM

Roy James Kleinheksel, 58, rural Whitewood, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 on the ranch due to a four wheeler accident.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Gordon Higgins officiating. Burial follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors by the Belle Fourche Veteran's Honor Guard.

Memorials have been established to the Nisland and Vale Volunteer Fire Departments.

Roy was born Aug. 28, 1948 at Pierre, to Alfred and Anna (Burns) Kleinheksel. The family moved to Lead in 1961 and Roy graduated from Lead High School.

He joined the Army in May of 1968 and served in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge he returned to Lead where he was employed at the Homestake Gold Mine for 33 years.

Roy married Carol Madsen at Newcastle, Wyo. on Oct. 4, 1970.

After retiring to his ranch, he loved to work with his cows.

Survivors include his wife Carol Kleinheksel, Whitewood; two sons, Donnie (Melody) Kleinheksel, Lead, David (Michele) Kleinheksel, Wilton, Iowa; two daughters, Debbie (Terry) Sargent, Lead, Barb Meverden and fiancé Brian Baier, Lead; two brothers, Edward Kleinheksel, Whitewood, Dale (Virginia) Kleinheksel, Freeman; special aunt, Grace Kleinheksel, Lead; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother.