Roy VanSickle, Jr., 89 of Newell, SD, died Monday, February 18, 2013, at his home.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at the Newell Christian Fellowship church with Pastor Sean Carney officiating.

Roy VanSickle, Jr. was born, July 22, 1923, at Edson, SD, near Faith. He was the third child of Roy and Sadie (Joslin) VanSickle. His family consisted of four brothers, Lloyd, Jack, and twins, Kenneth and Calvin; and three sisters, Alice, and twins, Arlene and Darlene.

Roy grew up on a ranch raising sheep and some cattle. His mother passed away when he was a young boy, so he and his siblings were hired hands as well as housekeepers. He attended grade school in the old one room country schools of days gone by. As was done by many families back then, Roy stayed home for a time between his grade school and high school years. He attended his freshman year of high school in Hill City, but went on to graduate from Faith High School in 1944. In 1946, Millie Ellefson became his bride at a private ceremony in Broadus, MT. They "settled" in to do ranching in the Opal area until the spring of 1947 when they moved to White Owl. They lived in different places in the area for a time while Millie taught school. They began their family in 1951 with the birth of their first child. It was to become a "bunch" of 7 over the next 13 years, including, Jim in 1951, Bob in 1952, Dan in 1954, Kerry in 1957, Larry in 1959, Vicki in 1961, and Kristi in1964. The family lived near Castle Rock for 15 years, working a sheep ranch. Roy, Millie, and those left at home moved to Newell in October of 1973 where they resided until the time of their deaths. Roy worked various occupations throughout his life including; custom haying, ranching, farming, service station, and the City of Newell. After many active years, Roy suffered a stroke in November of 2000, which slowed him down greatly.

Who knew that a man of humble means would have such a productive life, and have a legacy of 7 children, 21 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren?

Roy is survived by his seven children, sons, Jim VanSickle of Long Pine, NE, Bob VanSickle of Newell, Dan VanSickle of Spearfish, and Larry VanSickle of Sturgis; daughters, Kerry Cessna of Altamont, IL, Vicki Wolff of Newell, and Kris Stiles of Hot Springs; one brother, Jack Van Sickel; two sisters, Arlene and Darlene; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Millie; both parents; three brothers; and one sister.

A memorial has been established for the Newell High School sports program.

Click on link to view service folder