TEXAS | Victor George Weickum was born to George and Anna (Berg) Weickum on his parent's homestead in Wewela, SD along with 11 other children. Ginette Colette Ferdinand was born in Paris, France with one step-brother, Alain Ferdinand. Vic and Ginette started their life when they met in Paris during WWII. When the war ended, Ginette sailed to Ellis Island and then to Omaha, Nebraska where Vic was waiting to meet her and they were married on January 11, 1947. In October 1949, they established their home, which they called Paradise Ranch. They lived here until 1998 before moving to Portland, Texas. Victor was a child musician and continued with his music all his life. He played in the U.S. Army Band, Corpus Christi Naval Band, and had several dance bands that many people enjoyed. He enjoyed horses and shared that love with his family and friends. Ginette was a child actress in Paris sharing her beautiful voice with many people in times of joy and sorrow. She knitted many hats and booties welcoming children into the world. Ginette became a citizen of the United States and spent long hours teaching herself English and studying to pass the required exams. It was a joyous day when she received her citizenship papers to spend the rest of her life serving this country. Both Victor and Ginette were active in the VFW and American Legion. They were very proud Americans and believed anyone that was willing to work hard and be loyal to this country should be given that opportunity. Their hours of community service will not be forgotten. Their guiding force in life was the love of the land and all of the creatures. They were both stewards of the land and spent their life caring for and showing that it was a gift and privilege to do so. Victor and Ginette had three children: Terry, Colette, and Yvette. They are survived by their children, Terry Weickum, Colette Swan, and Yvette (John) Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Lisa Weickum, TJ Weickum, Derek Swan, Brett Swan, Ginette Fitzgerald, and Mark Fitzgerald; great grandchildren, Savannah Swan, Tatum Swan, and Maddie and Addie Weickum. They are also survived by a son-in-law, Michael Swan, and a daughter-in-law, Marie Weickum. They are preceded in death by several family members and close loved ones. As per their request, Victor and Ginette will be laid to rest together 12:00 p.m. Friday. October 24, 2014 at the Black Hills National Cemetery, where they attended and helped families with their losses by singing and playing taps for so many of their friends. Military honors will be conducted by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard and the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.