Wade Francis Pexa, 79, passed away July 24, 2019 at Fort Meade Veteran's Hospital in Sturgis, SD.

Wade was born to John Wesley Pexa and Catherine Veronica (Leonard) Pexa on October 8, 1939 in Independence, Iowa. Reverend Father F.L. Wolfe baptized Wade on October 22, 1939 at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist in Independence, Iowa. Wade graduated high school in Agar, SD. He later went on to play basketball and attended Northern State University. Wade served in the Army as a switchboard operator. He married the love of his life, Carmen Jean Shroader, on December 28, 1963 in Fort Pierre, SD. They were blessed with a son, Wade Jon Pexa, and a daughter, Stephanie Lee Pexa.

Wade sold insurance before going on to own many businesses. Wade and Carmen moved to Rapid City in November of 1965 and bought their home on Fairmont Blvd. Later, they purchased their first motel and worked alongside each other for many years as a team. After the devastation of the Rapid City flood in 1972, they lost their motel and almost their lives. They went on to own other motels in Rapid City and he was a very proud businessman. After retiring, they especially enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling extensively, and spending their winters in Arizona and their summers in Rapid City.

Wade loved sports, especially golf. He spent his free time watching various sports games live and on TV; throughout his life he played golf, basketball and softball. He would love to give all of the kids rides on the golf cart and spoil them with pop and candy on their visits. Wade especially loved reading and visiting with friends. He spent every part of his life smitten with his wife, Carmen, and he always wondered how he was so lucky.

Wade will be remembered by his great conversations, quick whit, and humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Wade is survived by his son, Wade Jon (Rita) Pexa, daughter, Stephanie (Curt) Strong; grandchildren: Samuel (Dagnery) Steele, Christina (Frank) Lusher, Jennifer (Kelly) Aldren, Shannon Steele, and Zachary Pexa; great-grandchildren: Kaydence Aldren, Owen Aldren, Brennen Aldren, Claire Aldren, Chance Lusher, Austin Lusher, Matthew Lusher, Taylor Lusher, Aden Steele; step-granchildren: Darrell (Shay) Strong, Tiffany (Jacob) Pexa, Brothers: Terry (Deb) Pexa, Revi (Dana) Pexa, Dennis (Donna) Pexa, and Joe (Betty) Pexa, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Carmen Pexa; his parents, John and Cathrine Pexa; one sister, Mary Hughs; granddaughter, Isabella Pexa (Broom).

Wade's final resting place will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery. Interment will take place on July 30, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Elks Country Club.