David was born in Sturgis, SD on March 19, 1941, to Ilith (Goss) and Milton Morell.  He attended grade school at Fairpoint through the 5th grade. After his parents divorced, he moved to California with his mother and went for the 1st half of his 6th grade year there.  He decided 600 kids in his class was not to his liking and convinced everyone he should be back at Fairpoint.  He took the train trip from LA to Sturgis by himself at 11 years old.  He finished grade school at Fairpoint then went to Newell High School, graduating in 1958. He then attended SDSU in Brookings for 2 years before returning to the ranch.

On February 6, 1965, David married Gaylene Varland. To this union, two children were born Keith and Vikki. He and Gaylene lived and worked on the ranch, raising their children there. Whether it was farming, haying, horse or cattle work, David enjoyed them all. He broke, trained, and rode many horses and miles over the years. He liked all kinds of pets and livestock, except maybe bulls the last month before turning out.

David was a kind man who seldom raised his voice so when he did you probably had it coming.

Gaylene passed away in 2014. On October 6, 2018, David married Paula Reedy, and he was happy again. David loved Paula's kids and grandkids like he did his own and got lots of enjoyment from this "new" family.  David also especially enjoyed his visits to Missouri to see his mom and stepfather, Orlin, along with his sisters and their families.

David gave everyone quite a scare the last two months of 2022 and we weren't sure he was going to make it, but he surprised us and got bullheaded (which didn't surprise us) and made a recovery. The six months we got to spend with him this year were a bonus that we were all extremely happy to get. David Morell, 82, passed away June 26, 2023, at Rapid City Monument Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylene, and sister, Diane Troxell.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Keith (Stacie) Morell, Vikki (Alan) Gifford, Julie (Scott) Wheeler, Will (Misty) Reedy, Christy (Darrin) Jons, Mary (Scott) Reedy, Anna (Chris) Skeen, Meghan (Chancey) Reedy, and Joseph Reedy; grandchildren, Katie (Rocky) Remington, Patrick (Trinity) Hamling, David Morell, Tori and Brit Wheeler, Peter, Josie and Emilie Reedy, Mathew and Bailey Jons, Cooper, Joslyn and Harper Skeen; sister, Coleen (Elwin) Yoder; brother-in-law, Ron (Nita) Varland; sister-in-law, Betty Jo (Cliff) Melchert and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

David loved all his family and friends, and you were all very important to him.

A memorial will go to the Newell Ambulance Service and Enning Fire Department.

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