William Delbert Bushong

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William Delbert Bushong went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 25th, 2022, at Redfield’s Community Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 29th at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD. Family will be present to accept condolences. A prayer service and time of sharing will follow at 7:00 pm.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 30th at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Burdette Cemetery. The funeral service will be live-streamed to the funeral home’s website, below the obituary. Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)
William Delbert Bushong was born on the family farm in Tulare, SD on June 27th, 1929, the son of Hubert and Grace (Deeble) Bushong. Delbert attended local country schools until high school when he attended Redfield High School. After high school, Delbert returned to the family farm to begin his life as a farmer.
The Korean War interrupted Delbert’s start in farming. Delbert was drafted into the army and served honorably as a member of the 720th Battalion of Military Police stationed in Japan. Before deploying overseas, Delbert was married to his sweetheart, Donna Sisson. Donna and Delbert’s honeymoon was brief as Delbert was deployed nine months after his and Donna’s wedding.
Donna and Delbert renewed farming along with his parents upon Delbert’s discharge from the military. Along with farming, Delbert worked with the Hand County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Delbert later served on the Ree Electric board of directors eventually becoming chairman. As chairman, Delbert oversaw the merging of Ree Electric with Beadle County Electric which became Dakota Energy.
Delbert was thrilled to welcome Todd and Ann to the Bushong family farm. Todd and Delbert farmed together for 39 years facing all the challenges of farming with a bond of togetherness and optimism born out of faith and family.
Delbert loved his family and friends. He was quick to smile and slow to disapprove. One of Delbert’s greatest joys was his ability to help others. Whether it be friends in the neighborhood, extended family, or his kids and grandkids, Delbert was always there.
Delbert is survived by the love of his life for 71 years, Donna, of Redfield and children Dave (Diane) of Sioux Falls, SD and Todd (Ann) of Tulare. Delbert cherished his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Grace, sister Helen Bussell, and his daughter, Debra Bushong.