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Submitted: 12/2/23 • Approved: 12/6/23 • Last Updated: 12/14/23 • R275660-G275660-S3
Section Willow Plot # 1488
Calvin Willemssen
April 3, 1946 – December 10, 2022
On December 10, 2022, Cal Willemssen passed away at the age of 76 at Sanford Centennial Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD, after a courageous fourteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
A combined celebration of life will be held for Cal and his wife Lynne. Visitation with family present will be held 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Miller Funeral Home – Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue. Their memorial service will be held 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 401 S. Spring Avenue. Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Alpha Gamma Rho – Alpha Phi Alumni Association New House Fund at PO Box 8043, Brookings, SD 57006 or the First United Methodist Church at 401 S Spring Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
Calvin Eugene Willemssen was born in Sibley, IA, on April 3, 1946, to Jurald and Irma (Hankins) Willemssen. He grew up in Clear Lake, South Dakota with his younger siblings Doug, Mary, Patti, and David. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1964 and began his academic career at South Dakota State University. Cal was active in his fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho throughout his years at SDSU, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Cal met the love of his life, Lynne Ellefson, during his time at SDSU, and they were united in marriage in July, 1968. They welcomed two daughters, Darci and Erica, who completed their family. Cal was drafted into the US Army in 1969, where he served for over two years. After earning his master’s degree, he worked in television and radio for the South Dakota Agriculture Extension Service. The family moved to Sioux Falls in 1975, where he worked for the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce in the Agri-Business Division before beginning his career in banking. In 1983, he began his work at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls where he worked for nearly thirty years. During that time, he graduated from the Stonier School of Banking. In 2011, Cal retired from First National Bank where he served as Senior Vice President of Retail Banking and Marketing. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors for the bank until the time of his death.
Cal was truly a servant leader. Early in his career, he was chair of the Major Firms Division of the Sioux Empire United Way and was also on the Board of Directors for Sioux Vocational Services (now LifeScape). He participated in committees at First United Methodist Church and was on the Board of Trustees for Dakota Wesleyan University. He also served as an Ambassador and Diplomat for the Chamber of Commerce and served on its Agri-business Division Advisory Council. Cal was a part of the first Forward Sioux Falls campaign committee, was Chair of the 50th Annual Sioux Empire Farm Show in 2003, and was honored to be Chair of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber Board during its 100th year in 2007. As a proud alumnus, he appreciated the opportunity to serve on the SDSU Foundation Board. Cal continued to serve his fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho, as well, in the roles of Housing Resources Trust Board and the National Board of Directors before receiving the honor of being voted national Grand President in 2014 and served in this position for two years.
The game of golf was one of Cal’s greatest joys in life. He had the uncanny ability to recall every detail of his favorite rounds, and he also forged many of his strongest friendships on the golf course. Cal achieved an amazing NINE holes-in-one in his life. His enthusiasm also prompted him to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors at Minnehaha Country Club.
Without a doubt, Cal’s favorite role in life was that of proud Grandpa to Sam and Kate. Whether it was attending sporting events, concerts, recitals, and plays, or enjoying vacations and time on the golf course, Cal was passionate about being an active, supportive part of their lives.
Grateful for having shared in his journey on earth are his wife Lynne; daughters, Darci (Roy Adams) Willemssen, Sioux Falls, SD and Erica (Todd) Stahl, Canton, SD; grandchildren, Sam and Kate Stahl, Canton, SD; sister-in-law, Cathy Willemssen, Clear Lake, SD; brothers-in-law, Gary Ellefson, Rapid City, SD, Bill Rose, Lakewood, CO, and Fred Lichte, Montrose, CO; nieces and nephews, Tammy (Burdell) Gauger, Brookings, SD, Rick (Carrie) Willemssen, Tea, SD, Nikki Petersen, Sioux Falls, SD, Sara (Sid) Mirghani, Enid, OK, Michael Bittiker, Sioux Falls, SD, Bill (Terry) Rose, Lakewood, CO, and Marci (Joe) Homra, Parker, CO, Brad Barbour, Irving, TX, and Erik Ellefson, Elko, NV; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Cal was preceded in death by his mother, Irma; father, Jurald; step-mother, Joyce; and brothers and sisters, Doug Willemssen, Mary Willemssen, Pat Bittiker, and David Willemssen.
(Obit added by dells December 6, 2023)
Contributed on 12/2/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275660