Arlingh E. Gretschmann, 85 formerly of Springfield

Private family committal services were held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avon, SD, with military honors by the Dwight Wood American Legion Post #132.

Arlingh Eugene Gretschmann, son of Arthur A. and Blanche (Arnson) Gretschmann was born August 22, 1929 on a farm near Perkins, SD. He died Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Arlingh attained the age of 85 years.

Arlingh graduated from Springfield High School and then served in the U.S. Army from January 17, 1951 to October 1, 1951. He married Eileen Cole on July 13, 1951 in Georgia while serving there. Following his time in the service, Arlingh and Eileen returned to the family farm north of Perkins. Together they farmed until his health began to fail. He then became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall on June 3, 2013.

Arlingh was a member of the Dwight Wood American Legion Post #132 in Springfield.

Arlingh loved to hunt and trap. He will be remembered for his enjoyment of story telling and reminiscing about the "old days". Arlingh especially loved to visit about the history of the area.

Thankful for having shared his life are Eileen; his children: Suzette Gretschmann of Vermillion; Gretchen Wissink and husband Keith of Sioux Center, IA; and Gene and wife Connie of Avon; eight grandchildren: Miranda (Robb) Wohler, Jesse Gretschmann, Kassi Wissink, Kayla Wissink, Kelli Wissink, Katie Gretschmann, Megan Gretschmann and Abby Gretschmann; three great grandchildren: Chris and Alex Wohler and Trandon Wissink; two brothers: Dean and wife Judy of Pierre and Terry and wife Rita of Colorado; one sister: Barb and husband John Mesman of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arlingh was preceded in death by two infant sons: David and Ross; his parents; step-mother, Arvilla Gretschmann; and brother Willis and infant brother Daryl.