Denis Feilmeier

YANKTON, S.D. — Denis Feilmeier, 93, Yankton, S.D., died April 8, 2025, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was April 14 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Thi Pham officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton. The family received friends one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Pallbearers were his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Yankton. Denis Leon Feilmeier was born Nov. 23, 1931, in a farm house near Hartington, to Henry and Dorothy (Hochstein) Feilmeier. He attended District #13 Country School north of Bow Valley, and graduated from Holy Trinity High School, Hartington, in 1949. Denis married Dolores Pautler May 19, 1952, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington. They farmed several area farms for seven years and in 1959, they purchased a farm west of Yankton. Denis also did custom farm work for many area farmers. Farming was his life’s work.

Denis was active in various county organizations, including National Farmers Organization, Soil Conservation Service, Agriculture Conservation Service, Farmer’s Union, Yankton Antique Auto Association and Tri-State Old Iron Association. He served as a Yankton county commissioner for four years and served as a director for the Bon Homme/Yankton REA for 30 years. Denis became a life member of the Knights of Columbus when he was 18 years old and was devoted member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton.

Denis enjoyed dancing, playing cards and making various items out of iron and wood, including replicating each of his children’s homes. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and just loved visiting with people.

Denis is survived by his wife, Dolores Feilmeier, Yankton, S.D.; five children, Alan (Connie) Feilmeier, Yankton, S.D.; Denise Wubben, Yankton, S.D.; Daryl (Beth) Feilmeier, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Michael (Wendy) Feilmeier, Yankton, S.D.; and Jeanne (Jeff) Veire, Sioux Falls, S.D.; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brother, Don (Charlotte) Feilmeier, Hartington; sister, Anita Potts, Yankton, S.D.; brother-in-law, Willie Duran, Greeley, Colo.; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Denis was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Daniel Devine; infant grandson, Nicholas Feilmeier; two sisters, Ethel Duran and Charleen Kube; and two brothers-in-law, Robert Potts and Kenneth Kube.

Memorials may be directed to the Yankton Radio Rosary Fund at 509 Capitol Street, Yankton, S.D.; or the House of Mary Shrine, PO Box 455, Yankton, S.D.