Donald Francis Huckfelt

Donald Francis Huckfelt was born October 11, 1922 to Andrew Joseph and Ella Mary (Fisher) Huckfeldt in Lincoln County, SD, near Canton, SD. His early years were spent on the family farm where he attended rural school. Following his father's sudden death, Don moved with his mother to Canton, SD, where he attended and graduated from Canton High School in 1940. While attending high school, he had his first experience in the grocery business where he was a "carry out" boy and had other duties in the local Council Oak Store. Following graduation, Don was inducted into the United States Army to serve during WWII. Basic training was in Venice, FL and further training was in Salt Lake City, UT, after which he was assigned to the infantry division and deported to the European Theatre of war in Germany. He served under General Patten, and took part in the Battle of The Bulge in Germany. During battle he was shot off the tank and received several serious wounds, and was taken to U.S. Army hospital in Germany for care and treatment. Among his service awards is the Purple Heart Medal and certificate, along with Good Conduct Pins, Sgt. Stripes on his sleeve, as well as other pins and awards. In 1946, he returned to the United States and received his honorable discharge and returned to his home and family in Canton. Following his discharge Don realized his military papers were incorrectly issued without the "D" in Huckfeldt. He was advised to legally change his name to Huckfelt, rather than to try to change Army records. Thus, Don and his descendents are "revised" Huckfelts. Don was once again employed at Council Oak, where he served as meat market manager. Then the love bug bit both Don and the (then) young lady named Luella Crawford, and they were married on September 5, 1948, in Fairview, SD. Don also became an active member of the Canton Lutheran Church, which he enjoyed so much, along with the many activities of a small town. He was a member of the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, VFW, City Council, Cub Scouts, family softball team, and along with his wife and children kept his life full, busy, and happy! In 1960, Don and his family moved to Vermillion, SD, to manage the Council Oak Store. Two years later, they moved to Spencer where he was promoted to district supervisor of the National Food Stores. After retiring from district supervisor, he became associated with Spencer Super Valu serving as manager of the dairy. He fully retired in the late 1980's. For the last two years, Don has resided in St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer due to physical disabilities. While at St. Luke Don celebrated his 86th birthday and he and Luella observed their 60th wedding anniversary on September 5, 2008. Life has been blessed with their five children 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Thankful for having shared Don's life are his wife Luella Huckfelt; three sons: Jeffrey (Jackie) Huckfelt, Randal (Peggy) Huckfelt, and Regan (Tammy) Huckfelt; one daughter, Cynthia (Mark) Hinton; one recently deceased son, Steven Huckfelt; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Huckfelt; 9 grandsons: Bryan Huckfelt, Todd Huckfelt, Chad Huckfelt, David Huckfelt, Jesse Hinton, Joseph Hinton, Sam Hinton, Tyler Huckfelt, and Dylan Huckfelt; as well as other relatives and many friends.

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