Myron "Dutch" Lee Edleman

Family will welcome friends to visitation on Thursday evening, May 3, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Lake Gospel Church in Willow Lake, SD, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Watertown on Friday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m.   Burial to follow at the Edleman Family Cemetery north east of Willow Lake.

Myron Lee ("Dutch") Edleman was born in Watertown, SD, on August 26, 1943, the son of Elmer and Ruth (Neuberger) Edleman.   He was raised on the Edleman ranch north of Willow Lake and lived there until his move to Watertown in 1992.

Myron was a born leader and used his God given talents to achieve success in a life filled with accomplishment.   He was not only valedictorian of his class but also earned 16 varsity letters in high school, excelling at football, baseball, basketball and track.  His friends and fans called him "Dutch" and many still remember him that way.

After graduating from Willow Lake High School in 1961, he had a tryout with the Chicago White Sox as catcher but ultimately chose a football scholarship to attend Kansas State University.   He was, however, a South Dakota boy at heart and didn't spend too much time in Manhattan.   He had a sweetheart in Willow Lake and often said his father could teach him everything he needed to know in life.

He married Jean Brower on September 6, 1963 and became partners with his father in the Edleman Ranch.   He was the consummate cattleman although he probably considered himself a simple cowboy.   For those who remember the Marlboro Man, he was a dead ringer for the guy … moustache and all.

He and Jean welcomed three children to their marriage, Marshall, Maria and Jason.   The family were pillars of the community in Willow Lake and Myron eventually put his agricultural expertise to work on the local PCA board in Watertown and later on the Farm Credit Services Board in Omaha.  He served on the FCS Board in Omaha from 1987 to 2004.   During this time he was also elected to the national board and served with distinction on the Farm Credit Council, leading that group as Chairman for three consecutive years.    He also held membership in the National Cattlemen's Association, the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association and the Future Farmers of America Advisory Board.

After his tenure on the Farm Credit Board, Myron spearheaded a national group comprised of a stockholder coalition, Farmers for Farm Credit.    His efforts essentially helped save the Farm Credit System from being purchased by a foreign group.  He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Acceptance Insurance Companies in Omaha from 2000-2003.  Additionally he was a member of the Willow Lake Farmers' Elevator board of directors for many years.

Myron farmed and ranched with his father for many years and eventually his oldest son Marshall became his partner in the Edleman Ranch.   Several years ago grandson Drew joined the operation.  With his sons Marshall and Jason, he was a partner in the Split Rock Cattle Company. He loved his cattle, and particularly enjoyed calving season, blizzards and all.  As the operation became larger and more diversified, he was always changing things up to run the Edleman Ranch as profitably as possible.   He was a voracious reader of all things agricultural as well as financial.

He could discuss economics with the best of them. He had a deep and abiding faith in God that carried him through tragedy and a deep appreciation for family, friends and faith.

He served the Willow Lake Presbyterian church as Deacon and Elder.   He was also a member of the Gideon's International.  No matter the distance, Myron managed to attend athletic events for his children and grandchildren, be it rodeo, football, hockey, track or special programs they might participate in.   He was always in the audience, always proud of the participants and always congratulatory to his family members.  He was an awesome grandpa.

Myron lost his beloved Jean in 1989.  He eventually met and married Ann Cavanaugh in 1992, prompting their move to Watertown where they have lived for the past 26 years on the shores of Lake Kampeska.

Blessed to share his life were his wife Ann, his children, Marshall (Carolyn) Edleman of Willow Lake, Maria (Phil) Barrios of El Paso, TX, and Jason (Ann) Edleman of Huron, SD.  He also was step father to Chris (Ty Marion) Shimokawa, David Shimokawa, and Deborah (Jeff) Hollenbeck.   He leaves twelve grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Derek (Amanda) Barrios, Amy (Travis) Arnold, Drew (Kayla) Edleman, Kristin (Jaren) Grenell, Emily (Taylor) Rymerson, Bryan Barrios, Braeden Edleman, Jake Edleman, Maggie Edleman, Quinn deNourie, Josie deNourie, Harry deNourie, Katie Hollenbeck and Nate Hollenbeck. Nine greatgrandchildren loved him as well.    He is also survived by his sister, June (Huon) Newburg of New Ulm, Minnesota, brother-in-law John (Louise) Cavanaugh of Topeka, Kansas and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death are his wife Jean, his parents Elmer and Ruth, his sister Janice Spieker, his mother and father-in law Ruth and Ray Brower, great-grandson Liam Travis Arnold, and other loved ones.

The Furness Funeral Home at Clark is serving the family where there is an on-line registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com