Laddie Ferwerda Obituary

Laddie Roger Ferwerda, 84, of Centerville, SD, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2023,
at Ava's House in Sioux Falls. He was born on October 19, 1938, in Springfield, SD. Laddie was a storyteller who had a gift for engaging with anyone he met. He never met a stranger. He
had a passion for reciting poetry and would often delight those around him by singing a
favorite song or three.

Laddie met and marrried Corolene Riddle in 1960, after 2 years of college. They then moved to Oregon where their 3 children were born. He soon completed his electrical apprentiship and so earned the ability to support his family and fund his travel and dreams. He got his private pilots license and farmed his own acreages. Laddie also worked boom jobs and traveled the midwest to work. In later years he moved to South Dakota to farm where he met and married Mary Nelson. They farmed south of Centerville for several years before his move to Wakonda Heritage Manor.

Outside of work, Laddie had a variety of hobbies that brought him great joy. He was a private
pilot, taking to the skies with a sense of adventure. He also enjoyed turkey and pheasant
hunting with his beloved Brittany Spaniels. Laddie had a deep fascination with the history of
Lewis and Clark and spent much of his time researching and speaking about their remarkable
journey.
Laddie will be deeply missed by his surviving family and friends, including his sister Carol,
brother Alvin, children Gene, Sara and Twyla, grandchildren April, Andrew, Allie and Ben, his 10
great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
father, Martin, his mother, Sarah, and his siblings Fred, Dale, Noel, Gene, Merle, Amy and Layton.

Laddie's family would like to thank the staff at Wakonda Heritage Manor for the last several years of their care and support, as well as the staff at Ava's House for the last several days of love and compassion. He was thankful for you all.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Ava’s House 1320 W 17th St, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 4th 2023 at 12:30 PM at the Springfield Community Center (605 8th Street, Springfield, South Dakota 57062).