Donald “Donnie” Farlee

Funeral services for Donald G. Farlee, 78, of Dupree were held, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the Dupree School Gym. Burial followed at the Dupree Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation was held Monday followed by a prayer service at the gym. Donald passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at his home.

Donald “Donnie” Gail Farlee or Mr. Farlee was born October 22, 1943, to Don & Tina (Stambach) Farlee in Dupree SD.  Donnie grew up north of Lantry with his parents and 4 brothers: Rick, Keith, Clint and Bob. Donnie spent his entire life in the Dupree community.

He attended grade school in Lantry and high school in Dupree, where he graduated in 1961.  He lived with his Aunt Marion and Uncle Harry at different times throughout his high school years.  After high school Donnie married Cherie Williams and they welcomed 2 sons Robert and Enoch and a daughter Johnna Rae. Donnie graduated from Black Hills State University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts and Business Education.  He later graduated from Northern State University with his master’s degree in Secondary School Administration.  

Donnie started his teaching career in Cheyenne Eagle Butte as the Industrial Arts Teacher, Jr Class and Rodeo Club Advisor.  In 1977 Donnie moved his teaching skills to the Dupree School System where he taught Industrial Arts, General Business, Jr Class and Rodeo Club Advisor.  In 1990 Donnie became the 7-12 Principal and Athletic Director with the Takini Skyhawks. He was also the Drivers Ed Teacher and Rodeo Club Advisor. He was very proud of all the projects his students completed in his industrial arts classes.  One of these projects was a trophy case which is in the entry way of the Dupree school, built by Bud and Delbert Longbrake. 

While Donnie was working in education, he caught the trucking bug, more than likely from the many miles he traveled with his dad and brothers during his younger years.  In 1991 he started Farlee and Sons Trucking with his boys, Rob and Enoch. After the 1996 school year Donnie decided to step away from education and hit the road driving truck full time.  In December of 1996 Donnie married Mary Schweitzer-Lipp and they made a home is Dupree, with their son Ryan and stepdaughter Randi.  As much as he was enjoying his trucking someone convinced him to return to the field of education where he became the 7-12 Principal/Administrator of the Tiospaya Topa School.  He was also the Athletic Director, and Driver Education Teacher. He stayed on there for 15 years and in 2013 Donnie retired from education to do whatever he wanted to.  (And he did) In 2019 Donnie turned the trucking business over to his son Rob.

Donnie loved the sport of rodeo. He was a long time South Dakota High School rodeo director.  While he was working at Takini he helped start the rodeo club and build the rodeo arena for the school. He traveled to Oklahoma City to get the bucking chutes that were used in the arena. The chutes were used in the NFR when it was held in Oklahoma. Donnie was also instrumental in getting the point system for High School Rodeo. Donnie got his start in the rodeo scene working with John and Murphy Holloway Rodeos. He spent many years working with the Gunville Rodeo alongside his good friend Harlan Gunville, and Longbrake Rodeo and his buddy Pete Longbrake. 

Donnie loved and enjoyed family, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling and watching them participate in activities. To say he will be missed is a true understatement.

He is survived by his wife Mary, sons Rob (Nan) Dupree, Enoch Rapid City, Ryan (Isabel) daughter Johnna (Justin) Dupree stepdaughter Randi Lipp, Rapid City. Grandchildren Slade (Jenny), Kayla, Cassandra (Kirby), Zeke, Kaia, Zayden, Ethan, Gavin, Braxton and Brenna. Great grandchildren, Walker, Sariah, Nevaeh, Kree, Rafe and Shae.

He was preceded by his parents Don and Tina Farlee, brothers Rick and Bob and his grandson Kaige Justin.