Bud Perault

Bud Perault, age 90, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Donald Dean Perault, better known as “Bud” by his family and friends, was born August 31, 1931, in New Underwood, South Dakota, to Bert and Clarice (DeWeert) Perault. As premature twins, he and his sister, Dona, stayed in the hospital for two weeks. Even then Clarice placed Don and Dona, bundled in the warm oven since they were so fragile to normal life conditions. They both joined big brother, Charles, five years older.

As twins, Bud and Dona were bonded growing up four miles southwest of Conata, South Dakota, on the ranch. This memory of living in the heart of the Badlands was deeply etched in Bud’s memory. He remembered walking with Dona to the one room country school until the fifth grade until the government forced the family from their ranch during WWII. The Air Force had taken the entire area for the Badlands Bombing Range. The Peraults bought a ranch east of Stamford along the White River and moved there in the spring. Later a big round up was made and all ranchers herded their stock out. Even then planes had already started causing the animals to be skittish. Three hundred cows and 70 horses were herded to Stamford. Bud and Dona then went to the Stamford country school.

Bud and Dona stayed with both of their grandmothers so that they could attend the Kadoka High School. There they quickly made friends and created lifelong memories. It was here that Bud met his future wife, Valene Riggins. As a young man, Bud had a great interest in aviation, building model airplanes and collecting air and naval news, so it was not a surprise when his plans were to enlist in the Navy under the Naval/Air Division after graduation. Doing basic training in San Diego, with assignments to Alaska, Japan, and Hawaii on the ship U.S.S. Point Cruz CVE-119. Bud’s assignment was maintaining the helicopter squad that launched from the ship. During the last year of enlistment, Valene joined him after their wedding in Kadoka on New Year’s Eve 1954. As a couple they enjoyed experiencing Southern California and Mexico from the back of Bud’s Harley Davidson motorcycle living in a tiny trailer on the Naval base.

After being honorably discharged, Bud and Valene returned to Bud’s parents’ place to live in the bunkhouse while fixing up the old Blom place east of Belvidere. After moving to their new home, a daughter, Dawn Marie, was born. Two years later, a son, Michael Dean, arrived. Bud, Valene, and their children worked together to tend and care for each acre and every creature that was raised, especially the Perault favorite, the red and white faced Herefords. Bud took extra pride in his fields of wheat and being a good steward of his land.

After a year’s worth of never-ending farm chores, Bud and the family would celebrate with a family trip to nearby attractions like Yellowstone or to his sister in Denver. After the kids were grown, Bud and Valene were able to go on grander trips to the East coast, south to visit Dawn, and their 50th Hawaiian wedding anniversary. Also, the couple started attending Bud’s Navy ship reunions held yearly in the USA. As a country music lover, Bud enjoyed playing the guitar in a local country western band called “The Farmhands”. He took flying lessons, collected guns, hunted, and taught himself computer skills for ranch business and enjoyment. However, for the most part, Bud was content and proud just to be home fixing, mending, or enjoying his favorite barn cat.

After having spent almost 60 years together, Bud tragically faced the future without Valene and had several serious health conditions. Difficult and often lonely, Bud stayed on the place and continued to participate when able with the cows and working in his shop. For five years Bud was able to live on his own with the help of family, his home care nurse, Heidi, and other neighbors and friends.

In June, his health concerns became critical, and he moved into the Kadoka Care Center. His greatest enjoyment was to return home, visit his cat Sissy, and be able to be with family whenever possible. At the Kadoka Care Center, he excellently received the care he needed with the feel of community and home combined. He was always appreciative of all the kindness and love received.

Survivors include one son Mike Perault of Belvidere; one daughter Dawn (Tim) Perault Amstutz of St. Paul, Minnesota; six grandchildren Melissa (Matt) VanderMay of Long Valley, John (Jenny) Riggins of Wichita, KS, Coleen (Pat) Sprecher of Sioux Falls, Laney (Joe) Waln of Martin, Lesa (Michael) Perault of Rapid City, and Bert (E’Vanna) Perault of Stamford; 18 great-grandchildren; nephew Mitch (Dona’s son) Compton of Austin, TX; his cat Sissy; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Valene on December 23, 2014; his parents Bert and Clarice Perault; twin sister Dona (Oscar) Compton; brother Charles Perault; and daughter-in-law Marlene Perault.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Kadoka Nursing Home.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Belvidere Community Church in Belvidere, with Pastor Gus Craven officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.