Floyd Kjerstad
Wed, 01/12/2022 - 8:35am
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Floyd Kjerstad of Quinn, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Monument Health in Rapid City at the age of 86
Floyd A. Kjerstad was born November 16, 1935, in Quinn, South Dakota the second of five children born to Peder and Pearl (Hildebrandt) Kjerstad. He grew up and received his education at Quinn. At the age of 17, he entered the United States Marine Corp, serving in Korea.
During his time in the Marines, Floyd was united in marriage to Marlene Tennyson, and to this union were born two children; Rodney and Jana. He was honorably discharged on May 18, 1956.
After his discharge they spent a brief time in California, before moving to Arizona where he worked in a copper mine. They later moved to Dayton, Wyoming where he ran an auto mechanic garage. In 1962, the family moved to Rapid City where he worked for Woodspan. It was at this time Floyd got the bug to start flying, and received his private pilots’ license and later received his helicopter license.
He then moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he and his brother owned and operated Kjerstad Helicopters. Floyd later flew helicopters in the Persian Gulf for a time. In 1992, Floyd moved to Quinn where he has since resided.
During his time in Quinn, Floyd purchased the Jensen Flatt which Floyd farmed for a number of years. Floyd was known as the “Easter Egg” guy in town, making several dozen eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt.
Floyd was an active member of the VFW Post 9120 of Quinn, a member of the West River Electric Board from 1994-2006, a board member of the NRCS for 10 years; and owned and operated the Two Bit Saloon in Quinn for a time. Floyd later sold the bar, but always owned and operated a specific stool at the bar.
Survivors include two children Rod Kjerstad of Phoenix, Arizona, and Jana Gates of Chandler, Arizona; three grandchildren Jacie, Michael and Angelique Gates; three great-grandchildren Beckham, Lillianah, and Connor Gates; one brother Roger Kjerstad and his wife Joyce of Jackson Hole; one sister Alice Poss of Oracle, Arizona; two brother-in-laws Ken Bodkin of Loveland, Colorado, and Jeff Fillingsness of Beresford, South Dakota; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Vida Fillingsness and Velda Bodkin; and a son-in-law Frank Gates.
A celebration of life visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, at the Wall Community Center.
Military graveside services will follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Quinn.
A reception and time of fellowship will follow the graveside service at the Two Bit Saloon in Quinn.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.