Frederick “Fred” Carleton Pettyjohn

Frederick “Fred” Carleton Pettyjohn, age 63, left this world on January 27, 2017, after a long battle with several health problems.

 

Fred was born to Theodore W. and Mary (Dunham) Pettyjohn in Kadoka, S.D., on January 23, 1954. 

Fred grew up on the Frying Pan and LZS Ranches with his siblings, cousins, and all who had a chance to join in their escapades. Fred attended Wells School and graduated from Kadoka High School in 1972. Like most ranch kids, Fred loved the outdoors. His lifelong love of fishing began with catching whatever he could in the stock dams or the river. Fred could sit a horse well. He used those skills for ranch work, but also for some fun like taking city kids on “adventures” through the badlands. If you wanted a good driver, Fred was the one. Whether it was chasing a jack rabbit across a frozen field, pulling a house down the road or driving a big rig cross country he could do it well. Having a good giggle with Fred was one of life’s great pleasures. He left us too soon.

 

Fred’s most outstanding attribute was his love for family and friends. He always had a smile and a hug. If there was a small child in the house, you would find them giggling with Fred. He was a considerate and forgiving person.

 

Fred was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Pettyjohn, father-in-law, Richard Hicks, brothers-in-law, David Eich and Robert Hicks, as well beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Nancy; sons, Gary (Rachael) Pettyjohn, Daniel (Christina) Pettyjohn, Skyler (Tiana) Pettyjohn; step-daughter, Candy Mosholder; step-son, Jeremy Mosholder; grandchildren, Allyssa, Kylie, Micah, Jude, Abbie, Tristan, Avery, Calyb and River Song; his father, Theodore Pettyjohn; brothers, Ted (Laurie) Pettyjohn, Zane (Sharri) Pettyjohn; sisters, Brenda Pettyjohn and Jana Eich; mother-in-law, Shirley Hicks; brothers-in-law, Danny (Debbie) Hicks, Richard Hicks; sister-in-law, Donna (Jimmy) Tarte; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.