Virgil “Dale” McLaughlin, Jr.

Virgil “Dale” McLaughlin, Jr. was born on November 6, 1969 in Rapid City, SD, to Virgil, Sr. and Pearl (Annis) McLaughlin. Virgil passed away on November 10, 2023 in Rapid City, SD.

Dale grew up on the Temple Ranch and attended elementary school at Rocky Ford. He would spend his days working on the ranch and his nights playing basketball on the homemade hoop that his dad made him on a tree in the yard. He would spend all his free time shooting hoops no matter the weather. Dale then attended Wall High School where Marsha Lytle took him in and had her hands full raising some rowdy teenagers. Dale was an outstanding athlete and was successful at about any sport he tried, but his true love was basketball. He was legendary for his three point shots.

After high school Dale went to work in California for a bit and then came home and worked for the Estes brothers, helping renovate the Gold Dust in Deadwood. During that time, he and Darren had some fun and ended up being the first people to be arrested for underage gambling in Deadwood. Dale then worked on the railroad for 20 years with some of his best friends.

Sports and his family were Dale’s entire world. Throughout his life he was a coach to many youth and high school teams but loved teaching and coaching his own kids in their sports. He was a diehard Lakers, Kobe Bryant, UNC, Dallas Cowboys, and St. Louis Cardinals fan but his favorite team was any team his kids were playing on. He also loved playing the Powerball and although he never won, he would tell you he hit the jackpot with the friends and family he had.

Dale was a friend to all and never judged anyone. He was willing to help anyone in need. He always had a positive outlook and never gave up hope. Dale will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and deep love for his friends and family.

Dale is survived by his children, Madison McLaughlin, Laketon McLaughlin, Cooper (Justin Calderon) McLaughlin, Bella McLaughlin, Blaine Gourneau, and Colin (Breanna) Whirlwind Soldier; siblings, Verla (Chad) Drown, Vernon McLaughlin, Rebecca (Richard) Pattison, Clifford McLaughlin, Billy Jack (Tommie) McLaughlin, Lisa McLaughlin, Trisha Two Bulls, Sherry Gayton, Fred Two Bulls III, Tiffany Poor Thunder, Jesse Poor Thunder, Rob Lytle, and Darren Lytle; grandchildren, Georgia Calderon, Carson Whirlwind Soldier, Aubreelynn Whirlwind Soldier, Kathlyn Whirlwind Soldier, and Canon Whirlwind Soldier; hunka mother, Marsha Lytle; special niece, Alyssa McLaughlin; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil, Sr. and Pearl (Annis) McLaughlin; siblings, Bonnie Tines, Duane McLaughlin, Donnie McLaughlin, Misty Rich, Kristy Two Bulls, and An’d Michalek.

Pallbearers will be Darren Lytle, Randy Walker, Rob Lytle, Will Huether, Curtis Temple, Kevin Pinney, Rick McArthur, and Ray Cuny.

Honorary pallbearers will be all friends & relatives.

Visitation services were held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD with vigil services at 7:00 PM

Funeral Services were at 10:00 AM, Friday, November 17, 2023 at the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, SD

Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD