Wallace Duane Bachmann

A gathering time to honor the life of Wallace Bachmann, age 95, of Winner, SD, was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Kotrba Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD. Military honors were conferred by the Winner American Legion, Gregory American Legion, and the National Honors Team. A private family memorial service as well as interment at the South Dakota National Cemetery in Sioux Falls will be held at a later date. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home of Gregory, SD, was in charge of arrangements. Wallace Duane Bachmann was born on January 17, 1930, in Gordon, NE, to Jake and Bertha (Bruce) Bachmann. After living in Gordon for three years the family moved to Bonesteel, SD, for ten years then St. Charles, SD, for a short time. After that, they settled on a farm southwest of Gregory, SD. Wally was the oldest of ten children, joined by Gordon, Janice, Loris, Jack, David, Ted, Henry, Hazel, and James.

Wally attended Gregory High School until he was a senior, then went to work at Laney’s farm for $20 per week. At the age of 20 he went to Tacoma, WA, and stayed at his uncle’s house where he worked at a drive-in theater, Boeing, and the Mt. Rainier Depot.

He joined the National Guard but was drafted into the Army only one month later during the Korean War, where he served as a helicopter mechanic. In 1954, Wally was discharged and returned home to Gregory where he worked on the farm and at the Mobile gas station which he bought at the age of 25.

Wally married Darlene Doris Ulmer on June 16, 1955. Wally and Darlene were happily married for 70 years, which they were able to celebrate in June of 2025. Together they had five children—Rita (Pat Steele), Rick (Carla), Randy (JoAnn), Wallace Duane Jr. (Darla), and Julie (Randy Godel).

Wally was ordained a priest in the Reorganized Church of Later Day Saints in 1964, and in 1966 was ordained as an elder. He was pastor for 20 years in Winner. In 1970, Wally and Darlene moved the family to Winner where he purchased a bee farm with his brother Jack. Wally spent 50 plus years in the bee business.

He had a love of flying airplanes. He took up flying while living in Gregory and continued to fly until the early 2000’s. He had some close calls while flying but managed to make the perfect emergency landings.

Wallace Duane Bachmann, Sr., 95, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Golden Prairie Manor in Winner.

Wally is survived by his wife Darlene, all five children and spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.