Steve W. Acheson

Steve William Acheson, Jr., age 90, died Saturday, March 16, 2013, in Watertown, South Dakota. He had been living at Jenkins Living Center for the past few months.

Steve was born to Steve and Mabel (Prescott) Acheson on October 27, 1922, on their farm near Buffalo Trading Post. He graduated from Colton High School in 1940, and attended South Dakota State University at Brookings. Steve was a pitcher for amateur baseball teams from the late 1930’s through the mid-1950’s. In 2000, he was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

Steve married Lola Guyan on June 7, 1945, at the Guyan home and they farmed in the Colton area. Following Steve’s retirement, the couple enjoyed spending winters at Mesa, Arizona. They also enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Madison Town and Country Square Dance Club for 21 years.

Steve was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He remained active in his church: leading the Bethel Bible Study Series, teaching Sunday School, and attending church conventions. He was a charter member of the Colton Lions Club, served on the FHA Minnehaha County Committee, was recognized for 25 years of service to the Farm Service Agency, and was a Board Member of the Colton Farmers Elevator.

Steve Acheson was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lola; brothers, Roy and Earl; and sister, Dorothy (Earl) Foster.

Steve is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Wendell (Cynthia) Emery of Dewey, Arizona; Mrs. Ken (Renae) Madison of Watertown, South Dakota; and Mrs. Kevin (Dawn) Richards of Le Mars, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Tim (Kate) Emery, Jennifer (Emery) Parrott, Tom (Christina) Madison, Anne (Madison) (Rob) Flemming, Ian Richards, Colin Richards and Evan Richards; and five great grandchildren: Ethan and Mitchell Emery, Stephen and Ryan Parrott, and Jackson Flemming.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Colton. Services will be Friday, March 22, 2:00 p.m., at St. Jacob's Lutheran Church, rural Colton. Reverend Wayne Meidinger will officiate. Burial will be at the Bethany Cemetery.