Freddie Ferguson was born April 14, 1939 to Frank and Mary (Quile) Ferguson. Mary did not survive complications of childbirth. As a result, Frank was not able to care for his infant son, so Glen and Eula Ferguson (Frank’s brother) took Freddie home to care for him. Eula was the only mother that Freddie ever knew and later they adopted Fred as their son.
For three- or four-years Glen and Eula owned and operated the store at Boneita Springs. In 1944 they purchased the ranch on Elk Creek, five miles south of Elm Springs where Freddie lived the remainder of his life.
Freddie attended one room country schools for his first eight grades, three years at Wasta High School, and graduated from New Underwood High School. He then worked for several years at Birdsall Sand and Gravel in Wasta. After this he entered into a partnership with his dad, Glen, to raise cattle, wheat, and hay. In 1970 Freddie became a part time rural mail carrier between Wasta and Red Owl. In 1978 he became full time, covering 150 miles a day, using up several Datsun and Nissan pickups. He retired in 2019 after 49 years of service.
Faith in the Lord, family, Elm Springs Church, friends, and neighbors were all very important to Freddie. Many times he would express his gratitude, “I have been very blessed to have lived in the time and place that I have. I have been very fortunate. Even sometimes when I am lonely, I know that God is with me. God is Good.”
Freddie, age 84, passed away August 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his birth parents, Frank and Mary Ferguson; his mom and dad, Glen and Eula Ferguson; half-brother, Jim Ferguson; aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends.
He is survived by his half-sister, Linda (Bob) Jorensen; cousins by the dozen, friends, and neighbors.
A memorial service will be held Monday, August 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at the Elm Springs Community Hall, Elm Springs, SD. Burial will follow at the Elm Springs Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to Rainbow Bible Ranch, Sturgis, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
