August Van De Wiele

August died in the arms of his loved ones on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at the Avera Regional Medical Center in Marshall after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Augie Van De Wiele was born on September 30, 1933, to George and Elisa (Maeyaert) Van De Wiele in Walnut Grove, MN. He was baptized, received First Communion, and Confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Augie attended Springdale Township Country School. In 1953, he entered the United States Army and returned to farm outside of Walnut Grove, MN, in 1955. He married Marlene Turbes in 1957. Together, they raised three children; Bernie, Marge and Greg. Marlene passed away on July 6, 1995. Augie retired from farming in 1998. He married Jan Olson on August 11, 2001, and moved to Marshall where they began a life together. Augie had a passion for life and touched the lives of many with his infectious smile. He was one of the founders of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant for which he volunteered for 25 years and served as president. He built much of the set that is still used today. He was a member of the Walnut Grove Lions Club. Augie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching sunsets at the lake, taking many memorable trips to Florida with Jan, and building beautiful projects from wood. These are only a few of the pleasures Augie enjoyed for the last 15 years of his life. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Jackie Esping and her caring staff within the Daybreak setting at Morningside Heights, to the caregivers at Minneota Manor and the Avera Regional Medical Center for their compassion for Augie during his illness with Alzheimer’s disease. Survivors include his wife of eight years, Jan, his three children Bernie (and Butch) Nielsen of Salt Lake City, UT, Marge Lenhart of Albert Lea, Greg (and Jaime) Van De Wiele of Draper, UT, his three step-children Rick (and Kim) Olson, Kristi (and Ed) Olson-Raff, Amy (and Paul) Ingebrigtson, all of Marshall, grandchildren Darrin, Kayla, Kelsey, Mattea, Kiana, Nic, Sydni, Sam, Gavin, Tyler; brothers and sisters Alice Vandendriessche, Mary Vandeputte, Julie (and Jim) Claeys, Richard (and Pearl) Van De Wiele, Raymond (and Beverly) Van De Wiele, Maurice (and Judy) Van De Wiele, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene, his parents, George and Elisa, his brother Oscar and his granddaughter Maleah. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Avera Adult Day Care.