Obituary of Layton Ferwerda

Layton Ferwerda, age 82 of Yankton, SD passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD in the presence of loved ones. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Layton was born in Springfield, SD to Martin and Sarah (Oliver) Ferwerda on December 18, 1934. He graduated Springfield High School in 1952. He enjoyed playing football in high school and at the Southern State Normal School in Springfield where he was teammates alongside some of his life-long friends. Layton joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He met his future wife, Helen Hersman of Tyndall, shortly thereafter and they married at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Tyndall on April 7, 1958. Layton worked to help construct the dam system on the Missouri River, drove over-the-road trucks across many states, and ultimately retired as a Journeyman Lineman with Northwestern Public Service after 33 years. Layton enjoyed hunting waterfowl and upland birds, golfing, and rooting for the Minnesota Twins and the Green Bay Packers--even in tough seasons. Layton is survived by his daughter, Mary of Milwaukee, WI; son, Michael of Bozeman, MT; siblings: Amy Scholl, Carol (James) Lukkes, Alvin (Avis) Ferwerda and Ladd Ferwerda; sister-in-law, Hazel Ferwerda; special cousin, Glenyce (Roy) Engel; numerous nieces and nephews, including Mark (Penny) Scholl who assisted Layton in many ways in the last years of his life. Layton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen (Hersman) Ferwerda, his parents and brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Henrietta, Merle and Luetta, Jean and Dorothy, brothers, Arnold and Martin “Noel,” brother-in-law, Gale “Corky” Scholl and cousins, Fonda Ferwerda and Austa Ferwerda. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations that Layton supported: Yankton Contact Center, PO Box 675, Yankton, SD 57078; Yankton Homeless Shelter, 412 E. 4th St., Yankton, SD 57078, or the River City Domestic Violence Center, PO Box 626, Yankton, SD 57078. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Drs. Max Farver, Tyler Hanson, and Lori Hansen; the staff of the Cabin Retreat wing at Sr. James Care Center, and especially to Patrice Weisser for the caregiver support she provided for many years.