Archived Services

Roy D. Moorhouse
03-06-2009

Roy D. Moorhouse, age 80, died Friday, March 6, at Avera McKennan Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Roy D. Moorhouse was born in Watertown, South Dakota on July 6, 1928. Roy was the second of three children born to Clarence and Lela (Gudehus) Moorhouse. Roy attended school in Watertown, South Dakota. After attending school, he worked on the family farm outside of Watertown. In September of 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army. Following his service in the United States Army, Roy returned to the Watertown area and found work in a variety of different fields before eventually becoming an established pipe fitter. During his time as a pipe fitter, Roy had the opportunity to travel the country, and worked on several different projects. He took great pride in his work. Roy met Bernadine Rueschenberg in 1948, and the couple was married on November 11, 1950 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. In February of 1955, the couple moved to North Platte, Nebraska and became members of St. Patrick's Parish. Roy became a member of the Knights of Columbus and earned third degree Knight status. In 1961, the family relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and became members of Christ the King church. Roy was actively involved with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's lives. Roy's hobbies included financial investing, gardening, sporting events, hunting, and he loved working with his hands. Roy was blessed with a special gift that earned him the affectionate title, "the inspector." His ability to detect the not so obvious was "admired" by all who knew and loved him. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of fifty-eight years, Bernadine; his children: Mike (Ginny), Kansas City, MO; Char Sheehy (Frank Burgess), Denver, CO; Diane (Dan) Nickel, Lincoln, NE; Nancy (Belvie) Kennerly, Mark, Sioux Falls, SD; eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his sister Ruth Erickson of Watertown, SD. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glenn, daughter Joan Rath and granddaughter Mataya McDonnell. In lieu of any gifts, the family requests that any memorials be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or Sioux Falls Catholic Schools. Visitation will be Monday, March 9 from 5:00-7:00 PM followed by a Scripture Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:00 PM at Christ the King Church. Burial services at St. Michael Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Christ the King Community Center