George Deibert

George P. Deibert passed away in the early morning hours of December 29, 2025 with his son by his side.

George was the 11th of 13 children born to Augustin (August) Frank and Mary Eva (Schmaltz) Deibert on June 14, 1930 at the home place at Drew SD.

He grew up at Drew on the farm, attended Brushy School south of their homestead through the eighth grade and completed part of his freshman year at Bison High School receiving his honorary Diploma in 2006.

He proudly served with the U.S. Army in Korea from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953.

While at a dance at Bison, SD he met Ella Fay Basford and said “that’s the girl for me”.  They were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Bison on November 5th, 1955 at 5:00 a.m. because the Priest wanted to go deer hunting. He told them he would do it for nothing if they would get married before he went as they would be the first couple he married at Bison and he wanted to perform a wedding.

Two children were born to this union, a son Marshall and daughter Andrée (Andi).

George worked hard physical jobs his entire life and provided well for his family. He held many occupations during his lifetime:  he herded sheep, sheared sheep, broke horses, worked in a sugar beet factory, was a farm/ranch hand and worked for Homestake, Dutchers, and Pope & Talbot sawmills from which he retired.  He liked to tinker and could fix almost anything and enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, gardening, reading,  baseball games,  playing bingo, rodeos, horse races,  apricot brandy, making wine (his raspberry was the best!), his mother’s and his wife’s cooking, family dinners and after his retirement, spending time at the Basford farm/ranch helping his brother-in-law Marlo with the many chores, but the job George was most proficient at was being an amazing father.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Spearfish VFW. He was very proud that he shared his birthday with Flag Day. After attending and participating in the parade and dedication of the Korean War Memorial in Pierre, SD on September 18, 2004, he said “if they would have done something like this for us when we came home, I would have been drunk for a week”.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years Ella Fay, son Marshall and daughter Andi (Robert) Pfarr.  Brother August Deibert, Laramie, WY and sister-in-law Sherry Basford, Bison SD and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael (Georgia), Joseph (Ammertte), John (Bonnie), and Aloyisous (Gene) (Carol) and sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret (John) Lockwood, Josephine (Jay) (Joseph) Sander, Katherine (Kay) (Bjarne) Loftsgaard, Elizabeth (Lizzy) (Harold) Mikudik, Julia (Carvel) Kopren, Anna Marie (Albert) Biegler and Eva Mae (Edwin) Baumeister, in-laws Henry and Florence Basford, sister-in-law Bonnie (Pat) Tantlinger,  his brother-in-law Marlo Basford and sister-in-law Norma Deibert. Dad talked about you often and we know he will be so happy to see each of you again!

We were so incredibly lucky and blessed when God chose George to be our husband and father. We were once told you would never live to see 90—you sure showed them Dad.  We love you and we miss you.

A special thank you to the many caregivers who have cared for George and truly cared about him, his comfort and well-being.  We are so grateful! 

Visitation was from 4-6 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish.  Vigil followed at 6 pm.   Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the church.  Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military rites by the Spearfish Honor Guard and the US Army.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com