Stephen Van Dam, 65, formerly of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Salem, SD. Stephen will be buried in a private ceremony on December 22, 2014. A celebration of Stephen’s life will take place on December 22, at 11:00 a.m. at The American Legion in Dell Rapids, SD.

Stephen Henry Van Dam Sr. born February 27th 1949 in Flandreau, SD. Stephen was a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. He served his country proudly in the Army from November 6th 1968 to October 20th 1970. Stephen fought in the Vietnam War from November 13th 1969 to October 19th 1970. On October 20th 1970 he was honorably discharged.

Stephen enjoyed being a member of the local shooting club, hunting, fishing, cooking & being an EMT. He loved taking his beloved dog “Soup Bone” for rides on his scooter.

Stephen is survived by his son Stephen Jr. and daughter-in-law Desi Van Dam of Black Hawk, SD; his daughter Amy and son-in-law Matt Oppedhal of Helena, MT; daughter Lindsay Van Dam of Gilbert, Arizona; and son Brandon and daughter-in-law Cassandra Van Dam of Mesa, Arizona. Sisters: Bobbie (Dick) Christensen, Jeanette (Gene) Arnold, Kathy (Jerry) Benning, Laurie (Bill) Arbes, Shelly Buhr, Kristi (Dean) Madison, Monica (Dale) VanDeWiele , Marilyn (Rick) Williams, Marsha (David) Schlueter, Diane Van Dam (Willis), Tracy Van Dam (John). Brothers: Doug (Nedra) Van Dam & Robert Jr (Kristine) Van Dam. Four Grandsons and four Granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Sr. & Goldie Van Dam, brother Rodney & sister Valerie.
 

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