George J. Dylla

George J. Dylla, age 88, of Watertown, SD, passed away on September 20, 2019, at a care center in Bristol, SD.

A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2019, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Watertown.

Father Michael Wensing will be the celebrant.

Music will be provided by Jane Rokusek as organist with Blaine Martian as song leader.

The family is requested to meet at the church 10:30 a.m. for a prayer service.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday, September 26, 2019, from 4-6 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Rosary.

Burial will be at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Andover, SD.

Pallbearers will be George's adult grandsons: Christopher Dylla, Joseph Dylla, Benjamin Dylla, Brady Dylla, Zachary Dylla and Jonah Thoennes. Honorary pallbearers will be George's grandchildren: Amanda (Andrew) Davies; Michelle Dylla; Danielle and Boone Omer; Katherine Price; Amelia Thoennes; Lauren, Katherine, and Sara Heine; Emma, Max, and Samuel Dylla.

George was born on October 26, 1930, in Andover, SD, to Julius and Lucy (Zimny) Dylla.

He graduated from Andover High School in 1948. He served in the Army from 1953-1955.

On July 17, 1954, George married Dorothy "Mick" Murphy in Webster, SD.

They lived, farmed and milked cows on his family's homestead outside of Andover for the majority of their lives. George loved farming and would talk for hours with anyone about it.

They were one of the first farmers in the area to invest in an irrigation system and plant edible beans. In 2006, they sold the family farm and the couple moved to Watertown. During the winter months, George and Mick enjoyed retirement at Palm Shadows in Donna, TX.



George was a member of the Andover American Legion and the All Saints Catholic Church.

He volunteered with the James Valley Threshing Association and was honored as Thresher of the Year in 2010.

George loved playing games and enjoyed competing his entire life.

He was a member of the Andover Amateur Basketball team in 1950-1952 winning several state championships. He also played town softball for many years. In retirement, he competed in the Watertown Park and Rec Senior Horseshoe League and won several trophies.

He enjoyed teaching and playing card games with his family. George loved to dance - especially the polka.

His smile stayed with him until his last days.

George is survived by his wife, Dorothy "Mick" Dylla of Watertown, SD; his children: William (Pam) Dylla of Bristol, SD, Gary (Penny) Dylla of Wichita Falls, TX, Thomas Dylla of Canyon Country, CA, Beth (Dan) Omer of Lee's Summit, MO, Janet Price of Shawnee, KS, Jay Dylla of Houston, TX, Mary Jo (Todd) Thoennes of Watertown, SD, Marci (Mark) Heine of Spearfish, SD, and James (Carrie) Dylla of Watertown, SD; his daughter-in-law, Linda Dylla of Watertown, SD; 18 grandchildren; his brother, Lawrence (Sharon) Dylla of Crystal, MN, and his sister-in-law, Loretta (Ray) Dylla of Bristol, SD.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Dylla; his son-in-law, Kevin Price; a grandson, Kevin Dylla; his brothers: Phillip, Dominic, Ray, Peter, Tony and Francis; and his sisters: Agnes Nelson, Irene Dohman, Dorothy Eichten and Helen VanDover.

George's family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of Avera Hospice and Sun Dial Manor in Bristol for their compassionate care of George as he neared the end of his life.

Service Details.

Visitation

When: September 26, 2019 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Crawford - Osthus Funeral Chapel (Watertown)
Address: Crawford - Osthus Funeral Chapel (Watertown)

Service

When: September 26, 2019 6:00pm
Location: Crawford - Osthus Funeral Chapel (Watertown)
Address: Crawford - Osthus Funeral Chapel (Watertown)

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