Verdie Bell

**UPDATED SERVICE INFO**

Verdie D. Bell, age 96, of Brookings, S.D., formerly of Watertown, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at a care facility in Brookings—finally wrapping up a long, well-lived life full of stories, laughter, and just a little bit of mischief. A Mass of Christian Burial for Verdie and and his wife, Marvis, will be held at 10:30 a.m. TUESDAY, March 24, 2026, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Watertown, with Father John Fischer being the celebrant.

Visitation for the couple will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.

Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.

Verdie proudly served in the United States Air Force, traveling far and wide—from Alaska to Guam to the Philippines—and if you had the time, he had the stories to prove it. Those stories (and a few well-timed embellishments) would be told for years to come and even inspired two of his grandsons to enlist.

On November 3, 1957, he married Marvis Winjum in Watertown, beginning a 69-year partnership filled with dancing, laughter, and a lifetime of shared memories.

He worked a variety of jobs before settling into a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a clerk in Watertown and later as Postmaster in Goodwin, S.D. He was known for his strong work ethic, his meticulous bookkeeping, and his ability to remember just about everything—especially if it involved dates, details, or local history.

Verdie didn’t just tell stories—he performed them. Whether it was Air Force tales, small-town history, or his famously “made-up” slumber party stories. His storytelling was a tradition in itself—especially at JoAnn and Karen’s birthday parties, where his tales became part of the celebration. Over time, those same stories were passed down to his grandkids and even their friends, ensuring that Verdie’s voice (and sense of humor) will live on for generations.

He was deeply involved in his community through the VFW, American Legion, B.P.O. Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Chamber of Commerce. Somewhere along the way, he also became the unofficial historian of Henry, Clark, Watertown, and Goodwin—able to recall who lived where, when they passed, and, without fail, produce their obituary. He kept them all, carefully organized and right where he could find them—his filing system was unmatched and, some might say, just a little legendary. It was all part of his quiet fascination with history, details, and making sure nothing—and no one—was ever forgotten.
Verdie loved building things and took great pride in the addition he built onto his home.. He also had a soft spot for animals, especially Bentley, and a well-earned reputation in the kitchen. He took special pride in his apple and pear trees, tomato plants, and grew grapes.

Verdie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marvis; his daughters, JoAnn (Thomas) Foppe of Jamestown, Ill., and Karen Bell of Watertown, S.D.; his sister, Marcella (Dale) Rost; his grandchildren, Thomas Foppe, Ben (Holly) Foppe, Gabe (Emily) Foppe, Grant (Jennifer) Foppe, Claire Foppe (Alex Yanosko), Courtney (Wyatt) Nash-Keller, Paige (Jack) Schwaegerl, Nolan (Tatum) Sonnenburg, and Jack Sonnenburg; and his great-grandchildren, Bennett, Baker, and Lila Nash-Keller; Winnie and Rayleigh Sonnenburg; and JoLia Foppe.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Bell; his mother, Arvilla (Hoffman) Rogge; his sister, Pricella (Don) Briggle; his brother, Theodore Jr.; his stepbrothers, Gale and Derwood Rogge; and his stepsisters, Elaine (Lee) Hannah and Donna (Henry) Diaz.

Arrangements are by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel, Watertown and Hayti.

If you had a few minutes, he had a story—and he probably knew a few things about you, too.

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