Thomas Roger Holtey

Dates

January 16, 1949 - July 21, 2026

Obituary

Thomas Roger Holtey, 77, of Wessington Springs, SD, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at his home in rural Wessington Springs. Services are pending under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Thomas Roger Holtey was born January 16, 1949, to Boyd and Marjorie (Wright) Holtey in San Antonio, TX.

Thomas lived a life grounded in humility, hard work, service, and a strong commitment to his family.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Thomas answered the call of duty with F Company, 51st Infantry, and later served with the elite Company P, 75th Infantry (Airborne Ranger) as part of Team 1-5. He lived with injuries from his time in service, managing them throughout his life with quiet strength and resilience.

Outside of his military service, he was driven by an active curiosity. He enjoyed studying human cultures through the lens of anthropology, and he was a loyal archivist who spent much of his time researching and documenting genealogy. Above all, Thomas was a humble man dedicated to his home and family.

He passed away on July 21, 2026, at his home in Wessington Springs, South Dakota.

He is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife, Emily; his children, Laura (Holtey) Edeburn, and Nicholas Holtey (fiancé LaDonna Knowlton); and his beloved grandchildren, Oscar, Cooper, and Zoey, who were truly the light of his world.

Posted by Cindy schlenker on July 26, 2026

It was a pleasure meeting him and taking care of him he will be misses

Posted by Dave & JoAnn Doering on July 26, 2026

So sorry for your loss Emily and family. Tom was a very special man.

Posted by Michelle on July 25, 2026

Oh sweet Emily...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs 🫂

Posted by Kaylene Thompson on July 24, 2026

Very saddened by this news. Tommy had a way of making you feel seen like no one else I have ever met. Grateful to call him family. We are lifting you all up in spirit during the challenging days ahead.

Posted by Cindy Roderick Tolbert (Terry Roderick’s daughter) on July 24, 2026

So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Posted by Jolene (Thompson) Konechne on July 24, 2026

Thoughts and prayers with you and your family as you navigate this difficult time. We always loved coming over to visit!

Posted by David Marchbank on July 24, 2026

Rest in Peace! Rangers Lead the Way!

Posted by Richard King on July 23, 2026

RIP
RLTW

Posted by Charles Gooch on July 23, 2026

I am very saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We enjoyed reminiscing about our old times. He was a good soldier and a good friend.

Posted by Larry Smith on July 23, 2026

Thomas & I went in country together. He had one heck of a stereo . RIP RANGER.

Posted by Rob (Doc) Ellin on July 23, 2026

RIP ~ RLTW!

Posted by Tom Riddle on July 22, 2026

Iam very saddened of this news . Tom was a g00d friend prayers and thoughts to Emily and family