Earl Monroe Whidden was born September 24, 1906 at Madison County, Nebraska to James Monroe and Rose Ann (Henley) Whidden and he died January 21, 2007 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, South Dakota at the age of 100 years, 3 months and 27 days.

Earl attended school in Spencer, Nebraska, graduating with the class of 1925. He was united in marriage to Edna Emma Blakkolb on June 13, 1935 at the Congregational Church in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union on son, Gary, was born. Together, they worked for Ednas father, Johanas, in the Blakkolb General Merchandise Store until 1946 when they purchased the store and it became Whiddens General Store. During their years in the store they often had to room and board their employees.

Earl was very active in the Gregory County Conservation District, where he served on the board for many years. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel. He was involved in the Construction of the current Church as well as serving in many capacities in the Church. In 1989, Edna and Earl worked together to compile the Bonesteel Centennial Book.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edna; his brother, Luther in World War I; and his sisters: Hazel Blair and Edith Klasna.

Earl is survived by his son, Gary and wife Diana of Cleburne, TX; his grandchildren: Joel and wife Ciara of Stamford, CT and Steve Schuck and wife Barb of Cherokee, IA; his great-grandchildren: Krista, Kayla, Kyle, Hannah and Sophie; his great-great-grandson, Kael; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 11:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 PM on Wednesday at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM at the funeral home.