Allen Wesley Bau Sr., 64, of Frankfort, SD, passed away peacefully at the family farm on Sunday, June 4, 2017.  His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Frankfort.  Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017 in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Frankfort.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD and at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.  Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Allen Wesley Bau was born August 22, 1952 at St. John's Hospital in Huron, SD to Wesley and Lorraine (Herren) Bau.  He lived on the Bau farm southeast of Frankfort until he graduated from Doland High School in 1970.  In 1972, he joined the U.S. Army where he was a heavy truck driver.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, the M-16 (Rifle Marksman) Medal and the Expert (Hand Grenade) Medal.  He was honorably discharged in 1974.

After the service, Allen returned home to Frankfort and did road and bridge construction.  He lived in Castlewood, SD for 20 years where he worked for the Hamlin County Conservation District.  Afterwards, he operated his own no till planting business around the Hamlin County area.  He also spent time working on the family farm and in an open cut gold mine in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

He enjoyed working the farm, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.  His larger than life attitude could make anyone smile.  He understood the importance of helping family and friends.  Allen always let people know how much he loved life.  His word was his bond.  He will be missed by many but never forgotten.   He was a loving father and grandfather.

Allen is survived by two sons:  Chad Norris of Watertown, SD and Allen Bau Jr. of Frankfort; and four daughters:  Tammy (Norris) Rosemore of Huron, SD; Bobbee Bau of Redfield; Cheri Cameron of Spearfish, SD; and Kaycee Cameron of Lincoln City, OR.  He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and three sisters:  Sheryl, Barb and Rita.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Lorraine; his son, Adam Cameron and two brothers:  Dan and Roger.