Wesley J. Booze, 88, of Redfield, SD died Friday, October 9, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Redfield. His funeral will be Monday, October 12, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Wesley was born September 3, 1921 to James and Olive (Emory) Booze on the family farm southeast of Redfield. Wesley farmed with his parents until serving in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. Wesley served as a Corporal in the 96th Infantry Division serving throughout the Philippines including Leyte, Mindoro and the Battle of Okinawa. He received numerous medals including two bronze stars, victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Medal with two Bronze Battle Stars and one Bronze Service Arrowhead. After his discharge, Wesley returned to Redfield and began a successful farming career, southwest of Redfield, until retiring in 1999. Wesley married Inez Mager in Crandon, SD on June 15, 1947. In addition to farming he served on the Mountain 11 School Board and was a life member of the Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 and Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Wesley enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing the harmonica, playing cards, horseback riding, fishing and hunting.

Wesley is survived by his wife Inez of Redfield, three sons: David (Patty) of Blackhawk, SD; Danny (Jan) of Redfield and Kenneth (LaVonne) of Madison, SD. he is also survived by three brothers: Dwayne, Bob (Betty) and Harold (Joan); six sisters: Jean West,Evelyn Grayson, Grace (Bob) Penegilly, Carol(Jerry) Jessen, Patty(Jack) Weiss and Shirley (Ken) Gilbert; six grandchildren: Jeffery, Kristine, James, Wayne, Jennifer and Tracy. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, three step grandchildren, ten step great grandchildren and five step great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathryn Paradee and his brother Raymond.