June 9, 2015

Wallace Earley

Wallace Earley was born on June 30, 1942, at Nurse E.F. Raddatz's home, in Watford City, to Walter and Olive (Dahl) Earley. Walt, Olive, and Wallace made their home on a farm South of Arnegard, North Dakota.  Later, they moved to the family farm north of Watford.
In May 1960, he graduated from Watford City High School, and entered the U.S. Army on July 7, 1960. His last duty assignment was at HQ Co USA General Depot, Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was honorably discharged as SP4 E4 on October 11, 1961 and was then transferred to the USAR, completing his reserve obligation July 6, 1966. Wallace earned both the Good Conduct Medal and Expert Medal for his service.
Later, Wallace attended the North Dakota State School of Science, in Wahpeton, N.D., where he studied Farm Tractor & Equipment Mechanics. He graduated, and began his Minnesota Apprenticeship, August 5, 1970 at Watland International Harvester in Worthington, Minnesota; he completed his Apprenticeship July 13, 1973. Wallace eventually returned home to work on the family farm, north of Watford City. When the time was right, he would sell the farm and move to Watford.
For a time, Wallace enjoyed driving cars for S&S Motors; and, they enjoyed him. Most cards and letters sent by Wallace were typed - notably on his Tower Quiet Tabulator. Most of those who corresponded with Wallace would recognize the unmistakable type. Wallace was passionate about hunting, firearms, traveling, studying the family tree and history, and the military; he also was an avid computer user and e-mail author.
He could, and would, talk hunting and firearms anytime. His interest and proficiency was learned directly from his father, Walt. During the winter months, talk about hunting coyotes, and those earlier experiences, were endless. Wallace was regularly in touch with his e-mail buddies. You could count on some correspondence from him each day - usually multiple times each day. In fact, if you did not hear from him, it was obvious that the internet was "down".
Wallace was proud to have served his country, and, proud to be a veteran. His conversation and e-mail correspondence reinforced his patriotic convictions. While serving in Germany, he traveled extensively to places in France, Norway, Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Italy, and England. In the States, he traveled frequently to Minnesota and South Dakota, as well as, through North Dakota and Montana - mostly visiting relatives. Wallace thoroughly enjoyed his trips to Norway; he loved the scenery, climate, and people. Still traveling, he moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota to experience a milder climate and live in a community with fellow veterans. He was immediately accepted into the Hot Springs community, and made many friends, joined a gun club, and went sightseeing.
Wallace was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by numerous cousins.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER