Hugh Wendell Sedgwick, age 99, of Vermillion, formerly of Gann Valley, died Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Sanford Vermillion Care Center. Funeral services were held 11 a.m., Monday, August 5, 2024, at Foothills Bible Fellowship Church in Wessington Springs. Burial followed at Spring Hill Cemetery in Gann Valley. Visitation was one hour prior to services on Monday.
Hugh Sedgwick was born on November 18, 1924, in Miller, to Walter and Rae Anna (Beelman) Sedgwick. He was the youngest of children. He grew up in Gann Valley and graduated from Gann Valley High School in 1942. After moving to California, Hugh enlisted in the Army in May of 1943. He fought overseas during WWII in several countries across Europe. He was discharged in 1945 and after spending some time in California, he moved back to Gann Valley. On November 12, 1947, he married Jan Baker and farmed with Jan’s dad Jessie Baker until 1959 when they purchased Fraiser’s Store in Gann Valley.
Hugh worked on the construction of Big Bend Dam and later was elected as the Register of Deeds for Buffalo County where he held that position for 22 years before retiring. In 1949, Hugh and Jan were blessed with the birth of their daughter Barbara Ann. Hugh and Jan both retired in 1986 and spent their golden years with family and friends. They also enjoyed camping with their grandkids. In 2005, Hugh and Jan moved to Vermillion. In 2015, Hugh and Jan celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary just six months before Jan passed away. Hugh was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was incredibly kind, hardworking, loyal and strong. He will be greatly missed. They just don’t make them like Hugh anymore.
Hugh is survived by his daughter Barb; grandchildren, Rob, Andrea (Jason); greatgrandchildren, Zoe, Benjamin, Siera, Ariel, and Parker; sister-in-law, Joan Judstra; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jan; four siblings; two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law; one granddaughter; and his son-in-law Lyle.
Arrangements are with Basham Funeral Service.
