Donald A. Policky

Donald A. Policky, 89, of Piedmont, South Dakota, passed away surrounded by loving family at Rapid City Regional Hospice House on Sunday, July, 7, 2019.

Don was born in Upton, Wyoming, on December 3, 1929. He graduated from the University of Wyoming and served in the Air Force during the Korean War conflict.

Don established Big D Oil Co. in 1963 and grew the company into a progressive multi-unit convenience store chain with units in several surrounding states. He was an innovator and was always trying something new. He retired in 1998.

Don enjoyed hunting on the family ranch west of Sundance, Wyoming and was an avid elk hunter, taking many hunting trips in the Bighorns and Black Hills with his sons and nephews. Some of the most special times the family remembers is Don’s youthful joy while boating on Pactola. The glee and fun he had sharing such a beautiful lake with friends and family will always be remembered.

After his retirement Don enjoyed the winters in Florida with his wife Mary, exploring the waterways around Pine Island. Don and Mary enjoyed traveling, including trips to Machu Pichu, Africa, Australia and cruising the Danube.

Don is survived by his wife Mary; his brother Ivan; his children from his marriage to Ramona Neilson, Mark (Kathy) Policky, Debbie (Greg) Radley, Don II (Amy) Policky; grandchildren Michael, Darren, Scott (Lara), Melissa (Matt) Metcalf, Mathew, Zach (Allie), Tyler, Abigail, Chris, Trent; and two great grandchildren, Will and Kathryn. He is also survived by Mary’s children, Pam (Corky) Brown, Leisa (Bruce) Nash, granddaughter Chandra (Damien) Calvert and two great grandchildren, Lochlan and Elizabeth.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Andy and Frances, his brother Robert, his sister Troyce Turner, and infant son Robert.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 12, at Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont.

Burial with military honors will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rapid City Regional Hospice House, 224 Elk St., Rapid City, SD 57701.