Everett Zaugg

Everett Zaugg, 90, of Murdo, S.D. passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, S.D.  Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00AM at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, S.D. Burial will follow at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Everett Day Zaugg was born on April 24, 1935, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Herman and Clara (Wiley) Zaugg. Surrounded by family, Everett was welcomed into his heavenly home on March 11, 2026.

Everett grew up in the Philip and Quinn, South Dakota area. He loved sharing stories of his childhood adventures—from driving three hours to Rapid City for supplies, to riding his horse to school and even catching a skunk along the way. He often spoke about the winter storm of 1949, which allowed him to complete two grades in one year. Everett attended just one day of high school in Philip before returning home and informing his parents that he had received enough formal education.

At the age of 17, Everett enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. He faithfully served his country for three years—something he would later say was “a great plenty.” After his discharge, he returned to western South Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Lois Gillis. The two were married on April 23, 1960 and shared more than 50 wonderful years together. In March of 1965, Everett and Lois adopted their son, Charlie, and two years later their family was completed with the arrival of their daughter, Linda.

Everett was a devoted father who took great pride in raising his children. He was always present in their lives—supporting them, encouraging them, and cheering them on. Family time was deeply important to him. Supper was always at 6:00 p.m., when the family gathered to pray and share a meal together. Sundays were reserved for church and family activities—fishing trips, long drives through the countryside, exploring, or visiting with friends and relatives. Wherever they went, the family of four went together.

In 1971, Everett moved his family to Murdo, South Dakota, where he built the home that would remain his forever home. Everett was not one to ask for help, but he was always the first to offer it. There wasn’t a person he wouldn’t visit with. His familiar phrases, “Thank you now” and “God bless you,” reflected his kind, humble nature and his deep faith in Jesus. He rarely parted company without offering a handshake.

Everett was always thinking, building, and creating. He taught himself the welding trade, but his true passion was blacksmithing. He could often be found in his shop working over his coal fire, heating and shaping metal into works of art. He built a portable shop and traveled with his family to outdoor exhibits and threshing shows. Everett also enjoyed whittling, making various “gadgets,” reloading brass, collecting firearms, and gunsmithing. He crafted guns of many kinds—some remarkable and, as he would admit, a few a little questionable.

Everett was an active member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in Murdo and the American Legion. He was an avid reader and built an impressive personal library. Even at the age of 90, he could recall books he had read years earlier. Storytelling was one of his greatest gifts. Often he would begin laughing while telling a story, which would cause everyone listening to laugh along with him—sometimes so much that the story had to be started over again. Those were often the best stories.

Everett is survived by his “boy,” Charlie (Ann) Zaugg of Champlin, Minnesota, and his daughter, Linda (Wade) Daughters of Hamill, South Dakota. He is also survived by his grandchildren Seth (Dani) Daughters, Dalton (Taylor) Daughters, Samantha (Adam) Zaugg, Carson (Danielle) Zaugg, and Taylor (Andrew) Rotsch. He was a proud great-grandfather to Braylee, Jones, Dutton, and Evy, with two more great-grandchildren expected in April and May. Everett is also survived by his sister, Deb (Hank) Humiston; special friends who became family, Sam and Marilyn Seymour; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Herman and Clara Zaugg; his brother, Gene; and his sisters, Joyce Naugle and Connie Frauendorfer.

Everett will be remembered for his faith, his hardworking spirit, his love of family, and the many stories, handshakes, and acts of kindness he shared with everyone he met.