Wayne Wallace Beatty

Wayne Wallace Beatty, 82, of rural Wakonda, South Dakota, passed away at his home on Thursday, October 26, 2023, with his family by his side. 

Wayne was born on September 29, 1941, to Wallace H. “Stub” and Esther (Nelson) Beatty. His parents, a barber and a hairdresser from Centerville, moved to rural Wakonda to farm and raise Polled Herefords. Wayne grew up on the farm with his sister, Cheryl. He graduated in 1959 from Wakonda High School.

Throughout his life, Wayne was known to be kind, hardworking, and reliable. He always tried to do the right thing. He followed in his father’s footsteps and was a member of the El Riad Shrine and Yankton Consistory for nearly 60 years. 

After college at South Dakota State University that included men’s chorus and cross country, and University of South Dakota at Springfield, SD, Wayne landed his first job: retail sales for Hanny’s Menswear in Yankton, SD. He went on to become general manager of Hanny’s, opening an additional brand-new store in Vermillion, SD. Over the next two decades, Wayne went on to cover six states for Kayser-Roth in a district sales position and was always in the top ten of new accounts and grew into another new role handling Gurney’s national wholesale products and hired and trained new salesmen.

Wayne loved his longtime career with Toro and Midwest Turf & Irrigation, and he held this position for nearly 40 years, working with customers who became his good friends. He finally retired just two years ago – at age 80. The “Toro Guy” was ready to stop traveling. His son Chris said it best: “Dad got to do what he loved right up until the end.” The license plate on his Ford truck still reads, “TORO”. 

Through the years, Wayne held memberships with the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and the Lions Club, and in state apparel clubs in the Midwest and in South Dakota livestock and cattlemen’s associations roles. He enjoyed his board position with Clay County’s Bethel Township serving as Treasurer since 1978.

Wayne was a romantic. Back in Vermillion, Wayne met Susan Vandersnick from Garretson, SD, who was working as a hairstylist at Stewarts Salon. After several attempts, he finally got Susie to go on a date. They were always together having a good time with friends playing cards, bowling, and dancing the night away. Later on, Wayne really had to use his sales skills for proposal attempts (even telling Sue the final time to just try on the ring to see if it fits), and she finally said yes. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May. 

Wayne and Sue then continued to work but also farm and raise polled Herefords. Sue managed her hair salon at the farm, and Wayne traveled. They enjoyed raising three children: Sarah, Megan, and Chris. Wayne always made it home for the kids’ sports or arts events. Every summer, the family looked forward to spending a week touring the Black Hills, camping at Lewis & Clark Lake in Yankton, SD, and visiting Sue’s family in Garretson, SD. 

Wayne was an excellent golfer, and loved playing with his golf partner Dale Nelson at Glenridge Golf Course in Irene, SD, weekly for decades. Wayne also enjoyed hunting pheasant and deer, and he took great pride in bringing his family out to do some Black Hills trout fishing at Deerfield just like he did growing up. 

His family loved watching him dance with Sue. He had a beautiful soul, and a big grin. His charm and sense of humor will be missed. He was a supportive brother, wonderful husband, and a beloved father and grandfather. May he rest in peace.

Wayne is survived by his family: his wife and best friend, Susan; his daughter Sarah Beatty Carlson of Sioux Falls, SD; his daughter Megan (Matt) Whalen and their three boys Carson, Cooper, and Brecken all of Owatonna, MN; his son Christopher Beatty of Sioux Falls, SD; and Wayne’s sister, Cheryl (Bob) Nagy of Yankton, SD. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace H. Beatty, and Esther (Nelson) Beatty.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 209 Iowa St., Wakonda, SD. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am and a luncheon will follow at the Fr. McMahon Center across the street. Interment will be held after the service with family at Union Cemetery in rural Wakonda, SD. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to direct memorials to a local church of your choice.