Douglas Eugene Fite, 67, of Platte, SD passed away Friday, April 22, 2016 on his farm. Funeral Services are 10:00 A.M. Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Academy United Church of Christ. A Committal Service will follow at LaRoche Cemetery, rural Academy. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Douglas Eugene Fite was born on March 23, 1949 to Gene and Fern (Brill) Fite in Mitchell, SD. He attended LaRoche Country School and graduated from Platte High School in 1967. Doug went on to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD for two years until farming called him home. On October 8, 1970 Doug was united in marriage to Ardelle Elaine Qualm in Platte, SD for almost 30 years, until her untimely death on July 7, 2000.

He was a member of the Academy United Church of Christ, and Church Treasurer for many years, as well as Treasurer for the LaRoche Township Board and served on the Platte Farmer’s Elevator Board. Doug’s family and heart expanded with his marriage to Linda Jane Bakken on November 27, 2002 in Platte.

Doug was a lifelong farmer, could fix anything, enjoyed dirt work, tinkering in his shop or garage, and going fishing with his grandkids. He had a green thumb, taking very good care of his houseplants and growing tomatoes from seed to share with the whole family. Doug was pleased with how the farm operation had grown and was extremely proud of his kids, their spouses and his grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared in Doug’s life: his wife of over 13 years, Linda Fite of Platte, SD; his four children: Bethany (Jason) Gusso of Brandon, SD, Brian (Kim) Fite of Platte, SD, Lesley (Grant) Boltjes of Sioux Falls, SD and Aaron (Tami) Fite of Platte, SD; 14 grandchildren: Mitchell, Matthew and Andrew Gusso, Aaron and Mattilyn Olson, Caleb and Gabriel Fite, Garrett, Jackson and Gabrielle Boltjes, Cody, Cate, Chloe and Clare Fite; his mother, Fern Fite Wagner of Platte, SD; a sister, Lou Ann (Eldon) Qualm of Platte, SD; and his loyal dog, Sky.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Ardelle Fite; his father, Gene Fite; and a sister, Sondra Jean Fite.

Memorials in Doug’s honor may be directed to: Abbott House, Inc., 909 Court Merrill Dr., Mitchell, SD 57301 or Gideons, PO Box 223, Platte, SD 57369.

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