FLAGE, Dean Ralph 1947-2020

FLAGE, SNITKER, PETER, MILLER, MCCRACKEN

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 6/7/2020 at 11:39:50

SOURCE: Obituary posted by KIRK FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Services
Contributor: Connie Ellis (not related)

Sergeant First Class Dean Ralph Flage, age 72, died peacefully at Monument Health Hospice House, Rapid City, South Dakota on May 28, 2020 after a short illness. A veteran of the Vietnam War and multiple deployments, he proudly served his country in both the Navy and Army National Guard throughout his 36 year military career.

SFC Flage was born on November 1, 1947 at Waukon, Iowa to Ralph and Stella (Snitker) Flage. He was a 1965 graduate of the Waukon High School and joined the Navy, assigned to the USS Pomfret SS-391 serving during the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, he attended South Dakota State University and met his future wife, Trudy Peter.

Dean was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving father. He married Trudy in 1975 in Huron, South Dakota. They moved to the Black Hills and he joined the South Dakota Army National Guard. In 1983 he was awarded the Soldier's Medal for Valor. After retiring from military service in 2002, Dean and Trudy enjoyed many travels and adventures, especially enjoying time spent with their grandchild, Avery.

Dean Flage is survived by his wife Trudy, daughter Lisa Flage of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and son Scott (Amanda) Flage of Spokane, Washington; his grandchild Amery; brother Gary (Marilyn) Flage of San Angelo, Texas, and a step-brother Lauren (Becky) Miller of Lansing, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Flage in 1994, his mother Stella in 1962, and step-mother Edna (McCracken) Miller Flage in 2002.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, there was no visitation or memorial services. His internment was at the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, South Dakota for immediate family.