Ole Williams ‘Swede’ Pond

Chronicle Staff

Published: Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

  Ole William ‘Swede’ Pond was born to Joe and Ella (Soholt) Pond on Parker’s Peak near Hot Springs, S.D., on June 6, 1929. He attended rural schools in Fall River County.  After his schooling, he worked various jobs around the area, including helping with the construction of the dam at Angostura in the 1940s. In 1950 Ole joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of staff sergeant by the time he was honorably discharged in 1952. Upon his return to civilian life, he continued to work various jobs and then worked at the uranium mill in Edgemont, S.D., for over 32 years.  On May 7, 1960, Ole married Mary Aguilar in Hot Springs and they lived in Edgemont throughout their marriage.  Ole was proud of being an EMT and volunteer fireman in Edgemont for many years, gaining various awards of recognition. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and he especially enjoyed competitive shooting, traveling throughout the region competing and winning various awards. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as playing cards. On Nov. 4, 2008, Ole died at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hot Springs after truly living a full life. He was 79 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ella; two brothers, George and Eldon; two sisters, Ruth Britton and Ruby Rothleutner. Survivors include his wife, Mary of Edgemont; three brothers, Lyle (Gayle) Pond of Ft. Bragg, Calif., Albert (Judy) Pond of Custer, S.D., Bill (Joann) Pond of Rapid City, S.D.; three sisters, Joan (Everett) Dean of Oral, S.D., Cookie (Bob) Whitney of Pringle, S.D., Wilma (Chuck) Goodsell of Pringle, S.D.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.  Memorial services were held Nov. 11 at St. James Parish Hall in Edgemont with Chaplain Loyd Nielson officiating. Interment will be held later at Pringle Cemetery.  A memorial has been established to the Edgemont Volunteer Ambulance Service and the Edgemont Volunteer Fire Department. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.