Everett Day Zaugg

Everett Day Zaugg was born on April 24, 1935, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Herman and Clara (Wiley) Zaugg. He passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by family at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, South Dakota.

Everett grew up in the Philip and Quinn area of South Dakota, where he cherished memories of childhood adventures, including long drives to Rapid City for supplies, riding his horse to school, and enduring the winter storm of 1949. At seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 and served faithfully for three years. After his discharge, he returned to western South Dakota and met the love of his life, Lois Gillis. They married on April 23, 1960, and shared more than fifty years together. In 1965 they adopted their son, Charlie, and two years later welcomed their daughter, Linda.

In 1971, Everett moved his family to Murdo, South Dakota, where he built the home that would remain his forever home. A devoted father, he took great pride in raising his children, always supporting and encouraging them. Family suppers at six o’clock, Sunday church services, fishing trips, country drives, and visits with relatives were cherished traditions. Everett was a humble and kind man of deep faith, known for his warm greetings, firm handshakes, and the phrases “Thank you now” and “God bless you.” He taught himself welding and blacksmithing, finding joy in shaping metal over a coal fire, building a portable shop to share his craft at exhibits and threshing shows. He also enjoyed whittling, creating gadgets, reloading brass, collecting firearms, and gunsmithing. An avid reader with an impressive library, he was a gifted storyteller whose laughter often filled the room and invited others to laugh along with him.

Everett is survived by his son, Charlie (Ann) Zaugg of Champlin, Minnesota; his daughter, Linda (Wade) Daughters of Hamill, South Dakota; grandchildren Seth (Dani) Daughters, Dalton (Taylor) Daughters, Samantha (Adam) Zaugg, Carson (Danielle) Zaugg, and Taylor (Andrew) Rotsch; great-grandchildren Braylee, Jones, Dutton, and Evy, with two more expected in April and May; his sister, Deb (Hank) Humiston; special friends 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. He will be remembered for his strong faith, hardworking spirit, deep love of family, and the many stories and acts of kindness he shared with all who knew him.