Funeral services for Donald Brockel, 76 of Selby will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church in Selby. Burial will be at 1:30 PM MT Thursday at Black Hills National Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be at the church starting at 5 PM Tuesday with a prayer service at 7 PM. Donald passed away Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the Fort Meade Veterans Hospital in Sturgis.

Donald Delano Brockel was born on January 30, 1934 on the family farm near Selby to John J. and alma (Johnson) Brockel. He attended school in Selby and graduated in 1951. Following high school he attended Northern State College where he was a member of the track team before joining the Air Force Cadet Program. Flying was always a passion for him. He received his pilots license when he was 17 years old. He became an Air force Pilot in 1955. While a pilot he flew primarily reconnaissance (RB-47) and rescue (HC-130) aircraft. For his combat missions he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several Air Medals.

Don married Nina Perman on August 5, 1955 in Selby. They spent the first twenty years of their marriage in various parts of the US and several overseas Air Force bases. In 1974 Don retired from the Air Force as a Major and moved to Paradise, CA for a year before returning to Selby. Following his retirement he returned to Northern State University and earned his business degree.

Don was involved in St. John's Lutheran Church serving on various boards and committees and the Lutheran Outdoors Camping Ministry. He was also on the South Dakota State Aeronautics Commission. Don was a charter member of the Selby Lions club serving as secretary for many years and also served as Lions Clubs International 5SW District Governor.

Even though Don was confined to a wheelchair since 1979 he enjoyed life to the fullest, determined to make the adjustments to cope. He enjoyed following the Selby Lions sporting activities especially when his grandchildren were playing and watching the Northern State basketball teams play. He also sang tenor in a Barber Shop Quartet and the Selby Men's Chorus.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nina of Selby, daughter, Debra (Doyle) Schley of Selby, son, David of Hoven, two grandsons, Eric Schley of Mobridge and Nick Schley of Vermillion, SD; two brothers, Carrol (Jan) Brockel of Selby and Harley (Agnes) Brockel of Selby; sister, Arlene (Joe) Burns of Hermiston, OR, brother-in-law, Joe Klevin of Sun City West, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marjorie Klevin.