Raymond O’Farrell

Raymond O’Farrell, age 88, of Marvin, SD, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, SD.

Burial will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Osceola #1 Cemetery in Marvin, SD. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD, and will close with a service at 5:00 p.m. 

Raymond Alvin O’Farrell was born on June 30, 1938, at home in rural Marvin, SD, to Alvin and Amanda (Olesen) O’Farrell. He was one of 13 children. Raymond attended Osceola #1 Country School near the family farm through the eighth grade. He would say, “He sat the satchel down and went to work.” Following his education, Raymond remained on the family farm, where he worked alongside his parents and siblings. At the age of 13, Raymond was involved in a serious vehicle accident that left him bedridden for an entire year. The injury had a lifelong impact on his life. Through it all, Raymond remained positive and showed a perseverance that he carried with him throughout his life. As a young child, Raymond was an experienced horseman. After his accident, he was unable to ride a horse with a saddle, so he simply rode bareback.

Raymond met his future wife, Victoria “Vicky” (Anderson), while she was visiting Wilmot, SD, with a friend. They were united in marriage on October 24, 1964, in Duluth, MN. Raymond and Vicky began their married life on the O’Farrell homestead, living in a “rustic” little house without running water or electricity. After one year, they remodeled a different house on the farm and remained there until their passing. Raymond and Vicky were blessed with five children: Marcie, Paul, Kelly, Rita, and Lance.

Raymond lived and breathed cattle. He was part owner of the South Dakota Livestock Sale Barn in Watertown, SD, for over 35 years and remained there until it burned in the summer of 2015. He was a well-respected cattleman and an avid cattle buyer. When he wasn’t involved with cattle, he enjoyed playing cards, especially Smear with the local cattlemen in Rauville, SD. He and Vicky also enjoyed card parties with neighbors, where they played Whist and Pinochle. Through his family, Raymond was able to travel and see many places, including England, Australia, Panama, Hawaii, and Alaska. He had a huge family network and loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was proud of the legacy he left behind and, even more so, proud of the family he helped raise.

Raymond is survived by his children: Marcie (Edward) Reyelts of Paola, KS; Kelly O’Farrell of Marvin, SD; Rita O’Farrell of Palm Springs, CA; and Lance O’Farrell of Milbank, SD; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Caroline Ammann of Wilmot, SD; and Doris (Harry) Slinden of Sioux Falls, SD; three brothers: Larry (Pat) O’Farrell of Marvin, SD; William “Bill” (Joyleen) O’Farrell of Milbank, SD; and Terry (Cindy) O’Farrell of Watertown, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Alvin and Amanda O’Farrell; his wife, Victoria “Vicky” O’Farrell; his son, Paul O’Farrell; three sisters: Ellen Hudson, Mary Chapin, and Linda Roberts; and four brothers: Dean, John “Jack”, James “Jim”, and Richard “Dick” O’Farrell.