Emilie B. Barcal
Emilie B. “Emmie” Barcal was born August 27, 1919, at White River, South Dakota, the daughter of Frank and Marie (Sykora) Barcal. Emmie attended grade school in the Cody district and graduated from White River High School in 1938. After graduation, she clerked in stores in White River.
She later met John Reedy who constructed dams in the area. They were married September 21, 1942, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White River. Together they farmed and ranched in the Hilland and Philip areas for 28 years.
Emmie was a 4-H leader of the girls Happy Workers Club for 10 years. In 1970, Emmie and John moved to Philip when their sons took over the ranching operation. Emmie began working as a clerk at the drug store in Philip, for George Minard, Carv Thompson, and later for Milo Zeeb.
Emmie enjoyed crafts, especially oil painting, and taught art classes for several years.
One of the highlights of her life were her trips to her ancestral country, the Czech Republic. There she got acquainted with relatives on her father’s side in 1990. Emmie loved traveling, especially enjoying trips to Ireland and Hawaii. Tending to her yard and growing flowers kept her busy. She loved music, accordion music was special because she grew up with it.
Above all else, Emmie loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and always had a hug for each one.
Emmie was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Auxiliary, and the Betterment Committee, all of Philip.
Survivors include one son Mike Reedy of Worland, Wyoming; two daughters Mary Kay Sandal of Plainview, and Joann Pearson and her husband Lester of Philip; 22 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two daughters-in-law Annie Brunskill (Obie) of Philip, and Paula Reedy of Vale; a very special person to the family, Karen Pearson of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Emmie was preceded in death by her husband John on March 21, 1987; three sons Joe, Richard “Richie”, and Robert “Robbie” Reedy; a grandson John Sandal; a step-great-grandson Luke Wolfe; her parents; two brothers Frank Barcal and a brother in infancy; and two sisters Anna Lunn and Mary Brown.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Sunday May 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 26, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father John Hatcher, SJ as celebrant.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established to the American Legion Auxiliary. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 761, Philip, SD 57567.
Arrangements were with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.