Kenneth Woodrow Cressman, 90, of Spearfish, SD died Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Kenneth was born to Daniel and Nellie (Golden) Cressman in Perkins County, SD, on October 7, 1918. He grew up in the Slim Buttes area until the family relocated to Sundance, WY in the late 30s due to hardships of the dirty thirties. Kenneth and his three brothers built their parents a small cabin in Sundance. The four brothers also had a musical band that played all around the black hills and surrounding states in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. This is what led him to his bride, Eunice McAmis. The couple married in Broadus, MT on March 1, 1941. They had three children; Bonnie Jean, Richard Kenneth and Linda DeAnne. The family lived on various ranches in the area where Kenneth worked as a ranch hand/cowboy. One of the most memorable places they lived was the present day location of the Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary on Tinton Road. Kenneth was a caretaker there for a number of years. This was during the blizzard of 1949 and the family was snowed in for 90 days. Kenneth had to ride his horse through high snow drifts to get to town for food and supplies. He also had to cut the tops of oak trees for firewood. Kenneth then went to work for Homestake Mining Company Sawmill for over 30 years. He started out cutting down trees with a 2 man cross cut saw then began working at the sawmill as a truck driver. During this time the family built a house in Spearfish where he resided until his death.

Kenneth was known throughout the area for his love of music. He could often be found at the Spearfish Chop House, Bay Leaf Café, or the Franklin playing the old classic piano tunes. He also enjoyed making jewelry and would give his jewelry to friends that he would meet. Kenneth had a love for animals, especially his cat and companion, Mandy. He was also an all around handyman; he could do mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. He used to keep a garden and was once a member of the Eagle's Club as well as a Club Scout Pack Leader.

Kenneth is survived by his three children; daughter, Bonnie (Dennis) Moore of Napa, CA, son, Richard Cressman, and daughter, Linda Roseland both of Spearfish, two grandchildren, David (Brenda) Moore of Antelope, CA, and Eric (Bibi) Moore of San Rafael, CA, and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eunice in 1987, his three brothers; Ivan, Herbert, and Floyd, as well as a brother in infancy.

Memorial services will be held in the spring. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family of Kenneth Cressman at 1041 State Street, Spearfish, SD, 57783. Memorials will be given to the Northern Hills Humane Society.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Serivce of Spearfish, SD. Online condolences may be written at: www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com