Derry Dean Hochhalter

     Derry Dean Hochhalter, 88, of Vermillion, SD, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City, IA.

     Derry was born on November 27, 1936, in Java, SD, to Helmuth and Ella (Walz) Hochhalter. He attended school in the Java area and graduated in 1954 from Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, SD. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve stationed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

     On September 9, 1961, Derry was united in marriage to Audrey Ann Brueggeman. In October, the couple moved to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, where he served in the US Army. Upon discharge, Derry and Audrey returned to Columbia, SD and farmed near Groton. In 1963, they moved west of Orient, SD, where they farmed and raised their family until 1981. They then sold the family farm and purchased the Super 8 Motel in Vermillion, SD, where they lived and operated the motel for 15 years. The couple also co-owned a motel in Luverne, MN and managed a hotel in South Sioux City, NE. While operating the motels, they built rental properties in Vermillion, which they owned and operated through retirement. The couple celebrated their 55 years of marriage before Audrey passed in 2016.

     Derry and Audrey were incredible fans of the University of South Dakota. They loved sports and traveled with family and friends to various Coyote games. They also enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and attending their many activities.

     Derry is survived by his four children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Son Mark (Robin) Hochhalter of Elkins, Arkansas and Marks’ sons, Mason and Matthew; Son Don (Michaelle) Hochhalter of Littleton, CO and their son, Cole; Daughter Paula (Tim) Clausen of Sioux City, IA and their children, Zachary (Olivia) Clausen and Madison (Jake) Geisler; and son Brian Hochhalter of Vermillion, SD. Great grandchildren Caroline and Felix Clausen and Sullivan Geisler. Sister LaVon (Daryl) Cole of Fort Pierre, SD; brother-in-law Joe Aesoph of Seneca, SD; brother-in-law Vincent (Maxine) Brueggeman of Watertown, SD and sister-in-law, Marlene Brueggeman of Miller, SD.

     Derry was preceded in death by his parents, Helmuth and Ella; his wife Audrey; sister Darlene and her husband Vernon; sister Joyce and her husband Harley; brother Jerome and his wives Luella and Ruth; sister-in-law Dianne Aesoph and brother-in-law’s Gene and Dale Brueggeman.