Ed Bares, 91, of Dell Rapids died on Sunday, April 19, 2026 in his home. His funeral mass was held on Friday, April 24, 2026, in St. Mary Catholic Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation with family present was held on Thursday April 23, 2026, with a Wake Service in St. Mary Church.
Edward F. Bares age 91 of Dell Rapids, SD passed away peacefully at his home in Dell Rapids.
Ed was born to George and Rose (Schuch) Bares on the family farm near Tabor, SD on January 8th, 1935. Ed went to country school until the 8th grade. He served in the Army National Guard from 1957-1963. Ed was employed at the Tabor elevator for 21 years. Ed raised chickens from 1968-1980. Ed married Mary Dee Sykora on October 7th, 1961 in Yankton, SD. They made their home in Tabor where they raised their six children. In 1980, Ed and Mary purchased the zip feed store (Harry’s Produce) in Dell Rapids. Ed and Mary moved the family to Dell Rapids where they were excited to find that there was St. Mary Catholic School System, which he supported until the end. Mary Dee passed away on August 30th, 1995. Ed then retired in 1996. In 1998, Ed married Gail Munk of Dell Rapids. Ed and Gail wintered in Texas for 15 years. In the summer, they split their time between their home in Dell Rapids and a lake home on Lake Herman.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking, playing fast track, and spending time at the casino. He also loved following the Minnesota Twins and the St. Mary’s sporting events.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Michael (Julie) Bares of Hammond, WI, Karen Bares of Dell Rapids, SD, Richard (Mary) Bares of Havelock, NC, Christine (Brian) Verhey of Lake Preston, SD, Marie (Bill) Miles of Colman, SD, and Mark (Helen) Bares of Dell Rapids, SD; his 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Leonard (Marcy) of rural Dante, SD and Jim (Donna) of Sturgis, SD; his sister-in-law Mary Ellen of Tabor, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, George, wife, Mary Dee, wife, Gail, and great-grandson Easton.
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