On May 3, 2026, Leland “Wendell” Ames, Sioux Falls, SD, completed his earthly journey and is now at peace in the arms of the Lord after reaching the incredible age of 98.
Per Wendell’s request, a private service for the immediate family was held at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. Internment, with military rites, took place at the Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at Brandon Lumber, 403 S Main, Brandon, SD, 57005. Wendell requested that any memorials be directed to the American Legion in Brandon or Sioux Falls.
Leland “Wendell” Ames was born March 12, 1928, at Tulare, SD, to Louie and Reva (Roosa) Ames. Wendell grew up on the family farm, attended school at Tulare and was married to Betty LeGrand on June 12, 1949, in Huron, SD. Wendell was employed at Peavey Lumber in Redfield, SD prior to serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Breckenridge, KY, and in Ft. Hood, TX, from 1952-1954. He returned to manage the Peavey/Co-op Lumber Yard in Alpena, SD in 1954. Wendell and Betty raised 3 children: Ron, Connie and Tim. In 1967, they moved from Alpena to Brandon, SD when they purchased Brandon Lumber Company. They still own it today, 59 years later. Son, Ron, and grandson, Marcus, continue to operate the business.
Wendell was involved in many church activities over the years, including the positions of trustee and treasurer. He was a charter member of the Brandon Water Company and the Brandon City Council. He served in the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department for 16 years and was proudly a member of the American Legion. Wendell and Betty worked tirelessly to build Brandon Lumber into a thriving business that served the community and region with high quality products and customer service. As CEO, Wendell received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the SD Retail Lumberman’s Association in 1992 for 40 years of continuous service in the retail lumber business; and in 1995 he was named their Lumberman of the Year. Beginning in the 1970s, Wendell and Betty developed the Ames Subdivision in Brandon with numerous single-family homes.
Wendell is survived by Betty, his wife of 77 years; son, Ron (Kay) Ames of Valley Springs; daughter, Connie Tveidt of Pierre; and son, Tim (Marilyn) Ames of Burton, Texas; 7 grandchildren, Marcus Ames, Stephanie Knapp, Jerry Tveidt, Michael Tveidt, Lee Ames, Nicole Ames, and Andrew Ames; and 12 great grandchildren.
Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Reva; six siblings, Winifred, Lloyd, Robert, Shirley, Betty and Mavis; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Joy. Wendell believed John 3:16 with all his heart, so our sorrow is tempered with hope, as we await the great reunion in God’s House.
The family would like to thank the special caregivers from Avera Hospice who touched Wendell’s life in his final days, along with the caring team at Legends on Lake Lorraine. We are also grateful for Dr. Sam Zollicker and the staff at the Avera McGreevy Clinic in Brandon for their care and support over the years.
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