Peter Waldner Obituary

Peter Waldner, 63, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Milbank Area Hospital - Avera Health in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Milbank Christian Fellowship in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Milbank City Cemetery. Following the interment there will be a meal served at the church. 

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page. 

     Peter J Waldner was born on October 6, 1960, in Huron, SD, to Joe and Susie (Grosz) Waldner. It was here that he began his life’s story, homeschooled until the eighth grade, nurtured by the close-knit community and the simple beauty of his surroundings. For 21 years, he called Huron home and in 1981, he moved to Wisconsin. This move marked the beginning of many adventures, each one shaping his life in profound ways. It was in Wisconsin that he met Deborah Waldner, the love of his life, and on October 29, 1988, in Reedsburg, WI, they were united in marriage. For 11 years, Peter and Deborah made their home in Wisconsin, creating memories and building their life together. Peter’s dedication to his work in construction was a cornerstone of their life. Alongside his work in construction, Peter took pride in raising cattle. In the late 1990s, another move brought them to Alberta, MN, where they lived for three years. But it was Milbank, in 2000, that would become their final home. 

     Peter found joy in traveling and cherished the conversations he had while visiting with customers. He had a particular fondness for banana pie and chocolate. He also loved the calmness of driving down gravel roads. Grilling was another of Peter’s passions. He especially enjoyed using his Blackstone grill, which became a staple for breakfast nearly every morning this past spring. Peter’s life was defined by his steadfast commitment to his family, his tireless work ethic, and his ability to find joy in the simple pleasures. Whether he was working on a construction site or tending to the cattle, he approached each task with determination and care. 

     Peter is survived by his wife, Deborah Waldner of Milbank, SD; children: Nathaniel (Sara) PrankeKlang of Madison, WI; Matthew Waldner of Milbank, SD; and Miranda (John) Kauffman of Milbank, SD; seven siblings: John (Ruth) Waldner of Huron, SD; Lena Waldner of Huron, SD; Margaret (Chris) Waldner of Huron, SD; Ruben Waldner of Huron, SD; Melvin (Anita) Waldner of Alexandria, SD; Katherina “Kathy” (Sam) Wollman of Huron, SD; and Samuel (Miriam) Waldner of Mitchell, SD; and six grandchildren: Hadassah Kauffman, Tyrell Kauffman, Davante Kauffman, Treyvon Kauffman, Nadezjda PrankeKlang, and Radhika PrankeKlang. He is preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Susie Waldner, three brothers: Joe Waldner, Daniel Waldner, and Paul Waldner, two sisters-in-law: Lena Waldner and Ruth Waldner; and brother-in-law Jim Waldner.