Aaron Griepp

Aaron G. Griepp, age 97, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society in Clear Lake, SD.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Christian Life Assembly of God in Watertown.  Pastor Sean Unkaff, Pastor Tim Newman and Pastor Jim Griepp will officiate.  Music will be provided by Bobbie Ekanger as pianist with Lezlie Burns as soloist.  The family is requested to meet at the church on Tuesday by 10:00 a.m. for a prayer service.

Visitation will be at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday, April 11, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Active pallbearers will be: Dale Griepp, Paul Griepp, Steve Aman, Calvin Hills, David Stahl, and Gary Johnson.

Aaron was born on March 19, 1925, at Bonduel, WI, to (Arthur and Emma (Stern) Griepp).  Aaron grew up on the homesteaded farm near Glad Valley, SD, where he attended school, staying until 1936 when the family moved to the Lake City area to resume farming.

On September 21, 1946, he married Alice Hovland at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Sisseton, SD.  They made their home in rural Sisseton, where they farmed in One Road Township.  They relocated to Watertown in 1952, where he continued farming, and worked at Metz Baking Company.  In 1957, Aaron started working in the insurance business and formed Aaron Griepp Agency in 1969.  Alice passed away on June 19, 1980.  On December 1, 1981, he married Betty Newman at the Assembly of God in Watertown.  He continued working in the Insurance Business until his retirement. 

Aaron was an active member of Assembly of God, and served in many capacities. He was also a member of Gideons, Kiwanis, and later, Kiwanis Golden K.  Aaron loved life and lived it to the fullest.  He enjoyed being outdoors, water skiing and hunting.  He spent countless hours at the Senior Citizens Center, playing bean bags, and participating in many different activities. 

Aaron is survived by his wife, Betty, of Watertown, SD; sons: Paul (MaryLou) Griepp, of Watertown, SD, and Dale (Cheryl) Griepp, of Aberdeen, SD; daughters: Violet Stahl, of Goodwin, SD, and Carol (Gary) Johnson of Parker, SD; step-sons: Doug (Linda) Newman, of Sheridan, AR, Randy (Maria) Newman, of Edmond, OK, and Tim (Suzanne) Newman, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; step-daughter, Sharon (Don) Novak, of Springfield, OH; four grandchildren; 14 step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers: James Griepp, of Spring, TX, and David (Wanda) Griepp, of Wayzetta, MN; and sister, Alice Schlotte, of Cokato, MN.

Aaron was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice; his parents; step-son, Bob Newman; son-in-law, Maury Stahl; three brothers: Phillip, Ezra, and Allen; and two sisters: Wilma and Marian.

Memorials may be directed to Gideons or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel     www.crawfordosthus.com

Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aaron Griepp, please visit our floral store.