Wesley Dale “Buck” Ginsbach was a man who always seemed to have something to say—and thankfully, he usually had someone around willing to listen. He had the gift of gab, loved a good conversation, and could turn even a quick hello into a visit that somehow lasted much longer than expected. In fact, his family often joked that Buck could talk on the phone for hours, even if the call started with a wrong number. To his favorite people, though, he was simply Gramps—a name that suited him perfectly and one he wore with pride.

Born on September 3, 1949, Buck was a longtime resident of Newell, South Dakota. He passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, hard work, and a family who meant more to him than anything else.

Buck spent much of his career as an insurance sales manager and was also the owner of Ginsbach Excavating. He genuinely enjoyed his work, but it was the people he met along the way that made it especially meaningful to him. He enjoyed visiting with his insurance customers, coworkers, friends, and just about anyone who crossed his path. Conversation came naturally to Buck—and once he got started, there was rarely any reason to think it was going to end anytime soon.

Outside of work, Buck enjoyed his beloved Jeepster, horses, and being around the things and people he loved. But above all, he was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and his grandchildren had him wrapped firmly around their fingers. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and found some of his greatest happiness in watching them grow.

He was resourceful, determined, and never one to give up easily. He had a knack for figuring things out and finding a way to make things work. He was also, according to those who knew him best, just a little stubborn—especially when he was convinced he was right. And if you knew Buck, you probably knew better than to argue with him for too long. After all, you were likely going to lose the argument simply because he could out-talk you.

But behind that big personality was a man with an even bigger heart. Buck loved deeply, showed up for the people who mattered to him, and took great pride in his family. His greatest legacy will not be the businesses he built or the things he owned, but the relationships he made and the memories he created with the people he loved.

Buck is survived by his wife of 46 years (or 11.5 anniversary’s as he would say), Julie Ann Dittman Ginsbach; his children, Stephanie McMahon; Todd (Gail) Ginsbach; and Becky (Kris) Wynia; and his grandchildren, Victoria, Jared, and Raina Ginsbach; Anna and Brett McMahon; and Wyatt Wynia; Brothers Bob Somervold and  Art Somervold; Sisters Sandra Wright, Yolanda (Doug) Graslie, Patricia Collins, Pamela Somervold, Cindy (Dan) Stover; numerous nieces and nephews. 

He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Ken Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by Bud and Vivian Ginsbach; his stepmother, Bonnie; his sister, Genee Somervold; and his sister-in-law, Teresa Somervold; brother-in-law Mike Collins; niece Stacey (Nikki) Pierce. 

Those who loved Buck will remember his stories, his laughter, his stubborn streak, his love of horses and his Jeepster, and especially his ability to make a simple conversation into a full-length event. His grandchildren will remember a grandfather who could rarely say no to them, while his wife and children will remember a man whose greatest joy was being surrounded by the people he loved.

Buck leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind stories that will continue to be told, lessons that will be carried forward, and a family who will forever hear his voice in the conversations and laughter he left behind.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and—knowing Buck—probably still somehow getting the last word.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4, at 3:00 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West River Funeral Directors.