Daniel William McPherson, age 74, of Custer, SD, died at home on October 15, 2006 of cancer.

Dan was the son of Marie (Bergman) Green and Clifford McPherson, born September 14, 1932 in Graceville, Minnesota. He grew up in Sisseton, SD and spent his lifetime in education in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955. Dan graduated with his B.A degree from Huron College in 1957, MA from South Dakota State University in 1959 and completed his Doctorate in 1970 at the University of South Dakota.

His teaching career began with high school students in Huron, SD. He then became Superintendent of Schools in Erwin and Clear Lake, SD. Moving to Sheldon, Iowa, he started as Business Manager at the school district and then moved to the technical college, now known as Northwest Iowa Community College and become President in 1971. In 1975, Dan and his family moved to Chadron, NE to renew his teaching career in higher education at Chadron State College. Dan was appointed Deputy State Superintendent of Schools for South Dakota and moved to Pierre in 1980. He then went back to the college classroom by joining and eventually leading the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Dan retired in 1993, moving to his beloved Black Hills and joined the community of Custer, SD. His mentoring and leadership continued in his work and devotion to the 1881 Custer Court House Museum, the Custer Senior Center, and Custer Lutheran Fellowship. He continued his teaching by providing Drivers Education through the South Dakota AARP program.

Dan was gracious in life and in death; his positive outlook, many interests and unfailing sense of humor served him to the end. He lived as he believed. Dan was known for his interest in all things South Dakotan and his passion for history. He loved the Black Hills and spent many happy hours fishing and "puttzing" around outdoors, true to his feeling that "if you are lucky enough to live in the Black Hills, you are lucky enough".

His family morns his passing; his wife of 53 years, Ardelle (Meyer) McPherson of Custer; daughter, Lorrane McPherson and husband Bruce Fulton of Tucson, AZ; son, Daniel and wife Debra McPherson and their three children Makenzie, Morgan, and Madison of Bismarck, ND. His sisters June Gilbert of Mesa, AZ and Peggy Stoenner of Salem, OR and brothers Dale Green of Seattle, WA and Robert Green of Champlin, MN.

In planning for his passing, Dan suggested that memorials be given to the 1881 Custer Courthouse Museum or Custer Lutheran Fellowship.

Services will be held 10:30 am, Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer, SD with Pastor Kent Narum and Pastor Arley Fadness officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.