Conley Van Wyhe

Hills, MN Conley Van Wyhe, age 52 of Hills, MN died Friday, December 19, 2008 at his home near Hills, MN. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23rd at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, SD with Rev. Dr. Val Putnam officiating. Burial will follow at East Side Cemetery in Steen, MN. Visitation will be Monday, December 22nd from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. Conley Van Wyhe was born September 22, 1956, the son of Chris and Grace (Hoff) Van Wyhe in rural Hills, MN. He received his education at the Hills-Beaver Creek schools. He also studied agriculture at Jackson Vocational School in Jackson, MN. On December 23, 1999 Conley was united in marriage to Nancy (Marken) Hinks at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, SD. They made their home on the family farm near Hills, MN. Together, the couple was able to make several memorable trips in the past few years. They cruised to Alaska, visited relatives in Holland, as well as exploring other European countries along with trips to San Diego, CA. Conley was a farmer through and through. He liked nothing more than to be working his land or tending his animals. He was known by his friends and family as a kind hearted man who would do anything for another. A few years ago Conley became involved in "Harvesting Faith", a mission to Africa project. He became passionate about the project and took it upon himself to promote and further the cause of this wonderful mission work that helps African people dig wells for fresh water, raise and harvest a particularly value rich plant, raise awareness of AIDS and teach veterinarian skills. He helped to bring in many South Dakota farmers to help financially with this endeavor and the program has come to be known as "Harvesting Faith, The Conley Van Wyhe Project". This past Friday, Conley passed away peacefully at his home near Hills, MN at the age of 52. He will be greatly missed. Conley is survived by his wife of almost 9 years, Nancy Van Wyhe; stepson, Justin Hinks; his father, Chris Van Wyhe of Hills, MN, sisters Carlene (John) Dekam of Grand Haven, MI, Gloria (Stan) Bonnema of Richfield, MN, and Marsha (Gerhart) Baker of Owasso, OK; brothers, Darwyn Van Wyhe of San Diego, CA and Terry (Tammy) Van Wyhe of Copper Center, AK; as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Van Wyhe; and nephew Joel Dekam.