August “Gus” Massa, 94

August “Gus” Massa, 94, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the Avera Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Yankton, SD. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaclate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.   Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to mass.

August “Gus” Martin Massa, was born in Spring Valley, IL on Oct. 30, 1927 to John and Antoinette Massa (Chiado).  He served as a Radioman Third Class in the U.S. Navy.  He attended the University of Illinois and received a degree in architecture.

Gus married Nancy M. Schwartz on June 24, 1972 in Chicago.  They moved to Sturgis, SD where Gus worked as an instructor at Area 5 VoTech.  When the school merged with Western Dakota Tech they moved to Rapid City, SD.

Gus worked extensively with Bill and Ted Hustead to design many parts of Wall Drug.

Gus and Nancy moved to the family farm near Carter, SD in 1996 where he enjoyed gardening and taking care of his sheep, chickens, and dogs.

Gus suffered a stroke in 2016 and spent his remaining years as a resident of the Elder Inn.  Gus was a very kind, gentle and thoughtful person. Gus is survived by his brothers; John Massa and Jim (Lois) Massa and numerous nephews and nieces.  Gus is preceded in death by his parents and wife Nancy

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