Darcie Lee Henegar, age 74, of Grenville, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer in Spearfish, SD.

Darcie, born on September 21, 1950 in Bismarck, North Dakota was the daughter of Dale and Georgia Henegar. Darcie was an athlete way beyond her time and an advanced soul wise beyond her years. Upon graduating from Bismarck High School in 1968, Darcie attended Minot State University where she received a Bachelors degree in Recreation. After graduating from college in 1973, Darcie relocated to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin where she started her career at the YMCA. Darcie was an intricate part of the YMCA, especially with the swim program and the development of Play Park. Darcie married Ray Peterson in 1977 and had three beautiful children, Brooke, Drew and Whitney. Even though that marriage dissolved, her main focus continued to be her children and her love for humanity. In 1994, her life adventure relocated her to Lead, South Dakota where she was the Executive Director of the Northern Hills Family YMCA. During this time, she fell in love with the Black Hills, and in her words, “Gods Country.” This adventure ended in 1997 when she found her way to Osage Beach, Missouri. There she was the Executive Director of the Tri-County YMCA of the Ozarks. During this time, Darcie launched the Y’s capital campaign and formed friendships that lasted the remainder of her life.

Darcie was never one to settle and her journey included stops in New Orleans, LA, Palm Bay, FL, Newcastle, WY and Gillette, WY before deciding in 2013 to join the Peace Corps and was placed in Ukraine.

After returning from Ukraine she spent the majority her time at Pickerel Lake. Of all the places she loved the most was her cabin. She would spend every summer there with her lake friends, continuing to enjoy her love of laughter and fun. Her kindness, compassion, love and unwavering dedication to her family and friends were evident in all that she did. Darcie’s ability to make others feel valued and loved was one of her many gifts, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Darcie had a love for children, most recently, she spent time teaching Ukrainian children how to speak English. She found great pride in being able to provide these students with this experience.

Darcie is survived by her children Brooke Kilian, Fond du Lac, WI, Drew Peterson, Milwaukee, WI and Whitney (Ryan) Wordeman, Spearfish, SD; four grandchildren Amayah, Keyton, Lander and Embree; her brothers Russ (Peggy) Henegar, Fargo, ND and Kit (Faye) Henegar.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Dale and Georgia Henegar.

A celebration of Darcie’s life will be held at Pickerel Lake in the summer of 2025. More details to come regarding her celebration of life.

Darcie’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the family and friends throughout her most recent cancer diagnosis. Darcie’s spirit will forever be a part of those she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

🕊️🦋💝🌹🌟👏👏👏😘🌞🕊️👍 😇 🌕 💞 💖🦋 🙏🕊️

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