Stan Hesby, age 71, of Volga, South Dakota, died September 14, 2012, as the result of a tractor-train accident near Brookings. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at First Lutheran Church in Volga, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitations will be from 5-8 P.M. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church. Stanley James Hesby was born on June 30, 1941, at Arlington, South Dakota, to Edwin and Pearl (Lewison) Hesby. Stanley grew up on the family farm near Volga. He graduated from Volga High School and attended South Dakota State University while helping on the farm. During this time he served with the South Dakota National Guard for eight years. On March 10, 1961, he married Marilyn Carlson at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Volga. They lived on the farm south of Volga their entire married life of 51 years. Stan was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church and served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and he and Marilyn were Luther League advisors for many years. Music was always a big part of Stan's life from band, chorus, piano lessons, and he sang with the Norse Glee Club for many years. Promoting agriculture was obvious by the many county and state boards and organizations to which he contributed his time and effort willingly. He served 18 years on the Sioux Valley School Board. During later years he started trucking, logging more than 3 million miles. He had an expanded knowledge of engines and tractors. Most recently he had had his grandfather's and father's early tractors restored, proudly exhibiting them in parades and shows. Not only was Stan a man big in stature, he was gifted with a big heart and a love of all people. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; his son, Keith (Sueann) of Bruce; one daughter, Kristin Hovey, of Brookings; sister-in-law, Kay (Stubkjaer) Hesby, of College Station, Texas; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother-in-law David Carlson, of Watertown; sister-in-law, Julie Carlson, of Brookings; and sister-in-law, Margaret (Jack) Schuyler, of Winner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends everywhere. Stan was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Howard, of College Station, Texas.