SILVER CITY — Maurice “Mac” L. McLinn, 90, of Silver City, passed away peacefully April 10, 2017.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at Silver City, May 22, 2017, with Rev. Brian Lane as celebrant. Committal Service will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery with Military Honors where he will rest with his wife, Rita.
Mac was born a twin February 18, 1927, on the plains of South Dakota. The family lived on several farms in the Platte area during the Great Depression and dearly loved FDR for his New Deal Programs. While a senior at Platte High School, he joined the Navy in 1944, so he “would not miss and do his part” in WWII. He served on the destroyer USS Sullivans.
After the war, he attended South Dakota State University and received a degree in Agricultural Economics. He was very proud of his accomplishments on the South Dakota State track field where he won many medals in both the 440-yard dash and mile relay.  While he won many races, he was quick to point out that his twin sister, Marceline, was always the fastest.  
Mac married his sister’s best friend, Rita, November 5, 1949.  While working for the Farmers Home Administration, they resided in Tyndall, Mobridge, Aberdeen and finally Huron. Mac prided himself on his ability to help South Dakota farmers in time of need.  After 35 years with the FHA, he retired in 1983.  
Mac and Rita spent their retirement years in Silver City in the heart of the Black Hills. They became involved in the community.  Mac served as Fire Chief of the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department for a number of years. Both Mac and Rita loved and were devoted to the Silver City Fire Department. As an avid outdoorsman, Mac enjoyed his retirement with many wonderful friends in the Black Hills. Rita passed away July 16, 1992, and Mac split his time between living in Silver City and Platte, managing the farm he grew up on. Mac and Rita were devout Catholics and were always involved in their Huron, Rapid City and Silver City parishes.
Mac’s life was well spent and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was, indeed, a unique and wonderful character, typical of the “Greatest Generation.” He was a great father, grandfather, friend and gentleman.
Mac was loved by his family and leaves behind his children, Dudley (Val) of Minneapolis Minn., David of Mason City, Iowa, and Karen (Dave) Rose of Billings Mont.; grandchildren, Erin (Matt) Kuhn, Kristin, Tyler, Patrick, Jennifer, Andrew Rose and Eric Rose; and  great-grandchild, Madison; along with several nieces and nephews.   
He was preceded in death by parents, Orin and Louise McLinn; wife, Rita; sister, Marceline (Abeln); and daughter-in-law, Jan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department and the Silver City Historical Society at 100 Sherman St, Silver City, SD  57702.  
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel,  (641) 423-2372.
Visit www.colonialchapels.com
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