Claude Almen

Funeral service for Claude Chip Almen will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2009 at New Life Wesleyan Church. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Sunday June 28, 2009 at Walker Funeral Home. Claude Chip Almen age 62, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Campbell County Memorial Hospital of complications from lung cancer. Claude Wayne Almen was born in Lemmon, South Dakota on May 12, 1947 to Wayne and Frances (Poseley) Almen. Chip graduated from Bison High School in 1965, and enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged after serving three years. He married Vera Penor September 6, 1968 and the couple had three daughters, they later divorced. Chip married Debra Bittner August 28, 1976 and they have two daughters. Chip was a truck driver with the Campbell County road and bridge department. He loved camping, fishing and playing darts with his friends and family. Chip was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 42 and also the Eagles Club. He is survived by his wife, Debra of Gillette WY; five daughters, Michelle (Gary) Lanoue, Brenda (Lonnie) Green, Brenna Said, all of Rapid City, SD; Laci and Codi Almen of Gillette, WY; and nine grandchildren; mother, Francis Almen of Sturgis, SD; sisters, Peggy Smith of Piedmont, SD; January Almen of Sturgis, SD. Chip was preceded in death by his father, and grandparents. A memorial has been established in his name to benefit the American Cancer Society, memorials and condolences may be sent in care of the Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website: www.walkerfuneralgillette.com