We said our farewell to another of our racing family yesterday.
A large gathering of family and friends of Les Horsley gathered in Draper, SD for his memorial service.
Among the items on his memorial table was an award given to him by Oahe Speedway on November 24, 2007.

The 1st Annual “I Wasn’t Gonna Lift ’til I Saw Elvis” Award.

This recognition, an homage to a now legendary quote from Funny Car Champion John Force,

was granted to Les for an out-of-shape, no lift pass down Oahe Speedway during the 2007 race season.

In the words of Leroy Uhrig , Oahe Speedway’s Lead Tech Inspector:

” I remember the day he crashed that car 3 times on one pass and never crashed it – a scrape on the spoiler

‘Right wall – left wall – around at the top end ‘

We talked afterwards and laughed at what happened and what could’ve been and Les said “ Never gonna do THAT again “

Les’s daughter, Shelby, mentioned that he was “pretty proud of that award”… after all these years, it was gratifying to know that we did

do a few things right at Oahe Speedway and made an impact.

Godspeed, Les, Race On!

Another of our racing family has passed.  

Les Horsley – 1955 ~ 2024

Leslie Wayne “Les” Horsley was born May 15, 1955, in Pierre, South Dakota, the youngest of six children born to Max and Bertha (Smith) Horsley. He grew up in Draper where he attended school, graduating in 1974. After high school, he loaded up everything he had and headed to Jacksonville, Florida, to explore new country. He worked in the shipyards for about six months before returning home. He commented “it was the best feeling he ever had” coming back home. He later moved to Gillette where he worked at NAPA and also in the oil fields. After eight years, he returned to Draper to help on the family farm, with his brother Curt, brother-in-law Gene, and father Max.

Les married Cathy Iwan on May 26, 1985, at the home of Roland and Jean Iwan in White River, with Jean Iwan officiating. To this union three children were born: Ryan, Tryston, and Shelby. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased a farm-ranch 17 miles northeast of White River, where they made their home. Les acquired cattle for the first time at that time, and began the ranching side of the farm-ranch. His one wish was that he never had to retire, but after many years, his body made that decision for him.
In 2008, Les became partners with childhood friend Scott Dowling, farming many acres from Draper to the legendary Diamond Ring Farm north of Midland. In the five years he gained the knowledge and experience of no-till farming.

Les enjoyed drag-racing at the Oahe Speedway, and Baja racing in his younger years. He enjoyed working on cars and liked old school fast cars.

Remaining to cherish Les’ memory are his wife Cathy; children Ryan Horsley (Skyler Green), Tryston Horlsey, and Shelby Horsley (Hunter Iversen); grandchildren Xavier, Luke, Sutton, Emma, Hollzee, Landi, and Wesley; one brother Curt (Kate) Horsley of Draper; two sisters Marcia (Tom) Authier of Vivian and Nancy Tennant of Gettysburg; his mother and father-in-law Jean and Roland Iwan; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Les was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Carol Cressy and Colleen Anna; nephew Monty Horsley; and three brothers-in-law Bob Tennant, Bob Anna, and Gene Cressy.

Les’s hard work, life lessons, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. CST Thursday, December 5, at the Draper Auditorium.

Private graveside services will be held at the Draper Cemetery at a later date.

Ed Arcuri, the driving force behind the Rocky Mountain Superchargers organization has passed.

Ed and his group of racers visited Oahe
a couple times through the years.

Edward Louis Arcuri III

Funeral with reception to follow will be September 6th, 1030 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton, CO.
All are welcome.

Charlie visited Oahe Speedway a few times through the years.

Charles “Charlie” A. Berner, 52, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, with Pastor Steve Biswell officiating.  The family request that the guest wear comfortable casual attire.

Visitation will be held at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and before the service on Wednesday.

Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Honorary pallbearers will be his family and friends.  Ryan Thorson, Dean Seim, Mark Fox, Lance Blinsmon, Kevin Bach, Steve Sears, Culley Lebert, and Mike Robbins. 

Charles “Charlie” Alan Berner was born on December 9, 1971, in Watertown, SD, to Ronald and Verla (Mudgett) Berner. He was raised in Watertown alongside his two sisters and one brother. At an early age, Charlie became fascinated with wheels and motors which quickly turned into a love for speed. Whether it was racing toy cars in the living room or driving go-karts in the alley, Charlie learned to work hard while having fun—an approach he carried throughout his life.

Charlie was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Watertown Middle School, and graduated from Watertown High School in 1989. After graduation, Charlie worked at Custom Fabricators for a short time before striking out on his own.

In 1996, Charlie married Debra Henry, and they were blessed with a baby girl, Morgan Lee. Over the years, Charlie and Morgan enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—watching cartoons, traveling to warmer climates, enjoying theme parks, and sharing laughs. She was his whole world.

Charlie was a successful, self-made man who built his business, Midwest Automotive, from the ground up. Over the years, his business offered a range of services—from detailing and selling used cars to specializing in truck accessories and remote-control cars. Charlie was always eager to try something new, with more business ideas than hours in the day. He expanded his building to accommodate several salons and small businesses including Midwest Race Cabinets. He eventually outgrew the space and acquired another building to further expand his businesses.

Charlie wasn’t just about work. He deeply cared for those around him, always ready to lend a hand or share a word of wisdom. His love for drag racing kept him in the fast lane, but it was his storytelling that truly lit up a room. Charlie had a gift for spinning tales that left everyone in stitches, finding humor in just about anything. His infectious laughter and witty stories will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. Charlie was a member of Watertown Drag Racing Association and spent much time at Thunder Valley Dragway and traveling. He also enjoyed renovating homes and restoring cars.

With a tough exterior and a loving heart, Charlie was the kind of guy you couldn’t help but admire. Hardworking, stubborn as a mule, and always chasing a dream, he left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. 

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Morgan Berner of Watertown; his mother, Verla Berner; sisters Roxy (Jeff) Robinson and Kay (Bill) Shepherd, both of Watertown; his brother Kevin (Dawn) Berner of Watertown; his nieces Kami (Louis) Canfield and Whitney (Tanner) Chilson; nephews Jeremy (Carley) Shepherd, Josh Shepherd, and Wyatt Berner; his great-nephews Carter Canfield, Tysen Canfield, and Camdyn Shepherd; his great-nieces Kynsli Canfield and Ellyson Shepherd; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Berner; and his grandparents, Ralph and Eva Berner, and Harlan and Fern Mudgett.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham