Honoring Captain 11 With Pictures

He was a husband, a father, a trusted weatherman and superhero to some. Dave Dedrick wore many hats during his illustrious career here at KELO-TV. The man behind the persona also touched a lot of lives along the way. Now, thousands of friends are coming together to honor the man who meant so much to so many.

On Monday, we took a closer look at the Dave Dedrick Memorial Page at KELOLAND.com. On that page you will find a link to another online memorial on Facebook.

Since his passing on Friday night, the "Friends of Captain 11" Facebook page has grown to more than 9,600 members. Along with pages of old photographs, a scrolling through the site is like a trip down memory lane for many of us.

Karilee writes, "I heart Captain 11. I got to meet this wonderful man once...it was the highlight of the 6th year of my life." Kathy also remembers the benefits that go along with spending a birthday with the Captain. She writes, "That's when you get to spin the wheel."

Wendy turned 11 with Captain 11 and Debra turned 13 and also spent her birthday with the Captain. "Captain, you will never be forgotten," she wrote.

Kristi was in high school when she appeared on the show and says, "He always made it fun for everyone, no matter your age."

And if you couldn't make it to the KELO studios, the Captain, or Dave, would find you.

Glenda never made it to Sioux Falls but Dave made it to Iroquois for the Snow Queen contest. Sharrol danced with Dave at the State Fair in Huron. Colleen saw him in Columbia and Lane spotted the Captain at Potato Days in Oldham many years ago.

Dave Dedrick loved his busy life, oftentimes at the expense of his own family.

Robyn writes, "Marjene and family, the Captain was a special part of my childhood. Thank you Dana, Dawn and David for sharing him with us."

And thank you Marjene from all of us at KELO-TV.

A prayer service for Dave Dedrick will be held Tuesday night in Sioux Falls. The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Catholic Church.