Winnie Mae Van Genderen was born to Ryan and Marnie (Hallman) Van Genderen on Thursday, August 19, 2010, in Chamberlain and was taken home to live with the Lord that same day.
Private family services were held Monday, August 30, 2010, at the Mount Funeral Home in Platte with Pastor David Prince officiating. Her loved ones include: her parents, Ryan and Marnie Van Genderen; a sister, Rani Eimers; a brother, Hunter Eimers, all of Chamberlain; grandparents, Marlys Schlicting of Kimball and Harlan and Judy Van Genderen of Platte; great-grandmother, Corlena Koranda of Kimball; along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Winnie Mae was preceded in death by her grandfather, Arthur Schlicting of Kimball. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through: www.mountfuneralhome.com
Maxine McCarty
Funeral services for Maxine McCarty, of Fallbrook, CA will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain with burial in Swedish Lutheran Cemetery at Ola, SD. Visitation will be Sunday, August 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Maxine passed away on August 21, 2010 at Fallbrook, CA.
Maxine Eleanor McCarty was born on January 28, 1920 north of Pukwana, South Dakota and passed away on August 21, 2010 in Fallbrook, California.
She was born to Edward and Jane Knutson. Five days later, Edward, Jane, and her brother, Elmer all died in the flu epidemic of 1920. Maxine was then adopted by Martin and Blenda Knutson (Edward's brother and sister-in-law). She was raised on the Knutson family farm south of Ola, South Dakota.
Maxine married Harold McCarty in August 1940 and they had four children, Francis (Butch), Charles, Belinda, and Mary.
Maxine worked all of her adult life as an executive cook for the Rosemead Unified School District, and then the Ameron Corporation before retiring in 1985.
She is survived by her two daughters, Belinda Conover and Mary Webster, six grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Edward, Jane, Martin, and Blenda, two brothers Elmer and Vencil (Bud), two sisters Myrtle and Florence, her husband Harold, and her two sons Francis (Butch) and Charles.
Donald Richard Hallman
On July 27th we said goodbye to our dear brother and Uncle. He was born in Chamberlain S.D. and raised and attended schools in Kimball S.D. He moved to Oregon in 1964. Worked at North Sanitam Plywood and retired from there in 2001. Hobbies, were fishing hunting, woodworking, and bird watching. He was proceeded in death by 5 siblings and his parents.
Survived by Sisters Mary Hoffman (Duane Hoffman) of Aumsville, Oregon, Marlene Cunningham of Taft, Cal. , Myrna Kubick of Mitchell S.D., Donna Boe of Reliance, S.D., Brothers Jim Hallman of Kimball, S.D., John Hallman of Rosebud, MT. and several nieces & nephews and great nieces and nephews. He will be missed, and be in our hearts forever. Graveside services were held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Lone Oak Cemetery in Stayton, OH. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton, OH.
Arthur Arnold Peterson
Arthur Arnold Peterson, 57, Rapid City, died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at his home.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Rose, Rapid City; four daughters, Jennifer Alberts, Mesa, Ariz., Jaime Peterson, Sioux Falls, Melanie Hultman, Newport News, Va., and Danielle Peterson, Rapid City; two sons, Timothy Rose and Loren Rose, both of Rapid City; nine grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; his mother, Catherine Peterson, Kennebec; three brothers, Calvin Peterson, Newton, Ga., Leland Peterson, Kennebec, and Kent Peterson, Reliance; and two sisters, Teresa Hamer, Kennebec and Ronda Wagner, Chamberlain.
Memorial services were 2 p.m. Saturday Aug. 21, at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home with the Rev. Bruce Baum officiating. An online guestbook is available at www.behrenswilson.com
Cory McDougal
Funeral services for Cory McDougal, 20, of Crow Creek, SD were 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 25, 2010 at the Crow Creek Community Building and burial in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Crow Creek, SD. Wake services were held Monday and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Crow Creek Community Center in Crow Creek.
Cory Dustin McDougal was born April 2, 1990 at Chamberlain to Donald and Janie (Taylor) McDougal. He attended grade school at Plankinton and then on to Crow Creek Middle School where he graduated from the 8th grade. He then attended Crow Creek High School. He moved to Mitchell and was employed at Area Steel, Big Dawg Concrete, and various odd jobs. He moved back to Crow Creek District with his Grandma Kay. Cory had a special bond with his grandma Kay. Cory was well-known for his outstanding personality, great behavior with communicating with people. He loved to fish, hunt, walk, and play softball and the Minnesota Vikings. Cory loved his very first car, a 1997 Grand-Am. This car was very special to him as his mother gave it to him. He had this car rigged up so that he was the only one that could drive it.
Cory passed away on August 22, 2010 at Crow Creek District at the age of 20 years. Cory leaves behind his father Donald McDougal and mother Janie McDougal of Mitchell, SD; sister Kenja McDougal and Dustin Walking Bull of Chamberlain; a brother Paval Zane McDougal of Mitchell; maternal grandmother Kay Taylor of Crow Creek District, paternal grandfather Roger Hantke; uncles Ricky Taylor, Sr. and Neva, Fred Hantke and Tanya, Allen Hantke; aunt Shelley Taylor and her children of Fort Thompson, Glenda McDougal and family of Tea and Patti DeShequette of Chamberlain; and many cousins, friends, and teammates. Preceding him in death were his grandmother Irene Hantke; grandfathers Kenneth Taylor and Mike Touche, Sr.; and his favorite aunt Crystal Miller.
Billy ‘Burr’ Wayne Chambless
Billy “Burr” Wayne Chambless passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 17, 2010.
Services were held at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23, at the Kimball Protestant Parish in Kimball, S.D.
Billy was born on April 29, 1962, in Los Angeles, Calif. Billy was born to Billy Wayne Chambless Sr. and Betty Jarnagin. Billy is survived his mother and step-father Betty and Roy Jarnagin. Billy has two sisters, Karen Gilchrist and Connie Preston of Duncan, Okla.
Bill was surrounded in love by many family members and friends. After traveling all over the United States, he married Diann Blasius in Kimball. Billy and Diann have three children: Cody Chambless, 25, of Woonsocket, S.D.; Dillin Chambless, 21, U.S. Marine Corps; and Destine Chambless, 14, of Kimball.
Bill was an active outdoors man and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Billy worked construction for many years and started his own construction company. Bill resided with his girlfriend, Lisa Lenard in King Lake, Neb., next to the Elkhorn River when he passed.
He was preceded in death by his father, brother-in-law Tom Gilchrist, Bryce Heath and Taylor Martin.
Maxine Eleanor McCarty
Maxine Eleanor McCarty was born on January 28, 1920 north of Pukwana, South Dakota and passed away on August 21, 2010 in Fallbrook, California.
She was born to Edward and Jane Knutson. Five days later, Edward, Jane, and her brother, Elmer all died in the flu epidemic of 1920. Maxine was then adopted by Martin and Blenda Knutson (Edward’s brother and sister-in-law). She was raised on the Knutson family farm south of Ola, South Dakota.
Maxine married Harold McCarty in August 1940 and they had four children, Francis (Butch), Charles, Belinda, and Mary.
Maxine worked all of her adult life as an executive cook for the Rosemead Unified School District, and then the Ameron Corporation before retiring in 1985.
She is survived by her two daughters, Belinda Conover and Mary Webster, six grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
Maxine was preceeded in death by her parents Edward, Jane, Martin, and Blenda, two brothers Elmer and Vencil (Bud), two sisters Myrtle and Florence, her husband Harold, and her two sons Francis (Butch) and Charles.
Funeral Services are pending at the Hickey Funeral Home in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
Delmar William Mines
Delmar William Mines resident of Peace River passed away in Peace River, on August 15, 2010 at the age of 85 years.
A memorial service for the late Delmar William Mines will be held from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Grimshaw, Alverta on August 28, 2010 at 10:00 am with Reverend Julian Mary officiating. Interment of cremated remains at Grimshaw W.I. Cemetery, Grimshaw, Alberta.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Chapel of Memories, Peace River, Alberta.
Alma Storjohann
Alma Kirchhevel Storjohann, age 94, passed away, August 11th, 2010, at the Ponderosa Villa, Crawford, Neb. Graveside services were Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Greenwood Cemetery with Reverend Gregory Sonnenschein officiating. Alma did not bear any children of her own and lost her first husband, Robert Chapman in 1958. She married Laurence Storjohann in 1966 and operated the café in the Chamberlain Livestock Auction at Chamberlain until 1979 when they retired and moved to Chadron, Neb. Alma was born August 4, 1916, at Armour, S.D., to Edward D. and Helene (Pfahl) Kirchhevel
She is survived by step-son Karl (Janet) of Chadron and step-daughter Rosemary Storjohann Stewart of Rapid City, SD. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Laurence Storjohann and her five brothers.
Leonard W. Hoellein
Leonard W. Hoellein, 88, of Redfield died Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. His funeral was held Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. The Rev. Stephen Perry will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation was held Monday from 1-8 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. thelenfuneralhome.com
Leonard’s family prefers memorials directed to the Redfield Senior Citizens Center.
Leonard was born June 11, 1922, near Athol, S.D., to Wayne and Jessie (Wilkins) Hoellein. He attended school in Athol before he started farming. Leonard married Bonnie Jackson March 4, 1944, in Redfield. They farmed in the Athol area until 1956 when they moved to California and Leonard worked for Fruehauf Trailers and Douglas Aircraft. In 1959, they moved back to the farm and continued farming until he retired in 1974 and moved into Athol. They moved to Redfield in 1985.
Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and playing cards. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Odd Fellows, United Methodist Church and Redfield Senior Citizens.
Leonard is survived by his son, Wayne (Judy) Hoellein, of Chamberlain, S.D.; his grandson, Daniel (Jennifer) Hoellein, of Copperas Cove, Texas, and their daughter, Abby. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn (Eileen) Hoellein, of Athol.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie, in 2005; a daughter, Jeanne; and his sister, Geraldine Siebrecht.
Judy JoAnn Munger
Judy JoAnn Munger, 63, of Platte, SD passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at the Platte Health Center after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Funeral Services were 10:00 am Saturday, August 21, 2010 at the First Reformed Church in Platte. A Committal Service followed at Dunlap Memorial Cemetery, rural Platte. Visitation was at the church from 5 – 7 pm. Friday, August 20, 2010 with 7 pm. Prayer Service, Pastor Harry Koops officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy’s honor may be directed to: First Reformed Church Benevolence Fund, PO Box 418, Platte, SD 57369 or Dunlap Memorial Cemetery, C/O Dwight & Clara Knutson, 26491 368th Ave., Platte, SD 57369.
Mount Funeral Home in Platte is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through: www.mountfuneralhome.com.
Harry Spreckels
Funeral services for Harry Spreckels, 91, of Gregory were held on Sat., August 14, at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial was at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory. Online condolences can be made at kotrba-smithfuneralhome.com.
Harry Peter Spreckels was born November 28, 1918, on the farm home of his parents Charles Fred and Anna (Stenslid) Spreckels which was north of Dallas, SD. He joined a half-sister (Mary), two sisters ( Helena and Grace), and a brother Henry. Later another brother Norman was born to the family.
He was baptized at the German Lutheran Church in Dixon as a young child.
Harry started school at a rural school North of Dallas, then attended Colome High School. He made the decision to begin farming at a young age, rented some land north of Dallas near his parents place and began his life work. After a time he was able to buy some land south of Hamill, SD, were he farmed and batched.
He and Bonnelle Jewell were married on Halloween, and the gobblins had their way with the plans. Bonnelle’s dress did not arrive until after the wedding day, and the weather turned bad and Harry was two hours late to the wedding.
They made their home on his farm where they lived for the next 28 years, raising their family of five children. Carol Jo; Diane; Myrna; Norman and Randy.
When he wasn’t farming Harry enjoyed calling square dances. He and Bonnelle traveled over the entire state (even in bad weather) to call dances. Harry was known for his clear voice and precise calling. The family noted he would go into the bedroom and practice all the new dances so he would have them perfect for the next dance. Cards and board games were also great times for them.
Harry served as an elder on the board of his church, Trinity Lutheran in Winner.
In 1970 they moved to a farm at the west end of Sully Dam. They farmed there until 1990 when they moved into Gregory. In town Harry had time to tend to their yard and to work with wood and ornamental yard lights.
Harry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and always put his family first.
He died of natural causes on August 9, 2010, at the age of 91 years.
He is survived by his wife Bonnelle of Gregory; daughter Carol Jo (Everett) Hossle of Hamill, SD; daughter Diane (Dean) Hedlund of O’Neill, NE; son Norman (Jan) Speckels of Chamberlain, SD; and Randy Spreckels of Wagner, and by 17 Grandchildren Carlette Schultz (Gene), Kirt Hossle (Corina), Kent Hossle (Julie), Kory Hossle (Becky Jo), Kelly Dean Hedlund (Jill), Todd Hedlund (Kelly Ann), Michael Hedlund (Carol), Troy Hedlund (Debra), Randy Hedlund (Tracy), Randi Cook (Al), Ronda Headrick (Gary), Jeniffer McManus (Chad), Brandi Christensen (Russell), Summer Johnson (Jerad), Katina Baker, Curtis Spreckels (Nicole), Cody Spreckles and 35 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a son-in-law Ron Hill and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, and a daughter Myrna Hill, and one great grandson Ty Hossle.
Florence Wilson
Funeral services for Florence Wilson, 85, of Chamberlain were held at 2:00 p.m. on Mon., August 16, 2010 at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation was held Sun. from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Florence Mae Olson was born September 17, 1924 to Oscar and Tonnie (Havlik) Olson. She attended country school in Brule County and high school in Pukwana. Florence was employed at Buckingham’s, J.C. Penney’s, and the New York Store in Rapid City, then at the J.C. Penney’s Store in Spencer, IA, and after returning to Chamberlain she worked at Casey Drug and Jewelry. In November of 1955, Florence was united in marriage to Bill Wilson.
Florence was a caring person who helped family and friends in times of hardship and illness.
Florence passed away on Thurs., August 12, 2010 at Regency Retirement Assisted Living in Chamberlain at the age of 85 years. She lovingly shared her life with her sister Ethel Rustad of Columbia, MO; brother Fred (Beulah) Olson of Toronto, Canada; sister-in-law Esther Olson of Chamberlain; nieces Nanda Olson, Tammara Olson-Jannaway, Linda Hill, and Jean Harmon; nephews Larry Olson and Dennis Olson; along with many friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, sister Elsie Worthing, brother Henry Olson, and two brothers-in-law Edwin Worthing and Herman Rustad.
Gary Lee Holler
Aberdeen: Funeral service for Gary Lee Holler, 65, of Aberdeen were held at 10:30 a.m. Tues., Aug. 17, 2010, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen. Pastor Mary Ann Nelson-Loefke will be officiating. Friends may sign his online guest book at schriversmemorial.com.
Gary passed away Fri., Aug. 13, 2010, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, S.D.
Gary Lee Holler was born Dec. 19, 1944, to Gus and Opal (Gjerde) Holler at Bristol, S.D. He was raised in the Pierpont area and graduated from Pierpont High School.
Shortly after high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served active duty in the Vietnam War. He received his honorable discharge.
He returned to Pierpont and farmed with his father for a short time. He moved to Faulkton, where he worked in a grocery store. He later moved to Chamberlain and purchased a grocery store called Holler’s Super Value.
He later sold the grocery store and worked for Gustofsons Construction Company. He worked with heavy equipment and was a scraper operator. He also worked for the U.S. Corp of Engineers as an electrician at the Big Bend Dam for many years.
While living in Chamberlain, he re-inlisted in the National Guard and served with the 200th Engineer Company of Chamberlain for 22 years. In 1999, he moved to Aberdeen and retired.
Gary married Cindy (Martinmaas) Thompson in 2000 in Aberdeen and they continued to make Aberdeen their home. Gary was a handy man and could fix just about anything. He continued working part time doing many odd jobs for people. He especially liked working with wood. He remodeled many homes and he would buy old homes and restore them to like-new condition. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, ice fishing and traveling.
Surviving Gary are his wife, Cindy, of Aberdeen; two sons, Dan Holler, of Sioux Falls and Craig Holler, of Chamberlain; one daughter, Denise Holler, of Aberdeen; five grandchildren, Austin, William, Susan, Dylan and Benjamin; three sisters, Sondra Faeth, of Aberdeen, Sharon (David) Nelson, of Chamberlain and Deb (Craig Kolb) Kolbeck, of Aberdeen; and one brother, Gale (Mary) Holler, of Cottonwood Lake, S.D.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Joseph K. Burull
Funeral services for Joseph K. Burull, 94, of Chamberlain were 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation was Sunday, August 8 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. family present at 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain.
Joseph Kenneth Burull was born February 22, 1916 to Olaf and Caroline (Sletto) Burull on the family farm southwest of Reliance on the White River. He was baptized in the Vivian Lutheran Church. He attended the Bellwood County School and graduate from the eighth grade. From 1936 to 1939, Joe worked at a Phillips 66 gas station in Kennebec, SD for Shorty Swanson. In 1940, he moved to San Diego, CA to work at a B-24 bomber factory. In 1943, he returned to his parent’s farm and worked in partnership with his father.
On September 23, 1947, Joe was united in marriage to Leola Mae Goetsch in the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain. To this union six children were born, Sharon, Jeanette, Vicky, Quinten, Shirley, and Carolyn. Together, they lived on the White River 14 miles south of Reliance. They lived with Joe’s parents for a few years until they could get their house ready to live in. From 1967 until 1979, Joe and son Quinten farmed and raised cattle and milked cows. They remained on the farm until 2005 when they moved into Chamberlain. Joe and Leola were blessed with a marriage of 61 years along with 61 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe liked to do welding play cards, boating, arm wrestling and spending time with his family.
Joe passed away on August 5, 2010 at Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 94 years. Joe is survived by a son Quinten Burull and wife Brenda of Chamberlain; four daughters Sharon Ellis and husband LeRoy of Reliance, SD, Jeanette Burull of Chamberlain, SD, Vicky Clites and husband Mike of Brookings, SD, and Susie Day and husband Jack of Conroe, TX; 21 grandchildren; and 40 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife Leola; daughter Shirley; parents; sister Irene; and three brothers Obert, Clifford, and Marvin.
Sarah Vehle
Funeral services for Sarah Vehle, 94, of Chamberlain, SD were 10:30 a.m. Monday August 9, 2010 at the United Church of Christ, Chamberlain with burial at Riverview Cemetery, Chamberlain. Visitation was 6:00 to 8:00 on Sunday with a short prayer service at 7:00 at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Sarah Vehle was born January 15, 1916 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina to John Bunyan Weaver and Martha (Eason) Weaver and was the 7th of 8 children. She graduated from Edgecombe High School in Pinetops, NC in 1933, and attended Norfolk Business School, Norfolk, VA before moving to Greenville NC in 1934 to work for Goodson and Flanagan Insurance Agency for 10 years.
In 1944, she married Abner “Ab” Vehle, of Twin Valley, MN in Greenville SC. After his return from wartime service in Europe they moved to Winner SD where she worked for the Harold Volz Insurance Agency. In 1948 they moved to Reliance, SD where he managed the Shanard Grain Elevator, and in 1958 they moved to their permanent home in Chamberlain.
She was baptized in Reliance in 1949 and later joined the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain. Activities she enjoyed included: UCC Fellowship, Church Circles, Bible Study, Sunday and Bible School teaching, golf, and bridge. More recently her greatest joys were her grandchildren.
Sarah died Wednesday August 4, 2010 at Lakeside Village in Omaha. Survivors include one sister in law Dorothy Sharrett of Virginia Beach VA; two sons Michael of Mitchell, SD and Dan, and his wife Lisa, of Omaha, NE; two granddaughters, Sarah and Dana of Omaha, NE, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Carl Dwight Weaver, Richard Earl Weaver, Ruby Gordon (Hammond), Mary Irena (Wilkinson), John Raymond Weaver, Margaret Elizabeth (Jones), and Dorothy Susan (Simmerson).
Myra Aileen Grohs
Myra Aileen Grohs left this world for a better one on Thursday, July 22nd. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 27th at Mueller’s Tri-Cities Funeral Home in Kennewick , Wa.
Myra was born on September 26, 1936 in Kimball, South Dakota to Lawrence and Kathryn Boesen. She graduated from Kimball High School in 1954 and married Paul Grohs February 2, 1956. They were together for 49 years.
Paul and Myra spent 14 years on a farm near Wessington Springs, South Dakota and then moved to Pasco, Washington in December 1969.
Myra retired from the Pasco School District as a head cook at Stevens Junior High School. She had been employed by the school district for 26 years.
Myra is survived by six children: Ellen Conner (Mike), Nyla Simonetti (Joe), Gene Grohs (Shelly), Margie White (Allen), Vivian McKinley (Scott), Kathy Bryson (Doug); 11 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren; a brother Lawrence Boesen and a sister Gennell Boesen.
Myra was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Paul; parents; and three brothers, Nick, Jerome and Joe.
Ronald R. Pekarek
Ron Pekarek, 69, of Highmore, passed away Thursday, July 29, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family.
A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stephan with Father Christian Hendrick and Father Steve Hufstetter officiating. A wake service was Monday, August 2 at the church in Stephan.
Ronald Raymond Pekarek was born November 19, 1940, the youngest child of Joe and Theresa “Tracy” (Lucas) Pekarek. He grew up on the family farm/ranch southeast of Highmore and graduated from Highmore High School in 1958. On November 26, 1960 Ron married his high-school sweetheart, Janet Hardes of Polo. For a wedding present Joe and Tracy left the old fixer upper homestead to Ronnie and Janet and moved to a newer house a half mile down the road. Ronnie and Janet spent the next 50 years fixing up and expanding the original homestead.
Ronnie was a gentle giant of a man who loved nothing more than teasing his own children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends. He made faith a priority, was a strong believer in community and gave back to others when he could.
Ronnie grew up with and had a special love of horses. He enjoyed putting teams together to pull the antique buggies and wagons he had collected. Ronnie loved working with his top caliber Border Collies and teaching them to herd. Ron showed tremendous strength and courage through his battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife Janet; five sons: Brian Pekarek and wife Donna, children Brandon and Marissa; Scott Pekarek and wife Rosemary and children Rachel, Sarah, Megan and Hannah; Curt Pekarek and wife Suzie; Joe Pekarek and wife Kristin and son Jake; Jason Pekarek and wife Joey and children Taylor, Matthew and Nicole; and one daughter, Jill Cowan and husband Tigh and children Patrick, Breelyn, Hayden, Logan, Telson and his namesake Trake Ronald; his sisters: Leona Wade, Shirley Garrigan, and Marion McCance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, William and his brother, Larry.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Ron’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net
Wilma Jewel Medicine Eagle
Funeral services for Wilma Jewel Medicine Eagle, 46, of Lower Brule, was held Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule with burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Lower Brule. Wake services were held Sunday and Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule.
Wilma Jewel Medicine Eagle was born May 2, 1964 in Winner, SD to Geraldine Andrews-Medicine Eagle and Wilmer Long Crow. Part of Wilma’s childhood was spent in Winner, SD before moving to Lower Brule where she lived the remainder of her life.
Wilma’s love, strength, and faithful companion of 24 years was Floyd Flute, Jr. who was father and grandfather to her children and their children.
Wilma will be remembered as a strong woman who loved her family and friends with all her heart. She always knew how to put a smile on your face with humor. She was there when you needed a shoulder to lean on. Wilma will be sadly and greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
Wilma entered the Spirit World on July 30, 2010 at home in Lower Brule at the age of 46 years. Wilma shared her heart with her four sisters Eleanor Andrews, Shirley Medicine Eagle-LaRoche, Carol Medicine Eagle-Felicia, Janelle Medicine Eagle-Estes; four brothers Richard Medicine Eagle, Timmy Whirlwind Soldier, Doyle Medicine Eagle, Wayne Longcrow and all others that she called sisters and brothers. She had three daughters and a son Brittanny Jewel Russell, William Allen Russell, Annie Elizabeth Flute, Chantell Eleanor Pretty Sounding Flute; and five grandchildren Donte Jackson, Dorrelle Jackson, Xavier Russell, Nevaeh Russell, and Tanisha Farmer.
Preceding her in death were her mother Geraldine, father Wilmer, sister Eleanor, Niece Alexis LaRoche, and mother-in-law Shirley Flute.
Mary Frances Soulek
Mary Frances Soulek, 78, of Kimball, SD passed away Sunday, August 1, 2010 at home. Funeral Mass was 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. A Committal Service will follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held at the church from 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, August 3, 2010 with 7:30 P.M. Rosary and Wake Service.
Mary Frances (Gross) Soulek was born on June 29, 1932 to George and Cecelia (Smith) Gross in rural Kimball, SD. She was raised in the area, graduated from Kimball High School and went on to attend Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD. On May 22, 1954, she was united in marriage to Warren Soulek at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. She was employed by the state of South Dakota in Pierre, compiled tourist information for the rest area in Chamberlain and cooked for the Dakota Senior Meals Program in Kimball.
Mary was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball, also belonging to their Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters. An avid sports fan, she cheered for the Twins, Vikings and Kimball Kiotes. She enjoyed gardening, especially flowers, as well as raising chickens and ducks. She was always up for a game of cards, particularly 10 Point Pitch or Solitaire. Mary dearly loved her grandkids, great grandkids and family.
Grateful for having shared in Mary’s life: her husband, Warren Soulek of Kimball, SD; their five children: Tom (Rita) Soulek of Garretson, SD; Ed (Denise) Soulek of Challis, ID; Barb (Mark) Meier of Mt. Vernon, SD; Bill (Angela) Soulek of Chamberlain; and John (Crystal) Soulek of Kimball; twelve grandchildren: Andy and Nick Soulek, Dave and Doug Soulek, Kathy Werth, Carol Weiss, Patrick Meier, Matthew Meier, JaeLee and Haley Soulek, Warren D. Soulek and Laine Kruger; three great grandchildren: Adrienne Weber, Boon Estes and Duncan Weiss; three sisters: Joanne (Francis) Pazour of Pukwana, SD, Janice (Leonard) Geppert of Kimball, SD and Delores (Don) Geppert of Kimball, SD; a brother, Charlie (June) Gross of Belle Fourche, SD; along with several nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Cecelia Gross.
The Shearer-Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.mountfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s honor may be directed to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Sanford Hospice, 2710 W. 12th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
Lois S. Williams
Lois S. Williams, 87, of Chamberlain, SD passed away on July 19, 2010 at her home in Chamberlain. Memorial services will be at a later date with burial of the ashes in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, NE.
Lois S. Smith was born May 29, 1923 in Peoria, IL to Herman and Josephine Smith. She spent most of her life in Omaha, NE. Lois worked in the Mead Nebraska bombing plant during WWII. In 1948, Lois was united in marriage to John Albert Williams. John and Lois loved to fish, camp, and spend time at the Elmwood Resort in Minnesota. She was an active member of Parkside Baptist Church in Omaha, NE. In July of 2004 she moved to Chamberlain, SD residing at the Riverview Manor where many friendships were added to her life. She was a member of the Central Plains Evangelical Free Church in Chamberlain.
Those who shared her life were her children John Williams and wife Nancy of Topanga, CA and Susan Hamilton and husband Michael of Chamberlain, SD; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister Patricia Richardson of Omaha, NE; and good friend Ellen Hall of Chamberlain. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband John of 49 years, and a sister Viola
Jeremy Lien
Jeremy Lien, 33, Sioux Falls, died unexpectedly Friday, July 23, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Funeral arrangements were held at 11 am Monday, July 26 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Stickney, with Pastor Henrique Fleming. Burial will follow at Silver Ridge Cemetery, Stickney. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church today.
Jeremy Lien, 33, Sioux Falls, died unexpectedly Friday, July 23, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Funeral arrangements will be at 11 a.m. today at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Stickney, with Pastor Henrique Fleming. Burial will follow at Silver Ridge Cemetery, Stickney. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church today.
Arrangements are under the direction of Koehn Brothers Funeral Home of Stickney and Lien Funeral Home of Bowdle.
He was born July 20, 1977 at Mitchell to Gregory and Patricia (Miller) Lien. The family lived in Stickney until they moved to Chamberlain in 1983. He graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1996.
He attended the University of South Dakota in Vermilion, Dakota State University in Madison and Northern State Universtiy in Aberdeen.
On Sept. 24, 2005, he married Nicole Bennett in Sioux Falls.
Since 2000, the couple lived in Sioux Falls where he was employed at Staybridge Suites. He recently took employment at Baymont Inn as the sales manager.
He is survived by his parents; his grandparents Jackie Miller, Mitchell and Barb and Dick Lien, Stickney; daughters Katherine and Kennedy; a sister, Heather Furgeson, Sioux Falls; a brother, Jeffrey Lien, Sioux Falls; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his granfather, Robert Mill, and an uncle, Michael “Mick” Miller.
Bradley Paul Rutan
Funeral services for Brad P. Rutan, 50, of Peyton, CO will be Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 28 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Brad, age 50 years, suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed at his residence in Peyton, Colorado (Colorado Springs) on July 23, 2010 and has gone to the gates of heaven to be met by his father, Richard and youngest brother Mark. Brad passed away on Saturday July 24, 2010 at St. Francis Medical Center in Colorado Springs.
Bradley was born December 13, 1959 to Richard and Betty (Olson) Rutan. Born and raised in Chamberlain, even though he had not lived there for 30 years, he was always proud to tell people whom he met where he was from. During his lifetime he became a loving and caring father to his two daughters, Holly and Erica, a friend to many people, a mentor to numerous others, and a role model for his family.
After graduating from Chamberlain High School in 1978, Brad attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1982. Brad then moved on to Southern California where he was a valuable member and distinguished team leader responsible for several important United States Military projects with various defense contractors engaged with the United States Department of Defense. It was this business which brought him to Colorado Springs in 1998, where he remained for the past several years and where his daughters now call home.
Brad will always be remembered as an automobile enthusiast and in recent years rekindled a fondness for motorcycling, which he particularly enjoyed on his Harley-Davidson.
Brad is survived by his two daughters Holly (Morelli) and Erica. Also by his mother Betty Rutan (Olson) of Chamberlain, older sister Terri Landon of Lynden, WA, younger brother Mike of Pittsburgh, PA, younger sister Jane Hanson of Leavenworth, KS, and uncle Rod Rutan of Victorville, CA. Brad also is survived by two grandchildren, Brent and Nicholas Morelli, numerous nieces and nephews, Candice Landon-Rodgers, Neysa Brandon, Janell Thompson, Jeremy Landon, Joshua Landon, KristaLee Landon, Micah Landon, Matthew Hanson, Ella Hanson, Sam Rutan, and Morgan Rutan.
Lowell Z. Bell
Lowell Zane Bell, age 82, Waite Park, MN, died Thursday, July 8, 2010 at his home.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Benson Funeral Home Chapel, St. Cloud, MN. Visitation was held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.
Lowell was born January 4, 1928 in Sioux Falls, SD to John L. and Anna M. (Johnson) Bell. Lowell married Joyce Blankenbaker on October 28, 1961 in Pierre, SD.
He graduated from Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls, SD. Immediately after graduation Lowell entered the United States Navy, serving for a short period of time during World War II and subsequently in the postwar occupation of Japan. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from South Dakota State College and an Education Specialist Degree from St. Cloud State University. Lowell earned additional graduate credits at the University of Colorado, University of South Dakota and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Lowell started his career in education teaching a variety of courses and coaching athletics at Murdo and Chamberlain South Dakota Public Schools. He served as Director of Guidance and Special Education for the State Department of Public Instruction of South Dakota and as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the Sioux Falls Public Schools. In 1970, Lowell became the first Personnel Director for the St. Cloud Public Schools, retiring in 1993 as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel.
Lowell belonged to a number of professional and civic organizations during his life. He enjoyed biking, golfing, working around the house and spending time with family. A life long hoops fanatic, Lowell played basketball weekly, with friends, well into his 70’s.
Survivors include Joyce Bell of St. Cloud, MN; son and daughter, James (Elizabeth) Bell of St. Cloud, MN; Anne Bell of St. Cloud, MN; brothers, John (Margaret) Bell of Virginia; Wayne Bell, Don (Catherine) Bell, and Bruce Bell all of California; and sister-in-law, Sandy Newman of St. Cloud, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, JoAnne.
William “Billy” Mentele
Epiphany - William “Billy” Mentele, 55, of Epiphany died Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Center, Mitchell.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30am, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany, Epiphany, with burial to follow in Holy Three Kings Catholic Cemetery, Epiphany. Visitation was held Monday from 10am to 5pm at Willoughby Funeral Home, Howard and will resume at 6:30pm at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany, with a Scripture and Rosary services to be said at 7:30pm.
Survivors include his wife Nancy of Epiphany, SD; his children Robert (Maria) Foos of Brandon, SD; Susan Roth of Gillette, WY; Kelli (Tom) Kommes of Mitchell, SD; Sarah Mentele of Oacoma, SD; LeAnn (Sean) Hughes of Howard, SD and Allyssa (Brent Hoffer) Mentele of Reliance, SD, two sons-in-law Craig Roth of Gillette, WY and Curt Nepple of Chamberlain, SD; 14 grandchildren; 7 brothers, 4 sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Margaret M. Stellwag
Margaret M. Stellwag, 89, Chamberlain, died Thursday, July 15, at Golden Living Center in Armour, SD. Funeral services were held 10:30 am Tuesday July 20 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation was held Monday July 19 from 4 - 7 pm with a prayer service at 7pm at Zion Lutheran Church.
Margaret was born on January 16, 1921, on a farm northeast of Chamberlain to parents Joachim and Minnie (Kiehn) Schwiesow. She attended country school and graduated from Chamberlain High School. She worked as a telephone operator after high school and in later years as a secretary for the SD Dept. of Fish, Game, and Parks in Chamberlain.
On October 7, 1942, she married Harold Stellwag at Jamison, Nebr. After WWII, they lived all of their lives on the family farm northeast of Chamberlain. After Harold’s death in 2002, she was a resident of Regency Retirement Assisted Living in Chamberlain. In 2004, she moved to Golden Living Center in Armour. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, LWML, and West Point Community Club. She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, gardening, and flowers. Her children and grandchildren were the highlights of her life. She was a devoted farm wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by six children: Anita Mohr and husband Don of Armour, SD, Dianne Foltz and husband Larry of Montrose, CO, Joyce Jorgensen and husband Jim of Pflugerville, TX, Jayne DeCastro and husband Vern of Rapid City, SD, John Stellwag and wife Bobbi of Chamberlain, Donna Knippling and husband Rocky of Chamberlain, and a daughter-in-law Margie Stellwag of Bismarck, ND; nineteen grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and six sisters-in-law.
Dean Edward Washechek
Dean Edward Washechek, 79, of Pierre passed away on July 14, 2010 at his home. Visitation was held from 5:00-7:00pm, Friday, July 16, 2010 concluding with a prayer service at 7:00pm at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre. Funeral Services were held at 10:00am, Saturday, July 17, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Pierre. Interment was held at 2:00pm, Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Riverview Cemetery in Chamberlain.
Dean was born March 15, 1931 in Chamberlain, SD to Edward and Margaret (Harding) Washechek. He married Lois Feltman in Chamberlain, SD on October 18, 1952. To this union four children were born. They moved from Chamberlain to Pierre in July 1960. While in Chamberlain they were members of the First Baptist Church and in Pierre they attended First United Methodist Church.
Dean attended Chamberlain High School and entered the SD Army National Guard in 1948 and in 1950 was in active duty and sent to Camp Carson, Colorado, and then ordered to Anchorage , Alaska in 1951. After his discharge in June 1952, he did carpentry work, then worked for Mobil Oil delivering bulk gas. From 1955 until 1958 he and Lois and 2 children, Judy & Mark, did custom combining and went from the Texas border to the Canadian border. Then in 1959 he worked one year on the farm for his father-in-law Harold Feltman before moving to Pierre in July 1960 to work on the Oahe Dam Project. When the Dam was finished he did construction around Pierre and in 1965 went to work for Keith and Leland Johnson (Johnson Brothers Road Construction). He was on the road during the week, working all over SD and into Wyoming.
In 1976 after the construction company had moved to Spearfish and Wyoming, he quit and went to work for Donavon Construction, putting up Hi Lines in SD to ND. In 1982 he went to work for Morris Irrigation in Ft. Pierre and in 1985 went to work for JES Farms, maintaining the irrigation system until his death. Dean liked working outdoors, all kinds of construction, and could fix and work on any kind of project that came up as a challenge. He enjoyed snow and water skiing, fishing, golfing and square dancing. He sang in the church choir, men’s quartets and as a soloist.
Survivors include a daughter, Judy Washechek Stewart, of Huron, SD; two sons, Mark Washechek (Sandy) of Brookings, SD, and Timothy Washechek (Elizabeth) of Weldon Spring, MO; six grandchildren, Ryan Stewart (Tiphanie) of Lynn Haven, FL, Rusty Stewart of Melbourne, FL, Crystal (Washechek) Mullen (Steve) of St. Charles, MO and Matthew Washechek of Weldon Spring, MO, Evan and Brett Washechek of Brookings, SD; Four great grandchildren, Austin & Eli Mullen and Hayden & Calvin Stewart. Dean is also survived by two sisters, Beverly Feltman (Duane) and Charlotte Patterson, and one brother, Charles Washechek (Sandy); Brother and Sister-in-law, Jerome and Phyllis Feltman of Chamberlain , SD.
He is preceded in death by a daughter, Deana Marie Washechek, still born on 03-15-1955, on his birthday; sister, Mary (Washechek) Hinderickson; brother, Donovan Washechek; father, Edward Washechek and mother Margaret (Washechek) Ressler and father and mother-in-law, Harold and Ruth Feltman.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dean’s name at First National Bank of Pierre for the benefit of The Children’s Miracle Network. Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.feigumfh.com
Dennis Sievers
Dennis Sievers passed away Monday night at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.
Dennis Charles Sievers was born in Howard, SD, to Jake and Pauline (King) Sievers on October 25, 1939. He graduated from Howard High School and enlisted in the Navy and served for four years.
Dennis was united in marriage with Elsa Mitrevics and had two sons, Leon (Laura) of Carlsbad, CA, and Scott (Dee) of Sioux Falls, SD. He joined the Sioux Falls Police Department and retired from there after 32 years of service. Even after retirement he stayed busy working for the Sheriff’s Department and Children’s Home Society among other places.
In 1978 he married Myrna Riddle where they had 32 ½ wonderful years together. He had five step-children, Pam Lueth, Rodney Riddle, Mark Riddle, Leanne Riddle, and Todd Riddle. He had 6 grandchildren, Katie Sievers, Heather Campbell, Holly Waterman, Justin Riddle, Jeff Riddle, Celeste Sievers; and 8 great-grandchildren.
An avid hunter and fisherman when he wasn’t staying busy working, you could find him fishing at his place in Chamberlain or hunting with his brothers in the fields or plains of South Dakota. He enjoyed working with his hands and would make some beautiful canes and walking sticks.
He will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends that he has made along his life’s way. He is preceded in death by his parents Jake and Paulina Sievers, his sister Denise Stanghor, and his brother Dean Sievers.
Survivors include his loving wife, Myrna, brother Dewayne (Mary Ann) Sievers of Howard, brother Doug (Mary) Sievers of Eagle, WI, sister-in-law Sue Sievers, and aunt Lena Derchied of Watertown, SD, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that he loved to surround himself with.
He was a long time member of the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Moose and the D.A.V.
Visitation began at 3 pm with the family present from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at Miller Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11 am on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at Eastside Lutheran Church with private burial at Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton, SD.
Todd Sturgeon
Memorial services for Todd Sturgeon, 46, of Chamberlain were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain with burial of the ashes at a later date.
Michael Todd Sturgeon was born October 21, 1963 in Denver, CO to Paul Raymond and Bonnie (Tift) Sturgeon. He attended grade school at Chamberlain and then moved to Luverne, MN where he attended high school. After high school, he moved to Hawarden, IA where he met and married his wife Denise. They made their home in Iowa and a son Taylor was born. Around 2001 Todd returned to Chamberlain and worked for PKG Construction for a few years until beginning with Hutmacher Drilling. Todd loved sports and fishing. He had quite a smile and a joyful sense of humor.
Todd was called home to Heaven on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Chamberlain at the age of 46 years. He is survived by his son Taylor Sturgeon of Chamberlain; siblings Paula Audiss and Ron of Platte, Wendy Adams of Sioux Falls, Carrie Cummings of Parker, Jack Sturgeon of Marshall, MN, Lee Sturgeon of Rapid City, Jerry Sturgeon and Rhonda of Sioux Falls, Jay “Bird” Sturgeon of Chamberlain; and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews that he loved to play with.
Welcoming him home to Heaven were his father Paul Raymond Sturgeon, mother Bonnie Sturgeon, a sister Ruby Sturgeon, and an infant brother Charles.
Raymnond L. Schmitt
Raymond L. Schmitt, 46, of Kimball, SD passed away of a heart attack Saturday, July 17, 2010 at his home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am. Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. A Committal Service will follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. A Visitation was held at the church from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 with a 7:30 pm. wake service. Memorials in Raymond’s honor may be directed to: Dakota Milestones, PO Box 248, Chamberlain, SD 57325. The Shearer-Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.mountfuneralhome.com
Raymond Leo Schmitt was born December 29, 1963 to Delores (Spier) and Bernard Schmitt in Chamberlain, SD. He attended Kimball grade and high school, graduating in 1985. Continuing his education at Mitchell Vo-Tech, he earned a degree in carpentry in 1987. He was employed at Hendrickson Turner in Mitchell and after relocating to Kimball, worked at Alco and the Days Inn in Chamberlain.
Raymond was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball and the Knights of Columbus, as well as President of the Action Club. He enjoyed spending time bowling, going for walks, singing karaoke, playing guitar and listening to music.
Those honored for sharing in Raymond’s life include: his mother, Delores Schmitt of Kimball, SD; his brother, Larry Schmitt and wife Robbyn of Mitchell, SD; his sister, Linda Papendick and husband Randy of Rapid City, SD; seven nieces and nephews: Missie Johnson, Kimberly Gukeisen, Brent Schmitt, Krista Gust, Mandy Schmitt, Julie Papendick and Laura Papendick, as well as many friends.
Raymond was preceded in death by: his grandparents: Nicholas and Agnes Schmitt and Christian and Elizabeth Spier and his dad, Bernard Schmitt (Sept. 11, 2007).
Karen Lee Willman
Karen Lee Willman, 68, Wessington Springs, died Sunday, July 11, 2010, at Faulkton Area Medical Center, Faulkton.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Wessington Springs, with the Rev. Jim Friedrich officiating. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, rural Wessington Springs. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the church with a 7:30 p.m. Scripture service.
Basham Funeral Home, Wessington Springs, is handling arrangements.
She was born on Dec. 9, 1941, in Chamberlain, to Harry and Evelyn (Ford) Teeslink.
She grew up in the Wessington Springs area and graduated from Wessington Springs High School. She then attended beauty school in Rapid City.
On Sept. 1, 1962, she married Robert L. Willman at Wessington Springs.
She lived in the Wessington Springs area, where she worked at Weskota Manor and then provided day care at Heart to Heart Day Care and later in her own home.
She is survived by two daughters: Darla Warkenthien and husband Laine, Miller; and Karla Hall and husband Kurt, Faulkton; two sons: Rodney and wife Amy, Rapid City; and Randy and wife Linda, Wessington Springs; 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers: Jack Teeslink and wife Sue, Wessington Springs; and Charles Teeslink and wife Judy, Iroquois; four sisters: Janice Reiners and husband Marvin, Black Hawk; Scheryll Schlenker and husband LeRoy, Rapid City; Nyla Reider, Deadwood; and Pegge Teeslink, Lane; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1989, her parents, a brother, Lloyd Teeslink; a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Odin Ness; a sister-in-law, Lila Teeslink; and a brother-in-law, Denny Reider.
Gwen Meinen
Gregory – Funeral services for Gwen Meinen, 68, of Iona, will be held on Tuesday, July 13 at the United Methodist Church in Gregory beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at the Iona Cemetery. A prayer service will be held Monday evening at 7:30 PM at Kotrba funeral Home in Gregory.
Gwendolyn Doris Svoboda Meinen was born July 22, 1941 the fourth of six children born to the family of Joe and Theresa (Dite) Svoboda. When she was 8 years old her mother died and Gwendolyn had to make a childhood adjustment to a new way of life. She attended the South Bijou School near their Hamill home through the 8th grade and then began helping her father and step mother Elsie on the farm.
Gwen was married to Everett Meinen on November 26, 1960 in Gregory, SD. To this union two boys were born: David in 1961 and Dean in 1966. They made their home on a farm near Iona for their entire lives. Everett died September 11, 1982 and Gwen continued to operate the farm with the help of their two sons.
Gwen enjoyed doing needlework, crocheting, working puzzles and was very active in the Burke VFW Auxiliary. She served as vice-president of the Hamill ZCBJ Lodge, and enjoyed every minute of helping remodel the Iona Community Center.
She died on July 7, 2010, at the age of 68 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother Elsie, her husband Everett, one brother Franklin, and three sisters: Marilyn, Eleanor and Baby Joan and a step-brother Robert Christensen.
She is survived by her two sons: David and Dean (Amy) of Iona, SD; A granddaughter, Caylee Meinen of Iona; and one brother Vincent (Linda) of Iona; three step-brothers: Don (Dorothy) Christensen, Melvin (Carol) Christensen and Marvin (Jan) Christensen, and a step-sister Joan (Lester) Songer, and by nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Alfred F. Schelske
Funeral services for Alfred F. Schelske, 92, of Reliance, SD will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Reliance Cemetery at Reliance. Visitation will be Monday, July 12 at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Alfred Frederick Schelske was born January 13, 1918 to Ed and Mary (Ott) Schelske. He attended school at Roosevelt country school southwest of Reliance. He was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member. In 1941 and 1942 he worked at Douglas Aircraft in San Diego, CA. He returned home to farm with his father and later bought the Schelske Homestead. On September 22, 1945, Alfred was united in marriage to Edna Wagaman. They made their home on the ranch where they raised Register Hereford Cattle. They attended many Hereford shows and sales. Alfred took great pride in his cattle and his wheat fields. Alfred was one of the Director’s of the Big Bend Hereford Association. In 1986, he was named Lyman County Rangeman of the Year. He served on the Bailey Township Board and also served as Secretary and Trustee of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Reliance for many years.
Alfred passed away on July 10, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 92 years. Gratefully sharing in his life are his wife Edna of Reliance; five daughters Jeanie Wolcott and Lenny of Reliance, Kathy Randall and Bill of Chamberlain, Nancy Larson and Steve of Kimball, Debbie Volmer and Ron of Presho, Laurie Michels and Steve of Fountain Hills, AZ; a sister Violet Burull-Borr of Riverside, CA; 11 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, and siblings Adolph, Elmer, Bob Schelske, Elsie Smith, Betty Felback, Maletha Williams, Mary Jensen and an infant brother.
Jason Logg
Funeral services for Jason Logg, age 32, of Eagle Butte will be at 1 pm MT on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at Old Agency Building in Eagle Butte. Burial will be in the LaPlant Congregational Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. An all night wake will be on Tuesday starting at 6 pm with services at 7 pm at the Old Agency Building. Family and friends will gather at the 4-mile junction at 5 pm MT. Jason passed away Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte.
Jason Leno Logg (Smells The Log) was born to Robyn and Leland Logg on August 15, 1977 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jason attended formative school at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte being an academic and athletic high achiever. Jason graduated from United Tribes in Bismarck, ND with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1998. Following UTTEC; Jason attended Huron University until 2000.
Through hard work and determination, Jason excelled at all sports: Football, Baseball, Softball, Wrestling, Horseshoes, Golf but his main love was basketball. In his high school freshman year during football he hurt his knee so bad it was feared he would never participate in sports again, but he persevered. His awards ranged from All-State in high school to honorable mention All-American in college. The SDIC was one of the toughest conferences in the nation and Jason was named 1st team all-SDIC in its last year before the SDIC disbanded.
Jason’s teaching career involved mainly teaching special needs children in Pierre, Chamberlain, and Eagle Butte. With his demeanor and caring attitude, students achieved success.
Jason is survived by his parents of Eagle Butte, wife Toni of Aberdeen, SD; brothers, Terry (Winnie) Logg of Tuba City, AZ, Lee (Mashawn) Logg of Eagle Butte, Les (Kathryn) Logg of Billings, MT, Sister, Joy (Dan) Sadowski of Minot AFB, ND. Jason’s children are Aftan, Brooklyn, Jaxson and Ryker; nieces Alexandria Sadowski, Rian and Kiana Logg: Nephews, Tradjen and Trevor Logg, Caleb and Lawson Sadowski. Also surviving are his aunts Patsy Bowker of Laplant, SD, Kim and Nora Low Dog of Eagle Butte, lifelong friend and brother, Dusty Traversie.
Jason was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents and Smokey Traversie, his best friend and adopted brother. They’re now together and hooping for the Lord on that great court in the sky.
Rick Pearson
Funeral services for Rick Pearson, 50, of Oacoma, SD will be Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery at Ola, SD. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Richard John Pearson was born December 19, 1959 to John and Marilyn (Dewey) Pearson at Ipswich, SD. He attended country school in Brule County in the Ola Area, grade school and high school in Chamberlain. He moved to Wyoming around 1978 to work in the oil fields. He returned to South Dakota for a short time and in 1986 moved to California where he met Margie McHenry. In 1990 they were united in marriage. They moved to the Chamberlain area in November of 1993 where Rick did excavating on his own and also for local excavating companies. Rick then began working for the City of Pukwana in the maintenance department until around 2004 when he moved to Sheridan, WY. While in Wyoming, he drove truck until his health forced him to retire and return to South Dakota.
Rick enjoyed fishing and tinkering in his garage. He loved to drive through the mountains in Wyoming. He enjoyed horses and motorcycles.
Rick passed away on June 30, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 50 years. Gratefully sharing in his life are his mother Marilyn Woodraska of Oacoma; three children Amber Thomas and husband Dustin of Chamberlain and Ashley Chrisinger of Gillette, WY, and Rylan Pearson of Chamberlain; three grandchildren Eliza and Julia Thomas and Gunner Latunsky; a special friend Diana Voiles of Sheridan, WY; a sister Deanna Garland of Oacoma; five brothers Clint Pearson and Denise of Chamberlain, Dallas Pearson and Violet Pearson of Oacoma, Duane Pearson of Pukwana, Tony Woodraska and Nicole of Oacoma, Heath Woodraska and Annette Docken of Chamberlain; and many nieces and nephews especially Mandy who spent countless hours at his side comforting him.
Virginia Bloomenrader
Virginia Bloomenrader, 90, Highmore, passed away, Friday, June 18, 2010 at the Highmore Healthcare Center.
A memorial service will be at 10:30a.m., Monday, June 28, 2010 at the Luze Funeral Home in Highmore with Roger Day officiating.
Virginia Ruth Bloomenrader was born on July 27, 1919, in Popejoy, Iowa to Hugh H. and Louise (Krismer) Hartshorn.
In February of 1920, Virginia moved to South Dakota with her parents who had recently purchased the ranch where Virginia was raised and spent her entire life.
Virginia attended country grade school through eighth grade and then began high school in Highmore. It was in high school she met Leon Bloomenrader, the man she would marry. Leon and Virginia were married in March of 1937, shortly before she graduated from Highmore High School as Salutatorian of the Class of 1937.
Not long after their marriage, they settled on the present day Bloomenrader Ranch. In 1938, the first of their five children were born. Thus began 40 years of life together on the ranch where Leon and Virginia worked as partners. Virginia had no greater love than for her family and the ranch. She was an accomplished horseman and spent many hours in her youth riding the prairie with her younger sister, Jane. Long after her children were born, when it was time to round-up the cattle, you would often find her in the saddle, lending a hand.
In the late 1960’s, Virginia, feeling she had her family well-grown and in school, began work as the Postmistress at Stephan Mission. She held this job for over 30 years, retiring in 1999, after she turned 80. In her spare time, Virginia enjoyed painting, writing poetry and short stories, and was a voracious reader. She dearly loved her pet cats, who kept her company after Leon passed away in 1979. Mostly, she just loved her family and being a country girl and life on the ranch.
Left to cherish her memory are her five children: Judy Blair, of Pierre, SD; Dennis (Carla) Bloomenrader of Highmore, SD; Scott (Karen) Bloomenrader of Billings, MT; Bret (Wendy) Bloomenrader of Highmore, SD; and Ricki Bloomenrader (Dale Kiepke) of Pierre, SD; 12 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Leon; her parents; her sister, Jane; her brother, Fred; and her son-in-law, Earl Blair.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Virginia’s arrangements.
Funeral services for Lynette E. Leiferman, 66, of Pukwana, SD will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2010 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery at Pukwana, SD. Visitation will be Sunday, June 27 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m.
Lynette E. Holan was born July 11, 1943 to Laurence and Evalyn (Janik) Holan at Chamberlain. She attended country school in Richland Township and graduated from Kimball High School in Kimball. Lynette worked at Tri-County State Bank in Kimball. On August 22, 1964, Lynette was united in marriage to William J. Leiferman at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Pukwana. They made their home in Kimball. In 1971, they moved to Pukwana where she continued to work at the bank in Pukwana part time while raising her family. She later became the Postmaster at the Pukwana Post Office. In 2006, Lynette retired from the post office.
Lynette loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, playing cards, sewing, and mostly baking cookies and muffins for family and friends.
Lynette passed away on June 23, 2010 at the Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. Gratefully sharing her life are her husband Bill Leiferman of Pukwana; two sons Kevin Leiferman and Angela of Winner, SD and Thomas Leiferman and Tanya of Jamestown, ND; a daughter Jill and Ray Wellman of Pukwana, SD; two grandsons Dalton and Devon; two granddaughters Alex and Hannah; three brothers Duane Holan and Bev of Battle Creek, NE, Dean Holan of Norfolk, NE, and LaVaun Holan of Chamberlain, SD; a sister Judene Holan of Pierre, SD; and also many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother Dennis, a sister Nelda, and a son Keith.
Gladys Weiland
Funeral services for Gladys Weiland, 100, of Chamberlain will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 24, 2010 at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with burial in Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Gladys Irene Millan was born November 2, 1909 to Stanley and Martha (Duxbury) Millan at Canton, MN. Gladys attended school in Oacoma until her senior year and graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1927. As a young girl, she played the piano for church, funeral, and even played for concerts. In 1928, she worked at the State Bank in Oacoma. In 1932, Gladys was united in marriage to Theodore E. “Ted” Weiland. Ted passed away on June 21, 1949 leaving her to raise their six children Joan, Barbara, Bob, Arlis, Myrna, and Jim. She worked for 20 years in the Auditor’s Office at the Brule County Courthouse in Chamberlain.
Gladys passed away on June 21, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 100 years. Gratefully sharing her life are her six children Joan Myers and husband Buddy of Pukwana, SD, Barbara Lane of Sioux Falls, SD, Bob Weiland of Chamberlain, SD, Arlis Schreiber and husband Don of Rapid City, SD, Myrna Arnburg of Coleridge, NE, and Jim Weiland and wife Mary of Wichita, KS; 14 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, a brother, a sister, and a great granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ, 101 N. Merrill St., Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Avis E. Houser
Avis E. Houser, 81, Rapid City, died at her home, Tuesday June 15, 2010.
Avis was born September 18, 1928 in Chamberlain to Hank and Nettie (Dominiack) Andresen.
She grew up in Chamberlain, graduating from Chamberlain High School.
Avis married Melvin Saukerson on November 27, 1946 and with Melvin had three children; Bob, Mary and Pat. After Melvin’s death, she married Don Houser on June 12, 1955, and together they had two children; Bill and Chris.
They moved to Rapid City in 1956. Avis was a kind hearted and sweet woman to all she met. She lived and enjoyed a simple life, devoted to raising her kids, keeping a great home for all. After retiring in 1990, Avis occupied herself with knitting, reading, television and her family.
Survivors include her two sons; Bob Saukerson, Ranchester, Wy. and Bill Houser, Rapid City, her three daughters; Pat Nickel, Rapid City, Mary Meidinger, Phoenix and Chris Scott, Jacksonville, Illinois, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, June 18, 2010 at Edstrom and Rooks Funeral Services at Serenity Springs Chapel of Tranquility in Rapid City. Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established to the Rapid City Parks Department, Urban Tree Restoration.
August “Gus” Brech, 81, Mitchell, died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 11:00 AM, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 6-8PM Tuesday evening with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at the Bittner Funeral Chapel.
August “Gus” Lawrence Brech was born August 1, 1928 to Peter and Katherine (Bracha) Brech at Milltown. He grew up and attended school in Parkston and Mitchell. He married LaVonne Jenney on February 18, 1950 in Mitchell. He was in the construction business for over fifty years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose and a lifelong member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Gus enjoyed horses and spending time outdoors.
Gus is survived by one son, Daniel Brech, Mitchell; two daughters: Dixie Paganucci and husband, George of Cool, CA and Diane Goldston of Chamberlain; one brother, Leo Brech and one sister, Betty Boone, both of Mitchell; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, a son, David, a daughter, Debra and his parents, two brothers, Melvin and Doyle and three sisters, Gladys, Leona and Elsie.
Robert “Bobby” Cook
Funeral services for Robert “Bobby” Cook, 57, of Fort Thompson will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2010 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Crow Creek with burial in the St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery at Crow Creek. Wake services will be Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Thompson Community Center in Fort Thompson.
Robert “Bobby” Cook was born February 26, 1953 in Chamberlain, SD to Cecelia (Like Him) Cook and George J. Cook. Bobby attended school at Fort Thompson Elementary and lived all his life on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation, first in the Crow Creek District and then moving to Fort Thompson.
Bobby passed away on June 14, 20120 at Winner Regional Hospital with family by his side at the age of 57 years. He had a short courageous battle with cancer. Gratefully sharing in his life are his sisters Katie Goodlow and husband Speedy, Margie Cook, Lozlei Cook Flute, and an adopted brother Amos Spider all of Fort Thompson. He is also survived by two nieces Celeste Red Elk and son Dante’ Stands Over Bull of Fort Thompson, and Gina Gladman and husband Eric and son Kaleb of Riverton, WY, and three nephews Jon Collins and children Jasper, Adonis, Neveah, and Uriah Collins, Preston Collins and wife Krystal and children Prince and Thunder Collins, and Wellman “Ollie” Collins and children Violet, Oliver, and Tomia Collins. Preceding him in death were his parents Cecelia and George, a brother Richard Cook, a sister Violet Cook, a niece B.J. Heth, and a nephew L.W. Collins, Jr.
Rosemary Burtts
Rosemary was born to Irving and Christine (Blazek) Cook on Sept. 3, 1931 in Bismarck, ND. She was raised and educated in Bismarck. On July 19, 1950, Rosemary married Harold Burtts in Bismarck and to their union were born eight children.
She was a certified cook for 11 years in the Pierre School Lunch Program. Rosemary then went on to work for 25 years at the Longbranch Saloon before retiring in 1994.
She loved to read, watch TV, crochet, shop, and enjoyed the company of family and friends, especially during the holiday seasons. Rosemary was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Her children always came first. She was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Rosemary is survived by her seven children: Lawrence Burtts (Debbie), Ft. Pierre; Robert Burtts, Kelso, TN; Caroline Uecker (Thad), Pierre; Mary Wire (Ron), Pierre; David Burtts, Brookings; Daniel Burtts, Phoenix, AZ; and Lena Hammell (Tyler), Chamberlain; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; her special friend of 28 years, Willard Heckenlaible; brothers Duane Cook (Rose Mary) and Don Cook (Virginia) of Bismarck.
Rosemary was not only grateful to have many family members and special friends provide comfort to her and most recently loving care by Jackie and Colin Kelly and Bobbi Hammersley all of Pierre.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Katherine in 1966 and her parents.
Jonnie Ross
Johnnie Ross, age 95, of Wenatchee, WA passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2010. He was born October 22, 1914, in Platte, SD to Arthur Ross and Marie (Manske) Ross. He and his brother were raised by their grandfather, Gustaf Manske.
Johnnie was 16 years old when his grandfather died. He and his brother, Robert, stayed in South Dakota and worked until they could save enough money for a car. Their dream was to go “West” and look for work. While working in South Dakota, Johnnie met Edna Mae Burger, who he married on March 19, 1938. After their marriage, they moved to Wenatchee. They had a son, John Robert, who was born in 1940. Johnnie worked for Great Northern Railroad for many years.
After his retirement from GNR, he and Edna moved to Renton. He went to work for Kenworth Truck Company. While in Renton, Edna passed away on March 30, 1969. Johnnie retired from Kenworth — his second retirement! After retirement, Johnnie traveled a lot. He went back to South Dakota to visit his grandfather’s ‘homeplace.’ He rekindled a friendship with a former classmate, Helen (Crosby) Lomica. He and Helen were married on June 29, 1974, in Platte, SD. Johnnie moved back to South Dakota and they lived on Helen’s farm. After Helen retired from her teaching career, they moved to Chamberlain, SD. He and Helen had a very active lifestyle.
They both enjoyed traveling, rodeos and auctions. Helen passed away on December 6, 2005. After Helen’s death, Johnnie moved back to Wenatchee to be near his brother. They had a very special bond. Johnnie loved fishing, panning for gold, was an avid rock hound and he made beautiful jewelry. He was known for always wearing a cowboy hat and boots. While working at Kenworth, his supervisor called him, “Big Bad John.” The name stayed with him through the years.
He was preceded in death by two wives, Edna Ross and Helen Ross; and two brothers, Paul Heaton and Robert Ross.
He is survived by one son, John Robert Ross of Longview, WA; grandsons, Michael John Ross and David James Ross; great-grandson, David John Ross; step-sons, Keith (Ruth) Lomica of Platte, SD and Kenneth (Donna) Lomica of Roseburg, OR; sisters, Alice Silva of Lemoore, CA, Hazel Baker of Fresno, CA, Esther Sherrell of Exeter, CA and Alvina Beirne of Fresno, CA; sister-in-law, Joy Heaton of Bandon, CA; one brother, William Heaton of Everett, WA; a very special niece, Barbara (Ross) Watts, who was his caregiver for the past four years; and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Lomica family in South Dakota and Oregon, all of whom he loved and cherished deeply.
Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com.
Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee. Condolences may be sent to: Barbara Watts 1018 Amherst Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801-1627
Laura “Laurie” Lynn LaRoche
Funeral services for Laura LaRoche, 27, of Lower Brule, SD will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD with burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Lower Brule, SD. Wake services will be Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the Lower Brule Community Center at Lower Brule.
Laura “Laurie” Lynn LaRoche beloved daughter of Connie R. (Bad Horse) and Sylvester H. “Bucky” LaRoche, Jr. was born on March 7, 1983 at Chamberlain, SD. Laurie lived her entire life in Lower Brule amongst her family and friends. She worked at the Lower Brule Elementary School as a substitute teacher, at the Lower Brule Daycare and at Sioux Boys Gas Station. Laurie loved spending time with her children. She loved to play basketball, softball, and volleyball. Laurie also loved spending time with friends. She spent the last years of her life with her love, Carl Medicine Crow.
Laurie passed away on June 6, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain as a result of an ATV accident at the age of 27 years. She is survived by her three children Laurissa, Gavin, and Elliott; five sisters, Tammy (Eugene) Wagaman of Mitchell, Crystal Middletent, Lisa LaRoche, Lacey LaRoche, Samantha LaRoche all of Lower Brule; five brothers Kevin (Cecelia) Wright of Lower Brule, Travis LaRoche of Mitchell, Brian (Desiree) LaRoche of Oklahoma, Craig LaRoche of Lower Brule, and Sylvester LaRoche, III of Pierre. Preceding her in death were her father Sylvester LaRoche, Jr. and her brother Derrick Yellow Hawk.
Loran Hills
Loran Hills age 85, of Mitchell, died Friday June 4, 2010 at Firesteel Health Care Center. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday at the Congregational United Church of Christ. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm at the Will Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the American Legion Cemetery with military rites.
Loran Hills, son of Carroll John Hills and Margaret Ruth (Voorhis) Hills, was born May 15, 1925 in Oacoma, SD. He grew up and received his schooling in Oacoma, graduating from Oacoma High School. Loran entered the USAF on November 11, 1943 and served in WWII. He was stationed in Foggia, Italy where he achieved the rank of corporal and received 10 Battle Stars, a Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on October 11, 1945.
After his discharge, Loran came back to Oacoma where he worked a short time for the Bureau of Mines. In 1946, he moved to Spearfish and attended Black Hills State, graduating in 1950 with a Degree in Physical Science. Loran was united in marriage with Mildred Giedd on August 16, 1947 in Oacoma, SD. After he graduated, Loran and Millie then moved to Sundance, WY where he began his nearly 40 year teaching career, teaching both Junior and Senior High School Science. The couple then moved to Chamberlain, SD where Loran taught high school chemistry and physics until 1955. The family then moved to Mitchell where Loran taught chemistry and math at Mitchell High School until 1957. In 1957, he decided to pursue his Master Degree at Stanford University and moved his family to Palo Alto, CA. After graduating from Stanford with a Masters Degree in Teaching Chemistry, the family moved to Seattle where Loran taught Advanced Science for one summer.
The family moved back to Mitchell in the fall of 1958 where Loran took a teaching position at Mitchell High School, teaching chemistry, math, and physics and drivers education. Over the next few years, Loran enrolled in Doctoral Studies at SDSU in Brookings. In 1961 Loran began his Professorship and Head of the Chemistry Department Position at Dakota Wesleyan University until retiring in 1988.
His accomplishments were many in his 28 years at Dakota Wesleyan, he was instrumental in establishing the MLT Programs as well as a satellite program in Miles City, MT; he led the effort which resulted in the establishment of the computer department; served as acting Dean and was honored in the publication “Who’s Who in Outstanding Educators in America”. His main love was teaching. In particular he was very fond of his Nursing students; helping many of them get through their chemistry courses. He was known all over campus as “Firm, But Fair” and beloved by those who knew him. In his off time on campus, he could be found playing pinochle in the snack bar with his colleagues.
He was a member of the Mitchell Congregational Church, the Elks Club, the American Legion, NRA, and Society of the Sigma XI. He served as a scoutmaster and as an Explorer Post Advisor. Loran was an avid hunter. He loved hunting deer, antelope, turkey and varmints, in particular, prairie dogs. He was also a birder and photography nut.
Grateful for having shared his life are his three children, Brad (Marilyn) Hills, Crooks, SD, Curt (Judine) Hills, Rochester, MN, Kelly Hills and her significant other, Bill Schnider, Chester, SD; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Jean (Donna) Hills, Anacortes, WA, Thomas Hills, Spearfish, SD; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Hills on December 4, 2009; his parents; two brothers, Robert and Jerry.
Edwin D. Klein
Funeral services for Edwin D. Klein, 87, of Chamberlain, SD were held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation was held Friday, June 4 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Edwin Dale Klein was born September 21, 1922 at the Burke Hospital in Burke, SD to Nickolus and Maude (Sufficool) Klein. He attended school at Lucas, SD through the ninth grade. He went to Redondo Beach, CA to work in a Aircraft Factory until he was old enough to enlist in the United States Army on February 23, 1943. He was a Sergeant in the 555th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion attached to the 104th Infantry Division. His unit landed at Normandy on Utah Beach. They fought through Belgium, Holland and ultimately hooked up with the Russians at the Elbe River outside Berlin. His unit spent 195 consecutive days in front line combat. They took the first German city, Achen, and then held the northern front during the Battle of the Bulge. They participated in several river crossings including the famous battle at the Remagen Bridge. They liberated Nordhausen Concentration Camp on April 12, 1945. Following the German surrender he was in the military police at Antwerp, Belgium. He was honorably discharged on February 1, 1946 receiving the Bronze Star for Bravery by rescuing a wounded soldier. Following his return home, he worked in the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD until he started Barber College in Sioux City, IA. On July 14, 1947, Edwin was united in marriage to Betty Herndon at Gregory, SD. Upon graduating from Barber College, he began working for Elmer Westendorf in Chamberlain. After barbering, he held numerous jobs including digging Artesian Wells, installing furnaces, to a mechanic at the Ford garage. From 1953 until 1961, he owned the Main Standard Station. He also worked installing Frigidaire appliances at Sladek Implement, worked at Wait’s Grocery Store, as janitor at the U.S. Post Office, and finally bought the Bridgette Drive Inn. After retiring for a few years, he went to work in the Maintenance Department at Mid Dakota Hospital and was a courier for Sanford Laboratories. He retired on May 1, 2010 as the oldest person to retire from Sioux Valley/Sanford Hospital.
Edwin passed away on June 1, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 87 years. Gratefully sharing in his life are his wife Betty of Chamberlain; four children Patricia Klein of Sioux Falls, Ronald Klein and wife Mary of Bettendorf, IA, Nancy Langfeldt of Sioux Falls, and Mark Klein and wife Ronda of Chamberlain, SD; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers Dewey, Andrew, and Fred; and a son Nicholas.
Eda Mae Bode
Eda Mae Bode, 92, passed away June 1, 2010 at the Wedgewood Living Center in Custer, SD, where she had resided for the past two years. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Bode, in 1982, brothers Harold and Russell Schmidt, and sisters Margaret, Mildred, Opal and Ruby. Eda Mae was born July 7, 1917 at Searsboro, IA to Henry and Anna Routier Schmidt. Her father died when Eda Mae was three, and a few years later her mother moved to the Chamberlain, SD area with her two sons and four daughters. Eda Mae graduated from Chamberlain High as did all six of her children, and a hairdressing and cosmetology school in Minneapolis, MN. She married George Bode in 1936, and they moved to a farm in Brule County in 1937.
Among Eda Mae’s many interests and talents were all aspects of farm wife and homemaker, vocal music, playing several instruments by ear, and work in motels, restaurants, a bakery, and a clothing store. Later in life she began painting in oils, water colors, and other mediums. Many of her paintings were sold at the SD State Game Lodge. She also edited and wrote substantial parts of a book on the history of Brule County. She was active for many years in the Chamberlain Senior Center.
Eda Mae is survived by sons Jerry (Janet), Larry (Jennifer), Robert, and Richard (Tracy) Bode and daughters Dianne Wegner (Henry, deceased) and Betty Shaw (Patrick). Her grandchildren include Jill Bode (Eric Klinkowski) Jay Bode (Kathleen Tom), Rock Bode, Landa Lawrence (Wade), Forrest Bode, Tammy Williams, Tory Petersen (Tracy), Trent Reiner (Deb), Carrie (Todd Parker), Zachary Bode, and Adrianne Bode. Great grandchildren include Molly Williams, Grayson and Sierra Lawrence, Michelle, Tyler, and Sage Petersen.
Eda Mae was buried next to husband George in the Chamberlain Cemetery. Her request was that any memorials be directed to the Chamberlain Senior Center.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley’s Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
Johanna Rutzen
Memorial services for Johanna Rutzen, 97, of Chamberlain were held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness in Chamberlain.
Johanna Kuiper was born June 26, 1912 at Alvord, IA to William and Alice (Arneson) Kuiper. She went to school in Pipestone County in Pipestone, MN for twelve years. At that time she learned Bible truths from Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized as one.
On September 12, 1930, Johanna was united in marriage to Harry Rutzen. Together they farmed at Verdi and Jasper Minnesota. Most of her time was spent in the volunteer ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses and in raising their two daughters Jean and June.
In 1955, they moved into Pipestone to a home they built, enjoying nearly 50 years there. Due to poor health they moved to Chamberlain where they spent their remaining years at Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center. There “Jo” enjoyed listening to the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses via a phone hookup. She enjoyed it especially when her daughter read to her about the Bible’s hope of a Paradise earth.
Johanna passed away on June 1, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain being the last survivor of her parents, three sisters, and six brothers. Gratefully sharing in her life are her daughters Jean Titterington and June Altheide and husband Norman all of Chamberlain; five grandchildren Barry (Betty Lou) Titterington, Todd (Janet) Titterington, Shane (Marlene) Titterington, Rory (Michelle) Titterington, and Erin (Joe) Gauquie; nine great grandchildren Botany, Ballad, and Bio Titterington, Bethany Moore, Nyah, Ian, and Sophia Titterington, and Roman and Jenna Gauquie; a great great granddaughter Esme’ Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a number of dear relatives.
James Harold Kott
James Harold Kott, 83, De Smet died Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at his home in De Smet.
James Harold Kott was born August 13, 1926 at Mitchell, SD. He grew up at Kimball, SD and graduated from Kimball High School in 1944. He entered the US Army and served during WWII in Hawaii. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Kimball and farmed with his father. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Munger November 18, 1953 at Kimball, SD. After his marriage he started work for JF Anderson Lumber. The couple moved to De Smet in 1962 and went into partnership at De Smet Lumber. He continued in the lumber business for several years before selling and going to work for De Smet Farm Mutual Insurance Co. After retirement Jim drove school bus and was caretaker for St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.
He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the American Legion in De Smet.
Survivors include, his wife Phyllis Kott, De Smet, SD; his children, Diane (Scott) Grafing, Holibird, SD, Kathy Kott, Ft. Pierre, SD, Nancy (Jim) Rodney, Colorado Springs, CO; Jerry (Star) Kott, De Smet, SD; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Mary Lou Kott, Sioux Falls, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Duane, and son-in-law Wally Grafing.
John Luurs
Funeral services for John Luurs, 85, of Pukwana, SD will be Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be Friday at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
John Luurs, 85, was born November 12, 1924 to Dick and Anna Luurs. He attended school in the Platte, SD area.
On September 30, 1948 he married Birdena Weekly at Yankton, SD. After his marriage they moved to Presho, SD where he was employed on a ranch.
In 1958 the family moved into Presho, SD. He worked at Brown Oil Company filling station. In later years he worked at the Cenex station and helped area farmers with field work.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church at Presho, SD.
John passed away on May 25, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain. He is survived by his wife, Birdena; 2 sons, Raymond (Kristen) of Blaine, MN and Ron (Bonnie) of Pukwana, SD; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Harry of Yankton, SD and Richard of Grand Rapids, MI; 1 sister, Grace Donker of Chadron, NE; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Donald; his parents; brother Harm, and 3 sisters, Gracie Luurs, Anna Mae Muilenburg and Jennie Muilenburg, and 2 grandchildren.
Roy Louis Bergner
Funeral services for Roy Louis Bergner, 93, of Chamberlain, will be Friday, May 28, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with burial in the Grandview Cemetery at rural Chamberlain. Visitation will be Thursday at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain from 5 to 7 p.m. with prayer service/Masonic service at 7:00 p.m.
Roy Louis Bergner was born March 30, 1917 to Ludwig Louis and Alma (Arp) Bergner on the family farm which was homesteaded around 1914. Roy was raised on the farm and lived his entire life in Brule Township. He attended Bode Country School and graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1937. In 1947, Roy entered a partnership with his brother-in-law Bernard Yeaton forming the Bergner and Yeaton Farms which continues to operate today. In February of 2009, he became a 60 year member of the Chamberlain Masonic Lodge #56 A.F. and A.M and of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain, a director for the Tri County Electric Co. for many years, Brule Township Supervisor, and also served as a Big Bend Shriner. He was also a member of the S.D. Stockgrower’s Association and the Crop Improvement Board. As a young man, Roy loved to hunt and later in life enjoyed gardening. He loved to share his yields with friends and neighbors. He spent time with his nieces and nephews playing cards and games. Roy enjoyed his great nieces and nephew including the ones that shared his life on the farm – Tim, Clara, Rebecca, and Grace Yeaton.
Roy passed away on May 25, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 93 years. Grateful to share in his life are his three sisters Alice Tait of Kirkland, WA, Mae Yeaton of Chamberlain, and Doris Crimmin of Kirkland, WA; nieces and nephews: Denny (Kay) Yeaton, Mary Kay (Greg) Rhodes, Karen Yeaton, Kenny (Lynette) Yeaton, Dan (Stephanie) Crimmin, Sharon (Ken) Piel; many great nieces, nephews; and a special friend Florence Foltz. Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister Carol, three brothers-in-law Bernard Yeaton, Don Crimmin, and Ken Tait, nephew Gregg Yeaton, and infant nephew Randy Yeaton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to be directed to the Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center New Facility 300 S Byron Blvd. Chamberlain, SD or the United Church of Christ, 101 N. Merrill St., Chamberlain.
Sharon Deuschle
Sharon Deuschle, age 64 of Viroqua, died Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sharon Deuschle, 64, of Viroqua passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2010 after a four year battle with cancer. She was born on December 10, 1945 in Presho, South Dakota to the late Helen and Harvy Roberts. She was a graduate of Kennebec high School and received her Associates Degree in Criminology and Sociology from Rochester Community College. She has resided in Viroqua, WI, for the past 15 years. She was a member of the Living Faith Church.
Sharon is survived by her son Richard Deuschle; daughter-in-law Sharon; grandchildren Aaron and Chuck Deuschle; brother Jim (Bonnie) Roberts; sisters Mary (Harold) Roberts Kreager and Judy (Norm) Roberts Liffengren. She leaves to cherish her memory, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Living Faith Church, 852 North Main, in Viroqua. Friends may call at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Kennebec Cemetery in Kennebec South Dakota. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com.The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.
Mitchell J. Quilt
Memorial services for Mitchell J. Quilt, 58, of Fort Thompson will be Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Crow Creek, SD with burial of his ashes in St. Johns Episcopal Cemetery in Crow Creek, SD.
Mitchell Joel Quilt was born July 30, 1951 to Edmond and Pearl (McBride) Quilt at Cheyenne Agency, SD. He attended grade school in Fort Thompson and high school at Gann Valley. After high school, Mitchell joined the Army and served from 1971 until 1973 when he was Honorably Discharged. When he returned, Mitchell began ranching out west then became a roofer which he did for many years throughout South Dakota. In the late 1980’s, Mitchell started farming and ranching for Daly Farms in the Crow Creek area and continued to work there until the time of his death.
Mitchell passed away on February 15, 2010 at his home in Crow Creek, SD at the age of 58 years. He is survived by his daughter Stephanie Motter of Lima, OH; a brother Terry Quilt of For Thompson; and a sister Karen Wright of Lower Brule, SD. Preceding him in death were his parents and a son Jared.
Funeral services for Sylvia Kulhavy, 95, of Kimball, SD will be Friday, May 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kimball Protestant Parish Church in Kimball with burial in Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation with family present will be Thursday at the Kimball Protestant Parish Church from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Sylvia Elizabeth Pike Kulhavy
Sylvia Elizabeth Pike was born on August 18, 1914 at Bijou Hills, SD to John and Emma (Schmidt) Pike. She graduated from Ward Academy High School at Academy, SD, and received her teaching certificate from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD on May 26, 1933. Sylvia taught for many years in a one-room country schoolhouse in the Bijou Hills and Eagle areas.
On August 31, 1934, she was united in marriage to Millard I. Kulhavy at Lake Andes, SD. They made their home in the Bijou Hills, Academy, and later in the Eagle area. To this union three children were born, Helen, Billy, and Dorothy.
Sylvia was a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Chamberlain where she taught Sunday School and was a church pianist for many years. She was also a member of the Gideon’s International Organization Ladies Auxiliary of the Platte Camp. She looked for many ways to serve her Lord. Sylvia was a member of the Kimball Retired Teachers Organization, the Homemakers Extension Club of Kimball, and the Kimball Seniors Citizens Organization.
Sylvia passed away on May 24, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center in Chamberlain at the age of 95 years. Grateful for having shared her life are her three children: Helen Rosenberger and husband Donald of rural Pukwana, Billy Kulhavy and wife Dixie of Kimball, SD, and Dorothy Schaub and husband Edward of Kimball, SD; eight grandchildren, Julie Phinney of Green Bay, WI, Melanie Doetzel of Sioux Falls, SD, Andrew Stanger of Minneapolis, MN, Jayne Lunn of Sioux Falls, SD, Joe Kulhavy of Sioux Falls, SD, Charlene Miller of Kimball, Cheryl Busack of Kimball, and Kevin Schaub of Las Vegas, NV; many great grandchildren; three sisters Helen Hess of Hacienda Heights, CA, Rose Tolman of Tooele, UT, and Thelma Maresh of Kimball, SD; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her brother Harold Pike, three granddaughters Connie Lynn Schaub, Sarah Dennis, Loretta Dennis, and a great granddaughter.
William “Bill” Moeller
William “Bill” Moeller, 59, Kimball, SD, died Friday, May 14, 2010, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 10:30 AM, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. Burial will be in St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8PM Monday evening with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell .Bill’s wishes were to give the gift of life as an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund has been established to the Kimball Ambulance Service.
William Daniel Moeller, was born November 6, 1950, in Mitchell, to Edward P. and Margaret (Erpelding) Moeller. He attended Willow Lake Country School through the 6th Grade, and graduated from Kimball High School in 1969. He graduated from South Dakota State University, in Brookings, with a double major in Biology and Grassland Management. He returned to the family farm in 1974. He bought his first Charolais cattle in 1974, and had annual Charolais Production Bull Sales for 25years. On July 5, 1991, he married Teresa Thiry in Chamberlain. He was a member of the American International Charolais Association, Willow Lake Township Board and St. Margaret’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Teresa, and his daughter Clara of Kimball, his mother, Margaret Moeller of Mitchell, five brothers: Edward Moeller and wife Annie, of DeSmet; Bob Moeller of Sealey, TX and son Brian; Tom Moeller and wife Stella of Deadwood; Larry Moeller of Mitchell and his son Tyler; Richard Moeller and wife Sandy of Pearland, TX, and their sons Gene and John and daughter Elizabeth; two sisters: Edith Burlingame and husband Kelly of Little Falls, MN; and their sons, Lucas and Ethan; Carol Edwards and her husband Russell of Lead and their sons, Trent and Trever; and one uncle, Albert Moeller and his wife Luella of White Lake.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Moeller, one sister, Ruth Moeller, his grandparents, Edward and Clara Moeller, Ferd and Nellie Erpelding, one sister-in-law, Donna Moeller, three uncles: Sylvester “Cap” and wife Johannah; Cecil Moeller and wife Neola and John Moeller.
Bertha Krog
Bertha (Thompson) Krog, 99, of Powell, WY, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010 at Powell Valley Care Center in Powell, WY. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 20 at the Congregational Church in Gann Valley, SD with Rev. Don Grubb officiating. Burial will be in the Spring Hill Cemetery at Gann Valley.
Bertha (Thompson) Krog was born May 3, 1911, to Ben and Lurina (Sinkie) Thompson at their farm home one mile east of Gann Valley, SD. In 1918, the family moved to a farm three miles northeast of Gann Valley, on which her parents had homesteaded.
Bertha attended grade school in Gann Valley and graduated from Gann Valley High School in 1928. She attended Yankton College, Yankton, SD, and received her BA degree in 1931. Bertha returned to Buffalo County where she taught in elementary school for six years.
On November 21, 1936, Bertha married Carl Edward Krog, newly-elected County Treasurer of Buffalo County. They lived in Gann Valley for ten years, during which time four children were born: Wanda Smith, Karen Hoffman, Donald Krog and Roger Krog. In 1946, the family moved to a farm north of Gann Valley where they lived and farmed until 1994 when Bertha’s husband passed away.
In 1995, Bertha moved to Powell, WY, to be near her daughter, Karen. She was a life-long member of the First Congregational Church at Gann Valley, a 50-year member of Zephyr Chapter #157 of the Order of Eastern Star and a long-time member of Lady Helpers and Farmers Union,
Bertha is survived by her four children Wanda Smith of Fresno, CA, Karen Hoffman of Powell, W, Donald Krog of Kailua, HI, and Roger Krog of Houston, TX, a son-in-law Jerald Hoffman, a daughter-in-law Mary, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, a daughter-in-law Dixie Krog, her parents and two sisters, Lettie Rawson and Edna Baker and their husbands.
Gertrude Jean “Gertie” Larsen
Gertrude Jean ‘Gertie’ Larsen, 76, Reliance, passed away Thursday May 13, 2010 at Sanford Mid-Dakota Hospital. She was born Oct. 5, 1933 in Stevenson, SD to Ellridge and Helen (Pressman) Moon. She grew up in Kennebec.
Gertie married Dean Larsen in Chamberlain on May 10, 1952. She lived on their farm south of Reliance until her death.
Gertie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dean Larsen, Chamberlain; her children, Loretta ‘Lori’ Miller, Mukilteo, WA; Betty Jo and husband Rick Simpson, Rapid City; Ronnie and wife Deb Larsen, Chamberlain; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Roxanne Pritzkau and special friend Jason Neuzil and children Skyler and Hunter, Rapid City; Casey and wife Star Miller, Marysville, WA; Ryan and wife Breezy Simpson and son Austin, Black Hawk; and Petty Officer 1st Class Brady and wife Jeanette Miller and children Dylan and Travis, stationed on the USS Howard, San Diego, CA; twin brother Gary Moon, OR; brothers, Kenny and wife Hope Moon, Sioux Falls; Ron ‘Hokie’ Moon, Grand Junction, CO; Dale Armstrong, AZ; sister, Darlene Woodraska, Trenton, NE and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Peggy; and a son in infancy, Albert Leroy Larsen.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday May 20, 2010 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with Pastor Glenn Denke officiating. Interment will follow at the Reliance Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday May 19th, with a time for sharing with the family present at the church from 6 to 7.
Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home, Rapid City is in care of the arrangements and condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com.
Evelyn C. Hine
Evelyn C. Hine 88 of Wessington Springs died late Saturday evening May 8th at the Weskota Manor/Avera Health. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday May 12th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Msgr. Edward Burian officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with scripture service will be held at 7:00 pm.
Evelyn Cecelia Hine was born on December 26, 1921 to William and Theresa (Westendorf) Hutmacher at Chamberlain, SD. She graduated high school from Chamberlain.
Evelyn was united in marriage on May 13, 1942 to Robert Hine in Pasadena, Ca. In 1945 they returned to South Dakota where they ranched in Buffalo County. Her husband passed away in 1965. In 1967, she moved to Wessington Springs. She worked at the Jerauld County Memorial Hospital before beginning her 19 year employment with the Wessington Springs School District. She retired in 1997. Most of Evelyn’s life was devoted to caring for her children and grandchildren. She was an AMAZING mother and grandmother.
She is survived by 3 sons, Robert and his wife Cindy, Darrell and Greg, all of Wessington Springs, SD and 2 daughters, Sondra Fuerst of Rapid City, SD and Barbara Hine of Watertown, SD, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, one sister Mary McClenahan of Tucson, AZ and two sisters-in-law Dorothy Hine of Concordia, KS and MaryJane Hutmacher of Rapid City, SD.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, one daughter Beverly Gray, 3 brothers Rueben, Elmer and Don Hutmacher and 2 sisters Lorraine Janish and Dorothy Janish.
Henry Kiehn
Henry Kiehn age 68 of Ogilvie,MN, formerly of Aberdeen, SD, died May 6, 2010 after a heroic 22 month battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born, one of twelve children, on October 13, 1941 in Chamberlain, S.D. to Henry and Eleanor Kiehn (Urban). He retired from the BNSF Railroad in 2003 after 36 years of service.
He is survived by his wife Carol of Ogilvie, MN; son, Allen of SD; daughters, Rebecca (Pete) Rush of SD and Pamela (Paul) Pierce of SD; stepchildren, Todd Williams of SD, Cheryl Hager of WI, Karen Louhela of TX and Deb (Steve) Tischner of MN; foster daughter, Mona (Ralph) Prather of MN; brothers, Pete Kiehn of SD, Lee Kiehn, Dennis Kiehn of WA and Wayne Kiehn of WY; sisters, Diane (Stan) Malsom of SD, Sally Fisher of SD, Sharon (Andy) Striefel of WA, Gretchen (Bruce) Foertsch, June (Cap) Malsom of SD; 3 grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren and 1 step-great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dowart Kiehn; sister, Janice Froemke and a nephew.
Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Services will be held at a later date in Aderdeen, SD.
Mary Joan Anderberg, age 78, died Thursday, April 29, 2010 in Sioux Falls. Her funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ in Sioux Falls. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon on Monday with the family present from 5-7pm at Miller Funeral Home (507 S. Main). Mary is survived by her two sons: Rhett (Penny) Anderberg of Rowena, SD and Reed (Caroline) Anderberg of Bradenton, Florida; one daughter, Molly Anderberg of Ft. Meyers, Florida; three grandchildren: Katherine, Danielle and Parker and one step- granddaughter, Katie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Jane Hartman; her husband Keith and her sister Nellie. For obituary and on-line registry, please visit www.millerfh.com
Laura M. Kulm
Funeral services for Laura M. Kulm, 90, of Chamberlain will be Thursday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery in Chamberlain. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 28 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday at the Zion Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m.
Laura Mary Schaub was born February 1, 1920 to Frank and Mary (Melchert) Schaub at Grosse, SD. She attended Harrison School in Westpoint Township in Brule County through the eighth grade. She met her future husband, Adam Kulm, while he was working at the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and they were married on August 20, 1938 in Pukwana, SD.
Shortly after their marriage they founded Kulm Laundry and Dry Cleaners. In addition to this business they also started the first taxi service and first self service laundry in Chamberlain in 1958. Their business covered communities west to Wall and south to the Nebraska state line.
After Adam’s sudden death in 1964, Laura continued to operate the laundry service until 1970 when it was sold. Laura continued on at the laundry for several more years. She then began her employment at Casey Drug and Jewelry in Chamberlain where in February 2006 after 32 years she retired at the age of 86.
In 2001, she sold her home and moved to a smaller house where she took pride in growing flowers and vegetable gardening. She moved to Regency Retirement Assisted Living in July of 2006 where she resided until the time of her death.
Laura was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain where she was active in Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and various committees, including the Luther Layman’s League.
She was an avid Minnesota Twins and Chamberlain Cubs fan. She was honored in 1989 with a plaque for being Chamberlain Cubs Number One Fan, the Chamberlain Baseball Association Award for "The Three Grandmas", which included LaVerle Speckels, Laura and Joyce Schaub, for their support of the baseball program, and on June 26, 2003 was honored with a lifetime pass to all Chamberlain High School, Legion, Teener and Junior Teener Baseball games. These plaques were always proudly displayed for everyone to see.
Even though she didn’t have children of her own, her nieces and nephews and their children were a treasured part of her life. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her dearly.
Laura passed away on April 24, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 90 years. Grateful for sharing her life are her many nieces, nephews, their families and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Adam, on March 15, 1964, and siblings Walter, Joe, Ed, LuElla, Don, and Alvena.
Mary L. Jensen
Mary L. Jensen, 96, of Kimball, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake. Funeral Mass was 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 23 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Kimball. A Committal Service followed at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was at the church Thursday, April 22 with a Rosary/Wake Service.
Mary L. (Smith) Jensen was born on November 16, 1913, to Charles A. and Sophia (Arens) Smith in Aurora County, SD. She attended country school through the 8th grade and worked on the family farm with her parents and sisters. On April 30, 1935, she was united in marriage to Emery Jensen at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. They farmed together for many years before moving into Kimball. They ran Ann’s Café for a few years, then operated the Kimball House Hotel for several years.
Mary was skilled at upholstering furniture, sewing clothes, making rugs and quilting. Her entire family is blessed to have quilts and rugs she created to treasure in the years to come. Mary was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church of Kimball and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America.
Grateful for having shared in Mary’s life: her daughter, Margaret Hagerty of White Lake; 5 grandchildren - John E. Hagerty and wife Sherry of White Lake; Deb Hagerty of Overton, OH; Pat Wermers and husband Dave of Sioux Falls; David Hagerty and wife Susie of Sioux Falls; and Bill Hagerty of Hartford, SD; 8 great grandchildren - John R. Hagerty and wife Lisa of Mitchell; Ben, Nicole and Bill Wermers of Sioux Falls; Makayla and Makenzie Hagerty of Sioux Falls; and Dylan and Alauna Hagerty of Hartford; a great-great granddaughter, Meagan Hagerty of Mitchell, along with several nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by: her husband, Emery Jensen (1972); a son-in-law, Jack Hagerty (1999); a grandson, Robert Hagerty (1980); two granddaughters, in infancy; her parents, Charles and Sophia; two sisters: Celia Gross and Caroline, in infancy and three brothers-in-law.
The Shearer-Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball assisted with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through
MISSOULA – Glenn Frame, 73, of Missoula, was called home by the Lord for eternal peace and rest on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Glenn passed away peacefully at his home in Missoula, with wife Judy by his side.
Glenn was born to David and Mary Frame in Lincoln, Neb., on Sept. 11, 1936. He was the oldest of four children, and grew up on the prairies at Reliance, S.D., where his parents bred and raised thoroughbred racehorses and Hereford cattle. Glenn enjoyed breaking the race colts for his dad, and enjoyed horses throughout his life.
After graduating from high school in Reliance, Glenn held a variety of odd jobs; working as a farm hand, a construction worker, and driving cattle trucks all over the Dakota prairies.
On May 25, 1956, Glenn married wife Judy Weiczorek and from that union came two sons, Wade and Boyd.
Glenn and Judy moved the family from South Dakota to Missoula. Glenn drove chip trucks for Missoula Cartage from 1964 to 1968. He also attended the Montana Highway Patrol Training Academy, graduating in October 1967.
In 1969, the family moved to Ronan, where Glenn joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, becoming a sheriff’s deputy under Sheriff Bill Phillips. Glenn became an active member of the Sheriff and Peace Officers Association. In 1974, he was honored by the association as Deputy of the Year. As president of the organization, he brought the Crimestoppers program to the state of Montana. He was the president of the Lake County Crime Stoppers Board until he resigned in 2008. In October 1974, he was appointed under sheriff of Lake County, and in January 1978, he was appointed to the position of sheriff.
Glenn was re-elected two terms to the position of sheriff by the people of Lake County. In May 1986, he resigned the position due to health issues. After retirement from the sheriff’s office, he continued to serve as the local brand inspector. Glenn was appointed Ronan city judge, and served the town of Ronan from October 1995, until his resignation in June 2009.
Glenn and Judy raised llamas and miniature donkeys on their Flying Diamond llama ranch in Ronan. The two traveled the Intermountain West showing llamas. Glenn enjoyed the travel and would always know or recognize someone, he never knew a stranger.
Glenn enjoyed his seven grandchildren more than anything in the world. He proudly attended rodeo queen pageants, horse shows, football games, basketball games, school plays, rodeos and graduations.
He is preceded in death by his father David Frame; infant son Gregory; and brother Duane Frame.
Glenn is survived by his wife Judy Frame of 53 years; mother Mary Frame of South Dakota; brother Ronald (Janet) Frame of South Dakota; sister Jean (Chick) Hoehn of New Jersey; eldest son Wade (Marilyn) Frame of Polson; and youngest son Boyd (Shelley) Frame of Charlo. Seven grandchildren include; Marete and Monika Frame, Shantell, Tyrell, Chance, Levi and Skyler Frame; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services for family and close friends will be held at 1 pm. Wednesday, April 21, at Sunset Memorial Garden in Missoula. Immediately following the services, a celebration of life will be held at the family home, 13900 Harper’s Bridge Road, Missoula.
The family sincerely thanks Hospice of Missoula for the understanding, compassion, and support given to Glenn during his last days here.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Glenn’s name to Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington Ave., Suite 204, Missoula, MT 59801
Maxine Carlson
Maxine Carlson, 82, formerly of Boone and Ogden, Iowa, passed away at the Boone County Hospital in Boone, Iowa on Friday morning, March 26, 2010. She had been a resident at the Evangelical Free Church Home in Boone since December 5, 2008.
Maxine was born on January 5, 1928 in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Noah and Ethel (Teems) Martin.
On September 7, 1946, she married Donald Carlson at Webster City, Iowa.
Maxine graduated from Stratford High School in 1946. Donald and Maxine owned the Ridgeport Locker from 1958 until 1976. After living in Boone for 2 years, they moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa in 1978, returning to the Boone area in 1987. The Carlson lived in Ogden, Iowa from 2000 until 2008. Maxine enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, the out-of-doors, and loved spending time with family and friends.
She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary (VFW) in Boone and the Mineral Ridge Baptist Church until its closing, but attended chapel at the Evangelical Free Church Home regularly.
Her parents and one brother, Carl Martin, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband Donald E. Carlson of Boone; daughter, Linda Bancroft and husband Steve of Springfield, Illinois and their children Jil (Kyle) Nelson of Pella, Iowa; Julie (Doug) Hill of Springfield, Illinois; daughter Laura Wellner and husband Steve of Chamberlain, South Dakota and their children Leah Core of Chandler, Arizona, Chad (Susan) Core of Ankeny, Iowa, Danny Blom of Scottsdale, Arizona and Lance Blom of Chamberlain, South Dakota; daughter Donna Hilton and husband Roger of Boone, Iowa and their children Nicole (Jeremy) Huston of Boone and Nathan (Alyssa) Hilton of Winterset, Iowa; and daughter Valerie Evans and her husband Craig of Boone, Iowa and their children Travis Reinhart (Kristy Harris) of Ames, Iowa, Alyssa Reinhart (Regis Racine) of Boone, Iowa, Jennifer Evans of Independence, Iowa, and Justin Evans of Ames, Iowa; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Walter (Mary) Martin of Humboldt, Iowa, Darrell (Inge) Martin of Duluth, Minnesota, and John Martin of Faribault, Minnesota; three sisters Darlene Lindley of Alexandria, Minnesota, Kay (Neil) Cook of Richmond, Minnesota, and Mariland Kleppe of Eagle Grove, Iowa; and a sister-in-law Letha Martin of Milo, Iowa.
Services will be held Wednesday morning, March 31st at 10:30 a.m. at the Baptist Church in Stratford, Iowa with Pastor Jeff McDowell officiating.
Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery north of Stratford.
Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Tuesday evening, March 30th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present during that time to greet friends. Visitations will continue Wednesday morning at the Church from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the family.
Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangements.
Arlo Wilford Urban Urban, Arlo Wilford, a 56 year resident of Manhattan Beach, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2010 in Torrance. Born in Kimball, SD, Arlo was 88 when he died. Arlo had served in the Pacific during World War II. He is survived by his loving Wife, Jean Urban of Manhattan Beach, CA, Daughter, Kathy Urban of Issaquah, WA, Son, Mike Urban of Renton, WA.
Arlo was a lifelong Dodger fan. He loved to dance, listen to music, and garden.
Preceded in death by Father, Frank Urban and Mother, Libby Urban. Brothers Lyle, Donald, Edwin, Willard and sister Wilma.
The memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday April 10, 2010 at 2:00 P.M.
Burial will follow at Vega Cemetery in Kimball, SD.
Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services. Check back to view the online video tribute.
Rita D. Langdeau-Ollerich
Funeral services for Rita D. Langdeau-Ollerich, 59, of Lower Brule, SD will be Friday, April 9, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Lower Brule, SD with burial in the Messiah Episcopal Cemetery at Iron Nation, SD. A rosary will be held at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain on Wednesday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. and a wake service will be held at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Lower Brule on Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Rita Diane Langdeau was born January 13, 1951 to Francis Felicia and Velda Langdeau. She attended Lower Brule Elementary and Reliance High School in Reliance. After high school, she started working with the Lower Brule School systems and worked there for over 20 years. On February 16, 1991, Rita married Jeff Ollerich. She later began working for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe until late 2008. Rita enjoyed playing softball and watching football.
Rita passed away on April 5, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 59 years. Grateful for sharing her life are Jeff Ollerich and her five children Michelle Langdeau, Lesley Langdeau, Sean Herron, Tyler Ollerich and Tamara Ollerich; six grandchildren Mary Tess Tsakolos, Araina Jean Wilson, Issac Wilson, Brenan Flute, Percy Pourier, Baptiste Pourier; eight siblings Jackie Jandreau, Robin LaRoche-Middletent, Lana LaRoche, Emma LaRoche, Marilyn LaRoche-Whitney, Harvey LaRoche, Dorcas Bingen, and Tony LaRoche, Jr.; a special aunt Phyllis Crazy Bull; and a special uncle Harvey Langdeau.
Arlo Wilford Urban
Urban, Arlo Wilford, a 56 year resident of Manhattan Beach, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2010 in Torrance. Born in Kimball, SD, Arlo was 88 when he died. Arlo had served in the Pacific during World War II. He is survived by his loving Wife, Jean Urban of Manhattan Beach, CA, Daughter, Kathy Urban of Issaquah, WA, Son, Mike Urban of Renton, WA.
Arlo was a lifelong Dodger fan. He loved to dance, listen to music, and garden.
Preceded in death by Father, Frank Urban and Mother, Libby Urban. Brothers Lyle, Donald, Edwin, Willard and sister Wilma.
The memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday April 10, 2010 at 2:00 P.M.
Burial will follow at Vega Cemetery in Kimball, SD.
Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services. Check back to view the online video tribute.
William Floyd Clutter
William Floyd Clutter was born May 7, 1929 in Pukwana, SD to Floyd and Pearl (Hawn) Clutter. He was married to Marlys from 1952-1972. They had 5 children, Terry Clutter of Midland, TX, Pam (Clutter) Keller of Rapid City, SD, Douglas Clutter, deceased, Ronald Clutter of Guthrie OK, and Linda (Cone) Clutter of Merced, CA. He had 11 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter from his first marriage.
Mr. Clutter was married to Linda Hatley for 28 years and they had one son, Shane Clutter and two grandchildren, Mariah and Devin, all of San Marcos, TX.
Mr. Clutter worked in the construction business with his son, Shane for 10 years in the San Marcos area before his illness.
He was survived by his sister, Edith Hansen of South Dakota, brother Jerry Clutter of California, and many wonderful numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Douglas, sister, Lula Frederickson, brother, Dale Clutter, niece, Sandy Hansen and nephew, Richard Hansen.
He was living in San Marcos, Texas when he passed away March 29, 2010. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 3rd, 2:00 p.m. at The Linebarger Ranch in Staples, TX.
Arrangements by Thomason Funeral Home, San Marcos, TX. 512-396-2300. Please sign our on line register at thomasonfuneralhome.com.
Lavonne “Vonnie” Weber
Lavonne “Vonnie” Weber, age 70 died Monday, March 29, 2009 under Hospice Care at her home in Spearfish, SD. .
Vonnie was born November 14, 1939 at Dell Rapids, SD to Gary and Irene (Wittrock) Geraets.
She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Dell Rapids. After attending and graduating from nursing school, she married Jerome Weber on February 4, 1961 at Dell Rapids, SD. They moved to Chamberlain where Vonnie worked at Community Bailey Hospital until 1975 when they moved to Spearfish, SD. She then began working at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center at Ft. Meade, SD until retiring.
Vonnie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crafting, especially cross stitch and woodworking.
She is survived by her children, Lynn (Mike) Langer, Spearfish, SD, Peggy (Kerry) Horn, Tripp, SD, Robert (Christy) Weber, Grabell, IN, Julie (Dallas) Goiz, Moab, UT, Anita (Mark) Kessler, Fulton, SD, her siblings; Gary (Kaye) Geraets, Dell Rapids, SD, Marilyn (Mick) Penticoff, Sioux Falls, SD, Gerald (Anney) Sioux Falls, SD and her in-laws; Max (Audrey) Weber, FL, Darrell Weber, Portland, OR, Irene Weber, Portland, OR and Roger Weber, Mitchell, SD, 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a sister, Joyce Yeaton.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Spearfish with the Rosary Service at 1:00 P.M., followed with the Mass of Christian Burial at 2;00 P.M. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish, SD.
The Aldinger Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Spearfish has been entrusted with the services. Condolences may be left at www.aldingerfuneralhome.com
Patty K. Briggs
Funeral services for Patty K. Briggs, 65, of Winner, SD will be Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain with burial of the ashes at a later date.
Patricia K. Randall was born February 2, 1945 in Mitchell, SD to Wyman and Rita (Dozark) Randall. She attended grade school in Chamberlain and graduated from Chamberlain High School on May 23, 1963.
After graduation Patty attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. On November 6, 1965, she was united in marriage to Bill Briggs in Chamberlain. They remained in South Dakota until moving to Gordon, NE in 1972, where Patty made her home for over 35 years. In 2009, she moved to Winner, SD. Patty enjoyed many hobbies and interests throughout her life, along with a true passion for NASCAR.
Patty passed away on March 27, 2010 at Winner Regional Long Term Care in Winner, SD at the tender age of 65. Gratefully sharing in her life are her children Thad Briggs and fiancé Rique of Winner, SD and Tricia Mitchell and husband Brandon of Oklahoma City, OK; grandson Brandon Briggs; three brothers Jim Randall and wife Lavonne of Winner, SD, Bill Randall and wife Kathy of Chamberlain, and Dave Randall of Chamberlain; and sister Nancy Christensen and husband Pete of Chamberlain. Patty was preceded in death by her parents.
Norma Marie Trumm
Norma Marie Trumm, 85, of Oregon City, OR, died March 11, 2010.
She was born in Marion, S.D., to Frank and Ruth (Carlson) Bittner on Sept. 25, 1924. Most recently, she lived in Oregon City and previously had lived in Sweet Home, from 1974 to 2007.
She graduated from Marion High School during World War II in 1943 and received her diploma in nursing from Presentation Sisters College in Aberdeen, S.D. in 1945. She spent many of her early years nursing children with polio in the 1940s in Petoskey, MI.
In 1954, she married Air Force airman first class, Dean A. Trumm of Omaha, NE. Norma continued to live in Omaha from 1954 to 1968, working as nurse until 1959 and then as homemaker raising her sons, Michael, Bruce and David.
In 1968 they moved from Omaha to Chamberlain. In 1973, they moved to Hermiston, OR, for Dean’s job as a lock operator for USACE. In 1974, they moved to Sweet Home, OR, where Dean worked as a power plant operator at the Foster Dam.
Throughout her years in Omaha, Chamberlain, Hermiston and Sweet Home, she loved to travel and visit unique places.
She was preceded in death, by her brother Harold Bittner in 1973 and her husband, Dean A. Trumm, in 1982.
Survivors include her sons, Michael Trumm of Chamberlain, Bruce Trumm of Winchester, VA, and David Trumm of Oregon City, OR, along with seven grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Thursday, March 18 at the Oregon City Evangelical Church in Oregon City, OR.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sweet Home United Methodist Church, 845 6th Ave., Sweet Home, Oregon 97386.
Arrangements by Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud.
Octave Schoonhoven
Octave Schoonhoven, 95, of Winner, SD, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Long Term Care Facility. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 26 at the United Methodist Church in Colome. Burial will be at the Colome Cemetery in Colome, SD. Visitation will be on Friday, March 26, from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer at Mason Funeral Home in Winner.
Octave Retta (Woods) Schoonhoven passed away peacefully at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD, on March 19, 2010, at the age of 95 years old.
Octave was born on March 14, 1915 to Otho and Mable (Robertson) Woods on the family farm 11 miles south of Colome. She was raised with nine brothers and two sisters. She attended Scott Country School in the Lake Township through the 8th grade walking the three miles to school with perfect attendance many of the years. She then went to live with her sister Alice Moore in Grand Island, NE and attended high school.
Octave married Harry Schoonhoven on December 20, 1934. They lived and farmed near Millboro, SD and farms south of Colome before moving to Colome. One child Edith May was born.
Octave was very active in the Colome area, she was a caregiver and cleaned homes for numerous people.
She was very active in her church, Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Garden Club, CC Club and Birthday Club, holding offices in some. She loved people and was always reaching out to help others. She loved to walk and could be seen walking the town of Colome any time.
Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter Edith Holmquist, Chamberlain, SD; her grandson Randy (Julie), Reliance, SD; four great grandchildren: Alanna (Ismael) Lopez, Laffette, CO; Tyler, Brookings, SD; Krista (Devon) Crowe, Sturgis, SD; and Shane, Brookings, SD: two great, great grandchildren: Raymond Lopez and Madisen Crowe; a brother Fred (Lee) Woods; sister-in-laws Peggy Kappelman, Gregory, SD, and Norma Woods, Blackfoot, ID; 40 nieces and nephews and a community of friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years in December 1975, her parents Otho and Mable Woods, a granddaughter Dawn Denice Holmquist in 1997 and her son-in-law Gene Holmquist in 2007. Eight brothers: Dick, Claude, Glenn, Thomas, Robert, Ona, Max and Ray Woods; and sisters: Grethel Neilson and Alice Moore: two brother-in-laws: Clarence Neilsen and Chet Moore.
Alfred A. Mueller
Funeral services for Alfred A. Mueller, 90, of Oacoma, SD will be Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be Monday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain beginning at 1:00 with family present at 5:00 and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Alfred Albrecht Mueller, the older of two children of Albert and Dena (Blum) Mueller was born May 27, 1919 in Mitchell, South Dakota and raised in Oacoma, where he graduated high school in 1937. Al attended the University of South Dakota for two years, and joined the United States Army-Air Force in 1942. He was stationed in Italy at the time that WW II ended, and was honorably discharged in 1946. On September 25, 1946, Al was united in marriage to Veda L. Sloat at Gettysburg.
Al and Veda founded their family business Al’s Oasis in 1952, and under their astute business acumen grew a small rural business into a well known and successful South Dakota business. Al served on numerous boards and state organizations. Al was awarded the Ben Black Elk Award by Governor George Mickelson in 1991, and received many other honors over the years including Spirit of Affiliated Award 1994 and University of SD Businessman of the Year Award 1986. An early and active member of the Black Hills Bad Lands Association, Al served for many years on its Board of Directors. Al also served as a board of director of South .Dakota AAA. Al proudly belonged to the Kennebec-Reliance Johnson Peterson American Legion Post No. 179.
Al passed away on March 11, 2010 at his residence after a long and productive life. He is survived by his four children, DeEtte Geddes and husband Ed of Oacoma, Paul Mueller and wife Mary Pat of Oacoma, Steve Mueller and wife Jeanne of Oacoma, and Mark Mueller and wife Ann of Oacoma; his sister Alice Eads of Sioux Falls, 14 grandchildren, Trisha Burke and husband Brian of Chamberlain, Trent Geddes and wife Emilee of Sioux Falls, Abby Gramlick-Mueller and husband Mike Gramlick of Canton, Megan Mueller and husband Brent Schmeichel of Hartford, Ashley Burt and husband Nathan of Minneapolis, MN, Matt Mueller of Mitchell, Katie Mueller of Lincoln, NE and Eric Mueller of Oacoma, Chelsea Mueller of Sioux Falls, Jordin Mueller of Sioux Falls, Trevor Hanig, Courtney Mueller, Addy Hanig, and Cooper Mueller all of Oacoma and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as a whole community of employees, former employees, friends, relatives and business associates. Preceding him in death was his mother Dena in 1961, his father Albert in 1974, and his beloved wife Veda on August 15, 2000, a grandson Anthony Mueller in 1984, and a great granddaughter Gabriella Schmeichel in 2003.
In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to Sanford Mid Dakota Care Center Fund, 300 Byron Blvd., Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Sandra Kirwan
Sandra Kirwan age 73, of Mitchell, died Friday, March 5, 2010 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco, TX. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday at Holy Sprit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at the Will Funeral Chapel with a vigil prayer service/rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Sandy was born February 21, 1937 in Gregory, South Dakota to Roland and Jane Schlaht. She met her husband Robert Kirwan in high school, and they married in 1958. Sandra devoted herself to helping others, by working in the nursing industry for 34 years and volunteering in her community. Her volunteer work included working with the local PTA, the Prehistoric Indian Village, the Middle Border Museum, and the Dakota Discovery Museum. She was an active member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, where she was a cantor and participated in the choir and Bible study.
A multifaceted talent, Sandy expressed herself through both music and acting. She was a member and served on the board of the Area Community Theatre, participated with the Middle Border Chorus, and Ye Old Madrigal Feast Singers. Sandy received the Best Actress Award for her roles in both “Nunsense” and “On Golden Pond.” She cherished the company of her family and friends, and shared laughter with them in her many pursuits, including the Red Hat Society and fun-filled bridge games. A passionate traveler, Sandy enjoyed journeys with her husband to visit her children and grandchildren, and to other states and countries to see the world and meet new and exciting people. Together they traveled across Alaska, and to China, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and the Panama Canal.
Greatful for sharing her are her husband Robert Kirwan; daughter Kandace (Greg) Menning of Waco, Texas; son Mike (Barb) Kirwan of West Point, Nebraska; daughter Kristi (Yong) Lee of Ladera Ranch, California; and son Steve Kirwan of Toluca Lake, California. She also leaves behind a brother, Rollie Schlaht of Omaha, Nebraska, and seven grandchildren, Rachel, Anna, Samuel, Grace and Maria Kirwan, and Katie and Jessica Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Community Hospice in Waco, Texas and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Nicholas Christopher Hennings
Nicholas (Shorty) Christopher Hennings of Sioux Falls who has been fighting health issues and waiting for a lung transplant passed away Monday, March 8th at Sanford USD Medical Center, at the age of 23. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 11th at St. Michael Catholic Church. Family present visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm.
Nick was born premature in Denver, Colorado on January 10, 1987 and weighed only 2 1/2 pounds. He attended grade school in New Underwood, SD until his family moved to Sioux Falls in 1997. He then attended Memorial Middle School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2006. Nick faced health challenges throughout his life and was diagnosed with emphysema in 2008 at which time he was placed on a lung transplant list. Nick loved Nascar, Football (Broncos), and hanging out with the boys. He attended his brother and sisters sporting events when he could. He made many friends online while challenging anyone and everyone to Play Station combat games. Nick always had big dreams of his future and what he wanted to accomplish in life. He impacted everybody's lives, especially his family and friends. His courage and strong spirit will be in our hearts forever.
Thankful for having shared his life are his parents, Mark and Debbie Hennings of Sioux Falls; a sister, Kelsey Hennings; a brother, Tanner Hennings both of Sioux Falls; grandparents, Maynard and Monica Hennings of Sioux Falls and Jim and Judy Davenport of Rapid City; great-grandparents, Maynard and Ilith Saukenson of Chamberlain and many aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Jim and Audree Davenport.
James Joseph Mines
James Joseph Mines, 92, formerly of Brule County, of Sun city, AZ, died in his home February 27,2010, with family at his side. He was born in Crofton, NE, September 16,1917, to George and Mary (Ryan) Mines. At the age of 23, he enlisted in the National Guard in Helena, CA and then in the Army in 1943. Before being discharged three years later as a 1st Lieutenant; he was twice held as a prisoner of war in Germany.
In 1957, after seeing an ad with tall oats in a “Land of Plenty,” he and Florence moved from South Dakota to the Farson-Eden Valley in Wyoming in pursuit of a better life. While the landscape he encountered was a far cry from the photo, the next forty years in Wyoming proved fulfilling. He wore as many hats as any man: farmer, cowboy, entrepreneur, father, husband, friend, and grandpa. To supplement the modest living earned on the farm, he used his foresight and skill to do whatever needed done – whether that meant moving buildings, harvesting/planting forest, or returning land to a natural state through reclamation. He devoted his life to the outdoors, teaching other hunting, survival, horsemanship and wilderness skills. Though his day ere full, he was never too busy to enjoy a rootbeer float with his grandchildren. It seemed there was little he could not do and will be remembered for reaching out to help others. After retiring from farming, James and Florence moved to Riverton, WY and in 1980 began spending time in AZ.
James is sadly missed and survived by children Rod (Jan) Mines of Farson, WY; Carol (Lee) Diehl of Bullhead City, AZ; Gary (Vicki) Mines of Newport, OR; Don (Bobbie) Mines and Steve (Mary Anne) Mines of Farson, WY; Marilyn (Ken) Mathern of Great Falls, MT; over fifty grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and brothers Delmar (Irene) Mines, and Kenneth (Norma) Mines. He is preceded in death by his wife Florence of 61 years, sons Wayne Joseph and Dennis Dean Mines, tow sisters, and seven brothers.
Viewing was held March 4, 2010, from 6-8 pm (Rosary at 7 pm) at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City. Funeral Mass was held March 5, 2010, at St. Clements of Rome Catholic Church with interment at Cave Creek National Memorial Cemetery at 12:30. Fellowship and luncheon followed interment at Lakeview Center Social Hall 12- 10626 W. Thunderbird in Sun City. Memorial website may be found at www.sunlandmemorial.com. Visit the guest book at www.yourwestvalley.com.
Beverly Jean Hadley
Beverly Jean Hadley, 69, of Hermosa, died on Sun., March 7, 2010 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph L. Hadley of Hermosa; three sons, Kevin Ellis of Altona, Penn., William “Billy” McDonald and Owen McDonald, both of Florida; her daughter, Lisa McDonald of Florida; her grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Hansen of Reliance and John Hansen of Rapid City; her sister, Deb Thacker of Rapid City; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial services are set for 10:00am Sat., March 20, 2010 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City with TREA Chaplain David Summarell officiating. Internment at Black Hills National Cemetery will take place at a later time.
Bernard “Bernie” Nelson, 87, of Terre Du Lac Missouri passed away March 1, 2010 at NHC HealthCare in Desloge. He was born June 23, 1922 in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
Bernie attended First Congregational United Church of Christ; was a Veteran of WWII, retired as Major from United States Air Force Reserves; was a huge Cardinal fan; longtime member of Terre Du Lac Country Club; loved living at Terre Du Lac on the lake and especially playing golf.
Preceded in death by: Parents, Francis and Alma (Meyer) Nelson, wives, Irene Frances (Munger) Nelson, Irene (Spencer) Beye Nelson, and Birdie (Scott) Brock Nelson; daughter Nancy Nelson in infancy; brother Lowell Nelson; niece Beverly Chenoweth.
Survived by: Children, Kaye L. (Mrs. Francis) Tilley of Terre Du Lac; Rex and wife Beth Nelson of Panama City, FL; Grandchildren, Joel (Jolanda) Lusch, Tyler (Petra) Walpole, Melissa Nelson, Ryan (Heidi) Nelson Six Great-Grandchildren; Sister, Darlene Fousek; Special Niece, Barbara Schleder and Nephew-Mikel Nelson.
Memorial Service, Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 1 PM with full Military Honors at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Bonne Terre with Rev. Sally Ketterer officiating. A light snack and visitation with family will immediately follow the memorial service at the church. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Arrangements under the direction of C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home, Bonne Terre.
Bob Olson
Funeral services for Bob Olson, 88, of Fort Thompson, SD will be Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Fort Thompson, SD with burial in the Christ Episcopal Cemetery at Fort Thompson. Visitation will be Monday, March 8 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain. Wake services will be Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church in Fort Thompson.
Robert Conrad Olson was born at the old Fort Thompson Hospital on June 19, 1921 to Axel and Olga (Bertson) Olson of Fort Thompson, SD who came over from Lillehammer, Norway in 1914. He attended Fort Thompson schools through the eleventh grade and his senior year at Chamberlain where he graduated. After graduation, he helped his dad Axel farm and this farmland is now all under water of the Big Bend Dam. Later on in his life he was inducted in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he returned to South Dakota and went to work for Cable Land and Cattle Company and worked there for over 25 years. He then went to work for Western Construction as a mechanic during the construction of the Big Bend Dam. Upon completion of the dam he went to work for the Crow Creek Farms as a Farm Manager under Buddy Fleury until his farm accident which disabled him.
On October 19, 1950, Bob was united in marriage to Hazel McGhee of the Crow Creek District at Mount Vernon, SD. From this union a son, Armond D. “Red” Olson was born. Bob was very active in the Rodeo circuit and rode with the best of them including Casey Tibbs when he was just becoming a cowboy. However upon his marriage Bob was asked to quit rodeoing after he got hurt at a rodeo in Mitchell.
He then became very interested in old tractors and engines of which he restored many including his dads 1921 International Titan. Bob’s dad had bought his tractor new and drove it 24 miles to Fort Thompson where he lived and farmed. All of these antiques are still in the Olson family.
Bob passed away on March 5, 2010 at Firesteel Nursing Home in Mitchell, SD at the age of 88 years and 9 months. Gratefully sharing his life are his wife Hazel McGhee-Olson of Fort Thompson; his only son Armond D. “Red” Olson and wife JoAnn Dominiack-Olson of Fort Thompson, SD; a grandson Chad Olson of Chamberlain; two granddaughters Kristi Thompson and husband Brad of Pukwana, SD and Stacy Olson and fiancé, Jessie Dicus of Mitchell, SD; and 11 grandchildren Trevor Olson, Briana, Bridgette, Kammie, Karlie, Brendan, and Kaden Thompson, Levi Olson, Emma, Ryken, and Kai Armond Dicus. Preceding him in death were his farther Axel Olson, mother Olga Olson, and brother Archie Olson all of Fort Thompson.
John E. Christensen
Funeral services for John E. Christensen, 86, of Oacoma, SD will be Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Oacoma, SD. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain.
John E. Christensen was born April 1, 1923 at Parker, SD to Andrew and Edith (Lakings) Christensen. He attended grade school through the tenth grade at Prairie Star Country School northeast of Reliance and graduated from Oacoma High School in 1941. After high school, he returned to farming with his father until enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps on April 21, 1945. After his discharge on May 19, 1946, he returned home to continue farming with his father on the family farm. John met Ruth Norman in June of 1946 and on October 26, 1946, they were united in marriage. To this union, four daughters were born: Edith, Ethel, Karen, and Chris. John and Ruth farmed and raised Simmental cattle, sheep, and pigs until semi-retiring and moving to Oacoma in 1997 when his grandson began taking over the family farm operations.
John was a member of the American Legion Johnson-Peterson Post No. 179 of Reliance for 59 years and since 1961 was a member of the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain. He was a member of the Simmental Association, Stockgrower’s Association, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Fairland Township Board, and Lindley School Board. John received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1957.
John passed away on March 5, 2010 as a result of a vehicle accident near Pukwana, SD at the age of 86 years. Gratefully sharing in his life are his four daughters Edith Christensen and close friend Wally Jacobson of Howard, SD, Ethel Johnson of Norwood, MN, Karen Kraus and husband Don of Custer, SD, and Chris Laughlin and husband Rick of Brandon, SD; 10 grandchildren: Mike and Greg Schuchardt, Ryan, Jon, and Heather Johnson, Brian, Lori, and Jeff Kraus, Rochelle Lund and husband Dean, and Mallory Laughlin; two great grandchildren Spencer and Kylie; a step great grandchild Kryssa; and a sister Donna Bauer of Mitchell, SD. Preceding him in death were his mother in 1947, his father in 1954, and his wife Ruth on February 24, 2009, and a sister Dorothy Cadwell.
If there is a story about John you would like to share with his daughters please email them to dhfuneral@midstatesd.net or send to Hickey Funeral Chapel, PO Box 207, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Legion Johnson-Peterson Post, 33181 241st St., Reliance, SD 57569 or United Church of Christ, 101 N. Merrill, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Anita O. Nielsen
Anita O. Nielsen, age 89, of Yankton, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Golden Living Center, Norfolk, NE. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton, with Rev. Dave Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be Yankton Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Visitations will be 6 to 8 PM, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Anita O’Rielly was born July 7, 1920 to Albert and Ellen (Swanson) O’Rielly in Chamberlain, SD. She enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in Pukwana, SD, a small town with many opportunities in the school system and the church for lasting friendships. She began piano lessons at an early age, continuing into adulthood. Another great joy was training and riding her Shetland pony. Many times would trade rides with friends who had bicycles. She was baptized in St. Fredrick’s Church and confirmed in the Pukwana Free Lutheran Church in May of 1934.
In June of 1936 she moved with her parents to Yankton, SD, when her father began employment with the Government Feed and Seed Loan Program. She graduated from Yankton High School in 1937 and went on to earn a B.A. degree from Yankton College in 1941. She also continued piano during those years, when for two summers she was secretary to Dr. Lee N. Dailey, head of the Conservatory at Yankton College. After graduation, she worked briefly at WNAX as a secretary. She then went on to teach commercial subjects and English at high schools in Emery, Vale, and Tripp, SD. This was the height of World War II, and travel was difficult.
On January 11, 1944 she married Capt. Howard (Hod) Nielsen when he returned from overseas duty. They lived at Will Rogers Field Airbase in Oklahoma City, OK and also at Coffeyville (Kansas) Airbase, where their first child, Janet, was born. Later the family lived at Rapid City, SD for three years, where they enjoyed church and school activities. After their return to Yankton, they established their home in which they lived since 1955.
Her memory is cherished by her husband Hod of Yankton, SD; daughters Janet (Loren) Gratz of Tucson, AZ and Karen (Wes) Wingett of Norfolk, NE; one son Dick of Lincoln, NE; grandsons Robbin (Erica) List of Robinson, IL, Nathan Gratz of Tucson, AZ, and Evan (JoHanna) Gratz of San Francisco, CA; and great granddaughters Bailey, Lucy, and Annika List.
Gertrude “Trudi” Picek Richey
Trudi Richey, 86, passed away Jan. 1, 2010 in a rehabilitation hospital in CA following back surgery.
She was born Nov. 11, 1923 in Kimball, SD and graduated in 1941 from Kimball High School. After moving to CA, she worked in Orange, CA many years as secretary for an aircraft company, before retiring.
She was the mother of two sons, Michael and Danny. Danny is now deceased. Trudi had several cousins in CA & SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed Picek & wife, one brother, and one son. Funeral arrangements were under a CA Funeral Home.
Shirley Auch
Shirley Auch, 81, Of Pierre died Saturday March 6, 2010 at St Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.
Shirley Salathe was born August 5, 1928, in rural Sully County, SD to George and Verna (Beckett) Salathe. She Attended Country School and later Harold High School, Where she graduated. She Married Victor Auch on June 8, 1946. They moved to Chamberlain SD in 1955. Shirley started working at St. Joseph Indian School in 1957 and was employed there for 35 years.
After Shirley retired, she and her husband moved to Pierre to be with there grandkids. Shirley enjoyed her retirement and spending time with her grandkids.
Shirley is survived by her son James Auch, of Pierre, SD, Daughter Gerrie (Allen) Boone, of Aurora CO, Five grandchildren, Two great grandchildren, One sister Lorrie (Elmer) Maher, of Pierre, SD, Brother Jerald (Marlys) Salathe, of New York Mills, MN.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Victor, Grandson, Mike Boone, Brother Harold Salathe And sister Dot Winckler.
Shirley Geddes
Shirley Geddes, 82, Spearfish and formerly of Whitewood, died Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Spearfish.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will follow at the Whitewood Cemetery.
Shirley was born May 6, 1927, in Grace City, ND, to Henry and Ina (Brown) Jensen. She attended school in Grace City until her senior year. Shirley moved to Hayfield, IA, to live with her uncle and attend school. On the first day of school her senior year, a tall handsome young man walked her home and 65 years later, they are still the love of each other's hearts. Shirley married Donald Geddes October 12, 1946, in Hayfield.
After living many places with railroad jobs, they settled in Chamberlain, SD, for many years before moving to Whitewood in 1971. They owned and operated Don's U Save then the Hole in the Wall bar until they retired in 1992 and moved to a little acreage near Belle Fourche. In 2001, they moved into Belle Fourche where they lived until moving to Edgewood Vista in 2009.
Shirley was always involved in the communities where she lived with such activities as Altar Society, Chamber of Commerce, community fund raisers, Beta Phi Sorority, and Tea Bags, a 1960 kitchen band. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, playing pool, darts, cards, and had a passion for baking, cooking, and her family.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Don Geddes, Spearfish; her children, Ed (Dee) Geddes, Oacoma, SD, Deb (Scott) Dominiack, Brookings, SD, James Geddes, Fruitdale, SD, Todd (Shannon) Geddes, Belle Fourche, SD, Jodi (David) Behrens, Oswego, IL, and Jennifer (Bob) Weyrich, Pierre, SD. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Trisha (Brian) Burke with Maci, Ashton, and Daryn of Chamberlain; Trent (Emilee) Geddes with Conner, Carsten, and Emerson of Sioux Falls; Ryan (Onna) Dominiack of Sioux Falls; Kara Dominiack of Minneapolis, MN; Quinten Geddes of Fort Collins, CO; Kendra Geddes of Rapid City; Brooke, Katie, Nathan, and Molly Behrens of Oswego, IL; Krista Weyrich of Rapid City; and Nick and Taylor Weyrich of Pierre. She is also survived by one sister, Melva (Pat) Boyle, Clarkston, WA; one brother, Bob (Mary Ann) Jensen, Palmer, AK; three sisters-in-law, Marian Jensen, Carrington, ND, Karen Geddes, Las Vegas, NV, and Mary Rose Harrington, Apache Junction, AZ; one brother-in-law, Don Erickson, New Rockford, ND; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Molly Geddes; her mother and father; two sisters, Joyce Boyer and Carol Erickson; one brother, Lloyd Jensen, and two brothers-in-law, Harold Boyer and Dean Geddes.
A memorial has been established to the Whitewood Senior Citizens Center.
Funeral services for Donald F. Schulte, 83, of Oacoma, SD will be Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 2 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. and scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Donald Francis Schulte passed away peacefully on February 26, 2010 at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD where he lived for the past two years. At Don’s request his body will be donated to the U.S.D. School of Medicine for teaching purposes after which time his ashes will be returned for burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Oacoma, SD.
Don was born at Storla, SD to William and Anna (Wirges) Schulte on October 12, 1926. The family moved to Emery, SD where he attended St. Martin’s school through the eighth grade. He then worked on his parent’s farm until entering the Marine Corps. Following his service in the Marines, he returned to the farm until 1948 when he moved to Mitchell to do electrical work. In June of 1948, Don moved to Chamberlain to work for Jim Nelson Electric.
Don was united in marriage to Dorothy Abernathy on November 8, 1948 at Stephan Mission. He was custodian of the Chamberlain Public Schools and also did plumbing work. The family moved to Oacoma in 1952 and in 1953 Don stated Schulte Excavating which he operated for 32 years. He was also the Oacoma Town Auditor for six years. He started Oacoma Small Engine Repair and later began working for the City of Chamberlain Parks Department until his health forced his retirement in August of 2001.
Don was a member of St. James Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, VFW, Forty and 8, and the American Legion which he was Assistant Commander for two years and Area Vice Commander of the Legion for a year.
Don is survived by Dorothy; his daughters Donna Cink of Denver, CO and Dianne Dedrick of Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters Wilma Weber of Montrose, SD, and Dorothy Ryan of Mitchell, SD; a brother Lawrence Schulte of Redwood, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant daughter Darlene, daughter Deborah Christensen, and three brothers Arthur, Leo, and Wilfred.
Travis O’Connor
Gregory – funeral services for TRAVIS O’CONNOR, 21, of Gregory SD were held on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM at the Gregory Auditorium in Gregory. Burial with military honors was in the I.O.O.F.Cemetery.
A prayer service and visitation was held on Friday evening at 7:30 PM at the United Methodist Church in Gregory.
He died on February 23, 2010.
Travis Lee O’Connor was born on Saturday December 31st 1988 at Gregory South Dakota to Lee Dennis O’Connor and Lesa Sanden. Always one for adventure he came into the world at 10:22 pm, one hour and thirtyeight minutes short of being the New Year's baby. Among Travis' first memories were those of living a short distance from the Gregory Sale barn. It was here that he would coax his neighbor Mrs. Volberding into taking him to visit all of the animals, especially the horses. These visits' were the inspiration for the Cowboy side of Travis' life. At the very young age of 3 years Travis lost his Father in an auto accident. During this transition Lesa and Travis moved to Chamberlain South Dakota. While living in Chamberlain Travis started school. As fun as the early days of school were, his greatest love was to visit his Grandpa Frank back home in Gregory. While growing up "Grandpa Frank" was his most favorite companion. Many were the hours they whiled away together.
Travis and his mother returned to Gregory after his completion of second grade in Chamberlain. On April 4th, 1999, he was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Burton, NE. Travis was a well-liked student in the graduating class of 2007, as reflected by being chosen as runner up royalty for homecoming. He was glad that his buddy Nate won and he could share the joy.
During his life Travis continued with the love of animals nurtured at the sale barn. This along with a lifelong friendship led him to spend many hours out at the Serr ranch riding horses and working with the cattle, on a couple occasions going with them to the Black Hills and the Big Horn Mountains on camping trips. This love for horses was something he shared with his mother Lesa and they both rode often in the Fourth of July parades in Gregory.
Horses and cattle were not the only hobbies Travis enjoyed. He was known to spend hours hunting with any number of his buddies. The list of those names is rather long, and he would want each of them to remember the good times and how much their friendship meant. Other hobbies included but were not limited to his love for sky diving, getting greasy as a mechanic with Tanner Reuer and Chris Lindquist, especially on Chris's race car. A couple of favorite trips should be mentioned as well, his trip to a Florida beach with Veronica Frasch, and a trip to Virginia Beach with his buddies. He enjoyed working for Lyle Christensen as an electrician's assistant and carpentering with all of his mentors like Lyle Moerike, Louie Harsin, and many others. It is said of Travis that he was a Jack of all trades and master of fun. He also enjoyed all the concerts he was able to attend with his many friends.
After finishing high school Travis went to college but could not stand being cooped up inside as he was an outdoorsman. He enlisted in the National Guard on October 15, 2008-encouraged by his friend Trandon Walters- and the army way of life became his new love. He took his basic training at Ft. Benning, Ga. and his AIT at Ft. Eustis, VA. At the time of his passing on February 23, 2010 he was attached to the C Company 1/189th General Support Aviation Battalion stationed in Rapid City South Dakota. Travis enjoyed coming home to Gregory as he adored his siblings as much as they adored him and they would have all kinds of fun together.
If he could he would like to thank Anna Matucha for all the times she gave him a ride back and forth to Gregory from Rapid and always being there for him. There are so many others that touched his life and he wouldn't want to forget anyone but the list is very long, just know that he appreciated and loved each of you.
During his stays at home in Gregory he adored his siblings as much as they adored him and they would have all kinds of fun together. Travis tried going to college but could not stand being cooped up inside as he was an outdoorsman. It is said of Travis that he was a Jack of all trades and master of fun.
After finishing high school Travis joined the National Guard-encouraged by his friend Trandon Walters- and the army way oflife became his new love. He took his basic training at Ft. Benning, Ga. and his advanced training at Ft. Eustis, VA. At the time of his passing on February 23,2010 he was attached to the 189th Artillery stationed in Rapid City South Dakota.
Travis was preceded in death by his father Lee O'Connor, his maternal Grandmother Linda Big Eagle Sanden, his maternal Grandfather Francis Sanden, and paternal grandmother Rosie Kerner.
Surviving Travis is his mother Lesa Sanden, his brother Zachery Ecklund; sister Ashton Ecklund, and step-father Mark Ecklund all of Gregory, along with a step brother Garrett Ecklund of Deadwood South Dakota. Also surviving him on his fathers side are his Aunts and Uncles- Larry, Brenda, Cindy and Barb; his grandmother Lucille Sanden of Gregory and great- grandmother Lavina Kerner of Winner, great-aunts on his mother's side: Blanche Big Eagle, Regina Big Eagle, Kayleen LaRoche, Patricia Brown, great Uncle Carl Johnson and close cousin Sonya Johnson, along with a host of cousins other relatives and many friends.
Leo Gregg
Leo Gregg, 73, of White River, SD, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in White River. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White River, SD. Burial will be in the White River Cemetery. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services.
Leo Claire Gregg was born on February 23, 1937 to Cepter and Margaret Gregg and was raised on a ranch near White River. He graduated from White River High School in 1955. He then continued working on the family ranch until 1961. After leaving there, he worked at various jobs including the Nelson farm, Doniphan, NE, American Crystal Sugar Beet Factory, Grand Island, NE, Aasen Landscaping Company, Minot, ND, Gopher Smelting Industry, Minneapolis, MN.
He worked at the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, SD until November 3, 1966 when he was seriously injured in a mining accident. After several months of recovery, he enrolled in the Lake Area Vocational Technical School in Watertown, SD. He graduated from there on May 29, 1970. for the next several years, he worked as an office equipment technician before he started his own repair shop in White River. He continued operating his shop until he retired in 1996.
In addition to caretaking for his mother, Leo spent much time enjoying his hobby of gardening.
He is survived by his brother Robert (Julie) Gregg, Chamberlain, SD; sister Mary Ellen (Clair) Roth, Minot, ND; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother Merle.
For a full online obituary or to sign the registry, please visit www.masonfh.com.
Lorraine Isburg Flaws
Funeral services for Lorraine Isburg Flaws, 82, of Chamberlain, SD will be Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain at 12PM with viewing beginning at 11AM. Following the burial at the Riverview Cemetery everyone is invited to a Memorial Service and dinner at 2 PM at the Community Center in Oacoma, SD to celebrate her life and share their stories about Lorraine.
Lorraine Isburg Flaws died February 18, 2010 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD after a short illness.
Lorraine Isburg Flaws was born on 27 August 1927 to Thure F. and Amelia (Carpenter) Isburg at their home on Brule Bottom, north of Chamberlain, SD. She was an enrolled member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and very proud of this fact.
She attended country school and graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1945. She attended college at Nettleton College and Augustana in Sioux Falls, SD.
She married Arleigh Stokes in 1947. To this union a daughter was born. Carman Stokes was born in 1948 at Sioux Falls, SD. Lorraine worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for a few years then in 1952 for the Alewel’s as office manager for the Chamberlain Register. Lorraine and her daughter moved to Las Vegas in 1953. She worked as a bookkeeper, was an instructor at the Las Vegas Business School, and property manager for celebrity condo and apartment buildings She knew many of the celebrities who were headliners in Las Vegas during the 1960’s and 70’s.
Lorraine married Eugene Flaws in 1974 in Tonapah, NV. They returned to Chamberlain, SD in 1976 and Lorraine started the Lorraine Isburg Flaws Enterprises (LIFE) Roofing and Construction business. She received many government contracts for remodeling of buildings in SD and ND. They did a lot of work at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City.
After her daughter was killed in an auto accident in March 1986 she lost interest and closed her business in Dec. 1988. In 1993 she became the Gaming Commissioner and General Manager of the LodeStar Casino in Ft. Thompson for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She worked for the Tribe from 1993 to 1996. After Eugene died in Oct. 1996 after a long battle with cancer she decided to retire.
Lorraine was a member of the SD Minority Contractors Assoc., Plains Builder’s Exchange of Sioux Falls, Builder’s Exchange of Rapid City, North Dakota Minority Contractors Assoc., North Central States Roofer’s Assoc. of ND, Chamberlain Chamber of Commerce, National Roofer’s Contractor’s Assoc, Lakota Development Council, Crow Creek Farm Board, Lower Brule Conservation and Wildlife Enterprises, Mid-Dakota Hospital Board, Dakota Habitat for Humanity, National Indian Gaming Commission and Indian Medicine (IMED) University, Grand Forks, ND.
Lorraine was very proud to be inducted into the SD Hall of Fame in 2002 for her Indian Heritage and was presented with a traditional Eagle Plume at the ceremony. Her other Awards and Honors were to be appointed by Governor Kniep to the State Contracting Board, Minority Contractor of the Year for SD, ARMCO Siding “Most Sales Achievement” Award, Small Business Assoc. (SBA) Person of the Year for SD, and US Small Business Administration Minority Advocate of the Year which was presented to her in the White House Rose Garden by President Ronald Reagan.
Lorraine loved to talk about her younger years growing up along the Missouri River on Brule Bottom. She was proud of her Indian heritage and in 2002 began a quest to find her Sioux ancestors with the help of Donna Kentch and Sandra K. Isburg who lives on the original allotment on Brule Bottom. Lorraine had plans to turn her grandfather’s original allotment into a wetland refuge.
Grateful for having shared her life are her cousins, Dr. Carroll Isburg of Yankton, SD; Darryl Lee Isburg, Pierre, SD; Dean Isburg, Volin, SD; and Leland Isburg, Chamberlain, SD. Children of her brother, Donald Isburg, Audrey Isburg Courser, Vancouver, WA; and Clinton Dale Isburg, Amboy, WA and their children. Also numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and special friends: Donna Kentch; Polly Prchal, Carole Hutmaker of Oacoma, SD, Shirley Goldammer, Chamberlain, SD, JoAnne Mann of Newtown, ND, and Carole Seeking Land of Ft. Thompson, SD.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Thure and Amelia (Carpenter) Isburg; her husband, Eugene Flaws; daughter, Carmen Stokes and brother, Donald Isburg.
Isburg-Hofmeister Funeral Home of Pierre, SD is in charge of the arrangements.
Mary J. Staples-Johnson
Funeral services for Mary J. “Bunny” Staples-Johnson, 69, of Fort Thompson formerly of Sioux Falls, SD will be Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson with burial in the St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery at Crow Creek. Wake services will be Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson.
Bunny was born March 23, 1940 to George and Della Mae (McGhee) Staples. She was raised in the Pukwana area. She attended boarding school and then Pukwana High School. After high school, Bunny remained in the Pukwana area before moving to Sioux Falls where she attended Stewarts School of Hairstyling. Bunny made Sioux Falls her home for 42 years. She began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company which later changed to Qwest Communications and remained there until retiring in March of 2000 after 21 years. Bunny was united in marriage to Paul Johnson on February 14, 2000.
She loved being with her family and also enjoyed just being around people.
Bunny passed away on February 20, 2010 at her home in Fort Thompson at the age of 69 years. Survivors include daughter Lori A. Dolezal of Fort Thompson; five sons Ken Fourcloud and Ginger of Sioux Falls, Kelly Sunde and Michelle of Sioux Falls, Ron Dolezal and Lori of Chamberlain, Robert Dolezal and Susan of Pierre, and Donald Dolezal and Becky of Fort Thompson; siblings Ron Hopkins of Custer, John Lytle of Denver, CO, Jerry McBride of Fort Thompson and Rita Chanku of Sioux Falls; 17 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband Paul; her parents Alfred and Della Lytle “Ma & Pa”, a sister Patty Evans, and her paternal father George Staples.
Joseph Stepon
Joseph Stepon, 76, passed away on June 30, 2009 in Seminole, FL after a long battle with primary amyloidosis. Joe was born June 19, 1933 in rural South Dakota to Joe and Tillie (Skluzsk) Stepon. He was on active duty with the US Navy during the Korean war and later graduated from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering and was a registered Professional Engineer.
On June 7, 1958 he married Marilyn (Conley) in Harvard, IL. The couple than moved to Rantoul, IL where Joe began his career with the US Army Engineers. In 1960 he was transferred to Englewood, CA where their daughter Cindy (Mrs.Russell Dowell) was born. The army then transferred them to Vicenza, Italy where their son, Joey (deceased 1972) was born. In 1964 Joe started working at Rock Island Arsenal in Research and Development, Project Management and Facilities Management. They lived in Bettendorf, IA and their daughter Janna (Mrs. Michael Noble) was born. In 1970 the family was transferred to Germany and in 1975 he returned to Rock Island Arsenal and retired in 1973.
Joe's first interest was always his family, and enjoyed traveling, boating on the Mississippi and at Lake Carlyle, IL, and wintering in Florida.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, two daughters, Cindy and Janna, and four children, Elizabeth and Becky Dowell and Joey and Liam Noble. Joe was a friend to all and will be missed by all who knew him.
Marlin E. Ellis Funeral services for Marlin E. Ellis, 70, of Chamberlain will be Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Reliance Methodist Church in Reliance with burial in the Reliance Cemetery at Reliance. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Sharing of Memories at 7:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Marlin E. Ellis was born January 29, 1940 at Chamberlain to Dale and Dorothy (Mills) Ellis. He attended rural grade school and high school in Chamberlain, SD. Marlin grew up on Bull Creek near Iona, SD. Raising Horses, cattle and farmed with his family until he was united in marriage on October 6, 1962 to Delaine D. Blare at Pierre, SD. For the first ten years of their marriage they farmed and ranched while raising their four daughters.
Marlin moved his family to Oacoma and began his Ellis Trucking business; where he traveled to many states hauling livestock for area ranchers. Each daughter had the opportunity to ride in the Freightliner traveling many miles if only as a form of no-doze for Dad. After a move to Reliance, he delivered propane for the Reliance Coop, and then worked at Al’s Oasis as a night janitor before retiring. Bored of retirement, Marlin returned to working. He and Delaine managed the American Creek Campground for five years.
Marlin loved his family and every person he met was a friend. Marlin enjoyed playing cards with friends, computer strategy games “Jewel Qwest”, and this Christmas discovered the new meaning of Wii. Challenging him learning Golf, bowling, and fishing right in his living room. He was a loyal hardworking man his whole life. His greatest accomplishment was his family from his wife and children to all of his grandchildren. Marlin was a member of the Reliance Methodist Church, a member of the Reliance Fire Department and a women’s softball coach one summer.
Marlin passed away on February 12, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 70 years. Gratefully sharing in his life are his wife Delaine of Chamberlain; mother Dorothy Ellis of Chamberlain; son Kevin Ellis of Altona, PA; four daughters Melody Songer and LaVerne of Chamberlain, Wendy (Kevin Pavlenko) Ellis of New Castle, WY, Rebecca (Judd Lindquist) Brown of Watertown, SD, and Tina DeHaai and Lee of Chamberlain; two brothers LeRoy Ellis and Sharon of Reliance and Merrill Ellis and Myrena of Chamberlain; a sister Laura Fletcher and Don of Reliance; 13 grandchildren; three great grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father Dale, sister Dorothy Faye and his infant grandson.
David E. Nelson Funeral services for David E. Nelson, 67, of Chamberlain will be Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be Friday, February 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
David Einer Nelson was born on July 20, 1942 at Portland, OR to Einer and Doris (Dent) Nelson. He attended grade school and graduated from Benson High School in Portland in 1960. After high school, Dave began his heating and air conditioning business and also worked as a real estate agent.
On October 5, 1986, Dave was united in marriage to Sharon Holler at Pierpont, SD. In 1988, they moved from Portland to Chamberlain where he continued his Heating/Air Conditioning business and real estate business. Dave’s foremost love was flying, having his pilot’s license, he owned his own plane in Portland. After moving to South Dakota, he occasionally flew. He enjoyed fishing and spending time on the river.
Dave was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chamberlain. He was an avid Gideon and was instrumental in setting up a Gideon Camp in Chamberlain where he was currently serving as Vice President.
Dave passed away on February 10, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 67 years. Gratefully sharing his life are his wife Sharon Nelson of Chamberlain; mother Doris Traver of Chamberlain; three daughters Kim, Shannon, and Michelle all of Oregon; a step daughter Michelle Hamiel and special friend Rick Hauck of Roscoe, SD and Missy Rae Plank; a step son Christopher Hallman of Nashville, TN; two brothers Donald P. Nelson of Vancouver, WA and Victor Nelson of Portland, OR; and 5 grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his father and an infant brother.
Dave will be missed by his beloved sheltie companion “Puppin” who he took everywhere he went.
Kathryn Fulwider Kathryn Fulwider, 89, passed away on February 9, 2010 at the Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, IA. Memorial services were Monday, Feb. 15 at the United Methodist Church in Gregorywith Rev. Royal Archer officiating. She was buried beside her husband in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Kathryn Durcilla Ford was born January 13, 1921, the eldest child of Harold M. and Leona Ada (Woodward) Ford of Greensburg, Indiana. She attended school in Greensburg, graduating in 1938. Following graduation she attended Central Business College in Indianapolis for a short time and returned to her home town working as a bookkeeper for the Charles H. Johnston Wholesale Grocers and later the Union Bank & Trust.
In July 1941, Kathryn married her high school sweetheart, Charles E. Schilling. They were married nine months when Charles was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
In 1942, Kathryn’s girlfriend, Gertrude, talked her into accompanying her to visit her boyfriend at Camp Attaberry, IN, where Kathryn met Virgil Fulwider from South Dakota. They married Feb. 20, 1943, for 62 years.
Kathryn followed Virgil on his military assignments in the states before he received orders to go overseas. Kathryn was pregnant and returned to Greensburg. On Feb. 3, 1945, son James Allen was born. She sent a cable to Virgil on the front lines of Italy to let him know he had a son.
After the war, Kathryn and Virgil lived for a short time in Greensburg. They then moved to Iona, SD, so Virgil could join his father in the farming/ranching operation. In 1947, daughter Judith was born. Coming to South Dakota was a cultural shock for the city girl from Indiana, but Kathryn became a wartime pioneer woman and worked as a homemaker and helpmate with Virgil.
Once the children attended high school in Gregory, she took a job as a bookkeeper for Buche’s for 2 ½ years. When Virgil retired from the ranch, they began traveling. They spent many winters in Marble Falls, TX, with side trips to the southeastern US and points in between. They found a home in Gregory after Jim took over the farm operation.
Virgil passed away in 2005, and Kathryn continued to live on her own. In 2007, due to her declining health, she moved to Council Bluffs to be with her daughter. She lived at Bethany Lutheran Home until her death.
Kathryn was a founding member of the Friendly Neighbors club of Iona and a member of the Iona United Methodist Church, VFW Ladies Auxiliary Burke Post 9950 and a 50-plus year member of Lois Chapter of OES, Greensburg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Charles Schilling, her soul mate Virgil Fulwider; brothers: William A. and Wilber W. Ford; and a nephew Robert H. Ford.
Survivors are her son James A. Fulwider of Iona, SD; her daughter Judith (Phil) McCracken, of Iowa; Grandchildren: Mary McCracken (Bo Hewitt) of SD; Sarah Anderson (David) of MN; and Daniel McCracken of IA; and a great-grandson Aaron Anderson of MN. Kathryn is also survived by a niece, Kathy Woodruff (Steve) of IN and a sister-in-law Willa Ford of IN.
LeRoy Wounded Knee, Jr. Funeral services for LeRoy Wounded Knee, Jr. of Fort Thompson, SD, will be Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Thompson with burial in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery at Stephan, SD. Wake services will be Friday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Fort Thompson.
LeRoy Wounded Knee, Jr. was born March 13, 1970 to Felestis (Sue) Fire and LeRoy Wounded Knee, Sr. at Chamberlain, SD. He was raised by his aunt and uncle Velma and Sidney Fleury since the age of two. He completed his education in the Fort Thompson School System. He was an outgoing respectful person, who shared stories, telling jokes, and always willing to help others. He enjoyed beading and writing poems in his past time. He loved to chef for his nieces and nephew fixing items they enjoyed eating and showing them how the preparation was done.
LeRoy passed away on January 29, 2010 at Sayre, OK. He is survived by his aunts Velma Fleury of Fort Thompson, Ethelyne Shangreaux of Pine Ridge, and Arlene Fire of St. Paul, MN; an uncle Ronald Wounded Knee of Fort Thompson; sisters Glenda and Werdna Wounded Knee both of Fort Thompson, Paula Humphrey of Oklahoma; a brother Steven White of Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents Joseph and Julia (St. John) Wounded Knee and Jack and Hermine Fire, and two brothers Donald Wounded Knee, LeRoy Wounded Knee, III, and a sister LeRory Makes Room For Them.
Vera E. Sterrett Vera E. Sterrett, 91, of Huron and formerly of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at the Violet Tschetter Memorial Home in Huron.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 8, 2010 at the Church of Christ with Max Kelley officiating. Burial will be in the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Vera was born on November 14, 1918 to Earl and Ada (Roth) Tripp at Akron, Iowa. She attended school in Dunlap, Iowa.
On May 1, 1936, she married William Sterrett at the Methodist Church in Mitchell. The couple lived and farmed in Wessington Springs and Letcher area for 25 years and later moved to Kimball. She worked at the Livestock Café for nine years. In 1954, she began to manage the Miller and Highmore Livestock Cafes. In later years, she worked at the bowling alley.
She was a member of the Church of Christ, Royal Neighbor of America and the Hyde County Senior Center. She loved music and enjoyed making trips to Huron to play bingo. Vera loved being around family and friends.
Vera is survived by three sons: Roger (Danna) Sterrett of Hartford, SD, Ronald (Bobbie) Sterrett of Huron, SD, and Richard (Jennie) Sterrett of Oregon, and one daughter, Connie Cramer of Huron, SD; one son-in-law, Jay Stoner of Oregon; 22 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Lorraine Sterrett; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; two daughters: Verna Spiers and Sandy Stoner; one son-in-law; eight sisters; two brothers; two great grandsons; and two great granddaughters.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Vera‚s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net
Richard Simon Richard Simon, 86 of Hoven passed away at Holy Infant Hospital in Hoven on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 surrounded by family.
Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hoven with Fr. Brian Simon, Celebrant and Fr. Lance Oser, Concelebrant. Burial followed at St. Anthony's Cemetery.
Richard Edward Simon was born August 4, 1923 to Stephen F. and Anna Magdalena (Mellenbach) Simon at his parents' farm five miles south of Hoven. He attended a rural school 3/4 mile from his home. He attended Hoven High School, graduating in 1944. Following graduation, Richard worked in the shipyards at Bremerton, Wash. Upon returning home, he farmed with his dad and became manager of the Hoven Co-op [censored]'n.
He married Florence Rose Rausch at Hoven on October 8, 1947. They purchased the Hoven Theatre in 1953 and ran it through 1959. He also became a Pioneer Seed Corn salesman at that time selling for over 40 years. In 1965 they bought the former Norbert Simon farm where they lived and farmed for several years and operated Simon Stack Moving, returning to town in 1980.
Richard was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hoven, Catholic Aid Society, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, Hoven Senior Center, and Hoven Service Club. In the past he had served on the Soil Conservation Service Board and had been a Hoven Co-op Director.
Richard's memory will be cherished by Florence, his wife of 62 years, his children: Lila Jean (Gerald) Lacher, Lebanon, Randy (Carol) Simon, Hoven, Cindy (Jim) Lutter, Gann Valley, and Bonnie Simon, Huron. his grandchildren, Jenny (Todd) Kallstrom, Hutchinson, MN, Robert (Becca) Lacher, Bismarck, ND, Patrick (Angie) Lacher, Bismarck, ND, Nick (Jamie) Simon, Groton, Chris (Jenn) Simon, Ipswich, Angela Simon, Boulder, CO, Josh Lutter, Brookings, Becky Lutter, Brookings, and Katie Lutter, Gann Valley, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Arlene (Earl) Randall, Aberdeen, Annette (Melvin) Frost, Hoven, 3 brothers, Eugene (Lila), Mike (Doris), Estelline, and LaVern (Gladys), Hoven, and sisters-in-law, Mildred Simon, Gettysburg, and Alice Simon, Hoven.
Edith E. Werner
Funeral services for Edith E. Werner, 96, of Oacoma, SD will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 10:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Oacoma. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 9 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.
Edith Elena Harless was born on November 10, 1913 near Hamill , SD to Lloyd and Gertrude (McAnnally) Harless. After graduating from Hamill High School, she attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD and earned a teachers certificate. While teaching at a rural school near Reliance, SD, she met Alvin Werner.
They were married on June 20, 1937, went to California to seek their fortune, but returned soon afterward to their roots in South Dakota. They lived in Reliance until moving to a ranch on the Missouri River near the mouth of White River in 1945.
In 1951 they relocated to a new ranch site near Oacoma where she lived until her passing. She was a true partner with her husband raising Hereford cattle often going to shows and on bull-buying trips. After 72 years together, Alvin preceded her in death in 2008.
After raising their four children, Edith went back to teaching first graders in Oacoma and Chamberlain. Edith was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was active in numerous church activities. She also helped organize the SD Association for Retarded Children, organized the Sunshine School, and remained an advocate for the retarded until recently. Edith was also active in the SD Cowbells and was honored as the SD Ranch Woman of the Year.
Edith is survived by two sisters, Annabell Homan of Crookston, NE, and Della Hurlbert of Kingsland, TX, two daughters, Joleen Werner of Chamberlain and Loaun (Jerry) Vaad of Oacoma, two sons, John Werner of Chamberlain and Hal (LeAnn Boyd) Werner of Brookings, six grandchildren: Tracy (Bill) Burkhard, Travis (Jenna Gunderson) Vaad, Wyatt Werner, Matthew Werner, Brett Werner, Mark Werner, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Home in Chamberlain.
Edward Miller
Funeral services for Edward "Tuffy" Miller, 68 of Sioux Falls, formerly of Fort Thompson will be Friday, February 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fort Thompson Community Center in Fort Thompson with burial in the St. Johns Episcopal Cemetery at Crow Creek, SD. Wake services will be held on Wednesday and Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Thompson Community Center in Fort Thompson.
Edward "Tuffy" Miller, Sr. died January 30, 2010 as a result of an accidental house fire in Sioux Falls. He was born May 9, 1941 to Gilbert and Ethel (McGhee) Miller in Fort Thompson, SD. He attended grade school in Fort Thompson and graduated from High School in Stephan, SD. He was a member of the National Guard. He later met and married Mae Archambeau in Chamberlain where they raised their six children. He later moved to Sioux Falls where he met and married Iona Fogg.
Edward is survived by seven children Edward Miller, Jr. and wife Delcie of Fort Thompson, Mikeal Miller of Sioux Falls, Candace Archambeau of Harrington, Richard Miller and fiancé Rebecca Coleman of Mitchell, Cynthia Miller of Mitchell, Collette Ward and husband Jay of Mitchell, and Crystal Soulek and husband Frank of Mitchell; 22 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers Richard Miller of Fort Thompson and Harold „Curly‰ Miller and wife Nancy of Fort Thompson and three sisters, Mona Gakin and husband Marvin, Sr. of Chamberlain, Debra Miller of Mitchell, and Diane Rodriguez of Arizona. Preceding him in death were his paternal parents, paternal grandparents, four brothers, a sister, wife Iona, and two grandchildren.
Loretta Fuegen
Funeral services for Loretta Fuegen, 91, of Mitchell, formerly of Chamberlain will be Friday, February 5, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel and a scripture service at St. James Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m.
Loretta Fuegen went home to be with her creator on February 1, 2010. She passed peacefully at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Loretta was born May 2, 1918 in Parkston, S.D., the second of eight children born to John and Clara (Heirigs) Janish. She married Walter Fuegen on October 21, 1939 in Brule County. They spent their lives farming in Buffalo and Brule County. With their children growing up, Loretta worked in many areas of retail with local businesses. After they retired and moved to Chamberlain Loretta found herself at Al's Oasis where she worked until she moved to Mitchell, SD.
In the Mitchell area she worked at Coborn's until she retired in 2009. She enjoyed spending time with her family, game shows, scrapbooking, crocheting, watching the basket ball games of her niece‚s children, while writing everyone letters faithfully over the years. She made many trips to Cheyenne, WY to see her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Loretta is survived by her daughter Linda Specht of Cheyenne, WY; three sisters Leona Young of Mitchell, Margaret Reuland of Kimball, Clara McGregor and husband Wally of Kimball; a brother Ray Janish and wife Doris of Kimball; four grandchildren Nancy Knaub and husband Marty of Cheyenne, WY, James Saukerson and wife Yvonne of Kimball, NE, Thomas Saukerson of Burns, WY, and Sara Ingram and husband Brian of Lingle, WY; seven great grandchildren Alyssa, Lucas, Drew, Sean, Steve, Serena and Rick. Loretta was also survived by 35 nieces and nephews along many other friends and extended family. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, her son John, her husband Walter, her grandson Daniel, her sister Maxine, brothers Albert and Lewis, niece Yvonne and nephew Michael.
Miles C. Cannon Miles C. Cannon, 72, of Barrington, IL, died January 27th at home, surrounded by the love of his immediate family, following an extended battle with cancer. He devoted his life to God, family and friends.
Visitation for Miles will be held on Sunday, Jan. 31st, from 3-7pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main Street (Lake Cook Road), Barrington. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 11am at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 East Main Street, Barrington. Interment will be held on Wednesday at Hills of Rest Memorial Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Miles was born March 18, 1937 in Denver, CO to Arch and Josephine Cannon. His early years were spent at The Barlow School in Amenia, NY; he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in San Simeon, CA. Following his discharge Miles embarked on his relentless pursuit of adventure: downhill ski racing in Colorado, Porsche races in southern California and sailboat regattas off the coast of New Jersey. His professional endeavors brought him to Sioux Falls, SD where he met the love of his life, Jeanne E. Bauman. The couple was married on March 2, 1968.
In 1971, Miles started as a salesman in Minneapolis, MN with Howmedica Inc., an orthopedic implant company and division of Pfizer; in 1975 he served as National Sales Manager in Rutherford, NJ. In 1977, he became a distributor for the company and founded Howmedica-Cannon Associates, Inc. in Elk Grove Village, IL. Known by his employees as “Mr. C”, Miles was an accomplished businessman who is loved and respected for his wisdom, warmth and generous spirit. He retired in 1996.
Miles’ passion was aviation; he was most content in the cockpit of an airplane, his favorite being his Malibu Mirage. Earning his private pilot license in 1985, Miles took to the sky at every opportunity. He used the following excerpt from a John G. Magee, Jr. poem to best describe the spiritual high that flying fulfilled in his life: “Up, up the long delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, where never lark or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”
When he wasn’t in the air, you could find Miles on the ground at his Skylane Ranch overlooking the bluffs of the Missouri River in Chamberlain, SD. Established in 1987, his ranch became a place of conservation for nature and wildlife, as well as family history and traditions.
A 32-year resident of Barrington, IL, Miles was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Atonement. He was also a dedicated volunteer at Good Shepherd Hospital, an avid supporter of Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP), a volunteer for Lifeline Pilots and founding member of the Barrington chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
Miles is survived by his wife, Jeanne, Barrington; his daughter, Alicia Alfano (Anthony), Chicago, IL; his son Trevor (Kristin), Wauconda, IL; and his three grandchildren, Tessa and Dominic Alfano, and Elkey Cannon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of Atonement Building Fund, 909 East Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010 or LAMP Ministry Inc., P.O. Box 480167, New Haven, MI 48048.
Visit Davenportfamily.com, where online condolences can be left for his family. For information, 847-381-3411
Pauline F. Shields Funeral services for Pauline F. Shields, 61, of Fort Thompson, SD will be Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson with burial in the Christ Episcopal Cemetery at Fort Thompson. Wake services will be Thursday and Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson.
Pauline Florence Quilt was born January 26th, 1948 at Pierre, SD to Edmund and Pearl (McBride) Quilt. She attended elementary school at Lower Brule, Pierre, and Fort Thompson and high school in Gann Valley.
Pauline’s passion was cooking, she could make something out of nothing and it was the best thing you ever ate. She worked in various food establishments throughout South Dakota. She cooked for many kids at the tribal school in Stephan and also managed the tribal café in Fort Thompson.
She then dedicated her life to helping troubled adolescents at Red Horse Lodge as a counselor when it opened and remained until they closed their doors. In 1993, Pauline began working at the Lower Brule Counseling Services where she worked until the time of her death.
Throughout Pauline’s life of generosity and selflessness, she looked beyond her own needs and problems to help others in any way she could. Her sense of humor was one of her most wonderful qualities. She brought laughter and smiles to all who met her.
Pauline passed away on January 25th, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 61. Blessed for having shared her life are her daughter, Stacey Shields of Fort Thompson; a special grandson, Tayden Jandreau; a sister, Karen Wright; two brothers, Terry Quilt and Mitchell Quilt; one aunt, Rose Eagle Star; and numerous nieces and nephews. Greeting her in the Spirit World are her parents, her husband “Schmo”, two sisters, Fauniel and Patricia Ann, and a brother, Edmund Jr.
Elmer Zweber Elmer Zweber, age 86, of Lebanon, S.D. passed away at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center of Chamberlain, S.D. on December 20th, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23rd at Sacred Heart Church, in Gettysberg, S.D. with Fr. Jerry Copel officiating. Burial of the ashes will be in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetary in Lebanon, at a later date. Elmer E. Zweber was born June 5, 1923 in Hoven S.D. to Frank and Rose (Simon) Zweber. Elmer grew up and went to school in Hoven. Elmer married Loretta Cooper on April 11, 1944 at Lebanon, S.D. To this union 10 children were born. Elmer worked construction for many years in various states, taking his family with him wherever he was working. In 1970, they returned to South Dakota and operated a bar in Kennebec. In 1979, they moved to Lebanon, S.D. where he lived until February of 2009 when he moved into the Sanford Long Term Care Facility in Chamberlain, S.D. His memory will be cherished by all his childern: Ann (Bill) Keiner of Chamberlain, S.D.; Rodney Zweber of Astoria, Oregon; Paul Zweber of Marina, California; Patricia (Allen) Solum, Gerald Zweber and Thomas Zweber all of Astoria, Oregon; Ellen (Dave) Cleland of Oacoma, S.D., Elmer Zweber Jr. of LiveOak, FL; and Wendy (Kelly) Berndt of Deadwood, S.D. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Helen Dutt of Pierre, S.D.; and a brother - Willard Zweber of Hoven, S.D. Elmer was proceeded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, his wife Loretta and a son - Michael. Hickey-Wevik Funeral Home of Chamberlain, S.D. was in charge of arrangements.
Myron L. Kindopp
Funeral services for Myron L. Kindopp, 64, of Watertown, formerly of Reliance, will be Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will be at the Hickey-Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain on Tuesday beginning at 3:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Myron Leighton Kindopp was born July 18, 1945 to Orvin and Martha (Hieb) Kindopp at Chamberlain. He attended Roosevelt Country School and Reliance High School where he graduated Valedictorian in 1963. On July 3, 1965, Myron was united in marriage to Suzanne Halverson at Kennebec, SD.
Myron and Suzie made their home together on the homestead where Myron was raised. Myron and Suzie welcomed their first son, Bryan, in 1966, a daughter, Kenda in 1972 and a son, Kelsey in 1974. During his lifetime, Myron served his God and Trinity Lutheran Church in Reliance as president, vice-president, secretary and elder. Myron’s community service included terms on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services, FmHA, Lyman County Ambulance, Kennebec Elevator, 4-H leader and was Bailey Township Treasurer at the time of his death.
Myron’s first and foremost passion was his wife, Suzie, and his family. High school sweethearts, seven proms together, 44 years of marriage, three children and seven grandchildren are his legacy. The Lord’s calling for Myron’s life work was farming and ranching. Myron and Suzie farmed with Myron’s parents, Orvin and Martha, for over 40 years. Myron exemplified the values of hard work and honesty. Myron’s next passion was sports, especially anything his children or grandchildren were involved in. Myron and Suzie were always a constant in the crowd. His children’s college educations at SDSU brought him a new love, the SDSU Jackrabbits. Wherever the Jacks went, Myron and Suzie were not far behind.
Myron also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Although a fierce competitor, Myron always had the patience to teach the game.Along his life’s journey, priceless friendships were established which he cherished.
Myron was called home by his Lord on January 22, 2010 after a 2 & ½ year courageous battle against advanced prostate cancer.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Suzie of Watertown, SD; his mother Martha Kindopp of Chamberlain; two sons, Bryan Kindopp and wife Kay and children Alex, Archer, and Aleese of Watertown, Kelsey Kindopp and wife Carrie and children Brooke and Kerrigan of Dell Rapids; and daughter Kenda Falconer and husband David and children Evan and Miranda of Watertown. Preceding him in death were his father Orvin on January 28, 2005 and his grandparents.
Clifford Metcalf, Sr.
Funeral services for Clifford Metcalf, Sr., 56, of Fort Thompson, SD will be on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson with burial in the Christ Episcopal Cemetery at Fort Thompson. Wake services will be Thursday and Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson.
Clifford Lawrence Metcalf, Sr. was born December 18, 1953 to Diana and Leonard Metcalf, Sr. He attended school at Fort Thompson Elementary and high school at Gann Valley High School and Crow Creek High School. In 1972, he joined the U.S. Marines and was honorably discharged in 1973. Clifford was united in marriage to Sharon Shields on May 9, 1975. To this union, four children were born Heidi Lee, Clifford, Jr., Kally, and Tally Metcalf. On January 15, 1982 Clifford earned his GED and then attended UTTC where he received his Associates Degree in Tribal Management on May 9, 2003. He was on the Presidents Honor Roll. Clifford was one of 15 students nominated 2002 edition of Who’s Who Students Among American Junior Colleges. On January 15, 1989, Clifford was united in marriage to Jerilyn Fallis. To this union, three children Dianna, Leonard, and Baby Deer were born and two step children Seanna and Michael Fallis.
Clifford worked various jobs including as a police dispatcher, at 4-Winds Rec. Center, as a Crow Creek Substitute Teacher, a Special Education Teacher’s Aide, and Boys Dorm Attendant. His passion in life was being with his grandchildren especially Talyn Joe. Clifford enjoyed playing basketball.
Clifford passed away on January 5, 2010 at Sanford Mid Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain at the age of 56 years. Grateful for sharing his life are his four children Clifford, Jr., Kally, Dianna, and Leonard Metcalf; five step children Kenny Seaboy, Sr., Trini Seaboy, Sr., Lonnie Seaboy, Michael Fallis, and Seanna Fallis; 11 grandchildren; and brothers and sisters Leonard, Jr., Michael Metcalf, Sr., Ida Howe, and Mary Metcalf. Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister Linda; his first wife Sharon Shields; two daughters Tally and Heidi Metcalf, an infant son Baby Deer, a grandson Baby Comes Flying, and a step daughter Kris McCauley
Evan Nick Jones
Evan Nick Jones, 84, of Kimball, SD passed away Saturday, January 2, 2010 at his home. Funeral Mass will be 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. A 2:00 P.M. Rosary Service will be held prior to services at the church. A Committal Service will be held at South Haven Cemetery in Sapulpa, OK at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Evan’s honor may be directed to the charity of your choice. The Shearer-Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com. Evan Nick Jones was born April 1, 1925 in Brule County, SD to Sheridan and Katherine (Pierce) Jones. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1944 and went on to serve his country in the Navy during World War II, The Korean War and Viet Nam. In 1958 he was united in marriage to Georgia Wilson, they were together until her passing in 1997. After his retirement from the Navy in 1964, he was employed with JCPenney in Oakland, CA until retiring in 1983. In 1998 he was united in marriage to Varelda Townsend, they were together until her passing in 2003. Evan returned to Kimball in 2004 where he remained until the time of his death. He was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church of Kimball and the Knights of Columbus. Grateful for having shared in Evan’s life: his 3 step children: James Medina of Austin, TX, Sandra Medina of New Iberia, LA and David Davis of Eureka, CA; a sister, Margaret Konechne of Kimball, SD ; a nephew and 2 nieces. Evan was preceded in death by: his parents, Sheridan and Katherine Jones; his wives, Georgia and Varelda; and a brother-in-law, Harry Konechne.
Clifford B. Weber Clifford “Cliff” B. Weber 75 of Sturgis passed away Friday, January 01, 2010 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Visitation will be from 12-7:00pm with family present from 5-7:00 pm Tuesday, January, 5, 2009 at the Black Hills Funeral Home, with a 7:00pm prayer service.
A funeral service will be 10:00am Wednesday, January 6, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis, with Rev. Kyle Reinhiller officiating. Interment will follow at the Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood.
Survivors include his wife Patti of Sturgis, sons Lance Weber of Gillette, WY, Rick Weber of Mentone, AL, Jeffrey Weber of Chamberlain, SD, daughters Jamie & Conrad Mikaelian of Palm Dessert, CA, Becki & Aaron Erickson of Watertown, SD, brothers Harold Weber of Rapid City, SD, Ken & Ida Lois Weber of Tulsa, OK, sisters Luella Tworek of Blair, NE, Enola & Marv Luchsinger of Columbus, NE, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sister Lucille Welch, son Darren Weischedel, and his parents. Family and friends may sign Cliff’s online guest book at blackhillsfuneralhome.com
Kathryn Fulwider Kathryn Fulwider, 89, passed away on February 9, 2010 at the Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, IA. Memorial services were Monday, Feb. 15 at the United Methodist Church in Gregorywith Rev. Royal Archer officiating. She was buried beside her husband in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Kathryn Durcilla Ford was born January 13, 1921, the eldest child of Harold M. and Leona Ada (Woodward) Ford of Greensburg, Indiana. She attended school in Greensburg, graduating in 1938. Following graduation she attended Central Business College in Indianapolis for a short time and returned to her home town working as a bookkeeper for the Charles H. Johnston Wholesale Grocers and later the Union Bank & Trust.
In July 1941, Kathryn married her high school sweetheart, Charles E. Schilling. They were married nine months when Charles was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
In 1942, Kathryn’s girlfriend, Gertrude, talked her into accompanying her to visit her boyfriend at Camp Attaberry, IN, where Kathryn met Virgil Fulwider from South Dakota. They married Feb. 20, 1943, for 62 years.
Kathryn followed Virgil on his military assignments in the states before he received orders to go overseas. Kathryn was pregnant and returned to Greensburg. On Feb. 3, 1945, son James Allen was born. She sent a cable to Virgil on the front lines of Italy to let him know he had a son.
After the war, Kathryn and Virgil lived for a short time in Greensburg. They then moved to Iona, SD, so Virgil could join his father in the farming/ranching operation. In 1947, daughter Judith was born. Coming to South Dakota was a cultural shock for the city girl from Indiana, but Kathryn became a wartime pioneer woman and worked as a homemaker and helpmate with Virgil.
Once the children attended high school in Gregory, she took a job as a bookkeeper for Buche’s for 2 ½ years. When Virgil retired from the ranch, they began traveling. They spent many winters in Marble Falls, TX, with side trips to the southeastern US and points in between. They found a home in Gregory after Jim took over the farm operation.
Virgil passed away in 2005, and Kathryn continued to live on her own. In 2007, due to her declining health, she moved to Council Bluffs to be with her daughter. She lived at Bethany Lutheran Home until her death.
Kathryn was a founding member of the Friendly Neighbors club of Iona and a member of the Iona United Methodist Church, VFW Ladies Auxiliary Burke Post 9950 and a 50-plus year member of Lois Chapter of OES, Greensburg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Charles Schilling, her soul mate Virgil Fulwider; brothers: William A. and Wilber W. Ford; and a nephew Robert H. Ford.
Survivors are her son James A. Fulwider of Iona, SD; her daughter Judith (Phil) McCracken, of Iowa; Grandchildren: Mary McCracken (Bo Hewitt) of SD; Sarah Anderson (David) of MN; and Daniel McCracken of IA; and a great-grandson Aaron Anderson of MN. Kathryn is also survived by a niece, Kathy Woodruff (Steve) of IN and a sister-in-law Willa Ford of IN.
LeRoy Wounded Knee, Jr. Funeral services for LeRoy Wounded Knee, Jr. of Fort Thompson, SD, will be Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Thompson with burial in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery at Stephan, SD. Wake services will be Friday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Fort Thompson.
LeRoy Wounded Knee, Jr. was born March 13, 1970 to Felestis (Sue) Fire and LeRoy Wounded Knee, Sr. at Chamberlain, SD. He was raised by his aunt and uncle Velma and Sidney Fleury since the age of two. He completed his education in the Fort Thompson School System. He was an outgoing respectful person, who shared stories, telling jokes, and always willing to help others. He enjoyed beading and writing poems in his past time. He loved to chef for his nieces and nephew fixing items they enjoyed eating and showing them how the preparation was done.
LeRoy passed away on January 29, 2010 at Sayre, OK. He is survived by his aunts Velma Fleury of Fort Thompson, Ethelyne Shangreaux of Pine Ridge, and Arlene Fire of St. Paul, MN; an uncle Ronald Wounded Knee of Fort Thompson; sisters Glenda and Werdna Wounded Knee both of Fort Thompson, Paula Humphrey of Oklahoma; a brother Steven White of Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents Joseph and Julia (St. John) Wounded Knee and Jack and Hermine Fire, and two brothers Donald Wounded Knee, LeRoy Wounded Knee, III, and a sister LeRory Makes Room For Them.
