Serving 28 Counties
in Central and Western
South Dakota

Obituaries

Peggy Ann Meek-Sell

Peggy A. Meek-Sell, 63, of Worthing, SD and formerly of Highmore, SD, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Southridge Healthcare in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Pastor Kori Lehrkamp officiating. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Peggy was born January 12, 1949 in Pierre, SD Floyd and Mary (Mason) Meek. She attended Chapelle School through the 8th grade and then graduated from Highmore High School 1967.

Peggy lived most of her life in the Sioux Falls area, working for insurance companies and part time at Yonkers as she loved the discounts and had the clothes to prove it. Peggy's greatest love was being a social butterfly as she enjoyed the company of all that she met. She had a contagious laugh that was unmistakably genuine. Peggy loved spending time on the family farm and spoiled her nieces and nephews as if they were her own.

Survivors include her brother, Delmas Meek of Holabird and a sister Jane, (Bill) Dunbar of Spearfish; nieces: Leslie Torpy and Jennifer (Brooke) Leighty; nephews: Keith Meek and Jim (Erin) Dunbar and all of their children; numerous cousins and a very supportive group of friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by her brother Charlie and her parents.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Peggy’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Richard Carr

Richard Carr, 83, of Huron, formerly of Faulkton died, Saturday, February 11, 2012 at his home in Huron.

Funeral service will be 10:30a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastors Bill Hoffmann and Barry Whipkey officiating.

Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00p.m. Monday, February 13, with family present at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Richard’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Evelyn Veronica Cermak

Evelyn Cermak, 85, of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Miller.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Pastor Kori Lehrkamp officiating. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m., prayer service at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore.

Evelyn Veronica was born March 23, 1926 to John and Emma (Schubert) McTague in Hyde County. She attended and graduated from school in Highmore, SD. On February 9, 1945 she married Leland Cermak, to this union five sons were born. They farmed in Northern Hyde County and later moved to Arlington, SD to run a Gambles Store. They moved to Highmore, SD and owned and operated Cermak Trucking until Leland’s retirement in January of 1992.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed solving crossword puzzles; she will be remembered for her wonderful dill pickles, candied red pickles, and frosted sugar cookies. She canned all the bounty from Leland’s large garden. She never missed a Highmore High School basketball or football game her boys played in. Evelyn belonged to the Women’s Civic League.

Evelyn is survived by four sons: Bill (Deb) Cermak of Highmore, Dave (Mary) Cermak of Apple Valley, MN, Barry Cermak of Des Moines, IA and Jim (Amy) Cermak of Spearfish; 11 grandchildren: Quinton (Georgette) Cermak, Alex (Becky) Cermak, Adam Cermak, Nathan (Erin) Cermak, Jason (Ashley) Cermak, Tracy Cermak, Brett (Sam) Cermak, Kelsey Cermak, Michaela Cermak, Lauren Cermak and Tyler Cermak; and five great grandchildren: Chase, Kendall, Logan, Gunner and Braxton Cermak.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland; son, Todd; parents, John & Emma McTague; brothers, Ray McTague and Vincent McTague; and sister, Hilda Beuchler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Special Olympics of South Dakota, 305 West 39th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 in memory of Todd Cermak.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Evelyn’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Stella M. Stevenson

Stella Stevenson, 94, of Faulkton, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the Faulkton Healthcare Center.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Bill Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow at the Faulkton Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.

Stella Mabel Bailey was born to Harry & Elizabeth (Strom) Bailey on September 17, 1917 at their farmstead 6 1/2 miles NE of Loyalton, SD. She joined two brothers, Walter & Roy. She started school in 1923 in the Liberty View School in Liberty Township, and attended there three years. The family then moved to the original Bailey farm, 2 miles N of Loyalton. Stella finished grade school and 4 yrs. of High School at Loyalton, graduating in 1935.

Stella married Truman William Stevenson on July 17, 1935. They lived on the Stevenson homestead in Enterprise Township in Norbeck, SD. Stella was baptized into the Baptist faith, in 1939 at the Hamomock Dam. They had one child, Maxine Louise on June 6, 1936. They attended picture movies, danced at house parties, had jamboree parties, and attended many family reunions. Over the years they traveled to 27 different states. Truman passed away on April 18, 1974.

Stella then married Milton Jay Stevenson on June 17, 1975. They continued to live on the Stevenson farm. They purchased a home in Faulkton in 1983. Milton passed away on September 16, 1984. On April 17, 1990, Stella married Emmett Juul from Lennox, SD. They married in Ipswich, SD. Emmett passed away on August 23, 2002.

Education was very important to Stella. She started her teaching career during WW2. She was a teacher at Stevenson and Orlean Schools at Norbeck, also taught at Onaka, Cresbard, and Hot Springs schools. She then taught 25 years in the Pierre School system. She attended Northern State College. She also attended the University of SD at Vermillion, Drake University in Des Moines, IA and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She had a major in education, minors in science, geography, history, dancing, music and physical education.

She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, embroidery, furniture upholstery, leather tooling, oil painting, photography, calligraphy, restoring dolls, collecting cardinals, and working on the Loyalton History book. Violin playing was a family favorite and she also played the piano at fiddling events.

Stella belonged to the South Dakota Educational Association, National Education Association, Hot Springs & Pierre Educational Association, Business & Professional Women of Hot Springs, American Association of University Woman, Rights & Responsibilities Committee for Teachers, Retired Teachers, Historical Society, Hospital Auxiliary, Arts & Crafts Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Domestic Katts Extension Club, Norbeck Willing Workers Club and Square Dance Clubs.

Survivors include her sister-in-law, Ardis Bailey; son-in-law, Roger Larson; grandchildren: Jerrine Larson, Charlene Larson, Francine (Doug) Carlson, Dannine (Dave) Gnat, Karlene (Jeff) Singer, Corrine (Jerry) Weyand, Kristine (Tom) Meyer, Brad (Jamie) Larson and Brent (Gwen) Larson.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Harry & Elizabeth Bailey; brothers, Roy and Mrytle Bailey, Walter Bailey; husbands: Truman Stevenson, Milton Stevenson and Emmett Juul; daughter, Maxine Larson and grandson, Bryan Larson

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Stella’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Ferne Nelson

Ferne Nelson, 75, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the Platte Health Center.

Funeral Services are 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at LaRoche Cemetery, rural Academy.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Memorials in Ferne’s honor may be directed to: The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, PO Box 428, Platte, SD 57369.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com. 

Ferne Mae (Simpson) Nelson was born on January 19, 1937 in Platte, South Dakota to Clarence and Verna (Viktora) Simpson. Ferne attended country school during her elementary years and graduated from Pukwana High School, Pukwana, South Dakota in 1955. She obtained her one year teaching certificate from Dakota Wesleyan, Mitchell, South Dakota, in 1956. She went on to teach K – 8th grade country school for two of the next three years.

Ferne married Bernie Nelson on June 2, 1957 in Bijou Hills, South Dakota. Ferne and Bernie had three children: Lyndon, Tracy and Brenda. Ferne dedicated her time to being a full time mother and wife. Ferne and Bernie lived the majority of their married years on their farm one and one half miles north of Academy, South Dakota, except from 1974 to 1982 when Bernie’s job took them to Marion, South Dakota. In 2001, Ferne and Bernie moved to the town of Platte.

Ferne enjoyed music (especially Polkas), cooking, reading and visiting with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She especially enjoyed reading true stories of people’s amazing encounters with Angels.

Ferne was an active member at Bethel Lutheran and participated in WMF. She had an amazing sense of humor, a caring heart and an unshakeable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ her Savior.

Ferne shared her life with: her husband of over 54 years, Bernie Nelson of Platte, SD; their three children: Lyndon Nelson & his wife, Freda of Lexington Park, MD, Tracy Nelson and his wife, Lynn of Platte, SD and Brenda (Nelson) Allison and her husband, Shane of Valentine, NE; four grandchildren: Rufina (Nelson) Botillo and her husband, Joe of Germany, Jessica Phillips of Valentine, NE, Eric Nelson and Kelli Nelson of Platte, SD; a great-granddaughter, Ella; two brothers: Guy Simpson and his wife, Florentine of Yankton, SD and Jim Simpson of Wickenburg, AZ; along with several nieces and nephews.

Greeting Ferne in Heaven are: her parents; a brother, Lee Simpson and an unborn sibling.

Phyllis Miller

Phyllis Miller, 61, of Gettysburg formerly of Pierre, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Funeral services will be 11:00a.m., Friday, February 10, 2012 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg with Rev. Daniel Tews presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be 2:00p.m., Friday at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre.

Phyllis Rae Miller was born September 23, 1950 in Gettysburg to Raymond C. and Mildred (McGough) Miller. She was the fifth of seven children with three brothers, one older sister and two younger brothers to follow.
Phyllis was special from the day she was born and remained so for the rest of her life. When she was young, her younger brother, Johnny, could not pronounce Phyllis, so he called her “Honey” and her older brother, Marshall, call her “Baby Sister” and the names stuck. Phyllis called them her pet names.

Phyllis was one of three students who comprised the first special education class in Gettysburg. Their classroom was a storage room off the girl’s bathroom in the high school building. She continued special education classes in Pierre after the family’s move in the ‘60’s.

Following her mother’s death in 1974, Phyllis became a client of the Black Hills Workshop in Rapid City and had many happy years there. She was a very productive employee and proud to be receiving a paycheck and to be chosen as an Employee of the Year. She also loved social life and had many friends. She enjoyed sports, especially football and bowling, dancing, swimming, watching TV, participating in the Special Olympics and visiting with friends and family. Phyllis was at all of the family weddings in Texas, South Dakota and North Dakota and spent holidays with her family. She especially enjoyed receiving presents and would always ask if you had one for her. T-shirts and sweatshirts with logos, especially one with sport themes were her favorite. Her word search puzzle books were important to her as she was very good at finding the hidden words.

Phyllis became a resident of the Oahe Haven in May 2009 and spent the remainder of her life there. Here she got the best care from the entire staff. She was so happy to have her sister Sharon close by, and for regular visitors and nearby family. In February 2010 she was chosen as the Haven’s Valentine Queen. It was a great honor and she was so proud. Phyllis loved seeing family and knew all the residents names and family members.

Phyllis was stricken with an infection in September 2011 and succumbed to it on February 5, 2012.
She is survived by her brothers: Dr. R Marshall (Mable), Jerry (Robin) and Phil (Kathy) all of Huntsville, TX, and John (Marge) and Douglas (Sherri) of Pierre; sister, Sharon (Harlen) Shaw of Gettysburg; five nephews; eight nieces; and numerous great nephews, nieces and friends and the loving Oahe Haven Staff.
She was preceded in death by her mother in 1974 and her father in 1986.

Phyllis was special in every way. She was smart, funny, loving and a great hugger! We have lost a very beloved member of our family.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Phyllis’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Herbert Bowar

Herbert L. Bowar, 93, Faulkton, SD died Sunday, February 5, 2012, at the Faulkton Healthcare Center after suffering the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2012 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Faulkton with Father Joji Itukulapati, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, Faulkton. A wake and rosary service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the church.

Herb was born November 3, 1918 in Neilsville, Wisconsin to Frank and Anna (Duren) Bowar. His family moved to South Dakota in October of 1919. Herb grew up in the rural Orient/Faulkton area, going to school in Orient and graduating in 1936.

On November 14, 1942, he married Gladine Wright at Miller South Dakota. They made their home on the family farm four miles south of Faulkton, where he farmed and ranched until he retired. Four children became a part of this union, Linda, Tom, Janice and Jerry.

He was a member of St Thomas Catholic Church in Faulkton, CCD instructor for two years, member and financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus for many years. He served on the school board for the Orient school and also served on the board for the Faulk County Memorial Hospital. He was a member of the American Cattlemen’s Breeders Association and helped develop the Amerifax Beef breed which began as the Beef Friesian Society. Herb was a member of the Lions Club and drove school bus for a number of years. For extra jobs he measured grain bins and measured land acres for the ASCS office in Faulkton. For extra money he would haul coal by pickup loads to homes around town during the cold winter months. He led by example with his devotion to his faith and family. His gentleness and wonderful smile will be greatly missed. Herb always said that he “never met a stranger”.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Gladine of Faulkton; children Linda (Bernie) Vogel; Tom (Mary) Bowar of Huron; Janice (Dale) Miller of San Antonio, TX; Jerry (Sandy) Bowar of Faulkton, SD.; eight grandchildren and twenty three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nine brothers and four sisters and one infant grandson Christopher.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Herb’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Edward Doerr

Edward Doerr, 94, of Gettysburg, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Gettysburg Memorial Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel presiding.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012 with a 8:00 p.m. scripture service at the church.

Edward F. Doerr was born July 3, 1917 at Pierre, SD to Erhart & Mary (Salvatori) Doerr. He started school in 1923 and graduated from Agar High School in 1934 at the age of 16.

Eddie bought his first Model A Ford while still in high school for $125.00. It took him five years to pay for it. He worked on a threshing crew for $2.00 per day, working 10 to 12 hours a day with no overtime. Eddie later worked for Gustovson Construction for $3.20 per day again working 10 hour days, big money! In 1937 he started farming.

Edward married Daisy Murphy on February 9, 1946. They lived in Gettysburg for the first three years and in 1949 moved to the farm by Agar. They built this farm from scratch, as when they moved not even a fence post existed. In 1950 in order to get a telephone, Eddie had to dig and set the poles by hand, which wasn’t easy as there was a mile and a half of them. He put down the artesian well in 1953, then water was no longer a problem.

Eddie farmed until 1998 and moved to Gettysburg in 2001. He loved weapons, guns, knives and reloading his shells. He also loved driving around, making dandelion wine and staying abreast on both national and state history.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the National Rifle Association, and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Edward is survived by his children: Virginia Pearson of Mobridge, Jim (Karen) of Gettysburg, Dorthy Shoup of Gettysburg and Madonna (Rich) Perry of Spearfish; grandchildren: Tanya (Jeremy) Huber and DevRee Pearson of Mobridge, D.J. (Christa) Pearson of Box Elder, Brenda Doerr and Christina (Jeremy) Zweber of Brookings, Shawn (Laura) Perry of St. Louis, MO, Scott Perry of Spearfish, Sara Woitte of Madison, WI and Laure Woitte of Sioux Falls; great grandchildren: Jonah Ford, Kennedy Pearson, Synessa Pearson, Arianna Forgey, Dennis Madden Doerr, Kaylene Perry and Landon Woitte; daughter-in-law: Noel Doerr of Brookings and brother, Gerald (Lucy) Doerr of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; son Dennis; daughter Carla; sons-in-law: DeVere Pearson and Rick Shoup and siblings: Helen McEntee and Bernard Doerr.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Edward’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Billy Potts

Billy Gale Potts, 80, died peacefully in his home in Gettysburg, SD surrounded by his family on February 4, 2012.

A prayer service will be held at 7:00p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Christ Lutheran in Lebanon, SD.

Funeral services will be at 10:30a.m., Wednesday, February, 8, 2012 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Daniel Tews officiating. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery.

Billy was born on the Potts farm south of Lebanon to Bud and Dora (Smith) Potts and lived there until moving to Gettysburg, SD in August 1984. He graduated from 8th grade at Hillcrest Country School which was located just a half mile south of the farm. Billy started a gravel hauling business from the gravel pits located on the south part of the farm and even hauled dirt and gravel for the contractor while the Oahe Dam in Pierre, SD was being built.

November 29, 1953 he married Darlene Westphal of Agar at St. John's Lutheran Church in Agar, SD. Billy’s parents moved to Gettysburg and at that time Billy and Darlene settled into the farm house south of Lebanon. He milked cows, raised cattle, hogs and sheep as well as farming and continued to haul gravel as a business. Billy was baptized and confirmed in Lebanon, SD on May 21, 1961. He was active in the Lutheran church his entire life and has served as Deacon, Council Secretary and Vice President at Christ Lutheran Church in Lebanon. Every Saturday night, the whole family would gather at Billy’s mothers, Dora’s and enjoyed a family meal together. On Sunday mornings, the family traveled to Lebanon to attend church and Sunday school. Usually every Sunday evening, Billy, Darlene, and the four kids enjoyed the evening roller skating in Lebanon. He was a very loving and caring husband and father. Billy was active in competitive shooting and had won various awards through the years.

In August of 1984 Billy and Darlene built a new home in Gettysburg and Lonny stayed on the farm and continued with the farming operation. Billy helped out with the farming even this last summer and fall. He loved to play cards on his computer and also downtown with the guys and also meet up with them in the mornings to drink coffee. Billy also enjoyed hunting pheasant, ducks and deer. Billy also had a joke to share with family and friends.

To this union they were blessed with four children: Lonny, Randy, Diane and Tim were born.

Billy is survived by his wife, Darlene; children: Lonny (girlfriend Patti) of Gettysburg, SD, Randy (Angela) of Atlanta, Georgia, Diane Potts of Rochester, MN, and Tim (Marcia) of Sturgis, SD; grandchildren: Brady of Aberdeen, Mariah of Gettysburg, JJ, Christopher, and Cathy of Atlanta, GA and Casey of Tennessee, Trevor and Tera Potts of Brookings; great grandson: Carter of Aberdeen; nephews: Gary (DeeAnn) Glodt of Upton, WY, Patrick Ratliffe, Robert and Connie Ratliffe of California.

Billy was preceded in death by his father J.W. “Bud” and Mother Dora; brother, James Wesley and sister, Shirley.

Denice Jean Kern

Denice Kern, 57, of Aberdeen, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012 at her home.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wecota with Pastor Timothy Koch officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Wecota.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Denice was born June 13, 1954 to Donald and Marlene (Holsing) Kern in Faulkton, South Dakota. She graduated from Faulkton High School in 1972 and Stewart School of Hairstyling in 1974. She worked as a hairstylist for many years. Denice later moved to Aberdeen where she worked and lived.

Bowling, reading, playing cards, and reconnecting with friends through facebook were some of her favorite pastimes. Denice especially enjoyed spending time with all her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She is survived by her mother, Marlene Kern; 6 siblings: Grant Kern, Crystal (Doug) Hinrichs, Tracy Kern, Zachary Kern, Paige (Kelly) Senn and Troy (Rose) Kern; 12 nieces and nephews; 6 great nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death is her father, Donald Kern and grandparents: Victor and Louise Holsing and Henry and Irma Kern.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Denice’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Monetta Thibodeau

Monetta Thibodeau, age 68, of Onida, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 at St Mary's Hospital in Pierre.

Services are currently pending.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Monetta’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Keith L. Schraeder

Keith “Vern” Schraeder, 37, of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at his home.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Faulkton with Pastor Tammy Craker officiating. Burial will follow at the Faulkton Cemetery.

Visitation with family present will be 5:30 to 7:30p.m., Friday, February 3, 2012 at Luce Funeral Home in Faulkton.

On August 5, 1974, Keith was born to Harvey and Rita (Engel) Schraeder in Faulkton, South Dakota. He attended Faulkton High School, graduating in 1992. Throughout school, he was involved in football and wrestling.

Keith enjoyed being outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, motorcycling or working on the farm. He was an avid animal lover. He also loved a wide variety of music but especially Hank Williams, Jr. But above all things, being a father to Tayler was his greatest joy.

Grateful to have shared in his life is his daughter, Tayler Layne Schraeder of Miller; parents: Harvey (Elaine) Schraeder of Bowdle and Rita (Gary) Goodall of Hitchcock; siblings: Kasey (Jackie) Schraeder of Lawton, Ok, Kevin Schraeder of Virgil and Konni (John) Giesen of Faulkton and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and aunts and uncles.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Vern’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Troy Becker

Troy Becker, 45, of Rockham, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Redfield Hospital.

Funeral services will be 2:00p.m., Friday, February 3, 2012 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Julie Nygaard officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00p.m., Thursday, February 2, 2012 with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at the church.

On June 30, 1966, Troy Flint Becker was born to Delbert and Gloria (Michalke) Becker in Faulkton, SD. He attended and graduated from Faulkton High School in 1984. During his high school years, Troy was actively involved in wrestling and 4-H. Troy furthered his education at Moorhead State University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1989.

He married Kristine Ehrich in July 1986. Troy enlisted with the SD Army National Guard, serving from 1988 to 1995.

On November 4, 1995 Troy married Kim Horner at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mansfield, SD. They made their home in Rockham where Troy spent his time farming and ranching and in the summer of 2011 he became a rural mail carrier for the Cresbard mail route.

Troy loved nature. He spent his time hunting, fishing and taking in the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Troy also took pride in the time he gave to the Sanchez Martial Arts Club in Redfield, where he was an instructor. He had reached his 1st Degree Black Belt. Troy enjoyed having time to get to know the martial arts community from all over South Dakota.

Troy’s family will miss the time he gave to 4-H, showing sheep and rabbits. But most of all, his love of having coffee and breakfast ready for them each morning.

Troy’s life will be cherished by his wife, Kim of Rockham; his children: Angel of Puyallup, WA, Dion, Wyatt and Samantha of Rockham; one grandchild, Aedyn; his mother, Gloria of Rockham; four siblings: Brad (Diane) and Carolyn (Kenny) Simon of Aberdeen, Doug (Linda) of Rockham and Susie (Mark) Long of Cresbard; his father-in-law, Joseph Horner of Aberdeen; mother-in-law, Bonnie Papke of Ipswich; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Buster) Mathern of Newell and Mary Becker of Fairmont, MN; and numerous foster children, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Lynn; and nephew, Jason Becker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Troy’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Rich Cole

Rich Cole, 52, of Platte, SD passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Olive Presbyterian Church in Platte. A 7:30 P.M. Prayer Service will be held Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home with the family present at 7:00 P.M.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Richard Alan Cole was born on May 2, 1959 to Maynard and Marilyn (Haugan) Cole in Platte, SD. He graduated from Platte High School in 1977. He was a NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. His love for cars shown through in the pride he took in his auto body work. He could be found watching NBA Basketball games, rooting for the Chicago Bulls.

Rich was always up for a card game with friends and amazed everyone with his “professional” texting skills. “The North Street Land Baron” enjoyed hunting; crows had to look twice when he was around.

Grateful for having shared in Rich’s life: his four siblings: Cheryll (Dr. Terrence) Stange of Charleston, WV, Dixie (Jim) Sidla of Monticello, MN, Doug (Nancy) Cole of Belle Fourche, SD and Tami (Clint) Neugebauer of Mitchell, SD; three aunts: Mary Haugan of Pierre, SD, Jane Cole of Miami, FL and Karen (Dale) Osterholt of Summerset, SD; by many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as special friends, Jeff and Rhonda Engebretson (Reganne “Rego”, Katelyn “Kate”, Collin and Gina) of Platte, SD.

Rich was preceded in death by: his parents, Maynard and Marilyn Cole and an infant sister, Brenda.

Paul Wojciechowski

Paul Wojciechowski, 65, of Geddes, SD passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Platte Health Center.

Funeral Services are 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Mount Funeral Home in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Geddes.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, January 27, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Paul Wojciechowski, Jr. was born on January 3, 1947 to Paul, Sr. and Edna (Buck) Wojciechowski in Geddes, SD. He graduated from Geddes High School in 1965 and went on to a career in farming and ranching. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Sevening in November of 1965. To this union two sons were born: Mike and Ron.

On April 20, 2004 Paul was united in marriage to Donna Bakker in Lake Andes, SD. Sonny enjoyed working the land, raising cattle, making Dutch Oven Bakery deliveries to Winner, SD and the companionship of his dogs and cats on the farm. He especially loved time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared in Paul’s life: his wife, Donna Wojciechowski of Geddes, SD; his two sons: Mike (Ann) Wojciechowski of Geddes, SD and Ron (Jennifer) Wojciechowski of Irvine, CA; six step-children: Bill (Debbi) Middendorp of George, IA, Bob (Corinne) Middendorp of Platte, SD, Sarah (Paul) Krogstad of Corsica, SD, Gus Middendorp, Nellie (Scott) Crosby and Amy (Ryan) Van Zee all of Platte, SD; four grandsons: Michael, Kyle, Josh and Alex; 15 step-grandchildren; a brother, Don (Veda) Wojciechowski of Rapid City, SD; two sisters: Mary (Dalbert) Schaefer of Reliance, SD and Pauline Hrdlicka of Mitchell, SD; a brother-in-law, Don Pazour of Pukwana, SD; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by: his parents, a sister, Margaret Pazour and a brother-in-law, Carl Rose.

Wesley Wilkins

Wesley Wilkins, 66, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 at his home.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the First Reformed Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at the Platte City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Memorials in honor of Wes may be directed to: Wings & Hope Cancer Fund, PO Box 192, Platte, SD 57369 or First Reformed Church, PO Box 418, Platte, SD 57369. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Wesley Keith Wilkins was born on May 28, 1945 in Murdo, SD to Earl and Bergitta (Jorgensen) Wilkins. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith as a child. Wes’ family relocated to Plankinton, SD in 1957 and he attended elementary school in both Fort Pierre and Plankinton. Wes started working with his dad learning the construction business at the age of 15. In 1964, he moved to Platte, SD and in 1965 he married Elaine Vanderheiden. To this union three children were born: Darwin, Kelly and Staci, joined by two adopted daughters, Renae and Serena. They were together until Elaine passed away in 1998.

Wes was employed with Peter Kewitt and Sons when he first came to Platte and was involved in helping build the Platte-Winner Bridge. He increased his skills while working 11 years for Sherman Visscher and then 11 years for Myron Lang doing construction. In 1986, Wes went out on his own, forming Wilkins and Son’s Construction.

In 2000, Wes was united in marriage to Dottie (Tatum) Friedt of Gillette, Wyoming. From this union came the addition of 2 step-children, Chad (Cindy) Friedt and Paula Paben (Justin), along with 6 grandchildren Dani, Zac, Demi, Dorian, Courtney and Ryan.

Wes enjoyed elk hunting in Wyoming with his brother-in-law, fishing, boating and water skiing with friends and family. The holidays were a very important time for Wes, especially when he would create his holiday display made up of thousands of Christmas lights. Wes loved spending time with his wife Dottie and attending activities his grandchildren were involved in. In 2010 Wes became a member of the First Reformed Church in Platte.

Grateful for having shared in Wes’ life: his wife, Dottie Wilkins of Platte, SD; 2 sons, Darwin and Kelly Wilkins of Platte, SD; 3 daughters: Staci Wilkins of Sioux Falls, SD, Renae Giedd of Parkston, SD and Serena Reinfeld of Bismarck, ND; 2 daughters-in-law, Lisa Kayl and Amy Wilkins; 3 sons-in-law: Jim Reinfeld, Travis Giedd and Scott Reinfeld; 17 grandchildren: Paige and Dalton Reinfeld, Bryan Kayl, Ty Wilkins, Tanner, Ciera and Ava Wilkins, Savanah Giedd, Kassie, Mercedes and Levi Reinfeld, Demi and Dorian Paben, Ryan and Courtney Rosenau, Zac and Dani Schermer; 2 great-grandchildren, Geovani and Landon Kayl; 2 brothers, Merwyn Wilkins of Belle Fourche, SD and Philip (Jan) Wilkins of Sturgis, SD; 2 sisters, Cleo (Kenny) Nazer of Mitchell SD and Diana (Joe) Baca of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; 3 sisters-in-law, Paula (Mike) Ross of North Platte, NE, Dee (Rodger) Durner of Gothenberg, NE and Sandra (Gerry) Brockmoller of Gillette, WY; a brother-in-law, Jim Tatum of Pegosa Springs, CO; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Wes was preceded in death by: his parents; his first wife, Elaine and 3 brothers-in-law: Gene Vanderheiden, Lyle Vanderheiden and Don Dufrain.

Henry A. Theunissen

Henry A. Theunissen, 85, of rural Hoven, passed away, Saturday, January 21, 2012 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Kevin Doyle presiding. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Hoven. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00p.m. Wednesday, January 25, with a 7:00p.m. rosary service at the church.

Henry A. Theunissen was born July 11, 1926 to Henry P. and Theresa C. (Bruckner) Theunissen on the family farm. He attended N. Lowell Rural School and Hoven Elementary School and then worked on the family farm with his father and brother. He was inducted into the United States Army serving during the Korean War.

On August 24, 1955 Henry married Alice Sautner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoven. To this union nine children were born.

Henry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Henry’s life will be cherished by his eight children: David (Debbie) Theunissen, Rapid City, SD, Dale (Chris) Theunissen, Gillette WY, Mark (Judy) Theunissen, Hoven, SD, Dennis (Jill) Theunissen, Mitchell, SD, Michael (Trish) Theunissen, Rapid City, SD, Loren (Sue) Theunissen, Brookings SD, Steven Theunissen, Rapid City, SD, daughter Lisa Theunissen, Manhattan, KS; 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law: Arleen Theunissen of Hoven, Doraine Theunissen of Aberdeen and Jane Sautner of Colorado Springs, CO.

His parents; wife, Alice in 2003; one son, Randy in 1993; three brothers: William, Roger and Raymond; one sister-in-law, Patty Theunissen; one brother-in-law, Raymond Sautner; and his grandparents preceded him in death.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Henry’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

Juna Mae Van Zee

Juna Mae Van Zee, 78, of New Holland, SD passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society in Corsica.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 23, 2012 at the New Holland Christian Reformed Church. A Committal Service will follow at the New Holland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Juna Mae’s honor may be directed to: Dakota Christian School, 37614 SD Hwy 44, Corsica, SD 57328, Good Samaritan Society – Corsica, 455 Dakota Ave., Corsica, SD 57328 or New Holland Christian Reformed Church, PO Box 3, New Holland, SD 57364. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Juna Mae Van Zee was born on June 14, 1933 to Fred H. and Wyna (Keuning) Van Zee in Harrison, SD. She attended New Holland Christian School and was united in marriage to John G. Van Zee on June 18, 1952 in Joubert, SD. To this union three children were born: Wyona, Marlys and Gary. Juna Mae was a career homemaker, who was extremely dedicated to her husband, children and grandchildren. In later years, she was privileged to have been able to care for her mother, Wyna. She loved working on the farm and helping John with the chores.

Juna Mae was a lifelong member of the New Holland Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed spending her time embroidering, canning and tending to her flowers. She loved time spent with her grandchildren – making pancakes for them and Grandpa, having tea parties and joining in family fun at Green Lake.

Grateful for having shared in Juna Mae’s life: her 3 children: Wyona (Gordon) Lefers of Corsica, SD, Marlys (Galen) Vonk of Sioux Falls, SD and Gary (Denise) Van Zee of New Holland, SD; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold (Jeanette) Van Zee; a sister-in-law, Darlene Van Zee; a step-sister, Gertrude Timmer; a step brother-in-law, Adrian Hansum; as well as several nieces, nephews and loving members of John’s family.

Juna Mae was preceded in death by: her husband, John G. Van Zee (Nov. 18, 1998), her parents, Fred H. and Wyna Van Zee; her step-father, Herman Hansum; a brother, Marvin Van Zee; a brother-in-law, Clarence Timmer and a sister-in-law, Genevieve Hansum.

Russell R. Houghton

Russell Houghton, 66, of Faulkton, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at his home.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Russ’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Evelyn Parish

Evelyn Parish, 100, of Platte, SD passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at home.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Mount Funeral Home in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at LaRoche Cemetery, near Academy, SD.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

 Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn was born on July 3, 1911 in Harrison, SD to Dick and Marie (DeHaan) VandenBos. When she was two, the family moved to the Platte area. Evelyn graduated from Platte High School in 1929 and attended a fifth year at Ward Academy where she prepared to teach. She taught school until 1938. On June 10, 1938 she was united in marriage to Duane Parish in Vermillion. They lived and farmed in the Academy area where they raised six children.

In 1965 she went to summer school at Springfield to renew her teaching certificate. She majored in art and music. She taught during the school terms and attended summer school until she received her Bachelor’s degree in 1970. She taught in the Red Lake School where she also taught piano and voice. She taught summer school at the Hutterite Colony and retired from teaching in 1975.

Evelyn was a member of the Platte Seventh-day Adventist Church as well as being involved in many church and community organizations. She was also a 4-H leader. She was a pianist and started playing in the Christian Reformed Church when she was 17 years old. She also played for the Academy Congregational Church and Bethel Lutheran Church in Platte.

She enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting, writing poetry and taught classes in several of those crafts. She was a seamstress and entered clothing contests with items she had made.

Grateful for having shared in Evelyn’s life: her six children: Duane Parish of Pick City, ND, Wanda (Lawrence) Hunt of Platte, SD, Mary (Dan) Shroyer of Reliance, SD, Miriam Vanderheiden of St. Peter, MN, Judi (Lyle) Van Zee and Twila Godfrey of Upton, WY; 24 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Duane (Mar. 19, 2003); sisters: Arlene Mulder and Edith Maas; a daughter-in-law, Charlene Parish and three sons-in-law: Doug Wynia, Lyle Vanderheiden and Brian Godfrey.

Louis W. Hagenlock

Louis W. “Louie” Hagenlock, 92, of Gettysburg, passed away Monday, January 16, 2012, at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:30a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Seneca, with military honors. Visitation will be 6:00-7:30p.m., Wednesday, January 18, with the family present, at Luce Funeral Home in Gettysburg.

Louis Hagenlock was born February 6, 1919 in Grinnell, IA to Waldemar “Walt” and Della (Grimm) Hagenlock. The family moved to Seneca in 1924.

In March 1939 Louie married Pearl Roseland. To this marriage two children were born, Eileen and Joyce. Pearl passed away at the age of 28.

Louie enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Pacific Theater, during WWII from 1944-1946.

On July 14, 1949 he married Rose Barondeau and to this union three children were born: Joane, Ruth and Lewis. They made their home in Seneca where they owned and operated a gas station for several years.

The family moved to Gettysburg where Louie worked for Standard Oil and later as a car carrier driver. In the 1950’s he and Gary Bliese built a repair shop where he worked on vehicles and operated a tow truck. Louie owned and operated the repair shop until purchasing the Medicine Rock Café, with his wife, in 1966. He and Rose operated the Rock until 1982. During Louie’s breaks he worked on his masterpiece invention, “The Air Cycle” and other inventions in the back of the Rock. During his retirement years, Louie did farm work for Jim Brown, Rob & Larry Poeppel and Paul Nelson.

Louie was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department and served as a member of the Gettysburg City Council.

Grateful to have shared in Louie’s life are his daughters: Joane (Art) Beringer of Gettysburg and Ruth (Doug) Koch, of Spokane, WA; one son, Lew (Melody) Hagenlock of Greeley, CO; 10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one sister, Ellen (Nolen) Cogswell of Joaquin, TX; brothers: Carl of Onaka, Del (Donna) of Gettysburg, Les of Bozeman, MT, Glen and Roger (Bonnie) of Pierre.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives: Pearl & Rose; his daughters: Joyce in infancy and Eileen (Clair) Maroney; granddaughter, Jodi Beringer Larabee and one brother, Edwin.

It was Louie’s wishes that there be no flowers.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Louie’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Darvin Wood

Darvin Wood, 72, of Platte, SD passed away Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Academy United Church of Christ. A Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at Lake George Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, January 16, 2012 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Memorials in Darvin’s honor may be directed to: Academy United Church of Christ, c/o Lyle Dean Nepodal, Jr., 26868 360th Ave., Platte, SD 57369 or Lake George Cemetery Assoc., c/o Janice Dimick, PO Box 185, Platte, SD 57369.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Darvin Edward Wood was born on July 1, 1939 to Floyd and Lucille (Boetker) Wood in Platte, SD. He attended school in Platte before going on to serve his country in the United States Navy from July of 1957 until his honorable discharge in April of 1961. He was united in marriage to Shirley Boyden on February 27, 1958 in Port Smith, Virginia. Darvin was employed at a packing plant in Huron, SD from 1966 – 1973 and was involved in helping build the Platte-Winner Bridge.

As the Platte City Superintendent he was instrumental in paving Platte’s streets and starting the baseball diamond project. He scooped many driveways, stopped to visit and have coffee while reading meters and would make sure the streets of town were picked up after Saturday night’s activities.

Darvin completed law enforcement training at the SD Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in Pierre, SD going on to a career as Deputy Sheriff of Charles Mix County for 8 years, the Chief of Police in Platte for 3 years and continued to police in Platte for a number of years.

Darvin enjoyed fishing, making his own spinners, hunting, loading his own shells, playing cards, country music, singing and was always ready to help someone in any way he could. He was a member of the Academy United Church of Christ and the Platte Volunteer Fire Department.

Grateful for having shared in Darvin’s life: his wife of over 53 years, Shirley Wood; their 2 daughters: Lorna McDermott and Myrna (Jerry) Overweg all of Platte, SD; a granddaughter, Alisa Overweg of Sioux Falls, SD; 2 sisters: Lorraine (Ron) Thiess of North Carolina and Velda (Leland) Hockstein of Nebraska; along with several nieces and nephews.

Darvin was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Lucille Wood.

Steven Paul Schmidt

Steve Schmidt, 46, of Lakewood, CO and formerly of Highmore, SD, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 at his home in Colorado.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 at the Church of Christ, Highmore with Max Kelley officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Highmore. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Steven Paul was born March 25, 1965 to Sylvester and Mary (Dolliver) Schmidt in Miller, South Dakota. He graduated from Highmore High School in 1983, being honored as the Valedictorian. In 1987, he graduated with high honors from the School of Mines with a Mechanical Engineering degree. After graduation, he moved to Colorado and his most recent employment was with Industrial Cooling Systems in Lakewood, Colorado as an Engineer.

Skiing, the outdoors, computers and Colorado life were some of Steve’s favorite past times. He was known as a very thoughtful, kind, considerate, quiet and intelligent individual.

Grateful to have shared in his life is his mother, Mary Johnson of Highmore; siblings: David Schmidt of Highmore, Diane (Mike) Peterson of Watertown and Gary (Jackie) Schmidt of Wichita, KS; two nephews and one niece: Logan, Alex and Trinity Peterson; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding him in death was his father, Sylvester, step-father, Rodney Johnson and a baby brother, Daniel.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Steve’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

William C. Conway

William C. Conway, 88, of Kimball, SD passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

Mount Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

William Charles Conway was born on October 18, 1923 to Reg and Cecil (Meyer) Conway in Aberdeen, SD. He attended school in Orient and Polo, SD before beginning a career in farming and ranching. On May 3, 1943 he was united in marriage to Burnetta Leafgreen at St. Joseph Parish in Orient. Together they had two daughters, Susan and Pam. In May of 1945 he began serving his country in the United States Army during World War II. After his honorable discharge in December of 1946, he continued farming.

Bill enjoyed fishing, the challenge of breaking and riding horses and participating in cattle drives. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish. He was united in marriage to Betty Calkins on December 15, 1978 in Mitchell, SD.

Grateful for having shared in Bill’s life: his wife of 33 years, Betty Conway of Kimball, SD; his two daughters: Susan (Ron) Brueggeman of Miller, SD and Pam Wagner of Armour, SD; three step-children: Patti Nelson and Bruce Flaugh, both of Vermillion, SD and Toni Flaugh of Fort Dodge, IA; three granddaughters: Lisa (Bob) Simpson of Huron, SD, Lori (Garry) Peterka of Miller, SD and Daline (Jay) Gellhaus of Aberdeen, SD; seven great-grandchildren: Jennifer and Justin Simpson, Jordan, Darin and Kristen Peterka and Braden and Logan LeGrand; a brother-in-law, Harold Schaefers of Orient, SD; along with a niece and two nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents; a sister, Janie Schaefers and a grandson, Kip Brueggeman.

Margaret Simon

Margaret Simon, 95, of Murfreesboro, TN and formerly of Faulkton, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2012 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Fr. Joji Itukulapati officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00p.m., with a 7:00p.m. wake service, Friday, January 13, 2012 at the church

Margaret Alvina Tietz was born January 15, 1916 in Mansfield, SD to William and Margaret “Carrie” (Crawford) Tietz. At age 12 the family moved to Aberdeen. She graduated from Central High School and went on to Northern where she received her teacher certificate. Margaret taught country school for 28 years in Hoven, retiring in 1979.

While teaching in Hoven, Margaret met Anthony “Tony” Simon. They were married August 23, 1938 in Hoven.

Margaret was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and St. Thomas Altar Society. In her spare moments she enjoyed time with the family and teaching children. Margaret will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind and generous heart, and beautiful sewing!

Margaret’s life will be forever cherished by her children: Elizabeth “Betty” (William) Rernleiter of Redfield, SD, JoAnn (Jim) Mischke of Watertown, SD, Marilyn (Mike) Lane of Centennial, CO and Steven (Melissa) Simon of Murfreesboro, TN; 13 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louise; brother, Leonard; and husband.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Margaret’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Frank S. Parker

Frank S. Parker, 81, Rapid City, died Friday January 6, 2012 at the Golden Livingcenter Black Hills. 

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday Jan. 11, 2012 at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday Jan. 12th at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Rushmore VFW Post #1273 Honor Guard.

Frank was born February 16, 1930 in Eagle Butte. He grew up in the Lantry/Eagle Butte area graduating from the Eagle Butte School. He served in the US Air Force serving during the Korean conflict, stationed in Guam as a tail-gunner. He farmed/ranched with his father and brother. He married Evelyn French in Deadwood.

They later moved to Rapid City where they owned Marv’s Wrecker Service and Courthouse Conaco. He survived the 1972 flood and was proud to have his story documented at the Journey Museum. Later he purchased and built a reputable high quality agriculture equipment business, Cow Country. His business was the first in the area to design and build heavy duty buffalo and ranching equipment including a well designed sorting pen for the Wind Cave National Park Service. He was a self taught draftsman. He became well known throughout the country for his buffalo equipment. Due to his health condition, he retired moving in 2004 to the Golden Livingcenter. He enjoyed calling Bingo, visiting and working on his picture albums and making Sunday night telephone calls to his family.

Frank is survived by his children, Cherie Farlee (Rod Hall); Vicki (Neil) Birkeland; Cameron Parker and Karleen Parker; his brother, Truman Parker, Belle Fourche; sisters Helen ‘Carol’ Taylor, Kansas City, KS; grace Brandeberry, Garland, TX and Gladys Foster, Chicago; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and his former wives, Evelyn French, Spearfish and Arlene O’Leary, Timber Lake.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Robin Parker, his parents Floyd and Maude Parker, his sister Vera DeRover and 1 great grandson. He was a remarkable inventor, a perfectionist, a teacher, a lasting example of kindness, generosity and unconditional love and caring for his friends and family.

Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com

Imogene Drew

Imogene “Genee” Drew, 92, of Gettysburg, passed away, Friday, January 06, 2012 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Funeral services will be 1:00p.m., Monday, January 9, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-7:00p.m. with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Imogene Britton was born May 11, 1919 in rural Gettysburg, SD to Rufus and Laura (Holmes) Britton. She attended country school and graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1937.

On January 20, 1938 Genee married Bill Drew in Pierre, SD. They made their home on the Drew family farm where they raised their family until moving into Gettysburg in 1949. Genee went to work as a clerk for Vail’s Drug. She then spent the next 17 years working as a legal secretary for Neumayr Law Office in Gettysburg, and attorney offices in Pierre and Fort Pierre.

Genee enjoyed her time cooking, reading, completing crosswords puzzles, sewing and riding horses in her youth. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the Jaycette’s and the Gettysburg Saddle Club.

Genee is survived by her husband Bill of Gettysburg; her two children: Bob (Shirlee) of Gettysburg and Mona (Jim) Baldridge of Conde; seven grandchildren: Lori (Rod) Lemler, Bobi (Erno) Kallenberger, Rob (Amy) Drew, Deryk (Sherie) Drew, Drew (Heather) Baldridge, Daryn Baldridge, Derick Stanley; 13 great grandchildren: Devyn & Shelby Lemler, Ashley & Connor Drew, Kadyn, Treyson, Peyton & Dylan Drew, Melisaa (Denton) Baldridge Porter, Andrew & Christopher Baldridge & Jessica (Nathan) Baldridge Smythe and one great-great granddaughter: Madeline Porter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Richard and one daughter-in-law, Jan Drew.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Genee’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net 

Hank Vliestra

Henry John “Hank” Vlietstra, 69, of Stickney, SD battled cancer with the same determination as he lived his life. God called him home on Tuesday evening, December 27, 2011.

A celebration of Hank’s life will begin at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stickney with Visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 29, 2011 and a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Continuing with Funeral Services at the church at 1:30 P.M. Friday, December 30, 2011.

He will be laid to rest at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. A reception will follow the interment. Mount Funeral Home of Platte, SD is assisting with arrangements.

On March 31, 1942, Henry John “Hank” Vlietstra was born to Joe and Marie (Uithoven) Vlietstra. Hank, along with younger sister, Winneva, was raised in Stickney, SD. He graduated from Stickney High School in 1960. Hank married Barbara Assmus on August 26, 1963. Together they raised three sons: Todd, Steven and Jeffrey. Through the years he was blessed with gaining daughters-in-law: Lorre, Emily and Kristi. Hank was extremely proud of his 9 grandchildren: Vicki, Zachary, Allison, Alexis, William, Michailee, Walker, Aidan and Braelyn.

Hank valued his time spent with his sister, Winneva Jacobs, sisters-in-law, Sharon Assmus and Vicki (Assmus) Stulken, brother-in-law, Ken Stulken, nephews and nieces Todd and Bonnie Jacobs, Mark and Shelli Stulken and cousins, Rob and Jeannine Rogers.
　
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marie, along with Barb’s father and mother, Victor and Bernita Assmus and a brother-in-law, Bill Jacobs.

Hank enjoyed his family first and foremost. Outside of family and friends, he enjoyed fundraising for Ducks Unlimited, serving on the Aurora County Weed Board, St. Paul Lutheran Church Council, Stickney City Council and the Stickney Volunteer Fire Department. His loyalty was apparent in his work. He was employed with the Aurora Co-Op and Wheat Growers for 46 years.　

His hobbies included fishing, hunting, attending NASCAR races with his family, and he was a chocolate almond ice cream lover!

Memorials in Hank’s honor may be directed to: Avera Hospice Mitchell, 525 N Foster, Mitchell, SD 57301, St. Paul Lutheran Church, PO Box 36, Stickney, SD 57375 or Aurora County Cancer Fund, C/O Joanne Eddie, 102 N. Campbell St., Plankinton, SD 57368.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Eunice Holmstrom

Eunice P. Holmstrom, 94, of Faulkton, passed away, Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at her daughter’s home in Boise, Idaho.

Funeral services will be 10:00a.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Bill Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery.

isitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 26, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.

Eunice P. Stebbins was born November 23, 1917, to Emery and Emma (Schuett) Stebbins in Gettysburg, SD. She was raised north of Gettysburg until moving to the Lebanon area where she started school. The family then moved to Seneca where Eunice graduated from Seneca High School in 1935. Eunice continued her education at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen receiving a B.S. in education. She spent the next 23 years teaching the area’s youth retiring in 1978.

On November 5, 1955, Eunice was united in marriage to Kenneth Holmstrom. They made their home in Faulkton. Eunice was a member of the United Church of Faulkton where she served with the Ladies Circle. She was also a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries for 60 years. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends at the Senior Center.

Eunice’s life will be cherished by her daughters: Margaret Holmstrom (Larry Nowlin) of Boise, Idaho and Darleen (Hollis) Hall of Fairbanks, Alaska; three grandchildren: Christopher, Garrett and Keriann Olafson; three great grandchildren, IvyRose Fearn, Hadley and Adelyn Olafson, and her siblings: Glenn Stebbins of Faulkton and Pauline Liechti of Seneca.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers: Lavern, Roy and Duane Stebbins; and one sister, Haydee Christensen.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Eunice’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Myron W. Hawkins

Myron W. Hawkins, 89, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Plankinton, SD, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at The Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, December 23, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Plankinton. A Committal Service will follow at Mizpah Cemetery with military honors preformed by VFW Aurora County Post #6554.

Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 22, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service and Masonic Service. Mount Funeral Home of Plankinton is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Myron (Mike) Wayne Hawkins was born on April 17, 1922 to Louis J. Hawkins and Vivian (Edinger) Hawkins in Aurora County, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm homesteaded by his grandfather, Albert Edinger and attended rural school in Cooper Township. He then attended White Lake and Plankinton High Schools, graduating from Plankinton High School in 1940. He attended the School of Mines in Rapid City until entering the Navy in 1945 during WWII. His Naval service included basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago and serving mainly on an LST ship transporting Japanese prisoners back to Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and then engaged in custom combining along the Hwy. 281 corridor from Canada to Texas and began farming and ranching in Cooper Township on the family farm in the late 1940’s along with his father and brother, John (Jack). After his brothers’ sudden death, he began the farming operation on his own. On October 26, 1950, he married Joyce E. Folan Dewey in a double wedding ceremony in Mitchell, SD with Bill and Ruth Folan, Joyce’s brother. Besides being married in this double ceremony, Bill and Ruth were some of their dearest friends.

Myron was a member of the Plankinton United Methodist Church, a life time member and past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6554 of Plankinton, SD, member and past Master of the Masonic Lodge in White Lake and Plankinton, served as Aurora County Commissioner for 4 years, Cooper Township treasurer for over 26 years, and member of Plankinton Township board for many years. He also was a Democratic Precinct Committeeman for many years. He was very proud of his military and civic service and extremely patriotic, serving in the VFW Color Guard for over 50 years participating in funerals, parades, Veterans Day activities, Memorial Day services, Loyalty Day observances and other patriotic activities.

Raising and feeding cattle, farming, and related endeavors were a true love and brought great satisfaction to him. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, deer hunting, fishing, horse racing, and Saturday nights in town with friends as well as family gatherings.

The union of Myron and Joyce joined Joyce’s children, Ron, Marilyn, Eugene, and Karen along with their 3 daughters, Cherri, Sandra, and Kathy. Myron and Joyce lived on the family farm northwest of Plankinton from 1951 to 1985 and then they purchased a farm closer to Plankinton in Plankinton Township. He remained on the farm until Alzheimer ’s disease forced Mike to move to Sioux Falls in late 2007. In 2008, he became a resident of the Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls where he remained until his death.

He is survived by his children, Cherri (Chuck) Robertson, Sandy (Fred) Hohn, Kathy (Terry) Koch, Karen (Ken) Hohbach, all of Sioux Falls, Marilyn Woodraska of Oacoma, SD and Ron (Rheata) Dewey of Redmond, Oregon. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (1998), an infant son, his parents, his brother John, his sister Evelyn Crockett and brother-in-law Francis Crockett, son Eugene Dewey, and grandson R. J. Pearson.

Beatrice A. “Babe” Howard

Beatrice Adelia “Babe” Howard, 93, of Miller, passed away Monday, December 19, 2011 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 23, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Miller, with Pastor Mary Ann Sheldon officiating.

Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Beatrice was born January 14, 1918 to Chris and Adelia (Roenfeldt) Lanz at the family farm house north of St. Lawrence, South Dakota. She attended grade school at York Township and later graduated from St. Lawrence High School in 1936. As a young lady, Babe excelled in public speaking, basketball, and softball. After high school she worked in the Hand County Courthouse for five years. She married I.T. (Pat) Howard, Jr. September 10, 1941 at Redfield, South Dakota. They made their home in Greenleaf Township farming and ranching for 65 years. Babe was very active in the operation and did all the record keeping for many years.

Babe was a member of Greenleaf United Methodist Church where she was active in the UMW and she kept the churches historical records. Babe was a correspondent for the Miller Press for many years. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Gardening, crocheting, embroidery, playing cards, baking, cooking, canning and reading were also some of her favorite past times.

Grateful to have shared in her life is her husband of 70 years, Pat Howard of Miller; two sons: Richard (Jane) Howard of Brookings and Terry (Marsha) Howard of Miller; five grandchildren: Lorelle (Clayton) Deuter of Mitchell, Rachelle (Chris) Engbrecht of Brookings, Chris (Amy) Howard of Miller, Jacque (Jeremiah) Story of Silverdale, WA and Lance (Abigail) Howard of Brookings; six great grandchildren: Jaden and Seth Deuter, Alana and Maya Howard, and Natalie and Landon Story; one sister, Lucile Williams of Grants Pass, OR; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings: Louis Lanz, Arthur Lanz, Laura Roth, and Lillie Jarmuth.

Memorials can be directed to the Greenleaf United Methodist Church of rural Miller.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Babe’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Frank Mika

Frank Mika, 88, of Kimball, SD passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Platte Care Center in Platte, SD.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 17, 2011 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball.

A Committal Service will follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 16, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Rosary and Wake Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s honor may be directed to a gift for the dedicated staff of the Platte Care Center: Platte Care Center, Attn: Staff Appreciation Gift, PO Box 200, Platte, SD 57369. Mount Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Frank Edward Mika was born on June 7, 1923 to Joseph and Anna (Nedavaska) Mika in rural Kimball, SD. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1941 and went on to a career in farming and ranching. On June 15, 1954 he was united in marriage to Mary Ruth Fitzgerald at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton, SD. Together they raised four children: Tom, Jim, Bob and Pat, along with a grandson, Brian.

Frank was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball, served on the Pleasant Grove Township Board for 41 years and was an avid Minnesota Twins baseball fan. He enjoyed farm life and the challenge of raising and caring for young animals.

He loved hosting groups of pheasant and deer hunters at his farm, but his hard work didn’t end with hunting season. He continued to work year round taking pride in maintaining their habitat and even winning an award for his conservation efforts. He was proud to have called the farm his home for over 87 years, working up until the day he became a resident of the Platte Care Center in November of 2010.

Grateful for having shared in Frank’s life: 3 sons: Tom Mika of Kimball, SD, Jim Mika of Katy, TX and Bob Mika and wife, Teri of Inwood, IA; a daughter, Pat Mika and husband, Jim Westerhuis of Atlanta, GA; a grandson, Brian Westerhuis and wife, Hillary of Sioux Falls, SD; 5 additional grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marie Petula of Kimball, SD; a brother, Joe Mika and wife, Bonnie of Platte, SD; along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Frank in death was: his wife of over 48 years, Mary Ruth (July 22, 2002); an infant grandson; his parents, Joseph and Anna; and a sister, Lydia Fuchs and husband, Emil.

Charles O. Lowther

Charles O. Lowther, 81, of Miller, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 at the SunQuest Healthcare Center in Huron.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller with Pastor Brian Jones officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Lawrence Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Charles was born November 2, 1930 to Vere and Daisy (Williams) Lowther in Hand County, South Dakota. He joined the United States Navy and served for 25 years before being honorably discharged. He married Millie Jean Smith and they made their home in Charleston, South Carolina. He later worked in the Armour Car Business for 10 years. In 1979, Millie passed away. Since 1994, he lived with his brother, Robert, in Redfield before moving to Miller. Charlie enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

He is survived by his brothers: Jack (Marge) Lowther of Charleston, SC and Robert Lowther of Miller, SD; nieces: Charlene Huidsten of Woonsocket, SD and Darlene Gross of Mitchell, SD; brother-in-law, Bill Carlson of Redfield, SD; cousins: Lyle (Pam) Williams, Ronald Williams, Carol Williams and Nancy Williams.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Millie Jean; baby brother, Dale and sister, Vera Marie Carlson.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Charlie’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Lyle Griese

Lyle Griese, 89, of Gettysburg, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 at his home in Gettysburg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00a.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Onaka.

Visitation is from 5:00 – 7:00p.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2011 with a 7:00p.m. scripture service at the church.

Lyle was born August 6, 1922 in Tolstoy, SD at the family home in Springs Community to Edward and Matilda (Dale) Griese. Throughout his childhood, Lyle worked on the family farm and grew to love farm life. He met Josephine Barondeau while she was working in the Springs Community and they were married April 10, 1944. They resided on the family farm until 1997 and then moved to Gettysburg.
Lyle and Josephine were happily married for 62 years. They cherished the opportunity to watch their family grow over the years and loved spending as much time as possible with their 33 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren.

Lyle was proud to be a “farmer” and farmed until the time of his death. He was an active member of his community by donating his time and talents for the benefit of those around him. He served on the Fairview Township school board, the Potter County ASCS board, and helped organize the care for the Springs Community cemetery. Lyle was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a strong supporter of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, the Catholic Foundation for Eastern South Dakota, and his local church.

In his later years, his time was spent visiting with neighbors, attending livestock sales, playing cards at the Gettysburg Senior Center, woodworking in his shop, and watching baseball.

Survivors include his children Carol (Roger) Simon of Tolstoy, Dwayne (JoAnn) Griese of Woodbridge, VA., Kathy (Mike) Geraets of Dell Rapids, Marcia (Roger) Liebig of Gettysburg, Donald (Theresa) Griese of Aberdeen, Mary (Doug) Turner of Bowdle and Linda (Ken) Sevigny of Olathe, KS; 31 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren; and brother, Lloyd Griese of North Highland, CA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; his parents; an infant son, Gerald; daughter, Joan; sisters, Laura, Edna, Sylvia, Agnes, Mabel, and Leona; grandson, Andrew Liebig; granddaughter, Kristina Sevigny; and great granddaughters Chole and Ellie Geraets.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Compassionate Care Hospice, 807 E Hwy 212, Gettysburg, SD 57442.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Lyle’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Winnie M. Schmid

Winifred “Winnie” M. Schmid, 87, of Plankinton, SD, originally of Maple Lake, MN and Bloomington, MN, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Prairie View Care Center in Woonsocket, SD.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, December 15, 2011 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Wake Service.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Bloomington with a Committal Service at St. Timothy’s Catholic Cemetery in Maple Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Winnie’s honor may be directed to: Alzheimer's Assn. SD Office, 1000 N. West Ave., Ste. 250, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 or http://act.alz.org/goto/Winnie.Schmid.

Mount Funeral Home of Plankinton is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com. 

Winifred “Winnie” M. O’Rourke was born on September 10, 1924 to John and Cecelia (Kaiser) O’Rourke in Maple Lake, MN. She graduated from Maple Lake High School and attended the College of Saint Benedict in Collegeville, MN before beginning her employment as a bookkeeper for Thermo King in Bloomington, MN. Later, she worked as a paraprofessional at John F. Kennedy Senior High School in Bloomington. She finished her career working with her husband, Ev in his pharmacy in the Abbott Northwestern Medical Office Building in Minneapolis, MN.

On August 16, 1952 Winifred was united in marriage to Everett Schmid in Maple Lake. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Bloomington and St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton, SD. She loved traveling, baking and all of her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Winnie battled Alzheimer’s for over 15 years and was always there with a quick smile and a loving heart.

Grateful for having shared in Winnie’s life: her husband of 59 years, Everett Schmid of Plankinton, SD; her children: Kathleen (Dan) Jude of Burnsville, MN, Julie (Brad) Boisen of Plankinton, SD and Susan Schmid (partner Mary Ann Maloney) of Lino Lakes, MN; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grand children; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was: her parents, John and Cecelia and her sister, Kathryn Brinkman.

Donald Lee Grace

Donald Lee Grace, 84, of St. Lawrence, passed away, Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Avera Hand County Hospital in Miller.

Funeral services will be 10:30a.m., Monday, December 12, 2011 at First United Methodist Church, Miller with Rev. Mary Ann Sheldon officiating. Burial will follow in G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00p.m., Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Don was born January 29, 1927 in Palmer, Nebraska to Cecil and Bernice (Eckles) Grace. He attended school in Palmer, NE. Don ran the local Bowling Alley and later farmed in that area.

He married Maxine Anderson in Palmer, NE on October 15, 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 and served overseas during the Korean Conflict. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

In 1953 Don and Maxine moved to Miller, SD where he farmed for over 40 years. In 1993 they retired and moved to St. Lawrence, SD.

Don is survived by his wife Maxine of St. Lawrence; his children: Curt Grace and Kelly Arbeiter both of Miller; his grandchildren: Amber (Clay) of Volga, Andy Brand of Huron, Ashley of Aberdeen and Jacob and Hannah of Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons, Dustin and Shelby.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Donald’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

Charlesetta “Tudy” Carman

Charlesetta “Tudy” Carman, 90, of Kimball, SD passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake, SD.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 10, 2011 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. A Committal Service will follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 9, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Rosary and Wake Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tudy’s honor may be directed to: Aurora-Brule Nursing Home, 407 S. Johnston, White Lake, SD 57383 or St. Margaret’s Altar Society, PO Box 137, Kimball, SD 57355.

Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Charlesetta “Tudy” Smith was born on June 7, 1921 to Charles and Sophia (Ahrens) Smith in White Lake, SD. She was raised in the area and attended country school. On June 30, 1947 she was united in marriage to Floyd R. Carman at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball, SD. Together they made their home on a farm south of Kimball until Floyd’s passing in July of 1965. In the mid 70’s Tudy was employed as an assistant cook for the Kimball Public School District, leaving the farm to move into town in 1981. She remained with the school district until her retirement in 1988.

Charlesetta was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of America and Altar Society. She enjoyed baking, gardening and quilting. In January of 2006 she became a resident of the Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake.

Grateful for having shared in Charlesetta’s life: her 4 children: Mary Beth Carman of Milwaukee, WI, Jim (Val) Carman of Sioux Falls, SD, Rick (Laura Hays) Carman of Lincoln, NE and Bob (Pam) Carman of Gillette, WY; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Irene Hanten of Prescott, AZ and Leona (Babe) Kinsky of Cedar Crest, NM; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was: her husband, Floyd Carman; her parents, Charles and Sophia Smith; and 3 sisters: Caroline (in infancy), Cecelia Gross and Mary Jensen.

Richard Weerheim

Richard Weerheim, 82, of Platte, SD was taken home on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the Platte Care Center from complications of cancer and pneumonia.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the First Reformed Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at the Platte City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 9, 2011 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com. 

Richard Henry Weerheim was born on June 17, 1929 near Harrison, SD, the youngest son of Phillip and Marie (Brand) Weerheim. He was born with a hearing disability, which also affected his speech. Rich attended country school north of Rock Rapids, IA. He lived on a farm in Iowa with his parents from 1938 - 1946, when they returned to Platte, SD. He lived with his parents until their death and then moved into a trailer home.

His first job was setting pins with manual pin setters at the Platte Bowling Alley. His bicycle was his main transportation for years. Later he was employed at Platte Hatchery, with De Haan’s Livestock Farm and for Ted Bultsma, he also mowed many lawns for Tom Tatum.

Rich was an active member of the First Reformed Church in Platte and made profession of faith in 1951. He enjoyed serving as an usher for many years. He loved helping others, working in the garden, putting together puzzles, playing Wahoo and visiting at Midwest Ag. In May of 2010, after a fall which injured his back, he became a resident of the Platte Care Center. He will be missed by many friends and family.

Grateful for having shared in Rich’s life: his brother, Mike Weerheim and wife, Frances of Rock Rapids, IA; two sisters-in-law, Arlo Mae Weerheim of Rock Rapids, IA and Christina Weerheim Vonk of Sioux Center, IA; along with 18 nieces and 9 nephews.

Preceding him in death was: his parents, Phillip and Marie; three sisters: Johanna Ringling Dyk (Harm E. and George), Catherine VandenBos (Ben) and Josephine Ringling (Harm T.); four brothers: Phil (Ella),                 Ralph (Geneva), Edward and Arthur Weerheim; and two nephews, Larry Weerheim and Dean Ringling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rich’s honor may be directed to: First Reformed Church, PO Box 418, Platte, SD 57369.

Louise Auch

Sarah Louise (Miller) Auch, 79, of St. Lawrence, passed away, Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Good Samaritan Society of Miller.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Pastor Bob Ohnstad officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service.

Louise, daughter of Charles Earl and Clara Ann (Muehlethaler) Miller, was born on January 3, 1932, at the home of her parents in Summit Township, Sully County, South Dakota. She attended West Summit Grade School and graduated from Onida High School in 1951. She married Myrle Auch on June 5, 1952 in Onida. The newlyweds lived on a farm near Highmore for a short time before moving to Miller where she worked for a short time at the local ASCS office. In 1962, Louise and Myrle moved to a farm east of St. Lawrence.

Louise began a 32 year career with Foreman Bus Sales in 1968, chauffeuring hundreds of children to and from school each day. Her love of children continued beyond her work as a Hand County 4-H Leader. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church Women and the American Legion Auxiliary.

In her free time, Louise enjoyed her daily exercise group, coffee time with friends, playing cards, and watching the Twins and Vikings. Above all, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all those who loved her and shared her life.

Louise is survived by her children: Janice (Lynn) Bonebright of Redwood Falls, MN; Gale (Mavis) Auch of Miller, Steve Auch of St. Lawrence, Marlin (Terri) Auch of Miller, and Barbara Auch of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren: Jennifer (Paul) Nagaoka of Kansas City, MO, Daniel Bonebright of St. Paul, MN, Justin Auch and special friend, Liz Karcz of Reno, NV, Austin Auch of Phoenix, AZ, Dallas (Jordan) Kienow of Miller, Dakota Auch of Miller, and Crystal Killian of Miller; step grandchild, Laura Chaney of Miller; four great grandchildren; one brother, Charles (Lorraine) Miller of Onida and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband; parents; infant daughter, Judy; sisters: Earline Lindell and LaVerne Williamson; two brother-in-laws and a sister-in-law.

To our kind and loving mom: You will be greatly missed and we love you so much.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Louise’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Louise Auch

Louise Auch, 79, of St. Lawrence, passed away, Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Good Samaritan Society of Miller.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Pastor Bob Ohnstad officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Louise’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

John Bohnenkamp

John Bohnenkamp, 89, Gettysburg, died Friday, November 25, 2011.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00p.m., Monday, November 28, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00p.m., Sunday, November 27, at the church, with a 7:00p.m. scripture service.
The family requests memorials be directed to Compassionate Care Hospice, 807 E Hwy 212, Gettysburg, SD 57442, or your local Hospice center.

Johnny was born to John and Elizabeth (Kramer) Bohnenkamp near Alexandria, SD, on Sept. 20, 1922.
He joined his father farming, when the draft board refused his enlistment into the Army during WW II.
John married Willa Wood at Mitchell on Dec. 30, 1946. They lived all 50 years of their marriage in SD, beginning in Alexandria, with moves to Draper in 1950, Aberdeen in 1958, and Gettysburg in 1963.

John left farming in 1950 and worked for the Farmers Union Central Exchange and managed Farmers Union Co-ops until 1973, when he and son, Mike, bought the Ace Hardware Store in Gettysburg.

Surviving John are his children: Peggy (Bruce) Williams and Mike (Mary) Bohnenkamp both of Gettysburg, Scott (Kristie) Bohnenkamp of Keller, TX, Jeff (Susie) Bohnenkamp of Oro Valley, AZ; grandchildren: John (Kelly) Bohnenkamp & children Jake, Jenna, & Jayda of Rapid City, Nathanael (Julie) Williams of Gettysburg, Brooke (Josh) Larson of Pierre, Elizabeth (Brock) Schiferl & children Elsa & Haydler of Aberdeen, Nik (Ryan) Bohnenkamp of Acworth, GA, Anna (Mike) Vanderbloemen of Keller, TX, Joy Bohnenkamp of Dallas, TX, Zachary & Mitchell Bohnenkamp of Oro Valley, AZ; sisters: Mary Jo (Wayne) Bertrand of Scotland, Barbara (Forrest) Conrad of Yankton; step-sister - Lucene Carstens of Lead, Wayne (Kay) Kies, Pocatello, ID; in-laws: Florence Hesse and Leo King of Sioux Falls, Dottie Styles and Carol Wood of Mitchell, Herb Wood of Wood River, NE, Fran Pell of Lincoln, CA, and Harlyn Wood of Horseshoe Bend, ID; beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, wife, twin grandchildren, six siblings, four step-siblings and his stepmother.

Luce Funeral Home is entrusted with John’s arrangements. For a complete obituary visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Lillian Josephine Remme

Lillian Remme, 95, of Platte, SD passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell, SD.

Funeral Services are 1:30 P.M. Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at the Platte City Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Memorials in Lillian’s honor may be directed to: Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 472, Platte, SD 57369 or American Cancer Society, 35732 270th St., 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.

Lillian Josephine (Nelson) Remme was born on November 29, 1915 in Canton, SD to Jorgen and Alice (Sjostrom) Nelson. She was raised in Canton and was educated there, graduating from Canton High School in 1933. She married Odean Remme on September 28, 1940 in Canton. Following marriage, they lived on a farm near Canton until the spring of 1947 when they moved to rural Platte, SD. They were together until Odean’s passing in 1969.

While living on the farm, Lillian began work part-time at the Platte Hospital as a nurse’s aide, a doctor’s assistant and a receptionist for an out-patient clinic. When the Platte Nursing Home opened in 1965, she was among the staff that worked the first day and continued her employment there for the next 21 years. She remained in Platte until moving to the Prairie Villa Assisted Living in Armour, SD in 2005. Due to health reasons, she became a resident of Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell, SD September, 2011.

Lillian was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Platte, the Good Will Circle and the Hannah Circle. She also quilted with the Senior Citizens of Platte and was a member of the American Cancer Society. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, embroidering, gardening and corresponding by letter with her family and friends.

Grateful for having shared in Lillian’s life: her children: Carl J. (Lillian) Remme of Carson City, NV, Dianne (Richard) Dalrymple of Worthington, MN, and Mark Remme (Sheila Juran) of Welch, MN; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Larry) Wiley, Jeff Remme, Daniel Remme, David Remme, Jill (Steve) Oldham, Kari (Jody) Holmes, Amy (Ryan) Molter and Kristin (Matt) Amundson; along with seven great-grandchildren.

Lillian was preceded in death by: her husband, Odean; her parents; a brother, James Alfred Nelson; a half-brother, Gilbert Nelson and two half-sisters: Katie Renning and Igna McRae.

Royce Bowker Bianas

Royce Lee Bowker Bianas, 13, of Swiftbird, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at his home.

Funeral services are 1:00p.m. MST, Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Tiospaye Topa School Gym, LaPlant with Rev. Norman Blue Coat officiating. Burial will follow in the UCC Cemetery at LaPlant.

An all night wake will begin with a procession at 4:00p.m., east of LaPlant and services to be held at 7:00p.m at the gym.

Royce Lee Bowker Bianas was born January 2, 1998 in Pierre, SD to Derek & Lisa (Bowker) Bianas. He attended the Tiospaye Topa School from Kindergarten to 8th grade which he was currently in.
Royce’s hobbies included fencing, branding, hunting, fishing and riding in the tractor with his dad. Royce was very athletic in sports: playing basketball and football. He also liked to spend time playing X-Box 360, Wii games, chewing gum, drinking pop and listening to music.

Royce enjoyed eating Grandma Dot’s biscuits and gravy. He always said “nobody can make gravy like grandma!”
Royce will be remembered as one who liked to joke around and always had a smile on his face.
He will be deeply missed by his parents; two sisters: Alexie and Ashley; one brother, Derek, Jr.; his grandmas: Eldora Black Eagle and Dorothy Bowker; his uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

Royce was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Kenneth Chris Bianas, Jr.; paternal grandma, Kathy Bianas Cook; maternal grandfather, Jonas Bowker, Jr. and cousin Eric Scott.
Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Royce’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Margaret Stanley

Margaret “Peggy” Stanley, 74, of Cresbard, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.

Funeral services will 10:00a.m., Friday, November 18, 2011 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton with Fr. George Parmeter officiating. Burial of her cremains will be at a later date in the Northville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00p.m., Thursday, November 17 at the funeral home.

Peggy was born September 2, 1937 to Andrew and Beryl (Brodrick) McBride in Williston, ND. She graduated from Williston High School in 1955. Peggy went on to college at NDSU in Fargo, ND and received her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1959. She taught in Killdeer, ND for two years before taking a job in Cresbard where she continued to teach until 1966. She was a substitute teacher in the late 70’s and early 80’s. She taught one more year in Hitchcock, SD in 1982.

Peggy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and friends, canning, gardening, sewing and knitting.

Peggy married Harley Stanley on December 28, 1963 in Williston, ND. They raised two children.
Peggy is survived by her husband Harley Stanley of Cresbard, SD; daughter Kay (Willy) Kingenberg of George, IA; son Mike (Dee) Stanley of Luverne MN; three grandchildren: Meghann, Alex, and Bryan, all of Luverne MN; one brother, Ray (Kathy) McBride of Mukwanago, WI; one sister Julie McBride of Bismarck, ND; two nieces, one great niece, one great nephew, seven cousins and a very special friend Vija Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father in law, Harland and Emma Stanley, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Margaret’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Nellie VandenHoek

Nellie VandenHoek, 95, of New Holland, SD passed away Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society – Corsica, SD.

 Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 14, 2011 at the New Holland Christian Reformed Church. A Committal Service will follow at the New Holland Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte, SD. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nellie’s honor may be directed to: Good Samaritan Society – Corsica, Gazebo Fund, 455 Dakota Ave., Corsica, SD 57328.

 Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Nellie VanWeelden was born on June 15, 1916 to Gysbert and Nellie (Bok) VanWeelden in rural New Holland, SD. She grew up in the area and attended Douglas County Country School. On October 12, 1937 she united in marriage to John L. VandenHoek.

Nellie was a faithful member of the New Holland Christian Reformed Church and has long since been remembered for the painting and wallpapering work she and Ida Schipper accomplished together.

Grateful for having shared in Nellie’s life: her three sons: Leonard (Sandra) Van Den Hoek, Gary (Glenda) Van Den Hoek and Nelson (Jeri) Van Den Hoek all of Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren: Valerie Van Den Hoek (fiancée, Steve Albertus), Victoria (John) Traub, Corey (Laurie) Van Den Hoek, Chris (Tobi) Van Den Hoek, Nelson (Christy) Van Den Hoek and Heather (Nick) Cochrane; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Henry VanWeelden of Indiana; a sister, Ann Tegethoff of Corsica, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.

Nellie was preceded in death by: her husband, John L. VandenHoek (July 17, 1996); her parents, Gysbert and Nellie VanWeelden; and two brothers: Gilbert and Adrian VanWeelden.

Philip W. Wernsmann

Philip W. Wernsmann, 87, of Kimball, SD passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 12, 2011 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:30 P.M. Friday, November 11, 2011 with a 7:30 P.M. Rosary and Wake Service.

A 10:00 A.M. Committal Service will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Philip Walton Wernsmann was born on October 29, 1924 to Philip Jacob and Mary (Maloney) Wernsmann in Martin, SD, the sixth of eleven children. He graduated from Wanblee High School in 1942 and went on to work for his father and other area farmers in Hand County, SD until 1944. Philip then served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 until he was honorably discharged in 1946.

 He continued his education at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpaton, ND, graduating in 1949 with his BS degree. He began employment as Journeyman Electrician with Central Electric and Gas in Woonsocket, SD in 1949, transferring in 1950 to Central Electric in Kimball, SD, where he became the Manager in 1954 until 1956.

On June 14, 1955 he was united in marriage to Marcella “Sally” Cummins at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. From this union came four children: Marina, Philip R., Dawn and Virgil.

In 1956, Philip started his career with Midstate Communications in Kimball, serving as Manager from 1962 – 1996. He also served on the Regional and State Communications Committees and was one of the Incorporating Directors of the South Dakota Network.

Over the years he served on the Kimball City Council and helped to start a Boy Scout Pack.

Philip was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, was on the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department and a lifetime member of Drips American Legion Post #13 in Kimball.

Grateful for having shared in Philip’s life: his four children: Marina Wernsmann of Rock Springs, WY, Philip R. Wernsmann and his wife, Chris of Coon Rapids, IA, Dawn Wernsmann of Webster, SD and Virgil Wernsmann of Kimball, SD and his friend, Stephanie Dillard of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters: Kathryn Schlechter and her husband, Maurice of Polo, SD and Betty Schlechter of Redfield, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.

Philip was preceded in death by: his wife, Sally (Oct. 14, 2006); his parents; four brothers: James, Ralph, Edward, and Barney Wernsmann; four sisters: Sister Marina (Mildred) Wernsmann, Marie Matson, Lucille Anglin and Dorothy Zens; and several in-laws.

John LeBeau, Jr.

John LeBeau, Jr., 51, of Garretson and formerly of Blackfoot, SD, passed away Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Garretson.

Funeral services will be 10:00a.m. MT, Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte with Fr. Les Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Blackfoot. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

John Dorn LeBeau, Jr. was born June 3, 1960 to John Dorn LeBeau and Rosalie Roberts in Eagle Butte, SD. He attended school in San Jose, California graduating in 1979. Following high school John moved to the Sioux Falls, SD area where he remained until the time of his death.

John loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed fishing, grilling, and watching all kinds of sports. He was a wonderful carpenter and mechanic. John will be remembered by his family as a very nice person who was kind to all people.

John’s life will be cherished by his mother: Rosalie LeBeau of Ellsworth, MN; his siblings: James (Sue) of Rosemount, MN, Jeff of Wenatchee, WA, Jason of Sioux Falls, and Jackie of California; his special friend, Janice Larson and family of Lower Brule, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Homer and Dora LeBeau.
Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with John’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Daniel W. Bau

Daniel Bau, 56, of Faulkton, passed away Sunday, November 6, 2011.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the United Methodist Church, Redfield with Pastor Stephan Perry officiating.

Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Frankfort.

Visitation with family present will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.

Dan was born June 18, 1955 to Lorraine (Herren) and Wesley Bau in Huron, South Dakota. He went to school in Doland and lived around the Frankfort area. On September 20, 1974, he married Irene Fisk. They lived at the Lewis Double E Ranch where Dan worked until 1976. He then went to work for Land O’ Lakes for 18 years. They eventually moved to a farm SW of Faulkton where he served on the Township Board.

He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, playing cards with his family and friends and hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Bau of Faulkton; daughter, Darlette Bau of Watertown; son, Steven Bau of Faulkton; his three granddaughters: Cassandra, Natalie and Bridgette; one brother, Allen Bau of Frankfort; and three sisters: Rita (Terry) Kissner of Redfield, Barb Bau of Rapid City and Cheryl (Jim) Wilde of Scarville, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; a niece and nephew.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Dan’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Gradus Veurink

Gradus Veurink, 88, of New Holland, SD passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society – Corsica, SD.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the New Holland Christian Reformed Church. A Committal Service will follow at New Holland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Memorials in honor of Gradus may be directed to: Good Samaritan Society – Corsica, 455 Dakota Ave., Corsica, SD 57328.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Gradus H. Veurink was born on February 16, 1923 to Gerrit H. and Elizabeth (Vander Tuin) Veurink on the family farm near New Holland, SD. He attended Tiemen’s Country School, going on to farm and then work as a mechanic for Van Zee Motors. On January 15, 1947 he was united in marriage to Delia Van Zee at her parent’s home in New Holland. He and Delia lived their entire lives in the New Holland area and when it became necessary for health reasons in 2006, they moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Corsica, SD.

At an early age he professed his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and became a faithful and lifelong member of the New Holland Christian Reformed Church, serving as an Elder and a Deacon. He enjoyed hunting and time spent with his nieces and nephews.

Grateful for having shared in Gradus’ life: 3 brothers: Marion (Anna Mae) Veurink of New Holland, SD, Edwin (Mavis) Veurink of Platte, SD and LeRoy (Elaine) Veurink of Platte, SD; 2 sisters: Martha Dykshorn of Corsica, SD and Harriet Meyerink of Platte, SD; a brother-in-law, Howard (Betty) Van Zee of Platte, SD; a sister-in-law, Pearl Munneke of Rock Valley, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Gradus was preceded in death by: his wife, Delia Veurink (Jun. 13, 2011); his parents, Gerrit H. and Elizabeth Veurink; a brother, John Veurink; a sister, Jennie (Veurink) Ringling; a brother and sister in infancy; his parents-in-law; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Donald Mathey

Donald Mathey, 91, of Platte, SD passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Platte Care Center.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the First Reformed Church in Platte. A Private Family Committal Service will take place.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s honor may be directed to: Platte Care Center, PO Box 200, Platte, SD 57369.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Donald Nicholas Mathey was born on December 15, 1919 in White Lake, SD to John J. and Lena (Roth) Mathey. He was raised and attended grade school in the area before going on to serve his country in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant with the Engineers from 1942 – 1945, 2 ½ of those years being spent overseas. On February 18, 1946 he united in marriage to Luella Wolf in White Lake, they were together until her passing, June 19, 1974. From this union 3 daughters were born, Lynette, Renee and Michele. He made a career of welding that spanned 60 years, during which he owned and operated Don’s Welding. On March 4, 1977 he united in marriage to Leona (Van Zee) Brummel in Platte, SD where they made their home.

Don was a member of the First Reformed Church in Platte, belonged to Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115 of Platte, was an antique dealer and loved collecting things. He used his welding talents to become a metal artist and enjoyed playing golf and bowling.

Grateful for having shared in Don’s life: his wife of 34 years, Leona Mathey of Platte, SD; his daughter, Lynette and Royce Berg of Mankato, MN, their son, Brian (Heidi) Berg (Lucas, Natalie, Jaxson, Cara); his daughter, Renee and Tom Geppert of Kimball, SD, their sons: Andy (Nicole) Geppert (Allison, Nicholas) and Evan (Ashley) Geppert (Callie); his daughter, Michele and Merle Strom of Elk Point, SD, their daughters: Katie Strom (Tyler Walsh) and Emily (Bobby) Albertson (Gunnar, Jersey); a step-son, David Brummel of Platte, SD, his children: Carrie (Jay) Benson (Gage, Gracie), Damein Pack, Derrick (Jodie) Rogers (Elizabeth Ann); a step-daughter, Lori and Ken Lucas of Platte, SD, their children: Chris (DeEtta) Zwart, Tricia (Wade) Crosby and Abby (Brent) Keyes (Ruby Jo); a brother, Peter Mathey of White Lake, SD; a brother-in-law, Richard Meurer of Billings, MT; along with many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by: his wife, Luella Mathey; his parents, John and Lena Mathey; 3 sisters: Dorothy Mathey, Ann Meurer and Marie Kirsch; 2 brothers: Elmer and Jack Mathey; a brother-in-law, Edmund Kirsch and 2 sisters-in-law: Helen Mathey and Delores Mathey.

Amelia Christine Hoeksema

Amelia Christine Hoeksema, 104, of Platte, SD passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the Platte Care Center.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 6, 2011 at the Platte City Cemetery with Pastor Daniel Daum officiating.

Memorials in Amelia’s honor may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Mount Funeral Home in Platte is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Amelia Christine Johnson was born on August 25, 1907 to Olaf and Synneva (Pederson) Johnson in Geddes, SD. She grew up in the area and attended high school. On December 29, 1926 she was united in marriage to James “Cap” Hoeksema, they were together on the farm until his passing in 1960.

Amelia moved to Platte, SD in 1961and began employment at the Platte Hatchery. She was also a cook at the hospital and both cafes in town. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, belonged to the Senior Citizens and took part in the local Card Club. Amelia could always be seen walking where ever she wanted to go

Amelia enjoyed gardening, canning what she grew and tending to her flowers. She loved to watch baseball, especially if the Braves were playing. She kept busy sewing and quilting and her grandchildren never left her house without some of her delicious cookies.

Grateful for having shared in Amelia’s life: her 3 children: Dorothy Schmidt of Beaver City, NE, James Hoeksema of Platte, SD and Joyce Soulek and husband, Walt of Lake Andes, SD; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; along with several nephews.

Amelia was preceded in death by: her husband, James; her daughter, Lois Gukeisen; 2 sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law; 3 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; her parents; 3 brothers and a sister.

Donna J. Gunderson

Donna J. Gunderson, 72, of Highmore, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Pastor David Peterson officiating.

Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore.

Donna Jean Gunderson was born June 27, 1939, at Highmore, South Dakota, to George and Stella (Mason) Ruark. She was united in marriage to Duane “Mick” Gunderson at Highmore on June 10, 1955. To this union six children were born.

Donna’s occupations included farming, working as a cook at Kussers, and she spent the remainder of years as a cook at the Nutrition Center in Highmore until her retirement in 2009. In Donna’s free time she enjoyed crafting. There is nothing Donna loved more than spending time with her family. She enjoyed the large family gatherings, the socializing and laughter. Donna was loved dearly by her family and friends. She was the glue that held her family together and her loss leaves a hole that can never be filled. She was smart, loving, generous, kind, and thoughtful. This beautiful woman will be remembered and missed by everyone who knew her.

Survivors include her four daughters and their families: Corrine (Jim) Odegaard, Clint and Eric of Miller; Jennifer (Kevin) Snow, Johanna and Melissa of Pierre; Pam (Chris) Farrell, Ashley and Amber of Bristol, and Teresa (Mark) Blow, Matthew of Harrisburg; two sons and their families: Mike (Sharon) Gunderson, Mandy, Jamie, Lance, and Chase of Bowdle and Tim (Kathy) Gunderson, Danielle and Dustin of Ankeny, Iowa; her 5 great grandchildren; sister, Pat Kaass of Sioux Falls and brother, Tom Ruark of Butte, Montana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Duane Gunderson; two sisters: Marilyn Kwaak and Mona Ruark; four brothers: Leroy Ruark, David Ruark, Richard Ruark, and Robert Ruark.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Donna’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Joyce Ganje

Joyce Phyllis Ganje, 78, of Eagle Butte, passed from this world Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD; just 10 days shy of her 79th birthday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00a.m. MDT, Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte with Fr. Matthew Fallgren officiating. Burial will follow in the United Eagle Butte Cemetery. Wake services will be 7:30p.m. MDT, Tuesday, November 1 at the church with visitation one hour prior.

Joyce was a true Midwesterner. She was born in Scottsbluff, NE to Mary and John Carter in 1932 as the fourth of 5 children. She spent part of her childhood in Iowa, and finally moved to Eagle Butte in 1946 where she had been a proud member of the community ever since. She married Frank Ganje in 1951 and they had one son Robert Francis in 1952. She and her husband Frank opened Ganje Clothing and Coast to Coast Hardware store. She set an example of strength and joy for all who knew her. Joyce was a devout Catholic and she opened her heart to everyone as a true Christian. She left this world with as much grace and dignity as she had in life, and even in her passing impressed upon us all the value of family and love.

Joyce is survived by her loving and devoted son, Robert Ganje (Kara); grandchildren, Mendi Ganje, Heidi Garside (Jon), Sunni Ganje (Chris), Robbie Ganje, Ashli Murschel (Sam); mother of grandchildren, Julie Ganje; great-grandchildren, Shae Ganje, Gabriel Mendoza, Ashten Ganje, Leigh Ganje, Christopher Ganje, Solomon Murschel; brother, Thomas Carter (Sara); and all of her faithful friends.

The angels are surely rejoicing as Joyce takes her place in heaven and joins her husband of 47 years, Frank Ganje; her beloved sisters and brothers, Donald Carter, Mary Lou Fischer, John Carter, Bernice Kelly; and her parents Mary Ferguson, John Carter; and step-father Elder Ferguson.

Grams, you will be missed by us all. You will be remembered with love every time we eat macaroons, make bread pudding, explain to our friends what slumgolian is, smell baking bread, and each time your friends play Farkel. We can only hope that we live our lives with as much class and grace as you modeled for us. Now aushcapito! Don’t forget to check on us.

Luce Funeral Chapel, of Eagle Butte, has been entrusted with Joyce’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Arlene Hemminger

Arlene Hemminger, 80 years, six months and 10 days, of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the Highmore Health in Highmore.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 31, 2011 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Pastor David Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30, 2011 with a 4:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Arlene was born April 16, 1931 in Highmore, South Dakota to Tom and Helen (Johnson) Brooks. Arlene attended school in rural Hyde County and Holabird Schools, graduating from Highmore High School in 1951. After attending college in Aberdeen, she taught school in rural Hyde County.

On December 21, 1952, she married Howard Hemminger. They made their home on the Hemminger homestead in William Hamilton Township. Arlene continued teaching and helping with the farm operation. She remained on the farm in their home until moving to Highmore in 2004.

Howard and Arlene were blessed with two children, Don, born November 20, 1963 and Dixie, born June 19, 1966. Raising Don and Dixie was the most important thing to Arlene and Howard. Some memorable events of “Mom” to Don and Dixie while growing up included mom driving the tractor, against her will and tearing out many fences and hitting rock piles; cultivating corn and losing a shank and then having to go back to the field to look for it; and playing pranks with the water faucet. They also remember their mom attending many school activities, driving them to town for music lessons; attending church functions and helping with 4-H activities. They fondly remember their mother attending the state fair year after year and staying throughout the long week. As a mother, Arlene also carpooled with the other neighborhood mothers to take children to school. Not only a mother, Arlene spent many hours enjoying her many nieces and nephews when they would come to the farm for holidays, weekends and during summer months.

In later years, one of Arlene’s biggest enjoyments were her six grandchildren thus she became known as “Granny”.

After the drought in 1976, Arlene began working as a cook at the Highmore Healthcare Center and remained in that position until the fall of 2004.

She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Miriam Circle, Community Club, Senior Citizens Center and was on the William Hamilton Township Board for many years. She taught Sunday school over the years and was a 4-H leader. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, putting puzzles together and listening to baseball games on the radio, later watching them on television. One thing she did not enjoy was singing, but she loved to listen to music.

Her memory will be cherished by her children: Don (Sandi) Hemminger and Dixie (Mike) Volek, all of Highmore; grandchildren: Haley (Bill) Wurdeman of Mitchell, NE, Shanda (Nathan) Spilde of Highmore, Blake Hemminger of Eagle Butte, Tia Hemminger of Sioux Falls and Sherise Volek of Highmore; sister-in-law, Faye Brooks; brother-in-law, Ralph Buthe; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; grandson, Winston Hemminger; brothers: Ray, Cleo, Jay and Leonard Brooks; and sisters: Maxine Buthe, Beulah Kirtz, LaVina Brooks, Florence Brooks, Belva Brooks, Mayme Blackburn and Veva Buchholz.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Hyde County Library or Hyde County Steps for Hope.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Arlene’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Ilena (Jongsma) Tjeerdsma

Ilena (Jongsma) Tjeerdsma, 86, of Platte, SD passed away Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Platte Care Center.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Platte Christian Reformed Church with Pastor David Prince officiating. A 9:30 A.M. Committal Service will take place at the Platte City Cemetery prior to services on Tuesday.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, October 24, 2011 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Memorials in Ilena’s honor may be directed to: Dakota Christian School, 37614 SD Hwy 44, Corsica, SD 57328 or to the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Ilena May Vanden Bos was born September 29, 1925 to Dick W. and Bertha (Meyerink) Vanden Bos. She received her education in Darlington #3 Pleasant Ridge School and attended Platte High. She worked as a hired girl for various people in the area. On March 5, 1946 she was united in marriage to Andrew Jongsma. This union was blessed with four daughters. They farmed south of Platte until Andrew’s death in 1981. She then worked as a housekeeper at the Platte Hospital and as a CNA at the Care Center. On June 15, 1989 she married Oscar Tjeerdsma. She was a faithful member of the Christian Reformed Church since her youth. She was a dedicated member of the Magdalenes, Dakota Christian Auxiliary, having served as President of both organizations, and attended Coffee Break as long as her health allowed her to. She enjoyed baking, gardening and handiwork.

Grateful to have shared in Ilena’s life are her four daughters: Barbara (Delano) DeVries, Corsica, Geneva Olson, Canistota, Doreen (Stephan) Person, Walworth, WI, and Karen (David) Viet, Marion. Step children: Lynn (Mary) Tjeerdsma, Alexandria, VA, Leann (Allen) Olivier, Chamberlain, Cathy (Brad) Fosland, Oldham, and Doreen (Peter) Fahlberg, Beresford. Sisters: Marguerite Hubers, Platte, Darlene (Earl) Lefers, Corsica, Dorothy Vander Tuin, Platte, and Bernice (Harold) Jaeger, Geddes and one brother William (Mary) Vanden Bos, Bellingham, WA. Half sister: Jean (Duane) Plaatje, Springfield, and half brothers, Dale and Bruce (Leann)Vanden Bos, Platte. Twelve grandchildren, 20 step grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 27 step great grand children.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Andrew and Oscar, parents, step mother, Jessie Vanden Bos, and many brothers in law and sisters in law.

Raymond Kintz

Raymond Kintz
October 21, 1937 - October 18, 2011

On October 21st, 1937, Raymond Harry Kintz was born to Harry and Wilma (Hamann) Kintz in Cresco, Iowa. Harry and Wilma were farmers in Howard County, Iowa and for a short time near Cherry Grove, Minnesota.
Raymond, known as Ray, and his sister Mary Lou attended three different rural elementary schools in Howard County. He graduated from Remsen High School in Remsen, Iowa in 1956. During the family’s last few years on the farm, Ray took responsibility for the farm chores while his father was employed with the local telephone company. In 1954, the Kintz’s moved to town after Ray’s father was hired as a construction foreman with the West Iowa Telephone Company at Remsen, Iowa. Ray treasured the memories of pheasant hunting with his father as a young man. The two shared a special bond, one that became a stronghold over the years. Ray credits his father for being a positive influence and source of strength in his life.

Throughout his school years, he was active in sports, music, and drama. As center for the Remsen Hornets basketball team, he remembered the rough and tumble games that he and his friends enjoyed. Raymond prided himself in putting rival players into the third row of the bleachers.

Ray envisioned a career in the military, but his dream was not to be due to medical problems.
After graduation, he accepted a position with West Iowa Telephone Company where his father was employed. He spent 1 ½ years there, and then was hired at Automotive Electric where he traveled across the Midwest as a union apprentice, installing telephone equipment and the first dial telephone system in those areas. When his job took him to Marion, Illinois, he was offered a position within the firm in Venezuela. In August of 1958, he moved to Caracas, Venezuela, South America where he spent 1 ½ years installing and refurbishing telephone switchboards and offices. During his time in South America, he became fluent in Spanish and enjoyed speaking it throughout his life.
In January of 1960, he returned to the United States and attended Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa. In 3 ½ years, he obtained a degree in social science. This is where he met the love of his life - Lorraine J. Krumbach, who was a college nurse and full-time student at Westmar College. After she graduated in the spring of ’62, they were married on June 9, 1962 at rural Parker, South Dakota. They moved to Vermillion, South Dakota in February of 1963, where Raymond was pursuing a degree in law.

On May 29, 1963, their first son, Raymond the Second (II), was born in Vermillion, South Dakota.
Ray graduated from the University of South Dakota’s law school with a Juris Doctor degree in the spring of 1965. Upon graduation, he started a legal aid office in Rosebud, South Dakota on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.
On August 5, 1966, their son Randell was born in Winner, South Dakota.

In 1967, the Kintz family moved to Dupree, South Dakota, where Ray started his private law practice. Lorraine was employed at Indian Health Services in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Ray and his sons operated the Lakota Theater in Dupree in the 1970s, and also operated theaters in Timber Lake and Eagle Butte.

Ray was a vital part of the Dupree community. He served as Ziebach County State’s Attorney, served as an officer for over 20 at the Dupree Community Club, served on numerous boards such as the Northwest Area Counseling Service, was President of the 5th District Law Enforcement Planning Commission for a number of years representing Ziebach County for nearly all of its existence and was City Attorney for Faith and Dupree from 1968 – 1982. He was very active in the United Church of Christ, holding local offices, serving on the state conference board of directors and moderator of the conference in 1982 – 1983.

In 1975, he purchased the Ziebach County Abstract Company in Dupree, in 1979, he acquired the Dewey County Title Company in Timber Lake, in 1990, he acquired the Sully County Land & Abstract Company in Onida and the Stanley County Abstract Company in Ft. Pierre, and later acquired Barnes and Gray Abstract Co. in Highmore. In 1985, he had the honor of being president of the South Dakota Land Title Association. Raymond’s son, Randell and his wife Tamara joined the business in 1993 and still work there today.

One of Ray’s favorite pastimes was traveling. He visited almost every state in the United States, many Canadian provinces, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, France, Italy, Austria, South America and Germany.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, photography, and don’t forget coffee hour. He enjoyed bicycling and participated three times in the weeklong bike ride across Iowa, called Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). He rode in the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s bike tour various times.

Ray loved to do carpentry. He and his wife, Lorraine, built their log cabin on Lake Oahe themselves and loved the beautiful view from their front porch.

In recent years, Ray was active with the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Pierre, the Germans From Russia Club and was active in the business he built up until the day of his death. He had recently enjoyed his 55th high school class reunion.

Ray was cherished by his family and grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Lorraine from Fort Pierre, South Dakota; son Raymond and his wife Judy from Williamsburg, Virginia and their children Corey, Robert and JoAnn; son Randell and his wife Tamara from Pierre, South Dakota and their children Sedona and Sabrina; and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his only sibling, Mary Lou and her husband Marlin Sanny from Beatrice, Nebraska and numerous other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Gathering
Sunday October 23, 2011, 6:00PM - 7:00PM at Feigum Funeral Home
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Prayer Service
Sunday October 23, 2011, 7:00PM at Feigum Funeral Home
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Memorial Celebration of Life
Monday October 24, 2011, 11:30AM at First Congregational United Church of Christ

Elma Collins

Elma L. Collins, 104, of Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.

Funeral services will be at 2:00p.m., Monday, October 17, 2011 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00-4:00p.m., Sunday, October 16, at Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg with a 4:00p.m. prayer service.

Elma Serum, daughter of Albert and Mary (Forthun) Serum was born in Modena, Wisconsin on April 19, 1907. She received her high school education in Mondovi, WI, and then attended the University of Minnesota where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in English and Latin. Prior to her marriage, she was the high school principal at Elgin, MN.

On August 20, 1939 Elma married Dr. E.H. Collins of Gettysburg in Mondovi, WI. They had a daughter, Mary Lynn and a son, William Henry who died in infancy.

Elma worked as a receptionist in her husband’s office during the last 40 years of his practice. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the High Plains Art Council, the Republican Women, the Gettysburg Hospital Auxiliary serving as its president the year of its dedication. She was also a charter member and president of the Gettysburg Branch of the A.A.U.W. Elma was a member of the 4th District Medical Auxiliary and served as State President in 1960.

Elma is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynn Collins and special friend Paul Oberlitner both of Gettysburg and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one infant son, William Henry; one brother, Melvyn Serum; and one sister, Agnes Serum Marten.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Elma’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Ruby M. McLaird

Ruby M. McLaird, 96, of Plankinton, SD passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, SD.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Plankinton. A Committal Service will follow at the Memorial Hill Cemetery in Lake Benton, MN.

 Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday October 14, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Mount Funeral Home in Plankinton is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Ruby Marie Rochel was born on December 31, 1914 in Verdi, MN to Harry and Eliza “Lizzie” (Wede) Rochel. Ruby received her education in Verdi School. On June 15, 1935 she was united in marriage to Ernest Clinton McLaird in Sioux Falls, SD. They made their home in Lake Benton, MN, where Ernest was employed at the Lambert Lumber Company. In 1949 they transferred to Summit, SD. In 1951 Ernest was transferred to Sanborn, MN and in 1953 he transferred to Lamberton, MN.

In 1954 they moved to Miller, SD where Ernest was assistant manager of Botsford Lumber Company. Ruby started working a few years later as a bookkeeper at Botsford Lumber Company. In 1965 they moved to Plankinton, SD where they both worked at Fullerton Lumber Company until they retired in 1971. Since 2005 she has resided at the Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, SD.

Ruby stayed very active in the Plankinton United Methodist Church and the Senior Citizen Center. She kept very busy taking care of her yard and garden while watching the birds. She enjoyed doing needlework and did lots of craft projects over the years. She also loved to bake.

Grateful for having shared in Ruby’s life: her three sons: Glenn McLaird of Miller, SD, James McLaird and wife, Donna of Mitchell, SD and Robert McLaird and wife, Lee of Bowling Green, OH; her daughter, Marilyn Grambihler and husband, Robert of Plankinton, SD; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ruby was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Ernest in 1989; an infant son, Darrel; two sisters and two brothers.

Anthony Red Bird

Anthony Red Bird, 51, of Mobridge, passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND.

Funeral services will be 11:00a.m., MT, Saturday, October 15, 2011 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte with Fr. Les Campbell officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery, LaPlant.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Anthony’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Robert James “Bob” Paulson

Robert James “Bob” Paulson, 63, of Platte, SD passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 14, 2011 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Wake Service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Robert James Paulson was born on October 5, 1948 to Keith and Gladys (Hudek) Paulson in Platte, SD. He graduated from Platte High School in 1966 and went on to attend Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD where he played football for the Wolves. On May 5, 1979 he united in marriage to Donna Hysell in Lake Andes, SD. He owned and operated Paulson Trucking.

Bob was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte, enjoyed playing cards, fishing and hunting. He played armature baseball, coached Teener Baseball in Geddes, SD and was interested in horse racing.

Grateful for having shared in Bob’s life: his two children: Ryan Paulson of Geddes, SD and Catrina Paulson of Platte, SD; two grandchildren: Zana and Ziva; a brother, Mike Paulson and wife, Linda of Vermillion, SD; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by: his parents, Keith and Gladys Paulson; a brother, James Paulson and his grandparents.

Dorothy J. Worth

Dorothy J. Worth, 85, of Gettysburg, passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Funeral services will be 10:30a.m., Friday, October 14, 2011 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery.

 Visitation will be from 1:00-5:00p.m., Thursday, October 13, at the Luce Funeral Home, Gettysburg.

Dorothy J. Worth was born March 12, 1926 to John Fredrick and Robbie May (Harvey) Worth in Potter County. She attended school in Gettysburg, graduating from Gettysburg High School. Following her schooling Dorothy began her career at the Potter County Courthouse; first as the deputy county accessor, then as the County Accessor until her retirement.

Most of Dorothy’s life was spent on the family farm, where she helped care for her aging parents. Here she also enjoyed mowing the yard, daily coffee with her brothers and Sunday dinners with the family. In her spare time she loved to put puzzles together and spending time crocheting. Each year she spent a lot of time picking out Christmas gifts and wrapping them all for her many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She did a great job of keeping up with their interests and likes and matching her gifts to them accordingly. One thing about Dorothy is she would never sweat the little things in life!

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Am. Legion Auxiliary and the Rebekah’s Lodge.

Dorothy is survived by her brother: Dean (Dottie) Worth of Gettysburg; sister-in-law Marvel Worth of Gettysburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Wayne, Robert and Quentin Worth; and five sisters: Florence Stankey, Myrtle Mertz, Katherine Mangin, Lucy Worth and D. Lorraine Schnunner.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Dorothy’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net 

Joseph L. Johnson

Joseph L. Johnson, 84, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the Platte Care Center.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at Bloomington Cemetery, rural Platte with military honors by Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115 of Platte.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the Mount Funeral Home in Platte with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Memorials in Joe’s honor may be directed to: Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 427, Platte, SD 57369; American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 35732 270th St., Platte, SD 57369 or to the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Lindbergh Johnson was born on July 18, 1927 to Melvin and Margaret (Nelson) Johnson in Geddes, SD. He grew up in the area and was a 1948 graduate of Geddes High School. After serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 – 1953, during the Korean War, he returned home to farm.

On June 18, 1961 he united in marriage to Laura Peterson at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church in rural Vermillion, SD. He continued farming in the Geddes area until 1997 when they moved to Platte, SD where he and Laura managed The Gentle Touch until the time of his death.

Joe was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115, a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, belonged to the Farmer’s Union and participated in bowling league all in the community of Platte. He enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Grateful for having shared in Joe’s life: his wife of over 50 years, Laura Johnson of Platte, SD; their 4 children: Lori Smith of Ogden, UT, Lynda (Mike) Belt of Wayne, NE, Michael (Dawn) Johnson of Belle Fourche, SD and Mary (Tom) Espland of Sioux Falls, SD; 12 grandchildren: Joshua (Aubry) Smith, Dallas (Dorene) Johnson, Michaela Belt, Jamie Belt, Rylee Johnson, Aaron Smith, Tabitha Belt, Rebekah, Rachel and Joseph Espland, Andi Belt and Marlena Belt ; a step grandson, Jeremy Sebade; 2 great-grandchildren: Savannah Jo Smith and Remington Jocelyn Johnson; 2 step great-grandchildren: Colton and Keaton Sebade; his brother, Norman Johnson of Sacramento, CA; his sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson of Geddes, SD; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by: his parents, Melvin and Margaret Johnson; his brother, Clifford Johnson and sister-in-law, Joanne Johnson.

Alan Livermont

In memoriam of Alan Livermont, 03/13/1934 - 10/06/2011

Alan Lee Livermont was born March 13, 1934, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota to Leonard and Hilda (Chase) Livermont, the youngest of three children. While attending high school at Chardon Prep, he met the love of his life, fellow student Carol Brown. Al and Carol married following graduation in 1952. To this marriage six children were born: Jo (Mike) Parker, Vicki Bucklin, Jay (Mary) Livermont, Roger Livermont, Jonelle (Angel) Morales, and Steve (Kim) Livermont.

Alan worked with the BIA following graduation and in 1954 was hired as a junior draftsman by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. In the mid-sixties Alan was hired as a manager by the newly created Central Data Processing - now known as Information Processing Services, making sure state employees received their paychecks on time. Over the years, “Liver” was the consummate Izzak Walton bingo caller, event cook, and also for a short time even managed the Ike’s. He also bartended and catered IGC meetings for many years.

In September of 1992, Al retired and was really able to enjoy the things in life he loved, most importantly his family. He also now had time for his hobbies of gardening, mushroom and asparagus hunting, golfing, fishing and attending the grandkids’ activities and sporting events. The grandkids always knew they could count on ”Grandad” being in the stands. Some might say grocery shopping in Pierre just won’t be same without seeing Al in the aisles, golf cap on, doing his daily shopping. Of course, he had to be careful not to buy too much as it might not fit in the basket of his motor scooter, won in a raffle. Over the last several years, coffee group in the mornings often took the place of golf, an activity his grandson Ethan enjoyed with him.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Carol; brother, Frank (Helen) Livermont; children, Jo, Jay, Roger, Jonelle and Steve; 14 grandkids: James (Randi) Parker; Jodi, Derek, and Nikki Bucklin, Jonelle (Brandon) Hodge; Mark (Alysia), Kristine, and Jason Livermont; Kenan and Jess Livermont; Ethan and Carol Morales; and Kelli and Kristi Livermont; great grandkids: Jayme, Robert, Brittany, Trevor, Brandi, Alex, Wyatt, and Chase. Preceding him in death were his father, mother; sister, Juanita “Bebe” Gordon; stepfather, Joseph Horn Cloud and his daughter Vicki.

Duane H. Wilcox

Duane H. Wilcox, 79, of Platte, SD, formerly of Lead, SD passed away Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Platte Care Center.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Platte.  A Committal Service will follow at the Platte City Cemetery with military honors by Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115 of Platte.

Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 11, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Memorials in Duane's honor may be directed to: Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 427, Platte, SD 57369 or Platte City Cemetery Association, 37416 272nd St., 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.

Duane Herbert Wilcox was born on December 11, 1931 to Joseph A. and Ellen M. (Hansen) Wilcox in South Sioux City, NE. The family lived in the Homer and Winnebago, NE areas before moving to rural Platte, SD when he was a young age. He was confirmed at Bloomington Lutheran Church and attended Darlington Rural Schools through the 8th grade, graduating from Platte High School in 1949. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army in 1952 with the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. After his service, he returned home to work on the farm.

On December 27, 1960 he was united in marriage to Clarice Ludens at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Platte. To this union were born two children; Steve and Collette. The couple moved to Lead, SD in 1964 where they made their home. Duane was employed as a miner for the Homestake Gold Mine for 22 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Black Hills VFW Post #5969 in Deadwood, SD and the Lead Homestake American Legion Post #31. Because of declining health, he became a resident of the Platte Care Center on July 7, 2011.

Grateful for having shared in Duane’s life: his son, Steve (Judi) Wilcox of Phoenix, AZ; 5 grandchildren: Christopher and Stacey Wilcox, Seth and Dalton Nold and Chad (Kennedy) Lasrich; a sister, Marie (Gale) Erickson of Gayville, SD; 2 brothers: Clyde (Sandy) Wilcox of Eagan, MN and Roy (Linda) Wilcox of Yankton, SD; a step-brother, Verne Hull of Yankton, SD; 2 brothers-in-law: Alvin (Donna) Ludens of Watertown, SD and Jim (Eileen) Ludens of Geddes, SD; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by: his wife of 50 years, Clarice Wilcox (Jan. 2, 2011); his daughter, Collette Kennedy; his parents, Joseph and Ellen Wilcox; his step-mother, Oma Hull Wilcox and his twin brother, Wayne Wilcox.

Loren Paul Simons

Loren P. Simons, 61, of Alcester and formerly of Miller, SD, passed Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Morningside Care Center in Alcester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 10, 2011 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Wessington with military honors.

A rosary service will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Loren Paul was born September 22, 1950 to Arnold and Hazel (Haigh) Simons in Miller, South Dakota; he was the fourth of eight children. He attended school in rural Hand County, Miller Elementary and graduated from Miller High School. On September 17, 1970, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on March 17, 1972. Loren then went to work for the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Playing pool, car races, trap shooting and country music were some of his favorite past times. Loren was a member of the VFW.

Grateful to have shared in his life is his mother, Hazel Simons of Miller; siblings: Lloyd (Joan) Simons of Pierre, Rita (Mike) Beaner of Miller, Vera (Dennis) Blachford of Blue Springs, MO, Ruth (James) Waddell of Kearney, MO, Verna Cleaver of Lincoln, NE, Gale (Mike) Poole of Atlanta, GA, and Gloria (Mark) Rowen of Sioux Falls; aunt, Zola Haigh of Des Moines, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; aunts and uncles and a niece.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Loren’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Alvin J. Hosek

Alvin J. Hosek, 98, of Platte, SD passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at his home. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Mount Funeral Home in Platte.

A Committal Service will follow at the Platte City Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Alvin James Hosek was born on July 19, 1913 to Anton and Mary (Kott) Hosek on the family farm in the Bijou Hills, SD area where he lived his entire life. He attended Schubert’s School through the eighth grade and then Ward Academy. He went on to a career in farming and helped his Mother raise his younger siblings.

On August 14, 1948 he united in marriage to Opal Peterson in Lake Andes, SD. Alvin enjoyed playing the accordion - especially at dances, playing cards, getting together with family and spending time with his granddaughter. He was a member of the Bijou Hills Church.

Grateful for having shared in Alvin’s life: his children: Lyle (Beth) Hosek and Linda Hosek all of Platte, SD; a granddaughter, Jessie Hosek of St. Cloud, MN; a sister, Agnes Koenig of Tyndall, SD; a brother, Herman (Eileen) Hosek of Winner, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by: his wife of 58 years, Opal Hosek (Feb. 27, 2007); his parents, Anton and Mary Hosek; 3 brothers: William, Ben and James Hosek; 3 sisters: Rose Girton, Clara Sip and Grace Gau; and several in-laws

Marie Agnes Otterpohl

Marie Agnes Otterpohl, 95, of White Lake, SD passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the First Congregational Church in Gann Valley, SD. A Committal Service will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Gann Valley.

Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to services on Thursday. Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball, SD is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Marie Agnes Otterpohl was born on September 10, 1916 to John and Agnes (Machler) Otterpohl in Buffalo County, SD. She was raised in the area and attended Victory Country Grade School, going on to a career in farming and ranching with her siblings. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Gann Valley.

Grateful for having shared in Marie’s life are several nieces and nephews.

Marie was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Agnes Otterpohl; 4 brothers: Paul, Herbert, Ernest “Bill” and Henry (Agnes) Otterpohl; and 3 sisters: Emma (Floyd) Neville, Hazel and Martha Otterpohl.

Mildred L. Harrison

Mildred L. Harrison, 91, White River, SD passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the Fairacres Manor in Greeley, CO.

Mildred was born in White River, South Dakota on August 19, 1920 to Fred and Ethel (Hall) Trautman. She attended school in the O’Kreek and the Wood school districts. She graduated from the Wood High School in 1938. After graduation, she worked at the Max Frick Drug Store in Wood. In 1940, she and her sister, Marie, moved to Hoquiam, Washington to live with the John Hall family. They later returned to South Dakota, but when jobs became scarce in South Dakota, Mildred decided to move back to Washington. She, her sister Marie, along with Veldon Harrison, and Darrell Baker moved to Washington in the fall of 1941 to find work. There, both sisters worked in a restaurant in Hoquiam.

She married Veldon Harrison in Hoquiam, Washington on February 9, 1942. When Veldon was called to serve in the military in 1942, Mildred decided to join the service as well. She enlisted in the WAAC on February 22, 1943 and was stationed in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and New Guinea. During her military career, she served as a switchboard operator and later prepared medical supplies for the soldiers overseas. She was honorably discharged from the military on March 23, 1945 receiving the Good Conduct Medal, WAAC Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, with one bronze star. She returned to Washington where son, Larry, was born. She stayed in Washington until Veldon was discharged from the service later that year. They then moved back to South Dakota and lived their life together on the Harrison ranch northeast of White River. Three more children were born, Beverly (deceased), Patti, and Peggy.

When Veldon passed away in 1976, Mildred remained on the ranch. She loved her life in the country and took pride in her garden and yard. She enjoyed quilting, bowling, and square dancing. She was active in the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, White River Twirlers, White River Methodist Church, Riverview Extension Club, Eastern Star, and Rebekah Lodge.

In 2009, she went to visit her daughter, Peggy, in Colorado. Due to declining health, she remained there until her death.

She is survived by one son, Larry of White River; two daughters, Patti Stromer (Wayne) of White River and Peggy (Thomas) Honn of Ault, Colorado; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Orville (Muriel) Trautman of Kelso, Washington, and Kenneth (Cherlye) Trautman of Bay Center, Washington; sisters, Grace (William) Burke, Nora (Wayne) Calhoun, Betty McDougal, all of Montesano, Washington, and Luella (Jim) Lindley of Grapeview, Washington; brother-in-law, Raymond (Marjorie) Harrison of Martin, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Hazel Harrison of Spearfish, South Dakota.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Veldon; daughter, Beverly Jean; granddaughter, Kristi Siegmund; parents, Fred and Ethel; brothers, Fritz, and Cliff; sisters, Marie, Loretta, and two in infancy.

Donations may be made to the American Legion Post #94, White River, South Dakota.

Funeral
Tuesday October 4, 2011, 2:00 - p.m. at White River Methodist Church

Burial
White River Cemetery

Visitation
Tuesday October 4, 2011, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at White River Methodist Church

Edna Marie Benda

Edna Marie Benda, 84, of Kimball, SD passed away Friday, September 30, 2011 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell, SD.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Protestant Parish in Kimball. A Committal Service will follow at Kimball Community Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, October 3, 2011 with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Edna Marie (Plos) Benda, daughter of James and Bertha (Piskule) Plos, was born on April 10, 1927 in Gann Valley, SD. At a young age, Edna moved with her parents to Kimball. After high school graduation, Edna worked at the bank in Kimball for several years.

She was united in marriage to Theodore Benda on December 1, 1948. For the next 63 years, Edna and Ted resided on their family farm south of Kimball, in Wilbur Township, until moving to the Avera Brady Assisted Living/Nursing Home in April, 2011.

Over the years, Edna was an active member of her community, having served as a 4-H leader for 20 years, receiving the “Friend of 4-H Award” in 1978. She was very active in the United Methodist Women church group, serving as treasurer for 35 years, and was a lifetime member of Kimball Protestant Parish, serving as church treasurer for many years. She was a devoted member of the Aurora-Brule Porkettes, serving as secretary-treasurer for 25 years. She was also active in the American Legion Auxiliary and Brule County Extension Board.

Through the years, Edna enjoyed gardening and canning - always making sure she had plenty of tomato plants - playing cards, dancing, traveling and just being outdoors.

Edna was a strong woman whose unwavering positive attitude throughout life’s challenges will never be forgotten. Her family remembers her as a devoted wife, energetic mother and beloved grandmother who treasured family gatherings.

Grateful for having shared in her life are: her husband, Theodore Benda of Mitchell, SD; her son, Jim (Sue) Benda of Kimball, SD; her daughter, Joan (Gene) Buttenhoff of Sioux Falls, SD; and 4 grandchildren: Jay Benda, Lauren Benda, Ryan Benda and Mark Buttenhoff.

Edna was preceded in death by: her parents and 5 infant brothers and sisters.

Edna’s family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Avera Brady Assisted Living/Health and Rehab for the excellent care she received.

Memorials in Edna’s honor may be directed to: Kimball Protestant Parish, PO Box 340, Kimball, SD 57355.

Esther McQuistion

March 20, 1923 - September 27, 2011

Esther McQuistion, 88 of Pierre, died Tuesday, September 27 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Services will be 2:00 pm, Friday, September 30 at Isburg Funeral Chapel with Visitation starting at 1:00. Burial will be Scotty Philip Cemetery

Esther McQuistion was born March 20, 1923, in Princeton, Minnesota, to Reverend William and Crissie Besselievre. Being the 6th of 8 children her siblings include William (deceased), Allen (deceased), Paul (deceased), Marcia (deceased), Ruth Dustin, Tecumseh, Michigan, David (deceased) and Fred (deceased).

Esther lived in Hutchinson, Minnesota and DeSmet, South Dakota before moving to Pierre where her father had become the minister of the Pierre Congregational Church. She graduated from Pierre High School in 1941. She met Clinton McQuistion at the Fort Pierre rollerskating rink and was united in marriage in 1942 with her father officiating. To this union 5 children were born. John (Jean) Mesquite, Texas, Mary (Wilbert) Fenger, Gettysburg, SD, Larry (Barb) Fort Pierre, SD, Patty (Louie) Chamales, El Paso, Texas, Gary (Shawn), Chamberlain, SD.

They lived in Hutchinson, Kansas for a brief period, where their first child, John, was born. Moving back to South Dakota they started to build their ranch…living on “Chanty” Creek, northwest of Ft. Pierre adding Mary, Larry, Patty and Gary to the family. Esther enjoyed all the activities that ranch life had to offer, including her love for the many animals she raised, especially her chickens, goats (White Nanny being her favorite) and the miniature horses. She enjoyed playing the accordion, fishing, riding her motorcycles and 4 wheelers.

Esther, who was the family cook, seamstress and doctor preferred being outside working alongside Clinton, whether it was in the hayfield, fixin’ fence or calvin’ out…she enjoyed helping wherever she was needed. Her family came first and she will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nephews and nieces and Muffy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton, December,1992, her parents, 6 siblings, mother-in-law Mary and father-in-law John, brother-in-laws Bob H., Ike, Fred and Ray, sister-in-laws Irene H., Fern Z., Irene, Alta and Helen, and daughter-in-law Kristine, July, 2000.

Eunice Koester

September 21, 1949 - September 27, 2011

Eunice Koester, 62 of Pierre, died Tuesday, September 27 at her home in Pierre. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Wednesday, September 28 at Isburg Funeral Chapel.

Services will be at 10:00 am Thursday, September 29 at Faith Lutheran Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery

Eunice was born September 21, 1949 to Simon and Rose Elrod. She grew up in Murdo graduating from Jones County High School.

Eunice was employed at Georgia Morse Middle School. She was very proud of her job. She enjoyed decorating the 6th grader’s Christmas tree and making an ornament for each student. In 2010 she was awarded the Hilda Fredericksen Memorial Award South Dakota Custodian of the Year. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening and was always busy doing things for others, but especially spending time with her grandkids, family and friends.

She is survived by her children: Dick Koester, Pierre, Matt (Amy) Koester, Pierre and Ronda Hermanson, Piedmont; her mom Rose, Murdo; three brothers: Wally (Carmen) Elrod, Jerry (Julie) Elrod and Billy (Patty) Elrod; four sisters: Barb (Jim) Brecheisen, Susan (Greg) Reida, Joann (Jerry) Tornow and Ella (Randy) Furher and five grandchildren: Kirstie, Ashlyn, Dallas, Brock and Dylan.

She was preceded in death by her husband Doug, infant son John, father Simon, grandparents and mother-in-law Becky Koester.

Henrietta Hettich

July 28, 1917 - September 26, 2011

Henrietta Hettich, age 94, of McLaughlin passed away Monday, September 26, 2011 at the Selby Good Samaritan Center.

Arrangements are pending with Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Herman Cameron III

Funeral services for Herman Cameron III, 56, of Ft. Yates, will be Monday, October 3 at 11:00am, at St. Peter’s catholic Mission, Ft. Yates.

Burial will follow at Elkhorn UCC Cemetery, Little Eagle. A procession will leave Stout Family Funeral Home in Mobridge Sunday at 5:00pm to A.J. Agard Building for an all-night wake with prayer services beginning at 7:00pm.

Herman entered the spirit world September 25, 2011 in Ft. Yates.

Janet Williams

August 10, 1940 - September 25, 2011

Janet Williams, of Ft. Pierre, died Sunday, September 25 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Tuesday, September 27 at Southeast Methodist Church with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 28 at Parkview Auditorium, Ft. Pierre with burial at Scotty Philip Cemetery.

Janet Lee (Sullivan) Williams was born August 10, 1940 in Meckling, SD to Wayne and Frances (DeJong) Sullivan.

Thru her childhood she lived and attended school in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. She married George Williams on January 8, 1956 in Ft. Pierre.

In 1970, she moved to the Hayes area where she enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, gardening and taking care of her animals. In 1976 she became employed by the Stanley County Schools until her retirement in 2010. She enjoyed working with the kids and she dearly missed them all. She also enjoyed watching the grandkids play sports. After retirement she continued to listen to all sorts of high school sports on her radio with headphones on.

Janet is survived by her children: Kimberly (Rick) Miles, Pierre, Laura (Kevin) Louder, Draper, Karen Williams and Glenn Williams, Ft. Pierre and Mae (Marty) Davis, Blunt; step-son Donald (Holly) Williams, Mayville, ND; three foster sons: Kevin, Scott and Tom Boit, MN; three sisters: Jean (Mike) Stoner, WY, Darlene (Melvin) Schmitgen, Ft. Pierre and Linda Hoftiezer, CA; two brothers: Leo (Connie) Sullivan, Ft. Pierre and Charles Sullivan, Pierre; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; aunt Sana DeJong, Mitchell and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George infant sister Carol Jean, parents, maternal and paternal grandparents and two nephews.

Viola Orliane Krein

October 9, 1931 - September 24, 2011

Viola O. Krein, 79, Eureka, SD, died Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Golden Living Center of Groton, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the Lien-Straub Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dianne Rood-Kiesz leading the service. Burial follows at the Eureka Cemetery. Vocal selections will be “How great Thou Art” and “What a friend we have in Jesus”.

Visitation begins 9:00 AM Wednesday at the Chapel.

Viola Orliane Krein, daughter of Mary (Eckman) and David Krein, was born October 9, 1931 at Hosmer, SD. In 1946, she moved with her family to Eureka and later moved to the Greenway, SD area. The family later returned to Eureka. Viola first worked as housekeeper for various families in Eureka and later worked as a housekeeper at the Eureka Lutheran Home. Most recently, she was employed at the Eureka Senior Center Nutrition Site as long as her health would allow. For the last month, she lived at the Golden Living Center of Groton. Viola’s favorite pastime was keeping a small garden near her home.

She is survived by one brother Morris (Martha) Krein of Eureka and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father on September 4, 1960, her mother on October 28, 1981, and two brothers (Calvin and Clyde).

Casketbearers will be Gary T. Krein of Rapid City, SD, and Stan Stabler, Elmer Ottenbacher, Mike Bertsch, and Melroy Job all of Eureka.

Lien-Straub Funeral Chapel of Eureka is in charge of arrangements.

Albert Allmendinger

March 8, 1933 - September 23, 2011

Funeral Services for Albert "Al" Allmendinger, age 78, of Gettysburg will be at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gettysburg. Pastor Daniel Tews will be officiating.

Burial will be in the Gettysburg Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 5 PM, Tuesday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the church.

Al passed away Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Albert Allmendinger Jr. was born on March 8, 1933 in Selby, SD to Albert and Margaret (Roesch) Allmendinger. He attended McKinley Country School and Selby High School, graduating in 1951. Al enlisted in the US Navy on June 12, 1951 in Bismarck, ND. He served as a Gunners Mate 3rd Class during the Korean War.

He married Dorothy Lavonne Baer in Selby on Nov. 8, 1953. They made their home in Virginia until Al was Honorably Discharged on June 2, 1955. Following his discharge they lived in Pierre for a time where Al worked for the telephone company. They moved to Gettysburg where Al sold insurance and real estate for Hinkley Insurance. Al eventually bought the business and continued selling insurance and real estate until he sold the business in the middle 1990's. Al then managed the apartments for Costello. Throughout his life Al had several business adventures. In 2008 Al moved into the Oahe Manor where he had since resided.

Al was a member of the Gettysburg VFW and American Legion, Emmanuel Lutheran Church where he served as a youth pastor, and the Fabulous Forties Quartet that was formed when Al was in high school. Al loved music, he would sing, and play the guitar and the harmonica. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and woodworking, making things like a paddle boat and Christmas card lawn decorations and was a good cook.

Al is survived by two daughters, Jodi (Lynn) Moore of Humboldt, TN and Lori (Chuck) Governale of Fountain Hills, AZ; son, Rodney(Charlene) Kosters of Pierre; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, brother, Leo (Genny) Allmendinger of Selby, and sister, Alma Diedtrich of Selby.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy in July 1997, son, Craig in December 1962, sister, Esther Kelly and brother, Raymond Allmendinger.

Dorothy Schlomer

September 30, 1931 - September 22, 2011

Funeral services for Dorothy Schlomer, 79, of Glenham will be 10:30 AM Monday, September 26, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mobridge.

Burial will be at the Glenham Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5 PM at the funeral home, with a prayer service at 7 PM at the St. Jacobi Lutheran Church in Glenham.

Mrs. Schlomer passed away September 22, 2011 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Dorothy Schlomer passed away from cancer at the age of 79 on September 22, 2011 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Dorothy Inez (Haar) Schlomer was born September 30, 1931 to Erhard and Anna (Hofer) Haar in Roscoe, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Roscoe. In 1950 she graduated from Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, SD. She attended Northern State College and taught at the Franklin Country School one year and two years at the Rabenberg school.

On Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953, she married Victor Schlomer at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Roscoe, SD. They made their home in Glenham, SD and were members of the St. Jacobi Lutheran Church. After raising 4 daughters Dorothy received her 4 year teaching degree at Northern State College in 1972. She taught school 3 years in Mound City, SD and 19 years in Wakpala, SD and retired from teaching in 1991.

Dorothy enjoyed gardening, canning, making quilts and crocheting. She loved seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her coffee friends.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Victor, 4 daughters; Vicky (Richard) Allerdings of Gillette, WY, Jeri (Jim) Richards of Aberdeen, SD; Tina (Don) Pearce of Orlando, Fl; Juli (Curt) Phelps of Peru, IN; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, one sister Ruth Weig of Aberdeen, SD; 3 brothers, Gilbert Haar of Watertown, SD; Armond Haar of Aberdeen, SD and Arnie Haar of Rapid City, SD and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson.

Kenneth Casey

July 15, 1942 - September 21, 2011

Funeral services for Kenneth Casey, age 69, of Mobridge will be at 10 AM, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mobridge.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be at 3 PM Friday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the funeral home.

Kenneth passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital. Kenny was born on July 15th, 1942 in Aberdeen, SD to Robert E Casey and Otillie Schutz Casey. He grew up in Mobridge and Glenham SD graduating from Glenham High School in 1961.

Kenny enlisted in the USAF after graduation and was stationed in San Antonio, TX receiving an honorable discharge in 1965. He was married to Judith Ann Bohlander on June 19, 1965. They began their lives together in Milwaukee, WI and joyfully welcomed their first child Scott Kenneth in June 1966; soon after the family moved to Washington where they had daughter Mary Suzann in March 1969.

Ken worked as a machinist at The Boeing Company and Heath Techna until he decided to pursue his passion for cars by taking a job at Bowen Scarff Ford in Kent. Kenny’s love for automobiles and his charismatic attitude allowed him to enjoy a long and fulfilling career retiring in 1996. His first grandchild Amanda Nicole was born in December 1985 and second grandchild Hailey Suzann in October 1995. Soon after retirement Ken moved back to his hometown of Glenham, SD.

Soon after his return to Glenham Ken met Phyllis Shillingstad in 1997 and their relationship grew into a loving and wonderful life which they shared together 12 years. Their lives together were cut short when Phyllis suddenly lost her battle with cancer in November 2009.

Kenny enjoyed the many gatherings and holidays with Phyllis and her children; Wendy & Deb Lawrence, Kim and John Villbrandt, and Jason and Meagan Shillingstad, and their extended family.

Kenny enjoyed traveling back to Seattle regularly visiting his family and he especially loved the annual Portland Swap Meet which he attended with all of his brothers, cousins and son; nothing could put a smile to his face quicker than a nice car.

He is survived by children Scott Casey of Lake Tapps, WA and Mary Suzann of Bonney Lake, WA, brothers Dennis and Betty of Rapid City, Robert and Ardell of Kalispell, MT, Robbie and Doris of North Pole, AK, Boyd and Shellie of Black Diamond, WA; sisters Sherrie and Leland VanOrman, Park City, MT and Bonnie of Tacoma WA and multitude of nieces and nephews to numerous to name. Grandchildren, Amanda Nicole, Hailey Suzann and Reanna Jae.

Ken was preceded in death by his sisters Roberta, Carol, parents, grandparents and niece Chantel.

Angeline H. Sevening

Angeline H. Sevening, 98, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Platte Health Center.

 Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte. A Committal Service will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Wake Services will be 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Mount Funeral Home in Platte is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Angeline Helen Martinec was born in Lake Andes, SD on February 16, 1913 to Joseph and Isabel (Wagner) Martinec. She graduated from Lake Andes High School in 1930 and went on to attend Columbus College in Sioux Falls, SD for a year. On August 26, 1935 Angeline was united in marriage to George Sevening in Yankton, SD. In 1937 they moved to Platte, SD. To this union three children were born, Charlotte Kay, Douglas Lee and Mary Ann.

Angeline was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, was active in the Altar Society and the choir. She also was employed at various businesses: Platte Sale Barn, Coffee Shop, Hospital, Funeral Home, Flower Shop and the Bakery.

Grateful for having shared in Angie’s life: her three children: Charlotte Sevening of Greenville, SC, Douglas and Diane Sevening of Vermillion, SD and Mary Ann and Don Lucas of Platte, SD; seven grandchildren: Diane Boedin, William Gresham and Lance O’Shield of Greenville, SC, Rodney Sevening of Sioux Falls, SD, Ryan Sevening of Vermillion, SD, Michael Wojciechowski of Geddes, SD and Ronald Wojciechowski of Irvine, CA; seven great-grandchildren: Stacy O’Shield, Ava and Nya Sevening, Michael, Jr., Kyle and Joshua Wojciechowski and Alex Wojciechowski; along with several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Angeline was preceded in death by: her husband, George Sevening (March 1978); her parents, Joseph and Isabel Martinec; five brothers: Paul, Ernie, Adolph, Ed and John Martinec and two sisters: Irene Kemper and Clara Larsen.

Virginia Florence LeClair

Virginia Florence LeClair, 85, of Yankton, SD passed away Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the SD Human Services Center in Yankton.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton, SD. A Committal Service will follow at Mizpah Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Mount Funeral Home in Plankinton is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Florence LeClair was born on August 13, 1926 to Benjamin and Rose (Klostermann) LeClair in Plankinton, SD. She attended St. Peter’s Catholic School in White Lake, SD until it’s closing, continuing her education in Plankinton, graduating from Plankinton High School. Virginia was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Plankinton.

Grateful for having shared in Virginia’s life: her sister, Lois Jensen of Estherville, IA; her brother, Eugene LeClair and wife, Ann of Alameda, CA; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virginia was preceded in death by: her parents, Benjamin and Rose LeClair; three brothers: Donald, Robert and Dean LeClair; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law and a nephew.

Thelma Inez Maresh

Thelma Inez Maresh, 94, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Kimball, SD passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Covington Heights Care Center in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 30, 2011 at Kimball Protestant Parish with Pastor Laurie Kidd officiating.

A Committal Service will follow at the Kimball Community Cemetery. Mount Funeral Chapel of Kimball is assisting with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through www.mountfuneralhome.com.

Thelma Inez Pike was born February 25, 1917 in Bijou Hills, SD to John and Emma (Smith) Pike. She attended LaRoche Country School and then Platte High School for one and a half years. At age 18 she joined the N.Y.A. and worked under their program in Bijou Hills, White Lake and Sioux Falls, SD for 4 years. She had two older sisters, a younger sister and one brother. She united in marriage to Lester Maresh on July 29, 1939 in Gann Valley, SD. They lived on his family’s farm (Joseph and Lizzie Maresh) south of Kimball, SD until 1973 when they moved to Kimball due to Lester’s failing health.

After moving to Kimball, Thelma worked part-time at Fatland Honey House, Kimball Locker and as a custodian for the Midstate Telephone Company in Kimball for 16 years, retiring at age 73. Her husband died on December 24, 1983. Thelma lived in her home in Kimball until 2005 when she moved to an apartment in Kimball. She lived there until July 18, 2011 when she relocated to Covington Heights Care Center in Sioux Falls to be closer to her daughter, June and son-in-law, Edwin Erickson

Thelma Maresh was a hard worker her entire life, enjoying being outside and having a large garden on the farm, as well as a small garden and many flowers in Kimball. She loved going for walks and having visitors. She was a member of Kimball Protestant Parish.

Thelma’s favorite memories were of a train trip she and Lester took to Seattle, WA in 1973 just before they moved from the farm to Kimball and her first plane ride at age 75 to Seattle with her daughter, June to visit her two oldest daughters, granddaughters and meet her two oldest great-grandchildren.

Thelma Maresh is survived by her 3 daughters: Mavis Schraeder and Joyce Edwards of Seattle, WA and June (Edwin) Erickson of Arlington, SD and Sioux Falls; 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Rose Tolman of Tooele, UT; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, John (1961) and Emma Pike (at age 100 in 1992); her brother, Harold Pike; 2 sisters: Sylvia Kulhavy and Helen Hess; a great-grandson, Michael Kidd and a son-in-law, Thomas Edwards.

John T. Eggers

John Tinkham Eggers, 65, of Gettysburg, died September 20, 2011 at the Gettysburg Memorial Hospital.

There will be a short memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the Waterford at All Saints Chapel in Sioux Falls, SD with Pastor Howard Shane officiating.

John was born May 28, 1946 to Paul and Lois (Tinkham) Eggers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls in 1964 and Augustana College in 1968. He received his Masters in School Administration from the University of South Dakota in 1974.

John was an All-Conference basketball player in high school and college. He was inducted into both the Washington High and Augustana College Hall of Fame. His scoring record of 49 points in a single game still stands at Augustana. His favorite story was beating the University of North Dakota with Phil Jackson in 1967. John’s mom and dad never missed any of his ballgames.

John worked for the Department of Agriculture and as a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor. However, most of his life was spent in education. He planned and directed the Compass Program, an innovative ‘school-within-a-school’ at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls. He also taught at the SD State Penitentiary and at public schools in Gettysburg and Eagle Butte SD.

He loved hunting, fishing, playing cards and reading. He had a great sense of humor.

John is survived by one daughter, Kimberly (Jim) Rose and their three sons (Michael, Austin & Jacob) of Weeki Wachee, FL; his mother, Lois Eggers of Sioux Falls; one sister, Cheryl (Paul) Nelson of Gettysburg; and two nephews, Ryan (Carmen) Nelson of Sioux Falls and Erik (Tami) Nelson of Gettysburg.

He was preceded in death by his father.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the charity of your choice.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with John’s arrangements. familyfuneralhome.net

Justin Reid Strikes The Enemy Jr.

Funeral services for Justin Reid Strikes The Enemy Jr., infant son of Erica Briggs and Justin Strikes The Enemy Sr., will be held Thursday, September 15 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte.

Burial follows in Eagle Butte Cemetery under the direction of Stout Family Funeral Home, Mobridge.

A procession will meet at 5:00 pm Wednesday at the 4-mile junction for an al-night wake with services 7:00 pm.

Justin passed away at Eagle Butte Hospital September 1, 2011.

Minnie Schmidt

May 2, 1921 - September 19, 2011

Minnie Schmidt, age 90, of Vernal, UT and formerly of Mound City passed away, Monday, September 19, 2011 in Vernal.

Arrangements are pending with Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Pauline Foote

March 18, 1925 - September 11, 2011

Mass of Christian Burial for Pauline Foote, 86, of Ft. Yates will be 10 AM CT, Saturday, September 17, 2011 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Ft. Yates. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be Friday from 6-10 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM at the Church. Pauline passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Mandan Living Center in Mandan, ND.

Pauline Foote (KIMIMILA OYATE WIN) (BUTTERFLY NATION WOMAN) Pauline was born to Oliver Looking Elk and Gertrude Tattooed on March 18, 1925. She had one brother Melvin Looking Elk. They were orphaned at a young age after which she and her brother stayed with relatives. When she reached high school age she attended St. Paul’s high school at Marty S.D. After her return she married George Seewalker Sr. From this union 4 children were born; George Jr., Rosemary DeLaRosa, June Szczur, and Gertrude Bushy Top Pine (Wazi). Later two other children were born William Paul and Mary Ann. She later married George Foote Jr. in Dallas Texas. After his death she returned to Fort Yates and lived here. Due to health conditions she moved to the Mandan Living Center in Mandan, ND.

She is survived by two son’s George Seewalker II, and William Paul. As well as two daughters June Szczur and Gertrude (Birdie) Bushy Top Pine.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, Oliver and Gertrude, her brother Melvin, her husbands, one son, two daughters, Rosemary and Mary Ann, her three grandson’s Jason Harrison, Ira Shanta, and Melvin Joseph Ramirez, and one granddaughter Tiffany Shanta.

Tiospaye

The White Bull Tiospaye, The Looking Elk Tiospaye, The Tatooed Tiospaye, Claymore Tiospayes, Pretends Eagle Tiospaye. Her cousin brothers, Douglas White Bull Sr. and Rueben White Bull. Evangeline Fast Horse, Thelma Luger, Phyllis Young, Benny Halfe, Leo Pretend Eagle, Ruth Sparks Howard P.E., Bernadine Broken Leg, and Donald Pretends Eagle.

I did the best I could in piecing together my mother’s past. If I have left something or somebody out, I apologize.

Patricia Steal

Funeral services for Patricia Steal, 49, of Bismarck and formerly of Bullhead, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at Rock Creek School Gym in Bullhead.

Burial will follow at St. John's Episcopal Cemetery in Bullhead.

A procession will leave Stout Family Funeral Home in Mobridge at 5 p.m. Friday to Bullhead for an all-night wake, with services beginning at 7 p.m.

Leota Bruckner

April 19, 1924 - September 17, 2011

The funeral for Leota Bruckner, 87, of Huron, formerly of Ipswich, is 10:00 am Tuesday, at Northern Plains Baptist Church, 1604 S. Melgaard Rd, in Aberdeen, with Rev. Neil Hannahs officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation is 5-8:00 pm Monday at Gramm Funeral Home in Ipswich and one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials are requested to the Northern Plains Baptist Church building fund, 1604 S. Melgaard Rd, Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Leota Bruckner was born April 19, 1924, at Roscoe, SD to Jacob and Lydia (Schauer) Diegel. She attended school in Roscoe.

She married William Aesoph in May of 1944. To this union, two children were born: Bill and Diane. William passed away in November of 1946.

Leota then married Fred Bruckner on October 12, 1949 at Redfield, SD. They made their home near Loyalton, SD, where they farmed until the mid 1960’s. To this union two more children were born; Mike and John. The family moved to Ipswich where she cleaned and painted houses for residents in the area until she retired in 2005.
She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, baking, visiting with friends and most of all, her grandchildren. She was a member of Northern Plains Baptist Church in Aberdeen and a member of the Sunshine Study Club, Roscoe American Legion Auxiliary, and the Faulkton VFW Auxiliary.

Leota died Saturday, September 17, 2011 at her home in Huron.

She is survived by her children, Bill Bruckner of Parker, CO, Diane (Marvin) Dutenhoffer of Eureka, SD, Mike (Pam) Bruckner of Rock Valley, IA, and John (Pam) Bruckner of Huron, SD; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four sisters, Eileen, Virginia, Bernice, and Verna and one sister-in-law, Marlys Diegel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two sisters, and one brother.

Funeral arrangements with Gramm Funeral Home of Ipswich with an online guest registry at www.grammfuneralhome.com

Joseph John Sautner

September 9, 1922 - September 17, 2011

Joseph Sautner, 89, of Gettysburg, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Pierre.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the church with a liturgical wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Joseph John Sautner was born September 9, 1922 in Bowdle, SD to Joseph F. and Mary (Wentz) Sautner. The family moved to Potter County when Joe was 6 years old. He attended country school where he had to walk to every day. At age 12 Joe went and lived with his grandparents: John and Margaret Sautner.

In 1944 he went south to Liberal, Kansas working with a combine crew. In 1950 he married Eva B. Brandt in Sidney, NE. While in Sidney Joe drove truck hauling sand, and helped a local farmer. He also worked for the City of Sidney hauling garbage and at the local filling station. At age 62 Joe retired from the City and returned to Gettysburg. He went to work with his nephew, Jerry Sautner and later managed the City landfill for two years.

In 2009 Joe relocated to Pierre where he entered the Golden Living Center.
Joe spent his free time raising horses, recycling and tinkering. He believed that “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Joe was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a past member of the Elks Club.
Those left to cherish his life are his children: Jackie Miller of Napa, ID and Danny Joe (Jennifer) Sautner of Riverside, CA; eight grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers: Peter (Barbara) Sautner and Chris (Loretta) Sautner; one sister: Stella (Glenn) Hyuck and one son-in-law: Fred Miller.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Joseph’s arrangements.

Alice Marie Carr

Alice Marie Carr age 92 of Philip, South Dakota, died Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 23, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial has been established.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.  Her online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome.com

Alice Marie Knutson was born May 6, 1919, on a ranch in the Grindstone area, northwest of Philip, the daughter of Anton L. and Olga M. (Tungland) Knutson. She grew up in the Grindstone community where she received her elementary education at the Alfalfa Valley Rural School prior to graduating from Pierre High School. As a young lady she worked in Philip in the Abstract Office and in an attorney’s office for a couple years.

Alice was united in marriage to Millard Carr in Huron, South Dakota, in 1940. They made their home in Pierre where they both worked as hotel clerks until 1942, when they returned to Philip. After their children were in school, Alice worked part-time in the drug store until 1958 when she began working as a postal service clerk, a position she held at the Philip Post Office for 28 years, prior to retiring in 1986. She has since continued to make her home in Philip.

Alice was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Philip, and the W.E.L.C.A. of the church. She served nine years on the church council of which one year was president. She was a member of the United Postal Workers Union.

Grateful for having shared her life include her son Marshall Carr and his wife Tacy of Florence, Arizona; two daughters Judith Gittings and her husband Leo of Nemo, South Dakota, and Patricia Carr of Belle Fourche; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters Sylvia Schultz of Brookings, and Lillian Perry of Bellevue, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband Millard Carr; two brothers Luther and Ted Knutson; and one sister Helen Culbreath.

William “Willie” Schuler

William F. “Willie” Schuler, 77, of Dupree, died peacefully at home on Monday, September 12, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 10:30a.m. MDT, Saturday, September 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dupree, with Fr. Matthew Fallgren officiating. Burial will follow at the United Eagle Butte Cemetery. Visitation begins at 6:00p.m., with a prayer service to be held at 7:00p.m., Friday, September 16 at the church.

Willie was born on January 6, 1934 at Hillsview, SD to Jacob and Helena (Barth) Schuler. He was the fourth child born to them. He lived there with his family until 1944 when the family moved to Eagle Butte and his dad became the manager of the Eagle Butte Coop Elevator. Willie learned the grain elevator business from his dad and started out by sweeping the floors for him. He attended school and completed one year of high school.

He was busy helping his dad in the elevator and doing some farming on shares until he entered the US Army on October 6, 1955. He was in communications and served as a lineman in Germany for fourteen months. He also worked as an interpreter while he was in Germany. After his discharge on August 26, 1957, he returned to Eagle Butte and resumed elevator work and farming.

In 1963, Willie started working for Silverman Sales & Service in Dupree. His own elevator career began on April 1, 1964, when he became the manager of the Bagley Elevator in Dupree. In 1969, Lawrence and Virginia Woodward bought this elevator and it was called Woodward Grain Co. He worked for them until 1972 when he took the job of manager of the Eagle Butte Coop Elevator in Eagle Butte. This was the same elevator he worked in with his dad for many years. He was the manager of this elevator for sixteen years and then decided to do something different for awhile.

In 1988, he started driving a semi “over the road.” He and his son, Gary, were team driving. After traveling all over the US for two and a half years, he decided he wanted a job that would keep him closer to home. On July 16, 1990, he became the manager of the Ridgeview Grain Co. in Ridgeview, SD. He retired from that job on January 15, 1998. Over the years, he received awards from Carey Salt, Hubbard, and Livestock Energy Systems, Inc.

Willie and Twila (Zacher) were united in marriage on July 1, 1961, at the All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte. They went to Yellowstone National Park for their honeymoon and threw snowballs at each other on the fourth of July. They made their home in Dupree and became the parents of four sons and one daughter.

Willie is survived by Twila, his wife of fifty years; sons, Gregory (Barbara) Schuler, Sioux Falls, SD, Kenneth (Regina) Schuler, Grand Forks, ND, Gary Schuler, Dupree, SD, MSgt. Michael (Dahn) Schuler, Nashville, TN; daughter, Lisa (Walter) Griffith, Sioux Falls, SD; one brother, Jacob Schuler, Gettysburg, SD; one sister, Rosetta Simon, Eagle Butte, SD; one sister-in-law, Florence Schuler, Eagle Butte, SD; thirteen grandchildren: J. Daniel Shepherd III, Sioux Falls, SD, Jon Griffith, Sioux Falls, SD, CPL Tyler (Towauna) Schuler, El Paso, TX, Ashley Schuler, Grand Forks, ND, Heather Schuler, Grand Forks, ND, Katie Schuler, Sioux Falls, SD, Madison Ann Schuler, Watertown, SD, Dylan Griffith, Sioux Falls, SD, Isaac Schuler, Watertown, SD, Mackenzie Shuffield, Nashville, TN, Sarah Schuler, Sioux Falls, SD, Noah Schuler, Watertown, SD, and Madison Schuler, Nashville, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother in infancy, and his brother, Norman.

Willie will be remembered for being a hard worker all his life. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed driving pickups, tractors, combines, and “eighteen wheelers.” After retirement, he and Twila traveled to many places and he was happy to say that he had been in all fifty states. He had a wonderful sense of humor and his laugh will be greatly missed.

Active pallbearers are Dennis Neigel, Jim Schuler, Jake Schuler, Charles Vrooman, Loren Vrooman, and Charles Serbousek. Honorary pallbearers are all of Willie’s relatives and his many special friends. Mary Harris will be the organist and special music will be provided by Phoebe Lemke.

A memorial has been established for Countryside Hospice, 200 E Dakota Suite 1, Pierre, SD 57501.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Willie’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Frieda M. Mortensen

Frieda (Harn) Campbell Mortensen, 94, of Miller, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2011 while under the loving care of the staff of the Good Samaritan Society, Miller and Avera Hospice. She passed away into the loving arms of her Lord while in the companionship of her pastor Mary Ann Sheldon.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, Miller with Pastor Mary Ann Sheldon officiating. Burial will be at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Frieda Marie Harn was born in Brule County, SD, July 27, 1917, as the youngest of 14 children to Joseph and Margaret (Williams) Harn. After her mother died in 1921, she was sent to live with a family in Kansas until her father was able to bring her back to Brule County. She was 8 years old. Joseph died shortly after her return to South Dakota so Frieda was left without a permanent home. She lived with several families until she was old enough to work for her board and room.

Frieda married Walter Campbell March 20, 1935 and moved to a farm in South Hand County. They had three children, Donna, Miles, and Marvin. In 1942 they bought a farm in Ohio Township. Frieda was a good cook and homemaker as well as a farm hand. She enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. During these years she decorated many "made from scratch" angel food cakes for birthdays, graduations and weddings. She was a 4-H leader and a member of the Ladies Union Club. In 1955 the family moved to Miller. On January 9, 1956, Walter died from a massive heart attack.

Frieda and Mac Mortensen were married on October 7, 1957. Mac had three grown children, Shirley, Keith and Nedra. Frieda worked at the Northside Cafe, the Driftwood Cafe and later managed a snack shop at Coral Lanes. She and Mac enjoyed traveling and playing cards with friends. The grandchildren were a source of joy for both of them as well. Mac died November 2, 1990.

She spent many happy hours with Mac's grandchildren and her own grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was active in the United Methodist Church of Miller, teaching Sunday School and other activities. She especially enjoyed being part of UMW where she served for a time as president.

In 2005 Frieda moved to Courtyard Villa. It was a great time of life for her, renewing old friendships and making many new friends. She loved Courtyard Villa and writing the Courtyard Villa news each week for the Miller Press. She wrote her last column July 14, 2010.

January 13, 2011 she made yet another move to Prairie Good Samaritan Center. Frieda and her family deeply appreciate the care, love and compassion that she received in both of these facilities.

Her faith in God, the flowers that she planted at each home, her pies, cookies, comfort food and the many letters and columns she wrote, especially in her later years, are also a part of her legacy.

Frieda is survived by daughter, Donna (George) Melber, St. Lawrence; daughter in law, Petrea Campbell, Omaha; step-daughters: Shirley Letsche, Huron and Nedra (Chuck) Jones, Loveland, Colorado. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren will miss her dearly.

Preceding her in death were her parents; siblings; her husbands, Walter Campbell and Mac Mortensen; her sons, Miles and Marvin Campbell; her step son, Keith Mortensen and two of Mac’s grandchildren: Rich Davis and Teresa Letsche.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Frieda’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Frances A. Gutenkauf

Frances A. Gutenkauf, 99, of Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at the Faulkton Healthcare Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2011 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Faulkton with Father Joji Itukulapati, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery, Seneca. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 9, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Frances was born June 16, 1912 to Peter and Katherine (Schaefer) Simon in Hoven. She received her education in Hoven and married Lawrence Gutenkauf at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoven on June 5, 1931. They farmed near Seneca until retiring to Faulkton in 1978. Frances enjoyed gardening and was known to have quite a “green thumb”. She also enjoyed crocheting, stitchery and attending the senior center. She was an active member in the Altar Society at St. Boniface in Seneca and St. Thomas in Faulkton.

Survivors include three sons: Arthur (Joan) Gutenkauf, Kenneth Gutenkauf, both of Faulkton and James (Lynn) Gutenkauf of Billings, MT; two daughters: Dolores (John) Gauer of Sioux Falls and Dorothy (Bob) Smith of Frederick; 13 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and 25 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence; two brothers: Hubert and Bill Simon; three sisters: Leona Gutenkauf, Mildred Wiebel and Tracey Baden; and one daughter-in-law: Anneliese Gutenkauf.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Frances’ arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Aaron Dupris

Aaron Dupris, 21, of Cherry Creek, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. MDT, Thursday, September 15, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Cherry Creek, with Fr. Dan Juelfs officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery. A procession will form on the hill at 4:00p.m. with a wake at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at Zintkala Hall, Cherry Creek.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Aaron’s arrangements.
www.familyfuneralhome.net

Harold Rinehart

Harold Rinehart, 89, of Highmore, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2011 at the Highmore Health, Highmore, SD.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Pastor David Peterson officiating.

Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2011 followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Harold’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

Peter Horn

Peter Horn, 65, of Eagle Butte, passed away Friday, September 2, 2011 at the IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte, SD.

An all night wake will be held starting at 5:00p.m., Friday, September 9 2011 at the North Rapid Community Church, 638 E Boulevard N, with services at 7:00p.m., conducted by Pastor Elton Yellow Boy. Graveside services will be at 11:00a.m., Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Peter’s arrangements. www.familyfuneralhome.net

Thomas Grogan

Thomas Grogan, 92, of Miller, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011 at his home with his daughter Gayleen and her husband, Winston at his side.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller with military honors. Visitation and Celebration of Life will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 5, 2011 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Thomas Leroy was born December 18, 1918 in Sanborn, Iowa to Cornelius and Ellen (Harns) Grogan. His mother passed away in a car/train accident when Tom was only nine years old. Tom’s father subsequently remarried Ann Block and the family moved to Vayland, South Dakota.

On July 3, 1941, Tom married Letha Ilene Anderberg. They enjoyed 65 years together until Ilene’s death in September of 2006. Tom spent three years in the 1930’s in the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC). On May 15, 1942, Tom was drafted into the United States Army. During WWII, Tom served in England and in Oran, Africa. He received an honorable discharge on October 24, 1945. He was very proud to have served his country and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 69 years.

After returning from the war, Tom and Ilene moved to the Ree Heights area for several years. Later moving to the south Hand County area where he worked until he retired in 1983 and moved to Miller. Tom loved his community and his door was always open for visitors.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as an usher for many years and where ever he was needed.

Grateful for sharing in his life are his three children: Larry (Velia) Grogan of California, Gayleen (Winston) Ward of Michigan, and Michael (Lerma) Grogan of Louisiana; five grandchildren: Mathew (Cathy) Grogan, Jamie (Roger) Moore, Jim (Kim) Cross, Melissa (Steve) Ottjepka, and Ashley (John) Lambert; five great grandchildren: David, Julie and Olivia Cross and Mason and Maddox Moore; two half-brothers: Cornelius “Jr” Grogan of Iroquois, SD and Robert “Bob” Grogan of Denver, CO; step brother, Kenny Snyder; step-sister, Phyllis Snyder; sister-in-law, Iris Grogan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; step mother; wife; brothers, John and Lynn; and sisters, Margaret and Doris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the VFW/American Legion, c/o VSO, 415 W. 1st Ave, Miller, SD 57362.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Thom’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net