Doyle Mathis, 84, 1933-2018
Doyle Mathis, 84, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 10:30AM at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Winner from 6-7PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM.
Doyle was born on November 4, 1933 to Truman and Louise (Metzger) Mathis in Mitchell, SD. In 1936 the family moved to Yankton, SD. Ten years later the family moved to Meckling, SD where they resided on the farm. Doyle graduated from Meckling High School in 1951.
After graduation Doyle enlisted in the US Army where he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for two years.
Doyle and his brother Richard (Dick) purchased the International Harvester Implement dealership in 1958. They have been in business for 60 years as of March 2018. Throughout those 60 years it was not only a business but a place where he gained a lifetime of friendships.
Doyle was united in marriage to Eldora (Williamson) on October 18th, 1959 in Winner, SD. They were blessed with four children, Ann, Lynn, James & Tom.
Doyle and Eldora spent 20 years on Monday nights square dancing and every Saturday night at the Carlock Dance Hall. The past 26 years he enjoyed his yearly snowmobile trips to the Black Hills with the boys.
Along with selling farm machinery, his love for his family, farming, and raising livestock continued throughout his life.
Doyle is survived by his wife Eldora, four children; Ann (Bren Beard) Martinson, of Dixon, IL, Lynn Larson of Omaha, NE, James (Teresa) Mathis of Winner, SD, Tom Mathis of Winner, SD, 9 grandchildren; Jessica, Samantha Martinson, Cale, Kylee Larson, Kyle, Katie, Kennede Mathis, Tayden and Parker Mathis, 2 brothers; Richard (Dick) Mathis of Winner, SD and Art Mathis of Spokane, WA. and several nieces and nephews.
Doyle is preceded in death by his parents Truman and Louise Mathis.
Larry Madsen, 1942-2018
Larry was born in rural Wakonda, South Dakota to Leon and Wanetta Madsen. Larry received his bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering from SDSM&T and his doctorate degree in Nuclear Engineering from Iowa State University. He was employed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory over 30 years and later worked for the Washington Institute. Larry was extremely hard working, disciplined, and dedicated about all his endeavors. He was a highly intelligent man with a voracious appetite for reading and gaining knowledge. His hobbies were many and included skiing, photography, bridge, and gardening. He was a sports enthusiast with an affinity for watching obscure and inconspicuous sporting events. Larry was a committed volunteer and skier at Pajarito Mountain. He will be remembered as an architect and master builder of many projects at the mountain. His very close friends will miss his "smooth as they come" skiing style. He had a zest for life and was a great entertainer as life was his stage. Larry had a great sense of humor, was a teller of stories, and he enjoyed his interactions with those he came into contact with. He was also sentimental and thoughtful where he saved many tokens and memories from his travels, exploits, and times spent with friends and family. Larry is survived by his wife, Carolyn Barker Madsen; daughters, Coral Madsen and Anne King; sons, Ted Wolcott, Chris Madsen, and Alan Madsen; eight grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jane Mathrole and Faye Hancock; brother, Daryl Madsen. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Wanetta Madsen. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on March 16 between the hours of 4-6 pm at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home, 1380 US Away 395, Gardnerville, NV
NOTE: Larry and I attended Wakonda Public School (now demolished but not forgotten). He was a year older, but we debated together and he and several of us put together a Science Fair project. His sister Mary Jane was in my class and was a friend.
Peter Alfred Duffy
June 13, 1929 - January 15, 2018
Peter Duffy, 88, of Clearfield, SD passed away on Monday, January 15,
2018 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00AM at
the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner.
Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Christ Lutheran
Church from 6-7PM with a prayer service beginning at 7PM.
Peter was born on June 13, 1929 in Long Pine, NE and was the son of
Gilbert (Gid) and Florence Mildred (Cleal) Duffy.
He lived at Duff, NE until the age of 10.
Pete, his brother Gilbert, Jr. and a family friend moved the family's cattle
herd to their new home in Clearfield, SD.
He graduated from Winner High School in 1948.
In high school, he enjoyed playing football and Legion baseball.
Pete was an avid pool player at the Peacock Cafe where he shared his pool
earnings with his younger siblings.
He joined the Air Force in 1949 and was stationed in Wichita Falls, TX,
Rantoul, IL and Japan during the Korean War as a sheet metal man repairing
planes until 1953.
He was awarded the Korean Service Metal, United Nations Service Medal,
National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
After his discharge, he returned to the family farm in South Dakota.
Pete met the love of his life Delores Marie Miller at the Colome Legion
Hall.
They were united in marriage on August 25, 1957 and shared 60 years
together.
They resided southwest of Keya Paha until the spring of 1962 then moved to
their current residence.To this union were born six children: two sons and four daughters.
Pete was an Elder at Redeemer Lutheran Church and a delegate to the
Clearfield/Winner/Hamill Tri Point Parish; he was a member of the VFW,
National Farmers Organization, Farmers Union, Star Prairie School Board
and Star Prairie Township Supervisor.
He enjoyed dancing with the Boots and Calico Square Dance Club and also
at the Carlock Dance Hall.
Pete was passionate about family, baseball, the democratic process and his
herd of cattle.
He would like to consider himself an expert pitch player, square dancer and
all around funny guy.
He loved celebrating numerous birthday parties with his family along with
the many milestones of anniversaries, births, graduations and weddings.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Bernadine; brothers Bill and
Jr.; brothers-in-law; Dale Short and Kenneth White; nephews Rollie Duffy
and Darwin Eihusen and niece Deanna Kent.
Peter is survived by his wife Delores Marie (Miller) of 60 years.
Six children: Bradley (Judy) Duffy, Winner, SD; Deborah (David) Pazour,
Kimball, SD; Daniel (Patricia) Duffy, Winner, SD; Deanna (Tom) Calligaro,
Fairfax, VA; Barbara (Mike) Jonkers , Avon, SD; Brenda DeGraw, Sioux
Falls, SD.
13 Grandchildren: Katlin Duffy (Josh), Sioux Falls, SD; Allison Duffy,
Chamberlain, SD; Shannon Duffy, Vermillion, SD; Lindsey (Mike) Cottrell,
Sioux Falls, SD; Haley Pazour, Brookings, SD; Samantha (Aaron) Cable,
Rapid City, SD; Danee (Ryan) Bricker, Evergreen, CO; Larissa (Brady)
Bertram, Watford City, ND; Skyler (Tanner) Best, Winner, SD; Pierce
Jonkers, Avon, SD; Dacotah DeGraw, Watertown, SD; Wyatt DeGraw,
Sioux Falls, SD; Preston DeGraw, Sioux Falls, SD. Six great-grandchildren:
Aiden, Stiles, Dieter, Slade, Franki Grace and Porter. A brother Jack Duffy,
Louisville, CO and a sister Mary Alice Short, Doniphan, NE and numerous
nieces, nephews and in-laws
Source: http://www.masonfh.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=2061094
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Pearle Mae (Dunkak) Janas 1925-2017
Pearle Mae (Dunkak) Janas was born on December 27, 1925 in Dallas, South Dakota to Henry H. and Louise (Zimbelman) Dunkak. Pearle attended school and graduated from Colome High School in 1945.
Pearle was united in marriage to William A. Janas on June 29, 1947 in Colome. They were the parents of four children: Gary, Doug, Rodney "Scotty" and Linda.
Pearle will be most remembered from her years working at Edie Lori's Dress Shop and Gregory Drug. Pearle wore many hats in her life. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, very active in her church with teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir and enjoyed performing in cantatas. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women's Circle, United Methodist Church, and a life-long member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary.
Her hobbies included ceramics and painting by numbers and being a member of the Red Hats. But her biggest passion was league bowling, which began for her in 1962 at Gregory Lanes and continued until her late 80's. She was a very successful bowler with many accomplishments.
Pearle enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up into adulthood. Despite a rough childhood, Pearle was true to self.
Pearle passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 91.
Her survivors include sons, Gary and special close friend, Sherry Howell, Peoria, AZ, Doug and wife, Marian, Guernsey, WY, and daughter Linda and husband Randy Moos, Fairfax, SD; one granddaughter Toni Janas, Phoenix, AZ, and three grandsons Erik Janas, Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Moos, Fairfax, SD, and Kyle Moos and friend Tori Wendell, Naper, NE. Other survivors include sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Scotty, husband Bill, her only sibling Harold, along with her daughter-in-law Carol Jean (Wilcox) Janas.
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Melba Grace (Heller) Veren Nov 9, 1927--2017
Four score and nine years ago on November 9, 1927, Melba Grace Heller was born to Charles and Dora (Bainbridge) Heller. She would join three brothers and two sisters and later a younger brother. Melba attended East Star Valley Grade School and Ideal School. During her junior/senior years of high school, Melba lived with her grandpa Judge Louis F. Heller and was often a witness to the marriages he presided over. She was an excellent student and was on the yearbook staff and debate team. She took piano lessons and often accompanied the school chorus. Melba graduated with high honors from WHS in 1945.
Melba attended Jamestown College in North Dakota and then transferred to the University of South Dakota. A woman ahead of the times, Melba advocated for equal education and was admitted to the Honors program at USD where she was one of very few women that graduated with a Masters degree in Biology and Botany.
Melba's first teaching job was at Platte. Teaching, directing plays, and community plays occupied her life. She stayed in Platte four years and then moved to Delmont after her fiance was killed in a plane crash. Melba then went to Rapid City where she taught four years and worked at Reptile Gardens during the summer. In 1956, Melba married Merlyn Veren and they had a darling baby girl, Alice Leah. The marriage ended and Melba moved to Mission where she taught for three years in the brand new school. Wanting to be closer to her parents, Melba took a teaching job in Gregory. She was active in the Community Players, the Congregational Church, and the Library Board. She implemented a Girl Scout program, co-founded Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and Retired Teachers Society, earned her pilot's license, and lifeguarded at the Gregory pool. Melba was a good friend and acted as a confidant to many.
In 1972, Melba and Alice moved to Douglas, AZ where she taught one year in an English speaking Mexican school. Teaching in Cheyenne, WY, Melba designed the new science lab and greenhouse and was the administrator of the gifted student program. She was active in Alpha Delta Kappa, PEO, Frontier Days, and was always present at Alice's many activities. Melba retired from teaching in Cheyenne, but was often called upon to be an advisor.
Melba enjoyed her retirement years traveling and spending time at the Deadwood cabin. She later moved back to Gregory where she enjoyed her gardens and yard. She was glad to be back in "God's Country" with Alice and many treasured friends. She attended the Congregational Church, and was a member of the Historical Society and the Oscar Micheaux Festival. Melba dearly loved her music and one could hear her "rock out" on the organ. She would often drive out to the farm near Ideal to visit her brothers Lowdon and Wayne. She traveled to Florida to visit Alice, but was always glad to return home.
Melba was diagnosed with lung cancer in October of 2016. She was able to stay in her home thanks to the wonderful hospice program. Melba passed away peacefully in Alice's arms on August 25, 2017 at the age of 89. She was the last surviving child of Dora and Charles Heller.
We will miss her smile, wry sense of humor, and genuine sense of friendship. Melba was indeed a remarkable woman who influence many lives.
The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories is a memory.
Waiting for her in heaven are her parents Dora and Charles Heller, sisters Cora Kaiser and Dr. Marcella Owens, brothers Wayne Heller, Colonel Kenneth Heller, Lowdon Heller, Alva Heller, and infant brother Edward, brothers-in-law Earl Kaiser and Harry Owens, sister-in-law Georgia Heller, and nephews Kenneth Heller Jr. and Roland Kaiser.
Grateful for sharing her life are her daughter Alice Veren, Gregory, SD; sisters-in-law Lois Heller, Winner, SD, and Vivian Heller, Laramie, WY; nieces Pat Heller, Peg Heller, Jude Heller, Carla Heller, Lisa Odenbach, Dana Gapter, Mary Ann Christensen, Donna Beltz; and nephews Mike Heller, Chuck Heller, Todd Heller, David Kaiser, and Terry Kaiser.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Funeral services for Melba Veren, 89, of Gregory, were held Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ideal Presbyterian Church in Ideal, SD with Pastor Tim Voigt officiating. A prayer service was held Wednesday evening at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home.
Keatha Calhoon, Mary Jorgensen, and Eunice Scharer were in charge of registration.
Music was provided by Lisa Odenbach, organist. Congregational songs were "In the Garden" and "Jesus Loves Me."
Emmett Kotrba gave the Eulogy.
Flower attendants were Dorothy Lapsley and Cheryl Bartling.
Casket Bearers were Edgar W. Matuska, Edgar James Matuska, Mike Heller, David Kaiser, Randy Odenbach, Luke Eagle Star, Greg Jorgensen, and John Jacobsen.
Honorary Casket Bearers were Melba's many treasured friends and students.
Interment was in the Winner City Cemetery, Winner, SD.
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JAMES A. JOHNSON June 12, 1938--- October 11, 2016
When I was at USD studying government, James was studying law. I roomed with some law students and James visited us now and then. After we were graduated, Jim was Federal Judge Fred Nichols office in Sious Falls. I was teaching at O'Gorman High then. Jim introduced me to a girl from his home of Winner when we went on a a picnic. I ended up marrying her. Jim drove through Winner, SD years later and mentioned to a woman at a local store that he had introduced my wife and I. A woman in the store spoke up, "Well, you sure didn't do her any favors." Jim just had to tell me that story. Incidentally, my wife and I have been married for something like 47 years, so I think he did a pretty good introduction. I regularly talked to him via phone and I will miss his political comments and his humor. Our condolences to his friends and family. Note of February 26, 2017: Yesterday, I learned of the death of Jim's wife Carolyn Ann Johnson, who died December 11, 2016. Her obituary follows Jame's. Again, condolences to her relatives and many friends. ----Doug Wiken
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James Albert Johnson, 78, died early in the morning on October 11, 2016, at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, IA. He was born on June 12, 1938, in Pomeroy, WA, to Russel and Agnes Johnson. Returning to South Dakota shortly thereafter, the family lived on a ranch on the White River near Presho. Later they moved to Winner and Murdo, where Jim graduated from high school in 1956. He attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, completing his bachelor’s degree in 1960. After teaching school for the next four years in Sioux Falls and in Martin, SD, Jim continued his education at the USD School of Law in Vermillion, followed by earning a graduate law degree (LLM) from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, MI. Then he returned to Vermillion to join the faculty of the law school.
While in Michigan, Jim met his future wife, Carolyn Kauper; they were married on June 17, 1972, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. They lived in Vermillion, for the next 37 years, where Jim taught at USD and later opened his own law office. They have two sons, Eric and Paul. Jim was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council and as president of the congregation. He also served on the City Council and was a member of Rotary Club. For several summers he ran the Battle Creek Lodge, a bed-and-breakfast lodge in Keystone, SD.
In 2009, Jim and Carolyn retired to Spirit Lake, IA, an area they had been visiting regularly for a long time. Jim became a member of Grace Lutheran Church there and served on its Church Council. He also volunteered at the Renew/Reclaim Building Materials store. Jim suffered a massive stroke in 2012, leaving his left side paralyzed. He spent his remaining years in nursing homes, most of the time at the Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, IA. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed reading, visiting with friends (and strangers), watching political news, and spending time with his family and dogs.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Agnes Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of Spirit Lake, IA; his sons, Eric (Nicole) of Sioux Falls, and Paul (Jennifer) of Brookfield, WI; and his four grandchildren, Emma Salzwedel and Harper Johnson of Sioux Falls, and Joshua and Samuel Johnson of Brookfield, WI.
A memorial service is being planned for 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake, IA. Gifts/memorials may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church for the general fund or the defibrillator project.
Source: -http://www.plaintalk.net/obituaries/article_db0ce20e-954f-11e6-9bd2-c7e2ed6c2d3b.html
-- Carolyn Ann Johnson 1938-2016
SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa — A funeral service for Carolyn Ann Johnson, 78, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 17 at Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Interment will be at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake.
Carolyn Ann (Kauper) Johnson died late at night on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was born on August 20, 1938, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Paul and Anna Kauper. After living briefly in Scarsdale, New York during World War II, she returned to Ann Arbor, where her father was a Professor at Law at the University of Michigan.
After graduating from Ann Arbor High School, she attended Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, completing her bachelor’s degree in history. She then returned to Ann Arbor and obtained a graduate degree (M.A.) in history from the University of Michigan.
In 1961, she worked at a Lutheran refugee center in West Berlin, Germany, where she assisted refugees coming from East Berlin during the construction of the Berlin Wall. Upon her return to the States, she became a German and history teacher in Bay City, Michigan. While teaching, she met her future husband, James A. Johnson, who was attending the University of Michigan. They were married on June 17, 1972 in Ann Arbor, and then she moved to Vermillion, South Dakota, where Jim was on the faculty of the University of South Dakota School of Law.
They lived in Vermillion for the next 37 years, where Carolyn had two sons, Eric and Paul. During that time, she worked as a German teacher and secretary in USD’s Political Science department. Carolyn was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, P.E.O. and the Vermillion Music Club, serving as Chairman of its Junior Music Festival for 25 years.
In 2009, Jim and Carolyn retired to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they had often vacationed with their boys. Carolyn became a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir. Throughout her life, Carolyn enjoyed reading, traveling, spending time with her family and caring for her dogs, most recently, Alex and Gizmo.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Anna Kauper, and her husband, James Johnson.
She is survived by her brother, Tom (Shirley) Kauper of Ann Arbor, Michigan; her sons, Eric (Nicole) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Paul (Jennifer) of Brookfield, Wisconsin; and her four grandchildren, Emma Salzwedel and Harper Johnson of Sioux Falls and Joshua and Samuel Johnson of Brookfield. Gifts and memorials may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church for the general fund.
Turner Jenness Family Funeral Homes of Spirit Lake has been entrusted with the services.
Yankton Press & Dakotan-- December 14, 2016--- Obituaries Post: December 13, 2016 10:29 pm.
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LOWDON BAINBRIDGE HELLER, Feb 24,1924--May 28, 2016
[Lowdon Heller was a friend. He was always interesting even if a bit confusing to deal with in any way..business or otherwise. Even though he died at 92, His death was a surprise to me. He will be missed by a very eclectic bunch of people in the area and state.-- D W]
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Obituary from Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home page. Lowdon Heller Obituary
On February 24, 1924, at the Ideal, SD home of Charles and Dora (Bainbridge) Heller a baby boy was born. They named him Lowdon (a family sir name). Lowdon was the fifth child and had three sisters and four brothers.
At age four he started school at East Star Valley. Lowdon and his siblings walked four miles to the one room schoolhouse. A small chap, he would sit on the teacher's lap so that he could see the chalkboard. Lowdon continued his schooling in Ideal where he excelled in journalism and public speaking. He was in the choir, played piano, and could dribble a mean basketball. Lowdon graduated from Ideal High School in 1941.
Lowdon entered SDSU at Brookings and was there when World War II broke out. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1944. Lowdon learn how to fly his father's Aronka airplane as did siblings Wayne, Kenneth, Alva, and Melba. Flying proved to be very useful when he served as a gunner on a B24 bomber in the European Theater and was awarded the Air Medal. His buddies nicknamed him "Whitey" because of his very blonde hair. [[Lowdon told my son and I when my son interviewed him for a high school essay on veterans that it was actually his pheasant hunting that helped him as a tail gunner. He said leading a flying pheasant was a lot like leading a flying plane. He trained by shooting a machine gun from one vehicle at a target towed by another vehicle at different speeds and directions. He said the lead needed was an almost automatic muscle response needing no thought.-- DW--]]
When World War II ended he used the GI Bill to get a degree. Lowdon began his teaching career in Winner and Witten. He was the principal at Spring Creek. He continued teaching in Kyle and Lead/Deadwood. While teaching he continued to own and operate the Shannon County News and direct at the Black Hills Playhouse.[[ Residents of the Presho-Kadoka area have said that Lowdon also taught Latin at Presho. My wife had him as a Latin teacher at Winner High School--DW--]]
In 1957 Lowdon was elected to the South Dakota State Legislature. He proudly served on the Transportation Committee introducing laws concerning roads and the state airplane. During his political career Lowdon was a delegate to the Presidential Convention in Miami supporting his close personal friend George McGovern.
Lowdon then took a job as head of the juvenile correction facility in Plankinton.
He returned to his beloved Tripp County. Lowdon was a true "jack of all trades" and "wore many hats" –sometimes three at a time and he wore them well. Real estate broker, insurance agent, and professional collector were some hats he wore. His heart was on the farm with his buffalo, cows, sheep, goats, geese, chickens, and horses. Pheasants, coyotes, and prairie dogs visited often. At age 90 he chopped ice and ventured out in the snow so his animals would have food and water. He planted his crops and was often seen riding his Moline tractor. The last few years he hired the farming done. Lowdon grew a big garden and was always experimenting with new seeds. He planted over 500 trees and grafted many hoping to discover a "perfect apple tree." His latest project was developing "white angus" so they wouldn't overheat. Lowdon and brother Wayne worked side by side on the farm for many years. Wayne passed away in 2012 and Lowdon continued to live and work on his home place.
He was a busy, hardworking man who made time for his friends and his activities. Lowdon played Santa to the community children and hosted pheasant, deer, and prairie dog hunters. Many fishermen enjoyed catching bass in his dam and visiting with Lowdon.
Although he didn't always have reliable transportation, he enjoyed traveling. His travels took him to Canada, Alaska, Wyoming, and Washington DC for the Veteran's Honor Flight. His niece in Florida looked forward to his visits and his last visit extended six months.
Lowdon enjoyed the auction. He hauled his "treasures" in one of the many cars he bought. "Never know when I need a spare car part" he would say.
Tripp County Rockhounds, weed board, township board, VFW, American Legion, Sunday School Secretary, Tripp County and South Dakota Historical Society, and Tripp County Democrats were part of his life.
He enjoyed mentoring youth and was very respected by the village youth. Elders referred to him as "Brother."
Lowdon was a "Brother" to many near and far. This was evident by the many people who would stop by to visit him, leaving with a history lesson about Lowdon's philosophy of life.
Lowdon was a true survivor and always had a plan B. Even when his home burned down, he had a plan to move to the Ideal School that had been remodeled. While in Florida, a tornado blew the roof off the schoolhouse. After losing two homes in less than a year, Lowdon moved to Elder Inn. Friends would take him out to check on his cows and to look over the country. He stayed in contact with family and friends via e-mail, telephone, and letters. Lowdon was very happy at Elder Inn.
Respecting the "Duty, Honor, Country" motto and wanting to recognize fellow veterans for their service and sacrifice, Lowdon was a driving force in building the Veteran's Wall at the Winner Courthouse. He wrote the program structure that is used at Winner Memorial Day Programs and was instrumental in the development of the Avenue of Flags at the Winner Cemetery.
Lowdon passed away May 28, 2016 at Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 92.
We will miss his wry sense of humor, unending generosity, and genuine friendship. Lowdon lived life to the fullest. Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways on your four-wheeler, with one hand on the handlebar and the other one herding cattle, shouting, "Oh, what a ride!"
Going on before him were his parents Charles and Dora Heller, siblings Kenneth Heller, Wayne Heller, Alva Heller, Edward Heller (died as infant), and Cora Kaiser, brothers-in-law Earl Kaiser and Harry Owens, sister-in-law Katrina Heller, and nephews Kenneth Heller Jr. and Roland Kaiser.
Grateful for sharing his life are sisters Melba Veren, Gregory, SD and Dr. Marcella Owens, Valparaiso, IN; sisters-in-law Lois Heller, Winner, SD and Vivian Heller, Laramie, WY; nieces Alis Veren, Peg Heller, Pat Heller, Jude Heller, Lisa Odenbach, Carla Heller, Dana Gapter, Mary Ann Christensen, and Donna Beltz; nephews Mike Heller, Chuck Heller, Todd Heller, Terry Kaiser, and David Kaiser; and numerous cousins and double cousins.
[[Note of June1-2016-- South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard announced flags would fly at half-staff today to honor Lowdon's service to South Dakota and USA--DW--]]
Funeral is set for Wednesday June 1, 2016 at Ideal Church. Visitation 1PM, Services 2PM. Interment in Ideal Cemetary at 2:45. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory, SD Note: June 1, 2016 after funeral---I'd guess somewhere between 80 and 100 people crowded into the Ideal church for Lowdon's Memorial Service. After the service, I enjoyed several good conversations with Lowdon's Friends and Relatives...as well as some cake and coffee--DW--]]
Note: I have added comments to this obituary in [[ --DW]] brackets. I may have to correct these. The rest of the obituary is from Kotrba-Smith and his family.
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Richard Lee Wadleigh, October 27, 1943 - March 31, 2015
Richard Wadleigh was a college friend of mine at SDSM&T. He started off majoring in Physics as I did. My brother and I roomed with Richard and his brothers in different cabins and houses depending on the year. Richard was the kind of guy anybody would be lucky to know. I last saw him several years ago when he and his wife were square dancing in the Winner, SD area. Condolences to his family and friends. Richard was one of the good guys.
Richard Lee Wadleigh, son of Elmer and Mabel (Sipe) Wadleigh, was born October 27, 1943 at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell. He was the third of five sons and grew up on a farm northwest of Mitchell, SD. He attended his first 8 years of school at the Avery Country School and then graduated from Mount Vernon High School. In 1966 he graduated from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a BS in Geological Engineering and began working as a geophysicist with Amoco in Denver, Colorado. The Draft Board was calling so he entered the USAF in 1967 where he met his future bride, Karen Halle who he married in 1969.
After leaving the service and returning to Denver, his beloved son, Shawn and beautiful daughter, Sarah arrived. Sarah has since added another son, Sean to the family as her husband.
In 1979 Richard and his family came back to the Mt. Vernon area to farm. He was up early and always making lists of things to accomplish but on a nice evening you could find him outside, pitching a softball to his children or enjoying a book on events in history. In 1991 he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed helping the friends in the congregation as a ministerial servant. In addition to his love of traveling and making new friends, he loved to take children along the Firesteel Creek and look for fossilized shark teeth. The fun day usually ended with a barbeque, bonfire, and lot of laughter, all while memories were being made.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen, son, Shawn both of Mt. Vernon, daughter Sarah (Sean) Earleywine of Des Moines, IA, four brothers, David (Roselyn) Wadleigh of Mt. Vernon, Dale (Vangie) Wadleigh of Cheyenne, WY, Jerry (Darlene) Wadleigh of Mt. Vernon, SD, Eugene (Cynthia) Wadleigh of Casper, WY, two step-granddaughters Jade Earleywine, Brooke Earleywine, step-great grandson Gunnar Bryson all of Des Moines, IA, and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in law and sisters-in law, cousins and dear friends who will miss his easy laugh and big grin. He was preceded in death by his parents.
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Alan Kent Haruf, Feb.24,1943-- Nov. 30, 2014
Died in Salida, Colorado, at his home. He was born Feb. 24, 1943, in Pueblo to the Rev. Louis and Eleanor Haruf, the third of four children.He grew up in Holyoke, Yuma, Wray and Cañon City, where he graduated high school. Mr. Haruf received a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he majored in English and history. From 1965 to 1967 he served in the Peace Corps teaching English in Turkey. In 1967 he married Ginger Koon in Baldwin City, Kan. They were married for 25 years. Mr. Haruf was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. Shortly after, the Harufs moved to Iowa, where Mr. Haruf received a master’s degree in creative writing from the Iowa Writers Workshop. He remarried in 1995 to Cathy Dempsey in Murphysboro, Ill., and they later moved to Salida. He taught high school English in Wisconsin and Colorado and held positions at Nebraska Wesleyan University and Southern Illinois University in the English and Creative Writing departments. He retired in 2000 after more than 30 years of teaching. All his adult life, he pursued his passion for writing, publishing the following works, among others: “The Tie That Binds,” “Where You Once Belonged,” “Plainsong,” “Eventide,” “Benediction” and “Our Souls at Night” (to be published in 2015). Mr. Haruf loved hearing and telling good stories, reading Chekhov, riding horses, watching the Broncos and spending time with friends and family. Survivors include his wife; daughters, Sorel, Whitney and Chaney; stepchildren, Amy, Joel, Jennifer, Jason and Jessica; brothers, Mark and Verne; sister, Edith; and grandchildren, Mayla, Lilly, Charlie, Henry, Sam, Caitlin, Hannah, Destiny and CJ. A celebration of his life will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14, 2014, at Salida SteamPlant Event Center, 220 W. Sackett Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sunset Home P.O. Box 885, Salida, CO 81201. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. Online condolences may be offered at lewisandglenn.com. 71, of Salida died Nov. 30, 2014, at his home. --------------
NOTE: Kent Haruf was a cousin of my wife, Wanda Wiken of Winner, SD. His mother was a sister of my wife's mother. The sisters grew up in Tripp County SD daughters of homesteaders.
Gordon Keith Horgen
June 16, 1939 - March 9, 2014
Gordon Keith Horgen, 74, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD. Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2014 at 2:00pm at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014 from 5-7pm at the First Christian Church with a prayer service beginning at 7pm.
Gordon was born June 16, 1939, to Carl and Mildred (Gilberts) Horgen in Stanley, Wisconsin, and was the elder of two children. He attended both grade school and high school in Stanley. During the summers of high school, to earn money to attend college, Gordon worked in a pea canning factory. He attended college at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls where he earned his BS degree. To earn money to continue college, Gordon was a short-order chef at one of the local restaurants. In the summer of 1961 Superintendent Lee Alberts hired Gordon to teach science at Winner High School. On August 14, 1966, Gordon married Joyce L. Anderson from Ideal, South Dakota. The headline in the High School paper read “Local High School teacher marries Ideal woman”. To this union one son, Bret, was born.
Gordon taught at Winner High School until the spring of 2002 when he retired. He did spend several years substitute teaching after he had retired. He attended the University of South Dakota on a science scholarship for a summer, a year, and a summer from 1964-1966. In the summers of 1969-1972, Gordon attended Black Hills State College and received his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Additionally he attended many workshops, thus earning the equivalency of eight years of college
. Gordon was involved in the Winner Education Association, the South Dakota Education Association, and the National Education Association, and the South Dakota Science Teachers Association and served on many committees in each. Additionally, Gordon was appointed to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and visited 14 colleges and universities during his appointment for NCATE.
At the beginning of teaching at WHS, Gordon directed plays, including “The Curious Savage” and “Shy Guy”. For over 30 years Gordon was co-advisor for the WHS Junior Class and helped coordinate the annual high school proms during this time. For 10 years Gordon taught at Sinte Gleska College once a week
Gordon Horgen and Mavis O’Bryan helped start South Central Adjustment Training Center—now known as Community Connections. At times Gordon would write grants for projects there and served as president and was on the Board of Directors for many years. He also served as president and was on the Board of Directors for Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services for many years. Some of Gordon’s hobbies included gardening (in 2009 he picked over 60 quarts of red raspberries from his little patch), woodworking, traveling, and reading
. Governor Dennis Daugaard declared Thursday, September 5, 2013, to be Gordon Horgen Day to honor a former Winner High School Teacher for his many accomplishments. Also, on December 28, 2013, Gordon was inducted in the Winner High School Hall of Fame again for his many accomplishments.
After retiring from teaching, Gordon took nine-twelve week classes online from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, so he could become a Commissioned Lay Pastor thus allowing him to baptize, and administer communion with the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). He also performed weddings and funerals. He even conducted the wedding of his niece, Leslie, in San Diego, CA. and a friend, Erin, in Spearfish, SD
Gordon is survived by Joyce, his wife of 47 years, his son, Bret, of Midland, MI, brother Larry Dean Horgen of Thorp, WI, brother-in-law Larry Edward Anderson, (Dodie) of Ideal, SD, niece Sara Horgen of Thorp, WI, nephew Ryan (Kristy) Horgen, also of Thorp, WI, niece Leslie (Jeff) Alvarez, of San Diego, CA, niece Bobbie Jo (Martin) Price, of Oakland, CA, and nephew Toby (Khamail) Anderson of Omaha, NE. He also has a grand nephew, Walker, and three grand nieces, Kaelyn, Madeleine, and Charlotte.
Facts: Born: June 16, 1939 Death: March 9, 2014
Place of Death: Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility
Occupation: Science Teacher...Hobbies: Gardening, woodworking, traveling and reading
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Funeral
Friday March 14, 2014, 2:00pm First Christian Church
Prayer
Thursday March 13, 2014, 7:00pm First Christian Church
Burial
Friday March 14, 2014, Winner Cemetary
Source of Obituary Mason Funeral Home, Winner, SD
Dr. Gregg Tobin
December 26, 1951 - March 6, 2014
Biography
GREGG MORAN TOBIN, M.D., F.A.C.S., of Winner, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Thursday, March 6, 2014. Gregg (“Doc”; “Tobz”; “Dad”; Papa T; Daddio…) was born in Winner on December 26, 1951 and was the son of Milton and Era Tobin also of Winner. Gregg was former Homecoming King and 1970 graduate from Winner High School, and was a lifetime citizen of Winner who dedicated his life to his family, patients, and community.
Gregg was a student and teacher of life and maintained an insatiable appetite for learning throughout his career. His academic endeavors and continuous search for knowledge were exemplified throughout his lifetime with numerous achievements including 4 years of college and 4 years in medical school at the University of South Dakota. After completing medical school Gregg completed a two year internship at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD and five years of surgical residency at both Sacred Heart Hospital and the VA at Sioux Falls. Gregg has maintained Board Certification with the American Board of Surgery during his entire tenure and has served for numerous Boards and Organizations throughout the state of South Dakota, as former Member, Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, Council Member, Fellow, and former President of the South Dakota Chapter of American College of Surgeons.
Gregg was a “Gentleman Rancher” that loved his dogs: Scout, Jack, & Major, loved to hunt, and was very proud of the fact that he was able to call Winner his home. His pride in his ranch and enthusiasm for working cattle over the years gave him grace at the end to know he was home.
Gregg is survived by his wife, Kristi, his children: Ryan (Tina), Nealy (Nick), Abby, and grandchildren: Winston, George, Zayne, Ryder, and Hudson; his stepchildren: Sean, Sidney, Landon and Sam. He is also survived by his brother Tom. He is preceded in death by his parents Milton and Era, and his beloved dog Barron.
Facts
Born: December 26, 1951 Death: March 6, 2014 Occupation: Medical Surgeon
Source of Obituary Mason Funeral Home, Winner, SD
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Jim Nelson
(June 27, 1946 - October 3, 2013)
A celebration of life for Jim Nelson of Timber Lake will be held at 10 AM MT Monday, October 7, 2013, at the Timber Lake School Gym with Pastor Bryce Schaffer of New Hope Church of Timber Lake officiating.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 6 at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge from 4 to 7 p.m. CT.
James Frederick Nelson was born June 27, 1946 at Lemmon to Fred and Emma (Sittner) Nelson. He passed away at Mobridge on Thursday, October 3, 2013, less than three months after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Jim grew up with his parents and younger brother on a small farm west of Watauga, in Corson County, and at Chance, in Perkins County. His parents taught rural schools and sometimes were his teachers. Jim became a lifelong advocate of country schools. He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1964.
He married Kathy Snyder of Iroquois on June 9, 1969, at Aberdeen where they had met while attending Northern State College. He graduated from Northern in 1968 with a major in industrial arts/drafting and minors in history and math. He taught at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, and in Douglas, AZ, Tabor, SD, Gayville-Volin, SD, Crystal City, TX, and Geddes, SD. In 1977 Jim and Kathy moved to Wall, where he was employed as a carpenter with Estes Brothers Construction for three years.
In 1980 they bought the Timber Lake Topic. The small town, farm and ranch country, and the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Reservations provided a rich environment of history, politics, and community.
In 1983 Jim helped organize the Timber Lake and Area Historical Society, where he worked with others who shared his interests in paleontology, genealogy and local history. He served as president for a time and helped with fund raising and construction of the library and museum in 1989 and the new museum in 2001.
He was co-editor of the 75th jubilee book, Timber Lake and Area 1910-1985, and a major contributor to the centennial book, Timber Lake and Area 1910-2010.
With Helen Ross, Bill Alley and others, he developed the museum’s fossil collection and contributed to research on the ammonites of the Fox Hills Formation and the dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Formation. He helped build a network of paleontology scientists and students. One of his last contributions was to gather some of those people together for a planning meeting in August, 2013 to ensure that the museum’s paleontology work continues.
He researched and wrote history for the Historical Society Newsletter, the Topic, and other publications on a wide range of subjects including the Great Depression, the Fur Trade era, and the Germans from Russia. He was a frequent contributor at history conferences and gatherings. He collected and shared family genealogy, stories and photos for many Timber Lake area families and for his Sittner and Nelson relatives.
He was never happier than when he was in the field digging fossils or talking to someone about local history but he also enjoyed carpentry, high school sports, and a wide variety of music.
He served on the fundraising committee for the South Dakota Heritage Center in Pierre and the South Dakota Hall of Fame board and was a member of the South Dakota State Historical Society and the South Dakota Newspaper Association. He was an active member of the Timber Lake Rodeo Association.
Those who spent time with him in the few weeks between his cancer diagnosis and his death expressed admiration for his courage and grace.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy Nelson of Timber Lake; a brother, Wilfred Nelson of Las Vegas, NV; his mother-in-law, Velma Leichtenberg of Iroquois; three brothers-in-law, Bob (Diana) Leichtenberg of De Smet, Scott Leichtenberg of Sioux Falls and Steve (Donna) Leichtenberg of Iroquois; nephews Brandon, Jay (Misty) and Kendall Leichtenberg; a niece, April Leichtenberg; and many Sittner and Nelson cousins including Dorothy Rabenberg and Norman Frey of Mobridge; and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Emma Nelson; and his father-in-law Robert Leichtenberg.
Eulogies will be given by Martin Biegler, Jack Bickel and Dick Scherer.
Casket bearers are Chuck Maher, Bart Biegler, Andy Aberle, Walt Johnson, Lance St. John, Roger Lawien, Tom Strehlow, and Jerry Keller. Ushers are Doug Maher and Larry Hieb.
Paul Douglas Bennett
May 20, 1926-- August 26, 2013
(This obituary here because the Bennett family lived across the street from my wife's parents home for many years and Paul Bennett was a Pall Bearer for my wife's father.)
Biography
Paul Douglas Bennett was born May 20, 1928 in Flandreau, SD to William (Slim) and Mildred (Nutt) Bennett; the second of 10 children. Paul grew up on a ranch in Mellette County. He worked several years on a combine crew traveling to different states.
In August of 1951, Paul enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Paul served as an MP until he was honorably discharged.
On March 5th, 1958 he was united in marriage to Norma Swanson. Shortly after their marriage the couple moved to Winner, SD. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Lori and Sheri, 3 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Paul was the Chief of Police for several years and then became a Court Service Officer for 22 years. During all these years he worked on building a ranch and raising cattle.
After his retirement Paul enjoyed many years doing what he loved, being outside on his ranch south of Wood, SD. Paul truly enjoyed working with his cattle and visiting all of his wonderful neighbors and friends. Paul was a loving person who always found someone he knew to visit with everywhere he went. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends. Paul always had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone.
Paul was very active in the church serving on several committees. Paul was involved in Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls and the Library board and served several years on the Mental Health Board, along with many other activities.
Paul is survived by his daughters: Lori (Brad) Amende, of Black Hawk, SD and Sheri Farris of Bismarck, ND; three grandchildren: Jed (Erin) Novotny and Jessica (Brandon) Krenn all of Black Hawk, SD and Summer Bennett of Pierre, SD; seven great-grandchildren: Corbyn, Carley and Kinzie Novotny, Ethan and Lucas Krenn, Aliyah Bennett and Blake Offet. Sisters: Virginia Ensminger of Valentine, NE and Kathy Engel of Winner, SD. Brothers: Ed (Judy) Bennett of Valentine, NE and Jim (Marlene) Bennett of Gregory, SD. Brother-in-law Bert Ryno of White River, SD and sisters-in-law Joan Bennett of Brookings, SD and Sandra Collins of Rapid City, SD and numerous nieces and nephews.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma, infant sisters June and Jane, brothers John, Robert (Bob) and William (Bill) Bennett.
Funeral
Friday August 30, 2013, 10:00am at United Methodist Church (The funeral is over and the church was filled to the rafters)
Visitation
Thursday August 29, 2013, 5:00pm - 7:00pm at United Methodist Church
Burial
Friday August 30, 2013 at Evergreen Cemetery
Mason Funeral Home--Paul Bennett Obituary--Source of above information.
Carol Jean (Wilcox) Janas 1950--2013
Carol Jean Wilcox was born June 25, 1950 to Leon E. Wilcox and Lois Amanda (Shaver) Wilcox at Burke, SD. Carol Jean Janas died on January 13, 2013 in the VA hospital in Phoenix, Arizona after weeks of intensive care.
Known to family as "Jean", she attended grade and high school in Winner, SD. and was graduated in 1968. She majored in nursing at SDSU at Brookings, SD. interning in Rochester, MN. and was graduated from SDSU in 1972. Her first nursing position was at the VA Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. On May 4, 1974,She married Gary Janas of Gregory, SD at Lincoln,NB. Soon after, Jean enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a nurse stationed at Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas.
After both finished military tours, Jean and Gary moved to Phoenix, AZ. Jean worked at Sun City Boswell Hospital, Sun City AZ. until she accepted a position at Carl T. Haden Veterans Memorial Hospital in Phoenix, AZ as a Surgical Intensive Care Nurse. She later found her calling as a Nursing Education Instructor. Her proudest accomplishment was developing and instituting a program allowing any employee of the Phoenix VA hospital system to pursue higher education. Several VA employees consequently attained their GED's and then became LPN's and also several became registered nurses with 4-year degrees.
After 30 some years of working for the VA, Jean retired in 2008. Jean lived a very productive life despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1980 and enduring the related treatment, medications and symptoms. Jean, an excellent piano player, enjoyed playing music and also listening. For several years Jean and her husband held Phoenix Symphony season tickets. Jean also liked traveling. A favorite trip was 8 days rafting the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon with her husband. Colorado was special to Jean and she and her husband traveled yearly to enjoy the fall colors of Durango, CO and the snow in Flagstaff, AZ. Jean's most recent trip was traveling the length of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law, and a cousin. She is survived by her husband Gary Janas of Glendale, AZ, her sister Wanda R. (Douglas) Wiken of Winner, SD, her mother-in-law Pearle Janas of Gregory,SD, brothers/sisters in-law, several nieces and nephews, one grand niece and several cousins in South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado.
Jean requested that some of her ashes be sprinkled into Marble Canyon on the Colorado River. Her remaining ashes were interred at the National Cemetery Phoenix, AZ with a memorial service for Carol Jean Janas Thursday 10AM, January 24, 2013.
Rather than flowers, please make memorials in her name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Carol Jean Wilcox Janas nursing award at Winner Regional Healthcare (or Winner High School-- yet to be determined). Some of Jean's high school classmates have indicated they wish to add their memorials to the Winner High School Class of 1968 Scholarship Fund. I have no information on such a standing 1968 scholarship program however. [[[[ NOTE: In July, 2013, Gary Janas, Jean's husband, set up an account for memorials and contributions at Winner, SD. He plans to make this a non-profit group so that contributors may make tax-deductible contributions to nursing education for local students. If you wish to contact him, let me know.]]]]
On February 9, 2013, another memorial service for Carol Jean Janas will be held at the Phoenix, AZ Carl T. Hayden VA Hospital Chapel .
George Stanley McGovern, 1922-2012
Published October 22, 2012, 06:17 AM George Stanley McGovern, 90, Sioux Falls, formerly of Mitchell and Avon, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls.
George Stanley McGovern, 90, Sioux Falls, formerly of Mitchell and Avon, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls. He was born on July 19, 1922 in Avon,SD to the Rev. Joseph and Frances Mclean McGovern..
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Mary Sommervold Hall at Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, Sioux Falls. Private burial will take place at Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C., at a later date. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, Sioux Falls, with the family present from 5 to 6 p.m. A 6:30 p.m. prayer service will also be at the church.
George left Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, where he excelled in debate, to join the US Air Force.
That same year, on Halloween Day, he married Eleanor Stegeberg, a fellow DWU student who had grown up on a Woonsocket farm and got to know George after having beaten him in a student debate competition. They would eventually have five children — Ann, Susan, Teresa, Steven and Mary — and a 63-year marriage.
A B-24 pilot at the age of just 22 and assigned to a bomber group in Italy, George flew 35 combat missions across Europe, safely landed his damaged plane on several occasions and was discharged at the war’s end as a first lieutenant having won the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak clusters.
After the war, he and Eleanor returned to DWU, and following his graduation, joined its faculty as a professor of history and political science. He later completed a Ph.D. in history at Northwestern University and studies at nearby Garrett Theological Seminary. But living through the war pushed George toward public service, so he began traveling town-to-town and farm-to-farm rebuilding the South Dakota Democratic Party and competitive two-party system in the state.
No one worked harder or with greater organization on the campaign trail; George would walk both sides of the entire length of a main street, shake the hand and listen to every person on the sidewalk or in the coffee shops. In an era before handheld electronic devices, George had accumulated an archive of 40,000 voter 3x5 cards and could retrieve names and details from memory with ease.
In 1956, George won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. There he served two terms, lost a run for the U.S. Senate in 1960, but won a Senate seat in 1962 after having served as the first executive director of President John F. Kennedy’s new Food For Peace program — a formative experience which allowed George to peaceably shift government power and American food resources toward hungry people.
After a run for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1968 to help hold together theassassinated Sen. Robert Kennedy’s delegates, George worked to reform party rules so the nominating procedure would be more transparent and accessible.
And during a drawn-out primary campaign, George won the Democratic Party’s nomination for presidential in 1972 — a race he led with unprecedented grassroots support under the banner “Come Home, America” — for peace in Vietnam and reconciliation at home.
It was a race he did not win against President Richard Nixon, but the campaign’s integrity restored hope to a dispirited public and established a principled model for national campaigns to come — validated by the resignation of a scandal-ridden President Nixon two years later.
George served three terms in the Senate, until January 1981, where he contributed substantially to a series of comprehensive farm bills and chaired the new U.S. Senate Special Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs. After his Senate career, George worked on Middle East peace, and further focused on child nutrition through two appointed positions: U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture, and, separately, as U.N. global ambassador to the World Food Program.
He also co-founded a worldwide school lunch program with longtime friend Bob Dole, the former GOP senator from Kansas. For these decades of work enriching the lives of countless families and children around the globe, George was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — our country’s highest civilian distinction — by President Bill Clinton in 2001.
In more recent years, George stayed intricately connected to South Dakota, national and international issues. He lectured about policy and politics on campuses here and abroad. He would work, as was his habit, on just a few hours of sleep, and frequently asked arriving visitors for their input on a fresh draft of an op-ed or magazine piece he had been crafting on a yellow pad.
He even finished last year, at age 89, the 14th book he had written, co-authored or edited — “What It Means To Be A Democrat” and conducted book signings in several states also for a recent biography of President Abraham Lincoln.
No portrait of George would be complete without remembering the succession of outrageously affectionate and outsized Newfoundland dogs George and Eleanor nurtured and cherished.
He loved going for a walk across the DWU campus, or on a drive to Lake Mitchell, or to a night at the movies. He enjoyed dinners at Chef Louie’s and kept everyone amused and amazed with stories and anecdotes from his youth, the campaign trail, or the Senate floor.
And he kept his childhood and lifelong faith with his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, expressing no surprise at their last-minute qualification for this year’s playoffs — just as they had done last year on their way to a World Series championship run that George had followed with inning-by-inning delight.
More than anything, George adored Eleanor, their grown children, and 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, was engaged in their interests, schooling and careers, and generously helped with advice, encouragement and support.
George McGovern lived an exceptional public and private life of more than 90 years with an uncommon energy, adherence to ideals, thirst for knowledge and a consuming dedication to others. George rarely raised his voice in anger, but always raised the level of discourse and achievement around him.
He didn’t live for confrontation, but risked his life in the greatest struggle of the century to defeat evil on a grand scale, yet never bragged about his personal wartime achievements. Instead, he used that experience instead as a working, life-long foundation for a more peaceful, constructive and forgiving world.
We who knew and loved him will remember his singular dedication to a life that made a difference. We resolve to honor George’s spirit by emulating his example.
Source: Mitchell Daily Republic {Note MDR links become pay-view only in a few days--unless you register with the paper subscription number)
Wayne Louis Heller--1925-2012
Wayne Louis Heller was born November 28th, 1925 in Ideal, SD to Chalres and Dora (Bainbridge) Heller. He passed away October 12, 2012 at home with his family by his side at the age of 86.
Wayne attended Star Valley school and graduated from Winner High School in 1943. He attended college for one year and served in the Navy overseas during World War II.
Wayne married Lois Blomstrom on April 17, 1966. To this union two daughters were born: Lisa and Carla. Wayne and Lois lived on the family farm north of Ideal for their first few years of marriage and then moved to Winner when Lisa was ready to start school. Wayne continued to farm for many years with his brother Lowdon. In later years, he rented most of his cropland out to neighbors but still managed to keep busy at the farm. He loved the farm and always welcomed anyone and everyone to drop a line in his bass dam.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Lois, his children, Lisa (Randy) Odenbach, Dallas, SD, Carla Heller, Pierre, SD, his grandchildren, Gaige, Mackenzie, and Reece Odenbach and Grandyn Heller. He is also survived by his sister, Marcella Owens, Valparaiso, Indiana, his brother Lowdon Heller, Ideal, SD, his sister, Melba Veren, Gregory, SD, sister in laws, Vivian Heller of Laramie, Wyoming and Kay Heller of Charlotte, North Carolina and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Going on before him were his parents, his brothers Alva and Kenneth, his brother in law, Harry Owens, and sister and brother in law, Cora and Earl Kaiser.
Over the years, Wayne enjoyed bowling, challenging his wife to a game of cribbage, playing pitch with family and friends, and above all, his family.
We will miss his quiet manner, his gentle smile and the way his grandkids always made his eyes sparkle. Funeral Tuesday October 16, 2012, 2:00pm at Christ Lutheran Church, Winner, SD.
This obituary from www.masonfh.com
Voss, Orville D. (Scad)
April 29, 1925-March 30, 2012
By the Lincoln Journal Star I Posted: Sunday, April 22, 2012 2:30 am
Orville D. (Scad) Voss, 86, of Lincoln and Sun City West, Ariz., passed away on March 30, 2012 at his winter home in Sun City West. He was born to Claude and Alta Voss in Andover, S.D. on April 29, 1925. He was an athlete and avid golfer; W.W.II combat veteran; musician; an upland and big game hunter; fisherman; pilot; and teacher of music. An outstanding high school baseball pitcher, football player and musician, he was drafted during his senior year of high school and served in the 136th Infantry Division campaigns in Italy and France, where he earned both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Returning home, he married Jacqueline Rae Holm on December 28, 1946. He attended the University of Nebraska where he earned both a BA and MA in music and music education, and taught instrumental and vocal music in Genoa and Winner, S.D. (1951-61); band and orchestra at Lincoln High School (1961 - 1974), and band, orchestra and boys glee club at Everett Junior High (1974 - 1982). He was a founding member of the NeoClassic Jazz Orchestra (Nebraska Jazz Orchestra), performed extensively with his owr one-man band (Scad Voss-Plus), and played with many local jazz groups and big-band orchestras.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; grandson, Erik; brothers, Cecil, Leo, Marvin, Norman, and Clifford; sisters, Pea and Verna. -He is survived by wife, Jacqueline; son, Steven (Connie); daughter, Wendy (James); grandsons, Andrew (Sara), Nate....... (Stephanie),Tighe; great grandsons, Wade and Rhett; brother, Gordon; sister, Eunice; sister-in-law, Barbara Kositzky; nieces and nephews, friends and hundreds of students.
A celebration of life will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, April 29th from 2 to 4 p.m. His ashes will be interred in the family cemetery plot in Winner, S.D. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foundation for Lincoln Public schools, designated for the Orville D. Voss Memorial Instrumental Music Fund.
[[ Please note: I think a separate fund is being set up for memorials to the Winner school music program. I have heard that a memorial service will be held in Winner, SD on May 26, 2012; but, I am not certain of date, time, or place. This obituary is here because my wife participated in WHS Band when Voss was the music instructor and the band was getting rave comments from contest judges and Superlative plus, plus ratings. The music program was both a challenge and inspiration for many students at Winner HS from 1951 to 1961.]]
Glenn Larson
Aug 27 1933 - Jan 20 2010
Glenn Larson, 76, of Hamill, SD, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD, after a lengthy fight with cancer.
Glenn was born on August 27, 1933 on the family farm north of Hamill next to the wood stove. He was the son of Theodore and Gertrude (Larsen) Larson. He attended Gassman School in rural Tripp County through eighth grade. He then started working on the farm with his father. He was drafted into the army in 1956 and came home with an honorable discharge in June of 1958. He returned to the family farm to work with his dad and brother where he remained until his death.
He married Barbara Roby on December 27, 1956 to whom he was married for 53 years. To this union three children were born: Joan, Dennis and Connie.
Glenn loved the cattle, the land, horses and kids. He was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church of Hamill, serving on many boards. Glenn was one of the founders of the Hamill Horseman Club and long time supporter of 4-H Rodeo. He was a 25 year member of the AQHA.
Glenn is survived by his wife Barbara; three children: Joan (Melvin) Mayes, Winner, SD; Dennis (Susan), Hamill, SD; and Connie (Jeff) Hanson, Pierre, SD; his brother Darrell (Fran), Hamill, SD, and sisters Velma Yates, Chamberlain, SD, Fern (Matt) Zastrow, Sioux Falls, SD; nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Gertrude Larson, brother-in-law Robert Yates, and niece Marla (Yates) Frederick.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 26, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hamill, SD. Burial will be in the Hamill Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, January 25, from 4-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Mason Funeral Home in Winner.
Mason Funeral Home (23 January 2010)
http://masonfh.com/index.php?option=com_obituary&task=details&oid=390&Itemid=
http://snipurl.com/u66pq
Dr. James Lawrence Fejfar
We knew him as Mr. Fejfar when he taught at Wakonda High School. He was a good teacher and got some of us headed into the direction of science and math or at least aided a bit in that. I do remember however that on one of his algebra tests, he had a question which required spelling his name correctly. Guess we should have known that, but never seemed all that important to me at the time.
http://www.yankton.net/articles/2009/12/17/obituaries/doc4b29d23e899ba496587554.txt
Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009 12:43 AM CST James Lawrence Fejfar, “Jim”, died at home Sunday, December 13, 2009. Jim was born in 1930 to Helen and Emmanual Fejfar in Yankton, South Dakota. Jim’s childhood was spent on the family farm and playing Jr. Legion baseball. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1947. He received his bachelor degree in mathematics and education and his masters in mathematics from the University of South Dakota.
He then taught high school mathematics and chemistry in Wakonda, South Dakota. After serving as a Corporal in the United States Army in the Korean War he returned to his teaching in Wakonda and met and married his beloved Therese Zimmerman in 1957.
Dr. Fejfar then continued his education by attending the National Science Foundation Institute at the University of Chicago, and then went on to earn his Doctorate of Education from the University of Illinois in 1965. Professor Fejfar continued his career at Indiana University from 1965-1969 and then at University of Nebraska for 26 years until retirement in 1995. During his career, he shaped and educated hundreds of teachers on how to become innovative and effective teachers in the area of mathematics.
He was a published math textbook author for elementary and junior high grade levels and co-authored a college level mathematic text. Dr. Fejfar was the recipient of the Milton W. Beckmann Lifetime achievement award, a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and an active member of Kiwanis, the American Legion and the Nebraska Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Dr. Fejfar was a beloved father, grandfather and devoted life companion to his wife of 53 years. He is survived by his wife, Therese; daughter, Mary Fejfar VanCleve of Seattle, Washington and husband George and child David; son, Anthony Fejfar of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and wife, Judi and their children, Josh and Crista; daughter, Ellen Fejfar King of St. Joseph, Missouri and her husband, Stan Gidley and their children, Matthew, Michael, Donovan, Zachary, Mariel King; sister, Mary Ann Kaisar, Mankato, Minnesota; and brother, John Dale Fejfar, Yankton, South Dakota. Jim was an excellent and committed Professor of math education, beloved husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him and loved him.
Rosary and eulogies will be at 9:30 am and will be followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am on Friday, December 18, 2009 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Memorials may be sent to the family. Online condolences can be sent to [email protected]. Yankton Press & Dakotan December 17, 2009
Pat Mckeever
Location: anoka, mn
Funeral Home: WASHBURN MCREAVY FUNERAL-COON Anoka - Pat McKeever was born on May 5, 1936 to George and Maye (McIlenna) McKeever. He grew up in Kennebec,SD. graduating from high school in 1954. Pat Spent 1 year in college at SDSU, followed by 2 years with the Carmelite Religious order in New Hampshire before he received his undergraduate degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE in 1960. Pat then graduated from USD in Vermillion with his LLB in 1962. Pat began his legal career working with John B. Jones in Presho, SD.
He ran and was elected as Lyman County States Attorney in 1962 and in 1964 he was elected to the South Dakota State Legislature. In 1966 Pat accepted a job as field representative for Sen. George McGovern. In 1972 following a unsuccessful bid for US Congress Pat moved to Pierre where he worked first as Securities Commissioner and then as Secretary of the Department of Labor in the Dick Kneip administration. In 1976 Pat ran for Circuit Judge from the Sixth Circuit of South Dakota, and was elected to this position in which he served until his retirement in 1998.
Pat married Juania (McAtee) of Sioux Falls in 1967. Pat will be remembered as a man of deep faith who loved his God, his family and his friends. He was active in many organizations throughout the years and is remembered by those who knew him for his delightful Irish wit. He loved a good joke and told many! Having lived most of his years in South Dakota, in retirement Pat and Juanita decided to move to Minnesota to be closer to family, but his heart remained with his dear friends and his fond memories of Central South Dakota.
Surviving Pat are his wife Juanita of Anoka, MN, Sons Kyle of Anoka, MN, Devin of Milwaukee, WI, and Pat (Peggy) of Valdosta, GA; and daughter Cristin (Ray) Knoblauch of Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren Jack, Sean, and Molly Knoblauch and Patrick III and Nicholas McKeever. Mass of Christian Burial 1pm Monday, May 18th at the Church of St. Stephen 525 Jackson St. Anoka, MN. Visitation one hour prior to Mass At Church and 2-5pm Sunday, May 17th at the Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN. 763-767-1000. Interment Epiphany Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial preferred.
Published on May 17, 2009. argusleader.com | Sioux Falls Obituaries | Argus Leader (17 May 2009) Pat McKeever Obituary at Sioux Falls ARGUS
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/dclassifieds?Dato=20090517&Kategori=OBITUARIES&Class=1&Type=CAT2000&Lopenr=905000363&Selected=11 http://snipurl.com/i82s7
Marie Anderson Loukota
— Marie A. Anderson Loukota, 91, of Davenport,(formerly Ideal, SD) died Sunday, June 21, 2009, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. at The Runge Mortuary. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Davenport, or Clarissa Cook Hospice House. Marie was born March 29, 1918, in Fremont, Neb., the daughter of James and Frances (Magley) Christensen. She was united in marriage to James R. Anderson, Sr., on March 29, 1947, in Sioux City, Iowa. He died December 30, 1978. She married George Edward Loukota on December 7, 1991. He died February 9, 2008. She had worked as a librarian for several years for the Scott County Public Library, Park View location. Marie loved to quilt, having made hundreds of quilts over the years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and an avid gardener. Those left to honor her memory include her children, Sharon (Steve) Keppy, Tomahawk, Wis., James Anderson, Jr., Davenport, Roger (Lorene) Anderson, LeClaire, and Janet Wilker, Davenport; stepchildren, Mary Clark, Castle Rock, Colo., Jim Loukota, of Missouri, Dennis Loukota, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Bob Loukota, Reno, Nev.; grandchildren, Jessica (Bill) McHugh, Daniel (Nicole) Keppy, and Seth and Aaron Wilker; a great-grandchild on the way; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Darlene DesLaurier, Grand Island, Neb., and Dorothy Lapsley, Ideal, S.D.; and special friends, Carolyn and Myron Scheibe, Park View, Iowa. Her parents, daughter, Sandra, and brothers, Norman and Lowell, preceded her in death.
Posted by: James Anderson | 06/24/2009 at 10:16 AM
I would like to sign the guest book for Ken {Red } McDowell and I cannot find his obituay Colleen Lambert from Bennington Kansas
Posted by: Colleen Lambert | 11/16/2009 at 10:41 AM