Monthly Archives: February 2018

Edward De Wonnenberg was born Aug. 17, 1971 in Vinh Long, Vietnam, the second-oldest of four children of David and Quyen Wonnenberg. Ed was a creative, charismatic, happy person who found enjoyment at an early age playing football and baseball. He graduated from Winner High School in 1989 and then attended South Dakota State University.

Ed excelled as a kitchen and bath designer, loving the opportunity to help people create their dream rooms. During his spare time, he enjoyed outdoor activities especially fishing and golf, along with honing his carpentry skills. Ed also took great pleasure in cooking, always eager to show off his culinary experiments. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Ed was also known to be funny, loving, easy-going; always trying to make sure everyone around him enjoyed themselves. Even up to the day of his passing, Ed was making jokes and smiling, still more concerned with everyone around him than himself.

Ed accepted Jesus as his personal savior. He was baptized and became a member of the First Cristian Church of Winner, SD on Dec. 2, 1978.

After several years battling health issues, Eddie passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 46 at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD on Jan. 23, 2018 surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his children, Brandon of Brookings, SD from Ed’s first wife Heidi. Jacob and Isabel of Minnetonka, MN from Ed’s second wife Amanda. Parents, David and Quyen Wonnenberg of Gregory, SD; sister, Snow and Jim Poler, their children Misty and Chyanne of Colome, SD; sister Jackie and Chad Haremza, their children Ella, Anna, and Jack Haremza of Shakopee, MN; grandmother Alvina Wonnenberg of Gregory, SD, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William Wonnenberg of Gregory, South Dakota; maternal grandparents, Xuyen Trinh and Diep Nguyen of Vinh Long, Vietnam and brother, Joseph Wonnenberg of Shakopee, MN.

Sherry Schramm, 63, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday Feb. 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation was held two hours prior to funeral service.

Sherry Lea (Hixson) Schramm was born Dec. 28, 1954 at Osmond, NE to Gene and Eveline (Kiichler) Hixson. She was baptized into God’s family on Nov. 20, 1981 and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Winner.

She was united in marriage to Bradley R. Schramm on June 8, 1974.

To this union three of the finest sons you could ever ask for were born; Dustin (Lisa) Schramm of Sioux Falls, SD, Brian (Sandy) Schramm of Florissant, CO, Robert (Erin) Tea, SD.

Sherry worked alongside her husband raising the boys and operating motels located in Vermillion, SD, Valentine, NE and finally owning the Buffalo Trail Motel in Winner. She was instrumental in the formation of Independent Motels of America, a small motel referral chain. She also operated the Curves fitness center in Winner when it was here. Sherry was always a pleasure to work with as whenever we had a small argument she always let Brad have the last words: “Yes, dear.”

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served in Ladies Aid and Mary/Martha Society.

Sherry was preceded in death by her mother. She is survived by her husband, three children, 13 grandchildren, her father and his wife Shirley, three sisters, Pat (Gary) Philbrick of David City, NE, Becky Bailey of Adel, IA and Angy of Waukee, IA and her brother Rick of Toledo, IA and a host of friends and relatives.

Shirley Schwartz, 76, of Colome, SD passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at her home near Colome, SD.

Funeral service were held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.

Shirley Schwartz was the fourth child born on Oct. 1, 1941 to William and Marie (Manke) Giedd. She was baptized in infancy on Nov. 8, 1941 and confirmed May 15, 1955 at the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dallas, SD. They lived on a farm south of Dallas. Shirley attended Gregory High School and graduated in 1959. After graduation she moved to Pierre, SD to work at the capitol in the Department of Health until 1963.

On February 23, 1963 she married Charles Schwartz at St. Isidore Church in Colome. To this union three daughters were born.

In 1963 she worked at the Baptist Hospital in the business office until 1970. She then went to work for Dr. Stiehl as office manager until his death in 1995. She continued on with Dr. Schramm until 1996. In 1997 she worked at Harry K Ford as a book keeper until she retired in 2009. She spent her retired years spending time with her family, friends, and dedicating her service to the Zion Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and playing cards with her friends. You could always find her cooking in her kitchen for her family. Shirley will always be remembered by her thoughtfulness of remembering everyone on their special occasion. She never forgot to send a card.

Shirley is survived by her daughters: Candy (Dave) Cahoy, Colome, SD, Kristi (Todd) Hauf, Colome, SD, Angel (Ryan) Wolff of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Michael (Megan) Cahoy, Robert (Danielle) Cahoy, Cowen of Colome, SD, Collene (Jerod) Schwarting, White River, SD, Bryce Hauf, Colome, SD, Brandon Hauf, Winner, SD; Madison and Ella Wolff, Phoenix, AZ step-grandson Josh (Melissa) Hauf, Conner, Aliviah, and Kiley of Farmington, MO; brother-in-law James (Peggy) Schwartz, Gregory, SD, sister-in-law Patricia Erickson, Mandan, ND and many nieces and nephews.

Irene L. Fischer, 82, of Rapid City, South Dakota and Mesa, Arizona, passed from this life on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Mesa. Her courageous battle with breast cancer has finally ended and she is now in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Irene Louise Spinar was born October 31, 1935 in Colome, SD to Jerry and Emma (Urban) Spinar. She grew up on the family farm near Colome and attended Colome Public School, graduating in 1952.

On May 25, 1952, Irene married her high school sweetheart, Vern Fischer, in Colome. Together, they eventually moved to Rapid City in 1961 where Irene raised their three daughters while Vern established himself in the car sales business. As a stay-at-home mother, Irene created many fond memories for her daughters – camping at the lake, summer vacations, visits to the cabin in the Hills, baking and doing crafts and ceramics together, sewing, a big play house in the back yard, garage sales, Barbie dolls, creating special Christmas traditions, VBS, Sunday school, TV family time, watching baseball, going to drive-in movies, trips to the grandparents, Sunday drives and meals with turkey salad from Daisy Dell, putting on plays in the back yard, playing cards, and making birthdays so special. Her daughters felt so blessed to have a mother that was so involved in their lives. She truly was the best Mom in the whole wide world.

When their daughters were married and left home, Irene worked for a retail furniture and gift store and Vern sold his automobile dealership and started making furniture. In 1984, Irene opened her own store, Country Estates Heritage House in the Rushmore Mall and later moved it to the Haines Station Shopping Center. She had this gift store for almost 13 years and it was a favorite shopping venue for many in the community.

In 1992, Irene and Vern bought an RV and became snow birds and made their way to Apache Junction, AZ in the wintertime. They kept leaving for the south earlier and coming back home later until they settled there more permanently by buying a place in Apache Junction. In 2017, they moved to Mesa.

Besides being a loving mother, Irene was an extraordinary wife to her husband Vern and a true joy to her many friends. Over the years, she and her husband had cultivated and nurtured deep relationships with many friends, neighbors, and extended family through neighborhood parties and cookouts with friends, taking extended trips with friends, camping with friends, playing cards with friends, and going out to dinner with friends. Irene was active in many different things over the years including bridge clubs, bowling leagues, and golfing.

Irene had a great love of learning and reading and with her deep faith she was a sound source of wisdom, advice, and counsel for any who sought it from her. She was full of peace and contentment all her life, making the best of any situation. Her lovely smile always lit up the room. She was active in church, teaching Sunday school, attending and leading Bible studies, and serving through various church groups. Irene was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City and while in Arizona, attended the Family of Faith Church in Apache Junction.

Irene is survived by her husband, Vern Fischer; her three daughters and their husbands, Lynn (Mrs. Richard) Murphy of Bulverde, TX, Teresa (Mrs. Gary) Horsley of Whitewood, and Diane (Mrs. Scott) Sharp of Rapid City; nine grandchildren, Alicia Murphy of Livingston, MT, Aaron Murphy of Bozeman, MT, Hudson Horsley of Spearfish, Dallas (and Alise) Horsley of Medford, OR, Nelson Horsley of Rapid City, Savannah (and Brandon) Mutschelknaus of Rapid City, Christian Paulson of Rapid City, Christopher Sharp of Rapid City, Amanda (and Blake) Booton-Popken of Rapid City; two great-grandchildren; two brothers Leo Spinar and Melvin Spinar, both of Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Frank (and Joanie) Taggart of Mesa, AZ; and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father Jerry in 1988 and mother Emma in 1994; her father-in-law Pete Fischer in 1992 and mother-in-law Hulda (Redlinger) Fischer in 1991; her sister Anita (Spinar) Calhoon in 1997; and her infant grandson Charles Murphy in 1979.

A memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, SD will be announced later in the spring. Inurnment of her ashes will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota.

A memorial has been established with Gideons, International. Friends may sign her guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com

Henry (Hienie) Carl Schnabel was born Aug. 15, 1922 in southern Tripp County on the farm home of his parents, Arthur and Anna Schnabel. He was the youngest of six children.

He was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wisconsin synod) in rural Colome. Henry attended Progressive elementary school and Winner High School.

On July 24, 1942 Henry married Lucille Arlene Davenport at the Lutheran parsonage in Valentine, Neb. They lived on the farm near his parents until 2005 when they moved to Gregory, SD.

Henry was always a busy person. Even after retiring and still living on the farm, he was busy fixing fences or spraying weeds. Usually he was singing, whistling, or yodeling while he worked. Henry loved to dance—that is where he met Lucille. He loved playing cards and visiting with friends and family. He farmed for many years and then went into the Black Angus cattle business. Henry really liked to fish and took many trips to the Black Hills to fish with family. He was very involved in the American Ag Movement. Henry traveled to Washington DC (not on his tractor, even though he wanted to) to help protest low farm prices. He and Lucille took several trips to California, Washington, and the Black Hills to visit family and to fish.

Henry attended St. Paul Lutheran Church for years and was very involved as a council member. He attended church conventions locally and in Michigan.

Henry passed away Jan. 20, 2018 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center at the age of 95.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Reginald, brother Herbert Schnabel, sisters Marie Ducheneaux, Alice Dill, Lula Springer, and Lydia Nagel, and son-in-law Edward Mansheim,

Henry is survived by his wife Lucille, three children Sherry of Billings, MT, Lucie Jean of Gregory, SD, and Randy (Lenda) of Dallas, SD; grandsons Jeff Wagner (Teri, Alec, and Brandon), Reggie, Jody Wagner (Mason and Ty), Dustin (Amber); granddaughter Kirsten Metcalf (Zach, Adelynn, Izach, and Ella); step granddaughter JoLynn Herman (Michael, Kaleb, McKayla, and Sophia); step grandson Joe Mansheim (Jean, Matthew, and Madison); great grandchildren listed above; special sister-in-law Darlene Haskell; and several nieces and nephews.

Loren was born on April 28, 1937, in Burke, South Dakota; he was the youngest child of Walter and Eva (Rockholm) Reetz. He grew up on his family’s farm north of Gregory and graduated from Gregory High School in 1954. In 1955, he enlisted in the Army: he was stationed in Japan for the majority of his service, and he served our country with honor until his discharge 1957. His service in the Army was a source pride for Loren, and he actively promoted respect for all local veterans.

Loren came home to Gregory after his honorable discharge. He labored with love on his family farm for the rest of his days. He sustained a fruitful farm/ranch operation and earned the respect of all who did business with him.

On June 30, 1959, Loren married his first love, Marilee Pusl in Winner, South Dakota. The marriage of these two incredibly hard-working people was a successful one in every way. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan Reetz and Brenda (Reetz) Svatos, and Loren and Marilee were very proud that daughters became excellent nurses. His three granddaughters were a source of pure delight. Loren also enjoyed sharing his farming labor, experience and insight with his son-in-law Chad Svatos.

In the winter of 1960, Loren added “fuel truck driver” to his resume of accomplishments and responsibilities. He began this career, which he somehow balanced with his farm work, working for Fred Schlaht. He continued hauling fuel for the rest of his life, ultimately driving for Cenex. Loren’s priority was always to see that his customers were well-served. He was especially grateful that his co-workers at Cenex knew this. They made it possible for him to continue to participate in his life’s work in a meaningful way even as his physical capacities faded away from him. By choice, Loren wore his red Cenex shirt with pride until his very last day.

Loren was guided in all things by his deep faith. He was a dedicated member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church throughout his life, and was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus. Though Loren faced many hardships including the painful loss of Marilee to cancer, he was a person who had no quit in him. Until his death, Loren continued to be a touchstone in his daughters’ lives, and will always be a beloved example of common sense, determination and love for his granddaughters. He courted and shared an abiding love with Francie Johnson. His wide circle of friends all knew him as an entirely reliable, progressive gentleman. He enjoyed a good story and he positively beamed with a charming smile, especially when his granddaughters’ accomplishments were mentioned. He was an integral part of a celebrated pool league where his wry sense of humor was as prized as much as his skill for the game, and he taught many lessons about life and about cards from his side of his cribbage board.

On March 17, 2017, despite being the picture of health and vitality, Loren was diagnosed with brain cancer. He approached this daunting diagnosis with his usual optimism, and he engaged in a dignified, courageous battle to hold onto the life that he so treasured. He tried to fully participate in every aspect of his life that he enjoyed for as long as he possibly could, even when that meant that he had to accept help to accomplish basic things – a difficult process for this self-made, independent person.

Never one to be idle, Loren made good use of his remaining time. He continued to have hope about the future as he prepared himself to meet his Lord. Thus Loren Walter Reetz died peacefully just as he lived: a strong and principled gentleman surrounded in his last earthly moments by people who returned every ounce of the love that he had given them.

Honored to celebrate his life and to cherish his memory are: his daughter Susan Reetz and her partner Bryant Smith of Jackson, Tennessee; his daughter Brenda Svatos, her husband Chad Svatos and their three daughters Lauren Lee, Sydney Ann and Jordan Jo of Gregory; his second love Francie Johnson of Gregory; and countless relatives and dear friends.

Loren was preceded in death by his wife Marilee Reetz; his parents Walter and Eva Reetz; his sister Inez and her husband Bob Clayton; and his mother and father-in-law Loree and Martin Pusl.