Monthly Archives: August 2018

James Henry Burnham, 89 of Winner, SD and formerly of Wood, SD died Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Ava’s House by Sanford in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jim was born at rural Wood, SD on June 12, 1929 to Ivy and Maysie (Dickerson) Burnham. He attended the Lookout country school through the eighth grade. Following school Jim worked as a farmhand for his sisters and other various farmers in the area. On April 10, 1948 Jim married Mildred Ann Bachmann at McMinnville, OR. After a short stay in Oregon they made their home in the Wood area. Jim continued working as a farmhand until 1970, when he started driving a bulk fuel delivery truck. He and Mildred raised cattle, milk cows, pigs, chickens and five kids. Jim enjoyed staying busy woodworking, welding and gardening. He also liked to fish, was an avid rattlesnake hunter and never missed an area rodeo. Jim retired from driving fuel truck in 1999 but continued to help area farmers with anything they needed. Jim was known to be a prankster and always looked forward to teasing the children of his route customers.

Grateful for having shared in Jim’s life are his children, Linda (Ronnie) Dimond of Wood, and their son Ben (Jenny) Dimond and grandchildren Colter and Mesa all of Wood, and daughter Amy (Keenon) McClaine and granddaughter, Karelli all of Kansas City, KS; Lonnie (Sue) Burnham of Rapid City and their daughter Heather (Matt) Palmer and grandchildren Garrett, Liam, Nora, Hank all of Mina, SD and son Austin Burnham of Rapid City; Lois (Rob) Comp of Presho, SD and their son Lance (Amanda) Comp and grandchildren Brady and Wes all of Presho, SD and daughter Darla (Leon) Cameron and grandchildren Cooper and Ely all of Sherwood, ND; Lori (Scot) Schara of Rapid City and their son Tyler Schara of Fargo, ND, daughter Savanna Schara of Rapid City and daughter Ashley Schara of Sioux Falls; Lisa (Devin Rogers) Burnham of Rapid City and their daughters, Dorian Swanson of Rapid City and Delane Rogers of Aberdeen.

Jim was the last remaining survivor of nine siblings and his parents. He is reunited in the Heavenly Kingdom with his beloved wife Mildred who died on June 8, 1984.

Memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Wood Community Hall with Rev. Gary Walters officiating. Inurnment followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Wood.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.kirkfuneralhome.com

James F. Shoemaker Jr. “Shoey”, 63, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at his residence in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner Catholic Cemetery.

Shoey spent his life with a homestead in Winner but had an adventurous spirit. Shoey’s idea of a life on the road was a well-lived life. From traveling to 48 states, half of Canada and most of Mexico, he was happiest whether it was visiting Sturgis, family & friends, or venturing with his dogs, Grizzly & Rip. This was Shoey’s passion.

Shoey was extremely proud of things in his life such as earning his Eagle Scout Badge in 1973. Attending many concerts like Led Zeppelin, building many motorcycles including his prized joy, the Brother Mike Bike, and supporting the Military & several non-profit organizations.

Shoey will be missed by his four sisters, Rosemary Connot, Patricia Eade, Jeanne Shoemaker, Judy Fisher, nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Awaiting him in Heaven is his parents. Helen & James (Red) Shoemaker, brother Mike Shoemaker, niece Dawn Knoepfle, nephew Bob Connot, his bird Niko, and friends who passed before him.

Fiuneral services for William Lindwurm were held Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church of Burke. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery of Burke.

William George Lindwurm was born on Jan. 24, 1919, near Osmond, NE to William and Rosa (Kumm) Lindwurm. He was baptized on March 30, 1919, at Pierce County, NE.

His mother died of the flu shortly after giving birth to his sister Rosie. Bill was one year old and was sent to live with his grandparents in SD until his father moved to SD. His father hired Lena Kahler as a nanny for his five young children (Christina, Ella, Elsie, Bill, and Rosie).

After his father’s marriage to Lena, Bill returned to live with his dad, step-mother, and sisters. His dad and Lena had 4 more children (Alvina, Esther, John, and Phillip). Bill attended school at Pleasant View District No. 53. Bill was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on July 14, 1935, at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlock, SD, and was a faithful member there until it closed in 2001. He then transferred his membership to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, where he remained a member until his death. He served as church secretary and treasurer at Peace for 12 years.

When his father was unable to work because of a stroke, Bill stepped in to do the farming. He also worked on the WPA building county roads with horses. After his father passed away, he remained on the farm until 1958, when he and his step-mother moved into Burke. Then, in 1961, he moved back out to a farm 8 miles south and 5 miles west of Burke. He “batched” it for 14½ years and then on June 5, 1976 he married Esther Smith. They moved 3 miles west of Burke in 1986. In 1995, Esther passed away. He moved to Park View Manor in Burke in 2007, and moved to Silver Threads in 2016.

Bill was a kind, quiet man with a strong but simple faith. He enjoyed playing his harmonica, fishing and playing cards. He was one of the first people to have a video camera and he enjoyed videoing and taking pictures.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Rosa, his wife, Esther, his half brother Phillip Lindwurm who was killed in the Korean War, his step mother Lena Lindwurm, his sisters Rosie Sengleman, Tena Neuharth, Elsie Fode, Ella Hanson and Esther Braun, six brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and one step-son.

Bill is survived by his sister, Alvina Wonnenberg, his brother, John Lindwurm, nieces and nephews, and step-children.

Bill passed away at the Rosebud Country Care Center on Aug. 9, 2018 at the age of 99 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Leo Clark Moses, formerly of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018. He lived the last three years outside of Brule, NE, being lovingly cared for by nephew, Denny and Cheryl Thompson.

Leo was born on July 18, 1919, to Leroy and Millie Moses in Carter, SD. He spent his early years in Carter and Witten, SD, where he attended school and worked on his father’s farm.

He was a WWII veteran, serving from May 1945 to October 1946. After an honorable discharge, Leo returned home and married Evelyn Margaret Thompson on July 1, 1950, in Gordon, NE. They returned to Witten and he worked on the family farm until moving to Philip, SD where he operated a dairy farm.

After moving to Hot Springs in 1955, Leo did custom haying and later worked at the State Veterans Home. He then went to work for the Standard Oil Company and continued to be involved with selling propane and repairing furnaces for many, many years. He operated Leo’s LP Service for over 25 years and filled his last 20-pound propane tank at the age of 90.

He was a loving husband, brother, and uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Leo enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with friends. He was a kind, hard-working, happy man who was loved and respected by relatives and friends alike. He will be dearly missed.

Leo always thought of his sister Eileen’s family as the children he never had. He is survived by sisters, Ava Aeschbacher and Carol McCroan of Texas; nephews, Denny (Cheryl) Thompson of Brule, NE; Mike (Mary Kay) Thompson of Hot Springs; niece, Sandy Thompson Gordon of Hot Springs; nieces-in-law, Vicki Thompson of Buffalo Gap; Cauline Thompson of Hot Springs; great-nephew, Matt (Jeannie) Thompson of Highmore; great-nieces, Kim (Tim) McNemar of Buffalo Gap; Vickie (Monte) Olson of Charlotte, NC; Natalie(Shawn) Morgan of Oral; Tara (Steve) Storm of Spearfish; Niki (Wally) Campbell of Grand Forks, ND; Megan Thompson of Greeley, CO; Jaime Gordon of Hot Springs; and 10 great-great nieces/nephews. He is also survived by numerous Moses and Thompson nephews, nieces, and their families whom Leo loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years; his parents; a sister, Eileen Moses Thompson Weisenberger; brothers, Howard and Gay; sister-in-law, Ann; and nephews, Tommy Thompson and Gary Thompson.

Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery 2:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. A celebration of Leo’s life will be held at Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral home in Hot Springs 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, with Pastor Bill Martin officiating. A noon lunch will be held prior to the service at the American Legion Hall. Family and friends are invited to attend. Memorial gifts will be donated to the American Legion, Battle Mt. Post 71, of Hot Springs.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home, Hot Springs, SD.

Elinor M. Bloomstrom, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, SD.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.

Elinor Marlene (Walton) Blomstrom was born Nov. 18, 1928 to Ralph and Freda (Wagner) Walton in Chadron, NE. One of seven children, her family moved around in Nebraska before settling near Clearfield in Tripp County where she grew up. Her father passed away when she was nine years old, leaving her mother struggling to raise the family on her own until she married Guy Walton in 1954, whom Elinor became very close to. She lived with her aunt in Valentine during high school years and graduated in 1945. She attended college in Spearfish but was unable to complete her education as she was needed at home to help with the family.

n She taught country school for a year before employment at the Co-op in Winner, where she met her future husband, Robert Blomstrom. They were married in October of 1954 and to this union six children were born. She resided in Winner until a decline in health made it necessary to move to Silver Threads in Gregory to be closer to her daughters. Eventually a move was made to Butte Senior Living and then Avera Rosebud Country Care Center where she remained with her lifelong love until her passing.

Family held the highest place of importance in her life, and her children and grandchildren were her passion. She was always eager to help out when needed. She was blessed to be able to be home with her children while they were growing up, and seeing her waiting at the door after school or baking cookies is a favorite memory of her children. She was often seen sitting at her sewing machine making clothing for daughters, granddaughters and dolls. But she would also play catch with her sons in the backyard. There are many fond memories of her on the floor playing with grandchildren, sitting with them on her lap reading them encyclopedias and other books, or cheering them on at their sporting events. She was their biggest fan. Other hobbies included reading, especially the classics, doing needlework until her eyesight prevented it, crossword puzzles and watching old classic movies.

A member of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, she shared her love for Jesus with her children and loved to sing them Bible songs from her youth.

She is survived by her children: David, Seattle, WA; Neil (Brenae), Yankton, SD; Beverly (Rod) Graesser, Dallas, SD; Laurie (Mike) Spartz, New Hope, MN; Barbara (Steve) Nallick, Golden Valley, MN; and Jeanne Fortuna, Gregory, SD. Also her grandchildren and great grand children: Glenn (Kirsten) Graesser, Vermillion, SD (Walter, Henry, Eddie); Jordan (Cassie) Graesser, Boston, MA; Leah Graesser, Redding, CA; Emilee (Max) Hendricks, Sacramento, CA; Nolan, Josie, Alyssa and Nathan Fortuna, Gregory, SD; Allyson Spartz, New Hope, MN; Cierra Bordeaux and LaShya Farmer, Dallas SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Freda Walton, Guy Walton; sister Joyce Bettcher; brothers Ralph (Dean) Walton, Albert (Ab) Walton, Richard (Dick) Walton; an infant sibling ; and son-in-law Rod Fortuna.

Funeral services for Willis “Bill” Andersen, were held Aug. 14 at the United Methodist Church in Burke. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery of Burke.

Willis M. “Bill” Andersen was born in Herrick, South Dakota to Ernest “Mose” and Alma Loudon Andersen March 20, 1931. Bill attended elementary school in Herrick, South Dakota with a few years in Bell, California. Bill attended and graduated from Burke High School in May of 1949. Basketball was his passion with a few records set in his day.

After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Army-the 101st U.S. Airborne Division in Fort Riley, Kansas August 1949. He completed his field officer training in 1950 and continued training troops for the Korean War at Fort Riley and later Fort Ord, California until November 1951. Bill then transferred to the U.S. Army reserves until April 1957 when he was honorably discharged.

Upon discharge from active military duty, Bill began working with Northwestern Bell and continued working with the company for 40 years. He was a lineman, installer, equipment and office manager. During his employment with the telephone company, Bill met and later married Mary Kuntz, June 24, 1954 in Ogallala, Nebraska. They moved to Burke in 1962 to continue raising their 3 girls, Crystal, Teresa and Shelly. Bill was married to Mary for 55 years, and not a day went by after her death in 2009, that he did not miss her!

Bill was very active in the Burke community, playing slow pitch softball, bowling for Gambles and becoming Mayor of Burke from May 1967 to April 1973. Bill was very instrumental in the development of the housing units, maintaining the Burke water tower and starting the first girls softball team with Ed Pravecek to name a few accomplishments.

Bill’s passion was his volunteer work for the Burke Fire Department and ambulance crew, alongside his brother-in-law Emmitt Hall and countless friends. Bill was also very active with his girls, attending games, track meets and never missing an important event. This tradition carried on with his granddaughter, Gabriella these past 5 years in Arizona.

After retiring from the telephone company, Mary kept Bill busy with his honey-do list, day trips throughout South Dakota and Nebraska, fishing, fixing things, taking care of his lawn/garden, playing cards, occasional trip to the casino and wintering in Arizona. The past five years, Bill became a reverse snowbird spending more time in Arizona with summer trips back to Burke. While in Arizona, Bill began new hobbies of playing Spider Solitaire, putting puzzles together on the computer, gardening and watching the airplanes fly overhead. He enjoyed watching the news, reading the hometown paper, attending Phoenix Suns NBA basketball games and sneaking away for a quick trip at the Casino’s in the Phoenix area.

Bill was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He also was a member of the American Legion Allen B. Loudon Post 220 in Herrick for the past 58 years. Bill took pride in belonging to this Legion post named after his uncle.

After a sudden illness and a very brief stay at the Sherman House Hospice unit in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bill took his last breath with the loving support from his daughters and granddaughter. Bill peacefully took the hand of the lord to his eternal home.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Crystal Mitchell, Teresa Andersen and Shelly Liu and granddaughter, Gabriella Liu from the Phoenix area and numerous nieces, nephews and friends in South Dakota and Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, son-in-law Wayne Mitchell, parents, brothers: Lester, Adrian (Wilma); Sisters: Imogene (Emmitt) Hall and Marcene (Pat) Whitley,1 niece and 2 nephews.