Monthly Archives: January 2023

John T. Hofer, age 71, of Huron, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at the Huron Regional Medical Center.

His memorial service was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, at the American Lutheran Church. His service was live-streamed through the Kuhler Funeral Home website.

John T. Hofer was born July 21, 1951, to Herbert H. and Elsie M. (Barber) Hofer at Huron. He grew up and attended school in Huron and graduated from Huron High School in 1969. During his high school career, John was on the wrestling team and played in a rock and roll band around central South Dakota. John attended Huron College, continued to play in his band and worked at the college cafeteria. He later became the assistant manager at the college cafeteria.

From 1972 to 1977, he was the food service manager at Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell. He transferred to Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. In December of 1977, he started as the school nutrition director for the Huron Public Schools.

Shortly after returning to Huron, he went back to college to finish his degree. On July 8, 1980, he placed second in the nation in the Business Administration contest at the Phi Beta Lambda National Convention in Washington D.C. In 1983, he graduated from Huron College with a degree in business administration.

On July 9, 1988, John married Karen J. Willuweit at Huron.

He was the editor of the South Dakota Food Service Association newsletter for ten years. During his years at Huron Public Schools, he helped design the kitchen at the middle school.

John was a member of the American Lutheran Church, South Dakota School Food Service Association, American School Food Service Association, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and Handgun Control.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Philip Inskeep.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Karen of Huron; his brother, Herbert C. Hofer of Brandon; his sister, Dorothy Inskeep of Mitchell; five nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great-niece.

Visit www.kuhlerfuneralhome.com

Avis Hansen, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center in Winner. 

Funeral service was held on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Winner Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  

Avis was born at her grandparent’s home in Tripp County on March 18, 1931, to Lela (Hopkins) and Oscar Papke.  She was the oldest of her 7 siblings and the first grandchildren born into the Hopkins family.

She attended various country schools during her grade school years.  While attending high school in Winner she boarded at “Grandma” Olsen’s with other high school girls, many who became life-long friends.  But Avis had to work after school to earn her board and room.  One of the after-school jobs was for Dailey’s Variety Store where her boss, Don Dailey, taught her to figure how much paint or wallpaper was needed to refinish a room.

After graduating in 1949 she married Arthur E. Hansen on Sept. 15, 1949.  Their marriage was blessed with four children who became her new “job”.

During the 1960’s Avis was volunteered by Art to make pies for the bowling alley, then owned by Stan Ainsworth and family.  The ladies’ leagues were recipients of some tasty lemon meringue pies.  In the 1970’s Avis worked with Roy (Jack) Kelley and his Captain Clean Service, doing tons of fire and smoke insurance jobs.

After Art passed away, she spent her days working with her daughter at the Sewing “B” in the same Main Street building which had housed Dailey’s Variety in the 1940’s.  When that building was sold, the fabric store was moved up the street to a new location which, ironically, the same building she had delivered pies to in the 1960’s.

Avis was a charter member of the Winner Orthodox Presbyterian church and raised her family in the church.  She helped in every way possible and was told by the first pastor she would teach Sunday School.  She taught both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School until she couldn’t keep up with the youngsters.  She so wanted to introduce the children to Christ as their Savior, but she left them converting to the Holy Spirit.

Avis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Art, daughter Cheryl, two sisters, Neva and Janis, and one brother-in-law, Darrel Bettcher.

She is survived by daughter Sandra (Charles) York, sons Mark Hansen and Jon Hansen, sisters Peggy Bettcher, Merva (Phil) Cobb, Judy Papke and brothers Bill (Donna) Papke and Larry (Ruthellen) Papke, 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Darrel Joseph Struck, 67, of Pierre, SD passed away on Jan. 2, 2023 at the Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD.

 Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Ideal Cemetery in Ideal, SD. Wake services were  held on Wednesday and Thursday  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner.

Joe was born to William and Anastacia (Struck) Foote in Rosebud, SD on Sept. 20, 1955.

He attended schools in Winner, SD and Todd County High School in Mission, SD. He then enlisted in the Navy in 1975 and was Honorably Discharged in 1977. Joe enjoyed spending time with his children, family and friends.

Joe leaves behind his wife Melda (Peneaux) Struck, Pierre, SD. His siblings Gerrit Foote, Ideal, SD; Dewey (Leona) Foote, Ideal, SD; Donald (Marvene) Foote, Sioux Falls, SD; Carla Reed, Ft. Pierre, SD; Janell (Frank) Millian, Winner, SD; and Janice (Art) Halfhide, Chadron, NE. His children Dara Nelson, Albuquerque, NM; Darwin Nelson, Mitchell, SD; Jackson Struck, Pierre, SD; Leighton Foote, Darcie Struck, Juliana Struck all of Minneapolis, NM; and Elsie Foote, Pierre, SD; stepchildren Renee Foote, Hermosa, SD; Nathan (Angie) Foote, Sioux Falls, SD; Nicole (Larry) Foote, Pierre, SD and Beau Dean Foote, Sioux Falls, SD. 19 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents William Foote and Anastacia (Struck) Reed. Grandparents Stephan and Martha (King) Foote, Henry Struck and Cora Shields. And one brother Bernard Foote.

Clara Marie Eschenbaum, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, of a heart attack in Casa Grande, AZ.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell, NE on Jan. 14, 2023, with viewing at 9 am and services to follow at 10 am. There will be a short memorial service, time for sharing your stories of Clara, and fellowship after. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Clara was born on May 23, 1932, daughter of the late Clarence and Zadia Backman.

Born on the farm in Maskell, NE, Clara grew up with a country lifestyle. She attended country school and ultimately attended Ponca, NE high school where she graduated in 1949. She married her first husband, and they gave birth to Cindy and Nancy. After their birth she attended school in Sioux Falls, SD where she became an X-ray and lab technician. She practiced in that field for over 45 years, retiring from her career in Winner, SD as department director. She spent many years with husband Melvin Eschenbaum, traveling via RV, visiting nearly all the contiguous United States. After the death of husband, Melvin Eschenbaum, Clara remained in Winner, SD and spent time traveling to visit family and local friends. In 2021, Clara joined her Arizona family in Casa Grande and continued to live independently until she passed. After her move to Arizona, she was known as “Clara on the Patio” as she drank coffee and socialized with all her new neighbors. Continuous highlights of her life included the biannual Backman family reunion as well as the annual Bass family reunion. Not only were these a highlight of her life, but she was a staple of them. If anyone needed anything, she was the first to offer it out of the RV. She was an avid card player with friends in Winner and the new friends she made in Arizona. She had a great fondness for her pets Lady the Poodle and Susie the Cat.

Clara is survived by her daughter Nancy Ellen Bertsch of Casa Grande, AZ and stepdaughter Jane Heying (Lee) of Winner, SD; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Andrew Backman and sister Patricia Jonason; and a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins from across the country but primarily located in the Midwest.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Melvin Eschenbaum; daughter Cindy Marie Carter; grandson Nathan Lee Stager; brothers Darryl Backman, Doyle Backman, and Evan Backman; and sisters Arlene Chase, Bonnie Bostwick, and Connie Gubbels

A prayer service will be held Jan. 12 at Wass Funeral Home, Beresford at 7 p.m. Visitation was Jan. 12 from 5-7 p.m.

Karen Janis Hanson was born June 14, 1937 on a farm in Bijou Hills, SD to Ralph and Nyna (Gray) Smith. She passed away Jan. 6, 2023 in Winner, SD at the age of 85 years.

She moved from Bijou Hills to Mt. Vernon with her family as they continued their farming operation. Karen graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. After high school Karen worked at the ASCS office in Davidson County.

Karen married James M. Hanson on May 23, 1959 in Mt. Vernon at the Lutheran church. To this union four children were born. Blane, Kevin, Stuart J. and Lisa. They resided in Beresford, SD and farmed until 1983. In 1983 they moved to Winner, SD. Karen worked at the WRHCC as dietary manager until she retired. Karen was always the first to serve her family & friends with an open door and awesome meals. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed preserving her produce. Karen’s favorite social activity was being involved in the Treddle Trippers Extension Club.

Those who survive her and gratefully shared her life are her loving husband James M. Hanson. Her children Blane Hanson, Kevin Hanson, Stuart J. (Tamara) Hanson. Siblings Deloris Spry, Gary L (Peggy) Smith and Gail (Robert) Mueller. Sister in law Kay (Gary) Pool. Her 10 grandchildren and 11 great grand children and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Lisa R. Shippy, her brother Kenneth R Smith and her parents.

Bruce Swartz, 67, died on Dec. 28, at home after a long-fought battle with cancer.

 Bruce was born on Dec. 29, 1954, to Jerome and Virginia Swartz in Winner, SD.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Terri Porubensky; and two sons, Luke (Wendy) Swartz and Jacob Swartz, Jordan (Kallie) all of Rapid City; Ryan (Rachael) Midland, TX, and Aaron of Vancouver, WA.  Bruce also leaves behind one brother, Terry Swartz (Kathy); sister-in-law, Judy Swartz; and six grandchildren, Harper and Kinsley Swartz, Bridger and Haven Swartz, Kendall Wittenberg and Jasmine (Austin) Franke; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bruce grew up in Ideal/Winner, South Dakota, and then attended Northern State University until he married in 1978.  After moving to Rapid City, he was trained to be a piano technician which he embraced and did until just recently.  If you own a piano in the Rapid City area, chances are that he probably tuned it!

 While his boys were growing up, Bruce was very involved in all their sporting events.  He coached both boys in baseball, basketball and soccer and was their strongest cheerleader when they both swam competitively.  When the grandchildren came along, he cherished every minute he could spend with them.  The kids are always asking, “When is Papa Bruce taking us fishing?”  Bruce also loved dogs!  He always had a lab or two!

Bruce and Terri were known for their grilling parties as well as Super Bowl parties.  They had a beautiful yard, and many fun times were had playing various yard games while Bruce grilled for anyone who stopped by.  He loved entertaining and everyone enjoyed his sense of humor and quick wit.

 Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Virginia Swartz; and a brother, Frank Swartz.

Services were on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Burial will be at later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

Robert Harold Harrison, 78, of Brighton, CO, formerly of Gregory, SD passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022 at St Anthony’s North Hospital in Westminster, CO.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at 1  p.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner Cemetery.

Bob was born May 26, 1944 to Harold and Ellen (Bailey) Harrison in Burke, SD. Bob was the third oldest of eight children. He graduated from Gregory High School in 1962. He spent many years at his Grandfather and Grandmother Bailey’s ranch near the Missouri River helping with all the aspects of running a ranch. He had great and fond memories with his brothers playing as well as working on the ranch. After completing high school he joined the US Navy. He completed basic training at San Diego, CA and later spent time at Subic Bay in Olongapo, Philippines and Bremerton, WA on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. Bob’s professional career culminated with thirty-five years in the construction industry. Projects comprised of single family homes, commercial buildings including hotels and restaurants.
Bob and Rose Gies were married and to this union, three children were born, Brian, Kristine and Kelly. They later divorced.

On New Year’s Eve 1980 Bob and Gail Kerner were married. Bob’s passing was within days of celebrating their 42nd year anniversary. Eldest son Brian described his father as “The coolest, smartest, toughest, person we’ve ever known just left this mortal coil. He was a lot of things to a lot of people; a sailor, a pilot, a tradesman, a policeman, a pool hustler, a lumberjack, a truck driver, and a fixer of all things, but to us he was a husband, a dad, a grandpa, a brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle and a friend. He was larger than life, a comic book superhero, fearless, strong, and indestructible. He could wield a sledge hammer, guitar, paint brush, or chainsaw with an artist’s precision and could master any task, tool or instrument in a flash. His laugh will echo in our hearts forever. Bob Harrison, you will be greatly missed!” This describes Bob perfectly. Bob’s greatest passion was flying his airplane around the country. He was so proud to have his brother-in-law Terry and nephew Rylee continue the love of flying. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Harold Harrison and Julius and Ellen Bartling, his brothers Claude, Doug, Jack, Dirk and niece Robin.

Bob is survived by his wife Gail; his children: Brian (Melissa) Harrison, Kelly Harrison and Kristine (Tom) Conley, grandchildren: India Harrison, Sam Conley, Savannah Saiz Harrison and Sebastian Saiz Harrison; siblings: Michael (Linda) Bartling, Blane (Terri) Bartling and Colleen (Marshall) Springer, along with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunt, cousins and numerous friends.