Kevin Sundquist, 66

Funeral services for Kevin Sundquist were held Jan. 9 at the Gregory Auditorium with pastor Scott McCellen officiating.

Burial will be at a later date in the Hillview Cemetery, Dallas.

Kevin was born on Aug. 22, 1956, to Richard and Evelyn Sundquist. He grew up and lived in Dallas, South Dakota his whole life. From a young age, he enjoyed spending time with many great friends. Neighborhood friends fueled his love for going fast and finding whatever trouble they could. After graduating 8th grade from Dallas, he graduated from Gregory High School in 1974. His passion for speed continued through building and racing stock cars and operating anything he could with a steering wheel and engine (especially Mopar). He enjoyed playing on the Dallas Toads softball team and served a term as the Mayor of Dallas. After his father passed, Kevin continued farming and raising cattle through the years. He found the love of his life, Lorrie, and had their first date on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 1984. They later happily wed on Feb. 14, 1986. From this marriage came the new loves of their lives, with the birth of their children. Jerin was born on June 22, 1989. Jada was born on January 15, 1991.

Throughout Kevin’s life, he has been employed in many enjoyable endeavors. Some highlights include cattle, mobile welding/repair business, machine shop, CNC cutter with Jerin, Ranchers Welding, manufacturing, aluminum recycling and a love for buying, selling, and trading. His hard work, immense knowledge, and self-taught welding skills resulted in businesses he created: Sundquist Farm Service, KESWELD Benders and K&J Recycling. Kevin was a jack of all trades with many homemade inventions and modifications. One proud achievement is Kevin’s patented invention of a tubing bender. Being able to fix and build anything he could dream up was one of his biggest talents. Many of Kevin’s metal creations and artwork can be seen around the community and surrounding areas.

 As a father, Kevin was truly everything. He just had “it.” The love, devotion and pure passion he had for Jerin and Jada was second to none. His teachings, lessons and discipline to raise strong and independent children were his ultimate goal, but his mission in life was to raise his children in God’s true faith that he believed in. Kevin’s faith journey was not limited to just his family, as everyone was family to him. His selfless way of life and the love in his heart impacted countless people and affected a multitude of others’ eternal salvation.

Kevin’s biggest blessings came into his life when he became Grampa. His sidekick Beckem and sweetheart Ana became his pride and joy. He enjoyed spoiling them and building their own play station in Dallas. 4-wheeler rides became a highlight for the whole family at almost every visit to Grampa & Nanna’s. Like a kid himself, he always initiated the fun that included snowball fights, sledding, camping, fireworks shows and much more. Grampa’s famous pancakes and cream puff dessert were always a favorite.

Kevin’s love for family, friends, and fun was expressed by him in the largest of ways. There was never a dull moment around Kevin with constant mischief, adventures and meaningful one-liners. He considered himself as a kid that never grew up because he remained a kid at heart. He always had something up his sleeve with a sparkle in his eye and a hearty chuckle. His infectious laugh and loving personality was shown to all and will be missed by many.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Richard, as well as infant twin siblings Lee and Leann.

 Kevin is survived by his wife, Lorrie of Dallas, SD; his mother, Evelyn Sundquist of Gregory, SD; his son Jerin (daughter Keviana) and special friend Whitney Webb of Gregory, SD; his daughter Jada Sundquist (son Beckem Bauld) and special friend Trevor Krcil (his children Libby, Tucker, Keaton) of Burke, SD; brother Gary Sundquist and special friend Eileen of Hanson, ID; sister Kim Ludemann (Dewey) of Fairfax, SD; brother Troy Sundquist (Paula) of Gregory, SD; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Betty Forgey, 86

Betty Forgey, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

 Betty Lou Fode was born on June 23, 1936 in her parents home in Gregory County, SD. She grew to womanhood on the family farm south of Carlock, SD. She was baptized and confirmed in the Peace Lutheran Church. She attended country school and later attended Springview, NE High School and graduated in 1954.

 She was married to James Jacob Forgey on June27, 1954. After the wedding they moved to Casper, WY area, where Jim worked road construction for Forgey Construction. Their firstborn, Dennis James, was born in 1955. They moved back to the family farm in Tripp County, SD. Kay Louise was born in 1957 followed by Julie Ann in 1960.

 Farm life was familiar to Betty, but, being a strong Christian woman was her true calling in life. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and played a very active roll in the church, cooking and serving meals for events. Everyone who had a conversation with Betty understood that she was a woman of strong, unquestionable faith. She played a big part in the faith of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 Jim and Betty moved to Winner, SD in 1995. Betty worked at the Winner Bakery and later at the Golden Prairie Manor where she enjoyed serving and caring for others. She also taught an aerobics class at the Manor. She never tired of service to others and made many friends in the process. Later, in her retirement, she would often care for her great-grandchildren and attend their activities.

 She enjoyed many things in her spare time including painting ceramics, selling Watkins to friends and neighbors, playing cards, and reading her Bible. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family.

 In July of 2022 Betty moved to the Elder Inn in Winner, SD. The lord called her home on Jan. 5, 2023 to be with her husband Jim in Heaven.

 She is survived by her sister Marge (Fode) Meorike of Burke, SD, children Dennis (Jan) Forgey of Spearfish SD, Kay (Brad) Bolton of Dallas SD, Julie Reynolds of Fremont IN, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and sister-in-laws Lucy Forgey, Audrey Walker, and Lou Libolt.

 Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jim Forgey, parents Earhart and Anna Fode and brother Fred.

Plan to Attend Chamber Banquet

Just a reminder the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce banquet is Jan. 12 at St. Mary’s Hall from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Western Roundup will be the theme. There will be a prize for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl.

A photo booth will be available and there will be other games during the social hour.

The featured entertainment will be cowboy poets Yvonne Hollenbeck and Bonnie Krogman along with western singer Paul Larson.

Business anniversary awards will be presented along with several other awards.

Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office.

Offices to Close for Martin Luther King Holiday

Government offices in Winner will be closed on Jan. 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday.

The Tripp County Courthouse will be closed along with the library.

The Winner city office will be closed Jan. 16.

All state and federal offices in Winner will not be open for business on Jan. 16.

The Winner Post Office will be closed and there will be no mail delivery.

First Fidelity Bank of Winner and Colome will be closed on Jan. 16 along with BankWest and Sentinel Federal Credit Union.

There will be no noon meal served at the senior citizens center on Jan. 16.

Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services will not be open for business on Jan. 16.

Football players named Best of the West

Eight West River football teams reached the 11 man state playoffs this season but Winner was one of the teams that stood out.

Winner has five players on the Rapid City Journal’s Best of the West 11 man football team.

Winner reached its fourth straight championship game and ninth title game in 15 seasons as it finished with an 11-1 record and state runner-up.

A summary of the Winner players on the team.

Aiden Barfuss proved to be a force on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. He earned Class 11B all-state honors for his efforts in the backfield.

Barfuss rushed 138 times for 1,050 yards to average 7.6 yards per carry and racked up 18 rushing touchdowns. He added 36 tackles, six tackles for loss, an interception and a pass breakup on defense.

On special teams, he averaged 42 yards per kickoff return, with a touchdown and kicked off for an average of 45 yards per attempt.

Jack Kruger anchored an offensive line that allowed the Warriors’ backs to rush for over 3,600 yards. Kruger’s efforts earned him all-SESD and all-state honors.

Ethan Bartels made a difference on all sides of the ball. The senior caught seven passes for 181 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end. As a kicker he averaged 48.5 yards per punt and 45.7 yards per kickoff.

Bartels also stood strong in the trenches with 10 tackles, four tackles for loss, a pass breakup and an interception. He earned all-SEDS honors and a Class 11B nod as a defensive lineman.

Riley Orel and Blake Volmer were both defensive backs.

Orel was exceptional for the Warriors on both sides of the ball. At running back he rushed 79 times for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 11.1 yards per carry to earn all-state honors.

On defense, Orel racked up 25 tackles, broke up 12 passes and intercepted a pass.

Volmer stepped up as quarterback this season and locked down opponents as a defensive back.

Volmer racked up 18 tackles, six pass breakups and six interceptions to earn Class 11B all-state honors.

Named honorable mention was Jack Peters.

City of Winner Service Awards

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
Service awards were presented to Winner city employees at the Dec. 29 city council meeting. Rhonda Augspurger was honored for 20 years of service and police chief Marcus Dvorak for 15 years. Making the presentations are Mayor Jody Brozik, right and councilman Jack Burns. Not pictured is Ty Bennett, 15 years.

Tripp County Service Awards

Submitted photo
Tripp County employees received certificates for years of service. Pictured from left are Mark Winter, 15 years; Laurie Osborn, 5 years; Kathie Cole, 35 years; Alicia Nelson, 5 years; M.J. Waters, 35 years; Louise Flisram, 45 years and Megan Fisher, 5 years. Not pictured are Zane Rohde, Tiffany Dougherty, Alex Schaeffer, Renae Kaiser, Kaela Novotny, all 5 years; Wendy Nagel, Angela Murphey, 10 years.

Bruce Swartz, 67

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.

A Celebration of Life Service was  held at Trinity Lutheran Church, on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. in Rapid City.

Bruce’s full obituary is at Kinkade Funeral Chapel at kinkadefunerals.com

Lila Jackson, 91

Funeral services for Lila Jackson age 91 of Aitken, Minn., formerly of Winner, SD, have been cancelled due to the weather. Lila will be buried in the Winner Cemetery when weather permits and a celebration of life will b held at a later date.

Lila Mae Horton Jackson was born April 12, 1931, in Gregory County to Harlan Horton and Byky Wolthoff Horton.

Lila grew up in Gregory and was a published author in a book of poetry. She worked alongside her father at his auto salvage store and survived polio. Lila learned to walk from chair to chair and eventually purchased a bicycle to strengthen her legs.

Lila entered her name on a pen pal list through the Gregory Methodist Church. Robert Jackson received her name and decided to write. After being pen pals for 12 years, they met and were married at Gregory’s Methodist Church on April 12, 1969. The couple’s first home was in Cincinnati, Ohio, where their children were born. A few years later they settled in Winner, South Dakota.

As a loving wife and mother, she continued to have everlasting faith in God. Shortly after her husband’s passing, her daughter and family moved her to an apartment in McGregor, Minn., and eventually to Northland Assisted Living. As her health slowly declined, Lila moved to AICOTA Nursing Home in Aitkin, Minn.

She passed away on Dec. 21, 2022, at the age of 91.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, two infant siblings, brother, infant daughter, and grandson.

Surviving her is her daughter, Rosezella Jackson of Meadowlands, Minn., two nieces, three nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and cousins.