Monthly Archives: February 2025

Dennis Ray Almendinger, age 78, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2025 at Winner Regional Healthcare Center. A burial for Dennis will be held at a later date.

Dennis was born Aug. 12, 1946 to Harold and Annetta (Nieman) Almendinger. He was the eldest of 4 siblings, two sisters, Lana and Connie and one brother Kelly. He attended Pleasant Valley grade school in Ideal, and Winner High School.

Dennis was a Vietnam Era Veteran. He served the Navy Seabees from Sept. 24, 1965, to Dec. 9, 1969. He worked as a construction electrician during his service.  He had many stories to tell about his tours in Vietnam.

Dennis married Linda Smith on May 30, 1971. From this union, their daughter, Tanya Almendinger was born on Oct. 16, 1971.

In his working years, he worked for various construction companies maintaining the construction equipment. Working on cars and fixing whatever it was that needed fixed was something that Dennis always seemed to enjoy doing, even before he made it his career. He always seemed to have something to work on out in his shop.

When Dennis was not tinkering with something, he enjoyed conversations with his good friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others in need.

Dennis has 5 grandchildren who he loved to “pick” on and give special nicknames, Destiney (Eric) Storms, Jordan aka George (Jayd) Docken, Paige aka Cocklebur (Tayler) Assman, Brendan Harter and Bailey Harter. Dennis was also blessed with 11 greatgrandchildren: Bryken, Jace, Henry, Sterling, Bohdy, Jehtt, Steelie, Roanie, Finley, McKenna, and Davey. To most people he was Dennis or Denny, but to his grandchildren and great grandchildren he was Grandpa George.

Including all his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Dennis is grateful to have shared his life with his wife Linda, and his daughter Tanya (Walter) Harter. His siblings Lana (Jack) Kettler, Connie (Jim) Sandstrom and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Annetta Almendinger, brother Kelly Almendinger.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and son. Travis Waters, 49, who passed away on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 in Winner, South Dakota. 

Memorial service was held on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, South Dakota.  Visitation was held one hour prior to memorial service. In celebration of Travis’s life persons were asked join us in a casual service to share memories and stories. Please wear comfortable clothing that reflects Travis’s vibrant personality, as we remember his love for the outdoors and fun.  He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting son, and an exceptional friend to many. Travis was born on May 27, 1975 in Winner, SD to Sherry Schroeder. He married Kay, the love of his life, on Oct. 4, 2003. From that union, he became the beloved father to Alexis, Benjamin, and Ethan.

Travis grew up in Winner and you would commonly find him out fishing, hunting, or building wooden forts.  He loved to reminisce about his days of playing high school football with his friends. Travis had a great work ethic and loved many types of work and meeting new people that became lifelong friends. As a teenager his first job was at Sooper Dooper in Winner. From there he worked at John Morrell in Sioux Falls SD then moved to Hutchinson, Kan., where he started working for Conagra, eventually becoming the acting plant manager in Hastings, Neb.. From there he lived a short while in Oklahoma. He then moved back to the place he called home, Winner SD, and worked for the City of Winner and Runnings. As much as Travis loved to work he made sure he made time to spend with family and form many great memories for them to treasure.

To remember the man that Travis was is to remember the hope and positivity he had in any situation. We lost a husband, a father, a son and a friend, but we will never lose the hope he instilled in all of us. He never ceased to make this world a better place for any of the people he loved. He had the world’s biggest heart for everyone he ever knew. He tried to see the light in any situation even when they couldn’t and never hesitated to be there for everyone.  Nobody can fill Travis’ shoes, but we know he will always be with us, watching over us.

Travis is survived by his loving wife, Kay; children, Alexis (Jason), Benjamin (Cari) and Ethan (Julie); grandchildren, Emmett Lee, Oliver, Harper, Amara, and Janae; his mother, Sherry Schroeder and father Jeff Paulson; His grandmother, Connie Luther and his 4 Aces brothers, Tom Wilcox, Justin Brunmeier, Kip Brown and Jason Jenkins. Along with numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Don Luther; grandmother Olga Rice; great grandfather and grandmother in laws Bob and Polly Abernathy.

Katherine Taggart, 72, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 in Winner, SD. 

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Katherine Elizabeth (Springer) Taggart was born in Huron, SD, to Nedra (Daugherty) & Robert Springer on June 2, 1952.

Kathy grew up in Winner and graduated from Winner High School in 1970.  She attended Mitchell Vo-Tech and completed a certificate in shorthand. She married Ron Taggart on Nov. 27, 1971, (54 years) in Winner.

Ron and Kathy moved to Bath, SD. They both worked in Aberdeen. From there, they made their way to Hayes, SD and along the way made many lifelong friends. They returned to their hometown of Winner in 1983.

To this union, 6 children were welcomed. Desi, Josi, Heath, Brady, Brent, and Manda.

Kathy worked for Parvin Insurance and then First Fidelity Bank. She also would help her friend at her favorite Flower shop, delivering flowers during special occasions. Her favorite job was chasing her grandkids at all their special events. She never missed a play, dance competition,  wrestling match, football or basketball game.

Kathy did so much in the community.  She enjoyed spending her time supporting all of the activities and events that her kids and grandkids were involved in.

Kathy’s pride and joy was her family. She was the most selfless, generous, and loving wife and mother, but her greatest joy and title was Grandma and Great Grandma.

Kathy ran the Taggart clan.. She made sure everything was taken care of, everyone had a bed, and everyone had a good meal of her famous goulash. Her grandkids knew who the boss was. Her dining table was the center of our get togethers. She loved Christmas and we all knew Christmas Eve was her holiday. She loved Christmas Eve most of all because her kids and their families surrounded her while she sat back in the recliner and took it all in.

Kathy was known for her wooden spoon.  When the kids were not listening she didn’t have to say a word and we all knew what was coming. It might have been a day later when you got thunked on the head with the wooden spoon and we would ask “what was that for”? She said “that’s for what you did 2 days ago”!

Kathy is survived by her brother Kevin Springer, husband Ron; daughter Desi and kids: Colby and great grandson Aidan, Tate (Jaden) expected great grand baby girl, and Maura Jo; daughter Josi (Shawn) and kids: Kyran, Kylar, Kamryn, and Kinley; son Heath (Erin) and kids: Lila and Beau; son Brady and daughter Raelyn; son Brent (Sarah) and kids: Chloe, Evan, and Briggs; daughter Manda (John) and kids: Philip, baby Charles, and Vivi. Her best friends/sisters Kathy and Pat Soles.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Nedra Springer, her “other” mother Dolores Soles, and special sister-in-law Deb Gaikowski.  We know she is peacefully rocking baby Charles in heaven.

Marilyn Rohde, 95, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome, SD.  Burial will follow at the Colome City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Marilyn Regina Smith was born on Nov. 22, 1929, to Lee and Regina Smith in Chicago, IL. She was the youngest of six children. She grew up in a quiet Chicago neighborhood located about a mile and half from Lake Michigan, where she would go almost every day to swim in the summer.

During high school, Marilyn worked at two different factories in Chicago. She also belonged to a horse riding club. When she graduated from Waller High School, she took a job at a bank. She eventually returned to one of the factories (Triangle Pennant Co.) and became the office manager. During this time, she met her future husband, Mike Rohde. In early 1952, Mike was visiting an Army buddy and his wife in Chicago. The wife was Marilyn’s friend. After their first meeting, they wrote letters to each other, and Mike traveled to Chicago a few more times before he convinced Marilyn to come to South Dakota. They were married on Sept. 6, 1952, in Paxton, SD. This was the start of a love story that would include almost 70 years of marriage, nine children, 25 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Mike and Marilyn made their home on the farm where Mike was born. Electricity had just been installed before she arrived, but it was two years later in 1954 when they added indoor plumbing. As a former city girl, Marilyn quickly found a love for life in the country. Over the years, Mike and Marilyn worked hard to expand the family farm/ranch where they raised their family, cattle, hogs, chickens, and crops. Besides her faith, family was the most important thing in Marilyn’s life. She showed her love for her family through her nurturing and support for them. Tending to a large family required unending work, and Marilyn provided for them, especially with the delicious food that she made for her family and anyone else who was there. Her door was open to many. When the kids were little, she baked bread three times a week, and the kitchen table would be covered by loaves of bread and buns. She had a large garden and did a lot of canning, which was stored in the cellar along with potatoes and apples.

As her nine children became parents and grandparents, Marilyn loved to spend time with her always expanding family. She always enjoyed a game of pitch and treasured the family reunions. Her legacy is her family that includes the following:

-Son Steve (Gin) of Rapid City and children Aimee (Ray) Brinson of Slidell, LA, and children Owen and Audrey Brinson; Regina (Aaron) Ueckert of Valley, NE, and children Greyson and Hadley Peters and Ameri Ueckert; and Dylan Rohde of Omaha, NE.

-Son Martin (Barb) Rohde of Yankton and children Sara (Jon) McMahon of Sioux Falls and children Cecilia and Joslyn; and Levi Rohde of Yankton.

-Daughter Kathleen (Ron) Ernest of Winner and children Ethan (Krystine) Ernest of Winner and children Jaya, Esmae, and Zayden; Erin (Karl) Lehman of Lead and son Ren; Scott Ernest of Winner; and Grace Ernest (Shane Crawford) and children Sawyer and Kaia.

-Daughter Sheila (Mark) Gau of Pickstown and children Jasmine (Jeremy) Kreeger of Wagner and children Kendra, Cord, and Wade; Tina (Kelly) Nielson of Sioux Falls and children Miah, Colton, Connor, and Cali; and Leo Gau (Madisyn Gray) of Pickstown.

-Son Joseph (Pam) Rohde of Billings, MT, and children Brandton (Andrea) Rohde of Japan and children Cadence, Teagan, Kenna, and Brynn; and Jessica (Matt) Henry of Missoula, MT, and children Rowan and Asher.

-Son Ryan (Julie) Rohde of Colome and children Michael (Brittney) Rohde of Canada and Zane Rohde (Caylee Meinen) of Colome.

-Son Ross (Judy) Rohde of Rapid City and children Amy (Ben) Pravecek of Hulett, WY, and children Payton (Jeremiah) Johnson and son Jax; and Paxton Pravecek; Mandy and Justin Holcomb of Gillette, WY, and children Abby Millburg and Nash Holcomb.

-Daughter Leila Wells (Mike) of Winner and children Danielle (Dane) Anderson of Plentywood, MT, and children Finn and Ollie Anderson; Ashley Adair of Sioux Falls and children Andre, Neveah, and Chancellor; and Laven Adair of Rapid City.

-Daughter Rhonda (John) Gehlsen of Black Hawk and children Paige (Kyle Schilling), Isaac, Hannah, and Gabriel Gehlsen.

Mike and Marilyn also helped to raise two nephews: William and Jack Holden.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her parents, Lee and Regina Smith; and her siblings and in-laws: Melbourne and Kay Smith, Donald Smith, Magdalene Smith, Byron Smith, and Robert and Mary Smith.

Marlene Rae Hoppes, 75, of Kokomo, IN passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 18, 1949, in Gregory, SD, Marlene was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Pesek) Maska.

She married the love of her life, Gregory Hoppes on Nov. 2, 1974, and he preceded her death on Jan. 5, 2022.  They shared 47 wonderful years together.

After graduating Colome High School, she attended radiology school in Aberdeen, SD. Marlene dedicated 30 years of her career as a nursing tech at St. Joseph Hospital, with the last 10 years spent in the OB department before retiring in 2017.

She was always quick to brag about her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. During her free time, she enjoyed gardening, canning tomatoes from her garden, planting flowers, baking-especially with her granddaughter, playing cards and dominoes with friends and family, and reading. She was formerly a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Marlene is survived by her devoted daughter, Donnelle and her husband, Taylor. Her treasured grandchildren Logan Miller, and Morgan Miller. Other survivors include her sister, Carol Kindlesparker; nephew, Eric (Shannon) Wortman; great nieces and nephew, Sadie, Teddy, and Molly Wortman; and niece, Laura Wortman; other survivors include her special friends, James (Kelly) Kuntz. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband.

Friends visited  family Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W Lincoln Road, Kokomo. The funeral service took place at 6 pm Jan. 23 with Pastor Jeff Haill officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity in lieu of flowers. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Allen E. Kulbel, age 79 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Jan. 21, 2025, surrounded by his family, at Dougherty Hospice House, at the age of 79 years and one day. 

His funeral service was at 10 a.m.  on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at St Therese Catholic Church, Sioux Falls.    Interment was at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls.   Visit www.georgeboom.com for a link to view the service and an online guestbook.

Allen Eugene Kulbel was born in Gregory, SD, on Jan. 20, 1946, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Shea) Kulbel.  Allen was the oldest of five children. He attended a rural school by the family farm near Hamill, SD for all eight years of his elementary grades. He kept very busy on the family farm with fieldwork, helping with livestock, and wearing many hats to help out. Wearing those hats continued throughout his entire life. He then attended Winner High School, graduating with the class of 1964.

After high school, Al enlisted in the US Army, attending basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After training, he was sent to Germany and was stationed there for two and a half years. Al’s pride in his military service was eternal. He is a Vietnam Vet and was selected for the Midwest Honor Flight in October 2021.

Upon returning from Germany, Al attended the Mitchell Vocational School and was in the first class to graduate with an Auto Mechanics Degree. Al always had a passion for motorcycles and cars, which remained throughout his life.

On June 20, 1970, Allen married Sharon Kubik. To this union, three sons were born: Jason, Ryan, and Justin.

Al worked the majority of his career at Kindler Pontiac-Cadillac as an auto mechanic. He could fix any car and always knew exactly what needed to be fixed. During this time, he serviced cars of many friends, relatives, and then his sons’ cars. Al continued to work at Kindler until August of 2002 when he had major heart surgery.  After recovery, he was not able to go back to work as an auto mechanic, though he remained busy. He could fix anything, whether it be cars or anything else. He was a real MacGyver and his ingenuity allowed him to fix or piece anything together, all at a minimal cost. He also had talents for yard work, gardening, and home improvement projects.

Al was very involved in his sons’ lives, whether it be with cars, baseball, Boy Scouts, hunting, or many other activities. Grandchildren brought many new activities and joy to Al. His church and faith were also a big part of Al’s life.

Hunting was a favorite of Al’s, whether it was pheasants, deer, or turkeys. He spent countless hours hunting with family and friends.

Al became very involved in the Brandon Legion Post 318, of which he was an Americanism Officer, and VFW Post 4726. He was always willing to be of help with their community projects, and was very proud of his involvement with Boys State. 

On July 4, 2024, Al had a toe amputated due to diabetes. Throughout the next few months, the other toes on the same foot were also amputated. With recovery also came escalated heart issues, which Al succumbed to on Jan. 21, 2025. 

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Sharon’s parents, and all of his grandparents.

Grateful for sharing Allen’s life are his wife, Sharon, sons, Jason (Melissa) and grandchildren Alec and Elliot Schutt and Scout Kulbel, Omaha, NE; Ryan, Sioux Falls, SD; and Justin (Jackie) and granddaughters Emelia and Greta Kulbel; best canine friend Luke; and extended family members and friends.