Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

J. Marilyn Gronlund, 92, of Rapid City passed away Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.

Services were held on Thursday, Oct. 21, at South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Interment was at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Marilyn was born March 26, 1929, in Huron, SD to Jonas and Olga (Andersen) Jonason.  She graduated from Huron High School and South Dakota State College with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. This background led her to a career as a Registered Laboratory Technologist.

On Aug. 26, 1951, she married Arden Gronlund and they were married for over 56 years. Her hobbies included counted cross stitch, crossword puzzles, and knitting baby sweaters.  Many family members and friends possess one of her works of love.  She was most proud of the fact that all of her children had college degrees and successful careers. Her love of sports extended to cheering for Rapid City Stevens High School Raiders and the Denver Broncos. Marilyn was a faithful member of South Canyon Lutheran Church and had been a member of Altar Guild and Piecemaker’s Quilting Group.

Marilyn is survived by her children; Mark (Victoria) Gronlund of Winner, Eric (Laurie) Gronlund of Pierre, Joan Ehrismann of Colstrip, MT, Karen Overholt of Gillette, WY, Diane Gronlund of Rapid City, Nancy (David) Bassett of Macedon, NY, and 8 grandchildren; Aislinn, Cade, Garrett, Natalie, Halle, Kenzie, Steven, and Mark.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters; Velma Billington, Verna Schramm, sons-in-law; Rex Overholt and Mark Ehrismann.

Her online guestbook is at osheimschmidt.com

Margaret Meyer, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at the St. Gabriel’s Hospice Facility in Arlington, Texas. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Margaret Ann Meyer went to be with her Savior on Oct. 27, 2021

Margaret was born on May 19, 1943 in Winner to Oliver and Mildred (Hedlund) Larsh. She was tiny but feisty. She spent the first few years of life growing up on her parents’ farm, where she loved to play with the chickens. Her brother Ivan was born when she was 3, and at age 6 the family moved to town so that she could attend school.

Margaret grew up attending First Baptist Church of Winner, where she played piano from a young age. She dreamed of becoming a missionary.

She started dating the love of her life, Keith Meyer, during their senior year at Winner High, and they graduated together in 1961. Margaret received her Teaching Certificate from Southern State Teacher’s College in May 1963.

Keith and Margaret were married on Aug. 17, 1963. They moved to Pierre, where Margaret taught elementary school and where their first daughter Keatha was born in 1966. Keith’s career took them to Cheyenne and then Green River, Wyo., where their daughter Megan was born to them in 1980. They then moved to Edwards, Colo. where their daughter Cathy joined the family.

In 2003, Keith and Margaret moved back to Winner to care for her mother Millie. Together they remodeled Margaret’s childhood home. They again became active members of First Baptist church, where she played piano and taught children’s and adult Sunday School.

Margaret was a very talented teacher, artist, homemaker and musician. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to plan fun activities with her granddaughters during summer visits. She leaves behind for us all a legacy of love and faith.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

She is survived by her brother Ivan; daughters Keatha, Megan and Cathy; grandchildren Jake, Ben, Luke, Seth, Sierra, Nykyta, Kaylee and Kara; and great grandchildren Kassidy, Eleanor, Kinley and Landon.

She will be so greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Carla Lebert, 58, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, SD.

A private family graveside service was held on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Carla Jo Lebert was born on Oct 17, 1963 in Gregory SD. The third daughter of Bill Lebert and Helen (Frank) Bateman of Winner SD.  She passed away on Oct. 22, 2021, at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, SD.

 Carla grew up on the family farm southwest of Dallas, SD where she helped with all the usual farm work. She attended 1st and 2nd grade at the New Valley School in rural Tripp County, SD, then went on to Colome grade school and high school and graduated in 1981. Carla went on to Mitchell Vo-tech where she graduated with a diploma from the secretarial program.

She returned to Winner working at the Winner Advocate, Cendant Ramada Reservation Center, Sargent’s Café (where many friendships were made), Joie’s Café, the Holiday Inn (where she loved hunting season and made many friends throughout the years), Country Pride Convenience store, and a caretaker. Carla never met a stranger. She talked to anyone that would listen, and then left as friends. Her conversations where always full of pride and joy of her family.

Carla loved her family. She didn’t have children of her own but her nephews, Roy, Craig, and Will were definitely her children. She was a 2nd mother figure to Craig and Will and helped raise them as her own. Her love and caring heart continued to help raise Craig and Will’s children also. She was the best babysitter around and if any of the kids needed anything she was the first to offer to help.

In the recent years Carla had some health problems which made her have to stay in the Winner Regional Nursing Home for an extended period of time where she also made “many” new friends. Carla was no longer able to work outside of the house. She moved in with her mother Helen and companion dog Angel a few years ago and was a great caretaker of her. She was always willing to babysit any of the grandkids anytime, any day.

Carla is survived by her loving mother, Helen (Frank) Bateman; Carla’s siblings Joan (Larry) Sargent, Tammy Turner; Carla’s nephews Roy Turner and his 3 children Isabella, Jazmyne, Alyxzandria. Craig (Heather) Sargent and their children Jude, Oren and Elsie. The children of Will Sargent (Therese) Wakely and Wynn.

She was preceded in death by her father Bill Lebert, younger brother Oren Lebert, nephew William (Will) Sargent.

Erika Michele Kaupp, age 41, of Flandreau, SD, passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Erika was born on Jan. 6, 1980, to John Kaupp and Julene Lupkes in Omaha, NE. She spent her early years in Gregory, SD and then moved to Colome, SD, graduating in 1998. Erika joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas. After the Air Force, Erika moved to the Flandreau area and started working at the Royal River Casino.  Erika attended school at Southeast Technical Institute, graduating in 2012 with her associate degree in marketing. She became the marketing director for the Royal River Casino. She also worked in marketing for the Chewelah Casino near Spokane, WA and the Ft. Randall Casino in Lake Andes, SD.

Erika enjoyed playing softball and volleyball in her younger years, was a music enthusiast, loved to go on adventures, and had a huge heart for all animals. She spent her free time hanging out with her friends and family and will be remembered for her spontaneous, outgoing energy, and her motivated spirit. Those who knew her will miss her great sense of humor and companionship.

Erika is survived by her mother, Julene Lupkes, Colome; sisters: Stacia (Jason) Paulson, Colome; Dana Ellwanger, Flandreau; Shana Kaupp, Flandreau; and Chelsea Lupkes, Huron, SD; 10 nieces and nephews; 3 great-nieces and nephews; and many other extended relatives and friends.

Erika was preceded in death by her father, John Kaupp; her grandparents, Oswald and Ellen Kaupp, Stanley Pitsenberger, and Blanche Hiller-Taylor; and her dog & fur baby, McGhoo.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at the Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center, Flandreau, with burial in the First Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation was  Thursday from 5 – 7 pm with an all-night wake service beginning 7  pm at the community center. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. www.skrochfc.com

Norma Jean Storms, 92, passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society–Valley Vista, in Wamego, Kansas.

Norma was born to Fred and Lillian Daughters on April 11, 1929 at the Bull Creek Township homestead of her paternal grandparents, Frank and Katherine Daughters. Norma was the first of eight children.

Norma attended grade school with her siblings at Sunnyside School. She attended Winner High School, graduating in 1946. After graduation she worked at JC Penney for five years as a cashier/bookkeeper then as a bookkeeper at the Winner Livestock Auction Company.

As a career girl, Norma enjoying spending time with her many friends and family, traveling and even hiking the buttes west of Winner! Her vast wardrobe was the envy of her younger sisters who often ‘borrowed’ favorite outfits.

On Aug. 28, 1953, Norma married James Storms from Keyapaha, SD after his return to the U.S. from his Korean War deployment. They were married in Clearfield, SD then lived in Tampa, FL during the remainder of Jim’s enlistment in the US Air Force.

Throughout their marriage, Norma was always a partner in the true sense of the word. Through Jim’s law enforcement career, she was an active member of the Tripp County Republicans, working for his re-election every two years. From the mid-1970’s on, she was a partner in businesses she and Jim owned. In addition to this, community involvement played a large part of her life. She was a life-time member of the VFW Auxiliary holding several post positions including the South Dakota District President. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish for over 60 years. She was a charter member of the local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a member of the Catholic Daughters, Avenue of Flags, a volunteer at the Tripp County Historical Society and in the Winner Public Schools.

In her retirement Norma continued her community involvement while playing bridge with her friends, entertaining, baking and being a Grandma.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her son, William, brothers Donald, Roger and Russell Daughters, and sisters Avis Bilyeu and Marilyn Laycock.

She is survived by her children Gail Dunford (Lynn) of Wamego, KS and Susan Storms (Bob) of Eden Prairie, MN; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Storms of Winner, SD; grandchildren Dr. Gretchen Dunford of Colby, KS, Claire Shaver (Daniel) of Kansas City, MO, Kaelob Storms and Jacob Storms of Flandreau, SD; a great-grandson, James Shaver; a sister, Kathryn Wanek of Green Valley, AZ; a brother, David Daughters (Deborah) of Rapid City, SD; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas.

Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday morning Nov. 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Winner, South Dakota.  Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery.

A vigil service will be Monday evening Nov. 8, 2021 at 7 p.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to  Good Samaritan Society-Valley Vista; Immaculate Conception Church; Tripp County Historical Society or the Winner V.F.W. Auxiliary #4674 and can be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Road, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547

Robert “Bob” Anderson, 61, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 at his home in Winner. 

Memorial service was held on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at 10 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7:00PM with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Bob was born July 25, 1960 in Pierre, SD to Carl and Doreine (Johnson) Anderson.  He was the youngest of five siblings.  He attended school in Lyman County and spent much of his time on the family farm north of Kennebec, SD.  As a youngster, Bob enjoyed rodeoing and life on the farm.

In the “Red Hot Summer of 1983”, Bob met Laurie Bertram at a wedding dance in Witten, SD.  She thought he was “so handsome” in his white sweatpants and cowboy hat.  This chance encounter led to marriage just 5 months later.  During a blizzard, on Nov. 26, 1983, the two exchanged vows at the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Laurie often recalls the ‘wedding chase’ was so slow, they got passed by a farmer in a tractor on the highway.  To this union, two boys were born.  Zachary Emanuel was born on Bob’s birthday, July 25, 1985, in Rapid City, SD.  Initially living in Rapid City, the family decided to move to Winner, SD in 1986 to be closer to family.  Joshua Robert arrived 2 years later on Aug. 22, 1988, in Winner, SD.

By this time, Bob had started driving for United Van Lines, moving household goods from coast to coast.  As the boys grew, summer trips in the truck with Bob ensued.  These trips were enjoyed by all and would be remembered for years to come.  Although the trips are fond memories now, one can only imagine the challenges of housing two rowdy boys in a truck sleeper for days on end.  This is probably the time Bob’s hair started to turn white.

During the times not spent on the road, Bob loved rodeoing, camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends.  His quick wit, abundant jokes, and funny stories (often told so much that most listeners knew them by heart) were always a sure bet during these get-togethers.

Years later, once the boys had grown older and the “trips with Dad” were over, Bob and Laurie were blessed with two grandsons, Jace Robert and Ty David.  These three were a match made at a pond.  Fishing trips, muddy shoes, and endless giggles were always guaranteed during their time together.  Trading jokes and having adventures “out North” will not be soon forgotten.  Bob loved his grandsons, and they loved their Papa Bob more than anything.

Bob is survived by his wife Laurie, sons; Zach (Taylor) Anderson, and Josh Anderson; his sister Linda Vavra, and grandsons Jace Anderson and Ty Anderson.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Darlene Cudmore and Carla Cudmore and brother Richard Anderson.

Charlotte Mortenson, 77, of Presho, SD, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at her home.

Visitation was held  6 until 7 p.m.  on Tuesday, Nov. 2 with a vigil service  at 7 p.m. and a rosary followed.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3. All services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Presho. Interment will follow at Holy Angel Catholic Cemetery in Presho.

Charlotte Mortenson (Leichtnam) was born on Nov. 9, 1943, in Presho to Martha and Emanuel Leichtnam. She grew up 7 miles north of Presho and attended Annin Country School until 8th grade. Charlotte then became a Presho Wolf and graduated from Presho High School in 1961.

After high school, Charlotte was united in marriage with Robert Mortenson on June 17, 1961, in Presho. To this union three children were born: Lorie, Lorna, and Martin. Robert and Charlotte were married for 47 years until his death in 2009.

For 40 plus years you could find Charlotte as a waitress at Hutch’s Cafe, where she coined her trademark comment, “make a happy plate”. Charlotte enjoyed making crafts from pheasant feathers and did a variety of sewing projects. She was very competitive by nature and enjoyed winning at cards and all games. She regularly attended two different card clubs.  She looked forward to family functions and community events.  Charlotte loved her word-search circle books – she always said that they kept her mind working and helped to pass the time!  She also loved to travel and wasn’t afraid to play the slot machines or Keno.

Those who knew her well, called her “Chuck” or “Chucky”. Charlotte was very observant and would wait to give her “jab” or “poke” when the moment was right. Charlotte and her identical twin sister Charlene were always in sync and lifetime partners in crime.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved spending time with them.

Charlotte shared her 77 years with her children: Lorie (Tim) Mulhair of Yankton and stepchildren: Eric, John and Timothy; Lorna (Mike) Arnoldy of Kennebec and children: Raegan and Andee; Martin (Wendy) Mortenson of Winner and children: Hunter, Ryder and Piper; her three sisters Charlene Nies of Martin, Tootie (Earl) Bailey of Presho, and Deanna (Herb) Sundall of Sioux Falls as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Emanuel and Martha, brother Jack, sister Mary, infant sister MaDonna, and nieces Crystal Lyn Mortenson and Connie Rae Whipple.