Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Jeanette A. Ertz, 68

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Jeanette A. Ertz of Grand Junction, Colo., — beloved wife, mother, and baptized child of God — was taken to rest in Christ on June 29, 2021.  She lived a life shaped by God’s gifts of baptismal grace and faith, and died in God’s promises of eternal life for all who trust in Jesus’ redeeming death and resurrection.

Jeanette was born on Oct. 29, 1952, to Dale and Joyce Swedlund, in Winner, South Dakota.  As an infant she was baptized into salvation and faith in Jesus in 1952, in Witten, South Dakota. 

She and Melvin (Mel) were married in December 1971, and remained so for over 49 years. 

Jeanette and Mel met shortly before she left for college.  She moved west to attend college near Rapid City, South Dakota.  Mel followed soon after and it wasn’t long before they were married.  They then ventured out to Colorado Springs, Colo.  Jeanette worked full time in Colorado Springs, for a local electrical company.  Within a few years their family expanded as they welcomed their daughter, Mandy.  Soon after Mel accepted a job offer in Grand Junction, Colo.  So, the family moved over to the Western Slope of Colorado.  This is where they would settle and raise their family.  Their son, Lance, made his appearance a few years later.  Jeanette was able to stay home with both kids and was kept very busy running after both children and tending to their unique needs. 

Jeanette and Mel started a garage door and window business which kept the whole family busy for many years.  Jeanette was an integral part of that business.  She and Mel were also able to travel a bit, taking a couple cruises and a few other fun, island adventures.  After owning the business for over 18 years, they decided to sell the company and were both able to enjoy some retirement adventures.  They took the opportunity to travel a bit and immensely enjoyed spending time together. 

Jeanette loved her family, her flowers and yard, and also her church.  She looked forward to spring each year.  Then she could get out, plant a few items, and enjoy the pretty yard that followed. She enjoyed talking with friends and keeping in touch with everyone.  She often would contact friends to catch up, even those from her childhood in South Dakota.  Talking to her friends and loved ones always gave her a lot of joy!

 She is survived by her two loving children, daughter, Mandy Kaspar (Jason), of La Grange, Texas, and son, Lance Ertz, of Grand Junction, and also by her brother.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel, her parents, two brothers, and one sister. 

Funeral services were held at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah, Grand Junction, Colo., on July 13, 2021, at 11 a.m.  In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the school at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah.

George Soles, 92

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George Soles, 92, of Millboro, SD passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at his home in Millboro, SD. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Funeral Services will be live-streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mason-Funeral-Home-Cremation-Services-107313317901842

George Soles went to be with the Lord and his family on July 15, 2021 in his home at the age of 92 years old.

George Alfred Soles was born Aug. 19, 1928 at the home place four miles south of Millboro. He was one of 14 children born to Dottie (McCloughan) Soles and William Soles.

George attended grade school at Loss Creek and high school for one year at Millboro and for one year at Beaver Creek.

He married Mavis McClanahan on Aug. 25, 1949. Together they had two sons Jody in 1956 and Russ in 1961.

He previously worked as a ranch hand for different ranch owners. After marrying Mavis, he worked in Winner at West Side filling station, then later at the Farmers Coop. George then worked in St. Francis for two years before serving in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during 1952-1954. After that he went back to St. Francis as ranch hand for three more years before purchasing the home place in 1957, living there until his death.

George was a life member of both Colome Legion and V.F.W. in Winner. He served on the Township Board for years and was a member of the U.C.C. Church at Millboro, serving many jobs.

He is survived by his son Jody and son and daughter-in-law Russ and Shawn (Vergin) and four grandchildren- Kelsey, Whitney, Logan, and Lesley (fiancé Gene Rygaard), and three great grandchildren- Jocelyn and Jemma (Whitney) and Adelyn (Logan), three sisters- Helen, Ellen, and Mary, and his companion Babe Haskell.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 55 years Mavis, his parents- William and Dottie, his 5 brothers- Woodrow, Frank, Louis, Harold, and Johnnie, and his 5 sisters- Velma, Nellie, Ines, Pearl, and Ann.

George enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, helping his neighbors, playing cards, and always fixing something to make tasks easier.

Clyde R Calhoon, 80

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Clyde R Calhoon, 80, passed away on July 12, 2021 at the United Living Community, after a short battle with cancer.

A celebration of life was  held at the Brookings Elks on Friday, July 16 from 5-7pm.  The family extended an invitation to all who knew him and to celebrate his amazing life story.

Clyde was born on May 4, 1941 in Winner, SD to Leon and Wilma (Frantz) Calhoon.  He was raised and worked on the family ranch near Ideal, SD and attended country grade school and Winner High School.

Clyde attended SDSU after high school where he met an east river girl, Karan Redlin.  They soon became engaged and built a new home in Ideal, SD planning to live and work on the Calhoon Ranch.  However, on the way to their wedding in January 1964 he was involved in an automobile accident and lost his eyesight.  Plans changed and he and Karan returned to SDSU.  After graduating from SDSU in 1967 and as magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1970, Clyde returned to Brookings to practice law.  In 1971 Clyde and Karan bought a lot on Lake Poinsett and built a cabin where they spent 49 summer weekends fishing, boating and entertaining family with many a 4th of July firework celebrations.

In 1974 Clyde was elected to the office of Brookings County States Attorney.  In 1976, Wm. Mark Kratochvil joined the law firm and served as deputy state’s attorney.  In 2002 he was recognized as South Dakota’s first Prosecutor of the Year.  During his tenure in office, Clyde earned a reputation for fairness and firmness and was known as a tough prosecutor.  Clyde served the Brookings community as state’s attorney for 42 years retiring in December 2016.

Clyde was heavily involved in his community and was a founding member of the Brookings Optimist and named Optimist of the Year in 2001-2002.  He also belonged to SDSU Jackrabbit Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, South Dakota States Attorneys Association, National District Attorneys Association, South Dakota Bar Association.  Clyde also received many awards from law enforcement over the years.

Clyde was an avid sports enthusiast following the Winner Warriors, Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Wild and the Brookings Rangers.  He was a fanatic about SDSU sports, especially football and attended football in all three SDSU venues over the years and the beloved “Barn” for basketball.  Clyde’s children were the light of his life and he was very proud of their success in life.  But the highlights of his life were his 2 granddaughters and he followed their successes with great pride, especially their time in KCK Wildfire, Sioux Valley Cossacks and soon to be Bobcat Cheer.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Karan, his son Chris of Parker, Colorado and his daughter Camille Koolmo of Brookings and her husband Graham and granddaughters, Bella and Mija. His brother, Lee (Keatha) Calhoon and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com

Donald E. McIntosh, 77

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Funeral service for Donald E. McIntosh, 77, Norfolk, Neb.,  were held  10:30 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2021 at Peace Evangelical Church, rural Norfolk. Officiating was Pastor Clark Jenkinson. Burial was at  2 p.m. July 2 in the Wakefield City Cemetery, Wakefield.

Military rites were  by the Wakefield American Legion, Wakefield V.F.W., and United States Army honors guard. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Eugene McIntosh, 77, passed away at his home in Norfolk, NE, on June 28, 2021.

Donald was born on Nov. 22, 1943 in Winner, SD to Riley and Rose (Bicek) McIntosh. He graduated from Winner High School. Donald was known for his work ethic and organizational skills. Immediately following high school he served in the U.S. Army Oct. 1, 1961 to March 13, 1962, National Guard Spec 4th Class served from 1960 to 1967. In 1967, he moved to Dakota City where he worked for IBP/Tyson. He was quickly promoted to store room supervisor. He also enjoyed working as a volunteer for the Dakota City Fire Department. While working at IBP, he met his wife Mary, and they were married on July 27, 1985. They moved to Lexington, and Donald retired after 36 years.

Donald and Mary began a business together called D&M Enterprises where they created and sold hand painted lawn ornaments. Donald’s favorite pastimes included cheering on his favorite teams the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary and spending time with his siblings, children, and grandchildren.

He was an active member of Peace Evangelical Church. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Mary McIntosh; his siblings Bill (DeLinda) McIntosh, Marvin (Karen) McIntosh, and Carol (Dennis) Phillips; his children Penny (Scott) Warnberg, Kelly McIntosh, Devon (Tonya) Wiig, Gaylen (Chris) Wiig, Chad (Chrissy) Wiig, and Charles Wiig; 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and one more due in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents Riley and Rose McIntosh and brother Robert McIntosh.

Although we mourn as Donald will be greatly missed by the many family and friends who loved him, we have hope knowing that he is experiencing complete joy and peace as he is accepted into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.   Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

4h shooting sports at nationals

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Five youth from Tripp County competed in the National 4H Shooting Sports Championship in Grand Island, Neb.,  June 20-25.

All five brought home either a nationals medal or rosette by placing on a national level and getting to walk the stage to receive their award. There were over 700 youth from 32 different states competing in 9 different disciplines. This was the first in person national 4-H  competition since the start of the pandemic as the competition was cancelled last year.

Day 1 results of competition were as follows. .22 rifle- Clay Sell in silhouettes placed 47th and the SD team placed 4th. .22 pistol -Katie Welker in Bullseye placed 22nd and the SD team placed 3rd. Compound Archery-FITA Parker Baker placed 2nd, George Clark 32nd, and Austin Wheaton 70th. SD team placed 4th.

Day 2 results: .22 rifle-CMP, Clay 42nd place, SD team 7th place. .22 pistol-silhouettes Katie 38th place and SD team 7th place. Compound Archery-FIELD, Parker 3rd place, George 11th and Austin 48th place. SD team 2nd place.

Day 3 results: .22 rifle-3P Clay 36th place, SD team 8th place. .22 pistol-Camp Perry, Katie 33rd place SD team 8th place. Compound Archery-3D, George 39th place, Parker 43rd and Austin 44th place. SD team 14th place.

Overall placings: .22 Rifle Clay 40th place and SD team 5th place. .22 pistol Katie 39th place and SD team 8th place. Compound Archery Parker 15th place, George 23rd and Austin 54th place, SD team 6th place.

Tripp County was also represented by Wade McClanahan as coach for the SD compound archery team.

The youth appreciate those that helped to sponsor them with the cost of the trip: Rosebud Arrow Rod & Gun Club, Tripp County Shooting Sports and the Tripp County 4-H Leaders Association. The youth also did a half and half raffle and had a food booth at Winner Summer nights to help raise money for the trip. They appreciate everyone that bought raffle tickets or came and ate at their food booth to help support them as well. They had a great experience getting to compete and make friends with youth from all across the country. The spirit of 4H truly shined at the event.

North Main St to be closed

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North Main Street traffic will be detoured for a about a week with the Highway 18 construction.

There is utility and grading work that needs to be done at this  major intersection. There will be signs saying North Main Street is closed. Persons are asked to follow the detours. 

Traffic going south on Main Street will still be open.

East 7th St will be stop sign controlled with one lane traffic to allow for half road construction for PCC paving.

Jefferson Street will remain closed until the concrete paving is in place.

Fuller Center bike adventure makes stop in Winner

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Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
Bike riders from the Fuller Center for Housing stopped in Winner on their cross country bike trip. The group stayed overnight at the Methodist Church on July 6.

By Dan Bechtold

Editor

A group of people are cycling from coast to coast this summer with a  purpose: helping people struggling to have affordable housing.

For 14 years, the Fuller Center for Housing has hosted a bicycle adventure. This year the bike ride stopped in Winner on July 6. The 12 riders stayed at the Methodist Church in Winner and were on the road early last Wednesday morning.

Over 10 weeks the Fuller Center Bike Adventure will experience the country from Amelia Island, Fla., to Florence, Ore., on Oregon’s famous coastline.

The ride started May 28 and will end Aug. 8 covering 3,750 miles.

The riders, most of them retired individuals, come from various locations and all walks of life.

Neil Mullikin, bike adventure coordinator, said each rider had a  fundraising requirement in order to go on this adventure.

The group gets donations from people along the way. “We have had donations from people who saw us in a newspaper story or on TV,” said Mullikin.

As they were traveling from Parkston to Winner, they had some individuals stop them in Platte and give them a donation of $50.

Built into this ride are six build days where they stop and help a family fix up a home.

The group has worked on everything from flooring, wheelchair ramp, painted a home and roofing.

The closest build to South Dakota was in Kansas City where they group actually worked on two homes.

A requirement of the riders is they have to be able to ride 12 miles an hour. There is a support van and car that make sure  the riders are safe.

Mullikin explained the ride is different for each individual. Some like the challenge of the ride and others like the help they are able to give people.

“It is the families we help that makes the biggest impact on our riders,” said the ride coordinator.

Mullikin says he enjoys cycling. He works full-time for the Fuller Center in Georgia. Prior to joining the Fuller Center he worked as a financial advisor.

“I felt this was a calling the Lord led me to and so I joined Fuller Center in March,” he said.

Tony Drake, another rider, is a retired registered nurse from Flagstaff, Ariz. He has been involved in healthcare for over 40 years in California and Arizona. He started out working in mental health for five year and the last 25 years has been working in emergency rooms and intensive care units.

For 36 years, he worked on the Navaho Reservation. “I have a good understanding of people who live in poverty.  I feel very blessed to be on this type of adventure. I feel like I am doing something and making a difference for people.”

Drake is fascinated by the people he meets on the build days.  “They are very grateful for the work we are doing,” he said.

One particular project sticks out in his mind  and one he will remember for the rest of his life. He said there was a man who had stage 4 cancer and he life in this home in Georgia with his wife. When a person asked what they could do for him he said “I would like for the rain not to come down on my wife’s head in he bedroom. I would like for my wife to not fall through a hole in the kitchen floor.”

Drake explained that prior to the biker’s arrival, work had been done on this house to fix the roof and flooring. The bike riders painted the exterior of the home.

“This man and woman were so grateful for the work we had done. When we were leaving they were hugging us and the wife was weeping. This is an experience that stays with you the rest of your life,” said Drake.

Another rider is Randi Topps, Orlando, Fla., who has been an elementary physical education teacher for 33 years. She is still teaching in Orlando.  

This is her second bike adventure with the Fuller Center. Previously, she went on a trip through Florida.

But she had always wanted to ride a bike across the country. She started looking into different agencies that lead tours across the United States. She felt many were too commercial. “I wanted a reason to go and I wanted some kind of benefit. When I found the Fuller Center I found what I was looking for,” she said.

The bike rider noted in Orlando affordable housing is hard to find. “People live in homes that are in terrible condition because that is all they can afford.”

Topps enjoyed cycling her entire life and just took it up again seven years ago.

“I love the scenery, I love seeing the country from the perspective of a bike; you hear the sounds and smell the smells,” she said.

Topps explained she has gotten a lot out of this bike ride. She has met new friends and has been able to help people she has ever met in her life. That is the joy of this ride for her.

The purpose of the cross country bike ride is to raise money and awareness for the Fuller Center for Housing, whose international office is in Americus, Ga.

According to the organization’s web  site, the Fuller Center for Housing is a faith-based and Christ-centered organization that promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for people in need.