Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Mildred Kathyrn (Kathy) Engel, 85, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial was held at 2:15 p.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery in Wood, SD.

Kathy was born on Dec. 11th, 1937 in Presho, SD to William (Slim) and Mildred Bennett. Kathy grew up on a ranch outside of Wood, South Dakota and was also a proud graduate of Wood High School.

Following high school, she attended Southern State College in Springfield, South Dakota. Kathy married Al Meister in 1957. This marriage produced two daughters, Tammy and Misty Meister. Al and Kathy were proud owners of Al’s Body Shop. Al preceded her in death in 1970.

Kathy reconnected with fellow Wood High School graduate, Dale Engel. Kathy and Dale married and enjoyed a long and productive marriage. They partnered with Dale’s son Dean to create Engel Trucking. Dale sadly passed away in 2006.

Kathy wore many hats throughout her life. She was a bookkeeper, educator, caretaker, and librarian. Kathy always had a story to share and some of them were even true!

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Slim and Mildred, husbands Al Meister and Dale Engel, brothers Bill, Paul, Bob, John, and infant twin sisters June and Jane. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Barbara Meister.

She is survived by her three siblings Virginia Ensminger of Valentine, NE; Jim Bennett and his wife Marlene, of Gregory, SD; and Ed Bennett and his wife Judy, of Valentine, NE. Kathy is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Jim Trego, of Monument, CO; and daughter Misty Osborn, of Burlingame, KS. Kathy is also survived by her three grandchildren, Jesse Osborn and fiancé Kathy Steck and her daughter Neveah of Topeka, KS; Bayley and Michael Greenberg, of Plano, TX, and Tyler Trego of Boulder, CO. In addition, she is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Marilyn Brown left this world to join here heavenly family on Sept. 23 surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at Fremont Alliance Church on Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. Viewing will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the church. Lunch will be served following the service.

Viewing will be held at Mason Funeral Home in Winner on Sept 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. with burial service at the Colome Cemetery on Sept. 30 at 10:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at the Colome Legion after the graveside service. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Fremont Alliance Church  or Fremont Friendship Center.

Marilyn was born Nov. 6, 1956 in Gregory to Bill and Margaret (Stewart) Brown. She lived on a farm in Colome and was the seventh child born to this union. Marilyn was baptized in Colome Methodist Church.

She began school in 1964 where she attended special education classes in Winner. Marilyn moved to Mitchell in 1975 working at various restaurants as a dishwasher and enjoyed vacations with friends.

She moved to Fremont to live with her sister Willie and brother in law Bob Jamison. Marilyn was then able to fully enjoy vacations and holidays with Willie’s family and was able to spend time with her other siblings.

Marilyn attended Fremont Alliance Church and she helped with bible school working in the kitchen. She also loved to bowl with friends and going out to eat. She enjoyed all the phone calls that she got and loved to color pictures for folks. She spent a lot of her time at the friendship center and enjoyed dancing, playing bingo and having coffee with friends there.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Margaret Brown, an older brother, Garry; grandparents Ed and Martha Brown and Ralph and Lillian Stewart and aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her sibblings Jo Ann Rieff (Bob), Avon; Duane (Charlie) (Rosie) of Sioux Falls; Marlene (Mark) Wallbaum La Mesa, Calif; Willie (Bob) Jamison, Fremont, Neb., Douglas (Carol) Brown, Birmingham, AL, sister-in-law Carol Brown of Winner, 17 nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews as well as many relatives and friends.

Marion Joyce (Foss) Potter age 89 of Belle Fourche, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 at Belle Estate in Belle Fourche.

A celebration of Marion’s life took place Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 at the Belle Fourche Global Methodist Church. 

  Interment took  place  Tuesday at Oakridge Cemetery in Seneca SD, followed by a time of fellowship at the Seneca Community Center.

Marion was born Sept. 2, 1934, the second daughter of Dave and Sylvia (Brozik) Foss. Marion grew up on the family farm near Hamill, SD. She attended country schools in her elementary years and then Winner High School where she graduated in 1952. She later attended Black Hills State Teachers College and graduated in 1954 with her teaching certificate. After college, she worked in Denver and Albuquerque as a secretary, and then she taught in rural schools in Tripp County and in Iona, SD.

In 1954 she first met Willard Potter, a SDSM&T student, at a Black Hills State track meet. They were united in marriage on June 25, 1960 in Winner, South Dakota. To this union were born two sons and three daughters: Lee, Bruce, Joyce, Reva, and Diann.

Following their marriage, Willard worked as a Civil Engineer and his career took the Potter family to several towns, including Pierre, Selby, and Aberdeen. From 1979 to 2010, they lived near Warner, and following his retirement, Willard and Marion moved to their home on Walworth Street in Belle Fourche where Marion resided until this September.

Marion grew up through the Depression and WWII years, and these experiences instilled in her the importance of thrift and creativity, including a love of the finer things in life such as home-grown and home-canned fruits and vegetables; homemade fashion; family gatherings with music and card games; traveling between the pages of countless good books; play, crafts, and songs with children; nurturing lifelong friendships; and providing a listening, caring ear to others. She was a hardworking daughter and her father’s helper on the farm, a quiet, kind older cousin, a devoted niece, a true partner in marriage, and a mother and grandmother who was forever the teacher and a champion for children.

She was proud of her family and loved her grandchildren very much. Her quiet strength, quick humor, and faith  will be greatly missed. Marion is survived by her children, Joyce (Dean) Beck of Glenwood, MN; Lee (Darla) of Cheyenne WY, Reva (Terry Hoscheid) Potter of Belle Fourche, Diann (Don) Drew of Volga, SD; Bruce (Laura) of Garretson SD; 13 grandchildren, Gia and David (Alex) Beck; Logan and Ruth Potter; Spencer (Mackenzie), Nathan (Sentel), Kendal, and Conrad Schreier, and Nathan Hoscheid; Erin (Jon) Evenson and Rachel Drew; Eliza and Wyatt Potter; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willard, her parents, Dave and Sylvia; and her sister, Clara Jane.

Kenneth Iron Shooter, 73, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at the Lake Andes Nursing Home in Lake Andes, SD. Funeral services were held on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Final view was held from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall. Burial  followed at the St. Mary’s Garden Cemetery in Wood, SD. Wake services were held on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 at 8 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.

Kenneth Charging Iron Shooter was born on Feb. 12, 1950 in Sioux Falls, SD. He attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic in Winner, SD. Soon after Kenny and some classmates were on the road to further their education at Job Corps when a tragic train accident left him the only survivor.

A little later in life he worked at a cheese factory in Mission, SD where he lived for a short time. This lead him back to Winner, SD where he had his own apartment, a place to call home. He enjoyed watching football, but most of all he loved, cared, and cherished all of his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was survived by sisters, Gloria “Dolly” Iron Shooter of Mission, SD; Ruth DuBray of Ideal, SD; brothers, Darrel Iron Shooter of Winner, SD; & Xavier Iron Shooter, of Winner, SD.

He is preceded in death by brother, Frank Iron Shooter Jr.; & sisters, Martha Jones & Rosemary Eagle Hawk; along with three infant brothers.

Alice Hansen, 72, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Mission, SD. Alice Ann Hansen was an avid Green Bay Packer fan (sticking with them through the good and bad times), a loving sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world on Sept. 26, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones who will continue to honor her life by living life to its fullest.

Alice was born to Donald and Helena (Horst) Hansen on Jan. 20, 1951. She was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Mission, SD. She attended grade school at the Lutheran school in Mission, SD and graduated from the Lutheran High School in Mobridge, SD. Her faith was strong and attending church was very important to her. She spent many years sharing her love for Jesus by teaching Sunday School.

Alice worked for the Todd County School District for 47 years. She began her career as an aide working her way up. At the time of her retirement, she was Supervisor/Pay Clerk. She was involved in establishing a Wellness Committee and continued to oversee it. She served as an officer with the South Dakota Association of Education Office Professionals, including two terms as president.

Her greatest joys in life were her family, watching NFL football, and shopping for gifts for the people she cared most about. Although she did not have children of her own, she loved her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephew like they were her own. She loved offering her motherly advice.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Clarence and Frieda Hansen; maternal grandparents, August and Bertha Horst; her parents Don and Helena; and brother-in-law John Haukaas.

She is survived by her sisters Mary Haukaas, of Mission, SD; Phyllis (Pete) Haukaas, of Okreek, SD; Donne (Don) Kauppi, of Laughlin, NV; and Nancy (Brad) Oligmueller, of Rapid City, SD. As well as all of her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephew.

Alice will be greatly missed but we will cherish the wonderful memories of her.

Memorial Services for Pep’s McIntire, age 84, of O’Neill, Neb., will be at 11 am on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at the Assembly of God Church in O’Neill with burial to follow in the O’Neill Cemetery including Military Rites provided by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93.  Pastor Scotty Clark will officiate.  Memorial Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 at the Assembly of God Church in O’Neill with a 7 pm prayer service. 

Ervin passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk.  Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.

Ervin Charles McIntire was born on March 24, 1939 in Foley, Minn. to Frank and Henrietta (Schmidt) McIntire.  He grew up near Clearfield, South Dakota and went to school in a one room school house there through the eighth grade. 

Pep’s was a very good left handed pitcher and he even tried out for a couple Major League Teams.  He worked testing cream at Steel’s Grocery Store.  He moved with his family to Witten, South Dakota and worked for a garage before he enlisted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 14, 1961.  He served for a time in Germany and France as a Fuel Truck Driver before he was honorably discharged on Dec. 13, 1963.

After a short pursuit, Pep’s married Joyce Baker at Bridgewater, South Dakota on Nov. 22, 1965.  To this union, three children were born; Brenda, Micky, and John.  Pep’s worked for a grocery store for a time, then went to work for the local Standard Oil Station in Winner.  He eventually bought it and delivered gas and fuel oil.  He then started and ran M&M Office Supplies for a time.  Pep’s then took a job at Sharple’s Chevrolet in Spencer, Neb.

Pep’s and his family then moved to Arizona for a short time.  They then moved back to O’Neill where he worked for Eby’s Chevrolet.  Pep’s then partnered with Arnie Babl to run a car lot on the east edge of town.  He then branched out on his own and started Frontier Motors, west of Pump & Pantry.  He retired when he was 62, but continued to work for Biba Construction for 5 more years, and still occasionally sold cars.

Pep’s was a member of the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, and spending time with his friends and family with a cold one.  He was a good mechanic and could repair motors and transmissions with ease.

Pep’s is survived by his three children, Brenda (Dustin) Harris of O’Neill, Micky (Dawn) McIntire of O’Neill, John (Mandi) McIntire of O’Neill; six grandchildren, Ashley (Craig) Gowery, Cody McIntire, Jaydan Harris, Chase McIntire, Cassidy McIntire, Madison McIntire; six great grandchildren, Trey Gowery, Taya Gowery, Tatum Gowery, Tucker Gowery, Haley McIntire, Ayva McIntire; three siblings, Dale (Joyce) McIntire of Wichita, Kansas, Francis (Marv) Smith in Thorton, Colorado, Dorothy Kleinhans of Colorado; many nieces and nephews.

Pep’s was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce McIntire in 2007; and his brother-in-law, Roland Kleinhans.

Julie Ann Miller, age 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at Monument Health Hospice House of Rapid City.

Julie was born on April 9, 1949 in Norfolk, Neb.  She graduated from Winner High School in Winner, South Dakota and then briefly attended business college also in Winner.

Julie was in the dietary profession for most of her life – at the Winner Hospital for 22 years, Dallas, Texas and Rapid City.

Julie loved country music, playing Bingo, doing word search puzzles, weekend nature drives, watching CBS soaps and collecting roosters.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Gary Miller;  mother, Betty Busch of Rapid City, SD; daughter, Lisa Schrader of Dallas, Texas; son, Scott Schrader of Dallas, Texas; siblings, Les Busch, Lyle Busch, Glenna Thomas,  Sharon Littau and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She is preceded in death by her father, David Busch; first husband, Orlin Schrader; and brother, Arlin Busch

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of which Julie was a big supporter. Services provided by Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City.

Ingrid Lynne Doom, 75, Brandon, SD, died on Thursday, September 15, 2023, at Sanford USD Medical Center.

Visitation with the family present will be held 5pm – 7pm, Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon SD, with a Scripture Service at 7pm. Funeral Services will be held at 11am, Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home. Burial will happen at a later date at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery.

Ingrid will be greatly missed by her husband, Charles Doom, Brandon; son, Chris (Angel) Doom, Avon, SD; daughter-in-law, Leah Doom, Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Trey (Sonja) Doom, Kyle Doom, Karly Doom, Christian Doom, Kinley Doom, Dominic Doom, Aspen Doom, and Kennedy Doom; one brother, Fred Hage, MN; one brother-in-law, Thomas (Cheryl) Doom; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Full obit at www.heartland funerals.com

Merle Eugene Pochop was born December 8, 1941 in Winner, South Dakota to Geroge and Pauline (Meyers) Pochop. Merle grew up on a farm in the Colome/Dallas area. He attended country school through the 8^th grade and graduated from Colome High School in 1959. He was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Colome.

 Merle attended SDSU in Brookings from 1959 to 1963. Receiving a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. While there he joined the ROTC Program. After graduation he served in the United States Air Force until 1967, achieving the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant. He then went on to receiving an MBA at USD in Vermillion.

Merle is a Life Member of Colome American Legion, Thayer-Waters Post 146. Merle is also a member of the Good Shepard Lutheran WELS Church in Sioux Falls.

He was in management positions in several places of employment. He purchased Kelly Industrial Business and went into being a Quality Systems Project Manager, CIRAS (Center for Industrial Research and Service) at Iowa State University Extension in June of 1995 until December 2010. After retiring from Iowa State University Extension, Merle worked approximately three years as a consultant, assisting several businesses to achieve the ISO 9001 (International Organization of Standardization).

 Merle was the youngest of four boys. Virgil Lee, Darrel Duane and Roger Allen who have all preceded him in death along with his parents, grandparents, and a sister-in-law, Joan.

 Merle is survived by three sisters-in-laws: Verna Pochop of Albuquerque, NM, Margaret Pochop of Old Ham, SD and Jeanne Pochop, Dallas SD. Many nieces and nephews are survived also.

An open visitation was held on September 16 from 1 to 2 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford, followed by a memorial service at 2 also at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford, SD.