Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

SoChae Kim Sinclair, 77, of Gillette, Wyo., passed away from complications related to COVID-19, on Dec. 25, 2020 at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.  Her husband, son (Robert), and daughter (Betty) were by her side.

SoChae Kim was born Dec. 13, 1943, in Hungnam, Korea to her parents, ManYelle Kim and Aesun Jo.  During the Korean War, SoChae’s family was gravely impacted by the hardships that many Korean families endured.  In December 1950, her family was evacuated to the Island of Geoje on the S.S. Meredith Victory leaving their home in Hungnam with only what they could carry.  They were then relocated to Busan, Korea where she grew up and later owned a successful beauty salon.  Sochae’s experiences left an indelible sense of inner strength that was a guiding principle throughout her life.  She believed her life story was an example for her children regarding the importance of self-reliance and perseverance. 

In 1968, SoChae met William Sinclair while he was stationed in Wae Gwan, Korea, serving with the 44th Engineering Battalion in the United States Army.  They were married that year and subsequently moved to White River, South Dakota where they were active members in the community and school district.  She was a member of the UMW (United Methodist Women) and the American Legion Auxiliary for nearly forty years.  SoChae was a constant self-learner who was always mastering new skills in cooking and gardening, most notably her beautiful rose gardens throughout her and William’s property. 

In 2017, SoChae and William relocated to Gillette, Wyo., to live closer to family due to health reasons.  SoChae’s energetic spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met.  She was always willing to help people in need and believed that everyone could make something of themselves through hard work and an opportunity.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and two brothers; YongTeak and YongBok. 

SoChae is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, William Sinclair; her seven children, Enam Tong (Busan, Korea), Susan Danilson (North Sioux City, SD), Sunhui Cash (Houston, TX), Myoung Andie Coughlin (Omaha, NE), HyongKyu Tong (Denver, CO), Betty Sinclair (Minneapolis, MN), and Robert Sinclair (Gillette, WY).  Eleven grandchildren; YouTek and Jiun Kim, Dustin and Jacob Sorenson, Bryan Cash, James Coughlin, Jr., Ronnie and Andrew Tong, Paul Danilson, Breianna and Milo Sinclair, along with six great grandchildren.

SoChae’s wishes were to be cremated and although a service will not be held at this time, there will be a memorial service held on July 16, 2021 at 1 p.m. MST at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. 

Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 S. Medical Arts Gillette, Wy 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.WalkerFuneralGillette.com

Dennis Kevin Mahto, 57, began his journey on Monday, Dec. 28th, 2020 at Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Wake services were held at the Winner Community Building in south Ideal on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 7 pm and Monday, Jan.  4 at 7 pm. The funeral began on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 11 am. The burial  followed in  the Winner Cemetery in Winner, South Dakota.

Dennis was born July 10, 1963 to Elvira Donnice Mahto in Pierre, South Dakota. He was a part of a large family, his siblings: Sandra, George ‘Buff’, Jeff, Blaine, Joan, David, Laurette, Georgia, and Denise. He grew up in Wolf Point, Mont., and in Pierre, SD, moving often with his family. He had a love for traveling, and a passion to work with his hands, such as drawing and carpentry.

Despite his age at the time, he spent the majority of his youth taking care of his grandparents, Leslie and Alma Mahto in Pierre. He then moved to Winner and married Nancy Antoine on Sept. 2, 1989. He had three children, Noland, Dayle, and Aarin. During these early years, he battled diabetes, which would develop into kidney disease much later in life. Dennis would often travel with his father-in-law, Roger; for work. Doing jobs like construction and working on houses. He also worked as a bus driver for a time at the Lame Deer Head Start Center. His bus code name was ‘The Rubber Duck’. He liked to jam out to rock music with the kids. Dennis was a part of bowling leagues during the fall and winter and played softball on his Wayne’s Auto’s team in the summer. Both of which he excelled at. It wasn’t long into those years that he discovered he had leukemia and began to lose his sight shortly after. Dennis withdrew from work around 2004 and remained at home with his family and grandchildren. He developed many lifelong friendships and remained active despite everything he endured. Dennis was always noticeable due to his trademark Vikings hat and sunglasses. Every weekend he was always looking forward to the next football game. His favorite activity was to sit out in his backyard with a cold one in the sun; with his radio while his family and grandchildren played nearby. Dennis loved all his family near and far.

Toward the fall of this year, Dennis contracted Covid-19, which he managed to beat. After his recovery, he spent the remainder of his days at home with family till his health took a turn. He fought till the very end for all of those that he loved and those who loved him. Now he is finally at rest and at peace.

He is preceded in death by his mother Donnice; his siblings Joan Wetsit, Laurette Wetsit, Denise Zimmer, George ‘Buff’ Wetsit, and David Wetsit; his grandparents Leslie and Alma (Wells) Mahto and Sydney and Alma Bad Moccasin; his father-in-law Dr. Roger Milk; his uncle Leslie Mahto Jr and uncle Norman Wilson; his nieces Sayra Mahto, Daveau and Mariah Azure; his granddaughter Jozlyn Turney, and his nephews Elijah Zimmer; Mason and Nathaniel Wetsit.

He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Nancy Antoine, and his children Noland (Sami, Kaycen, Na’Talia, and Gracie), Dayle (Jaziel and Wyatt), and Aarin. His siblings, Sandra Mahto Stracener (Mike and family), Jeff Wetsit (Tamara and family), Georgia Wetsit (and family), and Blaine Wetsit (Sally and family).

He also survived by, Truman Mahto Carmen), Karen Howe, Kathy Mahto, his mother-in-law Lavina Milk; Nichole Smart( Ken and family) and Mary Antelope, Bernadine Wilson, Heather King (and family), Ruperta ‘Bobbi’ Larson Galen and family) Algie Mahto (and family), Samuel Antoine(and family), Jay Antoine (Nanette and family), Paula Antoine (and family), Julie Turney (and brothers and sister Rachel)… and his many nieces and nephews, and all his grandchildren, and beloved friends.

Dennis was a very strong man who always confronted a problem head-on and full of confidence. He was very proud of all his long battles and all the hardships he overcame in his life. Dennis had an amazing sense of humor and seemed to always have a joke ready. Dennis always lent a hand to those who needed him and never judged a situation. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends. He was a determined and passionate man who wouldn’t let anything stand in his way. Dennis will always be remembered, sorely missed, and greatly loved forever.

 Michael Murphy, 79, of Denver, Colo., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.

 Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, and good friend to many.

 He was born on Oct. 15, 1941 in Smith Center, Kan., to Fred and Bernice (Lathrop) Murphy. He grew up in Smith Center and later Winner, South Dakota. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1962. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After college he served in the United States Army. Mike practiced accounting as a CPA for 40 years in Denver, retiring from Benson Mineral Group where he worked for 25+ years.

On October 3, 1964, he married Valerie Jean Sturges. They raised two children, Michael and Christine.

Mike loved to be outside. He fished and hunted while growing up in Kansas and South Dakota as well as in the mountains of Colorado. In his retirement he spent a great deal of his time hiking near his home in Evergreen and later walking daily around his neighborhood in Denver. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan and enjoyed attending Denver Broncos games, (in any kind of weather), with his family and friends for many years. He also enjoyed watching Nebraska football on TV.

Mike was also an avid reader and had a great passion for knowledge. Those who knew Mike would say that although he was a man of few words, he was a man of great integrity and kindness.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Valerie. He is survived by his son Michael and his wife Mika (Brooklyn, NY), his daughter Christine and her husband Joel and their two children Miles and Ava (Denver, CO), his brother James and wife Rhonda (Spokane, WA), his sister Jane and her husband Andrew (Denver, CO), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Veneda Kay (Andrews) Eagle Hawk passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at 12:24PM at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Wake services were held on Saturday, Jan 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3,  at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium. Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Veneda Kay (Andrews) Eagle Hawk was born in Winner, SD on March 2nd 1955. Her mothers name was Delphine Andrews. Veneda went to Todd County School. In her younger years she liked to go to the ball games, spend time with family, she loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

She met the love of her life in 1980 and married Clarence Matthew Eagle Hawk II on Dec. 5, 1984.

She had 2 kids Michael Todd Andrews and Lynette (Chet) Andrews, and adopted daughters; Camille Angelic Herman, Chloe Raine Eagle Hawk, Clarence Matthew III (Madonna) Eagle Hawk, Frances (Jack) Brandis, Angela Eagle Hawk, Nicole Eagle Hawk, & Janice Eagle Hawk. Nieces and nephews she helped raise, Darrell (Donnella) Herman, Dan (Clarissa) Herman, Isabelle Angelic Herman, & Deloris (Colin) Herman.

She has 2 sisters, Marilyn (Diz) Herman, Elizabeth Ann Blacksmith (Deceased). Adopted sisters: Dorothy Heth, Mary Chasing Hawk, Alva Chasing Hawk, Alice Blacksmith, Dawn Blacksmith, David Blacksmith, & Martha Blacksmith and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren.

Raised by her aunts and uncles: Martha (Geno) Williams, Esther Andrews, Mary (Andrews) Martin, Jeanette Andrews, Anita Andrews, Frieda Blacksmith (Deceased) Larry Andrews (Deceased) Orlando Andrews (Deceased) Wally Andrews (Deceased) Richard Andrews (Deceased) Grandpa: Wallace Andrews (Deceased) Grandma: Mercy (Greenwood) Andrews (Deceased)