Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

John R. O’Malley, age 69, passed away Nov. 15, 2020, in Phoenix, AZ.

Born in Winner, SD on January 5, 1951, John was raised by his father Shannon P. O’Malley (deceased 2004) and his mother Carme O’Malley (deceased 2020) in Winner, SD alongside his younger brother Marty O’Malley (Las Vegas, NV).

John excelled in scholastics and athletics as a young boy and well into his high school years. John graduated from Winner High School in 1969 lettering in golf, football and baseball. John’s passion stood out in baseball. As a highly recruited high school pitcher, John accepted a scholarship to play at the highly touted baseball powerhouse Arizona State University. John, a left handed pitcher, competed and played at a high level. John transferred to Yankton, SD college in 1971. Setting numerous pitching records his college career ended in 1973. John received two Major League Baseball minor league contracts from the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. In 2014, John was inducted to the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.

John’s early career was in hotel/restaurant management. His professional career coincided with the start of his most important career, his family. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Donneen Ainsworth O’Malley (Payson, AZ) in 1971, and in 1972 his first children were twins, John M. O’Malley (Payson, AZ) and Shani P. O’Malley (Phoenix, AZ). John and Donneen’s third and last child Katie J. O’Malley (Scottsdale, AZ) was born in Pierre, SD.

John was the general manager of many SD properties including the historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City. In 1983 John made a critical, risk taking move at the age of 34 to switch careers and geographic location to start new in the automotive sales industry in AZ. Uprooting his family from South Dakota and moving to Scottsdale, AZ, John started as an entry level salesperson. In 1985 John went to work for ANC Nissan. Excelling through management positions he became General Manager/Dealer partner at Camelback Toyota in 1991.

Another highlight was marrying his beloved Gina Burton O’Malley (Phoenix, AZ). John and Gina attended numerous Toyota awards events and trips. Representing Camelback Toyota like JFK and Jackie O. did on trips and at dignitary dinners. John would remain there until his bittersweet retirement in 2019. John built a culture of taking care of his customers and his people. The key ingredient to his success was being firm but fair and taking care of his 275+ employees. In 2002, Camelback Toyota received the honor of being the number one business to work for in AZ by Phoenix New Times magazine.

Because of his compassion for his people, his employees gave back tenfold to beat and exceed sales and service goals for ten years in a row. John O’Malley with his loyal employees put Camelback Toyota on the map. Camelback Toyota was and still is recognized as sales and service champions on a national level.

Alongside all of these Camelback Toyota accomplishments, John’s generosity was unmatched. When he became the President of the Toyota Dealers Association he changed the dynamic of the advertising budget. John used the budget to bring awareness to the homeless Arizona and U.S. Veterans. Toyota was now assisting U.S. veterans in building and renovating motels for them, sponsoring additional medical supplies and counseling for our forgotten veterans. The Valley Toyota Dealers Association immediately impacted the veteran’s problem and made a difference in the community. Because of his tireless efforts, in 2017 John was awarded the Copper Sword Award by the Arizona Veterans Society. This award is the most prestigious award given to a non-veteran.

In his retirement years John had the time and opportunity to hone his skills on his passion, golf. Always known as a fierce competitor John loved to play and compete with his friends and family as well. John and Gina even organized an annual family Easter golf tournament. John loved traveling with Gina and always prioritized his life around his family. His seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren brought so much joy and love into his life. John will be sorely missed by hundreds, perhaps thousands of people he personally touched.

The true Patriarch of the prideful O’Malley family, his traditions will continue and his legacy will live on. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to: Homeless Veterans, P.O. Box 6325, Glendale, AZ 85345.

View video of services at: youtube.com John O’Malley Tribute 2020.

Clair Turgeon, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020 at the Avera Healthcare Facility in Gregory, SD.

Lawrence “Clair” Turgeon was born Aug. 9, 1929, in Burke, SD to Marie and Abe Turgeon. He was the youngest of ten children. When he was a few years old, they moved to “the ranch” near Mission. Clair remembered the dust storms. He and his brother, Don, gathered tumbleweeds and placed them into feed bunks. His father told the boys to sprinkle salt water on them so the cattle would eat it.

When he was 8, his family moved to Littleberg where his parents ran a grocery store. The store was near the country school which made Clair happy because he did not have to walk far to get there. A special memory he talked about was when he had 25 cents and he purchased admittance to a movie, popcorn, an ice cream cone, and rides at the carnival in Valentine, Neb., while visiting his older sister. The movie was “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

In 1941, they moved to Mission where Abe ran a gas station. During lunch, Clair would run to Hoffine’s Cafe and wash dishes in exchange for a hamburger. He was an Altar Server all the years they lived in Littleberg and Mission. He served till he was taller than the priest. The priest said masses at more than one parish and he rode along. He even served at his oldest brother’s wedding.

After Abe passed away in 1943, Marie moved the house from Littleberg to Burke. Clair went to high school there and graduated in 1947. After high school, he spent time helping Cornell Siler wire houses.

During this time, Clair played baseball for his hometown. At a  game in Dallas, he saw a lovely blonde girl.. He went home that night and told his mother that he “had met the woman he was going to marry”. At the time, he did not even know her name. Clair was right. In 1949 on Oct. 3, Clair and Shirley (McKenzie) were married wearing matching brown suits.  They lived with Clair’s sister Alvina Larimer near Mission until their first child was born in 1950. Clair  helped his older brother, Bob, dig wells.

They moved back to Burke and Clair worked for Fullerton Lumber and Melvin Bresee in the hardware store. Shortly after, he bought the ice cream store. Clair and Shirley ran Clair’s Ice Cream Parlor for a year. He returned to Fullerton Lumber and managed that until 1958. He was then offered and accepted the Burke City manager job.. During that time, he was a member of the fire department and ambulance crew. In 1970 he took the city manager job in Winner, which resulted in moving his family to Winner.

Clair enjoyed taking his family to the Black Hills for vacations. They would take their van and everyone would sleep in it. Great memories were made on these trips. Clair also loved to go fishing. His kids remember their dad coming home after work and wanting to go fishing. The lucky two who were chosen to go were told to go to the bathroom, get a jacket, keep quiet, and get in the car.

Clair retired from the city in 1979 and at that time he and Shirley bought the Speed Queen Laundromat and Car Wash. They ran those businesses for 22 years. After all those years, Clair and Shirley enjoyed retirement together. He drove vehicles for Harry K. Ford during retirement too. He seemed to know where every Arby’s was in the Midwest. He enjoyed driving until 2015.

Clair and Shirley enjoyed their time with their loved ones. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He would say that he was a jack of all trades and a master of none, but his family would argue differently. He was an electrician, plumber, carpenter, baseball player, golfer, bowler, hunter, trapper, fisherman, and gambler (and a BSer). He liked to introduce his family to different things. He helped his family raise chickens and rabbits. He had bait tanks to sell minnows. There was always a huge garden and they would do lots of home canning. One year, the family raised cucumbers and sold them to Gedney’s. Clair and Shirley would take the family to pick wild grapes to make jelly and grape juice. In recent years Clair especially loved the apple tree near the house. He would peel the apples and take them to all his friends.  He also enjoyed brightening the neighborhood with his vibrant Christmas displays.

He was a lifelong devout Catholic and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Winner.

Clair is survived by his children Sandra (Alan) Hubbard, their children Erin, Scott, Rachel, Andrew and their families; David (Kathy) Turgeon, their daughters Stacy and Jamie and their families; Rick (Joey) Turgeon, their children Jessie, Tony, Paige and their families; Carol Turgeon; Nancy Turgeon, and her children Jenny and Jordan; Ed (Teri) Turgeon, and their daughters Nikki and Tiffany and their families; Doug (Leah) Turgeon, their children Dana and Daria and their families; Larry (Kim) Turgeon and their daughter Blaire;  20 great-grandchildren, one brother Don Turgeon, one sister in-law Maxine Moxon-Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; an infant son Kevin James; a granddaughter Rebecca Hubbard; a  grandson Alex Turgeon; his parents, Abe and Marie; siblings Bob (Evelyn) Turgeon; Alvina (Paul Larimer); Romona (Robert McKinney); Herbert Turgeon (infant); Rosalie (Art) Wilson; Betty (Roger) Eastlund; George (Irene) Turgeon; Ben (Bernice) Turgeon; parents in-law Homer and Pearl McKenzie; brothers in-law Jim (Loretta) McKenzie; Ken (Mardy) McKenzie; Duane Moxon; and Mort Davis; sister in-law Marjorie Turgeon.

Graveside services for Ruth Sutton, 91, were held Dec. 15 at the Sutton Cemetery. Burial was in the Sutton Cemetery in Bonesteel.

Ruth Darlene Geyer Sutton was born on July 10, 1929 in Bonesteel, SD to Harry C. Geyer and Mary (Flisram) Geyer. She passed away on Dec. 11, 2020 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD at the age of 91 from complications of Covid-19.

 She was the youngest of 5 children and grew up on a farm southeast of Bonesteel. She began attending the rural school at age 5 and later the family moved in to Bonesteel where she attended and graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1946.

 Ruth taught at a rural school north of Gregory for one year. In 1947 she married Billie Sutton at Delmont, SD. They lived on the Sutton Ranch north of Bonesteel, where she made her home for 70 years. There they raised their 3 daughters, Sally, Susan, and Sara, and son, William John (Bill). Ruth spent the last four years of her life at Silver Threads Assisted Living in Gregory, SD.

 It was a busy life on the ranch all those years but one that she truly loved. She was welcoming to all family and friends. She really enjoyed the holidays, birthdays, and special times with all the kids, grandkids, and great grand kids. A very important part of her life was cooking for large groups and she became known for making her family’s favorite dishes. She would always be the last to make her plate even though she had been cooking all day.

 She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments. She was always present at the many school, church, sports, 4-H, and rodeo events of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruth was first baptized as a baby in the Norwegian Lutheran Faith. Then became a member of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Bonesteel until it closed. Up until her passing, she was an active member of the Lucas Baptist Church being baptized in the Missouri River at age 80. She especially enjoyed the music in the Lucas Church and was privileged to sometimes share her music as a soloist or with her family in a group. As a young girl and later on in life she sang for many funerals and events.

 Ruth had a very special relationship with God, believed in his son Jesus Christ, and believed he was always with her, especially in the difficult times in her life. After losing her husband at a young age in a tragic accident in 1982 on the ranch, and after grandson Billie’s accident in 2007, her faith got her through those dark days.

 Ruth enjoyed traveling and was able to visit all 50 states and 7 countries. She appreciated each trip with special friends or family and never missed a family reunion until 2009.

 Ruth was a very active community member and had a long history of public service..  She was involved in many different organizations throughout her lifetime. They included the Rosebud Rancherettes, South Dakota Cattlewomen, 4-H, Rodeo, Herrick Legion Auxiliary, Bonesteel Alumni Association, and South Dakota Hall of Fame.  Her involvement in politics started when her husband Billie served in the South Dakota State Legislature. It also included a campaign for state auditor, and involvement with the Gregory County Democrats. She was proud to see her continued passion for politics be carried on by her grandson’s campaign for governor in 2018. She was known for her outspoken opinion and knowledge of current political events.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Sally (Dick) Brown of Spirit Lake, IA. Their children and grandchildren Chris (Debbie) Brown, Jennie and Tim; Steve Brown; and Mark (Lindsay) Brown, Laina, Sutton, and Bodie; and grandson Hunter Brown.

Daughter Susan Sutton of Burke, SD. Her children and grandchildren Dana Gooby and sons Tim and James Haskell; Billie Rae (Erik) Person, Kray, Lacey, and Hallie; and Jessi McDonald.

Daughter Sara (Rich) Grim of Bonesteel, SD. Their children and grandchildren Kim (Matt) Petersen Christina and Paul; Mollie (Seth) Andrews, Sadie and Beck; and Callie (Kevin) Vinton, Avery, Meyer, and Nicklin.

 Son William John (Renéé) Sutton of Burke, SD. Their children and grandchildren Dee (Tyler) Haugen, Landry, Arina, and Blaisely; Billie (Kelsea) Sutton, Liam; and Réhme (Tayler) Thompson, Maris and Maysa.

She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

 Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Billie, twin brothers Harry Jr. and Harold, sisters, June and Marie; grandson Eric Brown, and great granddaughter Lenny Sutton.

She was very thankful for all the many blessing in her life which included her family, friends, and good health for 91 years. She will forever be missed by her family. Ruth gave her family the blessing of writing down much of her story in her own words. In her writing, her humility and perspective shine through. She lived a purposeful–and by all measures successful–life, but ultimately cherished simple things. In a way that will strike everyone as so Ruth-like, she directed: “Make my obituary as simple as possible. I was born, I lived 91 years and died; end of story.” While it was an amazing story, the many family and friends she leaves behind know this is not the end.

Rev. Arnold Brown, formerly  of South Dakota, died Nov. 23.

He pastored at churches in Millboro and Wood.

Arnold was born on November 28, 1926 in Lowell, MA., the youngest child of Lalia Ferguson Brown and George Harold Brown. Arnold graduated from Howe High School in Billerica, MA., and then from Tufts University with an undergraduate degree in History and a Masters in Theology. He met his future wife, Judith Marshall in the 1st grade. They married in 1950, after his WW II experience in the Navy. Together, Arnold and Judith went to the Rosebud Larger Parish in South Dakota to minister to many congregations and where their two daughters, Belinda and Gretchen were born, and lifelong friendships were forged.  They adopted their Native American son, Timothy before their move to Craftsbury Common, VT in 1961. Soon after arriving in Craftsbury, son Christopher joined their family. Born in South Korea, he was the first international adoption by the VT Children’s Aid Society. Arnold served the Church on the Common for 25 years (1961-1986) making the Parsonage home. Following his retirement, Arnold was honored to be named Pastor Emeritus of the United Church of Craftsbury.

Some people have described Arnold as a true visionary, bringing to life such events as the flowering of the Easter cross, the Craftsbury Old Time Fiddlers and Banjo Contests, the Christmas Eve Midnight Service, the annual summer Birthday Supper, annual midnight ringing of the church bells on New Year’s Eve for 50 years, and the founding of Browns’ Beautiful Blueberries. He will also be remembered for youth group sledding parties on the Post Road, using his garden hose to make a skating rink on the Common, Ice Cream Socials, hosting a chapter of Operation Friendship, caroling around the Common on Christmas morning, digging wild leeks, skiing down the Toll Road on Mount Mansfield after Easter Sunrise Services and returning home in time to lead the morning service at the Church on the Common, annual morning services on his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

Arnold volunteered under the Marshall Plan to help in rebuilding post World War II England. He marched in Washington, DC for civil rights and protested against the Vietnam War. Other than his salary, he refused payment for all ministerial services performed.

He picked apples and tomatoes by the hundreds of pounds in Quebec each year and found such pleasure in distributing them to community friends and neighbors. His greatest joy was the gift of giving.

   Arnold enjoyed his other careers: teaching Comparative Religion at Sterling School, and as a US Immigration Inspector on the Canadian border, in Ireland, Kenya and Montreal, PQ. He, with his family, also served for a year, as part of a pastoral exchange, in Preston, England. He, most of all, cherished relationships with friends made in Massachusetts, Prince Edward Island, South Dakota, Vermont, England, Ireland, Kenya and on his blueberry porch on Coburn Hill in Craftsbury.

Arnold is predeceased by his wife, Judith Marshall Brown, his sons, Timothy Marshall Brown and Christopher Marshall Brown and of his siblings: Mildred, Harold, Thelma, Raymond and Leonard.

His family extends its deepest thanks to the many caregivers, who over the years provided both outstanding care and deep commitment to his well-being.

Arnold leaves his daughters Belinda Brown (Phillip Lovely) of Craftsbury, VT, Gretchen Brown-Boudreau (Peter Boudreau) of Portland, OR, many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren and his special “Lady Friend” Augusta W. Bartlett of Marlboro, VT.

His final gift is that of donating his body to the University of Vermont Medical School.

Should friends desire to donate in his memory, Arnold would appreciate any gift to the Marshall Brown Scholarship

Clarine Black, 86, of Winner, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. 

  Funeral service was held on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 at 10:30am at the Winner United Methodist Church.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

  Clarine Ena (Felstehausen) Black of Winner, South Dakota was born on Sept. 26, 1934 to Frederick Wilhelm Felstehausen and Ena Lea Fossum.   Clarine grew up on the family farm in Clark County with her brothers Eugene and Herman, attended rural school through the eighth grade and graduated from Clark High School in Clark, South Dakota.  After high school Clarine spent two years at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen where she received her two year teaching degree.  While at Northern she met Kenneth Black, who was the brother of her roommate Joan. 

  Clarine spent the 1954-1955 school year teaching country school at Ree Heights, South Dakota. 

  On June 5, 1955 she and Ken were married in Clark, South Dakota.  Their first home was in Armour, South Dakota where their first child (Bill) was born.  In 1958 they moved to Murdo, South Dakota and shortly after moved to Winner where they made their permanent home.  They had three more children, Fred, Robert, and Ena.  During their first four years in Winner, Clarine taught K-8 grades at country schools in rural Tripp County.  After the birth of Fred, she retired from teaching and worked at home with her family. When her children were grown she started a new career as an Avon representative and worked with Avon for 35 years. 

   Clarine was a member of the Winner United Methodist Church and seldom missed a Sunday, holiday service or special event. An outgrowth of her spiritual life was her involvement in community service organizations.  She was in Methodist Women’s Circle, taught Sunday School, was a member of the Winner Women’s Club, a leader of the Modern Woodmen Service Organization, a Cub Scout den mother, a Lion’s Club member wife and later a Lion’s club member. She served as treasurer at the Winner Senior Center.  Clarine and Ken were lifelong members of the Order of Eastern Star.

  Clarine liked having her family together and planned an annual Christmas party for just before Christmas every year.  She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and could tell you everything about them whenever asked. One of her great gifts was her ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in her life. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and making rag rugs.  Her great joy was visiting her children and grandchildren in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, eastern South Dakota, the South Dakota Black Hills, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

  Clarine is survived by her brother Herman Felstehausen, his wife Geka and her sister-in-law Donna (Eugene) Felstehausen, her four children, Bill (Sarah), Fred(Mary Kay), Robert (Arlene), and Ena (Brad), grandchildren Suzie (Frank), Sally (Jason), and Nancy, Heidi(Daniel), Kristi(Matt) Tom(Onita), Penny(Dustin),, and Cassie Marie(Mark), her great grandchildren Ellie and Collin, Autumn, Evelyn, Leroy and Kenneth, Trinity and Kylo, Mary Jane, Rubin, Andrew, and Alyssa, her great, great grandchildren, Aurora Rae, Linkin, and Veronica Ann as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

   She was preceded in death by her father (Fred), mother (Ena), and step mother (Irma), her husband Kenneth, and her older brother Eugene.