Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Frances “Fran” I. Larson, 81, of Hamill, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21st, 2020, at North Central Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.    

Graveside service was held at the Hamill Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. with a viewing at 1:30 pm.       

Memorial services will be held at a later date.   

Fran was born March 11, 1939 to Thadius “Al” and Lillian (Peters) Houser at the Bode Home in Chamberlain, SD. She was the 10th of 12 children, and grew up on the Fort Hale river bottom north of Oacoma. She attended a small country grade school on the Fort Hale bottom, until the family moved to Chamberlain during her 8th grade year, where she attended high school. When the family moved to town, she and her sister Loy started their first paying job cleaning motel rooms, then later she worked as a waitress at the Rainbow Café and also as a secretary at the Brule County Extension Office.   

Following high school, she attended Springfield College and received her 2-yearteaching degree. Upon her return she taught at the rural schools North Fairview and Lindgrin.

Fran married Darrell Larson, on March 11, 1960.    Their first child, Mark, was born in 1961, followed by Audie in 1962, Monty in 1964, and the family was complete in 1975 with the arrival of Vicki.

Fran said that she experienced a turning point in her faith when “I finally truly gave my life to God to do with me whatever He wanted.” Her life was marked by this selfless dedication to Christ. Fran was confirmed during her 9th grade year at the Zion Lutheran church in Chamberlain. Following her marriage to Darrell, she became a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Hamill, where she touched many lives through serving as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher and superintendent and Lady’s Aid member. But even more so, she touched the lives of every person she came into contact with. She was a mother or grandmother to anyone who needed one.   

Fran and Darrell enjoyed being active in 4-H, as 4-H leaders and volunteers. She was a lifelong member of Hamill Horsemen’s Club and a member of the Southern Belle Cattlewomen.

Her passion was working with the livestock on the family ranch. She loved riding horse, working cattle, helping with calving, gardening, canning, and caring for her bottle calves, cats, dogs, ducks, and chickens. She prepared almost every meal, every day, not only for “the crew”, but also for any wandering stranger that happened upon the place. No one ever walked out the door hungry, there was always room at the family table.

Fran is survived by husband Darrell, children Audie (Holly) Larson of Hamill, Monty Larson of Hamill, Vicki (Joel) Stuart of Hamill, grandchildren Tanya (Daniel) Shoemaker of Gregory, Kaylea Littau of Gregory, Trevor, Trace, and Jesse Larson of Hamill, great grandchildren Paiden, Oakley, Kord, and Lane, sisters Grace Wick of Mitchell, Beulah Smith of Sioux Falls, brother Thad (Dorthy) Houser of Sioux Falls, sister in-law Fern Zastrow of Sioux Falls, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Al and Lillian, in-laws Ted and Gertrude Larson, infant son Mark, siblings Lawrence Houser, Donald Houser, Lorne Houser, (infant) Dorthy Houser, Betty Cleland, Loy Busick, (infant) Alice Houser, Christine Houser, and numerous brothers in-law, sisters in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Sandra Joyce King, 73, of Winner, SD passed away on Nov. 23, 2020 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.     

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 at 11 a.m.    at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery in Ideal, SD. Wake services was held on Saturday, Nov. 28th, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium and Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020 at 7 p.m.  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.   

Joyce was born to John King Sr. and Pauline Shields-King on Jan. 9, 1947.    She passed away on Nov. 23, 2020 at Avera Mc Kennan in Sioux Falls, SD.   

Joyce has a surviving sister Lavina (Roger) Milk and siblings who have passed on before her were brothers Burton, John King Jr., Dale and Ruby LaPointe-King, Clarice Chasing Hawk.   

Joyce had (11) children; Brian King, Ruby Traversie, Christopher (Geena)Traversie, *Owen Knox and Ampa Hokshila Knox, Loretta (Sissy) King-Herman, Martin (Junior) Garneaux, Wendy (Daniel) Bad Horse, Anna Garneaux, Daniel Garneaux and Wesley Garneaux.   *Owen passed away May 5, 2012.  Joyce has 60 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.   

Joyce always had time for her grandchildren and loved them all.    Joyce was always cooking for someone or some event.    She was always there to lending helping hand by cooking the meals for wakes, funerals, Sundance, etc. Joyce was dear to all she knew and loved by all her family.   

Joyce graduated from Wakpala School and was a cheerleader. Joyce also spent time traveling with AIM when she was younger (her AIM years).    Joyce always had an open door for whoever needed a place to stay.   

Joyce was always laughing and helping anyone who needed help.    Her grandson Charlie DuBray Jr. gave her the nickname “the Eraser”.    It was a joke they always had fun teasing each other, watch out or you will get erased. Joyce had close relationships with all her grandsons (children of her nieces and nephews) with whom she loved to tease.   

Another favorite of Joyce was dancing. She was always dancing to any music and having a good time even if she was by herself dancing. Joyce was well known for her frybread.   

Joyce kept her traditions alive she was a Sundancer and made regalia for her children to dance when they were young. She was always attentive to her children and helping them in every way she could.   

God bless all she left behind and especially her children who have so many memories she left them with.

Ronald “Ron” Lee Hespe, 71, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.       

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 at 10 am at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.    Burial    followed in the Winner City Cemetery.       

Ronald Lee Hespe was born July 16, 1949 to Louis and Georgia (Sund) Hespe at the Baptist Hospital in Winner, SD.    He was the third of seven children.    Ron was raised in Winner surrounded by his many family members, who affectionately referred to him as “Ronnie.”   

Growing up, Ron loved to spend time fishing and getting into all sorts of mischief with his older brother Jerry.   

He graduated from Winner High School in 1968.Ron married the love of his life, Barbara Abbey, on June 28, 1968. In December of that year their oldest son, Bryan, was born, and in March of 1971 Ron and Barb welcomed their second son, Clay.    In 1975 they moved into their lifelong home and in December of that year their daughter, Abby, was born.   

Ron and Barb celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018.    While in high school, Ron started working at Al’s Body and Glass, where he continued to work until 1971. From there he went to work at Grossenburg Implement until his retirement.  Upon retirement, Ron started working at the Lazy J Grand Lodge, being his son-in-law Cody’s “right hand man” and being a jack of all trades. He enjoyed getting to know the hunters who came to the lodge from all over the U.S.    

Ron was all his grandchildren’s biggest fan, following them to all their activities, and always celebrating their achievements. He especially enjoyed going hunting with his sons and grandsons.   

Ron recently got a smartphone, and he greatly enjoyed getting to keep in touch more easily with his family and friends.   

He was well known for all the memes he would continually send everyone.  Ron was a genuine person, always wanting everyone to know he was thinking of them.

Ron is survived by his children: Bryan (Kim) Hespe, Winner; Clay (Cary) Hespe, Parkston; Abby (Cody) Jorgensen, Ideal; grandchildren: Hattie Hespe, Layne and Natalie Hespe, Phillip, Emma and William Jorgensen, Felicia and Brianna Gronenthal; Siblings: Richard (Connie) Hespe, Ivanhoe, TX; Beverly (William) Whitney, Rapid City, SD; Barbara (Melvin) Lee, Winner, SD; Doug (Ruth) Hespe, Owasso, OK; sister-in-law Linda Hespe; brother-in-law Jerry Dodd and numerous nieces and nephews, family, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, father, Louis Hespe, mother, Georgia Sund Rappe, grandchildren Lynae and Marci Hespe, brother, Gerald Hespe, sister, Deborah Dodd, parents-in-law Raymond and Rhoda Abbey, sister-in-law Diana Frank, brother-in-law Frank Tyburec, nieces Annette Devish and Catherine Whitney, nephew Jeff Hespe, great-nieces Shauna Pravecek and Jordyn Hespe, and great nephew Adam Dodd.

Robert Sharkey, 89, of Winner, SD passed away with his loved ones by his side on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 at the Gregory Health Care Facility in Gregory, SD.    

Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial    followed in the Winner City Cemetery.       

Robert was born in Keyapaha, SD on June 14, 1931 to James and Emma (Devish) Sharkey who lived on a farm near Clearfield. “Bob” as most would know him was a loving father, son, brother, grandfather and great friend.    In 1956 Robert married Thelma Roubideaux, to this union, Bob fathered 7 children. Bob spent most of his life in the Winner Area.   

He enjoyed his time working on the farm and helping other farmers as needed.  When he retired, he liked to take drives in the country to reminisce about the old days, he enjoyed going fishing, playing cards, reading local newspapers, watching major league baseball and NFL football games.   

Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and loved looking at their artwork and school papers. His children Bernadette (Lawrence) Long Crow, Larry (Ethel) Sharkey, Richard (Karen) Sharkey, Roberta Sharkey, Kevin Sharkey, Timothy (Dawn) Sharkey and Kelly(Misty) Sharkey, sisters Maxine Duffy, Doris Sharp and Jean Docken, survive Robert.   

Proud to call him grandpa were 22 grandchildren and many great grandchildren    He is preceded in death by his father James Sharkey, mother Emma (Devish) Sharkey, 3 brother-in-laws, Jack Duffy, Wayne Sharp & Jack Docken, adopted son William Sharkey, grandchildren Britney & Britton, great grandchildren, Sophia & Nape.   

Special thank you to Tammi Elder and the staff at and residents at Elder Inn for the wonderful care and compassion in helping Dad.

Bob’s angel wings were ready, but our hearts were not.

The Reverend Richard Harry McGinnis, age91 of Hudson,Wis.,    passed away Nov. 20, 2020.       

Fr Dick was born March 5, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of Robert and Frances (Donaldson) McGinnis. He served his country at the end of World War II and was stationed in Japan after its surrender.     

After his service, he attended Seattle Pacific College graduating in 1951 with a degree in psychology.   

He then attended General Theological Seminary in New York and in 1955 was ordained as an Episcopal priest.     He was united in marriage to Phyllis Good on June 30, 1956.    Their marriage was blessed with three children: Paul, Stephen and Dorothy.       

Fr. Dick served as an Episcopal priest throughout his life. He served his Lord as a missionary in Anvik, Alaska, and as a priest for Trinity Episcopal in Winner, SD, Trinity Episcopal in Watertown, SD, and the former St. David’s Episcopal in Jacksonville, FL.   

Upon his retirement, after several years of travel, he settled in western Wisconsin close to family and assisted at the Episcopal churches in River Falls and Hudson. His early ministry was devoted to missionary work among the Athabascan and Lakota peoples in Alaska and South Dakota.    Later in life, he and his wife, Phyllis, worked tirelessly to preserve marriages, creating a marriage ministry model which is used about the county and overseas. Fr. Dick loved the outdoors and spent many days camping and hiking.    He is remembered for his warm smile and deepinterest and care for people.         

His life was devoted to sharing the love of Christ which was present in his life every day.    He is now free of the constraints of his earthly form and reunited with his wife and many friends.    

His infectious smile, gentle spirit and deep abiding love of his Lord and Savior will remain with his sons, Dr. Paul (Christine) McGinnis of Hudson and Stephen (Katrina) McGinnis of Murrieta, CA; daughter, Dorothy Washington of Hudson; grandchildren: Ian (Kaitlin), Kaitlyn and Meghan McGinnis, Anna and Cameron McGinnis, Jon (Katie), Addie and Nate Washington; great grandchildren: Simon and Ellery Washington; and father of Jon, Addie, and Nate: Derek Washington. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis.   

A graveside burial service was held with his family and a celebration memorial will be planned in the future when it is safe to move about.      Memorials are preferred to Rosebud Episcopal Mission East, 105 E. 12th St., Gregory, SD 57533 or SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) samsusa.org.

Funeral services are provided the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Maurice Korb, age 87, of Bristow, Neb. died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln, Neb. of complications of COVID-19.   

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined, due to the current pandemic. Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer, Neb., is in charge of arrangements

Dakota Mathieson, 23, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Funeral service were held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 at 2 p.m.  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall, in Winner, SD.  Wake service began on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 at 4 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.   

Dakota Michael Mathieson was born on Feb. 6, 1997 to Michael Paul Mathieson and Ardith Jean Mathieson (Frank) in San Bernardino, Calif. Dakota and his family moved back to South Dakota in May 1997.   That same year Dakota’s father passed away.   

Dakota started school in the Winner School District then transferred to the Colome School where he attended high school.    He later worked hard to receive his GED. After high school Dakota moved to Sioux Falls, SD to live and work with friends.  He returned home, south of Gregory, SD and recentered himself.   

Dakota returned to Sioux Falls to give it another try on his own .Dakota loved life.  In school he tried out and played football. He loved to skateboard and play basketball with his friends. Dakota later moved back home and started working at the Winner Bakery and Kooch’s, cleaning pheasants.    Dakota started working at the Winner Hospital as a laundry aide until the time of his passing. A job in which he loved.

Dakota shared a special bond with his little sister Angel from the beginning.  He was so very patient with her and were always there for one another, playing, laughing and growing.   

Dakota was loved and celebrated by his large beautiful family. He had a love for fishing and often attended family camping trips.   

He had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need.   

Dakota is survived by his mother and dad Ardith and David Frank, his sister Rose (JJ)Wolf and family, Trinity (Emily) Mathieson, Melanie (Wyatt ) and Family, William (Kaycee and Lilo) Schroeder; Dustin (Ashley) Frank, and Angel Frank. Grandmother Audrey Ferguson, Grandfather Elmer Frank and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.   

Dakota was preceded in death by his father Michael Paul Mathieson, maternal Grandfather Michael Lawrence Ferguson.

Ruthann Kluender of Chandler, Okla., passed away Nov. 11, 2020 at the Stillwater, OK Medical Center.   

Ruthann was born in Omaha, Neb., on June 26, 1944 to Max and Ruth (Flynn) Hostetter. She graduated from Valentine High School in 1962.     On Sept. 21, 1967, Ruthann married Jack Hollopeter in Valentine, Neb., and were blessed with three children, Jay, Jodi and Jeanne.

In 1974 they moved to the family ranch south of Colome, SD. They ranched there until 1986 upon Jack’s untimely death. In those years on the ranch Ruthann enjoyed rodeoing and watching her kids’ rodeo. She helped Jack on the ranch but also had many jobs through the years to help support the family.   

In 1995, Ruthann moved to Sioux City, IA and worked at Gateway Computers.

On June 6, 1997 she married William (Bill) Kluender. In the Fall of 1999, Bill and Ruthann moved to Chandler, OK and bought an acreage and started building a homestead together. Ruthann worked at Oklahoma State University and Farm Bureau Insurance until she retired in 2011. She enjoyed watching rodeos on TV and loved being outside with her dogs and horses. She also enjoyed taking care of her many cacti and other plants.   

Ruthann was preceded in death by her first husband Jack and her parents Max andRuth.   

Ruthann is survived by her loving husband William (Bill) Kluender of Chandler, OK; her children Jay (Dusty) Hollopeter of Kilgore, NE; Jodi Mathis of Box Elder, SD; Jeanne Hollopeter of Chandler, OK; Stepsons; Darwin (Eva) Kluender of Akron, IA; Kalen (Keri) Kluender of Akron, IA. Grandchildren; Sydney Hollopeter, Emily Hollopeter, Jack Logan Hollopeter, Morgan Mathis, Ronnie Kluender, Baron Kluender, Karoline Kluender, Taylynn Kluender and William Kluender.

She is also survived by her sisters Jeanne Albin and Eileen (Jim) Wilson.

Ruthann’s life will be celebrated at a later date.

Renee Waters, 59, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 in Sioux Falls,SD.    

Private family visitation was held from 11-1PM at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. A private family graveside service was held Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.    

Renee Lynn Waters, 59, of Sioux Falls, S.D., joined her Heavenly Father Friday evening Nov. 6, 2020 in the company of her long-time companion, Doug Anderson, at her side.    

Renee was born in Winner, S.D. at the Rosebud Hospital.    She was one of 8 children and grew up on a farm in Clearfield and in Witten, SD, and attended Witten grade school.   

She graduated with the Class of 1979 from Wood High School. In school, she enjoyed track, cheerleading & was known for being friendly, outgoing, and amazing artistic abilities.           

Renee married Gerald Greenough Sept. 3, 1994, and to this union their son, Westley Raymond Greenough, was born on May 3, 1995 & Renee enjoyed sharing funny stories of his youth. They divorced and Gerald passed away a few years after.    

Renee lived in Sioux Falls for the last several years where she met her companion, Doug.   

She thoroughly enjoyed cooking (often by making up many recipes), camping, fishing, playing cards, gardening, sitting on her patio enjoying beautiful weather and thoroughly enjoyed the company of their loving & energetic fur-baby, Jack.   

She was known for her amazing sense of humor, compassion, strength, forgiveness, sketching, praying for all those around her, kindness to friends, family & strangers as well. She was not afraid to welcome or help-out anybody in need or alone.   

While in Missouri, she gave comfort to mothers who were away from their families and drew sketches of their beloved children for them.    She was also known to give much of a paycheck to a single mom in need or a stranger down on their luck.       

Renee is survived by her dear mother, Connie Luther of Winner, SD, her devoted companion, Doug Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, son Westley Greenough of Oelrich, SD, Siblings; Russ (Cris) Walton of Rapid City, SD, Sherry (Jeff Paulson) Schroeder of Witten, SD, Tim Waters of Gillette, WY, Meridie (Mike) Locklear of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle (Tim) Williams of Gillette, WY, Stacie Weinheimer of Onida, S.D., Dixie (Rick) Fiala of Baltic, SD & many nieces & nephews.    

She had a strong faith & valued her relationship with Jesus. She loved to share her faith and life experiences no matter how difficult they were & be a prayer warrior for everyone in need.

Renee will be greatly missed, but we are comforted to know that she is with our Savior now.

There will be a viewing at    Mason Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a prayer service and funeral following at 1 p.m. 

Written in Renee’s notes in her bible: “When all of earth turns against you, All of Heaven turns towards you!! To keep your balance in a crooked world, look at the mountains. Think of Home.”

Frances Hoffine, 108, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.       

Frances Anna (Pech) Hoffine was born to Frank and Tillie Pech at her maternal grandparents’ home in Lynch, Neb., on June 13, 1912.    At two weeks of age she and her mother traveled by train to Plainview township to her parents’ farm.   

Frances attended grade school at a country school about ½ mile from home. She and a younger cousin, Elsie Pech, who lived just down the hill from her walked to school together.   

She attended all 8 grades in a one room school house.    After school she had chores to do, such as wash dishes, cream separator, gather eggs, gather corn cobs to burn in the kitchen stove for heating the home and cooking and baking.   

Frances attended high school in Winner, SD and worked for her room and board at the home where she stayed through the week.    She graduated in 1930.  After graduation she returned to her parent’s farm and helped out there.   

She was united in marriage to Merle Hoffine on Oct. 18, 1934 and to this union 3children, Ralph, Donna and Neil were born. They rented a small house in Winner wherethey lived a few months and then purchased a home.    

In August of 1936 they along with Merle’s parents purchased a grocery store and meat market in Hot Springs, SD. They struggled to make a living and lost money due to the fact that customers couldn’t afford to pay their bills.

In the spring of 1941, they came back to Tripp County and rented a farm with buildings.   

In 1943 they purchased a farm.  In 1951 they built a new home.    They lived on the farm until 1979 at which time they moved their home into Winner.       

Merle passed away in November of 1990 and Frances resided there until December of 2012 at which time she went into the Winner LTC.   

Frances was a member of many organizations over the years which include Hillcrest Ladies Aid, United Methodist Women, Extension Club, Rebecca Lodge, 18 years as a 4-H Leader (with her husband), General Federated Women’s Club and a Plainview Community birthday club.   

She was an avid pitch player and belonged to three pitch clubs.    As a member of the 4-H Leaders Association she along with others from SD attended a 4-H Leaders Forum in Washington DC in 1964.  As a side trip the group attended the World’s Fair in New York City.    She and her husband took several bus tours. They spent several winters in AZ and TX, which they really enjoyed. They purchased a rustic cabin in the Black Hills in 1971 which they remodeled. They enjoyed this cabin immensely for parts of summers for 18 years.   

They loved having children and grandchildren and friends visit them there. In 2012 Frances celebrated her 100th birthday at her home with an open house planned for her by children and grandchildren. All family members were there with the exception of her daughter and one great-granddaughter from Idaho. Many relatives and friends came to wish her a happy birthday. She had a great day.   

In December of 2012 at the age of 100 + 6 months due to a broken bone in her foot which she got during a fall in her kitchen she entered the Winner Nursing Home.   

During the 8 years there she enjoyed playing pitch and bingo even though hearing and eye sight were bad. She celebrated her birthdays 101 through 108 at the LTC planned by sons and wives with lots of family attending.    Attending were as much family as could be there.   

She is survived by children: Donna Atkins, Idaho, Neil (JoAnn) Sundance, WY, daughter-in-law Harriet Hoffine, Hamill, SD, grandchildren; Sheri (Don) Connell, Newport, NE, Terry Hoffine, Hamill, SD, Carmel Steffen, ID, Todd (Tif) Hoffine, GA, Ty (Kerri) Hoffine, AR, Heather Hoffine, CO,Great-Grandchildren; Jennifer, Sarah, Ashley, Samantha, Connell, Breanna, Kira Jo Steffen, Baylie and Ashlyn Hoffine.   

Frances is preceded in death by her husband Merle, son Ralph, her parents Frank and Tillie, brother Raymond Pech, two grandsons Kelly Hoffine and Scott Steffen.