Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Bernice Abby Holthus was born to Clyde and Nellie Pharris in Winner, SD on Nov. 21, 1932.  She passed away on Sept. 22, 2020 in Gregory, SD at the age of 87.    

Bernice was the second youngest of eight and grew up on a farm south of Winner where she developed her love for horses and taking care of animals. She graduated from Winner High School in 1951. After high school, she helped her father and mother on the farm and also helped her father put up windmills for area ranchers. She always had a special place in her heart for windmills.   

Bernice also worked for a few families as a nanny and took a job with Donald and Agnes Holthus when their youngest son, David, was born.    While there, she met Donald’s youngest brother, Jake, just before he was drafted into the Korean War.    

Bernice married Alvin (Jake) Holthus in 1955 and moved to the farm in Hamill where they raised three children; Crystal, Dennis and DeEtta; and a few other kids that landed on their doorstep, including Roger Fiala and quite often, her nephew, Mitch Ptacek.   

She always had a large garden with vegetables and fruit trees and loved to can everything possible.  She loved to cook and bake. She had lots of animals and many horses that kept her busy as well as working the farm with Jake. She could work cattle all day and be back to the house with supper on the table before anyone knew she was gone.       

Bernice also enjoyed hunting season when she would have a house full of hunters to feed. It was her favorite time of year next to Christmas. 

Bernice was a devout Christian and had a special relationship with Jesus and a philosophy that Jake did not always agree with but left it alone and that was not to turn any animal away that showed up at her house just in case she was being tested by God. Bernice was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hamill and spent lots of time working projects and events with the LWML, Ladies Aid group.   

Bernice was also one of the founding members of the Hamill Horseman’s Club and always looked forward to each rodeo season and watching many kids grow up in that arena. Bernice was also an excellent rodeo mom and you could always find her at the 4-H and high school rodeos in the stands, with her sunflower seeds, keeping scores and times ,and cheering for the kids. She cherished those times with her friends and family.     

Bernice worked many years at the Homestyle Café in Colome and the café at the Winner Livestock Auction and enjoyed taking care of the patrons and visiting with old and new friends.       

Bernice was an active member of the Winner DAV, Colome American Legion, the Rural Letter Carriers Association, the Southern Bell Cattlewomen, the Tripp County Historical Society and the Tripp County Thrivent Chapter.     

Bernice and Jake moved to their house in Winner in 2003. Jake passed away in 2006 and Bernice stayed in Winner until illness took her health and she moved to the nursing home in Gregory in 2018.    

Bernice is survived by her oldest sister, Grace Sattler, Rogers, AR; daughter, Crystal (Dusty) Needham, Hamill, SD; son, Dennis Holthus, Hamill, SD; daughter, DeEtta (Wayne) Mathisen, Keenesburg, CO; and Roger Fiala, Carter SD; three grandchildren; Christopher Stieha, Joey Stieha and Cheyenne Needham; two great-grandchildren; Jacob Stieha and Gus Plumbtree; four step-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.      

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake; her mother and father; her mother-in-law and father-in-law; two brothers; four sisters; eight brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law and one step-great-grandchild.

A Prayer Service was    held at the Hamill Hall on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. . Funeral services for Bernice was Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. in Hamill, SD at the Hamill Hall.   

Burial was  at the Hamill Cemetery.    Reception to follow at the Hamill Hall.

Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Harder was held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020 at Corpus Christ Catholic Church, Newcastle, WY. Rosary service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 9    at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Newcastle, WY.    Interment    followed at Greenwood Cemetery. 

Tom Harder, 86, of Newcastle, WY died the morning of Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020.    He was born to Sophia and Elmer Harder on Aug. 23, 1934 in Gregory, SD.    Tom was the youngest of four boys and his father died before having the opportunity to meet him.

He graduated from Gregory High School in 1952 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.    After an honorable discharge, he earned his master’s degree in education from South Dakota State University.

Tom met and married Shirley (Modine), his wife of 57 years, and they began their life in Winner, SD. In 1968 they moved to Newcastle, WY where they raised their four kids. He worked for Newcastle High School as a guidance counselor and golf and football coach for over 20 years. Tom had a true passion for his family and sports. He looked forward to cards with the guys and a trip or two to Deadwood. He also enjoyed attending the University of Wyoming football games.   

Tom is survived by his wife Shirley, brother Jim (Gladys) of SD, sister-in-law Gladys (NE), sister-in-law Jeanann (SD), sons Brad (Christine) WY, Mike (Leslie) FL, Dan WY and daughter Nikol (CO); grandkids Mashayla, Ryan and Olivia and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the Newcastle Country Club or to a charity of your choice in his name. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary 111 South Railroad Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701. Condolences may also be expressed at www.meridianmortuary.com

Charles Horton, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Sept. 25, 2020 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.     A memorial service was held on Tuesday Sept. 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial will be at a later date.   

Charles was born in a log cabin, down in the Niobrara Canyons of Springview, NE, which is still standing, but needs horses or 4 wheelers to get to it. Charles was born to Arthur Albert Horton and Mildred Amanda (Amick) Horton.   

He went to grade school until 6th grade, in which he had to leave to start helping on the farm because of his dad being ill. Then Charles proceded by joining the military from 1950 to 1953. He served in the KoreanWar working in the motor pool.

Later doing welding in Seattle, WA Charles married his first wife Rea jean May Rowley on Jan. 25, 1958. They then moved to Springview, NE in 1960. Two years later in 1963 the moved to Winner, SD where Charles worked as a farmer, rancher, welder, and machinery until they divorced in1983. Then Charles married Sylvia Fisher on Sept. 1, 1984.   

Charles loved to fish all the time, working on wood projects, cars, and welding.   

Charles is a beloved father that’s survived by daughter Thelma (Mike Van Steenwyk). Brothers and sisters: Wayne N. Horton, Frances A. Rosengren, Fren D. Kramer, and Kenneth D. Horton, along with all nieces and nephews and their kids. He is also survived by granddaughter, Marlena Van Steenwyk. Great grandkids: Jake Horton, Amethyst Van Steekwyk, Jewel Van Steenwyk, Kalob Horton, Ruby Van Steenwyk, and Jordan Horton Beins. Step-kids and grandkids: Dave (Marie) Fisher- children Carmen, Chad, Craig, and Crystal; Terry (Kate) Fisher- child Mandy; Diane Brown- children Mike, Kip, and Teddy; Randy Fisher- children Shawn, Shannon, Megan, and Devon; Greg (Kerry) Fisher- children Noah, Neely, and Quinn. Charles is also survived by his ex-wife Jean Horton (Elkhorn, NE). Charles is preceded in death by: Daughter Patricia Ann Horton 1961, Son Stanley A. Horton 2020. Parents Art and Mildred Horton of Springview, NE. Sister Erna Horton. Stepdaughter Linda Fisher and 2ndwife Sylvia Horton.

Charles was loved by many grandkids and great grandkids, other family members and many friends far and near.

Lenda L. Schnabel was born in Orvelle, Calif., on Sept. 15, 1953, to George and Iola (Gramps) Hendrix. Lenda spent her younger years with her grandparents. After their passing she was put in foster care with her younger brother and sister. Les and Thelma Tuner took them in and they moved to a ranch near Cody, NE where she attended high school. 

On Nov. 29, 1969 Lenda married Randy Schnabel of Colome, SD, in the Lutheran church in Valentine, Neb. To this marriage two sons were born, Reginald and Dustin. Lenda & Randy lived on the farm south west of Colome, SD, where they ranched and milked cows. In 1985 they moved to Mt. Vernon, Wash. Randy managed a produce and berry farm and Lenda managed an art studio.

After five years they moved back to the farm where Lenda enjoyed feeding the dairy calves, tending her flower garden and decorating her home. As her health began to wane they moved closer to a hospital where she received kidney dialysis treatments. She also was in heart failure.     

Lenda passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls on Tuesday Aug. 25,2020, at the age of 66.   

Lenda was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. 

Lenda is survived by her husband of fifty years Randy of Dallas, her sons Reginald of Gregory, and Dustin (Amber) of Mitchell, SD; sisters-in-law Sherry Mansheim of Billings, MT, and Lucie Schnabel of Gregory, SD; brother Marion (Elizabeth) of Lake Charles, LA; sister Shirley Hendrix of O’Neill, NE; foster sisters Debbie Gallaway of Nenzel, NE, and Darcy Turner of Reno, NV; foster brother Danny Turner; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.   

A private celebration of life was held to remember Lenda.

Eunice Krogman, 94, of White River, SD passed away on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020    at the White River Rodeo Grounds in White River, SD. Burial followed in the Krogman Family Cemetery. 

 Eunice Amanda (Gunner) Krogman was born March 14, 1926 to Gustaf and Signe (Johansson) Gunner at their home northeast of White River. Mrs. Mueller, a friend and neighbor, helped deliver Eunice. Gus went to town to get the Doctor, but he arrived too late to assist with the delivery. Eunice was told, her Dad took the Doctor back to town and the Dr. STILL charged him.    Eunice was greeted at home by her brother Carl (Swede), and sisters Christine, Mabel and Vera Mae.   

When Eunice was 8years old she lost her best friend, sister, Vera Mae, to a childhood disease. Eunice went to school at White Mountain school for 1st and 2nd grade.    The school closed due to lack of students so Eunice rode the MaComber Bus to White River School. When she was in the 7th grade the Gunners moved to White River.   

Eunice was seen on numerous occasions riding her horse, Flossie, around town or out to the country to visit her sister, Mabel.  When not on a horse, she was on a bicycle…usually with a friend riding on the handle bars!    In May of 1944, Eunice graduated from White River High School. 

 After graduation she got a job at the Mellette Co. Courthouse as Deputy Treasurer.  When Eunice was 21 she lost her mother to a heart condition.   

On Aug. 24, 1949, 23 year old Eunice married Louie Krogman and moved to the ranch south of White River. She instantly became a Mom to teenagers, Ronnie and Dorothy, and nine year old Barbetta. She often gave credit to Dorothy for teaching her to cook for a bunch of men. A year later, Stanley joined the family, followed by Casey, Steve, Lorena and Neil. During these years Eunice stayed busy cooking for her family and hired men, raising chickens, milking cows and supporting Louie in his horse and cattle endeavors.

She continued her love for horses and cattle and was excited to go to the pasture to see the colts & calves every chance she got. She was inspirational in making Krogman Quarter Horses what it is today.  She cherished the “horse” friends she made during the years. Regardless, if they showed up at her doorstep to look at horses or at the Annual Krogman Horse Sale. 

Louie passed away in December of 1991. Eunice attended several ball games and rodeos that her kids and grandkids were involved in and always asked “How did they do?”, when she could not be there. Her grandkids were very important and she loved to spoil them with food. Cookies, pie, cake, pop, bread, cinnamon rolls, etc… And she always had a frozen pizza, “that would just take no time at all”! She also, LOVED horse races!!   

When she was young she told of having to quick give her horse a bath so her Dad would not know she was racing her horse.      In her later years, during her fight with dementia TVG Network Horse Racing kept her very entertained. Eunice loved to have FUN.    She had several stories about her bus trips and with her sister-in-law, Mary. She told of the many times they got in trouble on bus trips because the bus had to wait for them. Because they would get “lost” or lag behind looking at things they found interesting. S

he was always ready for a game of cards. Family would often meet at her house, usually during bad weather, for a game of “Aggravate your Neighbor”.  She subscribed to the Rapid City Journal because she liked the “funny paper”.  After all Steve was named after Steve Canyon who was her favorite comic strip at that time.   

Eunice loved her hollyhocks that usually grew so tall that she had to cut paths so her “view” of the barn was not blocked.  Her chickens, cats and dog were also very important to her, and gave her pleasure for several years.    She had “HER” way to feed all her special animals and you best not improvise!

Over the years, Eunice was a member of Riverview Club, Mellette County Cattlewomen, Rebekah Lodge, Cottonwood Ladies Aid, Historical Society and Senior Citizens.  All activities and appointments had to be scheduled around her “club meetings”.  At these meetings she was loved by all because she always gave you a reason to LAUGH!!  Dominos at Senior Citizens was always entertaining because Eunice was always thinking of some way to cheat!

Eunice had triple bypass surgery in 1998, then a broken hip in 2015 that left her using a walker. She was always considerate and kind and never, ever missed saying “Thank You” for absolutely Every Thing, even when the dementia made life so difficult.   

When she would get a Thank You in the mail her first thought was to mail a Thank You for the Thank You she received!

Blessed for being part of her life are Ronnie and family, Pierre; Dorothy and her family , Barbetta and family, Stanley and family, Casey (Ida) and family , Steve (Leigh) and family, Lorena (Gene) Hight and family, Neil (Kristi) and family all from White River.

She also leaves several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances that will cherish her memory.

Eunice passed away peacefully on Sept. 7, 2020.    Eunice was the last of her generation to enter heaven. 

Greeting her is her husband, parents, brother and sisters; as well as many special in laws, family and friends. Her wish to be riding horses again has come true and that “Flossie” is probably in a full sweat! Thank You…!

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the White River Grandstand Committee.