Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Funeral services for Irene (Jerke) Anderson, 95, were held Nov. 18 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Hot Springs.

Burial was at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.

She was born Dec. 23, 1928, in Menno. Anderson grew up south of Carter and graduated from Witten High School.

For over 20 years she lived in Kansas City, Mo.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie; grandchildren Elizabeth and Alex; brother, Clarence and eight nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert.

A proud South Dakotan, Irene loved to learn about South Dakota history. She was an accomplished seamstress, hobby gardener and baker.

Funeral services for Michael L. “Mike” Reuman, 63, of Kennebec, SD will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kennebec with burial in the Kennebec Cemetery at Kennebec, SD.  Visitation will begin Friday at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. scripture service at St. Michael’s Church in Kennebec, SD. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established in the Lyman County area.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Michael Lon Reuman; our beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and dedicated farmer, who died peacefully at the age of 63 on Nov. 23, 2024 at the Sanford Chamberlain Hospital/Care Center.

Born on March 27, 1961, in Mitchell, SD, Mike entered into the world to his proud parents, Nola and Paul (Cork) Reuman.  From a young age, Mike showed a deep love for farming.  He told his mom that he was going to follow in his dad’s footsteps if he could find them!  Mike spent hours and hours learning the rhythms of farming from his parents, grandparents and neighbors, and later built his own legacy as a hard-working, hands-on farmer.  Farming was more than just a livelihood; it was his passion and he poured his heart and soul into his land for many years.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Volmer, on Feb. 15, 1985.  Together they shared just shy of 40 years of love and adventure together.  To this union, two sons were born; Drew Michael and Reed Todd.  Mike adored his sons and took great pride in teaching them about the importance of hard work.  Although tough on them at times, he always found a way to make sure they were taken care of in any way that he could.

He also enjoyed sharing his hobbies with his boys.  Riding motorcycle, riding snow mobile, dirt-biking, and hunting were his favorite past-times with his family and friends.  Doing these activities was living for Mike. He spent many years riding out in the Black Hills with his loved ones, and found great joy in attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year.  He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and spread his love for his team to his family.  Sundays were some of his favorite days to have family over to bet on the games and see how the season would turn out for not only his team, but the teams that his closest family members enjoyed, too.

Unfortunately, on May 31, 2016, Mike’s life was turned upside down when he found himself completely paralyzed after he ran into a sink hole on his dirt-bike checking his fields.  He spent the first five months after his accident in Sioux Falls, SD, and Lincoln, NE, at the best rehabilitation facilities in America trying to get his feet back under him from his injury, Central Cord Syndrome.  His main goal when he was discharged was to be able to walk and drive tractor and combine again.  With hard work and determination, he did just that; in fact, Mike continued to farm alongside his son Drew as his condition would allow up until the end of fall harvest of 2023.

Following his accident, Mike also became a grandpa to five beautiful grandchildren; Dutch, Brooks, Kirbi, Kinsley and Clyde.  These five blessings were the apples of his eye; he loved spending time with them. They brought him so much happiness and made the tough days better.

Alongside Mike’s love for his family and the outdoors, Mike was a friend to many.  He would lend a hand to a neighbor in a heartbeat and would share a word of advice to those that needed it the most.  His sense of humor, hearty storytelling, and ability to make others laugh while playing a game of pitch or watching a favorite sitcom made him a joy to be around.  Mike’s easygoing nature and grin will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; children Drew (Brittany) Reuman and Reed (Courtney) Reuman; grandchildren Dutch, Brooks, Kirbi, Kinsley, and Clyde; Brother, Craig (Jody) Reuman, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nola Reuman, and in-laws, Delmer and Delores Volmer.

Special thanks to the medical teams at Sanford and Avera in Sioux Falls, Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, NE, and Omaha, NE, Sanford Chamberlain Clinic, Hospital, Care Center and Therapies.  We are forever grateful to your commitment to Mike’s journey the past 8 years.

Don’t count the years…make the years count.

Funeral services for Vera Hauf, 87, Colome, were held Nov. 22 at the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Burial will be in the Colome Cemetery at a later date.

Vera Mae (Condon) Hauf was born in Winner, SD on Jan. 10, 1937, to Harold and Emma (Goodman) Condon. She was joined by two brothers, Donald and Monte. Vera went to country school through the 8th grade and was a graduate of Colome High School Class of 1955.

A woman of immense strength and character, Vera was known for her hard work, her love of family, and her exceptional cooking. She worked for many years as the cook for the Colome School District, where her homemade meals — especially her famous soup and the largest, most delicious cinnamon rolls — became a local legend. Students and faculty alike looked forward to the comfort of Vera’s kitchen, knowing they were in for a treat every time they saw “soup” on the menu.

Vera’s culinary talents extended far beyond the school cafeteria. For years she cooked on Thursday nights where she took charge of the kitchen at the Colome American Legion, cooking her steaks with precision and care. Vera’s cooking was more than just a skill — it was a gift, and she shared it freely with all who crossed her path.

Vera and LaMoine spent many winters in Texas, where they made lasting friendships with people they met along the way. Despite the challenges of aging, Vera continued to crochet beautiful handmade items, and though her eyesight eventually made this difficult, her creations will be treasured by those who received them.

Vera passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 11, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Vera is survived by her devoted husband, LaMoine of 35 years; her daughter Christina Luebke of Inver Grove Heights, MN; daughters-in-law Teresa Duley, Marina Duley, and Kristi Bender along with many cherished nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four of her children: Darrell Duley, Thomas Duley, Kathy Hutton, and Andrew Bender; her beloved mother Emma and father Harold; and both of her brothers, Monte and Donald (Butch).

Vera’s presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. She was a woman who lived her life with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to others.

We are grateful to all who have joined us in this moment of remembrance, and we invite you to share your stories and memories of Vera.

As Vera always reminded us, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift.” Take this to heart — hug your loved ones, forgive any grievances, and cherish every moment, for none of us know what tomorrow may bring. May Vera’s memory live on in all the lives she touched.

Ruth Benedict, age 81, passed away peacefully the 18th of November in 2024 at the Winner Regional Nursing Home. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and dear friend to many.

Funeral services were held Nov. 23 at the First Christian Church in Winner. Burial was in the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

Ruth Marie (Sund) Benedict was born on Jan. 21, 1943 in Winner, South Dakota, the third child to Eldon and Ruth (Burdick) Sund. Ruth spent her childhood in Winner, filled with love, laughter and kindness alongside her 14 siblings. She later graduated from Winner High School.

Ruth met the love of her life, Bob Benedict, in 1966, then marrying Jan. 21, 1967 at the Catholic Church in Winner. Soon thereafter, they were blessed with Bill Benedict, born in 1969, and Judy (Benedict) Davis, born in 1971, she found solace and joy in the simple moments with her family. She was loved by four grandchildren: Blake Benedict, Brandon Benedict, Skyler Metzger, and Spencer Davis; six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She worked tirelessly through various occupations, where she was respected with her dedication and hard work. In her free time, Ruth enjoyed cross stitch and sewing blankets from various fabrics but always had a stash of denim patches to incorporate.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Larry, Pat, and Ben; her sister Janet; and in-laws and other family members.

Ruth Marie (Sund) Benedict may have left this world, but her love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Funeral services for Joyce Lloydell Horgen were held Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner. Burial was in Winner Cemetery.

Joyce was born in the Winner Hospital in Winner, South Dakota, on Oct. 21, 1938, to Velma (Nelsen) and Lloyd Anderson.  Her parents always said that her first name came from the joy of having a healthy baby.  Her middle name was coined by her mother as she was the first born in the family and needed a middle name to honor her father’s first name.

Joyce grew up on the family farm in Ideal.  She attended elementary school all eight years at the Ideal School and did farm chores after school.  During the summers, she painted most of the outlying buildings on the farm.  When high school days came, Joyce stayed in town during the week.  Her folks brought her into town on Sunday evening and picked her up on Friday after school.  She enjoyed math and English and liked sewing clothes in home economics.  “Tough as Bricks,” Joyce was a proud member of the WHS Class of 1956.

Wanting to be a teacher, Joyce attended Southern State Teacher’s College for two years on a tuition scholarship.  She was in choir and band at college.  After graduation, she was hired to teach elementary education in Winner.  In June of 1958 Joyce was in a horrific automobile accident which, due to a broken leg, caused her to teach using crutches during the first year and a quarter of her career.  She taught for four years, then went back to college to earn her degree.  After earning her BS Degree she was hired again to teach in Winner.  Here she met her future husband, Gordon, who taught at the high school.  Gordon and Joyce were married Aug. 14, 1966.  The school newspaper’s headline read, “Winner High School Teacher Marries Ideal Woman.”  She always thought that headline was funny.  She started to attend summer schools at Black Hills State College in 1969 and received her MS Degree in 1972.  She and Gordon had a son, Bret, in 1974.

Joyce continued to teach in elementary and junior high grades in Winner for a total of 42 years and served as a substitute teacher after retirement.  Joyce was a lifelong member of the Ideal Presbyterian Church.  She was also a life member of the VFW Auxiliary.  As a 30-year breast cancer survivor, Joyce had many friends through Sisters and Survivors and Relay for Life.

Survivors include her son, Bret; brother, Larry (Dodie) Anderson; brother-in-law, Larry Horgen; nieces and nephews, Leslie (Jeff) Alvarez, Bobbi Jo (Martin) Price, Toby (Camille) Anderson, Sara (Jerome) Cox, Ryan Horgen; and many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends.

Preceding Joyce in death were her husband Gordon and her parents Lloyd and Velma Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Sisters and Survivors, the Caregiver Support Network, or the Relay for Life groups in the Winner area.

A LIFE CELEBRATED

Joyce Lloydell Horgen

Funeral services

First Christian Church

Winner, South Dakota

Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 10:30AM