Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Robert Ahlman, 94, of Colome, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, South Dakota. 

Funeral service was  held on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery. 

Robert (Bob) Eldon Ahlman, born on Sept. 8, 1928, to Albert and Roberta (Wygal) Ahlman and surrounded by the love of his family entered his eternal heavenly home on Sept. 3, 2023. He was reunited in glory with his parents, Albert and Roberta Ahlman, his brother, Eugene (Gene) Ahlman, and his beloved wife, JoAnn (Harter) Ahlman, alongside numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who had gone before him.

Bob’s life was one marked by gentleness, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. He spent his formative years on the family ranch, alongside his older brother, Gene. He received his education at Clairmont Country School and graduated from Colome High School in 1948. Following graduation, Bob answered the call to serve his country and joined the National Guard, actively contributing for several years.

In March of 1950, Bob married the love of his life, JoAnn Harter, and together they embarked on a 72-year journey filled with love and togetherness. To this beautiful union, they were blessed with four daughters: Peggy Ann, Glenda Lee, Susan Jean, and Lori Jane.

Bob was not just a model family man; he was also a brilliant fabricator. There was no piece of machinery that he couldn’t fix, earning him the trust and respect of countless farmers and ranchers throughout south-central South Dakota. In 1973, he and JoAnn decided to start a new chapter in their lives, selling their acreage to open Bob’s Machine Shop in Colome. However, even with their move to town, Bob never strayed too far from his roots, traveling each weekend back to the family farm to help his brother, Gene.

Bob was a dedicated member of the South Dakota Welders Association, demonstrating his commitment to his craft. He served his community as the mayor of Colome, contributed as a volunteer firefighter, and faithfully attended and served at the United Methodist Church. His life was a testament to the values of faith, hard work, humility, and family.

In his spare time, Bob found joy in reading, hunting, solving puzzles, and teaching his grandkids to play checkers. He relished Sunday drives on dirt roads and the simple pleasure of a hearty meal, with meat and potatoes, followed by sweet tea and dessert. Bob had a passion for sharing his knowledge of machines and interests in history and geography with those around him. He lovingly shared in the joys and sorrows of his family, making his days truly rich in love and work.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will forever be cherished by his family. While he will be greatly missed, his gentleness, his loving eyes, his mischievous raised eyebrow, and his endearing wink will live on in our memories.

Those fortunate enough to have shared their lives with Bob are his daughters: Peggy Soper, Glenda Simer, Susan (Rob) Saunders, and Lori Haukaas. Thirteen grandchildren including:  Eric Brown, Danta (Barry) Simonson, Crystal Allen, Allissa (Alex) Gurnsey, Chris (Michelle) Sachtjen, Connor (Cassie) Sachtjen, Beth Larsen, Bonnie (Ken Harkins) Saunders, Erica (Ivan) Beck, Jacque Haukaas, Lacey Brubaker, Paige Haukaas and Peter (Cheyenne) Haukaas.  Twenty-six great-grandchildren including:  Taylor (Cody) Ratz, Devon Simonsen, Ciara Allen, Jordyne Hoffman, Lacy Sachtjen, Layton Sachtjen, Laila Sachtjen, Boyd Sachtjen, Bo Sachtjen, Harley Hall, David Hall, Frankie Harkins, Grace Harkins, Ethan (Angela) Beck, Aidan Beck, Ayla Beck, Amir Hariri, Javon Haukaas, Korbin Miller, Mila Johnson, Isabelle Brubaker, Landon Brubaker, Ace Brubaker, Paxtyn Miller, Whitlee Haukaas, Bodee Haukaas.  Three great-great grandchildren, including:  Cash Wheeler, Reagan Kahler and Nora Beck.               

In celebrating the life of Robert Eldon Ahlman, we remember a man who lived with purpose, integrity, and an abundance of love. The significance of his life will continue to shine brightly through the lives of those he touched. Rest in peace, Papa Bob, until we meet again.

With heavy hearts, it was  announce the passing of Patricia (Pat) Florence Hall on Sept. 3, 2023, a devoted wife, caring mother, grandmother, friend, and a pillar of love within her community.

Pat, born on July 15, 1942, in Okreek, South Dakota, touched the lives of many through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

Patricia was the beloved wife of Wayne (Baldy) Hall, a partnership that exemplified enduring love and companionship. Alongside her husband, Pat shared her heart with their faithful dog, Stella, a constant source of joy in their lives.

As a mother, Pat’s dedication knew no bounds. She leaves behind three sons who were the center of her world. Jess Hall (Merri Jo), his four children: Darcy Swanson, Janette Cummings, Jay Hall, and Traci Kyder. Justin Hall (Rachel) and their two children: Morgan Hall and Natalie Hall. Jason Hall (Karissa) and their four children: Peyton Hall Jones, Karson Hall, Larkin Hall, and Jeslyn Hall. Pat felt blessed to be surrounded by her eight great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy and happiness.

Pat’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. Her passion for gardening mirrored her ability to nurture relationships, and she was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a special place in her heart for the elders in her community, often visiting and providing assistance to bring happiness to their lives.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Viola Haukaas and Henry John Haukaas, and her siblings John Henry Haukaas, Anthony Lee Haukaas, Mable Margaret Emery, Sidney Whetam Haukaas, Martin Nels Haukaas and her niece Malia Emery. She is survived by her siblings Henrietta (Hank) Joens, Peter Lewis Haukaas, Cora May Dale, Dorothy Marie Nelson, Jay Sokol, and all of her nieces and nephews.

In this time of remembrance, let us celebrate Pat’s life, her boundless love, and the countless lives she touched.

Patricia Hall’s legacy will live on through the memories she created and the love she shared. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Feeding South Dakota, a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication to caring for others.

Duane Everett Brunkow, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD after a brief battle with cancer. 

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Sept.  12, 2023, at 11 am with a visitation 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

Duane was born on March 11, 1936, to Clarice (Frank) and Clarence Brunkow in Western, NE, where he lived until he was 9.  He then moved to Ideal, SD. Later he and his mother moved to Winner, SD.  He graduated from Winner High School in 1955. 

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1957 to 1960.

Duane was united in marriage to Joan (Bolander) on May 20, 1962, they shared 61 wonderful years together and they had three children Janet, Doug and Julie.

He joined the South Dakota National Guard in 1978 where he served for 18 years. During his service he was activated and deployed to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.

He was an active volunteer in Winner, SD.  He was a volunteer fireman, drove over 35,000 miles for DAV taking veterans to medical appointments, and was a lifetime member of the VFW and the Legion.

Duane held several jobs during his lifetime, but his favorite was building.  He made items for his family as gifts and when requested.  He also drove cars for area car dealerships as he loved to drive and be on the road.  He also loved sports and hunting.  Family was extremely important to Duane, and he loved to visit and spend time with all his extended family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Joan, daughter Janet (Dave) Kauer of Sioux Falls, SD; son Doug (Kristine) of Sacramento, CA; and daughter Julie (Erin) Peterson of Omaha, NE.  Grandchildren Amanda (Jay) Bhatt, Isabella, Issak and Sophia Brunkow, Ella and Adam Peterson.  Great-Grandchild Arjun Bhatt.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Clarice Brunkow.