Author Archives: Colton Hall

Ruby Fernen, age 92, of Winner, passed away on December 11, 2015 at her home. Funeral Services were held a Monday, December 14, 2015 at the Church of the Nazarene in Winner. Burial followed at the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Mission.

Ruby was born on April 25th, 1923. Ruby was the third of six children born to Leonard and Emma (Fuchs) Fernen. She had four sisters and one brother they were raised on a farm near Mission. She resided on the family farm until she came to Winner on April 23, 1986 to a new home at Community Connections Inc.

Ruby was a woman of strong faith who brightened the days of all that knew her. She was determined and accomplished many things throughout her life. She was someone who loved to laugh, joke but also cared strongly for those close to her. She enjoyed attending the Nazarene Church singing hymns and continuing to build her knowledge and relationship with God.

Donald Wayne Zimbelman, 87, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Donald was born on Nov. 5, 1928 to Paul and Alice (Stoltenberg) Zimbelman in Millboro, SD. He was the oldest brother of Robert and Allen “Fritz”.

Don joined the Army in June of 1951 and was honorably discharged on Feb. 29, 1952. He married Delores Steinke on Sept. 27, 1952 in Winner. To their union, they were blessed with six children.

Don sold Fuller brush, and would leave the house in the early mornings to make house calls and would often leave a Bible tract wherever he visited. Don then worked for many local construction companies before retiring in 1983. He loved spending time in the beautiful outdoors, with hobbies such as camping, fishing, hunting, and trapping.

Don never met a stranger; a friend to everyone he met. His home was home to many dear people who needed a place to lay their head down. Don’s devotion was God, family, and friends. He taught Sunday school for boys and was active in Royal Rangers. His love for his grand and great grandchildren included babysitting and teaching them to hunt, fish, chop wood, and many other things the kids would keep a secret.

Rose M. (Kunde) Diez, daughter of Rose (Manley) and William Kunde, was born Jan. 14, 1923 in Dixon, Nebraska along with her twin, Rita Kunde Jares. Rose grew up on a farm near Clearfield, South Dakota and graduated from Winner High School. After graduation she attended Notre Dame College in Mitchell, South Dakota receiving her teaching certificate. Rose then returned to the Winner area where she taught for her entire teaching career in both country schools and in the town of Winner. There are many stories of the differences Rose made in the young lives of the students she taught. She was chosen teacher of the year in 1991, an honor which was well deserved and of which she was very proud. Rose was passionate about education, both teaching others and educating herself. While raising children, being a farmer’s wife and a teacher, she continued her education and completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota.

Rose met the love of her life, Carl Diez Jr., whom she married on June 24th, 1947. They were married for 47 years until Carl’s passing in 1994.

During their marriage they lived on their farm near Clearfield until 1979 when they moved into Winner. During that time they raised six children.

Rose’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. She taught catechism in Clearfield and in Winner. In addition she was an active member of Catholic daughters in Winner for many years.

Maurice Francis Kramer was born March 1, 1926 to William and Alice (Higgins) Kramer in Stuart, NE. He was the seventh of nine children. He grew up on the family ranch where he enjoyed riding horses and hunting. Maurice graduated from Stuart High School.

Maurice joined the Army in 1946 and served in Japan during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1947.

Maurice met Fern Chambers at a dance in Stuart. They were married at The Catholic Church in Stuart, NE on November 15, 1948. Maurice worked on a ranch near Stuart until they purchased a ranch in Tripp County in 1954. Maurice and Fern had six children—Karen, Anne, Lee, Gary, Janice, and Tommy.

Maurice loved breaking and riding horses. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan. Maurice enjoyed deer hunting—hunting for meat not antlers! Maurice was a hard working rancher taking pride in the quality of cattle and hogs that he raised. When the work was done Maurice and Fern enjoyed going to the dances at Carlock.