Category Archives: Local

Sara O’Bryan Bradford, 22, of Colome, SD passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Colome Vets Hall in Colome, SD.  Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the Colome Vets Hall from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service  at 7 p.m.

Sara Marie O’Bryan Bradford was born at 1lb 12 oz on Sept. 15, 2001 in Sioux Falls, SD. She passed away at her home on April 9, 2024. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. Sara continued to love the Lord and read her bible and devotions faithfully.

Growing up, Sara spent time on the farm with her Uncle Ferman and Aunt Sally Harter. Those were special times for her. Sara received a horse from Julie Ann Farley which she named Star. They developed a very special relationship as she nursed Star to health and broke him to ride. During her high school years she developed physical limitations so she took an interest in photography. Sara especially loved taking pictures of rodeos, landscapes, and sunsets.  When relaxing at home Sara enjoyed reading books and writing poems.

Some of Sara’s fondest memories were working with Lisa Forgey at the Feed Mill. During high school she also worked at the family business, Dan’s Last Shot. She graduated from Colome High School in 2020. After graduating she went to farrier school in Nebraska. She later worked in Mitchell, SD cleaning apartments, detailing cars, and helping operate a clothing and candy store. Sara left Mitchell, moving to Gettysburg, SD where she lived when she met the love of her life, Dylan.

Dylan and Sara were married in Colome on Sept. 2, 2023. They lived for a time in New Evarts as Dylan worked for Bradford Construction with his dad. Later they moved to Colome where they both worked at Dan’s Last Shot. Dylan started Diamond B Construction in Colome, while Sara was employed at the Winner Stockman’s Café at the time of her death. They enjoyed watching movies together, going on drives through the countryside to the river, going to rodeos, grabbing ice cream treats and fishing at the river.

Sara battled mental health for many years but was loved and surrounded faithfully by her family and God.

She is survived by her husband Dylan Bradford, her parents Dan and Heidi O’Bryan (Colome SD), brother Kelly O’Bryan (Ellendale ND), parents-in-law Clayton and Roxana Bradford (Selby SD),  brothers-in-law Nathan Bradford and Cooper Bradford (Selby SD), sister-in-law Tomi and Thomas (Bridger and Peyton) Dryer (Selby SD), grandmothers Marty Bliese (Gettysburg, SD) and Eileen Tobin (Parkston SD), grandparents-in-law Donald and Kathleen Hauck (Mobridge SD), Robert and Betsy Bradford (Belen, NM), Yvonne Kohn (Selby SD), special aunt and uncle Sally and Ferman Harter (Colome SD) along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Ralph Tobin, Mick Bliese, Dick and Mavis O’Bryan, and grandfather-in-law William Kohn.

Loretta Diez, 60, of Apple Valley MN, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 in St. Paul MN. 

Graveside service will be held on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Hall.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt and friend, Loretta Diez.  Loretta was born in Winner, South Dakota on April 8, 1963 to Rose and Carl Diez.  She was the youngest of six children.  She grew up on the family farm near Clearfield, SD and spent her first years of school attending Star Prairie country school one mile from their home.  She graduated from Winner High School in 1981.  She then attended the University of South Dakota where she made lifelong friends.

She enjoyed participating in pageants and was crowned Miss Winner, Miss USD and Miss State Fair.  Sadly, she was paralyzed in a car accident in May of 1985.  Even after her accident she went on to crown the next Miss State Fair.

In 1985, at the age of 22, Loretta furthered her education pursing a master’s degree in counseling psychology.  She had a successful career, culminating in building her own leadership coaching business.  She made such a positive impact on the many who had the honor of knowing her and she leaves behind a meaningful legacy.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends.  She enjoyed the Diez family reunions in the Black Hills and loved to spoil her nieces and nephews and cuddle with her great nieces and nephews. 

Plays and concerts were among her favorite experiences.  Her trips to Rome, Barcelona, Paris, London, Venice and Florence were special highlights for her.

She left this world appropriately on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2024 in the loving home and in the loving arms of her sister Margo in Saint Paul, Minn.  Even while her body succumbed to the cancer that ravaged her physically, she remained mentally strong and fought hard to stay with us.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Rose Diez, and her brother Michael. 

She is survived by sister Monica (Bob) Muth, sister-in-law June Diez, sister Margo (Dan) Osadchuk, brother Jack (Starla) Diez, sister Merna (Randy) Greer and 14 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews and her many friends.

Courtney Paige Brozik, 45, of Winner, SD, returned home to her Heavenly Father on April 14, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

 Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. 

As with life, her family was by her side endlessly until she began her eternal life. As much as we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we find comfort in knowing that her fight is over and she is now in Heaven watching over us, until we meet again.

Courtney was the first child born on July 29, 1978, to the union of Ron and Judy McCready.  Joining her as siblings in this family were Tyler in 1980 and Zach in 1984.  Courtney was born and raised in Winner, and ultimately returned to Winner to raise her family.   She graduated from Winner High School in 1996 and pursued her secondary education at South Dakota State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2000. Courtney later attended the University of South Dakota and obtained her graduate certificate in Child & Adult Advocacy Studies in December of 2022.

On Aug. 17, 2002, Courtney entered into her Godly marriage and lifelong commitment with Jon Weston Brozik.  This loyal and joyful partnership was blessed with two children, Ellie and Maxton.  They lived their entire lives and raised their family in Winner, South Dakota.

After completing her schooling, Courtney began a career of service of helping others.  Her first opportunity began at the Chamberlain Academy in Chamberlain, South Dakota.  Next, Courtney worked for the South Dakota Department of Social Services in the Child Protection division.  In 2004, she began her career with Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services in Winner, South Dakota, and was employed in that capacity until the time of her passing.  Throughout her lifetime and employment, she has positively impacted countless lives, often times going without notice or recognition.

Courtney is a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran church in Winner, South Dakota.  She also served as a board member for the Tripp County Library and was a member of the Winner Rotary Club and Winner Quarterback Club.

She was an avid sports fan of the children in Winner, especially her Lady Warriors and Warriors.  She could always be found following and supporting her children, Ellie and Maxton, in all of their activities.  If there happened to be two of the kids’ activities at the same time, she would follow one, while still following the other through livestream. They were her pride and joy!

When Courtney wasn’t giving herself to the area children, organizations, agencies, or following her children, she found joy in her own activities.  She loved to scrapbook, collect antiques and refurbish them, and spend countless hours on the phone with her closest friends.  She was a concert enthusiast, always ready to go, no matter the performer or location.  She cherished her time spent with her closest friends.

Courtney is lovingly remembered by her husband Jon and their two children Ellie and Maxton Brozik,  parents Ron and Judy McCready (Winner), Jim and Linda Brozik (Winner), and Marcy Fifield (Pierre).  Also surviving are siblings Tyler (Jennifer) McCready of Sioux Falls, Zach (Kelli) McCready and family of Chamberlain, brother-in-law Bruce Drapeaux and family of Spearfish, brother-in-law Jody (Sally) Brozik and family of Winner, and brother-in-law Paul (Courtney) Brozik and family of Lawrence, Kansas. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She will be missed by her countless number of friends and acquaintances.

Courtney was preceded in death by grandparents:  Orvin and Mary McCready, Harold and June Ringstmeyer, Stan and Rose Brozik, Maxine Audiss, and Velda Kindt.  Additionally, preceding in death was her father-in-Law, Jack Fifield.

Vernon Alfred Beehler was born on December 20, 1943, in Gregory, SD, to Alfred and Marie (Henderson) Beehler.  He was the youngest of four children.  He attended grade school at a country school north of the family farm which was homesteaded in 1904.  Vernon graduated from Gregory High School in the class of 1961.  After graduation, he attended college in Springfield, SD.  He then ventured out west to California with a friend, where he was employed for a time.  After which, he returned home to Gregory and small-time life that better suited him.  Upon returning home, he began employment with Harrison Plumbing & Heating.  Vernon and Barb purchased the business in October, 1974.   They owned and operated the business for almost 50 years.  During high school, he met his future wife Barbara (Fortuna).  They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 8.  Vernon and Barbara were blessed with four children, Lisa, Jade, Jason, and Jerred.  

Vernon was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren.  He was also a big fan of all sporting events, which included coaching his sons’ baseball teams.  He enjoyed Gorilla football and was seated in the broadcast booth for over 30 years with his friend Jack Clark.  Besides Gorilla Football, he was fortunate enough to attend many USD Coyote football games watching his favorite players Chris, Lucas, and Tim!  Vernon also enjoyed many card games with family and friends.  He was a member of many leagues including golf, pool, and darts.  He was also inducted into the Gregory Fire Department Hall of Fame in 2016 with 26 years of volunteer service. Vernon was well known in his community for his ability to repair most anything.  In addition, he was well known for his quick one liners and Vernie-isms!   

Vernon, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on April 3, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.  

Vernon is survived by his wife Barb.  His children include, Alisa (Steve) Thieman, Gregory; Jade (Julie) Beehler, Spencer, IA; Jason Beehler, Winner, SD; and Jerred (Jodi) Beehler, Inwood, IA.  Also has 10 awesome grandkids, Chris (Abbey) Mikkelsen, Lucas (Jessica) Mikkelsen, Eric (Lauren) Beehler, Bayli (Fiance Jeff) Beehler, Emily Beehler, Mali Beehler, Lillie Beehler, Masen Beehler, Easton Beehler, Mara Beehler, and great grandkids Drake and Haddie Mikkelsen and Knox and Nyla Mikkelsen. Also surviving are several nieces and one nephew along with close relatives and friends.  

He was preceded by his parents, brothers (Gerald & Roger), and sister (Anne).  

                                                                                 V o We’ll miss you!

Memorial for Vernon Beehler age 80 of Gregory, SD will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024,at 10:30AM at United Methodist Church in Gregory, South Dakota.