Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo Brian Schaeffer is retiring as owner of Lil’ Feller in Winner. He has sold the business to R. F. Buche who took over on Nov. 30. Lil’ Feller opened in 1984 in Winner.
By
Dan Bechtold
Editor
The ownership of Lil’ Feller in Winner
changed hands yesterday (Nov. 30).
Brian Schaeffer sold the business to
R.F. Buche. The business will be called Gus Stop 6 and there will be a new
manager.
Lil’Feller Covenience Store in Winner
opened in October 1984 and was built by Dwight and Brian Schaeffer.
Schaeffer explained he was talking to
one of his suppliers about the idea of selling the business. The supplier said
she knew someone who might be interested. She put Schaffer in touch with Buche
and the two were able to come to a deal.
“I am blessed to have found R.F. to
take over the business,” said Schaeffer as he sat his office the Saturday after
Thanksgiving.
Buche plans to keep the business open
24 hours a day seven days a week.
Schaeffer says he has good employees.
He feels fortunate to have all the
customers who have been here year after year. “They are the ones who made the
place go,” he said.
The first Lil’Feller store was in
Miller in 1981 The Schaeffers owned six Lil’ Feller stores in Valley City,
N.D., Carrington, N. D., Lemmon, Mobridge, Miller and Winner.
Of the
six, the only store left is the one in Winner.
Brian noted did not want to be on the road that much so he
sold off all the stores to concentrate on the one in Winner.
The store in Winner was originally Car
Care Center. It was torn down to build the new convenience store. There have
been two additions in 1989 and 2005. The additions expanded the size of the
building. In 1993, new gas tanks were put in and a new canopy was built.
Brian said his dad came up with the
name of the convenience store. Brian’s mother, Mona, drew the lil feller figure
which was a combination of two to three
characters put into one.
Brian is amazed at how many people he
sees who have worked at Lil’ Feller.
Cal Berg was the first manager. In
December 1985 Craig Schaeffer became the manager and Brian worked the night
shift.
Brian explained that his dad always
insisted the store be open 24 hours a day more as a convenience to the
community.
Barb Lovejoy was hired as the manager
in 1991 and she hired Diann Suess as the
assistant manager.
Brian and Lovejoy managed the store
together starting in 1996.
Brian talked about some of the long
time employees incuding Judy Edwards, Donna Papke, Carolyn Reiss, Delores
Palmer. “They were a fun crew. They would dream stuff up and I always said
those were my smooth years because I did not have to worry about emploees”
Nancy Turgeon
Brian said one of the biggest
challenges was getting someone to work the midnight to 7 a.m. shift.
“I
would work at Schaeffer Oil during the day and come here and work the
midnight shift,” said Brian. He did that for nine months.
Finally, he found two guys to work that
shift and they are Duncan Reidl and Paul Cornell and for two years Orville
Schroeder worked the night shift.
“Finding Duncan for the midnight shift
was a blessing,” said Brian.
Duncan has worked at Lil’ Feller for
five yeas, Paul for 10 years and another long time employee is Nancy Turgeon
who has worked there for 10 years.
Also working at the store since 2012 is
Chris Schaeffer who served in the military and came back to help his dad at the
store. “I needed someone and Chris just pitched in.”
Brian says he enjoys getting up in the
morning and going to work. “I am going to miss a lot of the people who come
through the door every morning.”
Schaeffer says he plans to take a year
off. He and his wife. Jan, hardly have had any time to travel. Brian has missed
family gatherings due to working at the store.
As he leaves the store on Nov. 30 he says Lil’ Feller has treated him well and
will be in good hands with Buche.
The holiday festival sponsored by
Winner Regional Foundation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. Mary’s
Hall.
The social hour will begin at 5 p.m.
and the dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a both a live and silent
auction. There will be wonderful items to bid on in the live auction. Following
the live auction there will be a dance.
The event is essential to help support
numerous improvements at Winner Regional Health. The primary focus where the
money will go this year is to raise $15,000 for a security alarm for the long
term care center. Money will also be raised, an additional $40,000, for a 3D
software for the CT scanner.
Silent auction items and live auction
items are to be brought to St. Mary’s Hall on Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The
success of the festival is a community effort with the purchase of
tickets, bidding on items and the donation of live and silent auction items.
Come and enjoy a wonderful evening
filled with the joy of the holiday season.
Cynthia Marie McCormick passed away
peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 after her courageous battle
with ovarian cancer at the age of 63.
Cindy was the third of nine children born to Ivan and Florence Fischer on Sept. 13 1958 in Winner South Dakota. Cindy was born and raised on the family farm where she enjoyed nature, the many pets, and riding horses. She learned all her hard work, dedication, family staples, and wonderful cooking at a young age when she would help care for her younger siblings. During her teenage years, Cindy worked for a traveling combine crew which allowed her to travel the harvest fields from North Dakota to Oklahoma.
After graduation in 1977, Cindy went to
work for the USGS surveying crew and the combine crew which lead her to start
her career in construction in Sioux Falls.
Cindy moved to Spearfish in the fall of 1983 and started a career with
Fisher Sand and Gravel where she learned to run various types of heavy equipment,
which she loved for 20 years. In addition
to running heavy equipment, Cindy worked for the Homestake Mining Company where
she operated the hoist to lower miners and scientists into the ground.
During her time in Spearfish, Cindy met Bob
McCormick and they were married in 1986 in Las Vegas. They bought their forever home where they
were able to raise their two children Jessica and Christopher. Bob and Cindy spent many happy hours taking
their children camping in the Big Horns to boating on the Missouri River and
family vacations to Disney Land and Mexico.
There was always laughter, smiles, and love within the walls of their
home.
After the kids were grown, Cindy and Bob
each fulfilled a lifelong dream to own their Harley Davidson motorcycles where
they could enjoy the freedom of the road.
Their motorcycles took them to many beautiful destinations together, and
enjoying the Sturgis Rally every year.
Cindy strived to help others in all aspects
of her life. She was involved with her
church and the president of the chapter in Spearfish called Alpha Nu which was
part of the Beta Sigma Phi. Designating
her heart and time for the church and Beta group allowed Cindy to raise money
for the community homes, the Humane Society, delivering gifts to the Angel Tree
Children, and visiting the elderly.
Although Cindy was always on the go, in her
free time she enjoyed sewing, making beautiful quilts, canning, gardening,
crafting, riding her bike, and cooking for all her beloved family and
friends. The doors of Bob and Cindy’s
home was always open for all their loved ones to come to eat, drink, and be
merry. There was never a dull moment in
Cindy’s life. Her biggest joy was
spending time with her beautiful granddaughter, Adelynn. Cindy and Adelynn were best friends and would
do everything together, creating memories and love that will last a lifetime.
Cindy filled the hearts of every person she
met and created great memories with her family, friends, Beta Sisters, and
Rally Family. From the many Bitch N’
Stitch quilts made with her Sisters and Beta Family, to spreading her love with
spaghetti sauce, and the miles put on with the bikes that traveled for the
yearly Rally gathering there will always be happy memories to remember.
Memorial services will be held at 2 pm,
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish. In lieu of
flowers a memorial has been established.
Online condolences may be written at
www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com
Clara Ulmer, 86, of Winner, SD passed away
on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m.
on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 at the Winner United Methodist Church in
Winner. SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
Clara Belle (Shutt) Ulmer was born to Alvin
and Florence (Dodds) Shutt on Jan. 26, 1935, north of Paxton, SD.
Clara attended the Prairie House Country
School near Paxton. While growing up Clara helped work on the family farm. Clara
would do anything on the farm and help take care of her 6 brothers. Clara also
would help the neighbor lady Mrs. Lambert cook during thrashing season. She
also babysat and did the chores at the Don Bowling farm, Vernon Jamos farm, and
Shirley Beck which became one of Clara’s best friends.
Clara met and fell in love with Ray Ulmer
her lifelong husband of 65 years on Nov. 3. To this union the two had 5
children. Shortly after they married, they moved with their son Morris to
Johnstown, Colo., where Ray worked a dairy and irrigation farm. There they had
brought into the world a little girl named Connie Marie. In November of 1957
they moved back to Gregory where the lived and worked at the Kaupp Brother
Ranch for a short while.
Ray and Clara then moved to Steve and Mabel
Sharkey Farm east of Winner. Clara loved to raise chickens and a big garden.
They brought to their family three more children: Cheryl Elaine, Diane Rae, and
Gregg Leon. They lived on the Sharkey Farm until the kids started school in
Winner, 1971. Clara then worked at the school lunch where she would help cook.
For a short time, she worked with her youngest daughter Diane until Clara went
to work at the Lil Feller Store in Winner as a cook where she met all kinds of
different people from all over. She did this for 14 years.
Clara then went to work at the ROCS Dining
Service. This is where they cooked meals for the elderly or anybody. Mostly
served people that would come there to eat. Everybody was special but there
were a few extra special people.
Clara worked at the Senior Citizens for 16
years. Clara worked the last few years with her daughter Diane. Clara worked
until the day she had a stroke in 2018.
Clara enjoyed bowling, gardening, puzzles,
crocheting baby blankets for her grandkids, making dollies, fishing, and
playing with all the grand and great grandkids. Clara collected bells and
spoons of all the states as well.
Clara lost battle with dementia passing
away at the Winner Regional Hospital on Nov. 24, 2021, with some family members
present.
Joining Jesus, Clara follows her son
Morris; parents: Alvin and Florence Shutt; parents-in-law: Albert and Hilda
Ulmer; brothers: Art, Duane, Jerry; brothers-in-law: Harold, Larry, Joe, Wayne,
Don; sisters-in-law: Irma, Clarice, Leola.
Clara is survived by her husband of 65
years; children: Connie (John) Blazina, Cheryl (Mike) Eilmes, Diane (Jr.)
Schroeder, Gregg (Shawn) Ulmer and Daugher-in-law Diane Shutt. Clara’s 18
grandkids, 52 great grandkids and great great grandkids; multiple nieces and
nephews and all her friends and 1 special friend Marie Reagle. Clara will be
greatly missed.
Submitted Photo Colome FFA members who attended the national convention in Indianapolis, Ind., include Morgan Gill, Klayton Heath, Jesse Larson, Joseph Laprath and Jack Anderson.
Five of the Colome FFA members attended the
national FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Those that attended include Jack
Anderson, Morgan Gill, Klayton Heath, Jesse Larson, Joseph Laprath, and advisor
Sarah Manderfeld. The students and advisor left on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7 pm.
The first stop of the trip was Fair Oaks Farm on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The students participated in a swine experience by seeing the process of piglets being born and raised. The visitors also got to witness a calf being born. The night ended at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a performance from Alex Miller and Brett Young that started at 7:30 pm.
Opening session started at 8 am on Thursday, Oct. 28, where they got to see ‘Fancy Lady Cowgirl’ Courtney DeHoff talk about stepping up to challenges. The members then got to explore around the FFA Expo Center to receive information about college and agriculture groups. Free items were also received during the Expo exploring.
Later that afternoon, there was a tour given of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jack, Morgan, Klayton, Jesse, and Joseph upheld the tradition of kissing the bricks. The students then had some fun enjoying a haunted house later that night.
On the last day of the National FFA Convention, Friday, Oct. 29, those attending went to the fourth general session at 8 am. Students then got the chance to explore the convention hall. That afternoon, the members went to Beasley’s Orchard and got to talk to the owner, Calvin Beasley. Beasley talked about young entrepreneurs and how to thrive with their own small businesses. The students ended their day with the sixth general session at 7 pm.
On Saturday, Oct. 30, the students attended the American Degree session at 7:30 am and the seventh general session at noon. After finishing sessions, they then started their journey home.
Celebration of Don’s Life was Thursday,
Nov. 18, 2021 at 12:30pm, with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at
Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) in Omaha, Neb.
Interment: Omaha National Cemetery
Donald Michael McCabe, born Oct. 3, 1937 at
Winner SD to Donald McCabe, and Elva Elsie (Likens) McCabe. As a youngster
growing up, he was known as “Mick” to his family and friends.
He attended grade school at McNeely
District 52 country school for all 8 years. He attended high school at Winner
SD senior high, and graduated in 1955.
He spent one year at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield SD.
In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and took his basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio TX. His 1st duty station was Hickam Field, Honolulu HI. He was known as Mike or Mac, to his AF fellow servicemen. He served for 23 years, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. During those years he was stationed in Hawaii, North Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Greece, and back to Nebraska, where he retired. Most of his career was served in the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He was a crew member on Operation Looking Glass.
He is survived by his wife Elaine, two
children, son, Russell McCabe of NY, NY, and daughter, Lynne Hartner of
Papillion NE; brother, Mark of Pierce NE, and sister, Jean Couch of Ft. Madison
IA and 6 nieces and nephews, and 4 grandchildren.
Winner High School football players
have received some post season honors.
Named to the SESD all conference team
are: Aiden Barfuss, Riley Orel, Charley Pravecek, Achilles Willuweit, Kaden
Keiser, Joey Cole and Jackson Vesely.
The football players who are on the
academic all state team are: Charley Pravecek, Kaden Keiser, Joey Cole, Jackson
Vesely, Michael Olson, Slade Cournoyer, Kaleb Osborn, Kolbie Osborn, Riley
Shippy, Finn Bartels and Adam Bohnet.
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