Category Archives: Local

Raymond Bartels, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Tuesday, Nov. 23  at the Winner United Methodist Church.

Born Sept. 14, 1943 to John and Cecelia Esther Bartels in the Winner Baptist Hospital; Ray grew up northwest of Winner at the original homestead and attended East and West Banner schools. A 1961 Winner High School graduate, Ray had a wonderful time celebrating his class’s 60th reunion at WHS this homecoming, well-attended by Ray’s oldest friends and classmates.

In addition to working on the farm throughout his teen years, Ray worked for many neighbors including George Mills, Wayne Lapsley, Red and Jerry Shoemaker and worked at the South Dakota Experiment Station north of Presho.

On a whim, he traveled to California where he worked at a lampshade factory before returning home to start his adult life here in Tripp County.

A canary yellow Pontiac Lemans carried Ray into Dallas, SD one night where he met the love of his life Judy Day. He won over Bill and Pearl Day by delivering homemade pickles every evening and Ray and Judy were soon engaged, then joined in marriage on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1970. Soon after the two wasted no time carving out an idyllic life at the farm and welcomed the births of Troy, Jason, Amanda and Lane.

Ray spent the next few decades raising his family, crops, and livestock. He was an old-school farmer who took great pride in his large, bountiful garden and his chickens. Additionally, he served on many boards and associations. He and Judy worked tirelessly in the concession stand for the Elk’s Rodeo. Ray as an Elk, Judy as a Doe. Ray was a member of the Tripp County Wheat Producers Association, and was a lifelong member of the Episcopalian Church, working his kitchen magic every Shrove Tuesday at the annual pancake dinner.

The Tripp County Water User District was established in 1977 and Ray was named one of its inaugural directors, a post he has manned for 44 years as director and past president. The Water users district is comprised of 2200 miles of pipeline with 2400 service connections. Ray and Judy enjoyed their annual Water District meeting trips around the country and made many wonderful memories with the TCWUD board and staff.

Responsibilities loomed at the farm and in town; however, the relationships Ray took seriously were that of a “family man”. He was a dedicated and adoring husband, a loving and supportive father and an absolute pushover for his five grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by friends who were fortunate enough to make his acquaintance; he was known for a quick smile and a quicker wit. He shared his warmth and his breakfast table with all who were lucky enough to get a “Big Ray Breakfast” and one couldn’t possibly eat a Thanksgiving roll tomorrow without wondering how Ray made his so impossibly soft and buttery.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the wonderful, peaceful life Ray embodied and the tremendous joy he brought to this community. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of fifty-one years, Judy and their children Troy (Josh) Bartels, Jason (Tovi) Bartels, Amanda (Dylan) Hostetler and Lane (Melanie) Bartels and his grandchildren, Chloe, Finnegan, August, Hayden and Hank. He is survived also by siblings Lloyd Bartels and Judy Novotny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther, in-laws Bill and Pearl Day, sister Frances (Gerald) Bachman, and in-laws Butch Novotny and Bill and Donna Day.

Sylvia Jean Iler Schlaht, age 89 of Burke, SD passed away due to a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021 at Community Memorial Hospital  in Burke, surrounded by her children.

Funeral services were held Nov. 20 at the United Methodist Church in Burke with pastor Sarah Hermann officiating.

Burial was in the Herrick Cemetery.

 Sylvia “Syb” was born Aug. 19, 1932 in Tripp, SD to James Marvin and Mary Minnie (Reiner) Iler, the third of four children.  She spent her early years enjoying life on the family homestead NW of Dallas, SD. She spoke with fondness of her freedom to explore the outdoors, tending the animals, churning butter, riding her pony and family trips to town every Saturday.

 Sylvia received her elementary education at the country school near the family home, riding her pony the mile or two to and from school, and in Dallas, SD, while staying with her grandparents. She attended Burke High School. These years were full of treatment for scoliosis, wearing various painful back braces and built up shoes in attempts of straightening her spine. She would tell her family in the following years, after many back surgeries, to “stand up straight, put your shoulders back”, knowing the gift it was to have the luxury of a good back and posture. She would always display resilience and never see her scoliosis as a hindrance. Sylvia was active in choir and planning social activities. She graduated in 1950.  Sylvia maintained her classmate friendships until her passing.

 Sylvia was swept off her feet by the handsome, Maurice Schlaht. They were married Dec. 21, 1952. The dancing and devout love for each other would last nearly 60 wonderful years, until Maurie’s passing in 2010.  To this union, five children were born, Maurice, Gregg, Melinda, Brenda and Jody. Maurie and Syb resided in Burke all of their married life, with the exception of 2 years in Spokane, WA. Sylvia worked at Wischmann’s Dry Goods, in various Gregory County offices, ASCS, PCA-Farm Credit Services, Burke Hospital and Clinic until retiring in 1995.

Sylvia was lovingly devoted to her husband and family.  She treasured spending time together as a family:  going to church, enjoying meals, and having picnics.  Syb partnered with Maurie’s love of hunting and fishing. She cleaned many geese, pheasants and fish.  She enjoyed watching her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s milestones, events and sporting outings. Everyone received a big smile and a hug from her walking in the door.

Acts of kindness were always on Syb’s mind, wondering what she could do for or give to others. She enjoyed socializing and had fun being witty and kidding people. She found pleasure in sewing, quilting, crafting, gardening, canning, puzzles, reading, and baking: bread, buns, kolaches, runzas, pies, caramel rolls, plachenda, knepfla to name a few of her specialties. The preparation and participation in Burke Farmers Market was always a highlight of her summers.

Sylvia was a strong Christian and faithful active member of United in Faith Parish United Methodist Church in Burke, holding many offices and positions. United Methodist Women, 60 plus year member of Graceland Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

 Left to cherish her memory:  two sons, Maurice (Cheryl) Schlaht, Gregory, SD, Gregg (Joan) Schlaht, Deadwood, SD, two daughters, Brenda (Arlyn) Klundt, Winner, SD and Jody (Pat) O’Brien., Okoboji, IA.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss their loving Granny who adored them: Ben (Amber) Schlaht, The Colony, TX, Brandon Schlaht, Rapid City, SD, Amy (Braedon) Petersen, Deadwood, SD, Grant Schlaht, Slayton, MN, Whit Kruse Luverne, MN, Jennifer Kruse, Dominic and Olivia Luverne, MN, Austin (Hailey) Klundt, Evan and Sylvia, Winner, SD, Josh (Sherry) Klundt, Beckett and Oaklynn, Sioux Falls, SD, and Grace Grommesh, Vermillion, SD, sister-in-law Jane Schlaht Portland, OR, brother-in-law, Bert Dickman, NY and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death, parents Marvin and Mary Iler, brothers Orvis James and Calvin Marvin, sister Donna Canon, step father Paul Kimball, husband Maurice, daughter, Melinda Jean, granddaughter Hope, furry friend, Millie, and many sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, and nephew.  Syb will be greatly missed.  As she would frequently say, “make it a good day!”

Dennis Schroeder, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Nov. 15th, 2021 in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were  held on Friday, Nov. 19th, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Dennis was born on Jan. 27, 1945 to John and Clara (Speidel) Schroeder.

Dennis graduated from Winner High School in May of 1964.  Dennis enlisted in the Army in 1965 and served his country during the Vietnam era. He was stationed in Germany for 3 years. Dennis was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for meritorious service as a Maintenance Data Specialist while assigned to B Battery, 1st Battalion, 81st Artillery. His outstanding performance as a clerk and the assistance he rendered in training new personnel significantly contributed to the successful accomplishment of the unit’s mission.

June 1, 1964 he was hired by the City of Winner to work in the water department. In 1985 he was appointed head of the Water Department; in 1987 he was appointed maintenance supervisor; and in 2006 he was appointed Public Works Director.

 Dennis was certified in water distribution, water treatment, and waste/water collection. Through years of service and dedication Dennis worked maintaining the city’s streets, parks, and cemetery. Dennis was a dedicated self-motivating employee who never lost his enthusiasm for his job or for the betterment of the city and community. Dennis retired June 1, 2014, after 50 years of service to the City of Winner.

Dennis was definitely a creature of habit. He could be found almost every day between the hours of 5 and 7 pm at the Pheasant sipping on a whisky water and playing a few hands of cards or rolling dice with his friends.  Dennis enjoyed gardening and keeping his yard in pristine condition.  In his younger years, Dennis bowled on a league for Dick’s Bar, played softball, hunted pheasants, and enjoyed fishing. He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. He had a positive impact on all whose lives he touched over the years. Dennis loved the City of Winner and was very involved in the community. He participated in Rotary Club, Shriners, and was involved in turning on the Christmas lights every year.

“Schroed” will be greatly missed by all who knew him, along with his big goofy grin.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Nicole (Deb) Schroeder, Sioux Falls, SD and Melanie Peterson and Danielle Bredenberg of Casper, WY; Grandson, Jacob Schroeder, Sioux Falls, SD; Granddaughter, Dani Peterson of Casper, WY; his brothers Roger (Monica) Schroeder, Valley Springs, SD and Clifford (Lisa) Schroeder, Winner, SD, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Clara Schroeder, and his sister, Barb Simkins.

Kari DeMers, 28, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Winner, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.

Kari was born in Winner on Aug. 2nd, 1993, to Keith and Lynn DeMers (Van Patten), she was the younger sister of Courtney DeMers.

Kari spent her childhood on a farm west of Colome and enjoyed spending time at her grandparents’ house. She attended Winner High School and graduated with the class of 2011. Upon graduation, Kari worked as a CNA at Winner Regional Long Term Care, and also held part-time work at Winner Country Club.

Kari is remembered for the compassion she showed to others, her ability to care was unmatched and she had a heart of gold. Kari especially loved all animals, particularly cats. Regardless of whether they were people or animals Kari always took time to be kind to every soul she met.

In her free time Kari loved to golf and spend time with her family playing board games and watching movies. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors and joining her sister on adventures.

Grateful for sharing her life and missing her in death are Kari’s parents, Lynn and Keith DeMers of Winner, SD, her sister Courtney DeMers and her husband Collin Strong of Denver, CO, and Kari’s grandmother Louise DeMers also of Winner, SD. Additionally Kari had many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that all love and will miss her.

Kari was preceded in death by her grandparents William “Bill” and Reva Van Patten of Winner, SD, grandfather Lawrence DeMers of Winner, SD and aunt Patricia Van Patten of Rapid City, SD.

Helen Cameron, 91, of Presho, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13th, 2021 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD. Burial will follow in the Presho City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Helen Marie Cameron was born June 10, 1930 in Onida, South Dakota to Siegfried and Marie Schieckoff. Helen had two sisters and one brother. She was baptized and a member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. She attended Pleasant and Buffalo Township schools in Sully County. She and her sister, Eva, boarded in homes in Onida while attending high school. She graduated from Onida High School. She received her teaching certificate and taught country school. She later went on to work for Dr. Sutley, dentist, in Ft Pierre and in the motor vehicle department in the Capital building.

She was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” C. Cameron on Sept. 18, 1954. To this union three daughters were born, Deborah, Leigh Ann, and Lisa.

Bob and Helen purchased the Lyman County Herald in Presho in 1954 a newspaper and commercial printing business which they ran together until they sold the paper in 2000.

Helen taught Sunday school for several years at Zion Lutheran, was a member of the Young Matrons Extension Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She was the editor of the Lyman County Herald for many years.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Deborah (Jim) McDugald, Leigh Ann (Ed) Farris, and Lisa (Craig) Curtis. One brother Clifford Schieckoff. Five grandchildren, Chanda (Paul) MacNeil, Travis (Jenny) McDugald, Justin (Angel) McDugald, Ashley (Trey) DeHaan, Colby (Kiah Schumacher) Curtis. Six Great Grandchildren, Ethan, Colin, Hope MacNeil, Autumn McDugald, Eliza McDugald, Logyn DeHaan, many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Cameron, sisters Dorothy Schmitgen and Eva Johnson, infant brother Herbert Schieckoff, sister-in-law Marilyn Schieckoff, brothers-in-law Lewis Schmitgen and Bob Johnson.