Category Archives: Local

Robert “Bob” Anderson, 61, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 at his home in Winner. 

Memorial service was held on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at 10 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7:00PM with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Bob was born July 25, 1960 in Pierre, SD to Carl and Doreine (Johnson) Anderson.  He was the youngest of five siblings.  He attended school in Lyman County and spent much of his time on the family farm north of Kennebec, SD.  As a youngster, Bob enjoyed rodeoing and life on the farm.

In the “Red Hot Summer of 1983”, Bob met Laurie Bertram at a wedding dance in Witten, SD.  She thought he was “so handsome” in his white sweatpants and cowboy hat.  This chance encounter led to marriage just 5 months later.  During a blizzard, on Nov. 26, 1983, the two exchanged vows at the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Laurie often recalls the ‘wedding chase’ was so slow, they got passed by a farmer in a tractor on the highway.  To this union, two boys were born.  Zachary Emanuel was born on Bob’s birthday, July 25, 1985, in Rapid City, SD.  Initially living in Rapid City, the family decided to move to Winner, SD in 1986 to be closer to family.  Joshua Robert arrived 2 years later on Aug. 22, 1988, in Winner, SD.

By this time, Bob had started driving for United Van Lines, moving household goods from coast to coast.  As the boys grew, summer trips in the truck with Bob ensued.  These trips were enjoyed by all and would be remembered for years to come.  Although the trips are fond memories now, one can only imagine the challenges of housing two rowdy boys in a truck sleeper for days on end.  This is probably the time Bob’s hair started to turn white.

During the times not spent on the road, Bob loved rodeoing, camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends.  His quick wit, abundant jokes, and funny stories (often told so much that most listeners knew them by heart) were always a sure bet during these get-togethers.

Years later, once the boys had grown older and the “trips with Dad” were over, Bob and Laurie were blessed with two grandsons, Jace Robert and Ty David.  These three were a match made at a pond.  Fishing trips, muddy shoes, and endless giggles were always guaranteed during their time together.  Trading jokes and having adventures “out North” will not be soon forgotten.  Bob loved his grandsons, and they loved their Papa Bob more than anything.

Bob is survived by his wife Laurie, sons; Zach (Taylor) Anderson, and Josh Anderson; his sister Linda Vavra, and grandsons Jace Anderson and Ty Anderson.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Darlene Cudmore and Carla Cudmore and brother Richard Anderson.

Charlotte Mortenson, 77, of Presho, SD, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at her home.

Visitation was held  6 until 7 p.m.  on Tuesday, Nov. 2 with a vigil service  at 7 p.m. and a rosary followed.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3. All services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Presho. Interment will follow at Holy Angel Catholic Cemetery in Presho.

Charlotte Mortenson (Leichtnam) was born on Nov. 9, 1943, in Presho to Martha and Emanuel Leichtnam. She grew up 7 miles north of Presho and attended Annin Country School until 8th grade. Charlotte then became a Presho Wolf and graduated from Presho High School in 1961.

After high school, Charlotte was united in marriage with Robert Mortenson on June 17, 1961, in Presho. To this union three children were born: Lorie, Lorna, and Martin. Robert and Charlotte were married for 47 years until his death in 2009.

For 40 plus years you could find Charlotte as a waitress at Hutch’s Cafe, where she coined her trademark comment, “make a happy plate”. Charlotte enjoyed making crafts from pheasant feathers and did a variety of sewing projects. She was very competitive by nature and enjoyed winning at cards and all games. She regularly attended two different card clubs.  She looked forward to family functions and community events.  Charlotte loved her word-search circle books – she always said that they kept her mind working and helped to pass the time!  She also loved to travel and wasn’t afraid to play the slot machines or Keno.

Those who knew her well, called her “Chuck” or “Chucky”. Charlotte was very observant and would wait to give her “jab” or “poke” when the moment was right. Charlotte and her identical twin sister Charlene were always in sync and lifetime partners in crime.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved spending time with them.

Charlotte shared her 77 years with her children: Lorie (Tim) Mulhair of Yankton and stepchildren: Eric, John and Timothy; Lorna (Mike) Arnoldy of Kennebec and children: Raegan and Andee; Martin (Wendy) Mortenson of Winner and children: Hunter, Ryder and Piper; her three sisters Charlene Nies of Martin, Tootie (Earl) Bailey of Presho, and Deanna (Herb) Sundall of Sioux Falls as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Emanuel and Martha, brother Jack, sister Mary, infant sister MaDonna, and nieces Crystal Lyn Mortenson and Connie Rae Whipple.