Category Archives: Local

Roger Lloyd Schlem, 80, of Piedmont, SD, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at Monument Health Rapid City hospital.

Roger was born November 19, 1940, to Rose Tideman in a tar paper house in Tripp County, SD, he was the oldest of five children. He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

 Roger married Rose Marie Dierks on Aug. 19, 1962, and together they had three children, Valarie, Dana, and Richard. Roger loved farming, fishing, bowling, and helping Rose with the gardening.

 Roger is survived by his daughters, Valarie Schlem of Tilford, SD, and Dana (Rich) Schmidt of Huffman, TX; his son, Richard Schlem of Rapid City, SD; brother, John Schlem of TX; and a sister, Marie McCollum of OK; and three grandchildren, Kelsey Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, and Elias Schlem.

 Roger was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 59 years, Rose M. (Dierks) Schlem; mother, Rose E. Schlem; brother, Charlie Schlem; and a sister, Sharon Schlem.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

Michael “Mike” Herrlein, 54, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, July 12, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.     Mass of Christian Burial was held  10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.  Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Michael Herrlein was given the “gift of gab” by his parents Carolyn (Smith) Reis and Donald Joseph Herrlein Sr. on Oct. 29, 1966.  His gift was appreciated by all who knew him but especially his six siblings who were often given the saving grace of Mike’s quick wit. Mike grew up and later worked around cattle and crops throughout the years.  Often, Mike would tell stories about the scrapes he would get into while working cattle such as roping calves with “good mothers”, next to pivots or in feedlots.

Mike liked to have fun.  He would often tell of a time when someone’s car was put on blocks just enough so the tires would spin, bajaing with vehicles in unique places, and replying with funny phrases.  Some of these also got Mike into trouble such as when a boat rider said: “Dad, I see the bottom!”

Mike spent most of his adult life “fixing things” and “getting it done”.  This was easily demonstrated in his work as a mechanic while living in Nebraska.  One night, Mike was in a car wreck after which he touched a live electrical powerline.  Afterward, the “Bandit” was constantly teaching everyone how to do things in new ways such as tying shoes and changing diapers with one hand.  He also attended Black Hills State University and the University of South Dakota attaining a business administration degree.

Mike found his match in his wife when evaluating whose billiard skills were better.  Tammie and Mike were married in September 2004.  Three of his proudest moments were when his boys Andrew, Jordan, and Conor were born.  He loved to camp, hunt (deer, pheasant, and waterfowl), fish and watch old western movies and Yellowstone with the boys.

Mike’s latest adventure was also his favorite job as a Crop Insurance Agent where clients became his friend and family.  Mike was thankful every day for those he worked with over the phone and on his many road trips in the region.  Mike would often be driving down the road talking on the phone, eating a cheeseburger while trying to catch farmers.

  Mike is survived by his wife, Tammie; sons, Andrew (19), Jordan (13), and Conor (9); mother, Carolyn (Brad) Reis; brother, Joe Herrlein; sisters, Laura Herrlein, Koreana (Lance) Strande, Melissa (Darin) Tillie, Holly (Jesse Turpin) Reis, and Amy (Brandan) Moe; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jeanette A. Ertz of Grand Junction, Colo., — beloved wife, mother, and baptized child of God — was taken to rest in Christ on June 29, 2021.  She lived a life shaped by God’s gifts of baptismal grace and faith, and died in God’s promises of eternal life for all who trust in Jesus’ redeeming death and resurrection.

Jeanette was born on Oct. 29, 1952, to Dale and Joyce Swedlund, in Winner, South Dakota.  As an infant she was baptized into salvation and faith in Jesus in 1952, in Witten, South Dakota. 

She and Melvin (Mel) were married in December 1971, and remained so for over 49 years. 

Jeanette and Mel met shortly before she left for college.  She moved west to attend college near Rapid City, South Dakota.  Mel followed soon after and it wasn’t long before they were married.  They then ventured out to Colorado Springs, Colo.  Jeanette worked full time in Colorado Springs, for a local electrical company.  Within a few years their family expanded as they welcomed their daughter, Mandy.  Soon after Mel accepted a job offer in Grand Junction, Colo.  So, the family moved over to the Western Slope of Colorado.  This is where they would settle and raise their family.  Their son, Lance, made his appearance a few years later.  Jeanette was able to stay home with both kids and was kept very busy running after both children and tending to their unique needs. 

Jeanette and Mel started a garage door and window business which kept the whole family busy for many years.  Jeanette was an integral part of that business.  She and Mel were also able to travel a bit, taking a couple cruises and a few other fun, island adventures.  After owning the business for over 18 years, they decided to sell the company and were both able to enjoy some retirement adventures.  They took the opportunity to travel a bit and immensely enjoyed spending time together. 

Jeanette loved her family, her flowers and yard, and also her church.  She looked forward to spring each year.  Then she could get out, plant a few items, and enjoy the pretty yard that followed. She enjoyed talking with friends and keeping in touch with everyone.  She often would contact friends to catch up, even those from her childhood in South Dakota.  Talking to her friends and loved ones always gave her a lot of joy!

 She is survived by her two loving children, daughter, Mandy Kaspar (Jason), of La Grange, Texas, and son, Lance Ertz, of Grand Junction, and also by her brother.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel, her parents, two brothers, and one sister. 

Funeral services were held at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah, Grand Junction, Colo., on July 13, 2021, at 11 a.m.  In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the school at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah.

George Soles, 92, of Millboro, SD passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at his home in Millboro, SD. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Funeral Services will be live-streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mason-Funeral-Home-Cremation-Services-107313317901842

George Soles went to be with the Lord and his family on July 15, 2021 in his home at the age of 92 years old.

George Alfred Soles was born Aug. 19, 1928 at the home place four miles south of Millboro. He was one of 14 children born to Dottie (McCloughan) Soles and William Soles.

George attended grade school at Loss Creek and high school for one year at Millboro and for one year at Beaver Creek.

He married Mavis McClanahan on Aug. 25, 1949. Together they had two sons Jody in 1956 and Russ in 1961.

He previously worked as a ranch hand for different ranch owners. After marrying Mavis, he worked in Winner at West Side filling station, then later at the Farmers Coop. George then worked in St. Francis for two years before serving in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during 1952-1954. After that he went back to St. Francis as ranch hand for three more years before purchasing the home place in 1957, living there until his death.

George was a life member of both Colome Legion and V.F.W. in Winner. He served on the Township Board for years and was a member of the U.C.C. Church at Millboro, serving many jobs.

He is survived by his son Jody and son and daughter-in-law Russ and Shawn (Vergin) and four grandchildren- Kelsey, Whitney, Logan, and Lesley (fiancé Gene Rygaard), and three great grandchildren- Jocelyn and Jemma (Whitney) and Adelyn (Logan), three sisters- Helen, Ellen, and Mary, and his companion Babe Haskell.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 55 years Mavis, his parents- William and Dottie, his 5 brothers- Woodrow, Frank, Louis, Harold, and Johnnie, and his 5 sisters- Velma, Nellie, Ines, Pearl, and Ann.

George enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, helping his neighbors, playing cards, and always fixing something to make tasks easier.

Clyde R Calhoon, 80, passed away on July 12, 2021 at the United Living Community, after a short battle with cancer.

A celebration of life was  held at the Brookings Elks on Friday, July 16 from 5-7pm.  The family extended an invitation to all who knew him and to celebrate his amazing life story.

Clyde was born on May 4, 1941 in Winner, SD to Leon and Wilma (Frantz) Calhoon.  He was raised and worked on the family ranch near Ideal, SD and attended country grade school and Winner High School.

Clyde attended SDSU after high school where he met an east river girl, Karan Redlin.  They soon became engaged and built a new home in Ideal, SD planning to live and work on the Calhoon Ranch.  However, on the way to their wedding in January 1964 he was involved in an automobile accident and lost his eyesight.  Plans changed and he and Karan returned to SDSU.  After graduating from SDSU in 1967 and as magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1970, Clyde returned to Brookings to practice law.  In 1971 Clyde and Karan bought a lot on Lake Poinsett and built a cabin where they spent 49 summer weekends fishing, boating and entertaining family with many a 4th of July firework celebrations.

In 1974 Clyde was elected to the office of Brookings County States Attorney.  In 1976, Wm. Mark Kratochvil joined the law firm and served as deputy state’s attorney.  In 2002 he was recognized as South Dakota’s first Prosecutor of the Year.  During his tenure in office, Clyde earned a reputation for fairness and firmness and was known as a tough prosecutor.  Clyde served the Brookings community as state’s attorney for 42 years retiring in December 2016.

Clyde was heavily involved in his community and was a founding member of the Brookings Optimist and named Optimist of the Year in 2001-2002.  He also belonged to SDSU Jackrabbit Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, South Dakota States Attorneys Association, National District Attorneys Association, South Dakota Bar Association.  Clyde also received many awards from law enforcement over the years.

Clyde was an avid sports enthusiast following the Winner Warriors, Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Wild and the Brookings Rangers.  He was a fanatic about SDSU sports, especially football and attended football in all three SDSU venues over the years and the beloved “Barn” for basketball.  Clyde’s children were the light of his life and he was very proud of their success in life.  But the highlights of his life were his 2 granddaughters and he followed their successes with great pride, especially their time in KCK Wildfire, Sioux Valley Cossacks and soon to be Bobcat Cheer.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Karan, his son Chris of Parker, Colorado and his daughter Camille Koolmo of Brookings and her husband Graham and granddaughters, Bella and Mija. His brother, Lee (Keatha) Calhoon and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com

Funeral service for Donald E. McIntosh, 77, Norfolk, Neb.,  were held  10:30 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2021 at Peace Evangelical Church, rural Norfolk. Officiating was Pastor Clark Jenkinson. Burial was at  2 p.m. July 2 in the Wakefield City Cemetery, Wakefield.

Military rites were  by the Wakefield American Legion, Wakefield V.F.W., and United States Army honors guard. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Eugene McIntosh, 77, passed away at his home in Norfolk, NE, on June 28, 2021.

Donald was born on Nov. 22, 1943 in Winner, SD to Riley and Rose (Bicek) McIntosh. He graduated from Winner High School. Donald was known for his work ethic and organizational skills. Immediately following high school he served in the U.S. Army Oct. 1, 1961 to March 13, 1962, National Guard Spec 4th Class served from 1960 to 1967. In 1967, he moved to Dakota City where he worked for IBP/Tyson. He was quickly promoted to store room supervisor. He also enjoyed working as a volunteer for the Dakota City Fire Department. While working at IBP, he met his wife Mary, and they were married on July 27, 1985. They moved to Lexington, and Donald retired after 36 years.

Donald and Mary began a business together called D&M Enterprises where they created and sold hand painted lawn ornaments. Donald’s favorite pastimes included cheering on his favorite teams the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary and spending time with his siblings, children, and grandchildren.

He was an active member of Peace Evangelical Church. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Mary McIntosh; his siblings Bill (DeLinda) McIntosh, Marvin (Karen) McIntosh, and Carol (Dennis) Phillips; his children Penny (Scott) Warnberg, Kelly McIntosh, Devon (Tonya) Wiig, Gaylen (Chris) Wiig, Chad (Chrissy) Wiig, and Charles Wiig; 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and one more due in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents Riley and Rose McIntosh and brother Robert McIntosh.

Although we mourn as Donald will be greatly missed by the many family and friends who loved him, we have hope knowing that he is experiencing complete joy and peace as he is accepted into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.   Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.