Category Archives: Local

Steven James Schmidt, 47, of Harrisburg, SD, passed away Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, doing what he loved, coaching youth football. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls.  Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, also at the funeral home.  An additional visitation will be from noon until 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at the White River Event Center in White River, SD.  Interment will follow at the White River Cemetery with refreshments to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family that will be dedicated to a future youth sports team or player scholarship.

Steve was born Sept. 26, 1976, in Winner, SD to Ted and Candace (Hanson) Schmidt. He was the oldest of four children and grew up working long days on the Schmidt ranch south of White River, SD. Steve knew the only way he could get out of work on the ranch was if he excelled at sports. He attended White River high school where he stood out in football, basketball, and track, and eventually earned a multi-sport scholarship to Dakota Wesleyan University.

At DWU, Steve was an All-Conference football player and an All-American shot putter, eventually setting the school record and finishing 2nd in the nation at the NAIA level. Steve eventually transferred to the University of South Dakota where he continued his football and track career. He set the school and state record in the shot put, while also finishing as an All-American in both the indoor and outdoor NCAA DII national track meets. Steve was eventually inducted into the USD Track Hall of Honor for his numerous achievements. At both schools, Steve had a reputation as a gentle giant who lived in the weight room. Steve always had a reason to get better and he had a skill to motivate others into joining him. Steve was always positive, and believed in his friends and in himself, and that there was always a chance to succeed.

After college Steve selflessly put his life on hold to act as a full-time companion and guardian to his terminally ill younger brother, Jake. During this time, Steve met his future wife, Kimberly Olson, and he also began the first of 12 years of Arena Football as a player with the Sioux City Bandits. Steve eventually had his jersey retired and was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Following his career with the Sioux City Bandits he played a few years with the Sioux City Stampede as well.

Steve and Kim were married in 2005 and a few years later they welcomed twins, daughter Jaylen and son Brecken. Son Treyton followed shortly thereafter. Steve loved his kids more than anything, and he opened his door to all their friends.

Steve was very well known in the Sioux City and Sioux Falls communities through his athletic achievements, his business “Titan Gutters”, his countless hours coaching youth sports including most recently the Midwest Miners youth football team, and through the many social events he attended.

He was also a mountain of a man with an even bigger heart, and he always put others ahead of himself. He used his larger-than-life persona in a positive way to try and bring happiness to those around him. He loved being around people and he rarely complained, even when things looked their worst. He was the first (and loudest) to laugh at himself and you always knew when Steve was around due to his booming voice and laughter. Steve believed in redemption and always put others ahead of himself. The stories of Steve’s generosity are endless ranging from driving all night to support a faraway friend, to giving new acquaintances a vehicle so they could get to work and earn a living, or opening his home to others when they needed a place to live.  He was always the first person to drop everything to help anyone, regardless of their circumstances and background. Above all, Steve believed in a sense of team, and he believed that through sports, any kid can learn to make a difference through a little hard work and self-confidence.

For those who met Steve, they’ll never forget him, and he would call everyone “friend” regardless of how long he knew them. For those of you who were not able to meet him, imagine a huge, strong man, with a loud laugh, big smile, and gentle heart… then take all that times 10 and you’ll get close. He was a legend before he passed, and he will never be forgotten. Although his time here was far too short, he made 100 years’ worth of impact to those around him. Truth be told, we were lucky to have him as long as we did.

Steve is survived by Kim and their three children, Jaylen, Brecken and Treyton, Harrisburg, SD; brother, Dan (Alyssa) Schmidt, Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Candy Kaye (Nate Jarosik) Schmidt, Edgar, NE; grandmother, Jean Schmidt, Spearfish, SD; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends he would call family.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Candace and father, Ted; brother, Jake; paternal grandfather, Theodore Schmidt; and maternal grandparents, Ervin and Viola Hanson.

Allen Burtz, 75, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 from 6-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

 On Thursday, October 25th, 2023, Allen Charles Burtz lost a long battle with Parkinsons and a short battle with esophageal cancer at the age of 75.

Allen was the first-born son to Earl and Marian (Best) Burtz on April 10, 1948.  Later he was joined by siblings Linda and Malon and took his big brother role very seriously.  Allen learned the value of hard work helping run the family farm and dairy.   His love of hard work would continue as he graduated with the class of 66’ as #60, an All State Guard for Winner Football.  He would later go on to earn a Dairy Science degree from SDSU.  Allen was a life long Winner Warrior and Jackrabbit supporter.

In 1971 Allen married the everlasting love of his life, Pam Jordan.   Soon Justin made them a family, Nathan, then Emily eventually also followed.

Allen was just the most incredible man.   He worked tirelessly to provide for his family.  He spent 27 years at the Animal Clinic, 29 years with ABS, (AI-ing and running Nitrogen all over West River) and a life of farm and ranching. Al had the best sense of direction, and could tell you who lived in EVERY FARM between White River and Platte.   He shared his love of animals with his children.  He coached his kids in 4-H with cows and horses, and drove Emily around the State for POA shows weekend after weekend in the summers.    You always could find him in the stands at the kids’ various sports/band/academic events.  (He wasn’t one to skip a good concession stand.) The next morning we was always up for Coaches Corner.  Later  he loved to hear about his grandkids swimming, soccer, and basketball games.

He and Pam loved vacationing with the kids at Camp Judson, making many lifelong friends and dominating the horse shoe championships year after year.   They loved holidays with family and playing Pitch with their card club.  Through it all you could always find Allen with a cherry lifesaver in his hand and two in his pocket and a can of Pepsi or Ruby Red Squirt nearby.  (He always kept a case of the full sugar soda hidden in the pickup or the barn so Pam wouldn’t scold him)

He loved horses and classic country and Elvis and the color yellow.  He ate twin bings and candy pumpkins like they were somehow delicious. He never tired of a rodeo or a baseball game.  He would make his own oyster stew because no one else would eat it.  He loved a country drive and he loved to lend a hand whenever he could.

Allen was a true man of God.  He showed up, he worked hard, he treated you kindly with a smile and those shiny blue eyes. He was patient beyond measure, (as some of the kids tested him in everyway possible.)   He was humble, but also proud of the life he made and the people he had in it.  He was a life long member of the Baptist Church and enjoyed volunteering with AWANA.  He was a hospital board member for several years and loved being a part of the Winner Community.

Allen always kept his word, always followed through, and always finished the job.   When Pam’s Alzheimer’s worsened, he just kept his head up and kept being Allen.  He would visit the nursing home daily for years. As his own Parkinsons began to worsen, Allen struggled with having to slow down but never stopped fighting the good fight.  Twice a week he would be so excited to go to PT/OT and show them how hard he could work.   When his body slowly quit listening to him, and the cancer came, Allen was so Allen.  As the doctor told us the news, he looked at her and said  “I’ve got a great family and a great team and a great God and that’s all I need.”

Allen is preceded in death by his parents and wife.  

He is survived by son Justin (Julie) and their children Leighton and Bennett of Denver, CO; son Nathan and his children Dalton, Sylvia and Sierra of Winner, Sd and daughter Emily of Winner SD  He leaves behind a legacy of good faith and good works.

Karen Berg, 82, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  Funeral service was held on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Karen Joy Bowling was born to Robert and Lela (Painter) Bowling on Oct. 10, 1941 at the hospital in Winner, South Dakota.

Karen spent the first part of her life on the farm north of Dog Ear Lake enjoying all of her pets. (much to her mother’s dismay). On her fifth birthday she received a Shetland pony which became her best friend for a long time.

Karen’s mother taught her at home until she began school in the second grade and stayed with her aunt and uncle Wanita and Walt Phillips.  Wanita was her teacher.  Her mother was her teacher from 3rd grade through 7th grade, and she had Mrs. Mann in 8th grade.

She attended Winner High and graduated in 1959.  She then worked at Weapons Inc. for a year in Los Angeles. The following year Karen attended Springfield State College, and taught 8 years in Tripp County rural school.  In 1986-1988 she attended Black Hills State University graduating and returned to teaching reading, math and special education in the Winner School District. Karen taught for 25 years.

Karen married Stanley Hanson and to this union Gregg L. Hanson was born.  After their marriage she married Larry Meiners and to this union Shawn and Shendra were born.  After 25 years they divorced and Karen later married James Berg and acquired 2 step-sons, Michael and Robert.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her parents, step-father and grandparents.

She is survived by her children; Gregg (Keng) Hanson, Shawn (Brad) Tuttle, Shendra Meiners, Michael (Misty) Berg, Robert (Julie) Berg, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, a sister Arlis (Lyle) Kemnitz, brother Robert (Marta) Bowling and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Rita, Roger and Mary for always being there and looking out for Karen.

Colleen “Connie” Vaughn, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  

Colleen “Connie” Annetta Vaughn was born on Jan. 16, 1936, in New Underwood, SD to her parents Elsie “Kink” (Killian) & Howard Connolly. She grew up in Wall and graduated from Wall High School.  She had an older brother Ron whom she loved and looked up to yet found ways to push his buttons. Although if her dad, Howard, was around she could do nothing wrong.  She was the apple of his eye.  Howard was very musical and passed along his talents to Connie.  She played the saxophone and piano along with singing, which she continued throughout her life. 

 After graduating from Wall High School in 1954, Connie went on and completed one year of business school in Rapid City before being united in marriage to Frank Vaughn on June 2, 1955. To this unity, four children were born, Debra, Pamela, James, and John.  They lived in Rapid City, then moved to Philip for a few years before settling down in Winner in 1966. 

 Connie was a very strong woman.  She worked hard and loved supporting her family.  She was always there supporting Frank in whatever his next dream was.  Whether it was an auto body shop, a hotel, or a farm, she was there helping make it all work!  She even found time to foster her own hobbies like Swedish weaving and embroidering, but we think she loved knitting the most.  She knitted Christmas stockings for all her grandkids and great grandkids.  We joked with her that she must’ve been slowing down just a touch because by the time the great grandkids came along the stockings got a little smaller!  She was also so giving!  Frank was a collector of antiques.  He enjoyed the hunt and bartering for a good deal.  Connie enjoyed the love she could share by giving it to someone else.  Any time you stopped at her house she tried to give you something to take home with you.  That along with a bag of cookies of course.

 She was a wonderful baker.  One of our favorites was her Snickerdoodle Cookies.  She tried her best to write down all the details of her recipes, but as hard as we tried, they never quite turned out like hers.  Perhaps it was the grandkids’ dirty hands helping and her love that made them extra good!  She also used to pull taffy with the kids.  They made homemade donuts and fudge.  And if the fudge didn’t turn out, she’d just make popcorn and let the kids use the fudge as a dip.

 Unfortunately, she was widowed early in life.  But she was blessed to be able to travel to the east coast with her brother Ron and his wife June and traveled to Alaska with her sister-in-law Barb.  She took in the warm Texas weather a few months out of the year with her sister-in-law June during the winter months.  She also loved traveling with her kids to go see her grandkids.  She would try and make it to all her 10 grandkids’ many activities… her lifetime activity pass was still in her purse.

 She was always about family.  Whether it was our extended hunting family joining us for opening weekend, or the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids at Christmas time.  She loved a big Christmas Day.  She would get the good China out for everyone, even for the grandkids.   She had a wonderful smile and laugh!  And she loved to tease.  Even after her stroke she was a jokester and never lost her sense of humor.    She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, an aunt, and a friend…. But to us she was a Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma and she is greatly missed.

 She is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren: Debra (John) Fisher, Tiffany (Sam) Zoey and Ally Sandmeier. Michelle (Ben) Rayne and Phineas Rohlik. Cindy (Chet) Milo Willer. Pamela (Curt) Leat, Travis Leat and Kirby Leat. James (Diane) Vaughn, Chad (Shannon) Crosby and Gunner Vaughn. Erin, Jyles, Cooper, and Liam Auble.  Jill (Quentin) Iden, Reagen and Boston Myers. John (Penny) Vaughn, Mandy (Cole) Emmet and Avery St. Clair.  Jordan (Amelia) Vaughn. Her sister-in-laws June (Ward) Hogue and Barb (Bill) Dunn. And numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Frank, her parents, and her brother Ron.

Emmogene Hysell, 95, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Funeral service was held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Emmogene was born on July 24, 1928, to Matt and Regina (Horst) Leetch.

She attended country school in the Herrick area where she rode horseback to school.  She graduated high school in St. Charles, SD, in 1946.

Emmogene married Howard Hysell, on May 21, 1949.  Emmogene and Howard had one daughter (Connie).  They lived in Bonesteel, SD for 9 years before moving to Winner.  Emmogene worked at Holmes Café for a short time before she started cleaning homes.  She continued to clean homes until she was 82 years old.  Many close relationships were developed with these families.  These individuals became her extended family.

Emmogene was a very dedicated Lutheran.  She taught bible school and Sunday school for several years.  Her faith was very important to her.  Emmogene’s passion was her grandchildren and great -grandchildren.  She spent her entire life following their activities and sporting events. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins games, especially with her family.  She also loved to crochet in her spare time.  She created many family heirlooms that will always be treasured.

Emmogene is survived by her daughter Connie (Bob) Meiners, grandchildren; Scott (Shelly) Meiners, Kelly (Kay) Meiners, Kevin (Lisa) Meiners, great-grandchildren; Cale Meiners, Kameron Meiners, Marissa Meiners, Kelbi Meiners, Taylor Meiners, Jax Meiners, and Harper Meiners, sisters; Marcella Kaiser and Marcelline Dykeman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and six siblings; Bill Leetch, Bob Leetch, Patty Leetch, Matt Leetch Jr., John Leetch, and Dickie Leetch.

Kenneth Donald DuBray, 97, of Kellogg, MN, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at Gundersen – St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center, Wabasha, MN.

Kenneth was born April 5, 1926, to Lillie (Rice) and Peter DuBray in Winner, South Dakota on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. He served in the US Army during WWII, primarily in the Philippines and Japan.

On May 23, 1953, Ken married Opal Pomeroy at Northwood, IA. They lived in Minneapolis for 20 years and then moved to rural Kellogg in 1971 where they owned and operated a melon farm. From 1948-1991, Ken was self-employed as a long-haul trucker.

Ken is a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and Kellogg American Legion and a former member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Rollingstone, MN and the Spring Lake, MN VFW.

He enjoyed looking at the stars and planets in the nighttime sky, farming, and he was known for his flower and vegetable gardens.

Kenneth is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene Mannikko; Jane (Roger) Maschka; and Connie (Ron) Scamp; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Opal; an infant daughter; a grandson William Scamp; granddaughter Deborah Anderson; son-in-law Dave Mannikko; siblings: Delbert DuBray, Myrtle Kewley, Emma Anderson, Alvina Van Epps, Leona Pechota, Wynn DuBray, Violet Rocek, Harry DuBray, and an infant sister.

Funeral Mass was held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kellogg, MN, with Rev. Prince Raja officiating.  He was interred at Greenfield Cemetery, Kellogg with military honors.

James Jerauld Erickson, 88, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

James was born on Oct. 11, 1935, in Madison, South Dakota to the late Orville and Leila Erickson. After graduating high school, he attended the University of South Dakota for one year before joining the United States Army in 1954. During his two years of service, he served in the Korean conflict and ended his career as a Specialist. After the military, he returned to the University of South Dakota, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1959 and a master’s degree in 1964. During his schooling, he began working in education. He became a teacher in Winner, South Dakota for six years before becoming the principal in Gettysburg, South Dakota. From there, he was a principal and teacher in Dell Rapids, South Dakota from 1971-1997.

In 2020, he and his wife moved to Warner Robins, Georgia. In his free time, he could be found spending time with family, spending time outdoors, golfing, hunting, fishing, or woodworking. He enjoyed refereeing sports and was the member and past president of The Optimist Club, The Lions Club, The Rotary Club and The Jaycees. His presence will be missed by all who loved him.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Jacquelyn Marie Erickson of Warner Robins, GA; children, Jon Erickson (Sharon) of Bonaire, GA, and Jan Jastram (David) of Dell Rapids, SD; grandchildren, Amber Erickson of Bonaire, GA, Bradley Erickson (Kristen) of Bonaire, GA, Amanda Jastram of Brunsville, IA, James Erickson of Brunswick, GA, Melissa Christiansen (Matthew) of New London, MN, Branden Jastram of Wichita, KS, and Emily Erickson of Atlanta, GA; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Jerauld, Hunter Bradley, Levi James, Reid Christian, Ember Lynn, and Jaden Lee; along with siblings, JoAnn Trygstad (Ken), Joyce Strom, and Debra Ramirez.

At the family’s request, in honor of James, please consider sending floral tributes to Jacquelyn at The Phoenix at Lake Joy at 100 Lake Crossing Drive Apartment 606, Warner Robins, GA 31088.