Category Archives: Local

Elsie M. Saunders, 81

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Elsie M. Saunders, 81, of Fremont died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at Dunklau Gardens with her family by her side.

Elsie was born on Jan. 31, 1942, in Colome, S.D., to Lyle A. and Hazel M. (Barnett) Kyler. She grew up in Winner, S.D., with her nine brothers and sisters.

 On Jan. 12, 1962, Elsie married the love of her life, Thomas O. Saunders, in Lake Manawa, IA. The two settled in Fremont where they raised their two children, Mericke Christensen and John Saunders.

In 1978, Elsie completed her GED and went on to earn a certificate in practical nursing from Metropolitan Technical Community College in 1980. Elsie dedicated two decades of her life to nursing and spent time in various departments of the Fremont hospital including pediatrics, med-surg, laboratory, and assisted living.

Elsie lived a life of service and dedicated many years to numerous organizations including Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, The Banquet at First Lutheran Church, Habitat for Humanity, and LifeHouse. Elsie and her husband also opened their home and hosted foreign exchange college students. Elsie never knew a stranger and always welcomed everyone with open arms.

Adventure also filled Elsie’s days. She loved traveling and was part of the Good Sam Camping Club. Elsie traveled to many places including Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and all over the United States. Her love for travel influenced her knack for cooking, and she could often be found in the kitchen whipping up new dishes to share with her family and friends. She also loved to spoil her grandkids and great grandkids.

Elsie is survived by her daughter Mericke Christensen and her son John Saunders; special niece April (Jim) Kardisco who was like a daughter to Elsie; siblings James (Gina) Kyler, Eunice Cole, Sharon (Don Etherington) Totten, Carol Zvorak, and Nila (Dave) Lively; brothers-in-law Lyle Saunders and Gaylord (Pat) Saunders; sisters-in-law Peggy (Floyd) Harriger, Judie Kyler, and Linda Saunders; grandchildren Ashley (Justin) Johnstone, Brad (Jen) Christensen, Steven Stearns, Chrissy Blahak, Samantha (Mike) Bohanan, Kim (Eric McDunn) Blahak, and Zach Blahak; great-grandchildren Wyatt and Piper Johnstone, Kyle, Lakota, and Wilbur Stearns, Payden Blahak, and Bella Sulley and Beckham McDunn; close friends Butch (Roseann) Walker, Betty Walker, Ryu Ito, and Kory (Carolie) Rozell; and many nieces and nephews.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter Susan; parents-in-law John and Dorothy Saunders; brothers Willard, Roger, and Leroy Kyler; sister Vada Kyler; brothers-in-law Billy and Gary Saunders, Darrell Orel, and Sam Cole; and sister-in-law Pat Rolf.

Although a light has been extinguished in the lives of her family and friends, her loved ones find comfort in knowing that Elsie lived life to the fullest and enjoyed a lifetime that overflowed with family, friends, travel, and adventure that resulted in lasting memories that will be retold for generations.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com

Moser Memorial Chapel, 2170 N Somers Ave, Fremont, NE 68025  402-721-4490

South Dakota Corn Growers Association Elects Hamill Area Farmer Trent Kubik to Serve as Secretary/Treasurer

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The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) is pleased to announce that Trent Kubik has been elected as Secretary/Treasurer of the SDCGA for 2023. Trent and his wife Shannon, and two brothers, Troy and Bruce, started their own farm and ranch, where they operate a corn, soybean, small grains, alfalfa and cow-calf operation in Hamill. Kubik and his wife Shannon have two sons. In his spare time he enjoys cheering on the SDSU Jackrabbits and the Green Bay Packers, as well as traveling with his family.The following board members were also elected to serve for 2023:

President Dave Ellens, District 5

Dave Ellens has been elected President of the SDCGA for 2023. Dave and his family raise corn and soybeans in Madison. As owner of Lakeco Crop Services, he also is a third-generation Pioneer dealer.

Vice President Taylor Sumption, District 5

Taylor Sumption manages his family’s farm in partnership with his four brothers and parents in Frederick. They produce corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and oats in combination with operating a cow/calf operation and feedlot.

In addition, the following individuals were elected or approved to join the SDCGA board for 2023.

District 4 – Travis Strasser

District 6 – Mike Cronin

District 7 – Jeff Burg

District 8 – Scott Stahl

District 9 – Trent Kubik

At-Large – Kelsey Geraets

Industry Director – Jennifer Feistner

Industry Director – Kendall Jones

Industry Director – Rebecca Wellenstein

Christine Nelson, 91

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Funeral services for Christine Nelson were held Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Burial was Feb. 14 at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.

Christine Nelson was born in Rock Valley, IA on Dec. 25, 1931, to William and Gertrude (Vogelzang) Rozeboom.  Christine’s mother passed away when Christine was 6 months old.  Gertrude’s parents, Simon and Jacoba, took Christine into their home and raised her as their own child.Christine graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1949 and married Dr. Julius Nelson on Feb. 25, 1955.  They made their home in Burke, SD where Julius had a chiropractic clinic in their home.  Christine lived in her home for 66 years until the fall of 2022, when she moved into the Haisch Haus in Bonesteel, due to her failing health.

Julius and Christine were blessed with five children:  Julene Kris, Eric Rinold, Ivan Jul, Chandra Marie, and Lael Todd.  In later years, they were blessed with 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Christine loved God and her family fiercely and was a wife, mother, and homemaker above all else.   Her home was open to everyone at any time, and there was always coffee on for those that stopped by.  She was famous for her cooking and her special brownies.   It was always a guess who would be seated at her dining room table.  Her home was one where the children gathered after school and she was always ready to set another place at the table. 

Christine was a receptionist and assistant in the chiropractic office, and Doc couldn’t have run his business without her.   She seemed to be busy every minute of the day, but when she rested, it was with her Bible in her hands.

Christine gave herself to the Lord at a very early age and she faithfully worshipped in a Christian Home Fellowship her entire life.   Even as her health failed, her loved ones passed on, and she grew weary of this life, her faith never wavered.

Christine loved animals and especially her many pets through the years.  There was never a time when her home was absent from a dog or a cat.  Strays seemed to always find her and she never turned them away. 

 Christine was a Patriot and served faithfully as a Lifetime member of the Disabled American Veteran’s Auxiliary and the Burke VFW Auxiliary.  The American flag flew each day on her house until she became too frail to put it out.   She honored our Veterans and served them however she could.

 Left to mourn her loss are her children, Eric (Marlis) Nelson of Burke, Ivan (Nancy) Nelson of Burke, Chandra (Mark) Isackson of Sioux Falls, and Lael (Barbie) Nelson of Olathe, KS.  Also left to mourn Christine are her grandchildren, Beth Ann (Shane) Lechtenberg of Butte, NE, Dr. Derek Julius (Rachel) Nelson of Rapid City, Ty Joseph Smith of Sioux Falls, Justin Jul (Katlyn) Nelson of Winner, Landon John (Chrissy) Nelson of Harrisburg, and Jaden Jewel and Gillian Christine Nelson of Olathe, KS; 6 great-grandchildren, Lanie Ann, Jaylee Justine, and Ally Beth of Butte, NE, and Pierce Morgan, Porter Jul, and Asher Ivan of Winner, SD and many relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Dr. JJ Nelson, grandson, Thor, daughter, Julene, son-in-law, Jim, brother, Henry, parents, nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives, friends and precious pets. 

The family wishes to share their deep appreciation to the staff at the Haisch Haus in Bonesteel and at the Burke Community Hospital for their loving care of Christine.

Offices closed for Presidents Day

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Government offices in Winner will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.

The Tripp County Courthouse as well as the library will be closed.

The Winner city office will be closed and the city council meeting has been moved to Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

The Winner Post Office will be closed on Monday and there will be no mail delivery.

All state and federal offices in Winner will be closed for the holiday.

Financial institutions will also not be open for business on Feb. 20. First Fidelity Banks of Winner, Colome; BankWest and Sentinel Federal Credit Union all will be closed.

There will be no noon meal served at the senior citizens center on Feb. 20.

Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services will be closed on Feb. 20.

Winner Regional Health and Wellness Foundation is proud to introduce their newest member of the board of directors.

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Rona High Rock Jr

Winner Regional Health and Wellness Foundation is proud to introduce their newest member of the board of directors, Ron High Rock Jr.  High Rock joins respective board members; Michael DiGrazia, Board President, Dan Bechtold, Donna Kubik, Justin Nelson, Karla Ryno, Charisse Oland, Interim CEO, and Brady Kerkman, Executive Director.

Ron is a lifelong Winner resident, who graduated from Winner High School in 1998. He comes to the board with a wide array of experience, education, and community involvement. In 2004, he graduated from Northwest Indian Bible School in Montana with a Bachelors of Religious Education. While living in Montana, he completed training to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) through the Mineral Community Hospital. He went onto receive a diploma in Institutional Cooking from the Allegheny Wesleyan College in Salem, Ohio, where he was the Director of Food Services for over two years. During his time at Allegheny Wesleyan College, he received his Bachelors of Theology degree and continued his interest in music.

Ron returned to Winner in 2011 to help care for his mother. He took a position as a caregiver at the Golden Prairie Manor in Winner, where he also served as cook. In 2013 he accepted the role as a 911 dispatcher for the Winner Police Department, which also covered Emergency Medical Dispatch. Ron believes in giving back to the community by playing piano for funerals, served as the 2017 ESA President, and currently the Secretary for the Ideal Lakota Community. He has also spearheaded different fundraisers, such as selling Indian taco to raise funds to help those in need. Currently, he is the Director of the Winner Community Playhouse production of Big Bucks. During his free time, he enjoys bowling, volleyball, piano, theatre, and cooking.

He was interested in joining the board of directors, because he saw the good that the Foundation has done for the community and how it raised funds for equipment for Winner Regional Health. Ron is excited to bring his talents of fundraising, public speaking, community involvement, and helping with events to the Foundation. He believes in providing great quality of care and helping those within our community. By joining the Foundation, this provides him with the opportunity to serve as a resource and a voice to continue that mission that will benefit the surrounding communities.

The Winner Regional Health and Wellness Foundation is pleased to share their newly chartered mission statement. “To Support Winner Regional Health in providing high quality healthcare services with the collaboration of our rural communities.”

South Dakota Ranch Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award

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Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Ideal, was one of the regional winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award presented in New Orleans, La. Pictured from left are Cody Jorgensen, Abby Jorgensen, Brenda Jorgensen, Bryan Jorgensen, Deb Jorgensen, Greg Jorgensen and Nick Jorgensen.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced  that Jorgensen Land & Cattle Partnership in Ideal was selected as one of seven regional winners of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The ranch was recognized during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans.

“Farming and ranching families across the country continue to incorporate practices that protect and preserve land and water resources for future generations,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein. “These regional winners represent the cattle industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. The regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be presented during NCBA’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., April 24-27, 2023. The 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional Winners are:

Region I: Lamb Farms, Inc., Oakfield, New York

Region II: Carter Cattle Company, LLC, Pintlala, Alabama

Region III: Huth Polled Herefords and S&H Livestock Enterprises, LLC, Oakfield, Wisconsin

Region IV: Parks Ranch, Goliad County, Texas

Region V: Mannix Brothers Ranch, Helmville, Montana

Region VI: Fulstone Ranches, Smith, Nevada

Region VII: Jorgensen Land & Cattle Partnership, Ideal, South Dakota

“The Jorgensen family depicts all aspects of the award ideals while working to improve their operation each year since 1909,” said Cindy Zenk, coordinator of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. “The love of cattle and the land, a passion that continues to be handed down through generations is vividly evident with the fourth generation now managing the operation.”

Soil and animal health are the primary drivers for practices implemented at Jorgensen Land & Cattle. Grazing rotations are developed based on the impacts to soil health, livestock feed demands, and the wildlife benefit created from good cover and plant diversity. Rotational grazing has increased grazing efficiency and improved the productivity of the grassland. The ranch practices diverse crop rotations, integrates livestock grazing on both grassland and cropland, and adds as few external inputs to the cropping or pasture systems as possible. In addition to the cattle operation, Jorgensen grows 12,000 non-irrigated acres of crops every year using no-till, which has helped improve soil structure and nutrient efficiency.

“We strive to learn from Mother Nature by studying the native prairies,” said Cody Jorgensen, chief livestock officer at Jorgensen Land & Cattle. “Based on what we learn, we develop cropping rotations that are intended to mimic the ecosystem we live in.”

ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, McDonald’s, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain. For more information, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.

Ferman “Bud” Charles Harter, Sr., 89

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Ferman “Bud” Charles Harter, Sr., 89, of Colome, SD was surrounded by his sons and afar by his daughter and family in prayer, when he passed away on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD. Arrangements are in care of the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

The family invites everyone to a celebration in honor of Bud’s life with a luncheon at the Winner American Legion Hall immediately following services. After the luncheon, Bud will be laid to rest with military funeral honors at the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Attendance for his burial will be reserved for family, due to snow conditions on the cemetery grounds.

Ferman “Bud” Charles Harter, Sr. was born Jan. 3, 1934, in Dallas, SD to Glen and Laura Josephine (Cramlett) Harter.  He attended rural school through eighth grade. Near age 11, he went to work to help support his mother and siblings after losing his father. He worked as a farm hand on several farmsteads. At age 18, he enlisted in the Army. He served from 1952 through 1956 and was honorably discharged. He was a Korean War Veteran and was known to have been on ski patrol on the Ohara Mountain in Sendai, Japan after leaving Otaru, Japan. He was also stationed on Hokkaido Island in Japan as a squad leader and Sergeant of the Co. F. 5th Cav APO 201. Among his military honors were the Army Marksmanship Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean War Service Medal.

After returning from the military, Bud worked agriculture jobs. In 1958, at the age of 24, Ferman married Leonora Jorgensen. They made their first home on a farm northwest of Dallas, SD. They settled on a farm south and west of Colome, SD during their marriage of 28 years. Born to this union were three sons and one daughter, Ferman Harter, Jr. of Colome, SD; Diane “Sis” Simunek of Hot Springs, SD and Tallahassee, FL; John Harter of Winner, SD; and Casey Harter of Colome, SD.

Bud farmed and ranched and was employed at Winner Welding & Machine Shop, Grossenburg Implement, and Edwards Oil Company, all of Winner, SD. In addition, he was a self-employed truck driver before going to work for Carlson Construction and Tripp County Highway Department. Bud retired to the town of Colome sometime after the family farmhouse burned down. He continued to help at the ranch with his son, John, while working part-time at Frank Day’s Bar in Dallas, SD into his mid-80s. Bud insisted on surviving on his own until age 88. He moved to long-term care at Winner Regional Health August of 2022. His caregivers stated his smile was contagious.

Those who knew Bud may have known his independent spirit, brief visits, obsession for auctions, and desire to read and drive the countryside. He had a knack for remembering history and pride for our country, which was notable in his recounted stories. He had been a long-time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4674 of Winner, SD. He had been a member of the American Legion Post 71, Hot Springs, SD and was a member of the American Legion Post 146, Colome, SD for 47 continuous years. In 1991, he served as Commander of the Colome American Legion. An important legacy to Bud was family, especially his siblings and continuing a family legacy through his children and grandchildren. He was known to offer a lending hand to family, friends, and strangers throughout his lifetime.        

Ferman “Bud” is survived by his sister Dorothey “Sinny” Rutherford of Beaverton, Oregon; his children, Ferman (Sally) Harter, Jr.; Diane “Sis” (Kelly) Simunek; John (Tammy) Harter; and Casey (Bobbi) Harter; ten grandchildren, Summer Simunek (Eli Hubbard); Toby (Blakely) Harter; Rebecca (Josh) Curtis; Zachary Harter (Alissa Kuyper); Autumn (Ethan) Simunek Conrad; Reed Harter (Mikayla Heirigs); and Jordyn, Tila, Kirya, and Carsyn Harter; and eight great-grandchildren, Lilly, Levi, Scarlet, Corbin, Henry, and Logan Hubbard, Lenora Conrad; and Zachary and Alissa’s baby girl-to-be.

Ferman “Bud” was preceded in death by his parents, Glen Harter and Laura Josephine Noelle; stepfather Arthur Noelle; brothers, John Henry “Johnny” Harter and Patrick Harter; and sisters, Frances Jorgensen, Bessie Jean (Calvin) Smith, and JoAnn (Bob) Ahlman; and the mother of his children, Leonora Jorgensen Harter, as well as many relatives, military buddies, friends, and his dogs.

Gary James Doty, 75

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Gary James Doty, 75, of Vermillion, SD passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

Gary was born on April 3, 1947 to James and Stella (Steffen) Doty in Winner, SD. After receiving his GED, he joined the South Dakota Army National Guard as a Combat Medic.

Gary married Alice (Thaler) Doty on May 29, 1968 in Bonesteel, SD; they have celebrated 54 years of marriage. Together, Alice and Gary had four children. Throughout the years, Gary worked several jobs as a mechanic and had a love for horses. Gary also enjoyed fishing, hunting, music and playing his guitars, and wood crafting, which he loved sharing with his friends and family. 

Gary is survived by his wife Alice of Vermillion, children Aaron Doty of Vermillion, Tammy (Troy) Dufek of Colome, Danny (Penny) Doty of Irene, and Mark (Chris) Doty of Vermillion, sister Arlene (Stephen) Rezac of Sioux Falls, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents James and Stella Doty, father and mother-in-law Adolph and Jean Thaler, and daughter-in-law Barbara Doty. 

Celebration of Life was held Feb. 3  from 5 pm-7 pm with a prayer service at 6 pm at Kober Funeral Home in Vermillion, SD.  Kober Funeral Home of Vermillion has been entrusted with the services. Condolences may be posted online to www.koberfuneralhome.com.