Category Archives: Obituaries

Sara O’Bryan Bradford, 22, of Colome, SD passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Colome Vets Hall in Colome, SD.  Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the Colome Vets Hall from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service  at 7 p.m.

Sara Marie O’Bryan Bradford was born at 1lb 12 oz on Sept. 15, 2001 in Sioux Falls, SD. She passed away at her home on April 9, 2024. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. Sara continued to love the Lord and read her bible and devotions faithfully.

Growing up, Sara spent time on the farm with her Uncle Ferman and Aunt Sally Harter. Those were special times for her. Sara received a horse from Julie Ann Farley which she named Star. They developed a very special relationship as she nursed Star to health and broke him to ride. During her high school years she developed physical limitations so she took an interest in photography. Sara especially loved taking pictures of rodeos, landscapes, and sunsets.  When relaxing at home Sara enjoyed reading books and writing poems.

Some of Sara’s fondest memories were working with Lisa Forgey at the Feed Mill. During high school she also worked at the family business, Dan’s Last Shot. She graduated from Colome High School in 2020. After graduating she went to farrier school in Nebraska. She later worked in Mitchell, SD cleaning apartments, detailing cars, and helping operate a clothing and candy store. Sara left Mitchell, moving to Gettysburg, SD where she lived when she met the love of her life, Dylan.

Dylan and Sara were married in Colome on Sept. 2, 2023. They lived for a time in New Evarts as Dylan worked for Bradford Construction with his dad. Later they moved to Colome where they both worked at Dan’s Last Shot. Dylan started Diamond B Construction in Colome, while Sara was employed at the Winner Stockman’s Café at the time of her death. They enjoyed watching movies together, going on drives through the countryside to the river, going to rodeos, grabbing ice cream treats and fishing at the river.

Sara battled mental health for many years but was loved and surrounded faithfully by her family and God.

She is survived by her husband Dylan Bradford, her parents Dan and Heidi O’Bryan (Colome SD), brother Kelly O’Bryan (Ellendale ND), parents-in-law Clayton and Roxana Bradford (Selby SD),  brothers-in-law Nathan Bradford and Cooper Bradford (Selby SD), sister-in-law Tomi and Thomas (Bridger and Peyton) Dryer (Selby SD), grandmothers Marty Bliese (Gettysburg, SD) and Eileen Tobin (Parkston SD), grandparents-in-law Donald and Kathleen Hauck (Mobridge SD), Robert and Betsy Bradford (Belen, NM), Yvonne Kohn (Selby SD), special aunt and uncle Sally and Ferman Harter (Colome SD) along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Ralph Tobin, Mick Bliese, Dick and Mavis O’Bryan, and grandfather-in-law William Kohn.

Loretta Diez, 60, of Apple Valley MN, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 in St. Paul MN. 

Graveside service will be held on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Hall.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt and friend, Loretta Diez.  Loretta was born in Winner, South Dakota on April 8, 1963 to Rose and Carl Diez.  She was the youngest of six children.  She grew up on the family farm near Clearfield, SD and spent her first years of school attending Star Prairie country school one mile from their home.  She graduated from Winner High School in 1981.  She then attended the University of South Dakota where she made lifelong friends.

She enjoyed participating in pageants and was crowned Miss Winner, Miss USD and Miss State Fair.  Sadly, she was paralyzed in a car accident in May of 1985.  Even after her accident she went on to crown the next Miss State Fair.

In 1985, at the age of 22, Loretta furthered her education pursing a master’s degree in counseling psychology.  She had a successful career, culminating in building her own leadership coaching business.  She made such a positive impact on the many who had the honor of knowing her and she leaves behind a meaningful legacy.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends.  She enjoyed the Diez family reunions in the Black Hills and loved to spoil her nieces and nephews and cuddle with her great nieces and nephews. 

Plays and concerts were among her favorite experiences.  Her trips to Rome, Barcelona, Paris, London, Venice and Florence were special highlights for her.

She left this world appropriately on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2024 in the loving home and in the loving arms of her sister Margo in Saint Paul, Minn.  Even while her body succumbed to the cancer that ravaged her physically, she remained mentally strong and fought hard to stay with us.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Rose Diez, and her brother Michael. 

She is survived by sister Monica (Bob) Muth, sister-in-law June Diez, sister Margo (Dan) Osadchuk, brother Jack (Starla) Diez, sister Merna (Randy) Greer and 14 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews and her many friends.

Courtney Paige Brozik, 45, of Winner, SD, returned home to her Heavenly Father on April 14, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

 Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. 

As with life, her family was by her side endlessly until she began her eternal life. As much as we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we find comfort in knowing that her fight is over and she is now in Heaven watching over us, until we meet again.

Courtney was the first child born on July 29, 1978, to the union of Ron and Judy McCready.  Joining her as siblings in this family were Tyler in 1980 and Zach in 1984.  Courtney was born and raised in Winner, and ultimately returned to Winner to raise her family.   She graduated from Winner High School in 1996 and pursued her secondary education at South Dakota State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2000. Courtney later attended the University of South Dakota and obtained her graduate certificate in Child & Adult Advocacy Studies in December of 2022.

On Aug. 17, 2002, Courtney entered into her Godly marriage and lifelong commitment with Jon Weston Brozik.  This loyal and joyful partnership was blessed with two children, Ellie and Maxton.  They lived their entire lives and raised their family in Winner, South Dakota.

After completing her schooling, Courtney began a career of service of helping others.  Her first opportunity began at the Chamberlain Academy in Chamberlain, South Dakota.  Next, Courtney worked for the South Dakota Department of Social Services in the Child Protection division.  In 2004, she began her career with Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services in Winner, South Dakota, and was employed in that capacity until the time of her passing.  Throughout her lifetime and employment, she has positively impacted countless lives, often times going without notice or recognition.

Courtney is a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran church in Winner, South Dakota.  She also served as a board member for the Tripp County Library and was a member of the Winner Rotary Club and Winner Quarterback Club.

She was an avid sports fan of the children in Winner, especially her Lady Warriors and Warriors.  She could always be found following and supporting her children, Ellie and Maxton, in all of their activities.  If there happened to be two of the kids’ activities at the same time, she would follow one, while still following the other through livestream. They were her pride and joy!

When Courtney wasn’t giving herself to the area children, organizations, agencies, or following her children, she found joy in her own activities.  She loved to scrapbook, collect antiques and refurbish them, and spend countless hours on the phone with her closest friends.  She was a concert enthusiast, always ready to go, no matter the performer or location.  She cherished her time spent with her closest friends.

Courtney is lovingly remembered by her husband Jon and their two children Ellie and Maxton Brozik,  parents Ron and Judy McCready (Winner), Jim and Linda Brozik (Winner), and Marcy Fifield (Pierre).  Also surviving are siblings Tyler (Jennifer) McCready of Sioux Falls, Zach (Kelli) McCready and family of Chamberlain, brother-in-law Bruce Drapeaux and family of Spearfish, brother-in-law Jody (Sally) Brozik and family of Winner, and brother-in-law Paul (Courtney) Brozik and family of Lawrence, Kansas. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She will be missed by her countless number of friends and acquaintances.

Courtney was preceded in death by grandparents:  Orvin and Mary McCready, Harold and June Ringstmeyer, Stan and Rose Brozik, Maxine Audiss, and Velda Kindt.  Additionally, preceding in death was her father-in-Law, Jack Fifield.

Vernon Alfred Beehler was born on December 20, 1943, in Gregory, SD, to Alfred and Marie (Henderson) Beehler.  He was the youngest of four children.  He attended grade school at a country school north of the family farm which was homesteaded in 1904.  Vernon graduated from Gregory High School in the class of 1961.  After graduation, he attended college in Springfield, SD.  He then ventured out west to California with a friend, where he was employed for a time.  After which, he returned home to Gregory and small-time life that better suited him.  Upon returning home, he began employment with Harrison Plumbing & Heating.  Vernon and Barb purchased the business in October, 1974.   They owned and operated the business for almost 50 years.  During high school, he met his future wife Barbara (Fortuna).  They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 8.  Vernon and Barbara were blessed with four children, Lisa, Jade, Jason, and Jerred.  

Vernon was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren.  He was also a big fan of all sporting events, which included coaching his sons’ baseball teams.  He enjoyed Gorilla football and was seated in the broadcast booth for over 30 years with his friend Jack Clark.  Besides Gorilla Football, he was fortunate enough to attend many USD Coyote football games watching his favorite players Chris, Lucas, and Tim!  Vernon also enjoyed many card games with family and friends.  He was a member of many leagues including golf, pool, and darts.  He was also inducted into the Gregory Fire Department Hall of Fame in 2016 with 26 years of volunteer service. Vernon was well known in his community for his ability to repair most anything.  In addition, he was well known for his quick one liners and Vernie-isms!   

Vernon, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on April 3, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.  

Vernon is survived by his wife Barb.  His children include, Alisa (Steve) Thieman, Gregory; Jade (Julie) Beehler, Spencer, IA; Jason Beehler, Winner, SD; and Jerred (Jodi) Beehler, Inwood, IA.  Also has 10 awesome grandkids, Chris (Abbey) Mikkelsen, Lucas (Jessica) Mikkelsen, Eric (Lauren) Beehler, Bayli (Fiance Jeff) Beehler, Emily Beehler, Mali Beehler, Lillie Beehler, Masen Beehler, Easton Beehler, Mara Beehler, and great grandkids Drake and Haddie Mikkelsen and Knox and Nyla Mikkelsen. Also surviving are several nieces and one nephew along with close relatives and friends.  

He was preceded by his parents, brothers (Gerald & Roger), and sister (Anne).  

                                                                                 V o We’ll miss you!

Memorial for Vernon Beehler age 80 of Gregory, SD will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024,at 10:30AM at United Methodist Church in Gregory, South Dakota.  

Rosie Julia Pesek Smith passed away on March 27, 2024, in Burke, SD. Rosie was born June 12, 1933, to Joe and Helen (Vomacka) Pesek. She attended school around Colome and Dallas through the 8th grade, attended Colome High School for two years, and graduated from Gregory High School in 1954. She went on to attend Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD.

Rosie married Don Smith on October 9, 1954, at the Gregory Methodist Church. Rosie and Don have lived in the Gregory area their entire married life of 69 years.

Rosie taught in Dallas, Colome, Keya Paha, Gregory, and Hayes SD. Rosie taught for 12 years before retiring to take care of her mother who was injured in a car accident. Rosie also cared for her father, brothers, and mother-in-law in her retirement years. Rosie never forgot her former students and stayed in touch with many of them. She loved all her former students as well as the neighborhood children. Rosie was famous for giving candy bars or a dollar to the neighborhood kids in exchange for a hug.

Rosie loved to dance and listen to her Czech music. Her favorites were her dad’s button accordion and the Leon Olsen band.

Preceding Rosie in death are her parents, Joe and Helen Pesek, sister Helen, brothers Joseph and Jim Pesek, great nephew Jeremy Pesek, mother and father-in-law Cliff and Anna Smith, and close friend, Clarence Raschke.

Survivors of Rosie are her husband Don Smith, brother Alvin Pesek, sister-in-law Linda Smith, special friend Carol Raschke, many nephews and nieces, friends at Buche’s, as well as neighbors and friends too numerous to list.

Rosie will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral Services for Rosie Smith, age 90, of Gregory, SD, will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 10:30AM at United Methodist Church in Gregory, South Dakota. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD.  Visitation is one hour prior to funeral service. 

Janice Anderson, 80, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the Pipestone County Hospice Home in Pipestone, MN.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Janice Elaine Anderson was born to James & Ethel (Schneider) Konvalin in Winner South Dakota April 10, 1943.  She was the oldest of the 3 children.

She graduated from Winner High School in 1962. 

 She married Eldon Anderson June 8, 1963 in Kennebec South Dakota.  To this union one child was born, Dawn in 1973.

After marriage, Janice attended Stewarts School for Cosmetology in Sioux Falls SD.  She went on to be a hairdresser for over 40 years with the majority of this time having her own hair salon in her home.

Janice was an active member of First Christian Church serving as a deacon.  She was a member of the VFW ladies Auxiliary in Winner.  She enjoyed baking and cooking and had a green thumb with plants.  Every weekend, she looked forward to watching NASCAR.

In the fall of 2016 Janice was diagnosed with cancer.   She moved to Falls Landing Assisted Living in Pipestone MN to be closer to her daughter.  She enjoyed this time being closer to her family.   While living at the assisted living one of the joys she took pride in was caring for all the plants at the facility.

On Easter Sunday March 31st Janice, died peacefully surrounded by her family at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, Minn.

Janice is lovingly remembered by her daughter Dawn (Jon) Carson, Pipestone and their children Mitchel & Morgyn of Pipestone, one brother Michael (Judy) Konvalin, Rapid City South Dakota, and several nephews and a niece.

She is preceded in death by her husband Eldon, her bother Larry Konvalin, her parents James & Ethel Konvalin and mother and father-in-Law Leonard & Helen Anderson.

Barbara Jean “Barb” Winckler, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024 at her residence in Winner, SD.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Barbara Jean (“Barb”) Winckler was born on May 29, 1947, to Raymond Bambas and Genevieve (Wysuph) “Jenny” Bambas, in the Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota.  She was the only child born to the Bambas family and lived in Tyndall, South Dakota, throughout her upbringing. Ray was a plumber while Jenny was a homemaker for many years; and, together, they ran the local movie theatre and the Tyndall Sky Hi Drive-In.  

Barb graduated from Tyndall High School in 1965 – and treasured her high school classmates for life – especially the love of her life Myron “Big Mike” Winckler.  She went on to acquire her elementary education bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota and began teaching the next fall in the Yankton School District. 

While growing up, Barb was active in many school activities and, until the last few years, was happy to share a demonstration of a favorite cheer while a high school cheerleader.  In college, she was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority and spoke often of her shared experiences with her sorority sisters.

After many a love letter while serving in the Army in Vietnam, Myron Mark Winckler made the best decision of his life and asked Barbara Jean Bambas to marry him.  They were engaged in February of 1969 and married on July 24, 1969.  They danced beautifully – at weddings and other events – and ultimately, through life.  To this union, two children were born – Alicia Jean in 1972 and Mark Raymond in 1978.

After a few years in Yankton, Mike and Barb moved to Colome, South Dakota, where Barb continued her career as a teacher.  A few years later, they moved to the big city – Winner – with Barb transitioning to teach in the Winner School District.  While Mike was socializing with others, enjoying the outdoors, and demonstrating reliably how to tell a great story, Barb was trying to get him to “do good, kind things”, “watch his language”, and be a role model for his children – but also laughed heartily and was entertained by his antics, sayings, and retorts for the better part of their life together.  Although their interests and personalities were very different, they remained in love through each of their earthly transitions.  

Through an impactful career of 33 years as an elementary school teacher, primarily for reading and math for early elementary students, she took great pride in the success of her school children and would reference their life successes as she tracked many of them quietly for years thereafter.  

Barb was widely known for her kindness, warmth, expressive cards and letters, and enthusiastic conversations.  She approached others always with a smile and with a positivity, hopefulness, and faith that miracles do happen while keeping hope alive for a better future.  Many have shared stories about her kind words and effervescent smile, enthusiastic waving while driving about town, and enjoyable (yet never brief) conversations as she moved about her daily life – noticeably changing their day in a positive way.

She took immense pride in and loved her family deeply.  To anyone whom she encountered, she told stories about the successes and accomplishments of her grandchildren and children – and when life wasn’t so kind – what she hoped for each of their futures.  She was also quite a sports enthusiast – especially when her son, Mark, was wrestling.  At times, her response to what was happening on the mat was more entertaining than what was actually happening on the mat.

She is survived by her daughter Alicia Jean, her grandson, Lucas Edward Hansen, his father, Gary Hansen; her son, Mark Raymond, his three children, Norah Blanche, Jacob Marcus, and Sullivan Charles, and their mother, Melissa (Grossenburg) Winckler; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law – Norma (Bob) Bender, JoeWayne Winckler, Vern Dangel, Jarvis (Marilyn) Winckler, Sue Winckler, Merlin (Lisa) Winckler, and Larry Winckler.

Barb passed peacefully in her home on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, appropriate as she was a staunch woman of Catholic faith. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike, her parents, Genevieve and Ray Bambas, her sister-in-law, Arla Dangel, her brother-in-law David Winckler, Mike’s parents, Hubert and Edna Winckler, several of she and Mike’s good friends, and many uncles, aunts, cousins.

Thomas Oli Strand was born on Feb. 1, 1961, to Shep and Elizabeth (Slattery) Strand in Ainsworth, Neb. and passed away on March 24, 2024, at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, South Dakota.

Tom grew up in Ainsworth and in 1983, he married Patsy Denny of Newport, Neb. To this union three daughters were born: Jessica, Ashly and Sheena. In 2007 they divorced and Tom began his new life with fiancé, Vicki Condon. The last ten years were spent in Winner sharing their life with his daughters and Vicki’s son, Lane Hall.

His grandchildren, Darion Dye, Olivia Strand, DaShawn Sellers-Strand, Chloe Strand, Lily Dye and Bo Dye, were his pride and joy. Tom loved them all and was happiest when they were around. His family, friends and cats were also an important part of his life.

Tom loved the outdoors, spending a lot of time working in his yard and his garden. He had a love for fishing, (especially when he caught that “BIG” one), hunting and driving in demolition derbys with his skeleton on the passenger side.

Tom worked for his father at Shep’s Wrecker Service and Body Repair and spent his life working in various body shops. He was known for being one of the best autobody men around. Everything Tom did he would say, “I did it my way.”

Tom was preceded in death by his father Shep Strand; sister, Angela (Philbrick) Hansen; grandson, Marcus Sellers; nephews, LeRoy and Amos Assarsson.

He is survived by his fiancé Vicki of Winner and her son Lane Hall of Sutherland, Nebraska; three daughters, Jessica Dye and husband Jason of Chadron, Nebraska, Ashly O’Keefe of North Platte, Nebraska and Sheena Strand of Rapid City, South Dakota; six grandchildren; mother, Liz Strand of Ainsworth; brothers, Rick Philbrick and wife Jana of Gillette, Wyoming, Rob Strand and wife Lori of Ainsworth, and Shane Philbrick of Springview, Nebraska; sister, Deb Assarsson and husband Bill of Bassett; mother of his children, Patsy Strand of North Platte; along with many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth with Tammi Painter officiating. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to the family in Tom’s name.  Interment was in the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com. 

Wilbur “Bill” Boerner, of Winner, SD, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, in Pierre, S.D.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Bill was born on Dec. 13, 1938, in Winner, S.D. to Harold and Alice Boerner. In Bill’s early years, he lived on the family farm north of Winner. Later, his family moved to Lamar, AR., where he grew up with his four sisters, Lynn, Pat, Shirley and Diane and graduated high school in 1957.

After high school, Bill eventually moved back to Winner, S.D., where he met Carol Ann Olson, and married on Feb. 24, 1968. They had two children, Michael and Sylvia.

Bill worked various farming jobs in the Winner area, which was something he always loved. He left farming in 1989 to work for the City of Winner. Bill worked for the city 14 years and retired in 2003.

 Bill loved the Lord, family, friends, being on the farm and country music. He was musically gifted and could play almost any instrument he picked up or song he heard. He could also build or weld almost anything he could think of. Bill was a member of the Winner Methodist Church.

Bill is survived by his son, Michael (Georgette) of Winner, S.D., daughter, Sylvia (Ron) Nelson of Pierre, S.D. Grandchildren; Melissa Boerner of Pierre, S.D., Lance Boerner of Sioux Falls, S.D., Dani DeVries (Darian) of Sioux Falls, S.D., Gennefier Schuppan of Sioux Falls, S.D., Amanda Nelson of Pierre, S.D, and Matthew Boerner of Winner, S.D. Great grandchildren; Serenity and Ryan Lopez of Pierre, S.D. Sisters; Lynn Elsasser of Dessert Hot Springs, CA, Patricia Gage of Jacksonville, AR, Shirley Shain of Jacksonville, AR and Diane Yates of Cabot, AR. And numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Alice Boerner, wife Carol Boerner, and brother-in- laws, Joby Shain, George Gage and Paul Elsasser.

Belva Delaine Liggett, 76, of Winner, SD, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD. 

She was born in Winner on April 7, 1947, to Elmer Clifford “Slim” Colson and Theo Maude Houston.

Belva is survived by her two daughters, Melanie Peterson and Danielle Bredenberg of Casper, WY, her granddaughter, Danielle Peterson in Aurora, CO, and her siblings, Dale (Bea) Colson of Eufaula, AL, Jeanean Jaros of Winner, SD, Connie Moffit of Rapid City, SD, and Rick Colson of Rapid City, SD. She is preceded in death by her brother, Marvin (Linda) Colson.

She retired from the Department of Labor, Job Service Division, after 16 years of service.

We are respecting her wishes to be cremated with no wake, funeral or burial.