Category Archives: Obituaries

Doug Gossard, 68, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. 

A Celebration of Life service was held on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Colome American Legion.  Burial will be held at a later date.  

Doug was born in Winner, SD on May 27, 1955 to Kenneth and Lila Gossard. He was later joined by his two siblings, Wes and Kena. Doug grew up on the family farm south of Colome. He attended & graduated from Colome High School in 1974. Doug often spoke fondly of his memories of playing football in those days. Upon graduating, he hauled many loads of gravel while also working alongside his dad on the farm. Doug had a sharp mind when it came to livestock and spent much of his time watching rodeos or attending sales when he could.

 On June 12, 1982, Doug married the love of his life, Jan Cahoy Vaughn. With this marriage, he inherited little Mel. The family lived in the Colome area until 1988 when they moved to Davenport, IA. A short time later, they moved to Cherry, IL for the next six years where Doug continued his work as a truck driver for Double D Express. During this time, Doug spent many hours with his cousin Merle where countless laughs, memories, and stories were shared.

 In 1994, Doug moved his family back to South Dakota roots once again living on the family farm. While living on the farm in 1998, Doug’s most prized possession was born, his grandson. So many adventures took place between the two. This included fishing trips, an attack by a turkey in the middle of a field, and protecting his grandson from a snake with a cattle prod.

 In 2002, Doug and Jan moved to Winner. After spending some time flying planes in Washington with his brother Wes, Doug began his 20-year career at the Winner City Jail. During these 20 years, he made many friends. Those friends became family.

 Doug had many titles: son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and neighbor. His most well-known features were recognized as being a comedian and his skill to play the guitar by ear. His comedic nature will be cherished through videos that he recorded years ago that his family will never forget. Doug wasn’t just a jokester though; he had a unique ability to make people feel understood. He was a man of values, integrity, and most of all, family.  His constant effort to make others smile, even during hard times will be something that family and friends will miss dearly.

 Doug was proceded in death by his father, Kenneth, mother Lila, father- in law, Donald Cahoy and mother-in-law Marlene Cahoy.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, children, Cody and Melony Bertram, grandchildren Trevor Bertram and Tatum Olson, one brother Wes Gossard (Cindy), one sister Kena (Tony) Bolton, brother-in-law Gene (Deb) Cahoy, brother-law Dave (Candy) Cahoy, sister-in-law Donelle Eby, brother-in-law Rick (Lisa) Cahoy along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Tommy L. Vaughn, age 71, of Martin, South Dakota, formerly of Winner, died on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Bennett County Healthcare Center in Martin.

Tommy Lewis Vaughn was born May 3, 1952, in Valentine, Neb., to Frank and Beverly (May) Vaughn. Tom attended grade school in Sidney, NE while his father worked as a ranch hand and later moved back home to South Dakota, graduating from Bennett County High School in Martin. After high school Tom attended college in Chadron, Neb., and again returned home to start working at Little Wound School in Kyle, SD. Tom loved the education world so much he continued on to Rockyford School District where he spent most of his career of over 30 years being a teachers aid in special education, a bus monitor and a librarian assistant. One of his favorite things was to read the Hank the Cowdog series which was the only books he would ever read to the kids. The kids loved listening to Tom because he would always laugh so hard reading the adventures of a silly cow dog it would turn into a rage of laughter from the whole group.

Tom had a love of dogs from a very young age. It was his first dog Brownie that actually taught him to walk. That bond instilled a life-long love for a 4 legged best friend and also lit the flame for his love of hounds and coyote hunting. Tom lived to load up a set of coyote hounds in the box of his pickup, gather a family member or friend and go out for hours on the hunt. It didn’t matter if he missed Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas with the family, coyote hunting with his dogs was always top of the priority list. The thrill of the chase brought MANY stories, laughs, jokes and wondering how far the truth was stretched.

Tom also had a love of horses and raised quality quarter horses. He had an eye for conformation and good disposition. Tom stood a couple of studs horses and to this day there are still horses with his bloodlines being used on area ranches and in local arenas. He was always proud to produce a good mount for someone.

When Tom is mentioned to family members and friends it’s always said he was a practical jokester. He loved teasing and telling stories, he loved laughing and you could always pick his giggling out of a crowd. The stories were never too far fetched with Tom around.

Tom’s last years were spent in the Winner nursing home. While there he was blessed to have met his special friend Carla. Carla would sit with Tom for hours every day keeping him company, keeping him in touch with the family and making sure everything for Tom was comfortable and in order. She was such a gift to him and we are forever thankful for her friendship to Tom.

Survivors include his sister Twila Goodman and brother Dave Nelson. Nephews Rob and Shawn Goodman, JR and Travis Nelson and niece TR Nelson and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Bev Vaughn, brother Michael “Butch” Vaughn, uncles Bud and Dan May, aunts Zona and Ramona May, and Marnie White Wolf; cousins Jerry, Tammy and Pam May, nephew Chad Nelson and special friend Carla Lebert.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Martin.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 31, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Martin, with Father Tyler Dennis officiating.

Interment will be at the Martin Community Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Memorial services for Peggy Schwartz, 88, Gregory, were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory on July 10. Burial took place at the Colome Cemetery.

Margaret “Peggy” Ann (Vavra) Schwartz was the first born of Frank and Dorothy (Cahoy) Vavra on March 4, 1935. Peggy was born on her Uncle Emil and Aunt Myrtle Cahoy’s farm and was baptized in Clearfield’s Catholic Church. She attended first grade in Clearfield, second grade in Millboro and third through eighth grade at the Viaduct School. Peggy graduated at the top of her class in 1953 from Colome High School.

She milked cows and did daily chores on the farm. After high school, Peggy joined the Catholic Daughters of St. Isidore Catholic Church, she was a member for seventy years. St. Isidore is where she was also united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Jim Schwartz on Sept. 29, 1956. She was blessed with two children that she loved dearly, Kevin and Lynne.

Not only did she work tirelessly as a wife and mother, but she also had jobs at First Fidelity Bank in Colome, Wagner’s Market in Colome, and continued to help on the farm.

Peggy was a wonderful cook and baker. Her fresh baked bread and chocolate cake are still treasured recipes today. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and attending every sporting event of her children.

When Peggy became a grandmother, she loved babysitting and attending all of their activities as well. She especially enjoyed watching baseball and track and field.

Peggy received a challenging diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes at age 24 and held the goal to live to her children’s high school graduation, but she defied all odds and was blessed to see nine great grandchildren join the family.

Peggy was truly the epitome of a farm wife and mother. She had a very giving heart, a friendly smile, and hardworking hands that never stopped until the work was done. Peggy always made time for others, and her frequent visits, phone calls, and handwritten letters are special memories. Her Catholic faith and family were so dear to her, and she will be greatly missed here as she enters her Heavenly home.

Peggy passed away on July 5, 2023, at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center at the age of 88 years.

Peggy is survived by her husband Jim of Gregory; her son Kevin of Colome; her daughter Lynne (Joe) Duling of Gregory; her granddaughter Katie (Chris) Kassin of Vermillion; her grandson Kris Schwartz of Oak Island, NC; her grandson Mitch Schwartz of Colome; her granddaughter Abigail (Skyler) Kuil of Winner; and her granddaughter Alexa (Shea) Williams of St. Louis, MO; her great-grandchildren Collins and Kellen Kassin, Rose and Summer Kuil, and Kemp, Dell, Brit, Goldie, and Dar Williams. She is also survived by her sister Jeanne (Joe) Bride, brother Bob (Merrilee) Vavra, sister Claudia (Ed) Opbroek, sister-in-law Patricia Erickson, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ken.

Ralph Leroy Mefferd, Jr. was born Sept. 1, 1932, to Ralph L. Mefferd Sr. and Dorothy (Dodds) Mefferd in the Ainsworth, NE hospital. He died Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff, NE.

Ralph’s life began in the fossil digging camps of Morris Skinner and Company. There his father found employment on bone collecting expeditions that ranged across the Nebraska and Wyoming prairies and South Dakota Badlands. During those years, Ralph’s winters were spent in New York City attending school as the excavation team researched and processed their summer’s finds for Frick Laboratory in partnership with the Museum of Natural History. Disliking New York City, the Northeast winters, and attending school in such a large city, Ralph began living and working on his grandparent’s (Frank and Vivian Dodds) ranch while attending school in Raven, NE. He took up boxing after starting high school in Ainsworth and found the sport to be a great outlet for his natural toughness and fighting spirit. Ralph’s time spent boxing saw him qualify for state on two occasions. He placed second his sophomore year and he was undefeated his junior year before the Ainsworth boxing team became stranded while traveling to the state tournament in the Blizzard of 1949. Nebraska outlawed the high school sport his senior year.

Following high school, Ralph received his draft notice and become a veteran of the Korean War.

He served in the United States Army from Jan. 7, 1953, to Sept. 1, 1954, and spent most of his time in service overseas. Ralph operated heavy equipment to build roads and other infrastructure in Korea as he served as a combat engineer and rose to the rank of corporal. After leaving service Ralph returned to his hometown of Ainsworth. 

Upon his return home, Ralph married his longtime girlfriend and fiancé Betty J. Propst of Springview, NE on June 24, 1955. The following year, Ralph and Betty began their family as Sandra, Michael, and Kelly, joined the world and learned to live and work as hard as their parents. A faithful and devoted husband, Ralph celebrated 67 years of marriage with his lifetime sweetheart.

Ralph’s life was driven by the cowboy spirit. This began at the young age of three as “Ralphy” rode a simple stick through camp at his father’s dig sites and dreamt of his future life as a rancher and rodeo enthusiast. This carried through his high school years as he worked a local dairy farm while attending school.

Following his time in service, Ralph picked up his life as a cowboy and returned to the three rough stock events. There he once successfully rode 54 head of bucking stock straight before retiring from the events and focusing on his young family. Alongside his rodeo days, Ralph and his family lived and worked on several ranches in the area including Wood Lake, Nenzel, and Bassett, NE, as well as Hamill and Edgemont, SD. His ranching days were far from uneventful. One winter, while loading a large stack onto a hay sled, Ralph’s glove became caught in the tractor’s winch. Being unable to stop the winch in time he suffered the loss of three fingers in the accident. Also, in 1974, after managing the “Old Savage Ranch” for Rich and Dean Kinney, Ralph and his family recreated the old-time cattle drive as they relocated 200 angus pair 100 miles from Hamill, SD to their new ranch in Bassett, NE; a highlight for the livestock-focused family. Later, Ralph would purchase his second ranch on the Cheyenne River near Edgemont, SD, operating it for several years before returning to Nebraska.  

In between calving seasons, brandings, fixing fence, and cattle drives, Ralph enjoyed returning to his younger days by fossil and arrowhead hunting on the prairie. He also found time to attend many local dances with his wife Betty and young children and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids as his family grew. Ralph took pride in his near self-sufficiency as he mastered horsemanship, mechanical work, and many aspects of veterinarian care. Throughout his life he became fond of great Western fiction, especially stories written by the novelist Louis L’Amour.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kelly Mefferd, who tragically and unexpectedly passed on March 28, 2021; parents-in-law Henry and Gladys Propst; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard and Sandra Propst, and William and Susan Propst.  

He is survived by his wife Betty of Scottsbluff, NE; daughter Sandra Mefferd of Chadron, NE; son Michael (Carmen) Mefferd of Rapid City, SD; brother Charles Mefferd of Kearney, NE; grandchildren: Chancy Stewart of Orchard, NE; Mikalya Bentley of Milliken, CO; Marc Mefferd of Lander, WY; Ty Brown of Marsland, NE; and Wil Brown of Loveland, CO; brother-in-law Elvin Propst of Tuscon, AZ; great grandchildren Carter, River, Eli, Nash, and Brixleigh. Memorial services were held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth.  Pastor Paul Smith of Hay Springs, NE officiated at the service.    Inurnment will take place in the Ainsworth Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials were suggested to the family for future designation.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Lucas Allen Kaiser, age 35, of Watertown, SD, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, July 10, 2023.  Funeral Services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Cornerstone Methodist Church in Watertown.  Pastor Luke Smith officiated 

Burial was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD. 

Lucas was born on Aug. 26, 1987, in Spearfish, SD, to Greg and Lori (Frank) Kaiser.  He attended school in Billings, MT, until his family moved to Watertown, where he graduated from WHS with the class of 2006.  Following high school, Lucas went on to further his education by attending college in Jamestown, ND, SDSU, and DSU. Lucas loved sports and excelled in track, football, and baseball. 

On Aug. 7, 2009, Lucas married the love of his life, Amanda Cass in Watertown.  The couple raised four children together, Aidan, Audrina, Lincoln, and Cecelia.  Lucas was in business with his dad for several years at Midwest Dent. He was very passionate about his job, which he considered a form of art, and enjoyed working with his dad – most days.

Lucas had a passion for motorcycles, hunting, fishing, golfing, baseball, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Seattle Mariners.  He was also an amazing cook.  His specialties were pizza (with a secret sauce he refused to share), his special noodles, and chili.  Audrina is following in his footsteps.

Lucas adored his children, they were truly the joy of his life.  He enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them, playing video games, movie nights, hitting balls, going on road trips,  and building crazy amounts of lego’s. 

Lucas will be most remembered for his contagious laugh, beautiful smile, and his amazing beard!  He was always willing to rise to the challenge of any dare or prank.  He was constantly razzing his dad, and his dad ALWAYS responded as expected.  For his children he will be remembered for his “magic kissies” to heal any wound.

Lucas is survived by his parents, Greg and Lori Kaiser of Watertown, SD; children Aidan Cass of Lake Preston, SD, Audrina, Lincoln, and Cecelia Kaiser of Watertown, SD; the mother of his children Amanda Crook of Watertown, SD; grandparents Marcella Kaiser of Spearfish, SD, and Vern and Vesta Frank of Newcastle, WY; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Lucas was preceded in death by his grandpa Robert Kaiser; uncle Jesse and aunt Stacey Frank; and uncle Jim Swaby.

Donations to assist the family can  be sent to gofundme under Lucas Kaiser memorial and kids or mailed to Kaiser Family, 59 Sunrise Drive, Watertown, SD 57201

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel   www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

Mary Ann Clyde, 82, of Henderson, NV, formerly of Vermillion and Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  Mary Ann was born on July 30, 1940, in Winner, SD to Bert and Cecilia Tideman of Carter, SD. She graduated from Winner High School in 1958 and received her nursing degree from the Sacred Heart School of Nursing (her “alma mater”) in Yankton, SD in 1961.

 She started her career at the Weld County General Hospital in Greeley, CO where she met her husband, Donald Clyde. They were married in 1967 and moved to Vermillion, SD in 1973 where they resided for 40+ years and raised their family.

 Mary Ann is survived by her husband Donald Clyde; her four children Christina Clyde-Sforzo (Tom), Corey Clyde, Cassandra Clyde, and Camille Clyde (Peter); two grandchildren Jordyn Cannon, Zoe Clyde-Sforzo; two great-grandchildren Orion Cannon, Conner Cannon; and her sister Karen (Tideman) Barnes.

 She was preceded in death by her parents Bert Tideman and Cecilia (New) Tideman (aka “mother and daddy”) and sister Donna (Tideman) Graf (aka “seeester”).

Mary Ann had a deep love for her family, whom she selflessly dedicated her life to.

She never missed a sporting event or school function and loved volunteering her time to help others.  She looked forward to being involved in the community, whether it was to accompany a music recital or to bake one of her famous coffee cakes for the St. Agnes parish. She was known as “Mom” to everyone and always had a puppy or grandchild in her arms.

She loved dancing!  And enjoyed road trips and traveling, being outdoors, drives around town and loved roses, rainbows, butterflies, campfires & s’mores. 

Mary Ann had an immense passion for and love of life with the natural ability to see the beauty in everything and the best in everyone. She had a warm and magnetic personality with a great sense of humor. She got a kick out of practical jokes, pranks, and tongue twisters. Her lighthearted nature and beautiful laughter was guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. She was a kind, genuine and compassionate woman who loved unconditionally and touched the hearts of everyone she met.  She loved helping people and always had the perfect words of encouragement and inspiration. An amazing role model. Beautiful inside and out.

Her relationship with God was deep and pure. Even in the toughest times, she exuded faith, hope and trust beyond measure.  She had an unbelievable strength and resilience that one could only strive for – she was a “farmer’s daughter”.

She left an unforgettable footprint & impression in this world.  Her passing has left a void that will never be filled.

Stanley Christensen, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:30AM at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow at a later date.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Stanley James Christensen passed away Monday July 3, 2023. He was 76 years old. “Never ornery, only maybe a bit mischievous,” Stan loved a good story and a good laugh. His big belly laugh was infectious, and he often laughed so hard that he not only cried but then couldn’t even finish the story he was telling. There was, however, nothing he loved more than giving his favorite people a good old-fashioned teasing. Stan was the master of the tease. He could make people blush with a simple look or even a few short words. If he teased you, you knew he liked you. Many of you were well loved by Stan.

Stan was born on July 15, 1946 in Winner, SD to Lowell and Frankie (Williams) Christensen. The oldest of five children, he spent his younger years terrorizing both the Ideal community and the city of Winner. He graduated from Winner High School in 1964 and was always proud to be a Winner Warrior. 

Although Stan held many different jobs over the course of his life, he always stuck close to home. After living in the Hamill and Presho communities, Stan returned to Winner and hauled propane for the Co-op, retiring in 2011. Of all his many jobs, his favorites were those that involved farming and ranching. Although he loved all cows, he had a special love for Black Angus and Black Baldies, much to the dismay of his daughters who loved the Charolais.

Ever so grateful for having been raised by Stan are his two daughters, Leslie (Rick) Ross and Rebecca Chandler (Jeff Carney), and his son Brent. He was also incredibly proud of his four granddaughters: Kayla (Josh) Swanberg, Kylie (Greg) Ellis, Katie Monson, and Molly Monson. Stan was also blessed with bonus children/grandchildren later in his life: Beth Dice and Mike (Tracy) Dice and children Kendall, Trevyn, and Kenzlee. Stan is also survived by his four siblings: Gary (Connie Christensen), Doug (Liane) Christensen, Deb Christensen (Doug Johnson), and Cheryl (Bruce) Lutz, as well as a host of nieces/nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family. Stan is preceded in death by his wife, Debra Christensen, and his parents, Lowell and Frankie Christensen. 

Stan’s daughters would like to extend a special thank you to his niece Bria Peppel, who was the best caretaker he could have ever asked for. He often referred to her as a “sweetheart” and a “god send” and we couldn’t agree more. A huge thank you to the hospice staff of Winner Regional Hospital for their kindness and compassion as well. Stan was able to remain in his home throughout his battle with COPD, which would have never been possible without the help of Bria and the hospice team. 

Stan’s daughters ask that you come to his service prepared to share your favorite Stan story. Memorials can be made to the family for future designation.

Military rites for John (Jack) Lunne, age 76, who passed away on April 17, 2022, will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Colome Cemetery.

A celebration of life and lunch will follow at the Colome Legion.

Jack graduated from Colome High School in 1964, and at the time of his death was residing in Gilbert, AZ. 

Arla Rae (Winckler) Dangel, age 74, of Yankton, SD, passed away at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital on May 24, 2023, with her husband at her side. Cremation has taken place.

A full mass burial was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, SD on June 17, followed by a Celebration of Life.

Arla was born on April 27, 1949 to Hubert and Edna (Fischer) Winckler in Tyndall, SD and was the fourth born of their nine children. Arla grew up in Tyndall, SD and attended Tyndall High School, class of 1966. She met Laverne “Vern” Dangel of Scotland, SD at the swimming pool in Tyndall. The following week, they went on a date every night. Vern then headed back to Vietnam. Upon return to South Dakota, he reconnected with Arla and within a week of his return, Vern proposed marriage. Within 10 days later, on August 7, 1967 she married Vern in Scotland, SD at the St. George Catholic Church. Joining this union were two sons: Paul and Kelly. Arla’s marriage with Vern took her all over the country. They began their marriage in New Mexico, back to South Dakota, then to Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri again, South Dakota again, the Virginia, Florida and finally returning home to South Dakota. There were many adventures they shared along the way.

Arla had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She would light up any room. She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She loved cooking, baking, canning, watching movies, playing pinochle, and marbles. Most importantly shopping. She was strong-willed and courageous, but those traits defined Arla. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges. She was a fighter and took the cards she was dealt with strength and faith. As a woman of faith, Arla wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. She would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in her life.

Arla is survived by her loving husband, Vern: sons, Paul Dangel of Washington, DC, and Kelly and Delia Dangel of Niceville, FL; grandchildren, Roman, Luke and Lexi of Arlington, VA and Logan of Niceville, FL; sister, Norma (Bob) Bender of Yankton, SD; brothers, Joe (Loretta) of Volin, SD, Jarvis (Marilyn) of Avon, Murray (Lisa) of Collinsville, VA and Larry of Indiana, PA; sisters-in-law, Barbara Winckler of Winner, SD and Sue Winckler of Vermillion, SD; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arla was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Edna; her brothers, Leland, Myron (Mike) and David (Dave); and several beloved aunts, uncles, a nephew, cousins and friends.

Marty Allen Moore spent his years on earth as an adventurer. His early adventures began on his grandparent’s ranch where he and his brother, Mike, explored every turn of the White Thunder Creek and all the acres of the ranch either on horseback or on foot. His adventures continued as a truck driver driving from coast to coast and border to border. All maps were in his head, and he never met a stranger because he loved to visit with everyone.

Marty was born on February 29, 1964, in Valentine, Nebraska, to Larry Moore and Cheryl (Gifford) Medearis.  He made his journey to the Spirit World on May 15, 2023, in Rapid City, South Dakota, after battling diabetes and complications from dialysis with tenacity, courage and incredible mental and physical strength.

He leaves many wonderful memories treasured by his survivors: his mother, Cheryl Medearis and Wayne Colombe, of Wood, SD; his brothers and their spouses, Cody and Tracy Medearis of Caputa, SD;  Michael and Sara Moore of Mesquite, Nevada; his sisters and their spouses, Lisa and Tony Wirth, of Laurel Hill, Florida; Amber, of Wood, SD;  Morgan and Seth Miller of Spearfish, SD; and Meghan and Jared Shear of Gillette, Wyoming. Marty is also survived by two sons: Tyler Moore, of Mission, SD, Ty’s two daughters, Ava and Alexa; Ty’s son, Jaxson Fredrick; and Kade Moore of Nebraska. He was a fun-loving “Uncle Monkey” to his nieces and nephews, and his many family members and friends will also carry their memories of him into the future.

Thankful to have shared Marty’s life is his partner and soulmate, Donna Hermann, her daughters, Richenda and Ashley and their families. He will especially be missed by his “Chocolate Cowboy” and “Baby Girl”.

Marty will join these family members who have gone before him: his dad, Larry Moore; paternal grandparents Allis and Agnes Moore; maternal grandparents Willis (Woody) and Colleen Gifford;  his beloved great uncle and auntie, Dallas and Jessie Gifford and other family members and friends. Equally happy to greet him will be his beloved dog, Thunder.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 CDT at the Wood Community Hall in Wood, SD. A dinner will follow the service. A private inurnment is planned at the G-Heart Ranch where he will be “surrounded by good memories and good horses” which was his wish, and one that we will carry out.