Category Archives: Obituaries

Robert (Bob) Kalenda was born in Tripp County, South Dakota, on Feb. 8, 1932, the third child of Joe Kalenda Sr. and Alice (Vrbsky) Kalenda. Bob attended the Vobr School through 8th grade and then stayed at home to help his mom and dad on the family farm.

Bob enlisted in the United States Army on April 14, 1953. He spent most of his enlisted time in Germany as a truck driver in the motor pool that rebuilt and inspected roads across the country. Bob spoke frequently about how beautiful the countryside was and talked about returning someday to visit. However, he could never talk Doris into it, as she had no desire to cross the ocean and always told him that “she hadn’t lost anything there that she wanted to go back to find!” He also told vivid stories of how he, amongst others, taught the “city” boys how to play baseball. He believed that everyone who received the chance to play any sport was “a winner” because so often people never receive the opportunity, and he often relayed that message to his grandchildren Chase and Taylor.

Bob was honorably discharged from the Armed Services on March 24, 1955 and he returned to South Dakota and the family farm.

On April 7, 1964, Bob was united in marriage to Doris Schulte. To this union two daughters were born: Kathy (Ken) Hrabanek and Lori Kalenda. Bob and Doris resided on Doris’s parents’ home place south of Colome. They farmed, milked and raised cattle, along with a hay grinding business that Bob ran with his brother Alvin. Bob continued to have cattle and was proud of his old “mortgage lifters” until the day he passed from this world.

Bob was also very proud of the 57 years he spent employed at the Winner Livestock Auction. It didn’t take much of a mention to make him smile or talk about his many memories or friends he had made over the years that he had spent “chasing those old gummers out in the sorting barn.”

In addition to his farm and his Friday WLA job, Bob also worked as a butcher and a postal clerk and spent many, many years as a bartender at the Thayer Water Legion Post in Colome. One of Bob’s favorite things to do was to put on wild game feeds for the community, as he loved to see people coming together for good food and an even better visit. The next best thing was a good game of pitch or fishing, (with Lori, Chase & Taylor) at a local stock dam or Dog Ear Lake. There was never a pitch hand he wouldn’t bid or a fish too small to keep! And if he hadn’t shared his pitch advice or fishing philosophy with those around him, he more than likely had shared his gift of song or rhyme. Bob had a niche for making up his own lyrics and/or songs, and he wouldn’t think twice about sharing his own renditions of “Pistol Packing Mama” or the “Wabash Cannonball,” and he loved teaching them to his children, grandchildren, or neighbor children.

Orrin “Spencer” Fish, 90 of Winner, SD passed away on Nov. 29, 2016 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 9th, 2017, at 2 pm at the First Christian Church, 326 Madison St., Winner.

Thomas Dale Eliason was born on July 29, 1941 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was the youngest of three children born to Arthur and Vivian (Nelson) Eliason. He began elementary school at the Catron Country School and graduated from Gettysburg High School. Tom attended the Brigham Young University in Utah. He married JoAnn Martin in 1963. To this union, eight children were born. The family moved to Gregory in 1977. Tom had a special place in his heart for Gregory. He enjoyed being active in the community and was never hesitant to lend a hand to a neighbor. Tom supported organizations such as Gregory athletics, the commercial club, and 4-H. He also served as a State Farm agent for 39 years.

Tom’s first passion was a good horse. Tom learned most of his horsemanship skill from his father. He always said his dad was the best horseman he ever knew. Through this mentorship, Tom grew into one of the most successful horse trainers in South Dakota history. He judged many prestigious horse shows in the US and Canada, including the Cow Palace and Congress. One of his most memorable accomplishments was winning the AQHA World Championship in 1977. Tom trained and rode Mr. Flintrock to the world title in the Heeling competition and was top 10 in the Working Cow Horse.

Tom had a knack for discovering talented horses. He was especially proud of Wilywood, who he acquired in the late 80s. Tom and three of his children competed on Wilywood and his colts. Their success led to another important phase of his career. Tom was responsible for breeding numerous horses that were outstanding on many levels. He was a mentor to many aspiring horsemen.

Those who knew Tom knew of his strong faith. He was devoted to serving his church and took on many leadership positions. He loved studying, discussing, and teaching scripture with his family and friends.

Tammie Pettit was born to Margaret and Ralph Pettit on June 5, 1961 in Colome, SD. She was the youngest of 14 Children and was a life-long resident of Winner, SD. Although Tammie was born with Down’s Syndrome, those who knew her will tell you that it did not stop her from living a full life surrounded by people who loved her deeply.

Tammie loved her life. Some of her favorite things were bowling, going to the Dairy Queen for a large Coke, and a caramel sundae and shopping on Main Street. Tammie was a member of the Catholic Church and celebrated service every Saturday in her favorite pew in the front of the church. Tammie was employed by Winner Immaculate Conception Church for most of her life. Toward the end of her life, she lived near her sister Dottie and enjoyed trips to the zoo and butterfly house near Sioux Falls and shopping trips with her sister and her sister’s grandchildren. We will all remember her big smile and sense of humor. Whenever she knew she was being difficult (which could be often!) she would be smile and say “I luv ya!” We will also remember her stubborn streak. Tammie knew her own mind and would tell you exactly what she thought. She was strong-willed, independent, and was unyielding in leading her own life.

On December 16, 2016 Tammie went home to her mother and father. She was preceded in death by her sisters Mavis O’Bryan, Loyola Eckstaine, Mary Zimmerman, Bobbie Sell, and Marjean Pettit; brothers Ralph Pettit, Jr., Bill Pettit and Gordon Pettit; brothers-in-law Lloyd Eckstaine, Richard O’Bryan, and Gary Sell; and two nephews Ryan and Brett Sell. She will be missed by her sisters Nancy Edwards, Patty Wegehaupt, Carol Herrmann, and Dorthey Olsen; brother Doug Pettit, and many nieces and nephews.

Paul Everett Taggart was born on the farm north of Dallas, SD in Irwin Township, Tripp County on March 3, 1934 to Archie & Helen (Beckers) Taggart. He joined three siblings with two to follow.

Paul attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Gregory until the eighth grade. Then he started farming with his Dad and continued to do so for the next 50 years until his health would no longer permit.

Paul married Ruth Peitz on November 12, 1955 and to this union five children were born. Paul enjoyed raising sheep, hogs, and cattle and spent many a night in the farrowing house and lambing barn with his family assisting. When he wasn’t busy with farming, livestock, and the pheasant hunting business, he was going to rodeos, wrestling matches, basketball, football, and baseball games. Paul served many years on the board of directors at the Dallas Elevator and was a life long member of the Knights of Columbus.

Paul didn’t say a lot but when he did you better listen, as such; do something even if it’s wrong, always plant wheat in the fall you don’t know what spring will bring, if you keep pushing something’s got to give, and if they holler don’t ask them to work cattle.

Paul enjoyed going to cattle sales and was known to have an eye for cattle. He was a serious poker player and a fun-loving pitch player. A kind, quiet man that would keep our somewhat crazy family gatherings calm and sensible (or at least he tried). His deep faith was at the heart of all that he did. Paul religiously attended Mass until health conditions would not allow. Paul was a fair and most appreciative man that would never complain about anything, and that was one, among many, of the greatest life lessons he shared with his family and all that knew him.

Paul peacefully passed away at the Avera Gregory Hospital on December 10, 2016, at the age of 82.

Bridget ‘Bea’ Angela Massingale was born Oct. 16, 1928 near Wood, South Dakota on the Thunder Creek to John and Mary (Dittman) Rohloff. She died Dec. 4, 1916 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, South Dakota at the age of 88 years.

Bea was raised on a farm near Wood, the third of for children. She taught school for a year and later met Ross Massingale. They were married May 14, 1948 and to this union four children were born: Dian, John and the twins Bill and Betty. Bea and Ross ranched and had a spraying operation.

She enjoyed living on the ranch, gardening, fishing, traveling and her grandchildren. In her younger years you could catch her Hula Hooping with kids and filming the family. She enjoyed having friends and family over for coffee.

After her husband’s passing, Bea became friends with Duane Dvorak. The enjoyed time together in Wood where she also loved gardening, her pets and having coffee and treats for her frequent visitors. They loved taking the grandchildren fishing, hunting, boating and trips to the cabin in the Black Hills. They enjoyed yearly trips to Alaska sightseeing and fishing for salmon. Together they had many adventures until Duane’s passing in September of 1991.

After this Bea Willis (Kiki) Dickson and spent the rest of her time with him. The two enjoyed going out, going to the casino and visiting kids and grandchildren. Upon moving to Valentine, she lived in an apartment before moving to the Cherry Hills Assisted Living. She enjoyed her time there until moving to the TLC Assisted Living Burke, so she could be closer to her daughter. She lived there until her passing. Everyday Kiki would call and talk to her, making sure she knew he was always there.

Robert Herman Kenobbie was born on Oct. 2, 1928 to Andrew Casper and Mary Amelia (Krause) Kenobbie in Reliance, SD. He graduated from Reliance High School in 1948, served four years in the Naval Reserve and in 1978, moved from Oacoma to Platte, SD. Bob was a hard worker; he worked at Al’s Oasis, had cattle and was an engineer for the South Dakota Department of Transportation for 41 years, retiring in 1988. He helped design Snake Creek and was inducted into the Transportation Hall of Honor in 2005.

Robert was united in marriage to Donna Kruske on July 25, 1986 at their home in Platte. He was a member of the First Reformed Church and a lifetime member of Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115. He raised and trained coon dogs and also hunted raccoons to sell the fur. Bob had a good sense of humor, enjoyed gardening, helping others and cooking for different events. Bob loved his kids and his entire family dearly.

Leonard Walter Jansen was born June 19, 1924, in Dallas, SD, the sixth child of thirteen to Albert and Lena (Gruhn) Jansen. He attended several country schools and graduated from Dallas High School.

On February 7, 1946 Leonard married Donna Mae Wardrip. To this union two children were adopted, Mary Jane born March 31, 1948 and David Leonard born October 20, 1950.

In 1953, Leonard and Donna bought the Henry Saathoff farm west of Dallas where he showed his great love for farming. Upon their retirement, they built a new home in Gregory and spent many winters in Arizona until 1997 when Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and they remained at home in Gregory. Donna died suddenly on May 26, 1999.

On August 11, 2000, Leonard married Clarice (Hight) Christiansen. They then sold the house in Gregory and moved back to the farm west of Dallas.

After a fall in their home, Leonard entered Rosebud Country Care Center in December of 2015. He passed away suddenly on Dec. 4, 2016 at the age of 92.

Ruby B. Jorgensen, 98, of Pierre, passed away at Mary House in Pierre on Dec. 3, 2016.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 am at Oahe Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at the Winner City Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Ruby was born Dec. 25, 1917 to John and Mary Ambroz at Winner SD. Ruby attended all twelve (12) years of school in Winner, graduating in 1935. After high school Ruby took a job at the local J.C. Penny store.

On June 4, 1939 Ruby married Marvin Jorgensen. The wedding took place in Butte, NE. Ruby and Marvin lived in Neligh, NE, Bassett, NE and then in Winner, SD. In 1949, Ruby and Marvin moved to Gregory, SD, to work with the Rosebud Electric Cooperative. In 1969 they moved to Chamberlain, when Marvin began work with the Corp. of Engineers as an operator at the hydroelectric dams on the Missouri River. This journey took them to dams at Big Bend in Chamberlain, SD, Ft. Peck Dam in Ft. Peck, Montana and then to Oahe Dam in Pierre, SD where they made their home.

Ruby’s husband Marvin passed away in 1988. At that time Ruby became very active in volunteering with the hospital auxiliary where she worked the information desk and helped in the hospital gift shop. From there she expanded her “helping others” by “calling” bingo at Western Heritage, a local retirement center. Ruby truly loved helping others. She said it was good therapy to get up and get moving. She always said “I can sit down later, but for now I want to help others.”

It seemed that Ruby’s mission or passion was to make sure that everyone was comfortable and felt wanted. She never wanted to see anyone just sit around. One of Ruby’s pleasures was to organize birthday parties at the casino where she enjoyed the dropping of a coin or two and every once in a while hitting a payout and even maybe a jackpot, now and then. Ruby always enjoyed the socializing and meeting of friends and family when out and about.

Ruby and Marvin had three sons, Robert, Rick and Jim. Robert passed away at birth, Rick (Carolyn) live in Pierre SD and Jim (Sharon) live in Des Moines, IA.

Donna Zemina, 79, of Fayetteville, AR, formerly of Winner, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 at the Willard Walker Hospice in Fayetteville, AR. Funeral service were held on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner, City Cemetery.

Donna May Zemina, age 79, passed away peacefully at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas on November 24, 2016, after an extended illness.

She was born May 26, 1937, in Tripp County, South Dakota to Theodore and Edna Engel.

Donna was the daughter of a Mid-Western farming family and grew up near Winner where she graduated from high school in 1955. Shortly after graduation, Donna married John Lewis Zemina on Nov. 12, 1955. They remained in Winner while John pursued work as a farmhand in the area. Donna would work for the City of Winner and the local movie theater for a time. John would eventually pursue a career with the Singer Sewing Company, and Donna became his bookkeeper over the years while occasionally working in the retail industry. Donna and John would eventually move to Fayetteville, Arkansas where they would reside together until John’s passing in 2014. In her spare time, Donna loved arts and crafts, especially sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and she had a great love of children.