Category Archives: Obituaries

Michael Carl Diez, age 62, Henderson, Nev., formerly of Winner, passed away October 14, 2016 after battling brain cancer.

He was born March 2, 1954 to Carl and Rose Diez in Winner, SD. He attended University of South Dakota at Springfield, receiving an associates degree in construction. Mike was field foreman for Framecon Construction at the time of his death.

He is survived by the love of his life, June Diez and sons Adam and Trevor Diez who were the light of his life and his pride and joy. Mike loved coaching baseball, playing his bass guitar, riding his Harley and boating on Lake Meade. We will miss his calm, tender, sweet and thoughtful way of being. The world has lost a good man and it is a better place because he was here.

Dawn died Oct. 9, 2016 surrounded by her family at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN.

Dawn Michelle Connot Knoepfle was born September 21, 1971 in Winner to Melvin and Rosemary (Shoemaker) Connot. Dawn grew up on the family farm in Tripp County. She attended Sully School, and later Winner Public Schools, graduating in 1989. Following some college, she joined the work force.

On October 17, 1997, she married Marlo Knoepfle, and welcomed his daughters, Victoria and Andrea into her heart. Dawn was compassionate about all animals, especially her beloved cats. She enjoyed camping trips, and later motorcycle rides with Marlo. The Aberdeen Relay for Life was her special project for several years.

Ida Karlin joined Jesus on Monday October 10, 2016. She was born on June 27, 1915 at home in rural Tripp County South Dakota to Wilhelm and Wilhelmina Banek.

Ida Karlin joined Jesus on Monday October 10, 2016. She was born on June 27, 1915 at home in rural Tripp County, South Dakota to Wilhelm and Wilhelmina Banek.

She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church. She attended country schools through 8th grade. In 1928 her family moved to Mellette County for a better opportunity. She attended 9th grade in Norris, South Dakota. She finished her high school education in Winner, South Dakota graduating in 1933. She next attended Springfield Normal School later becoming South Dakota State Teachers College where she received a one year Teaching Certificate allowing her to teach in rural schools. She taught a number of rural schools until she married her childhood sweetheart John Karlin in 1939.

They had 2 daughters and a son. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. She was a Sunday School teacher and was loved by her students. She was also a member of the Lady’s Aid Society and LWML.

Ida returned to teaching in 1956 at the Surprise Valley School in Mellette County. She continued teaching in the Todd County School System and worked toward her degree in Education at Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, South Dakota, where she obtained her Bachelor Degree in 1971. Ida retired in 1976 and returned to the farm.

John and Ida retired to Winner, South Dakota in 1978 and began their new life. They both became active in the Senior Center making new friends. Ida served as Committee Chairman that established Golden Age Meals at the Center.

In 1979 Ida obtained her EMT Certification, was a member of Tripp County Genealogical Society, was a member of Kitchen band at the SR. Center, assisted with the Library Book Cart at the then Baptist Hospital and Christ Lutheran Church.

During retirement they traveled extensively. After John’s death Ida spent time with Agnes Marie in Willits, California and winters in Pensacola, Florida with Eunice. She became part of Grace Lutheran in Pensacola participating in OWLS (Older Wiser Lutherans) and Craft Club.

Ida loved attending the coronation at Winner Homecoming and participating in the roll call portion.

She rode in the Homecoming parade in 2015 at 100 years of age.

She loved gardening, her flowers and grew violets. The fruits of her labor whether vegetables, fruit, or flowers gave her great joy. This love was installed in her Children.

Franklin Paul Swartz was born on November 18, 1946 to Jerome and Virginia (Pitchford) Swartz. He grew up and lived his whole life on the family farm.

Frank attended rural schools for 8 years and graduated from Winner High School with the class of 1965. A farm accident when he was 11 years old didn’t stop him from doing anything he wanted to do.

On May 28, 1966 he married his high school sweetheart Judy Kaiser. To this union 1 son Jeffery was born.

Frank was very active in the Hamill Community serving 25 years on the Hamill Hall Board and coaching Country Conference Basketball. He served as a conference chairman for the Tripp County ASC. Frank was very active in the Rosebud Arrow, Rod and Gun Club where he helped to teach kids to shoot trap. His love of trap shooting was passed down to his grandsons who were his pride and joy. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and trapping with his family.

Leroy Harry Hodge was born July 14, 1935 to Harry and Arvilla (Kulbel) Hodge in Winner SD and was baptized in the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church on October 27, 1935. He spent most of his grade school years at Frater School and Center Moss School. He graduated from Winner High School in 1953.

On August 5th, 1954 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Audiss. To this union four children were born; Kelly James, Debra Kay, Becky Sue, and Lana Marie.

Leroy was a member of the Center Moss school board, Deacon and Treasurer of the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hamill, member of the Hamill Soil Conservation District and a member of the Resource Conservation Development Board and State Conservation Commission Board.

In April of 1993, Leroy had a heart transplant at the University of Minnesota Hospital.

His hobbies were farming, hunting, and visiting with friends.

Leroy passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the Highmore Healthcare Center in Highmore, SD, at the age of 81 years, 2 ½ months.

Dorothy was born in White River, South Dakota, to Charles and Edith Hight, the youngest of 10 children. She attended college at Dakota Wesleyan University. After graduating, Dorothy taught in Ft. Pierre and Belle Fourche South Dakota, and then in Canby and Bloomington Minnesota. Upon retirement, Dorothy and Phyllis enjoyed fishing, gardening and being outdoors. They made their way to Harlingen, which has been their home for over 20 years.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her kindness, her generosity and humor. In addition to Phyllis Flach, Dorothy is survived by sister-in-law Ramona Hight, many nieces and nephews, and their families.

A funeral service for Dorothy was held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen on October 6.

Brent Joseph Janak was born May 5, 1954 to Joseph and Bernetta (Erickson) Janak in Winner, SD. He has an older brother Duwayne, older sister Delaine, and twin sister Beverly.

Brent enjoyed the outdoors and riding his bike and was an accomplished skateborder. In high school he developed his love of cars. Brent attended St Mary’s Catholic School through the 6th grade then he attend winner public school where he graduated in 1973.

After high school, he worked at numerous jobs including Mike’s Body Shop, Grossenburg’s, Nagel’s Body Shop. Brent also ssold fire alarms and worked at KWRY as a DJ. He started his own business Brent’s Body and Glass in 1990 where he did body and glass work in addition to towing, Uhaul rental and fixing bikes for the “Bikes for Kids” program.

Brent married Lil Engel on February 21, 1976 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Their son Jay was born on August 14, 1980. Lil died unexpectedly on March 15th,1993.

Brent was active in many civic groups over the years including the Masons, OES, Jaycees and most recently the Rotary Club.

Brent later married Beverly Beck at the United Methodist Church in Winner on July 26, 2003. Together they enjoyed attending family functions watching Nascar and taking care of the dogs.

Brent used his auto body skills to restore his 1934 Chevy Master Sedan name “Lil 34”. His car was a highlight of any car show it was at and it won numerous awards? Brent is a former member of “Street Masters” car club of Pierre, and current member of “Praire Curzers” car club of Winner.  Brent loved Nascar and he and Bev attended several races included one on their honeymoon.

Brent enjoyed talking to people and making new friends. He rarely missed a family function or visiting someone in the hospital He enjoyed talking to his grandkids, nieces, and nephews in his Donald Duck voice.

Brent was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2013. He faced his illness courageously, always had a smile, and was ever hopeful. On February 18, 2016 was put on the active transplant list. He then moved for 6 month to north field, MN and waited for a donor. While there Brent volunteered at a local Senior Center.

On August 7, 2014 the Dr.’s said he could go home. He wasted no time packing and heading for Winner. Brent’s health continued to decline and the Doctors thought he should be in Rochester so they could monitor his care. So On October 23, 2015 he checked in at St Mary’s Hospital.

Brent spent two months reading through the Bible while in Rochester waiting for new lungs. His faith was deepened and strengthened through it all. He was a man of his faith. Brent told Bev “when I come home, I want to read through the Bible together”. Brent was an inspiration to everyone at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was always encouraging others and excited when his new friends received their transplants. Brent enjoyed all the visitors this last year and especially appreciated the group on Mennonites girls that would come to the hospital and sing to him. Brent waited patiently at the hospital for 11 ½ months. Brent passed away on October 3, 2016, his long, hard fought, inspirational battle for breath was over.

Brent loved his family and made sure they felt comfort through his struggles. He told them it has been an incredible ride. I know where I am going and there will be no more pain, all is good.

Sid was born at home on July 24, 1940 in Wood, SD. He was the oldest child of Fred Dimond and Carole McKee. He graduated from Winner High School in 1959. Following graduation, Sid enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until 1963 on the USS Taylor as a Radar Specialist. While aboard the USS Taylor in the Pacific, Sid participated in Operation Dominic, the last above ground atmospheric nuclear test at Johnson Island Atoll about 825 miles southwest of Honolulu. Upon his discharge from the US Navy, Sid returned to Winner, SD.

On January 18, 1964, he and Sharon Farner were united in marriage. They moved to Pierre, SD and later to Edgemont, SD, where he was employed as a Railroad Engineer with the Burlington Northern Railroad until he retired due to illness. They returned to Winner where they have resided for the last 35 years.

Sid and Sharon were blessed when Travis entered their lives. Sid enjoyed his time sharing knowledge with Travis and seeing Travis develop his own desire to learn and share that knowledge with others. Sid was always a great “teacher”.

Harold Eugene Wood was born on September 19, 1923 in rural Tripp County near Colome, South Dakota. He was the youngest of six born to Walter and Zilpha (Brady) Wood.

Harold attended rural school and told a story about walking home during the first day and telling his father that he thought he would like to stay home. Walter put Harold in the car and returned him promptly back to school. Harold attended Colome High School where he was a class officer and participated in athletics, school newspaper, and school plays. Graduating in 1941. While in high school, he boarded with families or lived in the dormitory the school week.

After graduation Harold attended Springfield Normal School in Springfield, SD. Shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked he enlisted in the United States Navy. He said all young men felt drawn to enlist and ever after, Harold’s love for his country was evident. Harold served as a flight engineer on patrol plane and was honorably discharges in 1946.

Upon his return to South Dakota, Harold enrolled at SDSU in Brookings, SD where he earned a B.A. in Animal Husbandry and Agronomy and was active in Agriculture Club, athletics, SDSU Block and Bridle Club, and, livestock judging. During his college career, Harold participated in the Chicago International Showmanship Contest where he judged and exhibited livestock as well as the Little International Show at SDSU.

As Harold was walking down the street one day in Winner in his USN uniform he was spotted by his future wife who said “I am going to marry that man someday.” On December 28, 1946, Harold and Ardy were married.

They lived in Brookings until Harold graduated from SDSU and then moved back to the family farm in Tripp County where they farmed for six seasons. During that time their two eldest daughters were born.

Their lives changed when on day, a supervisor from SDSU drove in the yard and announced to Harold that he thought Harold should take the County Extension Agent position in Sully County.

Harold, Ardy. Eugenie and Mary moved to Onida in 1955 where Cathy and Brad were born. During his 25-year tenure as a county agent, Harold brought innovation to the area including advancement in beef and grain production and had a positive influence on the 4-H youth. He served in the United Methodist Church in the choir, as a Sunday School teacher, and in other capacities in the church. He also made an impact in American Legion and Masonic Lodge. Because Harold was active in almost every organization and cause during his time in Onida, he was very busy helping others.

In 1980. Harold and Ardy transferred to Aberdeen, SD where Harold was employed as the Brown County Extension Agent. Again, he impacted countless young people through 4-H. and was in the First United Methodist Church family. Harold’s children are frequently stopped on the streets throughout South Dakota by people who have story to tell hoe Harold helped them become successful or overcome hardship.

Harold golfed, followed local sports, attended his grandchildren’s activities far and near, and watched and counted birds as hobbies. But his family knew his real hobby was helping others as shown by actions such as teaching and older man to read, visiting long-time friends when he traveled through their town, and providing respite care for the wife of a man with dementia. In later years, he used the phone to stay in contact with many friends, nieces and nephews, and cousins throughout the country. It was apparent to all who knew and loved him that Harold’s philosophy of life centered on honesty, fairness, faith and acceptance and concern for all he met. Young and old were influenced and changed through Harold’s work in the church, Masonic and American Legion, and the 4-H. In later years, as a member of Shrine International, and Harold accompanied children in the Shrine van to Minneapolis for appointments. Harold left a legacy of caring and good work which continues to impact subsequent generations.

Glenford Wayne Chasing Hawk was born May 23, 1973 to the late Clifford Sr and Velma (Roubideaux) Chasing Hawk in Rosebud, South Dakota. He died September 27, 2016 at the Platte Hospital in Platte, South Dakota at the age of 43 years.

Glen graduated from Bonesteel-Fairfax High School in 1991. He was active in all sports throughout high school. He was part of the 1987 State B Teener Team that won the championship. He then went to two years of College at Dakota State in Madison, South Dakota.

He worked various jobs including working at Nolz Dragline and Construction, Fort Randall Casino, Rainbow Play Systems and his final job at Divine Concrete. His summer passion was softball. His team, Mad Dogs, consisted of his family including brothers, his sister, son, daughter, nieces, nephews, cousins and all his brothers and sisters he met along the way.

He won a lot of awards throughout his softball career. He was known for his athletic ability on third base and for hitting home runs. Mad Dogs won the 2009 State Co-Ed tournament, and won the 2016 Wagner Softball League Tournament. These are just some of the tournaments they placed in.

He loved spending time with family, his kids, and friends. He enjoyed teasing his nieces and nephews and had a nickname for all of them. Everyone will miss his endless teasing on Facebook and in life.