Category Archives: Obituaries

Melba Lucille Schilling 100, of rural Winner, SD passed away September 5th, 2016. Born October 27th, 1915 in Wagner, SD to Joseph and Bertha (Totton) Story, she was the oldest of 10 children. The family lived on various farms in Gregory, Todd and Mellette counties. At the age of 10 they lived at Hidden Timber, southeast of Mission, SD.

At a young age they lived in a sod house near O’Kreek, SD and she told of how firewood was scarce so she and her siblings spent hours picking up dried cow chips to burn to keep the family warm. They also had to carry water a great distance. Being the oldest she was always busy helping care for her brothers and sisters, doing housework and farm chores. The years never changed her love for children, and she always said “Kids keep you young”. She had a great love for horses and enjoyed riding them. At one time she was also a part of a band at Wood, SD playing the saxophone.

On Feb. 13, 1934, she and George Schilling were married at White River, SD and lived on the Schilling farm near Mosher, SD. To this union three daughters were born: Patricia Ann, Carol Marlene and Peggy Lee. George and Melba loved dancing and their children remember the back seat being removed from the car so they could sleep on the drive home from a night of dancing. Her favorite song was “Waltz Across Texas” by Ernest Tubb.

Their life on the farm was one of two people working together side by side. Melba loved farm life and would rather work outside in her white tee-shirt, stripped bib overalls and cap milking her milk cows, driving the tractor doing field work, and raising chickens every year to sell the eggs and cream to help provide groceries for the family. Her girls would beg her to yodel while they did the chores. There was no running water on the farm so she would haul water from Mosher, SD, four miles away to have fresh drinking water. When the pump for the stock tank broke down, it was Melba who took charge to haul water to her animals from their nearby dugout.

Family gatherings were very important to the Story family and she would always bring her big black roaster full of her famous country-fried chicken and homemade pies. Her family always requested that Grandma Melba make her wonderful cinnamon rolls and apple dumplings made with real farm cream. She was always baking something to take to someone or willing to help anyone in need. One of Melba’s fondest memories was the time she spent traveling with her very special friends, Tom and Evie Lammon. They had a small band that played in various places around the country; and she went along to care for their small son, Billy.

After her husband George passed away in 1978, and after spending over sixty years on the farm, Melba was no longer comfortable living alone. She gradually moved in with her daughter Carol and Eugene Simkins, and lived with them for over twenty years. Her life there was different than farm life; but she occupied her time by driving out to her farm for the day, shopping for groceries in Winner, washing dishes at the Winner American Legion on Friday nights, and visiting her sisters and friends.

Never wanting to miss a Labor Day celebration in Winner, she would drive herself each year, take in the parade, food and music at the Legion, visit people and maybe play some Bingo then drive home letting you know she had a great time.

At 98 Melba could still wash and dry dishes, hang clothes on the clothes line, then remove and fold them, do word search puzzles, watch “Price is Right” and the “Lawrence Welk Show” on TV, cut thousands of denim quilt blocks, cut coupons to send to the military, and play Rummy when she had someone to play with.

When she could no longer drive, she was not at peace. She always loved her vehicles and talked of the next new one she was going to buy. At age 98, Melba was still an amazing, remarkable lady. She was very agile and could climb stairs, make her bed every morning, lace her own shoes and could arrange her stacks of many, many quilt blocks in the neatest patterns. She loved sweet rolls, toast with lots of butter and jelly, ice cream and coffee with creamer. Her family will always remember how this woman loved to work. Her last years were spent wishing she could drive and wanting a job. She’d say, “I’m gonna get myself a job washing dishes in a café,” or “I’m so bored, I need some work to do.”

As Melba neared her 100th birthday, her oldest daughter, Pat, left her job at Walmart in Pierre, SD, to be the main caregiver of her mother until her passing.

Bill Meyers, 89, of Gregory, died Friday September 9, 2016 in Pierre.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17, at 11 am, at Isburg Funeral Chapel, in Pierre. Final inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, near Sturgis, SD. Online condolences may be made at isburgfuneralchapels.com

Bill was born to William and Clara (Barinsky) Meyers September 13, 1926 in Colome, SD. He grew up on the family farm in the Colome area and graduated from Colome High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1946 after serving in the Pacific in WW II.

In 1959 he married Evelyn Kucera and to this union, one child (Bill) was born. They moved to Gregory in 1964 where they raised their son and he lived until 2010. There he was an investment broker, making many friends during that time and retiring after 30 years in the business. He spent many early morning hours on the Gregory Golf Course.

Bill served one term as a State Representative in the South Dakota Legislature from 1961-1963, and was a 70 year member of the Colome American Legion.

Omaha, NE- Welcomed into heaven on September 9, 2016; born to Nick and Mae Krick on April 11, 1927 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Preceded in death by his parents; his five siblings: Phyllis, Pat, Pauline, Bob and Bill; and first born son, Nicky.

After graduating from Pipestone Minnesota High School, Art joined the U.S. Marines in 1945. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he attended Nazareth Hall, and then University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He married Lorraine Frances Endres on June 14, 1949. Art enjoyed a 37-year career with the JC Penney company throughout the Midwest, including: Hibbing, Minnesota, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Emmetsburg, Iowa, Winner, South Dakota, and Grand Island, Nebraska. After retiring from the JC Penney Company he served as the Foundation Director for Grand Island Central Catholic where four of their children had attended. In 2003, he and Lorraine moved to Omaha and became members of St. Vincent DePaul Parish. Art was a member of Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree), a volunteer for Habit for Humanity, and was generous with his time and talents. Of all his many gifts, his gift and example of faith were most evident.

Harold Lee Koenig was born in Tripp County, Winner, South Dakota, to William H. Koenig and Laura K. Davies-Koenig on April 14, 1948.   Koenig died on Sept. 7.

He grew up north of Witten, South Dakota, one of nine siblings. He attended school and graduated from Witten High School in Witten, SD. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was Honorable Discharged as a SP4 on April 9, 1974. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran and disabled while serving his country. Harold was a Paid Up For Life member of the American Legion Post #240 for 43 years, serving in many offices and post activities. He took great pride in his service to his country and the City of Martin. Along with Legion duties, he was active in the Martin Volunteer Fire Department and Bennett County Fair activities.

Harold had many business ventures from a café, tire repair service, and scrap iron business. He was employed for many years driving the service truck for the Farmer’s Union Cooperative in Martin and the State Department of Transportation and as a yard man for the Martin Livestock Auction.

Alice (Lorraine) Ellwanger was born January 19, 1928 on a farm near Dallas, South Dakota to George and Margaret (Gall) Ellwanger and passed away on August 28, 2016 at the Philip Nursing Home in Philip, SD after battling a prolonged illness.

Lorraine grew up on a farm where she helped with raising her younger siblings and helped with household and farm chores. After high school she worked at the Winner Laundry and Dry Cleaners. When her children were older she began working for the JC Penny store in Winner, where she worked for 28 years until retirement. Lorraine devoted herself to spending time with her family. Her hobbies included: baking, cooking, canning, gardening, walking, and preparing food for her family, often sending treats home with them. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time working at the First Christian Church Rummage House in Winner, exercising with friends at the Winner Senior Center and league bowling. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF).

On January 17, 1948 she was united in marriage to James (Jim) Palecek and to this union, 5 children were born.

Lawrence Charles (Larry) Kauer was born April 24, 1944 at Winner, SD, the eldest of 5 children of June (Mills) and Robert Kauer. He attended school at Pahpesto grade school, St. Mary’s Catholic school and Witten schools, graduating from Witten High School in May 1963.

In November 1964 Larry was united in marriage to Carol E. Skalicky in Winner, SD. To this union one daughter, Wendy Jo, was born in 1967.

Larry proudly served his country, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in May 1966. He served in Vietnam as a munitions specialist from Sept 1967 to July 1968 and was honorably discharged from military service in March 1972.

Upon discharge he and his family returned to Winner. A self-trained, highly skilled diesel mechanic, Larry spent years supporting farmers, ranchers, and truck drivers with their fuel delivery, mechanic needs and tire repairs through various businesses he owned or managed in Winner. Every customer he served became a friend and his passion for his work was evident in every repair or fuel delivery he ever made. He also shared his love of “everything diesel” while working road construction and driving semi-truck himself. From local day trips with the Rapid City Regional Mobile CT-scan to cross-country long hauls, he was an astute driver and could make driving the highways and maneuvering the ports of Los Angeles look as easy as the open prairie. His daughter and grandson, Trevor, were fortunate enough to learn this first-hand on a cross-country haul they took with him.
Larry and Carol relocated to Rapid City for several years, fulfilling a long-time desire to enjoy all that the Black Hills has to offer. Together they spent countless hours amongst the trees and loved to ride 4-wheelers and snowmobiles with family and friends. While in Rapid City and a short time in Pierre he made many additional lifelong friends.

After losing Carol to cancer in 1997 and his failing eyesight which cut his long-haul career short, Larry relocated to Winner – proving you can come home again. He never spent an idle day, always finding something to tinker with or spending time caring for the animals….his, anyone’s and everyone’s animals. His love of animals spoke highly of his gentle, compassionate spirit. Most especially, he tirelessly cared for and loved the horses at his brother Tom’s. He was always eager to take children riding in the corral, it was his absolute joy. Larry had a heart for helping others that can’t be compared. Any family, friend or community project brought him right there to lend a hand, a tractor or a skid loader. He never met a stranger, spent hours with his coffee groups, and always had an inquisitive mind to be looking for ways to enhance the way things worked. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride of his life.

Franklin Delbert Iron Heart, Sr was born on May 29, 1946. He lived in Winner.

Franklin grew up in Hamill, SD, and worked on farms in his early years. Franklin was a simple man with many skills; working on cars, being a carpenter, and ending with roofing.

Franklin enjoyed fishing, watching old western movies, and spending time with his family, especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Franklin enjoyed the joking and laughing he shared with his nephews.

Franklin was a loving husband, a great dad, a caring grandpa, and the best uncle anybody could of ask for. He will be greatly missed by many.

Richard Duane Medicine Eagle Sr. was born in Mosher, SD on June 15, 1929 to William and Ida (Kills Two) Medicine Eagle.

Richard married Geraldine Andrews and made their home in Mosher where for most of his life he worked on the George Schilling farm. He enjoyed playing baseball and was on the 1948 Mosher team that went to the State Tournament in Watertown.

Richard had six children: Eleanor, Shirley, Richard Jr., Doyle, Timothy and Carol.

Richard also had eight siblings all of whom are deceased. George Sr., William, Martin, Eugene, Bernard, Pauline, Matilda and Lucinda.

Ivan Frank Vosika was born on February 20, 1934 to Stanley and Ona (Stasney) Vosika. Ivan was raised on the farm near Gregory and lived there all his life. As a young boy, Ivan was stricken with rheumatic fever making school difficult. With the help of his mother reading to him by lamp light, Ivan finished the eighth grade and then later obtained his GED.

Ivan volunteered for military service in February 1954 and was honorably discharged from the Army in February 1956.

Ivan married Shirley (Boes) in September 1962 in Gregory, SD along-side her sister Nola Jean in a double ring ceremony. Together they raised three children, David, Lori, and Dan. Ivan and Shirley enjoyed 54 years together, all on the family farm.

Through long hours and hard work, Ivan and Shirley developed and expanded their farm to include a large dairy and livestock operation. Ivan was an industrious and creative mechanic who had the unique ability to fabricate things on the fly to keep his operation running smoothly. Had health not interfered in his later years, Ivan would still be doing what he enjoyed most, windrowing and baling the hay fields.

In addition to farming, Ivan had many interests. He wasn’t afraid to create and live a dream and be involved. He obtained his pilot license at a young age and purchased his first plane in 1951. For over five decades, Ivan was active with other pilots in Gregory, forming a flying club and giving rides to area children at the numerous hanger parties. He spent countless hours scouting local shelterbelts and abandoned farms by air, searching for old tractors around South Dakota and Nebraska. Many times he would land on a country gravel road, taxi up to the target and inquire about the availability of it. He also flew to many air shows and enjoyed with Shirley many flights to area towns with other flying couples, simply to have breakfast.

During this time, Ivan also became a serious collector of antique John Deere tractors. He took great pleasure in sharing the love of restoration with friends who would spend many hours with him in the tractor shop. He won many awards with his tractors and enjoyed showing them during parades. He attended many tractor flea markets and pulls. He also enjoyed his collection of “retired” family automobiles. Most dear to his heart was his beloved 1960 Chevrolet Impala which he purchased new. It became not only he and Shirley’s courting vessel, but later the family car; and then finally a source of pride and a connection to his earlier years gone by.

Ivan was also active in the community by serving on the Rhoades Township board, the ASC board and was on the Gregory Farmer’s Elevator board of directors for many years. He was a long time member of the American Legion.

Ivan was known to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, friends and family, made many friends in his life adventures and thoroughly enjoyed round table discussions at Mr. G’s in his retired years. And, rarely a Sunday would pass where he didn’t pay a visit to someone known to him who was hospitalized or in assisted living. He was ready with a smile, enjoyed sharing a laugh and was quick witted when least expected.

Ivan enjoyed seeing his four grandkids. They will miss his physical presence but are gifted with knowing grandpa’s influence is ever present about the farm.

Ivan is now in a place of peace playing pitch, drinking coffee and surrounded by his favorite farm dogs. He is reunited with all those who made his life so special, while those left behind treasure the life of Ivan well lived.

Fred was born on September 23, 1924 to Otho and Mabel (Robertson) Woods on the family farm 11 miles south of Colome. He was the youngest of 8 brothers and 3 surviving sisters. He graduated from Mrs. Irma Painter’s 8th grade class on May 17, 1940 and completed his last year of school as a sophomore in 1941-42. He registered for Selective Service annually from 1942-1950 as required and was classified “Frozen Farm Laborer” and not deployed. He rode the military cattle cars from Colome to Ft. Snelling, MN in May of 1945 and was found “physically fit, acceptable for general military service” but the war effort was winding down by that time and he was not deployed.

He took great pride in his athletic achievements which included Golden Glove Boxing, sprinting in track, and scoring the only touchdown his sophomore year to lead Colome to a 6-0 victory over Winner! He grew up during the 30’s and hunted arrow heads in bowling sand for spending. He also grew up farming with horses before tractors became in Tripp County. He was accomplished cow & horseman. He often commented that “If you take care of the cows, they’ll take care of you”. Fred was one of the first men with registered Angus in Tripp County. Fred had a few odd jobs before settling down with his lovely bride in 1949 which included scooping wheat by hand for his brother Dick in Garden City, KS, where he also moonlighted as a chauffeur driver on evenings and weekends. He also worked for a short time at the Fremont Foundry as a welder in Fremont, NE.