Category Archives: Obituaries

Cindy Wagner, 58, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner Assembly of God Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Cindy was born in Bell Gardens, Calif., on July 5, 1964, to Pat and Larry Scholz. She lived in California until she was one, then she and her parents moved to Burke, South Dakota. She was later joined by two siblings, Barb and Lawrence. She grew up in Burke and graduated from Burke High School in 1982.

Being the oldest, Cindy was the boss of her two younger siblings. While their mom was at work, she kept the house and her brother and sister in line. She could often be found spending time with her two best friends, Barb and Stacy. They enjoyed riding bikes, playing softball, listening to music, and sun bathing on hot summer days.

She later moved to Winner and worked at various places before finding her calling working at Community Connections. During her 28 years there, she held several different positions and loved them all.

Cindy had two children, Lyndsey and Josh. Her children and 4 grandchildren were the lights of her life. Spending time with her kids and grandkids was her favorite thing to do. She also loved gardening, baking, drawing, and having sleepovers with her grandchildren.

She married the love of her life, Kyle Wagner, on Aug. 20, 2022. Although they were only married 10 months, they enjoyed every minute together and loved enough for a lifetime. They enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with their grandchildren and their 2 dogs.

Cindy will be remembered by her loving husband, Kyle Wagner; her children, Josh Swartz (Ali) and Lyndsey Tegethoff (Andy); her grandchildren Sadie, Kynslie, Jacob, and Hadley Tegethoff; her step children, Jenny and Jordan Turgeon, and Travis Swartz (Sara); her mother, Pat Grossenburg; her step father, Gene Grossenburg; her sister, Barb Labahn (Duane); her brother, Lawrence Scholz (Tammy) along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services for Calvin Lee Voskia were held July 1 at Graceland Cemetery, Burke. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery.

Calvin Lee Vosika was born Dec. 27, 1946 at Winner, South Dakota to Victor and Thelma (Legge) Vosika and he died June 22, 2023 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 76 years.

Cal graduated from Winner High School in 1964.  On Sept. 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lois Esterling of Burke, South Dakota.  To this union two sons, Bradley James and Brent Alan, were born.

They made their home in Yankton, South Dakota for a short time before moving to Denver, Colo. in 1967.  They lived in Denver until 1973 when they moved to San Francisco and later to Pacifica, Calif.  After the death of his wife, Cal moved to Burke, South Dakota.

Cal attended culinary school in Denver and was a chef as well as a manager at several restaurants until his retirement.

Cal is survived by his children: Brad (Kim) of Burke, SD and Brent (Monique) of South San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren: Jesse (Laura) Vosika of Canton, SD: Alina Vosika (Pete Ng) of South San Francisco, CA; and Erika Clark James of Houston, TX; his great-grandchildren: Keely, Lainey and Lorraine Vosika, Davon, Darius and Eleya Clark James;  his sisters: Loretta Borg and Phyllis Greengrass and a brother, Jack Vosika.

Cal was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Victor and Thelma; his brother Lyle; his sister, Doris Elder and his father and mother-in-law, Erwin and LaVerna Esterling.

Everett Antoine Sr., 81, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Wake and funeral services were held at the Winner Ideal South Community Hall. Wake services were held on Thursday June 29 at 7 p.m. with a meal to follow. Funeral services were at noon  on Friday, June  30 with burial at the Winner City Cemetery with meal to follow.

Everett Antoine Sr. was born in Rosebud on Nov. 22, 1941 to Lawrence and Mildred (Haukaas) Antoine. He was their youngest son of 10 siblings.

He and married Beryl (Peneaux) Antoine and to this union had 6 children: Everett Jr., Randy, Steven (deceased), Ron, Lisa (deceased), and Charlie. They were married for 40 years before the passing of his wife in 2001.

Many friends and relatives called him Bun his entire life and was a lifelong resident of Winner, SD. He had spent 42 of those years working for the Winner Street Department. Every blizzard Winner had he could be found pushing snow so the residents could get out.

He loved bowling as all his siblings did and bowled on two men’s league and one mixed league. He also bowled in tournaments and had won several in his career. He was also the center-fielder for the Winner Indian fast-pitch team for many years and would be picked up to play for the Burke Buzzards to play in the Rosebud Fair Fast-pitch tournament.

Out of his busy life he found time to help his brother Jake with repairing broken TV’s which he loved when his brother opened a TV shop in Mission.  He had spent many Saturdays doing what he loved. He had a passion for music and on his downtime, he could be found in his bedroom playing his music loudly. Didn’t matter country, rock-n-roll, and you could tell when he was in an awesome mood because he would come out of his bedroom music up loud, dancing all the way to the kitchen to find Beryl and grab her hand and try to jitterbug with her. Only to hear her say “Hey behave I’m trying to cook” and off he’d go dancing all the way back to his bedroom snapping his fingers.

After his retirement and he found out about his cancer, his focus became about his family and great grandchildren. Caring for them up until the time of his passing.

He is survived by 6 siblings: Lois Antoine and Muriel Antoine of Mission, SD; Elora Antoine of Rapid City, SD; Georgia of Denver, CO; Cheryl Antoine and Lawrence Antoine Jr. both of Mitchell, SD. Also by 4 children: Everett Jr. (Rochelle), Randy, Ron (Suzy), Charlie all of Winner, SD.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mildred (Haukaas) Antoine, siblings: Charlotte Greaves, Marilyn White Horse, Jake Antoine, Levi Antoine, and Herman (Bud) Antoine. Also, by his wife Beryl (Peneaux) Antoine, 2 children, Steven Antoine, and Lisa Antoine.

June “Junebug” Violet Freilinger, 93, of Monona, Iowa died Friday, June 16, 2023 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa. June was born June 10, 1930 to Leonard and Freida (Schmidt) Hofeldt in Milboro, South Dakota. She graduated from Winner High School in 1948 and attended two years of college in Minneapolis, Minn.

On Sept. 22, 1951 June was united in marriage to Roderick Joseph Freilinger at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa. Six children were born to this union.  They made their first home in Yuma, Ariz., until Rod was discharged from the Air Force.  Upon being discharged they then moved to Frankville, Iowa, where they farmed for several years until Rod started Freilinger Construction.

June then did the secretarial duties for Freilinger Construction and raised 6 children and a large garden.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening and canning for her family.  Rod and June had many good times with the Volney crew and surrounding neighbors.  They also traveled to many LICA conventions.  She taught CCD, was a member of the Rosary society and a Catholic Daughter.

Upon raising her family, she then took a job cooking at Pink Elephant, Crow’s Nest and then the Boat, where she met many people and so enjoyed cooking and joking with the busboys and cooks.  “Junebug” as many people knew her, loved to joke and enjoyed people.  She enjoyed her church activities and traveling with the Heritage Club, taking several trips overseas.  June loved to travel and enjoyed her annual trips “out home” to Millboro, South Dakota.  South Dakota and her family still residing there, were always very special to her.  She knew that road well!!!

Most of all “Junebug’s” proudest moments were when all her family was around her.  She loved her birthday parties where everyone was together, always commenting LOOK WHAT I DID”.  June made each of her grandchildren a jean quilt sewn with all the love she could give.  She enjoyed taking her grand kids on outings.  Always a good treat at Grandmas!  She put her cooking skills to good use serving her family some fabulous meals.  June truly loved all 85 of us, and was blessed with all the Junebug trinkets we could find!

June will always be remembered as “Junebug”, with her very caring heart, her joking personality and always thinking of others before herself.  June loved life and people. 

Surviving June are her children, Brad (Cheryl) Freilinger of Monona, Iowa, Barb (Ron) Moellers of Ossian, Iowa, Brian (Brenda) Freilinger of Decorah, Iowa, Bonnie Lange of Monona, Iowa, Beverly (Brent) Blanchard of Guttenberg, Iowa and Beth (Jake) Sweeney of Monona, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren, Heather (Chad) Bettman, Angie (Brent) Mohs, Reggie (Sarah) Freilinger, Elizabeth (Brian) Riley, Dustin (Katie) Moellers, Dereck (Starlette) Moellers, Devin (Carol) Moellers, Randy (Melissa) Freilinger, Brent (Jamie) Freilinger, Blake (Brenda) Lange, Melissa (Matt) Egan, Matt (Shauna) Lange, Marshall (Leah) Lange, Emily Blanchard, Bradley Sweeney and Jason (Maddi) Sweeney; a multitude of great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

June was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Freida Hofeldt; husband, Roderick Freilinger on Oct. 26, 1982; son-in-law, Dave Lange; three grandchildren, Shane Rodas, Eric Rodas and Dexter “Doc” Lange; and two brothers, Lee (Joann) Hofeldt and Loren Hofeldt.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona, Iowa with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant.

Burial followed at St. Patrick Catholic Church Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.

Jim Smith, 71, of Witten, SD passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility. 

Memorial service was held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Carter Gospel Fellowship Church in Carter, SD.  Burial will be held at a later date. 

Alan James “Jim” Smith was born on March 3, 1952 in Billings, Montana.  He lived in Roundup, Mont., until he joined the Army in 1970and served overseas in Taiwan .

Jim then returned home for a short time before moving to Powell, Wyo., where he met Marlyce and they were married in 1976.  Jim and Marlyce lived in Powell where Jim worked in the Oil Patch until they moved to Witten, South Dakota in 1990.

While in Witten Jim had many different jobs doing farm work, working for Grossenburgs and the State of South Dakota.   Jim also worked in Alaska building ice roads and then road construction until he retired.

Jim loved fishing and hunting and visiting with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his father Luther G. Smith, mother Alice, brother Larry and sister Sandee Lekse.

Jim leaves behind his wife Marlyce, sister Dixie Taylor, nieces; Michelle Foeller and Deana Netherton, nephew Danny Lekse and his daughter Skyler, brother-in-law Michael Weathermon his wife Debbie and nephews Cody Weathermon, Nicholas Foeller and Cameron Kinney.

Ruth Adrian, 79, of Columbus, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 in Columbus, Ind. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Born on Aug. 10, 1943, in Highland Park, MI, Ruth was the loving daughter of John and Addie (Cunningham) Knox. She was united in marriage to Richard L. Adrian on Feb. 13, 1982. He preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 2021. Ruth had worked fifteen years for the Jennings County Community Foundation as a secretary. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She had served on the board of directors at the Jennings County Public Library and was an ASPCA Supporter. Ruth enjoyed her quiet life on the farm and cooking. She loved dogs and was an avid reader. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. Ruth will be missed by her children, Kirsten Adrian of North Vernon, Daniel L. (Alison) Adrian of Mason, OH, Richard L. (Amanda) Adrian of Greer, SC, and Jonathan P. (Angela) Adrian of Scipio; grandchildren, Alexander, and Samantha Adrian, Mia, Dylan, and Ava Adrian, Quinn, Duncan, Conner, and Brandon Adrian. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Addie Knox; husband, Richard Adrian; children, Michael, and Megan Adrian; grandson, Rondal Lee Adrian. Memorials can be made through the funeral home to the Rondal Lee Adrian Scholarship Fund through the Jennings County Foundation. Friends and family are invited to light a candle or leave a message of condolence in Ruth’s memory at www.sawyerfuneralservice.com.

Shirley Daughters, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Winner Regional Nursing Home in Winner, SD. 

Memorial service was  held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Ideal Presbyterian Church in Ideal, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Marlene (Habeger) Daughters, a cherished soul who graced our lives with her immense love for her family, zest for life, and passion for the outdoors and art. Shirley peacefully departed this world on June 13, 2023, leaving a legacy of cherished memories.

Born on July 29, 1944, to Milton and Margaret  Habeger in Denver, Color., Shirley embarked on a remarkable journey embracing life with unwavering enthusiasm and kindness. She lived a life that exemplified love, compassion, and dedication to family. She moved to Ideal, South Dakota, in 1950 and on Aug. 19, 1962, Shirley joined in matrimony with Robert Daughters, creating a bond that would withstand the test of time. Together, they raised their two sons, Wade and Bruce, on their farm in Hamill, SD. As a family, they enjoyed farming, hunting, and camping together. Shirley especially loved herding and caring for the sheep on the farm and spending her free time as a family fishing.

In her later years, Shirley discovered a rare gift for capturing the essence of her experiences on canvas. Art was the language Shirley used to express her vibrant spirit. Her brushstrokes danced with vivid colors, breathing life into breathtaking scenes around her. Her artwork not only adorned the walls of her home and the homes of her family, but they also served as a testament to her ability to convey the awe and wonder she felt from the landscapes around her and her deep love for her family.

The family was the cornerstone of Shirley’s life and her love and devotion knew no bounds. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she stood as a pillar of strength and support, her unwavering love providing a safe harbor in times of joy and sorrow. Shirley was a constant source of love, support, and guidance throughout the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we find solace in knowing that her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. Though her physical presence may be gone, her love for the outdoors, camping, art, family, and farm life will forever inspire us to embrace the wonders around us. Shirley will be greatly missed by her loving spouse Bob, her children Wade (Linda) Daughters and Bruce (Amanda) Daughters, grandchildren Seth (Danielle) Daughters, Dalton (Taylor) Daughters, Jordan (Amber) Daughters, Ashley (Matt) Weisser, Haley (Hunter) Wood, and seven great-grandchildren Braylee, Jones, Lincoln, Piper, Carson, Hazel, and Heston.  Sister Beulah Dewes, Rapid City SD.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Margaret Habeger, brothers, Larry Habeger, Royce Habeger, Nephew Bradley Dewes.

Shirley’s legacy will forever be etched in our minds, and your love will continue to guide us through life’s journey. May you find eternal peace beneath the starlit sky you adored and in the fertile soil of everlasting tranquility.

Memorial Service for Ralph L. Mefferd, Jr. age 90 of Scottsbluff, Neb.,  will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth.  A Military Flag Presentation will be performed by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79.  Inurnment will take place at a late date in the Ainsworth Cemetery. 

Ralph Mefferd, Jr. died April 11, 2023, at Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff.

SURVIVORS INCLUDE:

Wife:  Betty Mefferd of Scottsbluff NE

2 Children:  Sandra Mefferd of Chadron, NE

  & Michael (Carmen) Mefferd of Rapid City, SD

  5 Grandchildren – 5 Great-Grandchildren

Brother:  Charlie Mefferd of Kearney, NE

Along with nieces, nephews and other family members

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family for future designation.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Lois Besmer age 83 of Bismarck, ND will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD on Saturday June 17, at 11 a.m.  

Lucille “Lucy” Darlene (Klein) Smith, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on June 6, 2023 in the comfort of her own home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial will followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Lucy was born the seventh of twelve children on March 19, 1930 to August and Frances Klein.

On Feb. 21, 1963 she was united in marriage to Ivan Smith. To this union Deb and Pam were born. Ivan passed away in May of 2012.

Lucy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Lucy loved to read, play bingo, listen to polka music, and spending time with her family. She had a special place in her heart for her grandkids, and would make them special treats like goulash, homemade noodles, and chocolate cake.

Lucy will be lovingly remembered by her children Robert Klein, of Gregory SD, Debra Smith (Neil), of Rapid City SD, and Pam (Joe) Ferber, of Rapid City SD. 3 grandchildren; Liz Smith (Bob), of Belle Fourche SD, Corey (Carol) Ferber, of Sidney NE, and Kyle (Andrea) Ferber, of Rapid City SD.  7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband Ivan, 4 brothers and 4 sisters.