Category Archives: Obituaries

Imogene was born October 28, 1919 to Elmer and Rena (Haukaas) Smith on the family homestead located one and a half miles north of the Turtle Butte. She was the youngest child of a family of eight. Imogene attended her elementary education at the Turtle Butte School. In order to attend high school at Colome, Imogene lived and worked in the school’s dormitory. She was very active in high school, including cheerleading and school newspaper. She graduated in 1936 and continued her education at the Southern State Teachers College at Springfield, SD where she received her teaching degree. She taught for seven years in Gregory and Tripp County, majority of years at the Turtle Butte School. Education and continued learning was something that Imogene took great pride in and instilled in her children and their families.

On January 28, 1940, Imogene was baptized at the Wewela Community Church, where she continued to be a life-time member. On December 27, 1941, Imogene Smith married Donald Turnquist at this same church in Wewela. Imogene frequently said that Donald had the bluest eyes she had ever seen. To this union, 5 children were born: Donna, Ronald, Larry, Roger, and Nancy. In 1942, Don enlisted in the Navy. Imogene followed Donald to Illinois and Florida where he was stationed for training and enabled her to see various parts of the United States. When Don was stationed overseas in 1943, Imogene returned home to be close to family in the Wewela area. Following the end of WWII, Don and Imogene purchased a farm located a mile south of Wewela near the Nebraska State line.

Imogene was very involved in the Wewela and surrounding area activities, including the fund raising and building of the Wewela Church holding various offices in the operation of the church. She helped organize the “Do-A-Deed Extension Club” that was an organization where Imogene spent many hours doing charity works including funding and sending supplies to soldiers in WWII. Imogene was also a leader in 4-H, FHA Chapter mother for Springview High School, substitute teacher at Wewela school, and was member of the Colome American Legion Auxiliary. Her organization, work ethic, and leadership skills were exemplified in the fact that Imogene always held various offices in every organization she belonged to including being President of the Colome American Legion Auxiliary. Her children and their activities were her pride and joy. Whether it be volunteering to sew cheerleading outfits or driving carloads of kids to sporting events, she loved being involved with not only her children, but people in general. Imogene had a gift of making every one welcome and comfortable whether it be in her own house or at a ball game. When grandchildren began their own activities, Imogene became their biggest fan also. Imogene was a huge supporter of the Smith Family Reunion each year and cherished recording the family activities.

After the family had grown and left home, Imogene began a new career as Postmaster of the Wewela Post Office. She dedicated 24 years to a job she loved, retiring at age 80 in 2000. In 2000, Don and Imogene decided it was time to enjoy their family and grandchildren even more. They sold the farm to their son, Roger, and his wife, Helen. Don and Imogene continued to live on the farm in their own home, traveling to visit family and friends, and attending even more grandchildren’s activities. In 2011, they moved to Gregory, SD to be closer to family.

Monica (“Monie”) was born near Timber Lake, SD on May 2, 1927 to Jay and Iva (McGuire) Coyle.  She attended rural schools and St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Timber Lake and graduated from Timber Lake High School on May 4, 1945 as valedictorian of her class.  She then graduated from Notre Dame Junior College, Mitchell, SD in May 1946 (now Presentation College in Aberdeen).  After graduation, Monica worked as a bookkeeper in Aberdeen for three years.

On October 3, 1949 she married Al Welk at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake.  They moved around South Dakota as Al worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. in various positions, residing in various communities such as Gettysburg, Bonesteel and Howard.  In 1958, they moved to Winner, SD where they raised their two sons, Tom, Sioux Falls, SD and Dick, Nampa, Idaho.  From 1958 to 1970 Monica was active in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner and the Catholic Daughters, St. Mary’s School and helping at the rectory and St. Mary’s Hall.

In 1970, she began working for JC Penney Co. in Winner, SD as a bookkeeper.  When Al was transferred to Rapid City in 1974 she also transferred to Penney’s and retired in 1989.  Upon retirement, Al and Monica traveled, visited family frequently and remained very close to their siblings for visits and family events.

Al and Monica moved to Sioux Falls in the fall of 2008 and resided at Avera Prince of Peace complex.  Monica and Al were persons of strong Catholic faith.  While they resided at Avera Prince of Peace attendance at daily Mass in the Chapel was the foundation of their lives.

Monie was a member of Catholic Daughters St. Rita’s Court #916, Rapid City and Sacred Heart Chapel, Prince of Peace.  She is also a member of National Order of Catholic Foresters, Howard, SD.  Al, her husband for 62 years, died on October 14, 2011.  She had many close friends and corresponded with them regularly.  Monica took great care and detail, remembering special events of all she knew.

Evelyn was born on January 25, 1927 near Clearfield, SD to Lee and Lucille (Shultz) Quick. She graduated from Colome High School. She taught school near Hidden Timber where she met Harold “Bud” Whiting who would soon become her husband.

They lived and ranched near Hidden Timber where they raised cattle and sheep. They raised 4 children Robert “Bob”, Patsy, Danny and June.

Evelyn had many talents and enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, quilting, gardening, raising sheep and carpentry projects.

She was born February 23, 1918, to Raymond H. Best and Maggie (Christensen) Best in Hutchinson County, 5 miles south of Olivet, SD. At age 5, she moved with her family to an area previously homesteaded in Mellette County, seven miles west of Carter, SD. She graduated from Wood High School and attended Commercial College in Mitchell. In June, 1939, she was wed to Charles Adams of Birmingham, Alabama, and the couple moved to Spencer, Iowa. Three sons were born to this union, one of whom died as an infant. Charles Adams passed in 1948. Goldie and her sons Robert and Larry then came back to South Dakota and she took employment at McCormick Hardware of Winner, SD, and taught country school in Tripp County.

In December of 1950 she married Alfred Carter of Mellette County. Born to this union were a daughter, Janet, and son, Eddy. They lived in Mellette County until 1958 when they returned to Tripp County where they farmed and operated a dairy for 11 years. In 1969 the family moved into Winner and Goldie worked for Farmland Industries for several years. In her retirement years in Winner, she worked at the Tripp County Historical Society, Tripp County Library, and cared for a number of house-bound people in their homes.

Alfred passed away in December, 1989, and in June of 1994 Goldie moved to Wessington Springs. She was affiliated with Baptist Churches in Witten, Winner and Wessington Springs, SD, and Sierra Vista, AZ. She taught Sunday School for a number of years.

Goldie was a lover of nature, especially trees, flowers and birds. She was an avid reader and, having worked in libraries, learned to do research and wrote many stories on various subjects. She was a home body, a wonderful cook, enjoyed baking goodies for her families, crocheting and crafting. She collected coins and stamps for 35 years and corresponded with other collectors. She loved learning and knowledge and encouraged her children and grandchildren to do the same.

Darlene May Foss (Schmidt), 73, formerly of Winner, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 25th, 2016 at home in Pierre, SD after a courageous battle with cancer.

Darlene, daughter of Cornelius and Pauline (Woehl) Schmidt was born July 26th, 1942. During her youth she grew up and attended school in Winner. Darlene enjoyed talking about the adventures and mischief she experienced during her youth with her eight brothers and sisters.

On January 14th, 1958 Darlene was united in marriage to Darrell Foss. Through this marriage three sons were born, Micheal, Kelly and Todd. Darlene and Darrell lived and worked on the family farm near Winner, which they later owned and operated until their retirement in 2012. In 2014 they left the farm and moved to Winner. Darlene later moved to Pierre in 2016.

Darlene had a passion for hard work. She found time throughout her busy farm life to work several years at Winner Insurance Center, Winner Advocate, Fenenga DeSmet & Co.,Winner Bowling Center, Winner Livestock Auction and Winner Hospital.

Darlene loved the special bond she had with her twin sister Doreen Bolander. They spent many joyous times together and were almost inseperable.

Darlene enjoyed the outdoors. Her and Darrell could often be found out on the river fishing. Darlene loved the special times she had throughout her life camping with her family and friends. She was an avid sports spectator and enjoyed watching all types of sports. Her biggest joy came from spending time with her family and friends.

Orrin Smith was born March 24, 1924, at Long Pine, Neb., to Orrin Smith and Mabel (Hanson) Smith. When he was three, he and his younger sister Geneva moved with their mother to her family’s homestead near Dixon, South Dakota. Orrin had a life-long passion for horses and an aspiration to be a cowboy. He spent many hours riding his mustang pony around the countryside – there were rabbits to hunt and arrowheads to find. Inspired by old-west stories, he walked down the wooden sidewalks of Dixon with his spurs dragging and even once drove a bull down Main Street.

Orrin graduated from Dallas High School in 1942. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the Navy in 1945. He rode the train to the Great Lakes Training Center for basic training, then stationed at a reassignment depot in Omaha until his discharge in 1946.

Orrin married Irma Jean Edwards on November 5, 1947. They raised four daughters and were sweethearts and best friends for nearly 69 years.

During their first year of marriage, Orrin and Irma Jean lived in a tiny trailer in northwestern South Dakota. Orrin worked for a construction company building dams and bridges. He had the opportunity to work for a rancher in the area or stay on with the construction company, but decided to return to the family farm prior to the birth of their first daughter. He continued to farm in the Dixon area until 1957, when they moved to the Edwards farm north of Dallas. Orrin and Irma Jean farmed and raised cattle until they retired and in 2007 they moved to Herrick.

Orrin enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting, bowling, camping, reading, and dancing. He often needed a helper or driver for his hunting and fishing trips, or even for making machinery repairs, and his daughters enjoyed that special time with him. Orrin was the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Dallas American Legion and made sure that all of the guns were oiled and in working order. He belonged to the Winner Gun Club where he was a competitive trap shooter and helped present gun safety classes. He was also an active member of the Rosebud Horseman’s Club where he enjoyed calf roping and team roping in addition to organizing Little Britches Rodeos and play days. In his later years he decided he needed a new hobby, so he learned to cook by watching cooking shows, reading recipes and experimenting.

Orrin was a man of integrity and honor who kept his word. He worked hard, took time to enjoy his hobbies, loved his family, and enjoyed the wide-open spaces. He was a quiet leader without claiming to be one. His children, grandchildren, and extended family members loved and respected him greatly and will remember him through the many stories he told.

Orrin died July 27, 2016 at the Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 92.

Danielle was born on December 20, 1989, in Burke, SD, to proud parents Kelly and Michelle McCollam. Danielle spent her early childhood in Winner where she attended grade school and middle school. In the summer of 2004 the family moved to Mobridge where she began her high school. She graduated from Mobridge High School in 2008, and later went on to attend Black Hills State University and South Dakota State University, she graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Hospitality Management.

Following college she worked at the Nantucket Yacht Club in Nantucket, Massachusetts. She then moved closer to her family and worked in Bismarck, ND as the Front Desk Manager for the Ramkota. She returned to Mobridge in 2015 where she began working for Golden Living Center as the Dietary Manager. In March 2016 she became part of the Human Resources Department for PIC/Apex in Mound City, SD.

Danielle made wonderful memories during high school and was very humbled and proud to have been the Homecoming Queen in 2008. One of her other highlights from high school was being a member of the squad awarded Spirit of Six during the 2006 Girls State A Basketball Tournament. She also had a love for playing the piano that she developed from an early stage and had kept with her throughout her life. At the time of her passing Danielle was very happy to be living in Mobridge among friends and family. She was also very excited with her job that gave her the opportunity to travel between Canada and Tennessee; and meet many interesting people.

Danielle was well known for being very loving and kind, and it showed through her many friends that she had gathered throughout her life. Her ability to find the good in people was always present. Danielle was well known for her bright and vivid smile and her willingness to help. Danielle was an amazing family person, doing a great job of always keeping in touch with her family; and had a special knack for remembering birthdays and special dates. Words cannot express how much she will be missed by her family and friends.

Jordyn was born on September 29, 1996 in Winner, SD to Kenneth and Sandra (Olson) Hespe. She had an outgoing personality and everybody who met her was her friend. She moved to Todd County High School when she was a sophomore and found her place. She was active in many things but especially loved volleyball and basketball. She graduated from Todd County High School in 2015. Jordyn was selected to represent South Dakota and play basketball on the girls Down Under Basketball Team in Brisbane, Australia. This was a dream come true for Jordyn! Her trip included the Golden Coast of Australia, Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and Hawaii. She fell in love with Hawaii and was amazed by seeing Pearl Harbor. She had the time of her life. She met and made many friends and loved playing basketball.

She was a fun loving girl that enjoyed being around people and helping anybody that needed help. She enjoyed spending time with her dog KIKI who was her baby. Jordyn was taken in by the wonderful people of the Rosebud Nation. She became many peoples’ granddaughter, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. She loved and cared about everyone she met. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for people. Jordyn played on the girls slow pitch softball team in Rosebud and the COED team in Winner. She lived and loved life to the fullest.

Jordyn’s pride and joy were her family, especially her nieces Bailey, and Carley as well as her nephew Payton. Her family meant the world to her as she did to her family. If she ever needed anything her sister Brooke was always there for her. Jordyn always loved her birthday because Brooke always made her favorite enchilada supper. She loved her brother Jacob and treasured the times they would go fishing and hunting together. She was looking forward to this winter because she drew an Elk tag for the Black Hills. She was so excited to shoot her own elk. She was her daddy’s little girl and her mommas’ whole world. She was not only her daughter but as she grew up she became her mother’s best friend. Jordyn loved her boyfriend Jesse. He was also her confidant and best friend. Jesse loved her very much.

Our “Princess” will be greatly missed by all.

LeRoy was born on January 10, 1928 in Herrick, SD to Merrill and Elizabeth (Determan) Foltz. He grew up in Herrick and attended school there through the ninth grade. People always asked him how he got his nickname PeeWee. Well, when he was in 8th grade, he got to play basketball on the high school team, he was the youngest and smallest player they had, therefore the nickname “PeeWee” and it stuck. After his freshman year his family moved to Winner where he graduated from Winner High School in 1945. While in high school, he enjoyed playing basketball, football, and baseball.

LeRoy “PeeWee” entered the military from 1946-1947 serving in Japan during the US occupation.

On November 7, 1949 he married Lois Jares in Gregory. They lived in Winner from 1949 to 1951, he worked for The Nesbitt Bottling Company. In 1951 they moved to Bonesteel to open the PeeWee’s TeePee Café. It was there that he started his lifetime career in the restaurant business. In 1958, a move to Colorado Springs for one year, they operated a gas station and A+W Root Beer Drive-In. They decided to move back to South Dakota, to Winner in 1959, and purchased the Holme’s Café. While in Winner, he was on the Winner City Council, Manager of the Winner Pheasant Baseball team, and a member of the Elks, VFW, and American Legion.

They moved to Denver, CO from 1965 to 1966, then to Casper, WY from 1966 to 1969. While in Casper he owned the Blue Ox Supper Club. During his time there, many different celebrities enjoyed the hospitality of the dinner club. They even hosted John Wayne’s 63rd birthday party.

In 1969 he began a new career in county club management in Albuquerque, NM, Belen NM, and El Paso TX for the Horizon Land Corp. Then on to the El Paso Country Club until he retired in 1997. During his many years in the country club business, he had the opportunity to play golf with professional golfers Tom Byrum, Curt Byrum, Tiger Woods, Lee Travino, and Notah Begay, just to name a few.

After he retired, he and Lois moved back to Winner to be closer to his many friends and family. He loved spending time and vacations with his children and grandchildren. PeeWee loved the many friends that he made over the years. He especially enjoyed telling all the stories of the baseball players, golfers and best buddies he had the privilege to spend time with over his lifetime.