Category Archives: Obituaries

Louis Francis Papousek was born October 28, 1924 near Gregory, South Dakota to Joseph B. and Frances (Musilek) Papousek and went to his eternal home on April 11, 2016, at the home of his daughter, Margo Dunn, in Malibu, California. Many people knew him as Louie or Lou. Louis grew up on the family farm near Gregory with his parents and siblings: Agnes, Joe (Joseph C), Bob (Robert), and Donna. Louis lived a full and diverse life filled with adventure and many rewarding experiences. He attended a one-room county schoolhouse which was later moved to Gregory and is now known as the Gregory Historical Schoolhouse. He was a smart student so was able to skip a grade. He left school during the 9th grade, but never stopped learning and trying new things. His parents eventually sold the farm and moved to Burke and opened up a café. His father passed away in 1948 and his mother passed away in 1965, both in Burke.

Louis was a mechanic extraordinaire and could fix anything! He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during WWII from March 1944 – May 1946 in the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign as a Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class. A highlight in Louis’s life was traveling to Washington, D.C. on the Honor Flight in September, 2010 to view the WWII Memorial. Over the years, Louis was a member of the American Legion and Elks Club. Louis and Vera Luree Willuweit started dating after meeting at a dance. In 1948, they made their first trip to California along with his mother, Frances Papousek and future step-father Anton Nikodym. Louis was baptized and confirmed on February 21, 1949 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. He was united in marriage to Vera at the same church on April 17, 1949. To this union, one daughter, Margo, was born one year later. The family continued to embrace the Lutheran faith throughout their years together.

In the early years of their marriage, Louis had numerous jobs including working in the oil fields of Wyoming, as a carpenter, delivering Storz beer in Burke, and working in auto shops in Martin and Winner. In 1959 Louis and Vera sold their house in Winner and followed his brother Bob to Tucson, Arizona. The next summer, Louis took a job at the San Manuel, Arizona copper smelter. In 1962 the family moved to California where Louis became an owner/operator of a Caterpillar tractor, often working for Gary Inglett and with many former South Dakotans. Vera served as his office manager and bookkeeper. Later he invested in a dendrite rock business with Bob Stober. Louis fondly remembered the time that he spent up in the mountains in Beaver, Utah living the life of a “mountain man”, drinking the spring water, breathing in the fresh air, and growing a beard. He enjoyed creating belt buckles, clocks, and other art pieces with the picturesque dendrite rock giving them to family and friends as presents.

In 1990 Louis and Vera retired to Wall, SD. In addition to spending the winter months with their daughter and her family in Malibu, they took many exciting vacation trips ranging from the Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, Canada to the Redwood Forest of California to Cape Canaveral and the Epcot Center in Florida. Vera suffered strokes in 1996 and 2000, so they moved to Silver Threads in Gregory in 2001. Four years later Vera entered the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center. Until Vera’s passing in 2010, Louis was a faithful and loving spouse visiting and feeding Vera almost every day when he was in Gregory. He made sure that there was always cake and ice cream served at the nursing home for her birthday and their anniversary.

Louis continued to spend part of the year with Margo. March, 2011, while in Malibu, Louis suffered a heart attack, but he was determined to recover so that he could attend the 4th of July wedding of his only grandchild, Sean Dunn, to Megan Myer in Dayton, Oregon. One week after returning to Malibu in October, Louis suffered the first of a series of major strokes that required him to receive 24/7 care at Margo’s home until his passing. Visits by family members were the highlight of his final years – especially visits by his remaining sibling, Donna Fode, in person, or via Skype. Niece Patti (Papousek) Ciasca worked as a partner with Margo to care for “Uncle Louie” during his final years. Louis enjoyed fresh and salt water fishing, scuba diving, hunting, being outdoors, and eating. He believed in the value of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to his immediate and extended family. Louis’s smile, generosity, unconditional love and support will be missed by all those who knew him.

Nolan Lee Tucker was born in Murdo, South Dakota to Lonnie and Edna (Stevens) Tucker on January 9, 1940. Nolan grew up and went to school in White River, South Dakota. Nolan did a lot of things in his lifetime, throughout several states. He spent a lot of time in Alaska working on pipelines, carpentry work, and also a lot of painting. Nolan spent the last sixteen years around White River and Wood. “No matter what you do, always do it with Pride,” was a favorite quote of Nolan’s which is evident in the work that he did. Nolan was the ‘Jack of All Trades.’ He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Nolan was quite particular and was not satisfied until his projects looked mighty good. Up until the last year when his health began to fail him, he would take on anything. One of his last jobs was painting the old White River High School. We do not know how he did it, but he got it done. And as always, it looked good!
Nolan will always be remembered by those who knew him as a tough, stubborn guy who had a heart of gold. He was always looking out for the “other” guy and would give you the shirt off his back — if that’s what it took. He was generous with his heart and time. He enjoyed volunteering and sharing his talents with local organizations and Mellette County Museum. Nolan loved his sports, especially football and basketball and continued to follow the teams from White River. Every spring, he looked forward to making the trek to Aberdeen to cheer on the Tigers. Nolan also enjoyed spending time at family events, playing cards, pitching horse shoes, interacting with children and animals. Family gatherings always made Nolan smile and especially when he heard, “I wuv you Uncle Nolan!,” from younger family members.
Everyone who remembers him, is asked to celebrate Nolan’s life in their own way. Enjoying a cup of coffee and a bag of popcorn with the Dollar Daze crew, in his memory would be quite appropriate! And, whoever you meet make sure you say, “Good Morning”- anytime of the day!

John Loren “Sawdust” Hofeldt, age 76, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at his home in Ainsworth, Nebraska. Loren was born on June 7, 1939, in Winner, South Dakota, to Leonard and Freda (Schmidt) Hofeldt. He was the youngest of 3 children raised on the family farm. Loren served in the US Army from 1956 to 1959. He was married to Helen Carter on October 28, 1959, and to this union three daughters were born, Yvon, Joan and Ruth.

Loren had a great love of the outdoors and many interests. He was an auto mechanic and racecar driver. He served his community as a police officer, an ambulance driver and a SWAT team member. For many years he ran his own business as an arborist. He enjoyed all hunting activities and was especially proud of his 6 X 6 bull elk he bagged while archery hunting in Colorado. He spent many hours calling, chasing and hunting coyotes. Fishing was his passion and his blue bass boat was his pride and joy. He was a proud charter member of the Borderline Bassmasters and a member of the B.A.S.S. Federation.

Theresa was born September 20, 1954 to Virginia (Dahl) Due and Duane Due in Bottineau, ND. She grew up in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. Theresa had three brothers: Wayne, Kenny and Kelly and three sisters: Mary, Cyndi and LuAnn.

Theresa worked at various restaurants as a waitress and or a cook along with being a bartender at the Elks Lodge in Mitchell, SD and the Chateau and Moose Lodge in Ft. Pierre. She also owned the Cove Café in Gregory with her husband Dwayne Briggs in the early 1980’s. They had two children, Jon and Harry “Happy” Briggs.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Pierre, Ft. Pierre Moose Lodge, life member of the DAV Auxiliary, Pierre, American Legion Auxiliary, Dallas and the VFW Auxiliary, Pierre.

On November 14, 1986 Theresa married the love of her life, Glenn Broski. Theresa enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved to take the granddaughters shopping, out to eat (there wasn’t a restaurant in town they didn’t go) and to get their nails done.

Babe was born near Wood, SD on August 22, 1938 to Blanche (Musilek) Belak and Frank Belak. Babe attended school in Wood and after high school graduation joined the Air Force. She was stationed for three years in Michigan.
On June 25, 1960, she was united in marriage to Bob Ryno. From this union was born a daughter, Karla (Charlie Shedeed) and a son, Marty (Martie Lovejoy).
Throughout her life, Babe was a housewife, mother and bookkeeper for Ryno Oil. The loves of her life were her two granddaughters, Robin and Teneil.
Babe enjoyed tending her plants and manicuring her lawn. Her yard work was never complete without being trimmed. She was even known to take scissors to the grass to edge it. Babe took pride in and was meticulous in everything she did. Bob never left the house with a wrinkle in his clothing—any of his clothing; she even ironed her sheets and dish towels. She made fantastic pies, cinnamon rolls and angel food cakes, and she was renowned for her card playing (but she hated being paid in wrinkled currency).
Babe was curious about the world and people. She enjoyed traveling—trying to take a different route wherever they went. Most of all she loved people—engaging them in conversation everywhere she found herself. One of her favorite things was Tuesday night darts. Every Wednesday morning when discussing the evening’s festivities with her daughter, Karla, she always said, “It was such a great night. I just love each and every one of them! I don’t know where you would find a better group of people.”
She will be remembered by so many for the hugs, smiles and laughter she so freely gave to anyone who would hold still for it.

He was born at home on March 9, 1932 in Sparks, Neb., to George J. and Minnie Mae (Archer) Simons.
Bud attended grade school at Happy Hollow in Sparks. He worked for local farmers and ranchers until he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, and was stationed at the AFB Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska. On June 15, 1956, Bud married Nancy Worden and to this union three children were born Doreen; David and Dawn. Bud, Nancy and their children moved to Springview, where he drove a fuel delivery truck for the Co-op and later for Gary Ross.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nancy; brother, Giles; brothers-in-law, Ronald Kinzer, Marion Delfs, and Virgil Billings; sister-in-law, Diane Simons; niece, Lisa Delfs, and grandson, Keith Tucker.
He is survived by his three children, Doreen (Edward) Tucker of Springtown, Texas, David (Brinda) Simons of Winner, South Dakota and Dawn Simons of Millard, Nebraska. His sisters, Catherine Billings of Valentine, Nebraska, Evelyn Kinzer of Gregory, South Dakota, and Eunice Delfs of Chamberlain, South Dakota. Six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, with three pending.

Funeral service were held at the New Hope Community Church in Springview, Neb. with Pastor George Kraft officiating the service. Special music selections of “Amazing Grace” was offered by Josh & Megan Bawek, as well as a CD selection of “Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind” by Confederate Railroad. Congregational selections were “When We All Get To Heaven” and “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder.”
Burial followed at the Mt. Hope Cemetery near Springview with Military Honors being presented by the Springview American Legion Post #98. Arrangements were handled through Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth, Neb. Memorials were suggested to the family in his name. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Wayne P. Wagner, Rapid City, SD and formally of Winner, SD died Monday March 14, 2016 at the Good Samaritans Home in New Underwood, SD at the age of 85. Wayne was born January 31, 1931 in Tyndall (Yankton), SD but always called the Black Hills home. He attended Rapid City Central High School and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1952. He married Arla Sand of Badger, SD the same year.

Donald John Turnquist was delivered by a midwife in his parent’s home on January 12, 1919 in Ardmore, South Dakota to Oscar John and Francis Henrietta (Gardner) Turnquist. He attended grade school near his family home spending much time with his beloved grandmother, Johanna Wilhemenia (Karlson) Turnquist. He graduated from high school in Edgemont, SD in 1937. During his high school years, he lived with his sister Frances and at one time in a railroad car. His desire and drive for education was passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 1938 Donald’s folks sold their home and moved to the farm they had purchased near Wewela. This was an auspicious move for Donald as it was there he met the love of his life, Imogene Pearl Smith. Being told about a young beautiful school marm, Donald set out to meet her. Since he was a trapper, he used a ruse of “looking for a coyote caught in his trap” to capture her attention. This initial meeting was the beginning of a love affair for the ages. Although Imogene attempted to run him off several times, he finally was able to persuade her to become his and put a ring on her finger (purchased with funds from his trapping) on December 27, 1941.

Donald and Imogene were separated soon after due to the breakout of World War II. When he realized his number was soon-to-be up, Donald decided he would not be forced into service and walked across the street to enlist in the Navy in September of 1942. He was shipped overseas the following year and did not return home until November of 1945. During this time, he was one of many who crossed the English Channel on D-Day and helped to ensure the freedom of our great country. During his military service, he achieved the rank of Motor Machinist Mate, 1st class and became a daddy. Donald found out about his first born when his commander brought him a telegram and a box of cigars. In his later years, loved to relate stories about maintaining the ships and adventures he had during the war.

Following the war, Donald returned home and purchased a farm in February of 1946 just southeast of Wewela. On this farm, he and Imogene raised their five children: Donna, Ronnie, Larry, Roger and Nancy. Although he worked hard, he always found time to be a part of his children’s lives traveling to sporting events, 4-H and any other activity they were involved in. Baseball was one of his favorites. In 1955, the Wewela Little League was started. His brother-in-law, Oscar Smith, and he proudly stepped up to become the league’s first coaches. Donald’s love of baseball and sports never ended. He coached his children, followed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and related many stories about traveling to games or how a game could have ended differently.

Donald was never happier than when he was tinkering with machinery or working in his garden. His produce was exceptional in taste and quantity. Each year his garden got a little bigger and Imogene threatened a little more if she had to can or freeze one more thing. He enjoyed many projects with his grandchildren and imparting his wisdom on gardening, mechanics, cattle and politics. During his last summer, he assisted with a garden outside of Silver Threads. This was not a very successful transition. According to Don, the soil there was not right and definitely not deep enough to produce good tomatoes.

As an active member of the Colome American Legion, Post 146, he served as Commander and was influential in building the present home of this Post. He walked in many a parade as part of the Color Guard during his 71 years of membership. To this day, his children and grandchildren will remember his love for his country and his flag.

After many years of farming and raising a family, Donald sold the family farm to his son Roger and his wife Helen. In his last years he was blessed to be able to live in Gregory at Silver Threads with the love of his life and many of his family close by.

There could be no greater role model of love than the relationship between Donald and Imogene. They celebrated their 74th anniversary on December 27, 2015. His greatest wish in life was to be able to spend every day with her. He told anyone who asked that she was the greatest woman alive and he was blessed to have been able to spend his life with her. One of his last requests was to have her by his side to say goodbye. As he told her this might be goodbye and he loved her very much, she responded with “I love you more.”

Donald was welcomed into the arms of his Savior and his two beloved sons on Easter morning March 27, 2016. His last hours were spent surrounded by his family and with a final salute for his service to his country. He was 97 years old.

Funeral Services for Wayne G. “Bud” Simons age 84 of Springview, Nebraska & Winner, South Dakota will be held on Thursday (April 7, 2016) at 10:30 AM at the New Hope Community Church in Springview. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview with Military Honors by Springview American Legion Post #98.

Bud Simons died Saturday (April 2, 2016) at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner.

Wayne L. Novotny, 67, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2016 at The Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, April 6, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Sioux Falls.

Wayne was born in Winner, SD on December 9, 1948 to Anton and Margaret (Hurd) Novotny. He attended school in Winner, where he graduated in 1967. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a degree in biology. Wayne worked for the Sherwin Williams Company for over 30 years, retiring in 2004.

Wayne married Connie L. Baxa on September 9, 1972 in Lincoln, NE. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1975, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Amanda. He was fiercely loyal, loving, and protective of his wife and children.

Wayne lived life to the fullest, making friends wherever he went. He greatly enjoyed golfing, playing softball, traveling, and cheering on his Nebraska Cornhuskers and New York Yankees. A highlight of Wayne’s retirement was spending time with and doting on his two young grandchildren. Wayne was a man of strong Catholic faith. He was active in his church’s choir and various other ministries.