Category Archives: Obituaries

Lillie Ann Truhe passed away on March 25, 2016, at the age of 94 and went to her heavenly home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, April 8th at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home, 632 St Francis Street, Rapid City. Funeral services will be held for Lillie Ann on Saturday, April 9th, at 11 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park.

Lillie Ann was born on July 2, 1921, to Felix and Anna (Riha) Watzel who were homesteaders near Colome, SD, in 1909. She was the youngest of eight children. Her mother passed away when Lillie Ann was two years old.

Lillie graduated from Winner High School in 1938 at the age of 16. She attended Southern State Teachers’ College in Springfield, SD, and received a teaching credential. During her first year of teaching she met Clint Truhe. They were married in January of 1940 and became life-long companions for 63 years. They were blessed with five children. Their children’s activities were important to them and came first and foremost.

During the first years of their marriage they owned and operated a farm near Clearfield. In 1946 they moved to Winner where they purchased a feed and seed produce business. Clint and Lillie Ann were active members of the Methodist Church. She belonged to the Winner Women’s Club and participated in community events.

In 1956 she resumed teaching and taught at rural schools in Tripp County and later taught elementary school in the Winner School District. After many years of attending summer school at Southern State Teacher’s College she received a Bachelor Degree in1966.

Clint and Lillie moved to Rapid City in 1966 where she taught at the Ellsworth Air Force Base for the next 18 years. She was a professional and dedicated educator. She received a special award at a state teacher’s convention and had her name placed on a plaque in the S.D.E.A facility at the capital in Pierre.

In 1971 they built their retirement home north of Rapid City and lived there for the next 27 years. Over the years they held family reunions in the Black Hills and other states where their children lived. Lillie Ann and Clint were a fun loving couple and lived life to the fullest. One of their greatest passions was dancing. It was said that all their dance steps could have taken them around the world. She belonged to the First United Methodist Church, Retired Teachers Association, VFW Women’s Auxiliary; Women of the Moose Lodge; Card Club and Canyon Lake Senior Citizens.

In 1998 they moved back to Rapid City. After Clint passed away in 2003 she continued to live alone for 11 years. Suffering from health issues and macular degeneration, she moved to NC to be near her son DeWayne and his wife Fern in early 2014.

Laura Mae Delaney, age 82, died on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday April 2, 2016 at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls followed by her funeral service at 10:30 AM. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday at Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, SD.

Laura Mae Hartland was born on August 27, 1933 in Tripp County, SD to Lloyd and Mae (Van Schoonhoven) Hartland. She graduated from Winner High School and Southern State Teachers College at Springfield, SD. Laura then taught country school in Tripp County.

Laura was united in marriage with Raymond Delaney on August 15, 1952 at Winner, SD. She worked in the health field at the Gregory Hospital, Mitchell Methodist Hospital, and Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. Laura first began as a Nursing Assistant, Heart Monitor Technician and Health Unit Coordinator at Sioux Valley from 1971 until her retirement in 1998.

Laura took great pride in her family and served as a foster parent for 13 years to four girls. She spent time as a mentor at Jane Adams School following her retirement. Her love and care for others was evident in her family, friendships and work. She enjoyed camping, spending time working in her flower garden, reading and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Donald Paul Blomstrom, of Delafield, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, of a sudden heart attack, at the age of 58. He was born in Winner, South Dakota to Paul and Dorothy Blomstrom.

Don had a larger than life personality, lived life to the fullest, and had a smile that lit up a room. He was greatly loved, and loved greatly. His generosity knew no bounds. We are blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from Don during his 58 years. He believed in making everyday moments special. He believed in being kind and welcoming to everyone. He believed cars should be driven fast, music should be listened to loudly and steaks should only be served rare. Don believed you should always be making new memories because he knew that was all you had at the end of the day.

Don was an adoring husband to his wife, Tina (Palmer), for 38 years. He made her coffee every morning and told her he loved her every night. Don was a very proud father to Marissa, Nick, and his wife, Laura (Wann). He was affectionately known as Pop Pop to four beautiful grandchildren, Isabelle (10), Charlotte (9), Cole (6), and Sam (4). He was an amazing brother and friend to Pat (Bill), Ray (Robin), Joe (Lori), and Jim. He was known as Uncle Don to more people than we can count.

On Friday, April 1 a Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial was held at 7 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Nashotah, Wisconsin.

On Saturday, April 2 a Celebration of Life was held from 1-4 p.m. at Zin in Delafield, Wisconsin.

Don was a consummate salesman and spent the majority of his career advocating for women’s healthcare and the early detection of breast cancer; in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at give.bcrfcure.org.

Dorothy ( Lindholm) Martensen was born on July 17, 1923, at Dallas, South Dakota, to Carl Victor and Ida (Iburg) Lindholm. She passed away peacefully at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center on March 20, 2015. When the family relocated from Dallas, South Dakota, to Galva, Illinois, Dorothy attended schools there. Several summers she and her family made trips back to South Dakota to visit relatives. Inspired by these trips, Dorothy (as a teenager) decided to take the trail west to South Dakota. She continued her education in the world of work. She worked at her aunt’s turkey farm, at the cold-pack plant in Winner and at other jobs.

In 1942 Dorothy was united in marriage to Marvin Rose of Winner and together they engaged in farming. Four children were added to the family: Carl, Sandra, James, and Jack. In the late 1950’s Dorothy owned and operated the Hamill Cafe. The way she reminisced about her café business, one would soon realize how much she truly enjoyed that experience of her life. Dorothy married Art Martensen in 1962 and later moved to his farm north of Winner and sold the Hamill Café. Her farmhouse was known in later years as the “neighborhood coffee shop” where the coffee was always on.

Dorothy was a lifetime member of the Legion and VFW Auxiliary; and for many years she organized and held the VFW Senior Citizens Card Party. She loved to paint- embroider, cook, can fresh produce, and make jelly. Her chokecherry jelly was a favorite of many. Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker, a person of high values in hard times, and most importantly, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother whose love for her family was steadfast and strong.

Oliver Willert, age 91, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Friday, March 25, 2016, at the Kadoka Nursing Home in Kadoka.

Oliver Willert was born on November 11, 1924, at the family farm house west of Belvidere. Oliver was the second of five sons born to Emil and Etta Willert. Growing up the family lived on a farm north of Belvidere, where Oliver’s son, Jim, now lives. Oliver enjoyed living in the country where the family farmed wheat and hay. When he was young, most of the farm work was done with horses.

Oliver attended a country grade school not too far from home. The family made the move to Kadoka in 1936 when Emil became sheriff and Oliver graduated from Kadoka High School in 1941. During his high school days Oliver played football and baseball.

Oliver joined the Army in 1946 and served in World War II. He played football in Germany while stationed there. Oliver attended South Dakota School of Mines and played football there as well. They played nine man and his position was the outside end. He graduated from the School of Mines in 1951 with a degree in civil engineering.

On May 26, 1951, Oliver married Shirley Addison. Together they raised two boys, Jerry and Jim. With his engineering degree he had the opportunity to work road construction in South Dakota and Iowa. Later he took a job with the South Dakota Department of Transportation. He had a lot of responsibility as part of the engineering department and he helped oversee the construction of Interstate 90 in the 1960s from Cactus Flat to Kennebec. After his work on the interstate, Oliver worked as the resident engineer for the SD DOT office in both Kadoka, and later, for four years in Winner, SD.

Oliver retired from the SD DOT after 20 plus years. During those years he experienced many changes in the equipment used and the process of how transportation projects were done. He was able to meet and work with a lot of people who he remained close friends with. He was also able to work on projects with his brother, Charles, and even spent a summer with his son, Jim.

Raising two boys kept life busy, especially since they were in rodeo. Oliver went to watch them whenever he had a chance and in later years he followed his grandsons as they competed. Oliver loved playing all types of card games including cribbage, poker, and pinochle. He was an active member of the Belvidere Community Church, the American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka, and the VFW Post #4674 of Winner.

Sidney James Bierema, son of Peter and Sadie (Schotanus) Bierema, was born July 18, 1929 in the Springfield area. He passed away Friday, March 18, at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Sid attained the age of 86 years and eight months.

As a young boy, Sid attended Trumbo and Quinn Country Schools and graduated from the eighth grade. He was active in the community through his service as a Quinn School board member, 4-H leader and as a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church Consistory.

On July 7, 1949, Sid was united in marriage to Arlene Cornelia Tjeerdsma, the daughter of Peter and Annie (Odens) Tjeerdsma. Their union was blessed with five sons and six daughters: Allen, Charlene, Harvey, Myron, Aletha, Ivan, Vera, Miriam, Arlis, Amy and Theran.

Sid loved reading anything related to farming and livestock. He was not one to sit around, as he always found something to do.

Sid entered the Good Samaritan Care Center on September 18, 2008.

Dorothy Emma Agnes LaPointe Dillon Lunderman was born on June 7, 1921 in Billings, Montana to Samuel LaPointe and Clara Courtis. She passed away on February 2, 2016 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota surrounded by family.
Dorothy spent her childhood years in Billings, Pryor, Hardin, and St Xavier, Montana. When she was approximately 12 years old, the family relocated to Rosebud, South Dakota. She attended St Mary’s School for Girls in Springfield, South Dakota, and learned to play the piano while attending St. Mary’s School for Girls. Upon leaving St. Mary’s School for Girls and returning home to Rosebud, her career as an organist began. She graduated from the Rosebud Community High School on May 20, 1938.

On June 9, 1939 Dorothy married Jesse Dillon in White River, South Dakota. To this union, one son was born, Hubert Dillon, on March 4, 1940. The family lived in Rapid City, South Dakota for a period of time. Jesse Dillon passed away on April 7, 1944 leaving to mourn his widowed wife, Dorothy, and their son, Hubert.

Dorothy met Lewellyn “Buck” Wright and to this union, one son was born, Richard “Tuffy” Wright, on July1, 1946.

Dorothy married Theodore “Ted” Lunderman on January 14, 1947. Richard “Tuffy” Wright was adopted by Ted, thus, this union joined two families which included seven children: Alex Lunderman Sr., Keith “Korky” Lunderman Sr., Vernon “Babe” Lunderman, Rueben “Buzz” Lunderman, Alfreda Lunderman, Bonnie Lunderman, Hubert Dillon, and Richard “Tuffy” Lunderman. Ted passed away on June 3, 1989.
Throughout the years, Dorothy was also employed at the Dam Café, PHS Hospital, Rosebud Boarding School, Paulhamus Store, Dakota Plains Legal Services and Sinte Gleska University Library. Dorothy also attended classes while employed at the Sinte Gleska University Library.
Many of the employees and students at the Rosebud Boarding School became family. Dorothy and Ted always had an “open door” to their home. They took in several children and raised them as their own: William “Bumps” Eastman, William “Bill” Means were two who were very dear to her.

Dorothy had many nieces and nephews whom she loved and cherished throughout her lifetime. She also had a special friend, Jeanette Damon, who became her traveling partner after Ted’s passing. Family was important to Dorothy and she made a point to visit whenever she could. Dorothy loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren but her heart held a special place for her great great grandchildren feeling fortunate that she was able to share their lives with them and know them.

She will be remembered across the miles for the beautiful organ music she shared over a span of 65 years. Dorothy played for just about every occasion she was asked, weddings, wakes, funerals, anniversaries, and church services in every denomination.

Fern was born on August 6, 1929 in Hastings, Nebraska. She was one of three children born to Alfred and Amanda (Einspahr) Rieck. Fern was united in marriage with Donald M. Jorgensen until his death on July 3, 2003.
Fern’s greatest love was her spouse, friend and lover, Don M. Jorgensen. They truly loved each other every day of their marriage. Fern also dearly loved family and friends. Fern was a talented artist, primarily with ceramics and quilting. For many years Fern operated a ceramic shop where she taught others the art of ceramics. She loved the art of quilting and was proud to show off her many treasures. She and Don were a team when it came to furniture making. Don would construct the furniture and Fern would generally provide the finish to each piece. Many of Don and Fern’s furniture pieces can be found in homes throughout the Winner area.
Fern also loved gardening, having the most beautiful garden at their farm in Ideal, SD prior to moving to Winner.

Jim Kewley, age 83, of Emporia, died Sunday, March 13, 2016, at his home. The son of William and Mary (Schultz) Kewley, James LaVerne was born February 18, 1933, in Persho, SD. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He and Alma Jean Brown were married October 5, 1959, in Pierre, SD. He was a farmer/rancher while they lived in Tripp County, SD. After they moved to Chase County, he worked for Neosho Construction as a truck driver until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed the company of his dogs and spending time with his family.

Tonna was born September 12, 1952 to Frank, Jr. and Leona (DuBray) Pechota, she graduated in 1970 from Colome High School and cherished her longtime school friends. Tonna was baptized, confirmed, and later, a sacristan and Eucharistic Minister at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Colome.

She attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD and met her husband of 43 years, Mack Cox. They were married February 3, 1973. After a short time in Virginia, they moved back to Colome to start their family.

Tonna and Mack raised their four daughters in her hometown. She never missed morning coffee with her dear friends Connie Flakus and Kathy Weiler and many other ladies that joined them at the kitchen table. She worked as the city secretary and managed Cox Drywall. Tonna was a member of the Colome School Board, enjoyed working for US Census and was a longtime election volunteer.

Her grandchildren were her greatest treasures. For many years, all the kids enjoyed summer vacations in the Black Hills with Nana and Papa. A love of travel took her all over the world. Over the years, she enjoyed spending time at Katonka Cabin in Hill City and vacations to Rome and Paris with her very special sister-in-law Julie. Tonna and Mack also made time for shorter trips to auctions and other cultural activities.

Tonna’s ability to make others laugh was her most admired trait. She taught her daughters and close friends how to see the humor in any situation.