Category Archives: Obituaries

Donald Bolton, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Donald Wayne Bolton was born on June 5, 1929, in Racine, Wis., to Louis and Clover (Milton) Bolton. They resided in Wisconsin till moving to the Hamill area in 1932. In 1935 they moved to Winner where he attended and graduated from Winner in 1949.

He worked for Paul Peer from 1947 thru 1949 and proceded to work for Summit Construction in Presho, SD for a year and a half at which time he enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He was discharged in 1951. After 6 months of working at a Tree Farm in Boston he returned to Presho to work for Summit Construction until he moved to Lincoln, NE to attend the University of Nebraska to study in the biology field for one year where they did research on a variety of wheat that would have less rust.

He enjoyed working for the Lantz, Calhoon and Frantz farms before returning to construction work in the Presho area. There he met the love of his life, Phyllis M. Stulken. They married on April 10, 1960 in Wessington Springs, SD, to this union three children were born, Wayne Douglas, Deanne Jean and Kamala Kay.

They moved to Reliance, SD where he started work for Shanard Elevator as the Feed Mill Operator until 1966. He moved his family to Winner, SD to begin work at Deaver-Meyer Elevator, that was eventually purchased by Farmers Co-op until his retirement in 2001. With his love for the outdoors, he started Bolton Lawn Care and enjoyed mowing yards until 2021 when his health began to decline.

He was a lifetime member of the BPOE Lodge #2084 in Winner, SD and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #169 of Winner, SD. Many memories were made on trips with fellow lodge members across the United States, all whom he considered family.

Enjoying any outdoor activities, spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren, Sunday boating trips on the river and wood working were his favorite past times.

Love and Blessed for having shared his life are his children, Wayne (Ann) Bolton, Deanne Bolton,

Kamala (Randy) Kittle. Grandchildren, Michael (April) Bolton, Christopher Bolton, Makayla (David) Poole, Kelli (Craig) Hoffer and Rylee (Destiny) Kittle. Great Grandchildren: Lorelai, Abbygail and Joshua, Scarlett, Liliana (Lily) and Travis. Also, a special daughter, Cathy Mayes.

In-Laws: Bertha Hines, Douglas Stulken, Karen (John) Maciejewski, Kevin (Alice) Stulken, Kenneth (Vickie) Stulken, Catherine (Earl) Siefken, Brian Stulken and John Stulken. Many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Louis and Clover, in-laws Fred and Fannie Stullken, His loving Wife-Phyllis M. His brother James Bolton and twin sisters Ruby and Rachel Bolton, Sister-In-Law Della Bolton. Brother-in Laws, Dean and Fred Stulken, Archerie Millard, Wesley Hines, and Lester Semmler, Sisters-In-Laws, Janeen, Donna, Cora Jean, Donna and Nephews, Steve Maciejewski, Perry Stulken, and Travis Millard.

Ivan Ray Reagle was born Feb 13,1947, in Valentine, NE to Arthur and Blanche (Howe) Reagle of rural Todd County and passed away peacefully in his home on May 27,2023.

Ivan graduated from Todd Co. High School in 1965 and took 1 year of college in North Platte, NE. After college he came back to the family farm/ranch and worked with his parents and brothers raising crops and cattle. There he spent the rest of his life doing what he loved. He was also willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed help with chores, working cattle or anything they needed done in time of need.

In 2007 he met his best friend Sheila and together they worked on the place.  On July 18 ,2016 Ivan and Sheila were married in Winner, SD.  Ivan had no children of his own and gained a wonderful family. Ivan cherished his new family and enjoyed spending time with them whether it was holidays, birthday parties, brandings, working cattle and many other activities.  Ivan was also a great uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was especially fond of his nephew Emerson who came out and spent a lot of time with Ivan and Sheila.

Ivan didn’t have a lot of hobbies but loved Oliver tractors and he loved to visit! He could always find something to talk about with anyone. He didn’t know a stranger.

He is survived by his wife Sheila, her children Amber Kruger, Chuck (Kadie) Kruger, Robert (Megan Schlinz), step-grandchildren Aaron and Jayden Rahn, Lane and Makayla Shelbourn, Sadie Cadwallader, Cooper, Brynna and Easton Kruger, Brother Leonard (Bernadette) Reagle, sister-in-law Marie Reagle and sister-in-law Vicky Reagle. Nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Blanche Reagle, his brothers, JR and Everrett Reagle, and his nephews, Jason, Craig and Zachary Reagle

Funeral service for Ivan Reagle were held on Monday, June 5 at 2 p.m.  at the Cherry County Fair Grounds in Valentine.  The burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.  Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was entrusted with the service arrangements.

Marlo Bicek, 83, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Marlo was born on March 3, 1940 to Raymond and Dorothy (Keogh) Bicek where his parents lived south of Colome.  Marlo has always called himself a simple man which started early on in his life; being raised with no electricity using kerosene lamps for any lighting needs and a wood stove to heat the house. He attended the Kansas Flats country school and developed many lifelong friends during his attendance there.

Marlo made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the National Guard. He was a member of the 730th medical company, based in Winner. Shortly after enlisting he met the love of his life, Linda Lee Sweetland, at the Little Diner located on Main Street Winner.  After much persuasion he finally convinced her to go on a date with him.  On their third date as they were dancing, Marlo told Linda that he could dance with her forever and the decision was made; they were engaged.

A wedding was soon planned for December of 1961 but plans soon were changed when Marlo was called up for active duty to Fort Riley, Kan. Marlo and Linda were then married on Sept. 3, 1961 creating a union, which Marlo had always said was meant to be. Through this union, four children were born:  Kay Evans (Daniel) of Storm Lake, Iowa, Amy Engel (DeWayne) of Winner, SD, Todd Bicek (Angie) of Winner, SD and Carol Peterson (Justin) of Winner SD.

Early on in Marlo and Linda’s marriage, Marlo discovered the second love of his life; being a truck driver. Lil Smokey (dad’s CB handle) and a lifelong career of logging over 3 million miles began. During his trucking career, Marlo developed the reputation of being a man who never met anyone who was a stranger. His children and wife would tell you that they spent many, many long-suffering hours in the back of the family’s station wagon waiting for their dad/ husband as he visited with his newfound friends at gas stations and truck stops.

Dad lived a simple life. He modeled generosity and paying it forward before it was even popular. Always seeing needs of others and helping in any way that he could, even if he was struggling to financially meets the needs of his family. He gave of his resources, money and time whenever he could.

Even though dad worked countless hours, he always found the time to get into a little bit of mischief, tell jokes and share many stories that entertained others. He also found partners to participate in his crazy antics; teaching his grandkids that having fun was an essential to living a happy life.

Since the passing of his Dolly (Dad’s name for his beloved Linda), he did his very best to help fill the void of our missing mom and grandma. Grateful and blessed for the time that we got to share with him are his children, Kay, Amy, Todd and Carol. Grandchildren Samantha Bausch (Eric), Kelly Evans (Joni), Ethan Engel, Jesse Engel, Emilee Engel (Reese), Brandon Bicek (Emily), Austin Bicek, Hannah Peterson (Ian), and Elijah Peterson (Kayleona). Great grandchildren Hastings and Elodie Bausch, Jade Evans, Oaklyn Bicek, and Gavin Fury. Sisters Rhea Nye, Donna Daley (Vinnie), and Doreen Kaiser (Kevin). Preceded in death by his wife Linda, parents Raymond and Dorothy, siblings Thomas and Lynette and brother-in-law, LaVerne Nye.

Gerald “Red” Hartford, 96, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital in Rapid City, SD. 

Funeral service were held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD.  

Gerald D. (“Red”) Hartford, loving and caring husband, dedicated father, entrepreneur, builder, businessman, Marine, and racer ascended to heaven May 17, 2023 at the age of 96.  His was a life lived full pursuing his various interests and realizing his vision through hard work and perseverance.

 He was born April 6, 1927 into a humble depression-era environment in Ewing, NE to Otto and Addie (Wilson) Hartford, the third of three children, his older brother Floyd and sister Norma, both deceased.  The family moved to a site near Bonesteel, SD during his early high school years where he would board in town during the week.  This meant, of course, that he had access to an automobile at a time when most students did not.  Although thin as a rail, he excelled at running track while at Bonesteel HS.

 Although they knew of each other, he didn’t get close to the love of his life, Alice Ruth Jons until she had graduated high school a year before he did.  Alice was attending the State Normal School in Springfield, SD pursuing her teaching degree, and they met through mutual friends.

Their romance was put on hold for thirteen months while Gerald fulfilled his voluntary enlistment in the Marine Corps at the end of WWII.  Once honorably discharged at age 19, they continued their courtship to the eventual decision to get married.  However, he had promised his mother that he would not marry as a teenager.  Thus, they were wed the day after he turned twenty years old April 6, 1947 at Alice’s parent’s farmhouse (Emil and Lydia Jons) south of Bonesteel.

 Gerald was a gifted mechanical wizard, and his first steady job was with Rozum Ford in Mitchell, SD where they set up residence.  He did side auto/mechanical work for a number of people from around the Mitchell area, plus built a number of items for his own enjoyment, one being a V8 powered hydroplane racing boat.  This exposure led to his becoming involved in the local auto racing scene, first as a co-promoter of the Mitchell Speedway, then a race car/engine builder, and then a driver.  Although there were a couple short periods where he didn’t race during the summers, his very successful race career in eastern SD and western MN spanned from the mid-1950’s through 1972, earning several track championships along the way.  He is also a member of the Huset’s Speedway Hall Of Fame, in Brandon, SD.

 A move in 1966 brought the family to Winner, SD where he worked as sales manager for Miller Bros. Chevrolet/Oldsmobile for the next 18 years.  In 1976, he and Alice purchased the rough lumber yard (Hiway Lumber) and set out building it up to a full-service lumber/hardware/appliance business.  He was elected President of the SD Lumberman’s Association.  Also during this time, he built/started Hiway Hardware in Hill City, SD along with a mini-strip mall on the same lot.  He then built the building that currently houses Krull’s grocery.

 Throughout this period, he built over 30 homes in the Winner area and served as a city commissioner.

 These businesses and buildings were sold over time, and at age 65 he and Alice started their last enterprise, Hartford Cabinet Shop, which manufactured commercial and residential cabinets until he turned 85, when he finally “retired”.  But he kept both a small wood shop and metal shop to keep him busy.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 76 years, Alice, as well as his children Barbara Tracy (Rapid City, SD), Jerry and wife Leslie (San Diego, CA), Lynn Jacobs and husband Pete (Rochester, MN), and Rick and wife Twila (Hickory, NC).  Also, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

We’ll dearly miss this man of many talents, but just as much, we’ll miss his witty sense of humor, his understated but always present caring, and his strength of character.  There were still many projects he would have liked to initiate and complete.  He just ran out of time.

Agnes Volmer, 98, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome, SD.  Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery.  A rosary will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Agnes Julia Volmer was born on June 27, 1924, at the family farm north of Norden, Neb..  She was the youngest of five children born to John and Catherine (Simons) Keogh.   She attended country school, then continued her education at St. Martins, in Sturgis SD, and graduated from St. Johns Catholic High School in Omaha, Neb. When World War II started in 1939, Agnes returned to the family farm to help her ailing father with the farm because her brothers were drafted into the army.

On Oct. 30, 1946, she married Henry F. Volmer to this union one daughter was born.  They lived on the Volmer ranch northwest of Keya Paha and were members of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church.   Agnes was a member of the Altar Society, the local extension club, and the VFW Auxiliary.   She always had a big garden, was a fantastic seamstress, crocheted and knitted.  In the early 1970s, she worked at the Outlaw Trading Post.  Then in 1977 they sold the ranch and headed west to Rapid City. She did various jobs and then took a position at the Rapid City Medical Center as a transcriptionist and receptionist working there until she retired.   Not long after she retired, Henry was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 1993.    Instead of sitting at home, Agnes began volunteering her time at Rapid City Regional Hospital.  Taking care of her house, mowing the yard, and tending to her flowers and garden.    In 2014, she moved back to Winner to be closer to her family. 

Agnes was always very independent, insisting on doing her own housekeeping, cooking meals, and baking cookies.  She loved to share her food with others; if you stopped, she would have a cookie for you, and she loved to take her neighbors’ food.  When a new tenant moved into the building she would welcome them, and make sure if they needed anything to knock.    She was also an avid reader, reading everything from history to cooking and non-fiction books.   She had read so many books that her daughter had trouble finding books that she had not read. 

One of Agnes’ greatest joys was her grandchildren. When they would come to visit her eyes would twinkle and her contagious smile would appear, and you just knew something mischievous was about to happen. 

Survived by her daughter Rosemary King, of Winner SD, 2 granddaughters Phyllis (Tim) Meiners, of Winner, and Susan (CJ) Munkvold, of Irene SD.   As well as five great-grandchildren, Ashley Meiners, Sioux Falls, Alex Meiners and Aryn Meiners of Winner, James Munkvold and Jayden Munkvold of Irene, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, parents John and Catherine Keogh, brothers John and Robert Keogh, sisters Mary Hughes and Sister Margaret Mary Keogh, sister-in-law Mary Keogh, Dorothy Keogh, Margaret Williams, brother-in-law Charles Williams and Joseph Volmer. Nephews Joseph Keogh, Larry Keogh, Ronald Keogh, and Raymond Keogh

Lori Rieckman, age 54, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Lori Lee Shippy was born Sept. 6, 1968, in Gregory, SD to Chandlor and Judy (Stroschine) Shippy, joining brother Todd. She was raised on the family farm south of Colome, SD and graduated from Colome High School in 1986. While in high school, Lori was active in cheerleading and track. Her medley relay team still holds the school record in Colome.

Lori attended South Dakota State University and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Lori married Jeff Rieckman on May 23, 1992, in Aurora, SD. Over the years she held many different jobs including Johnson Jewelers in Brookings, DeSmet Farm Mutual in DeSmet, Jones Bottle & Vet in Philip, Deluxe Harley Davidson in Gillette, WY, Al’s Oasis in Chamberlain, and then most recently was welcomed back at The Bottle & Vet in Philip. Lori found great joy in finding bargains at thrift stores and enjoyed excursions (trips) with friends.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her husband Jeff, Philip; father Chandlor and step-mom Gertrude Shippy of Colome; brother Todd (Janette) Shippy of Colome; sisters-in-law Julie (the late Jim) Schweitzer-Rieckman-Caron of Estelline; Colleen (Roger) Brown of Brookings; Jean (Joel) Haar of Mankato, MN; Kathy (Dave) Dargatz of Watertown; brothers-in-law Terry (Patsy) Rieckman of Salem; Dennis (Kathy) Rieckman of Sioux Falls; Tom (Sue) Rieckman of Columbus, NE; and John (Marita) Rieckman of Parkston; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lori was preceded in death by her mother Judy (Stroschine) Shippy; her mother and father-in-law, Arnold and Helen Rieckman; and a brother-in-law Jim Rieckman.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 304, Philip, SD 57567.

Memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24 at the Philip High School Fine Arts Building, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25 at the Philip High School Fine Arts Building, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will be at a later date at the Colome Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Janice Ann Rausch, 88, Aberdeen, died Friday, May 12, 2023 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

Janice Ann, daughter of Clara (Wirtz) and Henry J. Simon, was born Sept. 2, 1934 at Hoven. Other than her fourth-grade year when her family lived in Raymond, Iowa, Janice grew up in Hoven. Her formal education consisted of St. Anthony’s Parochial School and Hoven High School, Class of 1952.

She married Duane John Rausch at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoven Oct. 7, 1952. The newlyweds first lived on Duane’s home place 2 ½ miles west of Hoven for five years. They then expanded Rausch Herefords by purchasing a ranch one mile east and 1/2 miles south of Onaka. Here they raised their 13 children and Hereford cattle until Duane’s death on March 8, 1998. The following year, Janice moved into Hoven. She later moved to Huron and, in 2010 settled in Aberdeen. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoven, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Onaka,  and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aberdeen. Janice was active in Koinonia and  served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Janice belonged to the South Dakota Hereford Auxiliary and was active in the Cresbard PTA. Her hobbies included gardening,  photography, and scrapbooking. Janice will be remembered as a great Pray Warrior.

Janice is survived by four sons—Rick (Linda) Rausch of Onaka, Tim (Teresa) Rausch of Florence, MT, Troy (Lovette) Rausch of Choctaw, OK, and Chad (Cortney) Rausch of Powell, WY; eight daughters—Jeannie (Leonard) Heim of Winner, Cindy Schlosser of Bismarck, ND, Pam  Holt of Mina, Shellie (Owen) Melius of Olathe, Kansas, Kay (Scott) McGaugh of Huron, Deb (Joel) Owens of Mitchell, Kristie (Jon) Beal of Missoula, MT, and Peggy (Lee) Goetz of Aberdeen; two brothers- Jack (Joyce) Simon of Raytown, MO, and Dave (Lisa) Simon of Shannon, IL; three sisters—Betty Hageman of Hoven, Marjean (Lelend) Stotz of Tolstoy, and Mary Jo  Mueller of Cashton, WI; 54 grandchildren; and 127 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to Duane, she was preceded in death by her father, Henry, on April 26, 1985; her mother, Clara, on April 7, 2008; two sons—Gary and infant, Bobby; two sons-in-law-Mike Schlosser and Kevin Holt; and a daughter-in-law, Carmen Rausch; three brothers-Norman, James, and an infant, Joseph; one sister, Gina Keltgen; and one great granddaughter—Amaya Larson.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Father Michael Kapperman, celebrant.  Interment was at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Onaka, 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Rausch family prefers memorials to South Dakota Right to Life, 1107 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Suite 1B, Rapid City, SD 57701 or to Roncalli FAST, 1400 N Dakota St., Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Arrangements are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle.  (www.MillerLienFH.com)

Funeral services for Irma Jean Smith, 97, were held May 20 at Clausen Funeral Home,Burke with pastor Gary Jacobsen officiating.

Burial was in Hillsview Cemetery, Dallas.

Irma Jean Edwards Smith died on May 15. She was born near Dallas on June 21, 1925, the seventh of James and Martha (Emme) Edwards’s 11 children.

Irma Jean grew up during the hard times of the Dirty Thirties. She and her sister Verna Mae lived in the dormitory while they attended Dallas High School and were the first in the family to graduate. During WW II, after only a six-week summer training course, she taught a rural school for two years.

Irma Jean married her high school sweetheart, Orrin William Smith, on Nov. 5, 1947. Their first home was a tiny trailer in northwestern South Dakota where Orrin worked for a construction company and Irma Jean had ample space as she learned to drive. Their second home was a slightly less tiny trailer house on Orrin’s family farm north of Dallas, where they welcomed their first two daughters, Karel and Kathleen. In 1955 they moved to a farm near Dixon, where their third daughter, Laurel, joined the family.

In 1957, Irma Jean’s father died, and the family moved to the Edwards farm north of Dallas. A fourth daughter, Nancy, completed their family. Irma Jean and Orrin farmed and raised cattle until they retired in the late 1990’s. In 2007 they moved to Herrick. Their marriage lasted 69 years, until Orrin’s death in 2016.

Whether in a cramped trailer or the old family farmhouse, Irma Jean created comfortable, welcoming homes. She was an artist with fabric, sewing beautifully tailored clothes for herself and her daughters and creating many lovely quilts. She and Orrin shared a love of dancing, hunting, and fishing; she was confident and competent on the dance floor, in the kitchen, at the sewing machine, or behind the wheel of a grain truck. She compiled several books of family genealogy and history. Irma Jean was a fierce competitor at Scrabble and kept her sharp wit and sense of humor until the end of her life.

Irma Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings and in-laws, Arthur Edwards (in childhood), Marie and John Stuckers, Howard and Shirley Edwards, Ernest Edwards, Mabel and Ron MacKenzie, Edna Ernsdorff, Allen Edwards, Carma Edwards, and Frank Putz; and sons-in-law Wayne Christopherson and Alvis Lisenbee.

She is survived by her daughters Karel (Robert) Birnie of Salix, IA, Kathleen Christopherson of Rapid City, SD, Laurel (Ken) Shaffer of Lennox, SD, and Nancy (Jim) Krier of Herrick, SD; her sisters Verna Mae Buhr of Viroqua, WI, and Verdene (Ralph) Parker of Gering, NE, brother Alvin Edwards of Kearney, NE; sister-in-law Geneva Putz of Park Rapids, MN; nine grandchildren: Valerie (Mike) Birnie DeBates, Sara (Chris) Birnie Allen, Jacqueline (Joe) Birnie Bates, Orrin (Alicia) Johnson, Ingrid (Jason) Johnson Reuter, Alissa (Jeremy) Shaffer Luden, Amy (Ryan) Shaffer Penning, Natalie (Fidel) Krier Arreola, and Samuel Krier; eighteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Sutton, NE., resident Helen Ann Hoffman, 80 passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Sutton Community Home in Sutton, NE.

Funeral services were conducted a 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sutton, NE., with Rev. Tim Stacy officiating. Graveside services were conducted at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Battle Creek, NE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later.

Helen Ann (Nebola) Hoffman was born on May 20, 1942, to Helen Karl (Maska) and Ed Nebola in Gregory, SD. Helen was a force of nature who was unapologetically strong-willed, a fighter to the end. She led her family with grace and unending support for everyone around her. Helen’s passing will be felt by those that were lucky enough to be in her orbit for all times.

Helen grew up on the farm outside Gregory. She graduated from high school in 1960. Soon after high school, Helen married and raised five children with love, patience, and a few tears. Over the years the family lived in Winner, SD, Grand Island, and O’Neill. While taking care of the home, she also managed the books and day-to-day operations for family-owned businesses including, Johnson’s Drive-In in O’Neill. She met her person, Don Hoffman, on Feb. 13, 1986, and they married on Feb. 13, 1990. When her nest emptied, Helen started a career in the insurance industry which continued until her retirement in 2012.

Helen is survived by her sons, Robert Bromwich and Rodney (Kim) Bromwich; daughters, Kim (Mark) Henning and Stacy (Matt) Foster; stepsons, Bryan (Diane) Hoffman and Galen (Kelly) Hoffman; and stepdaughter, Rita (Dennis) Schueth; siblings, Jo Haffield; Virginia Kingsbury; and Ed (Sharon) Nebola; grandchildren, Ashley; Jarod; Natasha; Madeline; Mitchell; Colbey; Kanai; Michael; Lauren; Matthew; Breane; Beau; Brock; and Corey; as well as, 5 great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her father, Ed Nebola; mother, Helen Karl; stepfather, Rudolph (aka Rudy) Karl; her firstborn son, Willis Bromwich; sister, Frances Lake; and brother, John Nebola.

Meredith Duane “Punk” Worth was born on April 3, 1931, in Winner, SD to Elwood and Frances (McBride) Worth. Punk passed away in his ranch home surrounded by loved ones May 2, 2023, at the age of 92 years and 29 days.

After Meredith was born, his mother took him home in a shoebox.  He was so small (weighing just four pounds at birth), his mom called him her little “Pumpkin Seed”. It didn’t take long for “Pumpkin Seed” to become “Punk”, and to this day, many people do not know Punk’s given name on his birth certificate. Punk attended numerous grade schools in Keya Paha County and graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1948. On May 18, 1952, Punk married Enid Lorraine Graham in Ainsworth, NE. To this union, two children were born: son, Ronald Scott, and daughter, Lorraine Alice. May 18th of this year would have marked Punk and Enid’s 71st wedding anniversary.

In May of 1962, Punk and Enid purchased the Charlie Simons Ranch by Norden, Neb. They began raising Hereford cattle, and over the years transitioned to a totally black Angus herd. Asking Punk what he liked doing best, he’d  say, “Raising and working with livestock, and producing the best mother cow possible”. He raised high quality beef cattle and owned some darn good ranch horses in his day.  In earlier years, Punk also raised and sold pigs, milked cows, farmed and put up a lot of hay. After selling his cow herd in the early 2000’s, Punk was still active in developing heifers, feeding and caring for take-in cattle, and haying. At this time, he also became active in antique tractor pulling contests.

He was a member of the Borderline Tractor Pullers for twelve years, winning numerous awards. He still went to the hayfield every summer, running the swather, rake and baler for the last time in the summer of 2022 at 91 years of age. This last winter, he spent many hours in his tractors plowing and moving snow. He was always making improvements to his ranch, and enjoyed woodworking and welding. If he could make it with his own two hands, he sure wasn’t going to buy it! Punk had a very creative and sharp mind right up to the end. Three days before he passed, he was still giving orders about “things that needed to be done”.

In his younger days, Punk was an active member of the Meadville Roping Club. He was an avid supporter of rodeo his entire life. He served as the rodeo chairman for the Keya Paha County Fair and Rodeo for 35 years, negotiating many contracts with rodeo stock contractors along the way.

In 2017, Punk was inducted into the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame. This nomination and his induction humbled him greatly. He became a huge supporter of the association and attended the annual banquet and induction ceremony each year.

Punk loved music and dancing. He was a drummer and played in numerous country western bands for the past 66 years. From barns, clubs, bars, pavilions, outdoor stages, garages, senior centers, and assisted living facilities, he played and danced in them all.  Wherever they went, Punk and Enid were always the envy of most dancers on the dance floor as watching them dance together was mesmerizing.

Punk was a staunch patriot and a Korean War Veteran serving in the United States Army from September 1952 to September 1954. He is a 67 year member of American Legion Post #98, where he still held the position of commander at his passing.

Punk was a huge community supporter all his life. He served on the Keya Paha County Ag Society for 35 years holding the positions of secretary, vice president, and president. He has been on the Keya Paha County Fire Board for 37 years, a director on the KBR Rural Public Power Board for 23 years, a 53-year member of the Elks Lodge #1790 and was a Charter Member of the American Legion Post #98 Honor Guard.

Punk was preceded in death by his parents Elwood and Frances Worth Dixon; step-father Arnold Dixon; sister Carole (Worth) and husband Gene Cullison; brother Bobby Gene Worth; father-in-law Casey Graham; mother-in-law Alice Graham; sister-in-law Avis (Graham) and husband Bill Hollopeter; nephew Robert Gene Cullison, and great-granddaughter Violet Grace Olson.

Punk is survived by his wife Enid; son Ron; daughter Lorraine; brother Malvern “Corky” (Janet) Worth, all of Springview.  Grandchildren: Troy (Angie) Worth of Imperial, NE, Mitch Worth of Springview, Brittany (Chad) Olson of Valentine, NE; sister-in-law Aliene (Graham) Clark of Rock Springs, WY; brother-in-law Gerry (Stella) Graham of Ainsworth; great-grandchildren Hayden, Hadley, Henley, Parker and Kwynn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Keya Paha High School in Springview.  Pastor Sam Courts officiated at the service. 

  Memorials were suggested to Springview American Legion Post #98, Springview Fire and Rescue Department and the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame.  Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com