Category Archives: Obituaries

Audra Vogt was born June 4, 1967 to Don and Joanie Vogt.  She received her education in Winner,  where she graduated in 1985.  She later attended Mount Marty College in Yankton.

Audra was very proud of her three daughters Melissa, MaCallie and Shambraea.  She had the biggest heart and you could always find her in the kitchen making the most amazing things and family and friends were the fortunate ones to enjoy her masterpieces.

This was a wonderful life, full of hope and promise, ended far too short.  While we are sad to see her go, we are relieved that her struggle is over and now she is at peace.

Survivors include her beautiful daughters: Melissa, MaCallie and Shambraea Bettcher, loving parents Don and Joanie Vogt, sister, Sonya (Steve) Clark, nephew Kade Clark.  Audra is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and close friend George Hysell.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents Lena and Henry Vogt, Audrey (Hansen) Clubb, Kenneth Osberg, and uncle Kenny Wayne Osberg.

Leitha was born March 12, 1931, in Dallas, SD, to William A. and mabel (Cornemann) Brown. She was educated in various county grade schools and graduated from Gregory High School in Gregory, SD. She married Vernon B. Drey on October 24, 1949 in Gregory. He died October 8, 1987. Leitha was first employed by Graham’s Furniture Store in Gregory. After moving to Morrison, she worked for Dr. Curt Gronner, DDS. Then, along with her husband, she owned and operated Drey’s Liquor Store in Morrison. Most recently she worked at General Electric in Morrison, retiring in 1991. Following retirement she worked at Christian Care in Rock Falls, IL. Leitha was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, and the church’s Altar and Rosary Sodality. She was also a member of the GEM Club and the Morrison Music Theater Association. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing craft shows, participating in card clubs, hosting family gathering and attending grandchildren’s events. Memorials to the American Cancer Society and St. Mary’s Catholic Church have been established.

Survivors include two daughters, Coleen (Don) Bisgard of Menomonee Falls, WI and Roxanne (Jeffery) Fish of Albany, IL; one son, Roger (Sue) Drey of Morrison, IL; one daughter-in-law, Linda (Guy) Plumley of Davenport, IA, fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one sister Shirley Ann Beck of Winner, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Vernon; one son, Dudley, six brothers, Willard “Rex”, Louis, Marlow “Jim”, Wayne, Russ and Gary Brown.

Robert was born April 19, 1971 to Geneive and Norman Steffen, the fifth (and maybe a little unexpected ) child born to Geneive and Norman.  Robert Ross joined Ronald Eugene, Carol Rae, Ellen Marie and Roger Norman.  He was born in Winner and grew up on the Steffen farm west of Dallas, South Dakota.  Robert was named after Norman’s brother and was eventually refereed to as “Baby Robert” by the Nebraska crew.  He was no stranger to having nicknames or giving them.

Robert was adored and spoiled by his older siblings.  He learned when Carol came home from work, she would bring him candy, and each time, she did indeed bring him candy.  Growing up on the farm gave opportunity to run the crick, run the farm equipment and run to play.  Robert enjoyed spending time with the Ekroth kids, shooting rabbits and birds for the barn cats; having his town friends out to go fishing; convincing the Minnesota cousin to dig in the old outhouse hole with a stick; and giving Kerri terrifying and exhilarating rides on the 3-wheeler.  He could walk on his hands across a wooden fence and swing across the haymow on a long rope more times than any other kid.  He was competitive.  He and Ellen could go fishing all afternoon simply to see who could catch the biggest fish.

Robert was a sportsman in all respects.  He loved to deer hunt and pheasant hunt.  Most of all, Robert enjoyed bass fishing.  Robert played a lot of ball.  He played baseball for Gregory and also proudly wore A Dallas Toads uniform, playing slow pitch softball with Ron and Roger.

Robert graduated from Gregory High School in 1989.  One of his best high school memories was being crowned homecoming king.  That honor, that memory, brought a smile to his face every time.  He never forgot it.

Robert was a graduate of South Dakota State University (Go Jackrabbits!).  He earned a bachelor of science degree in agronomy/ag. business.  He moved on to be a successful seed salesman for different companies.  Robert believed that presentation and attitude could overcome any obstacle.

He was sincere. He put his best foot forward; he was kind; he dressed for success; he set goals and met them.  He loved meeting the people; and the people loved him.  He could be so very reassuring.

Robert looked forward to an adventure.  Robert wanted to see new things and experience the thrill of any escapade (including sky diving).  For Robert, an everyday event became an opportunity.  Robert was a philosophical man; he could validate his knowledge because “I have been around the world and to three county fairs”.

Robert made friends readily and easily.  People were drawn to his easy smile.  He could engage anyone and leave them guessing.  Consider  yourself lucky if you’ve met “Rueben Little Dog, Chief Full of Bull”.  When in the mood (which he usually was) an in proper company (which was self defined) Robert rallied and campaigned for the office of state dog catcher – one of his many, many tall tales.  Some folks probably went to the polls looking for his name.  Robert was an original; an innovator; a genius of quick study and wit; an angel.

Robert’s eyes of mischief, smile and love will be missed by his family: brother Ron and Val Steffen and their children Sara, Regan and Sam; sister Carol and Glen Cook, their children Kerri (husband Matt and children Devin, Kendra and Addison), Ryan (wife Kathryn and son Max) and Riley (wife Abby); sister Ellen Moss and Paul Storms, their children Michele (husband TJ and children Shayla and Evan), Michael (wife Chelsey and children Cora, Reven and Bohdi), and Eric (wife Destiny and children Bryken and Jace); and brother Roger.

Brenda was born February 26, 1943 in Winner, SD, the oldest of five children, to Albert and Vernice (Blomstrom) Pederson.  Brenda attended school in Winner, graduating from high school in 1961.  She attended Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls.  Brenda married Darrell Mahoney on September 17, 1964 and to this union, 3 children were born.  They were married for fifty years.

Brenda worked in banking for 35 years and retired in 2008.  Thirty-two years were spent at First Dakota National Bank in Yankton.  She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteered her time to help with communion preparation and ushering.  Brenda was involved in Church Circle, Extension Club and Meals on Wheels.  She loved traveling and spending time with family and friends.  Every holiday was a special occasion with her many decorations, wonderful assortment of food and her “just a little something” gifts for all.  She remembered all birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions with cards and gifts as well.  She was the first to praise and compliment others young and old.  Her passion was giving to others with her time and thoughtfulness.  She was totally involved with nieces, nephews and grandchildrens’ lives.  Brenda never missed a school or church event or activity that they were involved in.  She was at all graduations – front and center and full of pride, even college graduations far away.  She was an amazing aunt and grandma.  Brenda enjoyed spending time with her dear friends and co-workers, also known as the S&B Girls.

Loving survivors include her husband, Darrell of Yankton, SD; children:  Trace Mahoney  (Katie Price) of Sioux Falls, SD, Becky (Luke) Seeman of Sioux Falls, SD and Tyler Mahoney of Watertown, SD; grandchildren:  Rowan and Harrison Seeman and Lucy Mahoney, all of Sioux Falls, SD, Oliver Mahoney of Groton, SD; mother, Vernice Pederson of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Linda (Tom) Roberts of Sioux Falls; brother, Kevin (Lori) Pederson of Scottsdale, AZ; nieces and nephews:  Josh Roberts of Kindred, ND, Alex Roberts of Houston, TX, Lindsay Zawrotny of Novato, CA, Tanea St. Pierre of Waltham, MA, Jenifer and Bismark Roberts, Sioux Falls, SD, Joe Fransen of Los Angeles, CA and Ruth and Hannah Pederson of Denver, CO.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Albert Pederson and brothers, Doug and Clay Pederson.

Gwendolyn Wanda Haas was born June 20, 1928 in the Lakeview Community of Todd County, South Dakota.  She was the daughter of Clarence and Alma (Wolhert) Haas.  Gwendolyn was baptized into the Lutheran faith, and grew up in the Lakeview Community graduating from the Todd County High School in 1946.  On November 7, 1948 she was united in marriage to Verl A. Holmes in Mission, South Dakota.  Following their marriage they lived and ranched in Todd County for 56 years.

Gwendolyn was a school teacher for the Todd County School District in Mission SD for more than 50 years.  She was dedicated to her profession that influenced the lives of many students.  She loved her students very much and took great pride in their accomplishments.  She especially liked working with special needs children.

Gwendolyn is survived by her daughter, Laura Jean (Gerald) Moller of Spearfish SD; granddaughters, Kelli (Curtis) McGuigan of Spearfish SD, Daleri Moller (Ben Dean) of Valentine NE; great grandson, Blake Brunson; brother, Gail (Lorain) Haas of Valentine NE; sister, Sharon (Don) Sweat of Leadville CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Verl A. Holmes on July 14, 2004; parents, Clarence and Alma Haas; and brothers, Larry, Leland, and Lyle Haas.

Robert Eugene Shutts, known as Tinker, born March 15,1947 in St Joseph,MO passed away at his home on June 2,2015 at home in Colome, at the age of 68.  A private family burial will follow at a later date.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Edward L Shutts SR and Juanita Faye Ballard Shutts, brother Edward Jr, sister Loretta Shutts Ellis, daughter Dawn Rene Shutts .

He is survived by his wife Sandra, son Aaron (Lisa)Shutts of Valentine NE, stepdaughter Chara(Mike)McDowell of Tomball TX, neice Penny(Brad) Dixson Tigard OR,.six grandchildren.  Robert and Sandra were united in marriage August 24 1970 in Vancouver WA.

Robert spent 30 years as a pinball and vending equipment technician in the winters and was an outboard motor and small engine mechanic during the summers in Oregon until hurt on the job by having a juke box dropped on him from a truck tailgate and forced to retire. Robert also was a CWO (chief warrant officer) with the Oregon National Guard Reserve where he was in charge of communications.

Robert loved electronics, rebuilding old jukeboxes, slot machines and recovering pool table rails.  There will be a private family service in Valentine at a later date.

Delbert Lee Ritter was born June 29, 1947 in Gregory SD, to Hilda Ann (Sexton) and Eugene Patrick Ritter. Delbert had four sisters, Patricia, Mary, Nancy, and Ellen, and two brothers James and Raymond. Growing up, Delbert enjoyed working with horses, fishing and hunting.

Delbert spent his entire life working hard to provide for his family, as well as helping anyone in need. He worked on the farm with his step-father Hugh Hannett in Iona, SD. He was a police officer in Winner, SD. His true love was driving semi and working with heavy equipment, which he did off and on until he retired.

Delbert met Carol Womeldorf in 1962 and they married on December 28, 1966. Their first child, Norman, was born in 1967. Six years later in 1973 came their daughter Becki. They have eight grandchildren and three great grandchild with one on the way.

Delbert and Carol owned Ritter’s 1883 in Mission, SD. It was a restaurant, gas station, pawn shop, and car dealership. In 2006 Carol and Delbert moved to Pukwana, SD and opened up the Sugar Shack in Chamberlain, SD. His last business adventure in Chamberlain was Shack Auto. He retired at age 65, due to his health.

Delbert’s enjoyments of life were having coffee with friends, playing cards, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Delbert passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015 resulting from a car accident.

Robert “Bob” Wayne Feltman was born April 13, 1928 to Roscoe and Ida (Moross) Feltman at Chamberlain.  He attended elementary school and high school at Chamberlain where he graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1946.  After graduating from high school, Bob along with his father Roscoe, purchased a farm near Chamberlain and began farming.

On January 1, 1949, Bob was united in marriage to Beverly Carey in Chamberlain.  They made their home on the farm near Chamberlain and raised their two children.  In 1968, he started a horse trailer business that he operated until the time of his death. He ran combine and did livestock trucking.

He was very active in the Basin League Baseball as a catcher and also the Chamberlain Chiefs. In the Basin League, Winner was one of the towns he played in.  He was a charter member of the Missouri Valley Horseman’s Club and a member of the Mounted Square Dance Team.  Bob was a 4-H Leader and 4-H Horse Judge for many years.

Edward R. Kahler was born February 1, 1926 to Jake and Mollie (Neuharth) Kahler on a farm south of Burke, SD. After grade school, he attended Burke High School.

On June 11, 1939 Ed was confirmed at the Carlock Lutheran Church. His sister and his future wife Louise were in his confirmation class.

In 1944 Ed joined the Army and was sent to the Philippine Islands. He was with the 31^st Infantry Division in the mountains of Mindanoa as a First Scout. Ed received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation ribbon, and other ribbons. He also served on the islands of Leyte and Guam. Ed was honorably discharged on November 4, 1946 having attained the rank of Sergeant.

On June 29, 1947 Ed was married to Louise Lindwurm and in September of 1947 they moved to Winner. Ed and Louise had three children—Ronald, Roxine, and Cheryl. Ed managed the meat market at the Crossroads grocery store and became involved with a corporation to expand into grocery stores. The first store for the corporation was the Outlaw in Winner. The corporation had grown to eight grocery stores when in 1968 Ed decided to buy Coast to Coast Hardware in Gregory. So he sold his portion in the grocery stores. Louise and the children also worked with Ed at the hardware store. In 1979 he bought the Coast to Coast store in Wagner in which his son Ron and wife Linda managed and co-owned the store.

Ed served on the Gregory Hospital board for 21 years.

Ed and Louise retired on January 31, 1988. The children continued to run the Coast to Coast stores for a few years.

After retiring Ed went back to hobbies he had as a teenager—woodworking and fishing. He took a short course in stained glass and enjoyed that for many years. Ed designed, built, and installed the stained glass windows in the Grace Lutheran Church.

In February of 1988 Ed and Louise started going south to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas for the winters. They both enjoyed living in the Valley. In the summer they enjoyed fishing and camping on the Missouri River.

Ed passed away June 11, 2015 at Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 89.

Eugene W. Jussel, 72, of Laurel, Neb., passed away Thursday, June 4, at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, Neb., after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Monday, June 8, at the United Lutheran Church in Laurel, Neb with Pastor Lynn Qualm officiating. Burial was in the Laurel Cemetery in Laurel, Neb. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements were under the direction of Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, Neb.

Eugene was born May 27, 1943 to Clarence, Sr. and Florence (Thompson) Jussel in Benkelman, Neb. He graduated from Stratton High School in 1961. Shortly after graduating, Eugene joined the United States Army being honorably discharged in 1964. On November 26, 1965, he was united in marriage to Marlene Umberger in Burke.

The couple lived in Winner where he was employed with a NAPA Auto Parts Store.  They moved to Laurel  in 1978 opening G&M Auto Parts. In 1989, Eugene and Marlene sold the business. From 1998-2008 he worked at the high school as the head custodian.

The couple loved to travel, working with Motel 6 doing relief work as managers in six states.  Eugene loved going to garage sales, and antique and pawn shops. He recently began collecting old tools. Eugene loved to spend time with his family, friends and walking “the girls” Rosie and Lola.