Category Archives: Obituaries

Kenneth Duane Thompson, 67, of Winner, South Dakota passed away at his home with family by his side on Monday, March 13, 2023.

Inurnment will be held at the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery in Geddes, SD at a later date.

Ken was born on July 9, 1955, in Armour, SD to Ivan and Billee (Steckly) Thompson, the second of four children.

Ken, “KT”, as he was also called, attended school in Geddes and graduated in 1973.  Following graduation, he attended and graduated from SD Barber College.

In 1974, KT moved to Winner, where he was a barber, car salesman, worked at the lumber yard, was a heavy equipment operator, potato chip delivery driver, carpenter, bartender, and then returned to barbering until his retirement in 2018.  He owned his own barber shop with his partner, Ethan Ernest for twenty-one years.

In his free time, he enjoyed darts, hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle to Poker Runs and the Sturgis Rally.  He put over 55,000 miles on his motorcycle.

Ken has two children from a previous marriage, a son Jody (Amber) Thompson of Amelia, Ohio; a daughter Casey (John) Colin, of St. Augustine, Florida.  Also, four grandchildren: Ashley and Shane Thompson of Ohio, Brynn Mitchell and Cooper Colin of Florida.

Survivors also include: Billee Thompson, mother, and Richard Durham, Geddes, sisters: Connie Steele, Lake Andes, Kathleen Webb (Randy Franssens), Platte, and one brother Dale Thompson of Harrisburg and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father Ivan Thompson, grandparents John and Helen Thompson, and William and Dorothy Steckly, also brothers-in-law Harold (Babe) Steele and Pat Webb, and nephew Abraham Steele. Funeral services will not be held at “KT’s” request.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery in Geddes, SD near his father.

Tyler “PITA” “Jiggers” Wayne Brunmeier was called to heaven on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Tyler was born, April 26, 2000, in Gregory, SD, to Melissa and Justin Brunmeier. In typical Tyler fashion, he was born 10 days late. PITA was his mother’s enduring nickname for him. Jiggers was given to him by his great-uncles Whitey and Kelly.   

Tyler attended Gregory High School from kindergarten to his freshman year, participating in many sports. He then attended school in Colome until his senior year. Tyler made many lifelong friends in Colome and Winner. He was a smiling, happy social butterfly. He was always on the go since birth, yet always late for everything!  He was even lost once at a Rapid City Walmart running around in the parking lot.

Tyler was always hanging out with his friends, family, or playing Xbox. He loved getting his hands dirty on the farm, hunting, fishing, camping, and the outdoors.  He was always tinkering on his vehicles, whether it be making it louder, faster, or just trying to get it to run. He enjoyed training and playing with his dogs, especially his new puppy Tatum Jo. He also loved working with horses for his friends. Recently, Tyler became passionate about bronc riding. When he would get bucked off, Tyler always brushed himself off and got right back on. No matter what the challenge, he never quit.

Tyler met Makayla Louise Chmela and was blessed with two children. RiverLee Faye Brunmeier (2 years old) and Gates Wayne Brunmeier (1 year old).

Tyler is survived by his two children; his mother, Melissa Brunmeier (Wayne); four siblings, Ellie Jo, Natalie, Teah, and Dylan; grandfather, Bob Klein; father, Justin Brunmeier (Val) of Winner, SD; grandparents, Danny and Linda Brunmeier; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ionia Klein; great-grandparents, Leonard and Twila Brunmeier, Frank and Delores Soles, and Donna and Darrell Smith; as well as his great-uncle Bradley Brunmeier.

Funeral services for Tyler Brunmeier, age 22, of Gregory, South Dakota, were held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 1 p.m.  at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium.

Kenneth Van Kekerix, 82, of Witten, SD passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. . Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD. A second memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 2 p.m.  at the Faith Community Church in Colton, SD.

Kenneth Kryn Van Kekerix was born on June 6, 1940 to Tillie (Vander Woude) and Kryn Van Kekerix at his home near Parker, SD. Ken and his brother grew up on a farm southwest of Lyons. Ken graduated from Lyons High School in 1958. He worked for area farmers in Crooks and Colton until he was drafted in 1963. Ken was on a bus to Fort Leonard Wood when word was received of JFK’s assassination in 1963. Ken was stationed at Fort Leavenworth in 1964. He extended for a second term and volunteered for Vietnam in 1966. He was discharged in September of 1966 where he returned home to Colton area. He worked for farmers in Sheldon, IA in 1967.

Ken attended college at Southern St. at Springfield for 2 years and received an associate degree in carpentry. After graduation he came to Witten area to build pole barns. He worked for Miami Stone Co., driving truck to get materials, then did cement work for Jay Hartshorn. Ken worked for Dave Ernest for a number of years and Red Hartford doing building and home construction. He bought The Village Store in Witten in 1969 and managed full time till present and did woodworking projects, wooden banks, wooden jig saw puzzles and scroll pictures.

In 1978 he met Sandra Dewes. They were married on Oct. 6, 1979. They enjoyed traveling SD, attending VFW and American Legion meetings & activities, while making many friends. Ken served as local commander and district commander for VFW 4674. He was long time commander of Witten Post 167 American Legion beginning in 1981. He also served as county commander, district commander and one of 5 area Vice commanders for SD, American Legion.

He joined Witten Baptist Church and served as trustee for many years. He was a member of Witten Fire Department as well.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Kryn and Tillie (Vander Woude) Van Kekerix; father-in-law Frank Dewes; and sister-in-law Glenis Dewes Hipke.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Sandra; brother Marvin and friend Judy Bosma; sister-in-law Lois (Dewes) Boyd Brue; brother-in-law’s Gene (Beulah) Dewes of Rapid City, SD, Dean (Marge) Dewes of Sioux Falls, SD, Larry (Cookie) Hipke of Mesa, AZ; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Ruthie Marie Joachim 63, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at her home in Rapid City.

Visitation will be from 4-6pm on Thursday, March 23 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Prayer, sharing memories, and recitation of the Rosary will follow. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be 11am Friday, March 24 at Blessed Sacrament Church, With Fr. Brian Lane as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. Online condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com. A memorial will be set up for a service dog to help children, as Ruthie had a love for dogs and children.

Ruthie was born in Valentine, NE to Mark and Dolores Storms April 4, 1959. She grew up on a ranch by Keyapaha, SD. There she found a love for hunting, fishing, and the country lifestyle. She attended a country school for grades 1-5. She and her brother, Andy would ride horseback and bicycles to school. In 1970 the family moved to Winner, SD where she graduated high school in 1977. In 1978 she moved to Arizona thinking this was where she wanted to live, however, in a short period of time, she found the city life wasn’t for her. In 1979 she moved to Rapid City and went to work for Piggly Wiggly and Family Thrift grocery store. She met her husband Bob at Piggly Wiggly and they were married August of 1984. They were blessed with two children, Ashley, and Austin. She always felt so blessed to be a stay-at-home mom and treasured the time she had with her kids. Ruthie did a lot of volunteering as the kids started school including Meals-On-Wheels distribution and then selling Mary Kay on the side. Ruthie was passionate about hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, canning, and most of all being a grandma.

In 2002 she went to work for Nabisco and retired in 2018. In 2018 she was blessed with her 1st grandchild, Kullen. After being diagnosed 2 months before with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, she believes Kullen is what got her through this time. In 2019, she gained her second grandchild, Karson who like his grandma was quite the fighter after being born with a rare heart condition. Ruthie cherished her grandkids by spending as much time as possible together, giving her the title of the “Best Nanny”.

Ruthie is survived by her husband Bob, her children, Ashley (Josh) Kirchner, Austin (Allison) Joachim, grandchildren, Kullen and Karson, her brother, Andy (Lisa) Storms, her dog Lucy, and grand dogs Ellie, Moose and Porter.

Ruthie was preceded in death by her mother Dolores and father Mark Storms.

Ricky Dale Farris went home to Jesus on March 11, 2023 at the young age of 66.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 12, 2023 at 11 a.m.  at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.

He fought the good fight against cancer and Won the greatest Win by entering his place in His Almighty Father’s home.

Rick was born to Edwin (Bob) and Viola Farris on April 9, 1956 in Grand Island, NE. He attended elementary school in Johnstown, NE and middle school in Ainsworth, NE. He also attended and graduated from Winner High School in 1975. Rick worked at Grossenburg Implement after attending Black Hills Tech school in Rapid City, SD. He also worked at the Winner Country Club and retired from DOT of SD in 2019.

Rick left behind a son Christopher Bolton of Winner, SD. Four sisters; Nyhlia Kempke of North Platte, NE; Audrey Farris of Sun City, AZ; Judy Dykstra (Robin) of Marion, SD; Deb Splitt (Steve) of Buckeye, AZ. Three brothers; Robert Farris (Sue) of Yakima, WA; Randy Farris of Shawnee, KS; Ron Farris (Janelle) of Rapid City, SD; along with 6 nephews and 8 nieces and 6 great nephew and 11 great nieces.

Rick was a person that was always there for his friends and family. He had a dry sense of humor that made you laugh out loud, along with a competitive nature at games and sports. He valued friendships and the ability to golf, play pool, darts and fish. Rick was preceded in death by both parents, brother-in-law Melvin Kempke and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Tyler Brunmeier age 22 of Gregory, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m. at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium.

Florence Fisher, 98, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

She was born on Oct. 8, 1924 to Joseph and Agatha Niichel. She lived in Sioux City, Iowa. She met her first husband John Druger, to this union a daughter was born, Darla. After his death she met Al Fisher and was married Oct. 8, 1961 and moved to Winner.

She loved mowing and working in the yard. She babysat and loved the kids as if they were her own.

Al and Florence went to Vegas every year. She loved to play slots, she said she always won enough to pay for her trip. (I wonder!)

Florence and Al moved to the Golden Prairie in 2011. Florence loved playing bingo and visiting. After Al’s death in 2012 she stayed there until 2019 when she fell and broke her hip. She then went to the Winner Nursing home until her death.

Florence is survived by her daughter Darla (Jim) Legge of Winner, SD. Grandchildren Jud Legge of Fon Du Lac, WI; Todd of Fountain Hills, AZ; Jason (Dawn) Legge, of South Carolina; Jill (Carey) Mitzel of Yankton, SD. 13 great grandchildren.

Greg Jones, resident of Tea and former resident of Yankton, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.

Greg grew up on the family ranch east of Winner. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Greg worked many years for Wilson Trailer in Yankton, and thereafter at their Lennox facility. Greg is survived by his wife, Marcy; daughter, Darcie (Marshall); son, Brady (Mikayla); and three beautiful grandchildren.

No funeral services will be held per Greg’s wishes. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Condolences may be mailed to PO Box 426, Tea, SD 57064.

Robert “Bob” Elliet Albert was born in Deadwood, South Dakota on May 12, 1947, to A.L. “Lee” and Quindrid (née Frahm) Albert. He passed away at home with family on March 7, 2023 in Loveland, Colo.  He is the fourth of five children and the younger of twins.

The family moved to Winner when he was in second grade. Bob excelled in athletics and played varsity golf, track, basketball, football, and Legion baseball. He also was in band and was all-state chorus. Bob worked for Schmidt Honey Farm in the summers, and he always loved sharing his stories from this time in his life. Winner High School is where he met his wife, Linda Kaplan. After high school he attended Augustana College on a basketball scholarship. He left Augustana and transferred to Black Hills State where he played football for a season and then started having a bit too much fun. Bob joined the Army, and his next stop was active duty in Vietnam which ended up affecting his life in more ways than he could know. Exposure to Agent Orange is why we’re writing this today. After returning from service, Bob married Linda and finished school at Black Hills State in Spearfish, South Dakota. While in Spearfish, Bob and Linda had their first child, Nicole. Bob taught history and coached basketball and football at Sheridan High School. He left the school to drive a truck at Decker Coal Mine. While in Sheridan they had their second child, Brock. After tiring of the mine, Bob decided to return to graduate school at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. After a year of school, the family moved to the front range of Colorado where he returned to the construction trades. Bob, along with Linda, built a successful construction business. They supported multiple charities and foundations and provided many athletic college scholarships. He coached youth sports, was on the BHSU Foundation and the Yellow Jacket Foundation boards at Black Hills State and was actively involved in many booster organizations, both high school and college. In his later years, he spent his time golfing, being with family, golfing with family, watching his grandson play sports, playing golf in Arizona, tinkering in the Black Hills and golfing. Bob always had a joke or a story and could always be found singing random songs. He was there to help when someone needed something. Bob loved returning to Winner for reunions and staying in touch with friends made throughout his life. He was witty and smart and always up to something.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Quindrid Albert.

He is survived by his wife, Linda (née Kaplan) Albert, his children Nicole (Nathan) Corlett and Brock Albert, his grandson Chase Corlett, his siblings Alvin (Elaine) Albert, Betty (Richard) Day, William “Bill” (Cindy) Albert and Quindrid Godden (Jim) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Tee Youth Golf Foundation or K9s for Warriors.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Crow Hop Brewing 214 E 4th St Loveland, Colorado on April 1, 2023, from 1-3 pm. We will have a brief ceremony at the beginning but come by when you can, if you can. There will also be a military inurnment service at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota this summer and that date is yet to be determined.

Marceline “Marcy” Rae Palmer, 89, of Rapid City, SD, died Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Avantara North Nursing home in Rapid City, SD.

Marcy was born in Colome, SD, on April 26, 1933.  She lived in Rapid City mostly, but spent about 13 years in Kansas City, Missouri. She then moved back to Rapid and remained there until her death.

 She is survived by her five children: Sandra Mann, Karen Glayzer, Pamela Coyle, Steven Coyle, and Robert Clinton Coyle; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Her husbands Robert Coyle, and Darrell Palmer preceded her in death.

    Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD. Interment to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.