Category Archives: Obituaries

Darrel Joseph Struck, 67, of Pierre, SD passed away on Jan. 2, 2023 at the Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD.

 Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Ideal Cemetery in Ideal, SD. Wake services were  held on Wednesday and Thursday  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner.

Joe was born to William and Anastacia (Struck) Foote in Rosebud, SD on Sept. 20, 1955.

He attended schools in Winner, SD and Todd County High School in Mission, SD. He then enlisted in the Navy in 1975 and was Honorably Discharged in 1977. Joe enjoyed spending time with his children, family and friends.

Joe leaves behind his wife Melda (Peneaux) Struck, Pierre, SD. His siblings Gerrit Foote, Ideal, SD; Dewey (Leona) Foote, Ideal, SD; Donald (Marvene) Foote, Sioux Falls, SD; Carla Reed, Ft. Pierre, SD; Janell (Frank) Millian, Winner, SD; and Janice (Art) Halfhide, Chadron, NE. His children Dara Nelson, Albuquerque, NM; Darwin Nelson, Mitchell, SD; Jackson Struck, Pierre, SD; Leighton Foote, Darcie Struck, Juliana Struck all of Minneapolis, NM; and Elsie Foote, Pierre, SD; stepchildren Renee Foote, Hermosa, SD; Nathan (Angie) Foote, Sioux Falls, SD; Nicole (Larry) Foote, Pierre, SD and Beau Dean Foote, Sioux Falls, SD. 19 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents William Foote and Anastacia (Struck) Reed. Grandparents Stephan and Martha (King) Foote, Henry Struck and Cora Shields. And one brother Bernard Foote.

Clara Marie Eschenbaum, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, of a heart attack in Casa Grande, AZ.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Maskell, NE on Jan. 14, 2023, with viewing at 9 am and services to follow at 10 am. There will be a short memorial service, time for sharing your stories of Clara, and fellowship after. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Clara was born on May 23, 1932, daughter of the late Clarence and Zadia Backman.

Born on the farm in Maskell, NE, Clara grew up with a country lifestyle. She attended country school and ultimately attended Ponca, NE high school where she graduated in 1949. She married her first husband, and they gave birth to Cindy and Nancy. After their birth she attended school in Sioux Falls, SD where she became an X-ray and lab technician. She practiced in that field for over 45 years, retiring from her career in Winner, SD as department director. She spent many years with husband Melvin Eschenbaum, traveling via RV, visiting nearly all the contiguous United States. After the death of husband, Melvin Eschenbaum, Clara remained in Winner, SD and spent time traveling to visit family and local friends. In 2021, Clara joined her Arizona family in Casa Grande and continued to live independently until she passed. After her move to Arizona, she was known as “Clara on the Patio” as she drank coffee and socialized with all her new neighbors. Continuous highlights of her life included the biannual Backman family reunion as well as the annual Bass family reunion. Not only were these a highlight of her life, but she was a staple of them. If anyone needed anything, she was the first to offer it out of the RV. She was an avid card player with friends in Winner and the new friends she made in Arizona. She had a great fondness for her pets Lady the Poodle and Susie the Cat.

Clara is survived by her daughter Nancy Ellen Bertsch of Casa Grande, AZ and stepdaughter Jane Heying (Lee) of Winner, SD; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Andrew Backman and sister Patricia Jonason; and a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins from across the country but primarily located in the Midwest.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Melvin Eschenbaum; daughter Cindy Marie Carter; grandson Nathan Lee Stager; brothers Darryl Backman, Doyle Backman, and Evan Backman; and sisters Arlene Chase, Bonnie Bostwick, and Connie Gubbels

A prayer service will be held Jan. 12 at Wass Funeral Home, Beresford at 7 p.m. Visitation was Jan. 12 from 5-7 p.m.

Karen Janis Hanson was born June 14, 1937 on a farm in Bijou Hills, SD to Ralph and Nyna (Gray) Smith. She passed away Jan. 6, 2023 in Winner, SD at the age of 85 years.

She moved from Bijou Hills to Mt. Vernon with her family as they continued their farming operation. Karen graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. After high school Karen worked at the ASCS office in Davidson County.

Karen married James M. Hanson on May 23, 1959 in Mt. Vernon at the Lutheran church. To this union four children were born. Blane, Kevin, Stuart J. and Lisa. They resided in Beresford, SD and farmed until 1983. In 1983 they moved to Winner, SD. Karen worked at the WRHCC as dietary manager until she retired. Karen was always the first to serve her family & friends with an open door and awesome meals. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed preserving her produce. Karen’s favorite social activity was being involved in the Treddle Trippers Extension Club.

Those who survive her and gratefully shared her life are her loving husband James M. Hanson. Her children Blane Hanson, Kevin Hanson, Stuart J. (Tamara) Hanson. Siblings Deloris Spry, Gary L (Peggy) Smith and Gail (Robert) Mueller. Sister in law Kay (Gary) Pool. Her 10 grandchildren and 11 great grand children and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Lisa R. Shippy, her brother Kenneth R Smith and her parents.

Bruce Swartz, 67, died on Dec. 28, at home after a long-fought battle with cancer.

 Bruce was born on Dec. 29, 1954, to Jerome and Virginia Swartz in Winner, SD.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Terri Porubensky; and two sons, Luke (Wendy) Swartz and Jacob Swartz, Jordan (Kallie) all of Rapid City; Ryan (Rachael) Midland, TX, and Aaron of Vancouver, WA.  Bruce also leaves behind one brother, Terry Swartz (Kathy); sister-in-law, Judy Swartz; and six grandchildren, Harper and Kinsley Swartz, Bridger and Haven Swartz, Kendall Wittenberg and Jasmine (Austin) Franke; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bruce grew up in Ideal/Winner, South Dakota, and then attended Northern State University until he married in 1978.  After moving to Rapid City, he was trained to be a piano technician which he embraced and did until just recently.  If you own a piano in the Rapid City area, chances are that he probably tuned it!

 While his boys were growing up, Bruce was very involved in all their sporting events.  He coached both boys in baseball, basketball and soccer and was their strongest cheerleader when they both swam competitively.  When the grandchildren came along, he cherished every minute he could spend with them.  The kids are always asking, “When is Papa Bruce taking us fishing?”  Bruce also loved dogs!  He always had a lab or two!

Bruce and Terri were known for their grilling parties as well as Super Bowl parties.  They had a beautiful yard, and many fun times were had playing various yard games while Bruce grilled for anyone who stopped by.  He loved entertaining and everyone enjoyed his sense of humor and quick wit.

 Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Virginia Swartz; and a brother, Frank Swartz.

Services were on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Burial will be at later date.

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

Robert Harold Harrison, 78, of Brighton, CO, formerly of Gregory, SD passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022 at St Anthony’s North Hospital in Westminster, CO.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at 1  p.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner Cemetery.

Bob was born May 26, 1944 to Harold and Ellen (Bailey) Harrison in Burke, SD. Bob was the third oldest of eight children. He graduated from Gregory High School in 1962. He spent many years at his Grandfather and Grandmother Bailey’s ranch near the Missouri River helping with all the aspects of running a ranch. He had great and fond memories with his brothers playing as well as working on the ranch. After completing high school he joined the US Navy. He completed basic training at San Diego, CA and later spent time at Subic Bay in Olongapo, Philippines and Bremerton, WA on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. Bob’s professional career culminated with thirty-five years in the construction industry. Projects comprised of single family homes, commercial buildings including hotels and restaurants.
Bob and Rose Gies were married and to this union, three children were born, Brian, Kristine and Kelly. They later divorced.

On New Year’s Eve 1980 Bob and Gail Kerner were married. Bob’s passing was within days of celebrating their 42nd year anniversary. Eldest son Brian described his father as “The coolest, smartest, toughest, person we’ve ever known just left this mortal coil. He was a lot of things to a lot of people; a sailor, a pilot, a tradesman, a policeman, a pool hustler, a lumberjack, a truck driver, and a fixer of all things, but to us he was a husband, a dad, a grandpa, a brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle and a friend. He was larger than life, a comic book superhero, fearless, strong, and indestructible. He could wield a sledge hammer, guitar, paint brush, or chainsaw with an artist’s precision and could master any task, tool or instrument in a flash. His laugh will echo in our hearts forever. Bob Harrison, you will be greatly missed!” This describes Bob perfectly. Bob’s greatest passion was flying his airplane around the country. He was so proud to have his brother-in-law Terry and nephew Rylee continue the love of flying. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Harold Harrison and Julius and Ellen Bartling, his brothers Claude, Doug, Jack, Dirk and niece Robin.

Bob is survived by his wife Gail; his children: Brian (Melissa) Harrison, Kelly Harrison and Kristine (Tom) Conley, grandchildren: India Harrison, Sam Conley, Savannah Saiz Harrison and Sebastian Saiz Harrison; siblings: Michael (Linda) Bartling, Blane (Terri) Bartling and Colleen (Marshall) Springer, along with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunt, cousins and numerous friends.

Funeral services for Kevin Sundquist were held Jan. 9 at the Gregory Auditorium with pastor Scott McCellen officiating.

Burial will be at a later date in the Hillview Cemetery, Dallas.

Kevin was born on Aug. 22, 1956, to Richard and Evelyn Sundquist. He grew up and lived in Dallas, South Dakota his whole life. From a young age, he enjoyed spending time with many great friends. Neighborhood friends fueled his love for going fast and finding whatever trouble they could. After graduating 8th grade from Dallas, he graduated from Gregory High School in 1974. His passion for speed continued through building and racing stock cars and operating anything he could with a steering wheel and engine (especially Mopar). He enjoyed playing on the Dallas Toads softball team and served a term as the Mayor of Dallas. After his father passed, Kevin continued farming and raising cattle through the years. He found the love of his life, Lorrie, and had their first date on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 1984. They later happily wed on Feb. 14, 1986. From this marriage came the new loves of their lives, with the birth of their children. Jerin was born on June 22, 1989. Jada was born on January 15, 1991.

Throughout Kevin’s life, he has been employed in many enjoyable endeavors. Some highlights include cattle, mobile welding/repair business, machine shop, CNC cutter with Jerin, Ranchers Welding, manufacturing, aluminum recycling and a love for buying, selling, and trading. His hard work, immense knowledge, and self-taught welding skills resulted in businesses he created: Sundquist Farm Service, KESWELD Benders and K&J Recycling. Kevin was a jack of all trades with many homemade inventions and modifications. One proud achievement is Kevin’s patented invention of a tubing bender. Being able to fix and build anything he could dream up was one of his biggest talents. Many of Kevin’s metal creations and artwork can be seen around the community and surrounding areas.

 As a father, Kevin was truly everything. He just had “it.” The love, devotion and pure passion he had for Jerin and Jada was second to none. His teachings, lessons and discipline to raise strong and independent children were his ultimate goal, but his mission in life was to raise his children in God’s true faith that he believed in. Kevin’s faith journey was not limited to just his family, as everyone was family to him. His selfless way of life and the love in his heart impacted countless people and affected a multitude of others’ eternal salvation.

Kevin’s biggest blessings came into his life when he became Grampa. His sidekick Beckem and sweetheart Ana became his pride and joy. He enjoyed spoiling them and building their own play station in Dallas. 4-wheeler rides became a highlight for the whole family at almost every visit to Grampa & Nanna’s. Like a kid himself, he always initiated the fun that included snowball fights, sledding, camping, fireworks shows and much more. Grampa’s famous pancakes and cream puff dessert were always a favorite.

Kevin’s love for family, friends, and fun was expressed by him in the largest of ways. There was never a dull moment around Kevin with constant mischief, adventures and meaningful one-liners. He considered himself as a kid that never grew up because he remained a kid at heart. He always had something up his sleeve with a sparkle in his eye and a hearty chuckle. His infectious laugh and loving personality was shown to all and will be missed by many.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Richard, as well as infant twin siblings Lee and Leann.

 Kevin is survived by his wife, Lorrie of Dallas, SD; his mother, Evelyn Sundquist of Gregory, SD; his son Jerin (daughter Keviana) and special friend Whitney Webb of Gregory, SD; his daughter Jada Sundquist (son Beckem Bauld) and special friend Trevor Krcil (his children Libby, Tucker, Keaton) of Burke, SD; brother Gary Sundquist and special friend Eileen of Hanson, ID; sister Kim Ludemann (Dewey) of Fairfax, SD; brother Troy Sundquist (Paula) of Gregory, SD; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Betty Forgey, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

 Betty Lou Fode was born on June 23, 1936 in her parents home in Gregory County, SD. She grew to womanhood on the family farm south of Carlock, SD. She was baptized and confirmed in the Peace Lutheran Church. She attended country school and later attended Springview, NE High School and graduated in 1954.

 She was married to James Jacob Forgey on June27, 1954. After the wedding they moved to Casper, WY area, where Jim worked road construction for Forgey Construction. Their firstborn, Dennis James, was born in 1955. They moved back to the family farm in Tripp County, SD. Kay Louise was born in 1957 followed by Julie Ann in 1960.

 Farm life was familiar to Betty, but, being a strong Christian woman was her true calling in life. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and played a very active roll in the church, cooking and serving meals for events. Everyone who had a conversation with Betty understood that she was a woman of strong, unquestionable faith. She played a big part in the faith of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 Jim and Betty moved to Winner, SD in 1995. Betty worked at the Winner Bakery and later at the Golden Prairie Manor where she enjoyed serving and caring for others. She also taught an aerobics class at the Manor. She never tired of service to others and made many friends in the process. Later, in her retirement, she would often care for her great-grandchildren and attend their activities.

 She enjoyed many things in her spare time including painting ceramics, selling Watkins to friends and neighbors, playing cards, and reading her Bible. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family.

 In July of 2022 Betty moved to the Elder Inn in Winner, SD. The lord called her home on Jan. 5, 2023 to be with her husband Jim in Heaven.

 She is survived by her sister Marge (Fode) Meorike of Burke, SD, children Dennis (Jan) Forgey of Spearfish SD, Kay (Brad) Bolton of Dallas SD, Julie Reynolds of Fremont IN, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and sister-in-laws Lucy Forgey, Audrey Walker, and Lou Libolt.

 Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jim Forgey, parents Earhart and Anna Fode and brother Fred.

Bruce Swartz, 67, died on Dec. 28, at home after a long-fought battle with cancer.  Bruce was born on Dec. 29, 1954, to Jerome and Virginia Swartz in Winner, SD.

A Celebration of Life Service was  held at Trinity Lutheran Church, on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. in Rapid City.

Bruce’s full obituary is at Kinkade Funeral Chapel at kinkadefunerals.com

Funeral services for Lila Jackson age 91 of Aitken, Minn., formerly of Winner, SD, have been cancelled due to the weather. Lila will be buried in the Winner Cemetery when weather permits and a celebration of life will b held at a later date.

Lila Mae Horton Jackson was born April 12, 1931, in Gregory County to Harlan Horton and Byky Wolthoff Horton.

Lila grew up in Gregory and was a published author in a book of poetry. She worked alongside her father at his auto salvage store and survived polio. Lila learned to walk from chair to chair and eventually purchased a bicycle to strengthen her legs.

Lila entered her name on a pen pal list through the Gregory Methodist Church. Robert Jackson received her name and decided to write. After being pen pals for 12 years, they met and were married at Gregory’s Methodist Church on April 12, 1969. The couple’s first home was in Cincinnati, Ohio, where their children were born. A few years later they settled in Winner, South Dakota.

As a loving wife and mother, she continued to have everlasting faith in God. Shortly after her husband’s passing, her daughter and family moved her to an apartment in McGregor, Minn., and eventually to Northland Assisted Living. As her health slowly declined, Lila moved to AICOTA Nursing Home in Aitkin, Minn.

She passed away on Dec. 21, 2022, at the age of 91.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, two infant siblings, brother, infant daughter, and grandson.

Surviving her is her daughter, Rosezella Jackson of Meadowlands, Minn., two nieces, three nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services for Patricia Lenker, 89, Canton, formerly of Winner, were held Dec. 20 at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Winner. Burial followed at the Winner city cemetery.

Patricia “Pat” Ann Nelson Lenker died on Dec. 16, 2022, at her home near Canton, South Dakota.  

 On June 5, 1933, in Winner, SD, Harry Ivan and Wilda Leona Nelson celebrated the blessed arrival of their third born daughter, Patricia Ann Nelson, born at home during a hailstorm where her Dad had to hold rugs at the broken window to keep the hail from coming in.   The family was ultimately blessed by six daughters, who from birth through life were bonded by love and compassion:   Vera Mae (Lowell) Nelson; Eileen (Robert) Frescoln; Patricia (David) Lenker; Helen (Robert) Stone; Janet (Charles) Warner and Shirley (Ronald) McGuire.   Pat was a Winner resident growing up except for two years spent in Nashua, Iowa, as her father H. Ivan was serving his country during World War II.   On a trip alone to Iowa at one time, she started at the Canton Train Station, where she rode with soldiers coming home from the war, which was interesting that she lived the last two years of her life near Canton.   She loved the time in Iowa.   Most of her elementary years she attended Winner grade school.   While attending Winner High School, as seniors, she and David Lenker were crowned Warrior and Princess of the homecoming.   They then graduated in 1951.

On July 29, 1951, Pat married her high school sweetheart, David Witmer Lenker.   Their marriage was blessed by three children: Lynne Marie (Doug, now deceased) Simkins, Kenneth David (Cindy) Lenker, and Karla Jo (Wallace) Cain.   As life progressed, Dave & Pat were gifted with the births of five grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, each one of whom was a precious treasure to them.

After their marriage in 1951, Pat and Dave moved to the family farm in Ideal, SD, where they raised their family.   Pat was a busy farm housewife during those years, often cooking big meals for cattle roundups and canning vegetables she raised in the garden, and also canning beef and chicken that were raised on the farm, so she provided delicious food all year through.   She would make homemade noodles that were so good, some would disappear as they dried on the kitchen table.   She also was a seamstress and made many nice clothes.

They were active in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and she was Sunday Superintendent for several years and a teacher for Vacation Bible School.   They would often have church families for dinner after church.   She was also very active in the Gideon Auxiliary.    They also ran a Christian bookstore, the Ideal Church Supplies, in Winner for a few years.  

In 1972, Pat began schooling in Sioux Falls, SD, at the Stenotype Institute of South Dakota, where she learned the trade of court reporting.    In 1975, they moved to Winner, SD, where Pat began a court reporting career that spanned the next 24 years.   She was an employee of the State of South Dakota Sixth Judicial Circuit, during which time she worked for three South Dakota Judges:   Marvin S. Talbott; Max A. Gors, and Kathleen Trandahl.   The circuit court at that time traveled a circuit that included Todd, Bennett, Gregory, Lyman, Tripp, Jones, Jackson and Mellette Counties.    She retired in 1998 after an interesting and challenging career.

Pat knew her most precious possessions on earth were not of monetary value.   Her source of inspiration flowed from her love for Christ and her joyful gratitude for her own and extended family.

Pat had many interests centering around family, church and home.   She loved compiling family histories, gardening, cooking, and Historical Society memorabilia.    Photography was always a passion, with family the main subjects, but she also enjoyed her collection of pictures of old barns and sunsets.  Pat loved to read and write poetry.   In the Spring of 1957, she won first place in the WNAX Neighbor Lady Poetry contest.   Living in the house in Winner, Dave and Pat created a huge garden, and for several years, they specialized in perennials and all kinds of roses.   In fact, they won Garden of the Month at one time, and their 16-foot climbing roses became a showpiece for town residents to enjoy.   They kept a home that was always ready for company, and they truly loved having people come and visit or stay with them.  As busy as she was, she always had time for a good conversation.

After her retirement, she devoted much time to creating scrapbooks of many pictures for her family.    Pat filled her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with a love of learning and a witty humor.    She and Dave played cribbage on a regular basis, but Pat’s specialty game was Scrabble, which she had been playing with her siblings and children all her life.

In 2018, Pat began experiencing health concerns, which her family, especially her granddaughter Heather Karstens, felt it was imperative that she receive health care in the Sioux Falls area.  She and Dave briefly moved to a small apartment in Canton, and at her doctor’s appointment one day later, she was diagnosed with colon cancer.   Amazingly, she survived the extensive surgery, which began a long and courageous battle to return to health.   Heather and her husband Brian worked tirelessly and researched extensively to give the best care possible to both Grandma Pat and Grandpa Dave, surrounding them with a loving family, and our entire family is deeply grateful for them making their last years as fulfilling and joyous as possible.  

Preceding Pat in death were her parents; sisters Vera Mae Nelson and Eileen Frescoln; brothers-in-Law Robert Stone, Lowell Nelson, Robert Frescoln and Ronald McGuire; grandson Jaden Hallberg; son-in-law Doug Simkins; great grandson Tauren Karstens; and husband David, who passed three weeks shy of their 71st anniversary. 

Family and friends will mourn the loss of Pat’s physical presence on earth, but the knowledge of her faith in the risen Lord, Jesus Christ serves as a promise of reunion in heaven.