Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Donna Hiles, age 93 of Spearfish, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at the Rolling Hills Healthcare Center in Belle Fourche.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11am Wednesday, Jan. 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish.  There will be no visitation.  Inurnment will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.  Friends may leave written condolences and view a video tribute at: www.LeveringtonFH.com

Donna Jean Edgar was born Dec. 2, 1929 in Redfield, South Dakota.  She was the daughter of Waldo and Mary (Aseope) Edgar.  Donna grew up on the family farm and ranch near Rockham, South Dakota.  She graduated from the Redfield High School.

In 1948, Donna was united in marriage to Donald Hiles at the Johnson home in Rapid City.  Following their marriage, they lived in many places, wherever Don’s construction job took him.  In the 1950’s, Donald and Donna moved to Winner where Donna worked as a receptionist for 20 years at Dr. Carr’s chiropractic clinic.  In 1976 they moved to California.  Don died in 1985 and in 1990, Donna moved to Watertown SD.  Donna had a great love for playing bingo, and during her years in Watertown, she loved provided rides for people to Sisseton on bingo nights.  In 2002, Donna moved to Belle Fourche, and in 2010 she moved to Spearfish, where she has lived since.

Donna enjoyed bird watching and she was dedicated to keeping her bird feeder filled.  She was a great cook and baker.  She made excellent homemade bread and rolls.  She was also talented when it came to knitting and crocheting.  Donna was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and she will be missed greatly.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Debbie Hiles of Winner, Diana (Kevin) Farmer of Whitewood; son, Danny (Alexis) Hiles of Whitewood; 7 grandchildren, Heather, Heidi, Josh, Patrick, Gina, James, Alex; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Nowell of Redfield; and brother, Doug Edgar of Redfield. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Dick, Bud, and Marylou.

Noah Running Horse, 39, of Ideal, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at noon at the Shekinah Glory Chapel in Ideal, SD. Burial will follow in the Ideal Cemetery in Ideal, SD. Wake services were held on Monday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.at the Shekinah Glory Chapel in Ideal, SD.

Noah was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD to Wayne & Kathryn Running Horse Sr. on June 16, 1983. He was airlifted to Sanford Medical in Sioux Falls on Oct. 12, 2022. He fought long and hard until he was transported to Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls where he went to sleep. He was 39 years old.

Noah went to school at Ideal grade school and Winner High School. He lived out to Big Ol’ Ideal with his parents. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Noah loved playing fastpitch softball. Everywhere he went he made friends. He loved his family very much.

Noah is survived by his wife Dana, his children Jeff Running Horse & Angel Running Horse, his grandson Roland, his stepson Zachary, his parents Wayne & Kathryn Running Horse Sr., his siblings Frances “Running Horse” Cook, Loren Running Horse, Anna (Abe) “Running Horse” Stanford, Wayne Jr. (Geraldine) Running Horse, Calvin (Connie) Running Horse, Kelly Star Chief Sr., Chris Traversie Sr., his younger siblings Katelyn, Reuben, & Kayla (Jacob & Jonah Eli) Running Horse, his nephews, nieces, and takojas, his aunts, and uncles Arlie & Gerald, Neil & Grace, Al & Shirley, Glen, Linda, Marion & Joe, Buzzy, Harold & Richard, and his grandmother Jeanette Shaving Bear.

Noah is in heaven with his grandparents Eli and Baby Sallie “Black Crow” Swalley, Clifford & Ruth Old Lodge and Fenton Shaving Bear, his uncles Manny O., Calvin Old Lodge, Lawrence Old Lodge, Larry Cortez, Melvin Running Horse, Reuben Running Horse & Butch Pawnee, his aunts Vi “Old Lodge” Medicine Eagle, Tree “Old Lodge” Long Crow, Iris Siers, Judy Erickson, Dolly BB, Vera Siers, Lou G., Freda Bordeaux, and Velma Little Eagle.

Funeral services for Alvin Hannahs, 87, Gregory, will be held on Dec.29 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gregory. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be a prayer service Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home.

Alvin Franklin Hannahs was born on May 27, 1935, to Gordon LeRoy and Delia (Ronfeldt) Hannahs on a farm outside Gregory, SD. He was the sixth of nine children. Alvin grew up in the Burke and Lucas area and attended school through the eighth grade.

After his school years Alvin worked for various farmers until enlisting in the Army in 1957. Alvin served most of his active Army days in Germany. After returning to the states and being discharged to active reserves, he met and married Katherine King on Dec. 16, 1959, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke, SD. To this union three children were born: Kathy Lynn, Kenneth Alvin, and Lana Mae.

After his marriage Alvin worked for several different farmers, then in 1963 moved to California for one year working as grounds keeper on the Indio Golf Course. In 1964 he moved his little family back to Gregory and worked for Gregory Redi Mix and Concrete. Beginning in 1971 Alvin was self-employed for a couple of years before going to work as a semi driver for several different companies and then as an owner-operator. After totaling his semi in an accident, he went back to hire out as a machine laborer (self-employed). After working part time to supplement Social Security Alvin retired from Malloy Electric (farming). Alvin never really retired though, until his first heart attack. He was always ready to help his children, grandchildren, and sister.

Alvin was the proud father of Kathy Lynn, Kenneth, and Lana Mae, proud grandparent of Jason & Jacob Quinn, Tiffany Good Shield, Jeremy Jacobson, Bobby, Landon, & Taressa Soesbe, and great grandfather to Raymond Anthony Cisnesos, Ashley Ann Jacobson, and Joel Walker Roy Soesbe.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents Gordon LeRoy and Delia Hannahs, infant brother Robert, three sisters: Bertha Brozik, Vivian Parshall and Lula Belle Preslicka, one brother Delbert Hannahs, four nieces: Patricia and Sharon Parshall, Shirley Caldwell, and Sheryl Klein, one nephew Alvis Hannahs, one sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law.

Alvin is survived by his wife Katherine; his daughters Kathy and Lana; his son Kenneth; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister Virginia Rash of Gregory; two brothers: Vernon of Red Bluff, CA, and Glen (Linda) of Eatonville, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Delores Volmer, age 89, of Presho, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 at Sanford Medical Center in Chamberlain.

A rosary service was held at 6 p.m. with a prayer service and time of sharing beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Presho.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church with Father John Heying as celebrant.

Interment will be held 1:30 p.m. at the Draper Cemetery.

Delores Louise (Magnuson) Volmer was born in Murdo, South Dakota on June 5, 1933 to Henrietta and Gunnar Magnuson. Growing up, her family lived on a farm north of Draper. She had three sisters and two brothers; her oldest brother, Emil, especially loved to play jokes on the rest. One never knew what he was up to.

Delores attended country school and high school in Draper. During her high school days, she met Delmer, the love of her life. The devoted couple were united in marriage on Aug. 30, 1949 at the Draper Catholic Church when she was 16 years old. One of her fondest memories of her wedding day was the meal; her mother had fried chicken for all in attendance. Together, Delmer and Delores started their married life on the farm at Draper and were blessed with five sons and one daughter. In 1958, they bought half interest in the Presho Livestock Auction which would become what many would know of as a life-long career, but in reality, it was their way of life.

Delmer and Delores were married for 61 years. During that time, Delores could be found working in the office on sale day, taking care of her children, opening gates and doing whatever else needed to be done without complaint. After Delmer’s passing, Delores found time to spend with her many friends. Having coffee, going to the monthly Draper coffees, and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their activities were some of her favorite pastimes she enjoyed later in life. Thursday had also become a very special day for her as she spent the afternoon at the Thrift Store in Presho; she loved going there, sorting clothes and making more and more friends.

Everyone who knows Delores knows that the kitchen was her happy place; she always said that baking bread was her therapy. She had her own recipe mastered and all of her taste-testers approved; her family could hardly wait to eat when the homemade buns and twisty rolls were in sight. Homemade French fries and grilled cheese were also family favorites that only Delores’s hands could cook to perfection. In addition, Delores started a Christmas tradition of serving homemade beef and noodles, dough buchies (fry bread) and homemade ice cream; she enjoyed watching her family eat the dough buchies with butter and sugar faster than she could fry them up! There was never a doubt that everyone walked away with full stomachs and happy hearts.

Among other special memories, her grandkids will always cherish the attributes of Grandma Delores’s support, kind heart, patience, strength, never-ending love, and selflessness. She went to great lengths to make others smile and did so many times by playing games with those around her. Delores was fair; she loved all of her kids, their spouses, and grandkids all the same without favorites. Her undivided attention to watch, listen, and hear all about it when those she loved most were sharing stories with her was a non-judgmental love like no other. There wasn’t a person on this earth that Delores didn’t like or see the good in. She liked everyone and everyone liked her; she had no enemies. It is crystal clear to those that know and love her – Delores was an angel among us on earth.

Delores is survived by her six children: Frank (Donna) of Winner, Ron (Deb) of Presho, Jim (Patti) of Draper, Mike (Jen) of Evergreen CO, Marlene (Mike) Reuman of Kennebec, and Todd (Rona) of Winner; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren (as of today) with 3 more to come; one sister Anna Rose Paschal of Rio Linda CA; sister-in-law Esther Magnuson of Murdo; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer; parents, Gunnar and Henrietta; two brothers, Emil and Eldon; and two sisters, Dora Lee and Faye.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Presho Thrift Store and Christ the King Catholic Church.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 157 Kennebec, SD 57544.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Clifford Tenney Hight, 84 of White River, SD passed away at Monument Hospital in Rapid City due to surgery issues on Nov. 27, 2022, with family at his side.

Funeral services were held at 11 am on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 at the White River Community Center with a visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial followed at the White River Cemetery.

He was born to Clarence and Ruth (Rhoades) Hight on Oct. 20, 1938 in Murdo, SD. He was welcomed home by his older siblings, Phyllis, Cecil, Sharley, Clarice and Curtis. “Tenney” lived the majority of his life in White River. He was active in sports in high school and was a WR graduate of 1957. He continued being a supportive “Tiger” fan and went to as many games as possible.

Tenney and Iva Brown were married on Aug. 11, 1958. To this union three sons were born, Tenney Eugene (Gene), Ronnie and Gary. Shortly after marriage Tenney and Iva moved to Deadwood where he was employed with the Homestake Gold Mine. After a few years they returned home to the ranch northeast of White River. Ranching, raising boys and life being tough, Tenney and Iva decided to lease the ranch and move to White River. Over the years he worked for local ranchers, George England, Lawrence and Ronnie Krogman and Bob Derry. He decided to try a “town job” for a while and worked at the Gas N Git and Farmers Coop. His love of being a ‘Cowboy” sent him back to the country, this time to the Stromer Ranch, where he spent 20 plus years doing what he loved.

Some of Tenney’s favorite things were football, basketball, playing cards, coffee with his friends and rodeo! He was requested by several ranchers to rope calves at brandings. Stories have been told, that if you were roping with him and he saw some skills that didn’t meet his approval. Well, he wouldn’t hesitate to correct you!! Even though he could be stern about roping cattle, there was nothing he enjoyed more than teasing people, a good joke or prank!

From the late 60’s to early 80’s he worked as a pickup man for rodeos run by Don Hight and Howard Beissinger. Partners for these jobs were usually Veldon Brown, Glen Hollenbeck or Alvin Stromer. The rodeos he traveled to, took him to several places in the United States and he also worked at Cheyenne Frontier Days at least two years. One year they had a rodeo in Louisville, KY. The horses went on the semi (like they did many times) but the pickup men and contractors went by plane. Tenney also enjoyed team roping and would often compete at the rodeos he attended.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Clarence “Bud” and Ruth; his siblings, Phyllis, Cecil, Sharley and Clarice; his in-laws, Vernon and Esther Brown and grandson Christopher.

Survivors are his wife, Iva; brother, Curtis of Colona, IL; sons, Gene (Lorena) Hight of White River, Ronnie (Janet) Hight of White River, Gary (Kim) Hight of Douglas, Wyoming; grandchildren; Shelsey (Shawn) Klein, Matt (Lorena) Hight, Eliot (Taylor) Hight, Justin (Nicole) Hight, Clifford (Carlos) Hight, Lee Hight, Morgan (Jake) Brenholdt, Haley (Jacob) Hight, Amber Hight and Colton Hight; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Dylan and Hattie Klein, Sophia, Isabelle and Natalie Hight, Thomas Hight and Millie Hight and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to WR Grandstand for improvements at the rodeo grounds.

Mary Edwards, 94, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.  at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Mary Edwards was born July 7, 1928 in Winner.  Her parents were Vince and Sara Fuchs. She was the younger sister of Richard Fuchs, and the older sister of Vera Fuchs.

Mary’s childhood was spent in Winner where she attended school and graduated from public high school. She played various sports including basketball. I’m not kidding!!!!!

After high school she attended nursing school and worked in the medical field long enough to realize she did not want this as a career.

She was married to Lester Edwards April 29th, 1949. They had 5 children. She spent the rest of her pre-retirement years raising her children, gardening and working for the state highway department in Winner as the secretary and office manager.

She enjoyed being a rockhound, fishing, canning fruits and vegetables, and meeting people. Her wild plum jam was so good that it was often stolen. I want to apologize to my siblings for this.

Mom was very active at the Methodist church where she served on various committees, taught Sunday School, and reveled in the Lord’s love. She was also active in breast cancer patient care. (She was a survivor of two bouts with breast cancer herself) She spent many days driving people to post surgery treatment and helping people dealing with the rigors of this disease. Mom also volunteered regularly at the thrift store downtown. Our mother never missed the chance to help someone with a willing smile, a listening ear, or much more.

The local residents noticed this and awarded her with “Tripp County volunteer of the year” award. An award she humbly accepted but richly deserved.

As years past mom’s health weakened and she spent the last 6 ½ years of her life at the long-term care facility where she continued to warm many hearts. (Thank you kindly for all you people did for her) She passed while resting comfortably with family at her side.

She is preceded in death by her brother Richard, Martin, SD, Sister Vera, Detroit, MI., husband, Lester, Winner, mother, Sara, Winner, and her sister-in-law and great friend, Dorothy Edwards, Winner. Our mother outlived most all her friends, but I am impressed by the number of people that have stopped to tell how kind and gracious she was, often with an example. That was our mom, the person we all only wish to emulate.

She is survived by the many people she touched and us, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Son: Skip and Sandra Fortuna, Winner.  Grandson, Rian and Terami Edwards, White River. Doug and Melissa (Fortuna) Underwood, Dellwood, Mn., Gerald and Melanie (Fortuna) Witte, Winner.

Son: Lon and Carol (Ringstmeyer) Edwards, Custer, South Dakota.  Grand Daughters, Jamie (Long) and Scott Glenn of Custer, Sheena (Edwards) and James Vis, Sioux Falls, and Laci (Edwards) and Boyd Bergeron Custer, TR and Heidi Horton, Rapid City.

Daughter: Dianne (Edwards) and Richard Blazo Brookings, Oregon.

Son: Jim and Cindy (Cummings) Edwards Berthoud, CO. Sons, Grant and Valarie (Perone) Edwards, and Brey and Jackie (Henry) Edwards, Green River, WY.

Son: Paul and Carol (Belchak) Edwards, Gaylord, MI., Daughters: Paulette (Edwards) Hall, and Jonathon Hall, Kalamazoo MI., and Caitlin Edwards Gaylord, MI.

Plus, many great grandchildren.

We all wish her next garden to green and lush and her bobber to submerge often!!!

The family of Mary request that a donation to the Winner Area Breast Cancer Support Group be made in lieu of flowers or gifts to the family.

Marvelle (Eagle Star) Baker, 49, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. She was surrounded by her loved ones far and near that loved her and misses her.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery in Winner, SD.

Wake services were held on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.

Marvelle loved her family and loved her kids. She was very close to her mother Marva Mae Eagle Star & her sister Kendra Kay Eagle Star. She lived and grew up in Winner South Dakota with her mother Marva, sister Kendra, and brother Miguel. She lived in Winner Housing Community (North Ideal) and attended school in town (Winner). She attended Job Corp and graduated.

Marvelle had her daughter Monique (Princess) Lynn Crowe and her sons Austin (Oz) James Crowe and Adam (Angel) David Torres. She loved her kids with a passion of unconditional love. She would go off and leave Winner to explore the United States. She had many homes in many cities and enjoyed life with her kids. She loved the city of Seattle, Wash., because that’s where her father was from plus she loved the city.

She made so many memories with everyone she met, she had a personality that made anyone that met her fall and enjoy to be around. She will be missed by her family, friends, and everyone that she had the chance to meet. Marvelle was a Christian and loved Jesus our Lord and Savior. She would watch the daystar channel and donated to the less fortunate. She had a good heart and enjoyed to have met her grandchildren and her younger children. She was so thankful that she was able to help her children and make the memories that she did. Marvelle will be missed and will not be forgotten.

Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Baker, 75, of Sturgis, SD, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Lawrence “Larry” Baker was a devoted husband and a loving father. He was a kind and generous person, who provided for his community and his family in countless ways. He was a member of the National Guard for six years; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Club, and the American Legion; he was also a volunteer fireman for 25 years and operated his own custom haygrinding business for 46 years. He married Maureen Grebner-Herbst on Oct. 12, 1968, and together they raised four children: Daniel (Shanda) Baker, Denise (Rex) Ryckman, Cindy (John) Spelbring, and Neil (Christine) Baker. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Larry was an avid outdoorsman, marksman, and loved traveling with his family. Larry never missed an opportunity to impart his own sense of humor, and he was reliable in innumerable ways throughout his life. He was a beacon in dark times and was always steadfast in uncertain times.

Larry is preceded in death by his mother and father, Arnold and Edna, his sister, Debbie, his mother-in-law, Katherine Herbst-Kelley, his father-in-law, Al Herbst, his granddaughter, Amanda Baker, his brothers-in-law, Raymond Smith, Joel Herbst, and Leroy, his favorite cat, whom Larry trained to wipe his feet.

Memorial Mass was held  10 a.m. on Dec. 6, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society.

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

Wanda Kunzler was born in Lindsay, Okla., on Nov. 4, 1929, to Earl and Ruth (Hoover) Crawford.

Wanda was the oldest and had three brothers whom she loved very much: Gene, Bob and Dean. Through her many travels she ended up in Modesto, Calif., where she met the love of her life, Ted Kunzler who passed away May 6, 1987.

A few years later, she met her companion Meryl Serr and they moved to South Dakota. They owned various businesses in Dallas and Gregory. They later moved to Colome.  Wanda’s greatest love was sitting on her deck watching her great-grandchildren Raelyn and Hayze Fast play. She also enjoyed family and Sundays watching football.

Wanda passed away on Nov. 6, 2022, at the Avera Gregory Hospital.

Wanda will be buried in Ceres, Calif., next to her beloved husband Ted.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, son Eddie Kimball, and grandson Zach Kunzler.

Wanda is survived by her beloved daughter Robin and her husband Alan Fast of Colome; four grandchildren: Fawn (Sean) Deter of Arizona, Megan, Ally and Stacey of South Dakota; six great grandchildren: Sierra (Brandon) Ellis, Madalyn (Jason) Carson, Michael Chambers, Logan Deter, Raelyn and Hayze Fast: and four great-great grandchildren: Aston and Audrina Ellis, Jay William and baby girl Carson expected in December.

Upon Wanda’s request there will be no service at this time.