Category Archives: Obituaries

Gladys Harder, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, SD. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  Visitation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7 p.m. with a rosary beginning at  7 p.m.

Gladys Marie Harder was the last of four children born to Thomas and Neta Graesser (Stoltenburg).  She was born on May 15, 1929 in Gregory, South Dakota.

Gladys attended 8 years of country grade school walking 1 ¼ miles to and from school.  She graduated Gregory High School in 1946.  After graduating she attended 1 year of college at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.  When returning home, she accepted employment at Farmers State Bank in 1948 and worked there until retiring in 1991.

She met the love of her life at the Carlock Dance Hall and was united in marriage to James E Harder on Nov. 16, 1948.  The best times of her life were after their daughter Pam was born and enjoying their home in Winner until moving to Golden Prairie Manor in 2015.

Gladys especially liked bowling leagues and entered most of the state tournaments.  She enjoyed baking, especially making chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies, often with her sister Myra.  One of her biggest joys was helping take care of her two grandsons.

Gladys was a member of the Winner Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Valley Reading Circle & lifetime member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Neta, sisters Myra (Bob) Stukel, Norma (Bill) Knox and brother Walt (Arlene) Graesser & brothers-in-law, Jerry, William & Tom Harder.

Grateful for having shared in her life is husband Jim of 73 years, daughter Pam and husband Rich Kolecka, Winner, SD, grandsons Mark Kolecka, Pierre SD, and Chad Kolecka, Omaha, NE, sisters-in-law Jean Ann Harder, Rapid City, SD, Gladys Harder, Creighton, NE, Shirley Harder, Newcastle, WY and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marcine Hattie Pravecek died peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 30 2022.  Marcine was 80 years old and lived her adult life in North Carolina.

Marcine was born in Winner, South Dakota.  She was the oldest of five children born to David and Bessie Pravecek.

Marcine lived a full yet challenging life after a devastating car accident in 1963.  She suffered with paralysis on the right side of her body, a brain injury and broken limbs as well as other injuries.  Her indomitable spirit prevailed as she worked hard through her recovery eventually graduated from college with a four-year degree in education and advanced training in speech & language pathology & audiology.  She initially taught in a classroom but moved her career to speech pathology within the State of North Carolina’s youth development system.  Marcine had a successful career with honors for her work and retired after 30 years.

Marcine loved to cross stitch and created many artistic pieces despite only having the use of her left, non-dominate, hand.  She was an avid cook and loved to enter recipe contests.  She won several small appliances as trophies for her winning entries.  During her younger years she loved to travel.  As a young woman prior to her accident, she was an outstanding pianist and continued her love of music throughout her life.  She was also an excellent seamstress while in high school and won first place in the “Make-It-With-Wool Contest”!  Photography was another hobby she pursued.

Marcine is survived by her four siblings:  Bonnie (Lee) Moore of Southern Pines, NC; David (Pat) Pravecek of Winner, SD; Delores (Mark) Edwards of St. Paul, NE and Sandi Pravecek of Denver, CO.  Also nieces and nephews: Christy (Matt) Gunnet and Raine of Bend, OR; Marc (Kim) Moore and Caden & Eli of Huntersville, NC; Dennie Pravecek, Winner, SD and family Mekayla (Jarrod) Preheim and Casen, Cooper and Cambree of Bridgewater, SD; Madysen Pravecek of Yankton, SD and Dausyn Pravecek at University of Wisconsin, Madison WS, Michael Pravecek and son Tane of Winner, SD.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Goldsboro, NC and internment will follow at the Columbarium also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at a later date.

Cards are welcome.  Send to Bonnie Moore, 65 Steeplechase Ct., Southern Pines, NC  28387. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Marcine Pravecek to:  First Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC28374. 

 James Ross Brickman passed away on Aug. 21, 2022, in the care of hospice at his home in Spring Lake Park, MN. He was born to Gene and Fern Brickman on Sept. 10, 1970, in Fargo, ND.

He is survived by his father Gene (Margaret) Brickman, his brother Jeff Brickman, son Brandon Meier, his niece Samantha Brickman and nibling Rowan Brickman, as well as beloved stepsiblings and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his cherished mother Fern.

Services will be held at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 on Saturday, Sept/ 17 with a gathering at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m.  The family will continue honoring him with Bricktoberfest to follow at Route 47 Pub, 7820 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 at 1 p.m.

There will be a livestream of the service for those who are not able to attend in person. (https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1661885048205321)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to James Ross Brickman Fund to support his wishes to be returned to the earth at Better Place Forests – St. Croix Valley. St. Croix Valley Forest Memorials – Minnesota Forest Burials Alternative.

Donald Keith Leat, age 90, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 28 at the Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage after a courageous battle with cancer.  Don was 17 days short of his 91st birthday.

Don was born on Sept. 14, 1931 to Clarence (Ted) and Freda Leat in Winner, SD.  He attended school in Winner and graduated from Winner High School in 1949.  At the age of 20 he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Radioman 2nd Class on the USS Noble during the Korean conflict. His duties included acting as cryptographer for incoming and outgoing messages on the ship. He was honorably discharged on March 29, 1955 after 4 years of service. Don then enrolled in Nettleton college where he received an associate degree in accounting and then worked as office manager for various car dealers in Sioux Falls, SD, Minneapolis, MN and Des Moines, IA.

While attending college, he met Shirley Hammer and they were united in marriage in Flandreau, SD on Nov. 7, 1959. To this union 4 children were born and in 1963 they moved to Winner, SD where they lived until 2015 when they moved to Sioux Falls, SD. While in Winner, Don worked for the VFW and was a driver’s license examiner for the last 20 years of his career.

Don’s hobbies included woodworking, restoring furniture and gardening.  He and Shirley were volunteers at the Tripp County Historical Society where they were involved in the remodeling of the museum and the creation of the Veteran’s memorial.  They were named the volunteers of the year for their contributions. In May 2018, Don was a part of Mission #2 for Honor Flight, an event that he was very proud to be a part of. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.  Don was also a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers, and instilled the love of these teams with ‘most’ of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley; his 4 children, Kimberly of Sioux Falls, Steven (Linda) of Everett, WA, Michael (Marie) of Chariton, IA and Jeffrey (Heidi) of Sioux Falls; 4 grandchildren, Cassandra (Cody) Leat of Sioux Falls, SD, Alexander Leat of Everett, WA, Jessica (Sam) Reynen of Omaha, NE and Nicholas Leat of Sioux Falls, SD; 1 great-granddaughter, Sloane Reynen of Omaha, NE; sister Patsy (Charles) Fyler of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law Cathy Leat of Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Lucy Belle and Milo Smith; sisters and brothers in law, Sandra Leat, Nancy & Lloyd Olsen, Aileen & Marvin Hopkins, Lois & Gilbert (Junior) Duffy; brothers, Merlin Leat and James Leat; niece Stephanie Fyler Farr; and nephews, Rollie Duffy and Michael Hopkins.

Memorial service was held at 12:30 pm, with family present beginning at 11:30 am on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2425 S. Western Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Inurnment with United States Navy Military Honors took place at 3 pm on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD. For more information and online registry, please visit www.MillerFH.com

Karen Mae (Jerred) Sorber, age 77, of Orange City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, at the Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen, Iowa. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being completed by the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City.

Karen was born on Feb. 24, 1945, in Bassett, Neb., the daughter of James (Jay) Jerred and Evelyn (Anderson) Jerred. She grew up on her family’s farm near the small town of Wewela, South Dakota, and attended Keya Paha County High School in Springview, Neb., graduating in 1963.

On April 2, 1966, she married Kenneth Howard Sorber in Winner, South Dakota. They farmed near Wewela, until 1976, when they moved to Atlanta, Neb., and started a custom fertilizer business with Karen working as the bookkeeper. In 1990, they relocated to Okeechobee, Florida, where they remained until Kenny’s retirement in 1998. They then returned to the Midwest, settling in Anthon, Iowa, where Karen worked at the Post Office in the nearby town of Lawton, Iowa. Kenny passed away on July 18, 2005, at their home in Anthon, after more than 39 years of marriage.

Soon after Kenny’s passing, Karen spent a few years living near her children’s families in Orange City and Exeter, New Hampshire, before settling in Williamsburg, Iowa to be close to Lori’s family again. In October of 2021, she relocated to Orange City along with the Trevino family. She enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, playing board games, walking, attending bible study, and especially attending every sports event her grandchildren participated in, near and far. However, due to her declining health, she became a resident of the Happy Siesta Care Center in December, 2021.

Karen was currently attending the New Hope Evangelical Free Church in Orange City. She had previously been a member of the Life Church in Coralville, Iowa, where she often served as a door greeter, and of the Morningside Assembly of God in Sioux City, Iowa. She left a legacy of a prayer warrior for her family, a true American patriot, and a strong woman of faith through a beautiful servant’s heart — always willing to help others in any way that she could.

Survivors include a daughter and her husband, Lori and Roy Trevino, of Orange City, Iowa; a son and his wife, Kevin and Anne Sorber, of Exeter, New Hampshire; six grandchildren, Gaetan, Graeson, and Alaena Trevino, and Grant, Benjamin, and George Sorber; four sisters Nancy Jerred; Dorothy, and her husband, David Shallcross; Jane, and her husband, Eldon Peters; and Veda, and her husband, Harold Parlet; and a sister-in-law, Carol Jerred.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Merton (Gene) Jerred.

Geraldine Valla, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Geraldine Jeanne Valla was born in rural Winner, South Dakota to Joseph and Mary (Nemec) Valla on Jan. 4, 1929.  She passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 20, 2022.

Geri (Geraldine) attended her first year of school in Spencer, NE and eleven years in Winner Public Schools graduating from Winner High School in 1946.  After graduating from high school, she attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis for three years.

In September 1952, she began employment at Schramm Furniture as a bookkeeper and worked there for 50 years.  Upon retirement, Geri volunteered at the local thrift store.

Geri found Jesus to be her personal Lord and Savior at a  revival meeting in Gregory, SD at age 16. 

She was one of the founding members of Winner Assembly of God Church where she worshipped God faithfully and served in many capacities until health dictated otherwise.  Geri was a tremendous encourager and supporter of her church and community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Paul, her sister Lillian Flescher, and her sister Marian Morris. 

She is survived by her niece Louise Palovitch and her great-niece Deb Estes, both of Fontana, Calif.

Babe Haskell, 90, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 at 11 a.m.  at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation was be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23rd, 2022 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Funeral services will be live streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mason-Funeral-Home-Cremation-Services-107313317901842

 Babe Haskell born Feb. 14, 1932 joined her parents Clarence and Marcia Davenport, Wes her husband, two sisters and their spouses Velva (Warren) Sanborn, Lucille (Hienie) Schnabel, sister-in-law Irene (Frenchie) Letourneau, brother-in-law’s, Lloyd (Hap) Haskell and Lester (Helen) Haskell in heaven on Aug. 19, 2022.

 Left to carry on the family traditions are their children and their spouses; LaVonne (Steve) Grill, Marcia (Pat) Newton, Gary (Vicky) Haskell, and Jerry (Cindy) Haskell. Also, her grandchildren Kelli (Mark) Easter, Ryan (Jody R) Haskell, Chad (Angel) Haskell, Kody Olthoff, Renee Trompke, Charlie (Mandy) Haskell, Luke (Erica) Haskell, Tye (Carrie) Haskell, and last but not least Wesley (Julius T) Haskell.

 Babe was blessed with 14 great grandchildren, each one put twinkles in her eyes. Gus, Ethan, Carter, Avery, Henry, McKenna, Emerson, Everett, Marly, Taylor, Cooper, Ira, Tru, and Leo, plus one on the way.

 She kept tabs on several nieces and nephews, as well, had frequent conversations to catch up on each one’s lives. Her cell phone was a life saver for her.

Babe’s family was her pride and joy. She always had information to share just about with anyone she came in contact with. They became enjoyment for many. She gave and received a lot of love and was blessed and grateful for each and every one. Her heart was big and she was happiest when they were present, received a phone call, text, or a new picture from them. She rarely missed anyone’s birthday by sending a card with a little money tucked inside. She made sure everyone got the same so no one thought she was playing favorites.

 It was always a fun time on the Haskell farm.

Babe’s friends and neighbors were cherished to the fullest. She shared fond memories over and over. Her stories never got old. They brought a lot of laughter accompanied by smiles from ear to ear.

She was born, raised, and lived most of her life on the farm near Clearfield. Her life’s goal became serving and giving to others. She was always baking for some event and was well known for her sour cream raisin pie, homemade chicken and noodles, caramel rolls, and Mrs. Orr’s chocolate cake, garden veggies, and flowers that she shared with many.

Babe was a pillar of strength and courage in whatever endeavor she participated in. She was a giant to many and her shoes will be hard to fill. She was witty and sharp as a tack. She was the “go to” girl in many circles. She was the “life of the party”. She was a highlight with those she touched at Golden Prairie Manor whether at an activity or at the dinner table.

She leaves this earth a better place for all. She never knew a stranger and was a true heroin in many eyes.

 Though her physical health declined, she couldn’t see very well or hear worth a darn, she kept “showing up.” There wasn’t much that held her back.

 Many will miss her presence and selfishly we wish she could have stayed longer but her beautiful legacy will live on in our minds and hearts and we all agree well done, Babe! Well done and she’d reply, “Love to you all!”

Louise Jane DeMers, 96, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 after spending the past 7 ½ years at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center Nursing Home in Winner, SD.

 Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD.

Louise Jane DeMers was born May 20, 1926 to John and Rosie (Hrabanek) Kartak. She was baptized in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Danton, SD. She grew up on the family farm south of Colome. She attended Grand Valley country school located in Lake township. Growing up Louise enjoyed wading in the Keya Paha River, fishing, ice skating at Rahn Dam, playing cards, and Chinese checkers.

She was united in marriage to Lawrence DeMers on Sept. 15, 1949 at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Colome, SD. They made their home west of Colome, where they farmed and ranched. She was a member of the Colome Catholic Daughters and Wilson Extension club. They retired in 1987 and moved to Winner, SD.

Louise enjoyed dancing, playing cards, taking bus tours, and gardening. She also enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s 4-H shows, sporting events, and music concerts.

She is survived by her son Ron (Kate) of Colome, SD; her daughter, Janine (Kim) Beck of Sioux Falls, SD; her son Keith (Lynn) of Winner, SD; six grandchildren, Alisa (Paul) Bousa of Pierre, SD; Ross DeMers (Kim) of Colome, SD; Ronda (Cory) Graber, of Gregory, SD; Lance (Leah) DeMers, of Pierre, SD; Jami Beck, of Rapid City, SD; Courtney DeMers (Collin Strong) of Denver, CO; eight great grandchildren, Maggie, Lena, & Bianca DeMers; Jaden, Madisan, & Paisley Graber; Allison and Andrea DeMers; sister-in-law Geraldine DeMers & numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her parents; one grandson, Justin DeMers; one granddaughter, Kari DeMers; one sister, Lucy Krumpus; four brothers, Stephen, Lloyd, Raymond, & Clifford Kartak.

Janice Lillian Fisher, 93, of Fullerton, Calif.,  formerly of Winner, SD, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Wolf Memorial-Good Samaritan Society in Albion.

Funeral services were held  at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, at Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. Burial followed at Winner City Cemetery in Winner, SD. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home and Mason Funeral Home are serving the family.

Janice was born July 18, 1929 to Floyd and Lillian (Larsen) Gipson near Springview, NE. She attended public schools in Keya Paha County. She moved to Brown County with her family when she was a junior in high school and graduated in 1947 from Ainsworth High School in Ainsworth.

She married Waldo Summers on June 8, 1947 in Ainsworth. To this union, three children were born: Karen, Gordon, and Kevin. She loved dancing and one night she met Frank Fisher at Carlock Ballroom in Carlock, SD. They were married on March 9, 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. They resided two miles south of Winner on Frank’s farm until 1994 when they retired and moved into Winner.

Janice was a 4-H leader for several years, a member of D.A.T Extension Club, and a member of the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth. She was a member of the Weaver Extension Club in Winner, SD. She enjoyed her family, friends, flowers, and playing cards.

She was thankful for sharing her life with her daughter, Karen (Ron) Delaney of Fullerton, NE; three step-sons, Jerry (Mary) Fisher, John (Deb) Fisher, and Jim (Maxine) Fisher, all of Winner; four step-daughters, Sharon Hanson of Mequon, WI, Barbara Leeds, and Debra (Ray) Hannett, both of Winner, SD and Pamela Reis of Reliance, SD; brother, Keith (Betty) Gipson of Bismarck, ND; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two nieces and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; two sons, Gordon and Kevin Summers; sister, Janette Denny; and step-sons-in-law, John Hanson and Will Reis.

James Harland Schramm, 83, of Winner SD passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD due to kidney disease complications.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.  at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022 from 6:30-8 p.m. with the family present from 7-8 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. 

Jim was born in Winner South Dakota Nov. 7,  1938 to Herbert F. and Harriet C. (Hanson) Schramm. James was raised and spent his adult life in Winner South Dakota. He was blessed to be surrounded by a large family and to grow up with multiple cousins. The Schramm Family Christmas party was an event!

Jim graduated from Winner HS in 1956. He was an outstanding athlete and excelled in baseball, football and track.  He earned a football scholarship at South Dakota State College.   He also went on to throw discus for the Track Team, including being able to throw at the national meet in San Diego, CA. Baseball did remain his favorite sport. Jim was a pitcher and threw several no hitters for the local Legion teams. And he always loved the New York Yankees.

James graduated with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries and a teaching degree from SDSU.   Summers were spent working for the Game Fish and Parks, poisoning prairie dogs and trapping beavers, in the Black Hills.  He moved to Mission SD where he taught biology and coached track for three years.  James was recruited into the insurance industry and served as an independent agent in his hometown.  He served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of SD and remained actively engaged up to his retirement in 2000. Many of his colleagues became great friends.

While attending State, Jim heard the news of the other Johanson twin joining her sister on campus.  Dearest Cousin Janet Bruun was instrumental in their introduction. Jim and Karen’s first date was a double date in his famous 1950 white, Chevy station wagon with his life-long friend Roger Garrett.  On Aug. 4, 1962 James was united in marriage to Karen Laree Johanson in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  To this union, four children were born Grant, Laura, Jane and Mark.  James and Karen were fortunate to celebrate the 60th anniversary just a week prior to his passing on to his eternal rest

Jim was a baptized active lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. In his free time James loved to garden, pheasant and goose hunt, golf and work on his meticulously preened lawn. After retirement he enjoyed guiding groups of pheasant hunters and showing off his beloved hometown. He also spent decades with his great friends, perfecting his pitch game at Mel’s Auto (Cahoy’s) and lowering his handicap at the Winner CC.  He spent many years practicing his love of outdoor stewardship as the president of the local branch of the Isaac Walton League.

A beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, James was preceded in death by an infant brother, his parents, his step-father Bill Bergman, his much loved and sorely missed daughter Jane, and his sister Nancy Giessinger and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife Karen, his sister Cindy (Neil) Quitch of South Carolina and his children Grant (Wendy) Schramm, Laura (Sam) Goodhope and Mark (Bobbi) Schramm. His grandchildren Valerie (Jim) Birch, Eric (Taylor) Schramm, Trevor (Chelsea) Schramm, Chloe (Austin) McPhilamy, Anna Goodhope, Sadie Goodhope, Charlotte Goodhope, Aiden Schramm, Carter Schramm, Spencer Schramm, 5 great- grandchildren; Emily, Caleb, & Daniel Birch, & Amelia, Charlie Jo Schramm. The smile he had when he held the babies will always be remembered.