Category Archives: Obituaries

Susan Rose Bell, 55, of Lander WY, was born May 31, 1967 and tragically passed away on June 26, 2022. A one-night wake was held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. A final service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.

Susan Rose was born to Gloria “Dolly” Iron Shooter and Edward Lonnie Bell Sr. in Lander, Wyo. She was raised in Winner, SD where she attended grade school. In 1986 she attended Kicking Horse Job Corps in Ronan, Mont., where she obtained her GED.

Not long after she met the love of her life, the late great Bianca Bill. Together they had five children; Billie Jean (Jose) Hernandez, Bobbi Jo, BoCephas Joshua, and her babies Brandee Jewel (Rey) and Brindi Jaden, a bonus son Bill Felix Jr. “BJ”. Together they had 17 grandchildren; Isaias, Rosabella, Joseph, Rosalee, Josias, Bianca, Israel, Skye, Sinella, Rosalena, Shiloh, Vicente, Travis, Elvira, Everleigh, Cassini, Lacina, and one on the way. Her children and grandbabies made her world go around, everything she did was because of them.

For the last 6 ½ years, Susan was employed with Community Connections, she loved all her residents. Throughout her life she has made many friends and had love for every person that she has came across.

Susan is survived by all her children, grandchildren, her mother Gloria Iron Shooter, two brothers; Kelly and Denny DeNoyer, two sisters; Lindsay and Karlee Jones, her auntie Ruth DuBray and three uncles; Darrel, Kenny, and Xavier Iron Shooter, her stepmom Sharon Bell, and all her family in Wyoming.

She will be missed by all her family and friends. Long Live Shushie Bell.

Bradley R. Gish, 63, of Hastings, Neb., passed away on March 30 at Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln. He was born in Winner Jan. 26, 1959.

A memorial service will be held at the Hamill Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Gish was a truck driver for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Roofing Supply in Dallas, Texas for 26 years. He moved back to Hastings in 2014. He worked for Hastings Parks & Recreation and Booselma Travel Center. He was recently employed by the Hastings Public Schools.

Gish liked to spend time with his grand nephews, mother, sisters, cousins and close friends. He liked watching NASCAR racing and movies. He liked to play the lottery.

He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Gish of Hastings; sisters, Lynette Gish, Hastings, Jolene (Dave) Osborne of Monroe, Mich.; nephew Michael (Miranda) Osborne of Virginia; nieces, Stephanie Osborne of Monroe, Katelyn Osborne of Monroe, Lacey Gish of Hastings, grand nephews, Matthew Buck, Jayden Gish, Cain Osborne, aunts, June Scrivers of Imperial, Neb.; Betty Musilek, Mesa, Ariz.; uncles, Leroy (Sheila) Varilek, Rapid City; Martin Varilek, Winner and many close family, friends and roommates.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lindy Gish; sister, Denise Gish, grandparents, Leonard and Rose Gish and George and Lillian Varilek, eight uncles and two aunts.

Micheal Rohde passed away peacefully at his home in Winner, SD, on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the age of 95.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Micheal was born on the family farm south of Colome on April 13, 1927, to Joseph and Bridget (London) Rohde. He joined siblings Agnes, Walter, Cecilia, and Edward. He experienced the Dirty Thirties during his childhood, and he shared stories of the difficult times that his family endured. When he was a teenager, he almost died due to a ruptured appendicitis. He did not return to high school because of his long recovery. 

Mike joined the Army in 1947 and was stationed in Washington and Alaska. He came back to the family farm after his service. To earn extra money, he traveled to Chicago to drive a vehicle back to South Dakota for a car dealership. While there, he visited an Army buddy who set him up on a blind date with Marilyn Smith. This was the start of a love story that would include almost 70 years of marriage, nine children, 25 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. 

Marilyn moved to South Dakota, and they were united in marriage on Sept. 6, 1952, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Paxton, SD. They made their home on the family farm. Over the years, Mike and Marilyn worked hard to expand the family farm/ranch where they raised their family, cattle, hogs, and crops.

 Mike also worked for the Farm Service Agency as a field representative. With this job, he traveled to many farms and knew producers all over Tripp Co. Mike never met a stranger. He could carry on a conversation with anyone, and he always had a story or two to share. Mike also met many people through his love of coon hunting. He raised Blueticks, and he spent many nights chasing raccoons and telling stories. His keen eye and steady hand made him an expert marksman with a rifle. He also enjoyed time fishing; it didn’t matter if he was at a dam in Tripp Co. or along the Missouri River at Ft. Thompson.

Mike’s faith and family were very important to him. He was extremely proud of their children, and he loved to talk about them. Mike and Marilyn’s family includes the following:

-Son Steve (Gin) of Rapid City and children Aimee (Ray) Brinson of Slidell, LA, and children Owen and Audrey Brinson; Regina (Aaron) Ueckert of Valley, NE, and children Greyson and Hadley Peters and Ameri Ueckert; and Dylan Rohde of Omaha, NE.

-Son Marty (Barb) Rohde of Yankton and children Sara (Jon) McMahon of Sioux Falls and children Cecilia and Joslyn; and Levi Rohde of Yankton.

-Daughter Kathleen (Ron) Ernest of Winner and children Ethan (Krystine) Ernest of Winner and children Jaya, Esmae, and Zayden; Erin Ernest (Karl Lehman) of Lead and son Ren; Scott Ernest of Winner; and Grace Ernest (Shane Crawford) and son Sawyer.

-Daughter Sheila (Mark) Gau of Pickstown and children Jasmine (Jeremy) Kreeger of Wagner and children Kendra, Cord, and Wade; Tina (Kelly) Nielson of Sioux Falls and children Miah, Colton, Connor, and Cali; and Leo Gau of Pickstown.

-Son Joseph (Pam) Rohde of Billings, MT, and children Brandton (Andrea) Rohde of Washington and children Cadence, Teagan, Kenna, and Brynn; and Jessica (Matt) Henry of Missoula, MT, and children Rowan and Asher.

-Son Ryan (Julie) Rohde of Colome and children Michael Rohde (Brittney Evans) of Chamberlain and Zane Rohde (Thyme Edoff) of Colome.

-Son Ross (Judy) Rohde of Rapid City and children Amy (Ben) Pravecek of Hulett, WY, and children Payton Eagle-Pravecek (Jeremiah Johnson) and Paxton Pravecek; Mandy and Justin Holcomb of Gillette, WY, and children Abby Millburg and Nash Holcomb.

-Daughter Leila Wells of Winner and children Danielle (Dane) Anderson of Plentywood, MT, and children Finn and Ollie Anderson; Ashley Adair of Rapid City and children Andre, Neveah, and Chancellor; and Laven Adair of Rapid City.

-Daughter Rhonda (John) Gehlsen of Black Hawk and children Paige (Kyle Schilling), Isaac (Annika Enevoldsen), Hannah, and Gabriel Gehlsen.

Mike and Marilyn also helped to raise two nephews: William and Jack Holden.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bridget Rohde, and his siblings and in-laws: Agnes and Don Maher, Walter Rohde, Cecilia and William Musilek, and Edward and Dorothy Rohde.

Memorial services for Gene Gross, 82, Winner, will be held July 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church of Winner.

Gene LeRoy Gross was born on July 2, 1939, to Jacob S. and Elizabeth (Kleinsasser) Gross in Freeman, SD.

Gene married the love of his life Labelle Streyle on June 11, 1961. In this union they had one daughter, Kandy Rae.

Gene started his adult life owning a radiator and repair shop in Wagner. In 1983 they moved to Winner and purchased the Westside Motel. They operated the business for 34 years before retiring in 2017.

Gene is survived by his wife Labelle, daughter Kandy and son-in-law Darin Fuller, brother Ralph Gross, sister Darlene Ireland, sister-in-law Una Larson, brother-in-law Randy Woehl, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Preceding Gene in death were his parents, Jake S. and Elizabeth Gross, in-laws Herbert and Adella Streyle, sister-in-law Phyllis Woehl, and brother-in-law Archie Ireland.

Megan Hardy Old Lodge, 43, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.  Burial will follow in the Holy Spirit Chapel Cemetery in Ideal, SD.  Wake service began on Monday, June 27, 2022 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.

Megan Lucy (Hardy) Old Lodge was born to Virginia Susan Eagle Hawk and Xavier Lowell Iron Shooter on Feb. 20, 1979.  Megan went to school in Ideal, SD, Winner, SD and St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlain where she enjoyed playing volleyball.  Megan liked to be around family and friends, to laugh or just sit around and visit.

Megan married Frank Old Lodge and had 6 children: Hayley, Hayden, Tre, Madison, Meadow and Homer.

Megan is survived by her brother Ryan (Vietta) Hardy Sr., and family, her father Xavier Iron Shooter, kids; Haley, Hayden, Tre, Madison and Meadow, Uncles; Kenneth Iron Shooter, Darrell Iron Shooter, Clarence Matthew Eagle Hawk II, Aunts; Dolly Iron Shooter, Ruth DuBray and many cousins.

Megan is preceded in death by her son Homer Old Lodge, her mother Virginia Susan (Eagle Hawk) Parkis, Grandparents; Clarence Matthew Sr. (Lucy) Eagle Hawk, Frank (Margaret) Iron Shooter, Uncles; John Eagle Hawk Sr., Daniel Eagle Hawk Sr., Burton Eagle Hawk Sr., Leroy Eagle Hawk, Frank Iron Shooter, Aunts; Renetta Eagle Hawk, Rosemary Iron Shooter and Martha Iron Shooter.

Dawn Lorene Snethen, 56, passed away in the presence of loving family members on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with Covid-19. 

Memorial service was held on Saturday, June 25,2022 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Winner, SD.  .

Dawn is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dorothy.  She is survived by her sisters, Julie and Karen, and her brothers, Daniel and Ronald.

Dawn was born on May 21, 1965.  She spent her childhood living and working on her family’s farm outside of Colome, South Dakota.  As a young girl, she developed a profound love for dogs when she adopted her first, who she named Lassie.

For years, Dawn and Lassie participated in 4-H obedience training competition at the South Dakota State Fair.  Together, they became premier competitors and purple-ribbon awardees.  When there were no training levels available that Lassie hadn’t already mastered, Dawn and her father constructed their own course of competitive jumps to showcase Lassie’s brilliant training and abilities in the fair’s open class division.  Dawn’s unique relationship with Lassie made it abundantly clear that caring for dogs would forever be a part of her life.

After graduating from Colome High School, Dawn left home to obtain her degree in animal technology.  She lived and worked in South Dakota after college, and eventually settled in Ohio.  With her extensive experience and education, she built a successful career as a dog groomer and provided a home and a lifetime of care for many beloved pets.  Throughout her life, Dawn became a mother figure to countless children she knew through family, friendships, and communities.  She was also a gifted painter, author, musician, and puppeteer who used her artistic talents for the benefit of others and to serve the various churches she attended.

Those who know Dawn will remember her as a woman of faith who put her trust in Jesus and the promise of eternal life at the end of her time on this earth.  She is leaving behind many friends and family who greatly benefited from her love.

Funeral services for Shirley Beck, 97, Winner, were held June 18 at the Prairie View Gospel Barn, Gregory. Burial was at the IOOF Cemetery, Gregory.

Shirley Ann Brown was born June 22, 1924, at Mule Head Ranch on the Whetstone Creek, north and east of Bonesteel, SD. Shirley was the oldest child of eight children born to William and Mabel (Cornemann) Brown. As a young girl, the family moved several times. Shirley attended many rural country schools. After two years in Dallas and one year at Gregory High School, Shirley stayed home to help her mother who had contracted polio.

On July 10, 1942, in Springview, NE, Shirley married Emmett K. Beck. They were married for 52 years, before Emmett passed in 1994. To this union nine children were born to complete this family.

Not only did Shirley keep busy with her children, she had many other duties to do. Shirley was a great cook and known for many of her dishes. The children enjoyed her cinnamon and caramel rolls and fresh homemade bread. Shirley’s famous dressing and cheesy potatoes were always a hit. The family joke was to see who got the lucky french fries as Shirley was always substituting ingredients and using whatever she could find to feed her large family.

Shirley was an accomplished seamstress and could sew anything even without a pattern. She made our everyday clothing as well as our prom dresses and wedding dresses. Helping out on the farm was just part of being a farm wife. Shirley helped milk cows and pulled many baby lambs and pigs. Raising way too many chickens prompted the kids to “always be busy” when it was time to butcher. Shirley also worked outside of the home at different times as a cook and a waitress.

Shirley’s real enjoyment was getting together with her big family. She hosted countless birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Shirley loved to visit and enjoy a good cup of coffee with friends and family. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were the highlight of her life.

Shirley loved to bake and decorate cakes. She baked many cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions–we have albums of her cake pictures!! No one knows for sure how many cakes have been made. All you had to do was mention an occasion and she would bake a special cake. This was her true calling and artistic ability. Sometimes she would throw in a “prank” sponge cake to have some fun. Shirley was a prankster at heart!

Gardening and flowers were Shirley’s escape. She loved to grow more than she needed and enjoyed giving and sharing the extra bounty. Along with her garden meant canning hundreds of jars of garden produce.

Shirley was a life-long member of the Valley Reading Circle, a neighborhood women’s group that started in the early 1920’s. She was also a member of the Rice-Walker American Legion Post #91 Auxiliary of Dallas for over 40 years. Shirley was very patriotic and very proud of her family members that served in the military. She served many positions and headed many committees in the organization. The annual Fall Pheasant Smorgasbord was her pride and joy. (Don’t stir the dressing!)

Shirley Ann passed away peacefully on June 9, 2022, at the Winner Regional Health Care Center at the age of 97 years, 11 months, and 17 days.

She was preceded in death by her husband Emmett, her parents William and Mabel Brown, grandson Emmett Jay Smith, great grandsons Kolby Beck and Brendan Hopkins, son-in-law Brent Janak, daughter-in-law Linda Beck, all of her siblings Rex Brown, Louie Brown, Jim (Delores) Brown, Leitha (Vernon) Drey, Wayne (Deloris) Brown, Russell Brown, and Gary Brown, in-laws David and Agnes (Graesser) Beck, brothers- and sisters-in-law Helga (Robert) Pennington, Donald (Ruth) Beck, Lola (Howard) Whitley, Jean (Alden) Aakhus, and Max (Faye) Beck.

Shirley is survived by her nine children: Diane (Gerald) Smith, Gregory, SD, Frank Beck, Mills, NE, Dave (Emily) Beck, Mills, NE, Janet (Charlie) Knight, Papillion, NE, Ken (Kathy) Beck, Dallas, SD, Patricia (Monte) Hopkins, Central City, NE, Brad (Barb) Beck, Winner, SD, Bev Janak, Winner, SD, and Doug (Sandy) Beck, Colome, SD; 24 grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren with one on the way; sisters-in-law Anna Mae Brown, Gregory, SD, Bonnie Brown, Winner, SD, Maureen Brown, Rapid City, SD, and Mary Brown-Nelson, Scotland, SD; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her mind is at ease and her soul is at rest.

Martha Rae (Eagle Star) Old Lodge, 72, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at her residence in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Wake services were held on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.

Martha Rae (Eagle Star) Old Lodge was born Dec. 9, 1949 to Homer and Cora (Lever) Eagle Star in Hamill, SD.

Martha went to grade school in Hamill. She then attended high school at Todd County.

Martha met the love of her life Frank Old Lodge Sr. and they united in marriage on Sept. 23, 1971. To this unity they had 8 children; Quentin, Howard, Melissa, Brent, Frank Jr., Troy, Kerri, & Nealy.

In Martha’s younger years she enjoyed traveling to all the softball and fast pitch tournaments cheering on the Ideal Red Machine. Martha also loved to dance. She often traveled with her husband Frank & Son Quentin to all the dances they played at.

Martha had a heart of Gold. She loved everyone equally. Martha’s smile was like no other. Martha was full of love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Martha was a stay-at-home mother raising her 8 children and 2 nieces.

Martha opened her home to anyone in need. She made sure you never went away hungry. Martha is a firm believer in the Lord Jesus. She and Frank traveled many miles to revivals. Martha believed in the power of prayer.

Martha loved spending her evening playing aggravation with family and friends. Martha and Frank helped raise lots of nieces, nephews, grandkids, and adopted lots of kids throughout their years.

Martha is survived by her 7 children: Quentin “Bub” (Delphine), Howard (Jolene), Melissa “Lisa”, Nealy (Patrick) all of Winner, SD, Brent (Mandy) of Witten, SD, Frank Jr. and Troy of Ideal, SD. 2 nieces Geraldine (Wayne Jr.) of Winner, Kimberly of Sioux Falls. Her brothers Millian Eagle Star of Winner, Clyde & Emmit Swalla of Lower Brule. Her sisters Zona Turkey of Huron, Ruth (Kevin) Olson of Sioux Falls, 34 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren.

Martha is united in heaven with her husband Frank, her daughter Kerri, 2 grandsons Homer & Jaeden, her parents Homer & Cora, her sisters Marva & Karen Eagle Star, her brothers; Antoine Sr., Larry Jasper Delbert Eagle Star & Benjamin Lever.

Bryan Walter Pharris, 68, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away June 9, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital surrounded by family at his side. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life and Time of Remembrance for Bryan was held  Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 6 p.m. The celebration was held at City Lights, 316 S. 2nd Street in Aberdeen.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Bryan was born Oct. 24, 1953, to Walter and Eleanor (Stroup) Pharris in Burke, SD, and resided in Gregory, SD until 1957.  The family then moved to Winner, SD.  He attended grade school and high school there, graduating in 1971.  He started to work at The Pharris Family Bakery at the age of 13.

Bryan attended college at The University Of South Dakota in Vermillion. He then moved back to Winner and met the love of his life, Cindy Holmquist.  They were married on June 23, 1974, at The United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  They continued to work at the family bakery.  From this union, they were blessed with four children: Nicholas, Brooke, Alexander, and Bridget.

In 1983 the family moved to Rapid City, SD; and then settled in Aberdeen, SD in 1986.  Bryan continued to be an accomplished baker in Aberdeen.  Over the years Bryan and Cindy were blessed with thirteen grandchildren.

Bryan’s knack for baking and cooking was apparent and well-loved at every family gathering or holiday meal.  He was always glad to see a friend, and quick to make friends with a stranger; including the four-legged kind. Bryan’s hearty laugh could be felt before it could be heard.  He loved his grandchildren; and loved nothing more than to take them for a bum ride, navigate a canoe down the Niobrara River, or scavenge for wild asparagus.  Many heart to hearts were had over campfires, or just at the kitchen table with Columbo playing in the background.

Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife, Cindy; daughters: Brooke Meyers of Aberdeen and Bridget Schilling of Ramsey, MN; son: Alexander Pharris; grandchildren: Ian Pharris, Austin and Ava Meyers; Gwendolyn Hauser, Grace and Jaxon Schilling; Laine Wise, Ariya Pharris; Samuel, Quade and Novella Pharris, Oliver and August Pharris; siblings: Kristine (Bill) Ringstmeyer of Winner, SD, Elizabeth Ann (Scott) Johnson of Sturgis, SD, and Keith (Linn) Pharris of Colorado; and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Pharris of Colorado.

Bryan will be terribly missed by his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas Pharris; brother Kenton Pharris and his parents, Walter and Eleanor.

Funeral services for Shirley Beck, 97, Winner, will be held on June 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Prairie View Gospel Barn, Gregory. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Gregory.

There is a prayer service on Friday at 7 p.m. at the gospel barn.

Beck died June 9 at the Winner Regional long term care center.