Category Archives: Obituaries

Trent Turnquist, 47, died peacefully on Monday, March 14 at Ava’s house in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD with Pastor Windsperger officiating on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation prior at 9:30am. Burial will follow in the Colome Cemetery in Colome, SD. Luncheon will follow the burial at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD.

Trent Jon Turnquist was born on Aug. 13, 1974 in Valentine, NE to Ron and Lavaun (Dreyer) Turnquist. He was baptized in Witten, SD and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Burton, NE.

Trent grew up in the Wewela, SD area and attended school in Springfield, SD, Pratt, KS and Springview, NE. He graduated in 1993 from Colome High School where he was named homecoming Colome Cowboy and attended Lake Area Technical College.

He began working with his dad Ron at Assman Implement near Mission, SD gaining skills as a mechanic. Later, he owned and operated Turnquist Tractor Repair in Winner, SD. and also worked at Titan Equipment in Miller, SD; eventually coming back to the Winner area. During his career he became very talented in this field and was sought after to fix equipment for area farmers and ranchers.

Trent was a fan of anything with a motor and wheels, including his own 24 race car which he enjoyed racing at the Winner Speedway. He enjoyed cheering on area sport teams, NASCAR, Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Dallas Cowboys. Sports were always a big part of Trent’s life, he loved helping coach a variety of his kids’ sports teams. He also had a love for hunting and fishing.

Despite his struggles, he always greeted you with a smile and a hug and was ready to lend a helping hand. He always had a loving heart and a strong faith. He is finally at peace with his Savior.

He is survived by his parents Ron Turnquist, Gregory, SD; Lavaun Turnquist, Rochester MN; brother Travis (Sue)Turnquist, Rome, GA; sister Abby (Greg) Schramm, Byron, MN; children Aspen Reeder, Fort Collins, CO, Baleigh (Forrest) Cerv, Winner, SD, Cohl (fiancée Dacey), Flandreau, SD, Wyatt, Aberdeen, SD and Kenndal, Mitchell, SD; grandchildren Silas Larremore and Wakely Cerv; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, cousins and friends.

Trent is prededed in death by his grandparents, Donald and Imogene Turnquist, Howard and Bonnie Dreyer, uncles Roger Turnquist, Larry Turnquist and Larry Grim.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials are appreciated and will be used for funeral and medical expenses.

Shana LaRae Kaupp, “Bombshell”, age 40, of Flandreau, SD, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Shana was born on Jan. 17, 1982 to John Kaupp and Julene Lupkes in Omaha, NE. She spent her early years in Gregory, SD and then moved to Colome, SD. Later, she moved to Flandreau with her mother where she attended Flandreau Public School. Shana later attended Sinte Gleska University for Human Services.  Shana had several jobs over the years but her favorite was spent as the host supervisor for the Royal River Casino  and Hotel in Flandreau.

Shana danced through life and lived it to the fullest.  She loved cats, cooking, music, and entertaining her family and friends.  She also enjoyed shopping, traveling, and pampering herself with a fresh manicure. Shana was unconcerned with what others thought of her and always encouraged people to be their authentic selves. She was comfortable in her own skin and was a strong advocate and leader for the LGBTQ+ community.

Shana is survived by her mother, Julene Lupkes, Colome; sisters: Stacia (Jason) Paulson, Colome; Dana Ellwanger, Flandreau; and Chelsea Lupkes, Huron, SD; 10 nieces and nephews; 3 great-nieces and nephews; and many other extended relatives and friends.

Shana was preceded in death by her father, John Kaupp; sister, Erika Kaupp; great-nephew, Colten Bobeldyke; and grandparents: Oswald and Ellen Kaupp, Stanley Pitsenberger, and Blanche Hiller-Taylor.

Funeral services were held  at 10 am on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Eastman Hall, Flandreau, with burial in the Colome Cemetery, Colome, SD at a later date. An all-night wake service began at 7 pm on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Eastman Hall, Flandreau. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. www.skrochfc.com

Betty Jean (Larson) Talbott passed away on March 8, 2022 at Dougherty Hospice House.

A prayer service was  held at Miller Funeral Home at 507 S. Main Ave. in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, March 15 at 10am.

She was born on Sept. 6, 1925 to Joseph and Kathryn (Peters) Larson in Highmore, SD. Betty grew up in Colome, SD and graduated from Colome High School. She later attended The University of Nebraska.

She was united in marriage to Marvin Sidney Talbott on Aug. 21, 1951. They lived in Winner, SD for the 54 years of their marriage.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD and DOE of the Elks Club. She was a 50-year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Her passion was music. In her earlier years, she enjoyed singing in a mixed quartet, playing the piano and clarinet, tap dancing, and playing bridge. She and Marvin enjoyed dancing and traveling.

Betty is survived by her niece Kim (Bob) Kinney of Kannapolis, NC and her nephew Scott (Sheila) Schumacher of Surrey, BC, Canada, a great niece, Rebecca Kinney of Winston-Salem, NC, and three great nephews: Justin Kinney of Knoxville, TN, Dane Schumacher, and Dashel Schumacher, both of Surrey, BC, Canada.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, and her parents.

The family appreciated  the caring staff at Touchmark at All Saints where she resided for close to twenty years and the compassionate staff at Dougherty Hospice House, both of Sioux Falls, SD. They would also like to express heartfelt appreciation to Joyce Sisson for her loving devotion and attentive care for Betty during her final six years. Memorials may be directed to Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Orlo Niel Schervem, 87, of Presho went home on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell SD. 

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 3 at 11 am at the First United Methodist Church in Presho, with visitation for one hour prior and burial at the Presho City Cemetery.

Orlo was born on Jan. 15,  1935 to Nels and Cjerstina Schervem on the family ranch south of Vivian on the White River.  He grew up on the family ranch and attended grade school at the Riverside #15 Country School where his mom taught him.  She and Orlo, along with other students, lived there during the week and went home on weekends. She taught Orlo 7 out of 8 years. He went on to attend Vivian High School where he graduated in 1953 with one of the largest classes. There were 14 graduates. 

After graduation he served in the US Army as an Army Medic from 1957-1959 at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. 

  After his service he moved back home and lived on the family ranch.  He met Evelyn McClanahan at a dance in Vivian where he claimed he couldn’t leave because she was sitting on his coat.  They were married on June 26 1982 at the First United Methodist Church in Presho.  They made their home on the ranch where Orlo enjoyed ranching and had fond memories of raising Black Angus cattle and spending time with neighbors and lifelong friends, Terry and Kay Moore. They moved to Presho in 2006 and sold the ranch on auction June 9, 2018. He loved to laugh and his trademark shoulder shake will be fondly remembered. Not only was he the president of the coffee club at Hutch’s Café, he was also the head story teller at the lunch counter and named the assistant silverware wrapper. He enjoyed watching grandkids play sports and was an avid reader of western and history books.

Orlo is survived by his wife Evelyn “Tooty” of Presho.  Just a few days ago, while sharing about how quickly life goes by and what really matters, he said these words.  “It’s like you spend your life driving down the road looking at the beautiful sunsets, mountains, trees, and wildflowers in the field, and you just know that you know God is real and that He’s good.  But then you find a girl like Tooty to ride beside you and everything comes alive, and it all has purpose.  She was the best thing that ever happened to me”

He is also survived by stepdaughters; Teri Nyberg and Tani (Brent) Parker all of Sioux Falls, stepsons; Scott (Heidi) McClanahan and Bret (Tami) McClanahan all of Presho, 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Other surviving family includes 2 sisters; Alice King and Shirley Vik and 7 nieces and nephews; Allen and Linda King, Steve, Ken, Brian, and Doug Vik, and Kathy Fuoss.

Orlo was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers-in-law; Bob King and Ray Vik.

Funeral services for Tom Graesser, 100, Dallas, will be held March 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the Prairie View Gospel Barn, Gregory. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery, Gregory. Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral.

Carol Zimbelman, 83, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD.  Private family burial was held prior to service.  

Carol Rae (Hughes) Zimbelman was born on Nov. 28, 1938 to her parents Ray V. & Clara Hazel (Talcott) Hughes at the family home in Winner, SD.  Carol grew up in Winner and attended elementary and high school in Winner.

On Nov. 20, 1955 she married the love of her life Allen Lee  “Fritz” Zimbelman at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD.  Carol married in her senior year and in February of 1976 when Fritz gave his life to Jesus and decide to become a minister she completed her high school degree and obtained her GED, preparing for the move with her husband into Central Bible College, thinking about and planning on some college courses to take with him. God had other plans.

Carol has always been very active in her church in Winner and all the churches that Fritz pastored. In Winner she was the President of the local CWF and also served 2 years as the South Dakota State President of CWF. She has served as a deacon and elder in her church until her death.

In her married life she had to move many times because of her husband’s ministry changes, so over the years she had established and maintained many new households, and over the years she has had children in some phase of school for 39 years. Carol was an excellent student of the Bible and has taught many Bible Study classes over the years. For 22 years Carol provided the program and favor for the Easter Prayer Breakfast. She would spend many hours thinking about and creating the favor to go with that year’s program theme.

After having breast cancer in 2012 she joined fellow survivors in the Sisters and Survivors, a Breast Cancer Support group.   She also loved sewing and quilting many projects over the years. She was always ready to patch any jeans, coats etc. until the patches on patches couldn’t hold anymore.

Carol’s family was always so important to her and her family continued to grow frequently. Grandma Carol was a mom and grandma to all who came to the Beauty Shop. Her smile would always light up the room. She loved visiting, laughing & spreading God’s love whenever she had the opportunity.

Preceding her in death are her beloved husband Fritz, grandparents, parents, son Bradley Zimbelman, brothers Lyle, Robert & Ross Hughes, sister Mary Martin, and sister in laws Dixie Hughes & Joanne Hughes and numerous aunts and uncles.

Remaining to remember her are children: Bonita (Joel) Juillard, Sioux Falls, SD; Douglas Zimbelman, Winner, SD; Mark Zimbelman, Winner, SD; Susi (Duncan) Brown Riedl, Winner, SD; Matthew (Rev. Amy) Zimbelman, Colorado Springs, CO; daughter in law Liz Zimbelman, Rock Rapids, IA.  Carol has 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. As well as an honorary daughter, Karen McIntosh, Gregory, SD.

She will be missed by everyone who knew her, but praise God she is joined by Fritz and Brad with our Eternal Father in Heaven. 

Mike “Wheels” Gassen of Bellwood, NE died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.

A visitation/prayer service was held on Sunday, Feb. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Columbus, NE. 

A visitation/prayer service will also be held March 3 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gregory, SD.  Memorial service will be held on March 4 at 10:30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gregory, SD with graveside service and lunch at Mary Vale following.

Michael James Gassen was born on March 2, 1948, in Gregory, SD to William “Bud” and Marie (Tlustos) Gassen.  He was the first of six children.  He graduated from Gregory High School in 1966 before attending the University of South Dakota at Springfield where he graduated with degree in business education in 1972.

 He was united in marriage to Beverly Miner of Gregory, SD on June 23, 1973.  He began his teaching career in Wynot, NE before returning to Gregory to raise a family.  Mike spent time in the automotive parts business before returning to his passion of education.  He taught for a number of years in Bonesteel before becoming a full time guidance counselor in the Gregory school system.  All throughout his teaching career Mike coached multiple sports, but loved coaching football, baseball, and golf most of all.  Mike was always volunteering in the community and giving back.  He participated in such things as the Chairman of Gregory County Hope Society, JC’s, Commercial Club, Knights of Columbus and multiple other organizations.

Mike’s family was the most important thing in his life, especially his 10 grandchildren.  After retiring from teaching in 2013, Mike and Bev moved to Bellwood, NE to be closer to their grandchildren, and enjoy lake life.  He always had a few ones in his wallet for the grandkids, and really enjoyed giving them golf cart rides around the lake.  Mike had a unique voice and ability to connect with people wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his children Jason and Landee; parents William and Marie; sisters Dianne Vedral and Nancy Ekroth; nephew Brian Ekroth; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his wife Beverly of Bellwood, NE; three children:  Jeff (Ranee) Dix of Commerce Township, MI; TJ (Laura) Gassen of Columbus, NE; and Jed (Kimberly) Gassen of Columbus, NE.  His grandchildren:  Brianna and Bethany Dix; Gabriel, Emilia, Savannah, and Henry Gassen; and Matthew Wills, Noah, Grace, and Joshua Gassen.  He is also survived by his two brothers: Matt and Kelly, one sister Peggy Cassidy, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Shirley Ann Winter, 85, passed away on Feb. 19, 2022 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Due to Covid, a private family service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow at the Winner City Cemetery.

Shirley was born in Tripp County on March 16, 1936 to Anton and Ila (Kappelman) Rehak. There were three daughters in this family, and Shirley was the middle child. As a youngster, Shirley enjoyed and told stories about helping her father on the farm and riding around the field on the drawbar of his tractor. She attended school in Winner.

She was united in marriage to Ralph Winter on Dec. 19, 1953. To this union, two daughters were born, Victoria and Valarie. She was a homemaker until her daughters were school age. Following this time, she began working for Lenker Agency, then a few years later at Home Federal Bank in Winner.

Shirley spent many hours riding on the back of a motorcycle with her husband, Ralph, across the country, visiting all the states west of the Mississippi River. They also enjoyed traveling in their retirement years to Alaska and Ellis Island.

After Ralph’s passing, she moved to Rapid City, to be closer to her daughters.

She is survived by her daughter Valarie (Steve) Lien of Rapid City; son in law Lon Harter of Sturgis; three grandchildren, Eric (Jason) of Dell Rapids, Amy (Chris) of Wall, and Jamie (Matt) of Brookings; six great grandchildren, Sunny, Sean, Berkeley, Calder, Hazel, and Lola; sister Bonnie Brown of Winner; and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, daughter Vickie Harter, grandson Reed Lien, her parents Anton and Ila Rehak, and her sister June Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to the Winner United Methodist Church, PO Box 526, Winner, SD 57580.

Jerry Kemp, 78, of Colome, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 at 1 p.m.  at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, South Dakota. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery in Winner, South Dakota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Jerry Arthur Kemp was born on Feb. 21, 1943 at Garner, Iowa to Arthur and Grace (Nuehring) Kemp and passed away on Feb. 15th, 2022 at the Winner Regional Hospital.

Jerry and his family moved to Clearfield, South Dakota in 1947. Having moved several times, Jerry attended various country schools and graduated Winner High School in 1961.

Jerry was married to Norma Schmidt and to this union, Todd was born. Jerry then married Cindy Heese, and he adopted her son Michael.

After high school, Jerry worked for the PV Elevator in Winner. Later he worked for the Tripp County Highway Department, where he drove a road maintainer for several years. As owner of Kemp Trucking, he bought and sold hay for several feedlots.

Jerry was a friend to Bob and Joy. A few years after Bob passed away, Jerry invited Joy and her family to his annual Memorial Day cookout. Jerry loved to cook and was quite good at it. He took pride in his cooking.

Jerry and Joy were married June 30, 2007 at Calvary Chapel Church south of Colome, South Dakota.

Gardening with his dad was very important to Jerry and even more so was sharing the produce with family and friends.

Jerry enjoyed his cattle, especially at calving time. He liked taking Joy and his faithful dog, Bud, along to check on them. If Joy couldn’t go with him, he brought her a bouquet of wild flowers, lilacs, or a blooming branch from his orchard.

Jerry was a member of the New Apostolic Church in Ainsworth, Neb.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, Art and Grace, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jerry is survived by his wife Joy; his two sons Todd and Michael (Crystal) and family. His sister Judy Kelsey of Sundance, Wyo. and her families: Aaron (Ellen) Kelsey and family of Alaska; Adam (Yun Hui) and daughter of Arizona and Melissa (Jonathan) O’Brien of Arizona. A stepdaughter Brenda (Tad) McClanahan and son, and a stepson George A Shippy and family, both from Colome, South Dakota. Aunt Inez and Uncle Bruce Dunbar from Missouri, Uncle Keith and Aunt Wilma Nuehring from Iowa and numerous cousins.

Debra Christensen, 66, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. 

  Funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Debra Kay was born to Celestine “Sally” (Ruhkamp) Leiberger on June 16, 1955 in Hot Springs, SD. Debra was the second of five children. She joined her brother Richard and later came Lesley, Dick, & Lisa.

Debra attended country school and later Winner & Colome Schools. She graduated from Colome High School in 1973. Debra was united in marriage to Roger Dice in 1973 and later divorced. They were blessed with two children Michael & Elizabeth.  Debra helped on the family farm for many years while raising their children. As the kids got older, Debra went to work in town at various jobs.

Debra later married Stan Christensen on July 5, 2003. Debra enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. She loved to dance and bowled on leagues. She also really enjoyed playing cards. She and Stan spent many evenings playing cards with Andy & Donna Dice. Stan taught Debra how to fish (at least he thought he did, if you listen to the stories, one may wonder!)  Debra and Stan loved to go camping and spent many years camping until Debra was diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle loss and weakness.

Debra leaves  behind  her husband Stan of Winner, SD; son Michael (Tracy) Dice and their children,  Kendall, Trevyn, & Kenzlee, of  Winner, SD; daughter Elizabeth Dice of Winner, SD; brother Dick Ring of Winner, SD; sister Lisa (Roger) Hauf of Colome, SD; nieces Tasha (Justin) Vanneman and Tiffany (Jordan) Nelson; stepdaughters Leslie (Rick) Ross and their children, Kayla (Josh) Swanberg & Kylie (Greg Ellis) Ross; Rebecca Christensen and her children, Katie & Molly Monson; brothers-in-law Gary (Connie) Christensen; Doug (Liane) Christensen, sisters-in-law Debbie Christensen-Farris; Cheryl (Bruce) Lutz. She also leaves behind great nieces & nephews and a host of friends.

Debra was preceded in death by her mom, brothers Richard and Lesley; Stan’s parents Lowell and Frankie Christensen and special family Andy & Donna Dice.

Debra was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, & aunt and will be greatly missed.