Category Archives: Obituaries

Mavis Fleming age 65, passed away on Jan. 18, 2022 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Ne.

Mavis was born Jan. 2, 1957 in Pierre SD, to Clarence and Lorraine (Kruse) Kuper.  She attended Eagle township school for 8 years then high school in Highmore, SD.

She loved animals with a passion. She was active in 4-H while growing up, and showed her animals. She was also active in rodeo while in high school and continued as an adult. 

Mavis married Lawrence Joe Fleming on Oct. 17, 1980. They worked on ranches in South Dakota and Nebraska until the purchased their own ranch in South Dakota, north of Valentine. 

Her passion for animals continued throughout her life. She had several Brown Swiss milk cows that she called her babies. Pistol and Okie were her two favorite horses. She won several barrel racings and horse races with them. She loved her dogs also, Miso and Poncho. They went everywhere with her.

She was a friend to everyone that she met, and was willing to help when they needed her. She took care of her mother for several years until her death in 2018. They loved to go to the senior center and play Bingo and cards. 

Mavis is preceded in death by her father Clarence 1999, mother Lorraine 2018, husband Joe 2018, and daughter Jill 2021.

She is survived by her brothers, Karl (Diane) Kuper of Tripp, SD., Marvin (Elaine) Kuper of Sturgis, SD., stepchildren, Jackie (Wayne) Hollenbeck of Rose, NE., Larry Fleming of Hudson, CO.,  Lori Witte (Rob Clay) of Valentine, NE.,  nephews, Ryan (Jamie) Kuper of Grant, NE., Jimmy Kuper of Tulare, CA.,  and niece Nancy Kuper of Tulare, CA., step grandchildren, Kelsey Witte of Grand Island, NE., Jessie (Loncey) Johnson of Dillion, MT., Ryan O’Kief of Valentine, NE., KayCee Hollenbeck (Rob Parker), Rose, NE.,  Jade (Caleb) Martin, Wichita, KS.

Memorial service were held on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, NE.  Memorial service was also held on Feb. 12, 2022 at  the Church of Christ in Highmore, SD.  Inurnment  followed at the Highmore Cemetery in Highmore, SD.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine, NE was in charge of service arrangements.

Funeral services for Betty Vaughn, 76,  Gregory, were held on Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial followed in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory.

Betty Lou Vaughn was born on March 13, 1945, at the Gregory Community Hospital in Gregory, SD, to William and Mary Jane (Vosika) Manke. She was the second oldest of five children and her family often lovingly referred to her as “Bucky”. She grew up on the family farm seven miles south of Gregory. Family devotion and wonderful memories were made with siblings Larry, Beverley, Donnie, and Sandy. Life on the farm was filled with wholesome fun…from playing in their make shift “playhouse” making “mudpies” to pretending to run a “country store” with her sisters.  

Life on the farm was also busy from milking cows, stripping bluegrass, turning and stacking square bales, cleaning chickens, to cooking and cleaning for the family helping their mom.  The family found enjoyment while working hard and just being together. A big highlight was saving up enough money in her jar to buy a new Fourth of July dress and shoes. The love of family and hard work were forever engraved in her!

Betty attended the Climbing Hill School through eighth grade completing her  schooling at Gregory High School.  As customary in those days due to no busing, country kids boarded in town.  She met her lifelong friend, Carol Schweigert Stevicks, while staying at Carol’s Grandma Burr’s house. Betty also stayed with her beloved Grandma Mollie Manke who instilled the love of Jesus in the family.

She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith.  She was a lifetime member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Her faith was strong and unwavering until the very end! There was never a doubt in her mind that she was going to heaven. Her church life was extremely important to Betty. The church family and her friendships there were very dear to her.  Serving at funeral dinners, past Sunday Bible classes, and the ladies Friday workdays were some of the activities that she enjoyed.

Betty met her loving husband, Paul Vaughn, at a dance in Colome, SD.  They were united in marriage on Nov. 3, 1962.  They had 53 years of devoted marriage together before Paul passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 16, 2016.  To this union one daughter, Rhonda Lou, was born.  She was the apple of their eye!  Later son-in-law Tom Waterbury joined the family.   Tom was truly like a son to them, and they had a very special relationship.

In 1968, Paul and Betty began their career endeavors in the insurance business with the formation of the Vaughn Insurance Agency.  While Paul was in the forefront of the business, it was Betty who was the behind-the-scenes backbone of the day-to-day operations! She managed the paperwork while often jokingly saying she also has to manage Paul! The business was awarded many accolades in part to Betty’s contributions and hard work!

Never one to sit idly, she was always doing something….and that something was always done to perfection and usually in a big way!  She was a woman of many talents. Her Christmas goodies, baked goods, and scrumptious desserts are legendary with her family and friends!   Rhonda’s friends would often ask if there was going to be a “Betty treat” at parties. One of her specialties was beautifully decorated white cakes even making a few wedding cakes.  Hosting family get-togethers created cherished memories with her family and was something she loved to do!  She was an impeccable seamstress making many clothes for herself and Rhonda. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t mend. One of her biggest projects was making all the dresses for Rhonda’s wedding plus numerous other details like flower bouquets and decorative accessories!  For family members, it’s easy for them to spot something made by Betty!

Betty was truly a beautiful person with her dazzling smile and classy style. However, she was always the most humble, selfless, and kind person. Her family will always be grateful for her helpfulness, generosity, and protective nature.  Her biggest love was her daughter Rhonda.  They had an incredibly devoted and loving relationship. They thoroughly enjoying being together and were happiest working on some sort of project together.

In 1995 after years of saving and planning, Betty used yet another of her talents and designed Paul and her dream home east of Gregory. She loved to decorate her home especially at Christmas.  The Vaughn Christmas lighting displays were dazzling.  She thoroughly enjoyed her yard, watching the trees grow, building rock gardens, water fountains, and her flowers…..her beautiful, beautiful flowers.  She also had passions for collecting teapots, Avon Cape Cod dishes, ceramic dolls, Christmas villages, and anything Victorian! She was the most organized person you would ever find and had a knack for always having what you needed.  It was joked about in the family that if you needed something Betty would have it, and she could find it!  You wouldn’t find a more organized person.  Tom will miss her detailed diaries on the weather especially rain. Spending time at home was a joy to her!  She also loved going for drives, staying in touch on Facebook, and enjoying anything Rhonda was involved in. She was an avid fan of the Gregory County Polka Band where she loved listening to Rhonda play her saxophone. After Paul died, most evenings were spent at Tom and Rhonda’s just enjoying each other’s company or spending time with her sister Bev.

In the fall of 2020, Betty started developing health issues due to cardiomyopathy. Her stamina and strength began to falter.  On May 18, 2021, she underwent open heart surgery to correct her thickened left ventricle.  Complications occurred during surgery and her aorta tore resulting in major blood loss.  Betty was on life support for several weeks and was severely debilitated.  Doctors were often not optimistic due to numerous setbacks while spending 125 days in the Mayo ICU, but she was a fighter.  Miraculously after five months to the amazement of her doctors and physical therapists, she was able to start walking and finally returned to the Gregory hospital.  Unfortunately, shortly thereafter she developed pneumonia along with Covid.  She was flown to Sioux Falls and never could bounce back.  The final straw was the development of seizures, and she spent the last three weeks of her life in a coma.  She died very peacefully in Rhonda’s arms on February 7, 2022, surrounded by her loving sisters and her devoted Tom. She had put up a truly tremendous and courageous fight during the 266 straight days in the hospital.  She was 76 years, 10 months and 25 days.

Betty is survived by her loving daughter, Rhonda, and her husband Tom Waterbury; siblings: Larry Manke of Pierre, SD, Beverley, Donnie both of Gregory, SD, and Sandy (Gene) of O’Neill, NE; sisters-in-law DeAnne Vaughn of O’Neill, NE, and Rosemary (Lamone) Kerner of Burke, SD; and brother-in-law Clayton Steele of Burke, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband Paul; parents, William and Mary Manke; mother and father-in-law, Lyle and Cecil Vaughn; in-laws Jim Keegan, Lyle and Loretta Vaughn Jr., Adamae and Don Moody, Darrell and Inez Tech, Ray Vaughn, Sharon and Helmer Jensen, Karon Steele, and nephews Jay Keegan and Lemars Manke, niece Mary Ellwanger, and her precious little dog Patchy Boy

Betty was a loving wife, sister, friend, mother-in-law and especially mother! She will be greatly missed.

Edwin James Tech, 79, of Grand Island, NE passed away on Jan. 1, 2022 at his home.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Northridge Assembly of God in Grand Island with Pastor Mark Oberbeck officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the church.

Edwin was born on Aug. 13, 1942 in Gregory, SD to Benhard and Marie (Gall) Tech. He grew up in Winner, South Dakota. He enlisted in the Army on Nov. 5, 1964 and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 23, 1966. During his life Ed was married three times; his first marriage was to Bev Hopkins and to this marriage was one son, Brent. He was then married to Gretchen Pollock and to that marriage was a daughter, Crystal. He was then united in marriage to Bonna Wedige on Oct. 8, 2000 at Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. The couple then lived in Grand Island where Ed helped Milton Stoppekotte for 13 years and later worked for Mike Panowicz as a hired hand. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonna; daughter, Crystal; stepsons, James, John, Roger and Darrell; 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two brothers, Ron and Steven Tech; and two sisters, Linda Truitt and Bonita Tech.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brent; great grandnephew, Kevyn, sister, Carol (Don) Zaugg, and nephew, Brian Zaugg.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com

David Allen Jones , age 66, passed away on Feb. 2, 2022 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls SD.

Dave was born August 22 ,1955 to Lewis and Elizabeth Jones in Corsica SD. Dave loved to tinker with engines , fishing and watch racing.

Dave is survived by his wife Connie Jones and children Sandra (Corey) Scott [Mason and Aiden],Neil Jones[TaShawn, Elizabeth, and Jemma], Tina (Sean) Gann[Isabella,Riley, and Baxter], Douglas Jones [Allison and Lucas] and Sisters Patty Stone, Kathy Duwa, Annie Krofran brothers Robert Jones and Joe Jones.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Elizabeth Jones and brother Thomas Jones.

Service will be held at later date.

Alfred LeRoy Miller, was born March 12, 1938 to Russell/Lucy (Barclay) Miller in Rosebud, SD and was a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He went home to be with Jesus Feb. 1, 2022.

Al was raised on a farm outside Winner, SD, joining the USAF after graduating from Winner High School in 1956. After their March 3, 1961 wedding Al and Jan realized Al’s dream to live in the Black Hills. Here they built their 60 year legacy, loving and serving others,  selflessly prioritizing faith, family and others. Al worked hard to provide for his family, in the USAF, and working for National Cash Register and as Miller Painting.

Serving his community through Scouts, Canyon Lake Little League and his church, many will remember being driven to Diamond Willow Ministries, Pine Haven Christian Children’s Home, Neb-wyo-dak Camp or a Christ In Youth Conference. Others will remember the 25+ years he served as Property Chairman at his church. While completely comfortable around vans, buses and buildings, Al will be treasured most by those he mentored while on a ladder, hunting deer or fishing a beaver pond.

He’s survived by wife Jan, sons Lee (Jane) of Rapid City, SD; Rusty (Connie) of Papillion, NE; and Corey (Julie) of Beaumont, TX. Grandchildren Alyssa (Drew) Meyer, Tyler (Addie) Miller, Kayla (Tim) Hawkins, Jayme (Joe) Simon, Austin Miller, Jaycee Miller, Ian Miller and Mikaela (Collin) Argo. Also by great grandchildren Jamison, Whitman and Sutton Hawkins; Macy and Millie Meyer and Reed and Lena Simon.

Helen (Soles) Michel and her twin sister, Ellen, were born on Jan. 4, 1931, in Tripp County, SD. Helen was one of 14 children born to Dottie (McCloughan) Soles and William Soles.

Helen graduated from Winner High School in 1950. Helen married Melvin Kasulka in 1953 and together they had Douglas Eugene Kasulka a year later.  After her divorce, she later married Arthur (Art) Dewey Turley in 1957. Art and Helen had two children together, Arthur Jr. Turley in Idaho and Edward Turley in Washington.

After the passing of her husband, Arthur, Helen later married Richard Marion Michel Jr., on Oct. 5, 1975, in Ojai, Calif. Helen and Richard were married for nearly 42 years until his passing in 2017.

Helen lived a full life. She was devoted to the Boy Scouts program for 23 years and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Helen received her associates degree from Ventura College. She volunteered as a drug & alcohol counselor as well as with the hospice program in Ventura. When they moved to MO, to take care of her mom Dottie, she also did family counseling in Dade County. Helen was a stock car racer, artistic painter, seamstress, and craftswoman. She baked wedding cakes professionally, was a real estate investor, loved gardening and had a passion for fishing.

After Richard’s passing, Helen moved near family in Poway, Calif. Helen was in church every Sunday at Cornerstone Church in Poway until the pandemic in February of 2020. She loved going out to lunch, Starbucks, getting pedicures at Fancy Nails in Poway, attending church events, and spending holidays with extended family.

Helen is survived by her son Doug Kasulka, son and daughter-in-law Art & Cheryl Turley, son and daughter-in-law Ed & Karen Turley, stepdaughter Carla; six grandchildren and spouses- Adia (Matt), Krystal, Mike (Karri), Tiffany (David), Brandon and Matthew; five great grandchildren- Ezekiel, Jonathan, Naomi Joy, Rowan, Willow and sisters, Ellen, and Mary.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Richard, her parents- William and Dottie, her stepson Tom, her grandson Jonathan, her 6 brothers- Woodrow, Frank, Lewis, Harold, George, and Johnnie and 5 sisters- Velma, Nellie, Ines, Pearl, and Anna.

Helen Michel, 91, took her last breath on earth Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, and her first breath in heaven that same moment. A celebration of life service will be held at Cornerstone Church of Poway, 13617 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064 on Sunday, Feb. 6 at 1:30pm, with a reception immediately following. Helen believed in giving love and flowers to the living.

Helen’s hope is in her Savior, Jesus Christ who prepared a place in heaven for her and for all who put their faith in Jesus as their Savior. In John 14 (NLT) Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There is more than enough room in my father’s home…I am going to prepare a place for you… I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Gary Kingsbury, 79, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

 Funeral service was held on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at 11 a.m.  at the Winner United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow at a later date. 

Gary was born Sept. 6, 1942 in Smith County, Kansas, the sixth son of Marley and Irene (Hill) Kingsbury.  He attended Pleasant Hill, a one room country school, through the eighth grade.  When his father died in 1956, Gary moved to Smith Center with his mother, brother Joe, and sister Connie.  He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1960.

Gary found his first love, Carol Bose, and they were married in 1961 and later divorced.  They were blessed with three children, Tawnya, Marty, and Tayra.  They farmed and raised hogs north of Smith Center.  Later he began custom harvesting, going from North Dakota to Texas.

While he was in South Dakota he found his second love and married Sally Oakes of Winner, South Dakota in 1986.  He gained three daughters Debra, Diane, and Dawn.  Gary and Sally shared the love of farming, tilling the land, and harvesting crops.  His motto was “Eat, sleep, and farm.”  Gary always said that four hours of sleep is enough for anybody.

After retiring to Winner in 2014, Gary and Sally enjoyed traveling in their motor home, visiting family and their favorite campsites.  They took a drive each day, it was always 2 o’clock.  You could set your watch by it.

Gary loved mowing his grass farm and enjoyed his big boy toys.  He was always a hard worker, loved helping people and having fun.  Gary was a terrible aggravator and he loved doing his “little jig” to entertain us all.

Gary was a member of the Winner United Methodist Church.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Arden, Paul, Russell, Merlin, and Joe Kingsbury, sisters-in-law Sharon, Lois, Wilma Kingsbury, brother-in-law Jack Nichols and stepdaughter Diane DeBoer.

Gary is survived by his wife Sally, daughter Tawnya (Scott) Fisher, Overland Park KS; son Marty (Deb) Kingsbury, Smith Center KS, daughter Tayra (Brad) Shanley, Grand Junction, CO.  Stepdaughters Debra Boerner, Williston, VT, and Dawn Boerner, Winner, SD, along with 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ethel Irene Vavra, 96, of Winner, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 at the Elder Inn in Winner, South Dakota. Rev. John Price of the Winner United Methodist Church officiated at her graveside burial in the ZCBJ cemetery south of Winner on Jan. 22, 2022. Bob Vrbsky provided accordion music.

Ethel was born on the Colome family farm on Sept. 16, 1925 to Martin and Mary (Veskrna) Vavra. She attended the nearby rural school.

She never married and had no children. She was a spunky west river woman. She had a nice smile and liked to visit with people. Ethel enjoyed the farm life and raised and cared for many a cat, chicken, duck, and goose. She enjoyed going to dances in her young years, raising a garden of flowers and vegetables, and reading. She stayed on the farm until March of 2020.

Ethel is preceded in death by her parents Martin John and Mary May Vavra, brothers Edward James, George John, and Joseph Martin Vavra, sisters Betty Ann Vavra and Lillian Christine Varilek, sister in-law Donna Marie (Graham) Vavra Pajl, brother in-law George Varilek, niece Joann Smith, nephews Lindy Gish, Dennis Smith, and Wayne Musilek.

Ethel is survived by nephews James (Martha) Pajl, Randy Pajl, Martin Varilek, and LeRoy (Sheila) Varilek; nieces Karen (Dennis) Burdick, Janet Whittaker, Marilyn Gish, and Betty Musilek; numerous grand and great-grand nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends. Submitted by nephew James Martin (Vavra) Pajl.

George Anthony Howard, 84, of Winner, SD made his journey to the spirit world on Jan. 14, 2022 at his home in Winner, SD. 

 Funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 at 2 p.m.  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow at a later date. 

Wake services was held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 22 and 23 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.

George was born in Bad Nation, SD on Dec. 14, 1937 to Nora (McLean) Clairmont and Robert Howard.  George was the last surviving sibling and the only son of six children.

George lived a solitary existence and was an exceptionally private person, very few knew little about his life, nevertheless you could always count on him to be there and support his family in time of need.  He sometimes came across as a “grumpy grandpa” yet he had a special bond with his Great Niece Jennifer DuBray as she was the only kid he would allow to visit him.  They enjoyed their time watching cartoons, eating snacks and drinking pop.  This special bond carried onto Jennifer’s youngest daughter Taya as they enjoyed their weekly run-ins at the store.

George spent his later years up until the day of his passing living his peaceful daily routine which included trips to the post office and Lil Feller.  He overcame many obstacles in his life which included changing his lifestyle for the better, surviving cancer and improving his health.  He liked to stay fit by lifting weights.  He was  a hard worker and loved carpentry of any kind.  George worked and lent a helping hand to many of the local farmers and in the 50’s he helped build the interstate.

For those of you who knew George when he told you he would come by to visit that often meant a slow drive past your house.  George didn’t usually have much to say, but when around his family the pride in his eyes and content smile on his face said it all.

George is survived by many nieces and nephews, his grandchildren and countless great nieces and nephews who are considered grandchildren in the traditional Lakota way.

Maternal nieces and nephews of George Anthony Howard are Fern DuBray, Molly DuBray, Ethel Sharkey (DuBray), John DuBray, Kathy Peneaux (DuBray) Andy DuBray, Janice DuBray, Jason DuBray, Bernadette Howard, Sandra Rouse, Cleo Rouse, Gail Rouse, Cynthis Odegard, Charlotte Rouse, and Rusty Odegard.  Grandchildren are Laura Basaldua, Shaun Klinger, Brent Klinger, Summer Klinger-Van Wagner, Jolynn Thalman, Amber Thalman and his son Craig Night Pipe.  “Family are like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”

George is preceded in death by his Mother Nora, Father Robert, his daughter Maxine, his sisters Dorothy, Betty Jane, Wilma, Arlene and Mary Lou, his niece Mona DuBray, nephew Michael Odegard, Henry Odegard, Billy Rouse, JR Rouse, great-grandchild Netaya Dream and numerous other loved ones.

“But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.”

Marian Elaine Schroeder, 83, passed away peacefully at the Winner Regional Health Care on Jan. 21, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services were held  Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, South Dakota. With Visitation on Monday, January 24, 2022 starting at 5:00 concluding with the Vigil at 6:00. Burial will be on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Remsen, Iowa.

Marian Bowker was born Aug. 23, 1938 in Villa Park, Illinois. Marian grew up in several small towns in Illinois and completed high school in Dekalb, Illinois. She met her Iowa farm boy, Jerry Schroeder, in California and three months later their epic love story began on Sept. 7, 1957. Unbeknownst to Marian, her future husband was from the same small town in Iowa that her mother, Adeline Singer, was from. Luckily the Singers were one of the few families in that small town Jerry was not related to.

Marian and Jerry raised their five children on a farm near Remsen. They moved to Colorado in 1985 where they worked in ski country and eventually built their dream house. They retired to Lakeview, Arkansas. They lived there until Jerry’s death in 2019. Marian has spent the last few years in Winner, South Dakota with eldest daughter, Marie.

Marian enjoyed many hours of playing games with her family and friends. Those who knew Marian knew she had the most outrageous luck at cards and bingo. She would always laugh and say “But what can you do?” Her dedication to spending time with the lord praying for those on her extremely long prayer list was an inspiration.

Marian is survived by her children Marie (Dave) Fisher, Kim (Dave) Bedel, Joan (Mark) Hartman, Keith (Robyn) Schroeder, and Mary Beth (Jerrod) Olson. Also by her brother Robert Bowker. Marian and Jerry enjoyed their twenty grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.

Marian is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, her twin daughters, Rosemary and Elizabeth, her parents, Frank Bowker, Adeline (Singer) Bowker, her brothers Tom and Ron Bowker, and her sister Dorothy (Bowker) Hitchcock.