Category Archives: Obituaries

Funeral services for Russell Kinzer, age 88,of Colome, SD will be held on Saturday April 23 at 10 a.m. at the Berean Church, Gregory, SD.

Burial will follow at Colome City Cemetery, Colome, SD.

There is a prayer service Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the church with visitation starting at 6 p.m

David Norman Schmidt, 70, of Winner, SD passed away tragically in a house fire at his residence in Winner, SD on Friday, April 1, 2022.

Memorial service was held Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Private burial services will follow at a later date.

David, the son of Theodore “Ted” and Raymalee “Jean” (Reichardt) Schmidt was born Feb. 20, 1952 in White River at what was then the telephone office.

David attended grade school at the Mitchell Country School, in Mellette County through the 8th grade. From there he attended the White River High School and graduated in 1971. Following graduation David spent a brief period of time serving in the U. S. Navy. David loved an adventure and wasn’t afraid to give it a try no matter what or where the adventure might take him.

He spent much of his adult life driving truck. David had a kind heart, enjoyed a good story and had many stories of his own to share. David loved the mountains where his remains will eventually rest.

On March 23, 1981 David married Sandra Kay Bromwich. Dave and Sandy were blessed with one son, Christopher. Chris was the delight of Dave and Sandy’s life.

David and his wife, Sandy sadly lost their lives together. David was preceded in death by his father, Ted N., his brother, Ted E., and his paternal and maternal grandparents. He is survived by his son, Christopher, mother, Jean Schmidt, brother, Ray (Debra) Schmidt, sister, Sally Parsons and sister-in-law, Barbara Schmidt along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Sandra Schmidt, 70, of Winner, SD passed away tragically in a house fire at her residence in Winner, SD on Friday, April 1, 2022.

 Memorial service was held Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery near Ideal, SD.

 Sandra “Sandy” Kay Bromwich was born to Roland and Florence (Sachtjen) Bromwich on Aug. 19, 1951 at Winner, SD.  She is the fourth of seven children.  She attended Winner School and graduated in 1970.

Sandy met David Schmidt of White River, SD, and were married on March 23, 1981 at Pierre, SD.  To this union there was one son, Christopher Allen Schmidt.

Sandy and David moved to Montana in 1982 where they worked on a ranch that mainly had sheep and goats.  Sandy spent time on the ranch milking goats and working sheep.  She became quite the sheep woman while in Montana.  To this day family members still seek her counsel regarding sheep.  The family spent many hours hunting and fishing and even invited family to join them.

The family moved to Winner, SD and upon their arrival, Sandy began working as a waitress at Sargent’s Café.  When Sargent’s Café closed, Sandy became employed at Cal’s Dairy Queen where she continued to work until the time of her death.

Sandy loved to spend time with her family.  It didn’t matter if it was a birthday party, graduation, wedding, holiday or just some family time for the weekend, she was there and offering to help out.  She loved to play cards and spent many hours playing cards (especially Rummy with her own rules) with Chris and many nieces and nephews.  For the last several years, Sandy has played dice with Aunt Eunice every Saturday night.

Over the years Sandy spent many hours at her parents’ farm.  She loved the family farm and farm life.  She had many gardens, chickens and spent hours helping plant and dig potatoes.

Sandy will be greatly missed by her family, many friends and community.

Sandy is survived by her son Christopher Schmidt, brother Lyle(Darla) Bromwich and sisters Evelyn Bromwich, Linda Wentland and Judy(Dan) Kayl. Aunt Eunice Sharer and Uncles Arthur Bromwich, Dean Bromwich and Darrell Bromwich, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and extended family.

Sandy sadly lost her life with her husband David Schmidt, and is preceded in death by her parents Roland and Florence Bromwich, brothers Dalton Bromwich and Roger Bromwich and great-nephew Gavin Huntley.

Dorothy Lapsley, 97, of Ideal, SD passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home  on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Funeral service were held on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  

Dorothy Mae Lapsley of Ideal, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at the age of 97. Dorothy passed away peacefully at her home with her five children at her bedside.

Dorothy was born June 2, 1924 at home in Tripp County, Ideal SD to James Henry and Frances Naomi Tina (Magley) Christensen. She attended Ideal school and graduated in 1942 from there. She attended college in Mitchell, SD for a short time and returned to Winner to work at the Triple AAA. There she met her lifelong friends, Frances (Brook) Schramm and Edyth Warne. Dorothy met Wayne Lapsley on an ice skating date set up by mutual friends. They were then united in marriage on Sept. 10, 1943 in a military wedding at the Post Chapel in San Antonio, Texas. They were married for 67 years before his passing. After Wayne completed his military service, they owned and operated a dry cleaning business in Stillwater, Maine, returning to South Dakota in 1948. They purchased the Howard Roosa farm in 1956.

It was in Ideal, South Dakota that Dorothy and Wayne raised their family. Dorothy was a pillar of the community . She was a lifetime member of the Ideal Presbyterian church where she sang in the choir and was active in Ladies Aid. Dorothy was a loving, caring and patient mother. She was an amazing grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was known for her cinnamon rolls and pies. She loved to sit and enjoy coffee with neighbors and friends. Dorothy cherished making lunches for the men working in the field. Dorothy loved to travel, go to weddings and visit grandchildren, family and friends. Her grandchildren will remember how she knew their favorite dishes and desserts and would make them when she knew they were coming to visit. Dorothy’s hospitality will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to sit around her dining room table.

Dorothy is survived by her sister Darlene DesLaurier from Grand Island NE. Her children; Darlene Dillon, Ideal  SD, Colleen Lapsley, Pasadena CA, Warren (Cricket) Lapsley, Ideal SD, Steve (Tammy) Lapsley, Valentine NE, Terri (Michael) Loewenberg, Republic MO, 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne of 67 years, her parents, her brothers Norman and Lowell, sister, Marie, brother in laws, Rene, Jim and George, and great grandchild Lennox Lapsley and great-great grandchild Meyer Cox.

A memorial service for Seymour Studenberg, 71, Gregory was held on March 26 at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Gregory. There was a prayer service on Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the church.

Seymour Don Studenberg was born on June 27, 1950, in Winner, South Dakota to Dr. Joe and Lorraine (Key) Studenberg. 

Seymour graduated from Winner High School in 1968 and from the University of South Dakota in 1972 with a degree in business.  He was united in marriage on Jan. 25, 1969, to Jonalu (Schwinler). To this union three children were born, Jennifer, Spencer and Joe.

Seymour started his career in sales at JC Penney in Minneapolis, later he moved his family to Sioux Falls to work for Tilton Motor Company which then brought them to Gregory in 1976.  After the dealership closed, Seymour was employed by Frontier Motor Company for 20 years and then went to work for Office Products Center in Winner where he worked until just four days before he died.

Seymour was very community oriented and loved Gregory and especially loved the Gregory Gorillas.  As an active member of the community for 45 years, he served on various committees including, Gregory City Council, member of the Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services board, Library Board, Gregory School District Board and the Union Congregational Church board. He was also involved in Jaycees, Commercial Club and Gregory Athletics Club.

Over the years, Seymour enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball for the Gregory Gators, coaching Little League baseball, shooting pool with the pool league, boating and fishing, pheasant hunting and caring for their beautiful back yard filled with flowers, a koi fishpond, vegetable garden and grapevines.  His love of all sports was always evident; he loved doing “color” for the Gorillas on the radio and at the stadium.  

But most of all, he enjoyed entertaining all the grandkids, nieces and nephews of all ages in the swimming pool and attending as many of their activities as possible from grade school basketball & volleyball to college track meets. He was always so proud as he cheered them on and watched them accomplish their goals and he was always ready to fill you in on any stats you needed to know! He was proud to be called Grandpa Seymour, Uncle Stu, Dad and just plain Seymour. He loved life and loved meeting people. If he met you once, he was a friend for life who would always remember your name.

Seymour is survived by his loving wife Jonalu; children Jennifer (Tim) Voigt of Sioux Falls, Spencer (Heather) Studenberg of Pierre and Joe (Nichole) Studenberg of Stacy, MN; grandchildren Dylan, Sam and Aaron (Tianna) Voigt, Hannah Bailey (Justin), Kasyah, Sorrin and Keenan Studenberg, along with bonus grandchildren Ashley, Kirsten and Tristan Korber (Heather’s children); great-grands Elijah and Sebastian Voigt, Gabe and Marcus Buchman; his brother Phil Studenberg (Jody) of Klamath Falls, OR; and many dearly loved “in-laws”.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother along with his stepfather, Fred Nielsen, and half-brothers Riley Barnes, Bob Studenberg, Jack Studenberg and Joe Studenberg. 

Beverly Lou Burnham, 94, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Avera Gregory Hospital in Gregory, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.

  Beverly was born Feb. 23, 1928, at her home in Royal, Neb. to Frank and Harriet Francisco. She was the youngest of three children. Bev and her brothers played musical instruments and performed locally as they grew up. She graduated from Wayne High School in 1945. Bev and her mom went to college together that fall to get their teacher’s certificate. When in high school, she met the love of her life Robert Burnham from Sholes, Neb. They were married June 6, 1947. She got her first teaching job in Maxwell, Neb. in 1947. In 1948, the couple moved to Millboro, South Dakota and worked for a local rancher. She taught in a rural school from 1948 until 1960. To this union, three children were born Brian, Bonnie, and Bretta. They were very happy on their farm, raising kids and livestock. She was very active in her community and in 4-H, extension clubs and joined Eastern Star in 1972 where she received her 50-year pin in 2022.

In 1974, Robert passed away suddenly, leaving her with three children and a dairy to care for. She won many awards with their dairy. In 1994, they sold the dairy cows. After selling the cows, she dedicated her time to 4-H and Extension where she wrote for many grants for improvements on the fairgrounds. She played piano for the Millboro Church for many years. In her spare time, she started making quilts for all the grandkids. She also loved to embroider, make chocolate chip cookies, and bake the best homemade chocolate cakes. In 2008, she won the Eminent Homemaker of the Year award from SDSU. In 2014, she moved off the family farm into Winner first staying at Lamro Apartments, then Elder Inn, and lastly the nursing home in Gregory where she received wonderful care.

She is survived by her three children Brian and Joan (Hofeldt) Burnham (Winner), Bonnie and Digger Rutten (Colome), Bretta and Brad Watzel (Winner), sister-in-law Nell Burnham (Columbus, NE), sister-in-law Flo Ann Sandahl (Longmont, CO), six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne E. Pauli, 66 of Sioux Falls, formerly of Madison, South Dakota, died Monday, March 21, 2022 at Ava’s House with his family by his side.

  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.  Inurnment took  place on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Winner City Cemetery, Winner, South Dakota.

Wayne was born on May 9, 1955 to Don W. and Mary Ellen (Lulf) Pauli in Winner, South Dakota. He attended Lone Star Country School in rural Tripp County and graduated from Winner High School in 1973. Wayne received his Bachelor’s Degree from Northern State University, his Master’s Degree from Dakota State University and his PhD from Capella University.

Wayne worked in the banking industry for many years in the upper Midwest (South Dakota, Colorado and Minnesota) serving many locations as bank president. He eventually became a Professor of Information Systems and Cyber Security at Dakota State University, retiring in June of 2021.

Wayne enjoyed time at their lake home on Lake Madison, and hosting family and friends with his wonderful skills behind the grill and smoker. He was a fan of the New York Yankees, enjoyed traveling, golfing, warm weather, and enjoying a sunny day outside. Throughout his life, Wayne was active in Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, church council, city council, volunteer fireman, and various community service organizations.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Pauli of Sioux Fall, SD; daughter, Tara (James) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; sons, Jeremy (Heather Bieber) Pauli of Phoenix, AZ; Josh (Samantha) Pauli of Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren, Austin and Cade Falor, Elizabeth and Madison Pauli, Destrie (Rachel) Johnson, Dax and Morgan Johnson; four sisters, Donella (Gregg Beam) Pauli, Mondamin, IA; Maureen (Monte) Palecek of Philip, SD; Julie (Chris) Snavely of Winner, SD; Laurie (Jeff) Tarrell of Hot Springs, SD; two sisters-in-law, Tracy (Cal) Swanson of Hamill, SD; Tammy (Riley) Sargent of Winner, SD; family friend, Kitty Little of Winner, SD; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Don W. and Mary Ellen Pauli, sister, Diana Pauli, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Lorraine Dohmen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Pauli Family Endowment at the DSU Foundation (820 N. Washington Ave. Madison, SD 57042).

(George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls, SD)

Alvin Olson, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility.  Memorial service was held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Alvin LeRoy Olson passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022, at the Winner Regional Healthcare facility with family by his side.

  Alvin was brought into this world on Nov. 27, 1935 to his mother Stella (Nelson) Olson, and Amiel Olson. Alvin was the second of eight children and attended a local country school south of Winner.

On Sept. 14, 1957, at the Winner Methodist Church, Alvin married the love of his life Arlene (Leighton). From that union two children were born, Alvin Ray Olson and Debbie Lynn Olson (Hoffer).

 Olson had a variety of jobs throughout his long life, he began with enlisting in the Army, then graduating with a degree in refrigeration. After Al returned home, he worked for Hanson Seed Company as a laborer until he found his true passion for fixing and repairing cars.For over 50 years he worked for Al’s Bodyshop (Al Meister) and Mike’s Bodyshop (Mike Supik) until 1987 when Alvin and his son, Ray opened Midwest Body Shop and worked there until he decided to retire in 2010.

Alvin had many hobbies, he loved operating his tow truck, racing stock cars with numbers 15 and 3 painted on the side. Watching his son and son-in-law race stock cars around central South Dakota and northern Nebraska. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in all their activities. Alvin and Arlene loved going on different vacations around the country, as well as going to the local casinos for concerts and cheap meals.

In closing Alvin Leroy Olson was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who touched many lives, whether it was rolling up his embroidered work shirt or sitting in a chair sharing a laugh or two.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents Stella and Amiel Olson, loving wife Arlene, brothers Kenneth, Marvin, Larry, and sister Lorraine.

Those left to remember Alvin include his children, Ray (Sheri) Olson and Debbie (Scott) Hoffer, brothers Donald Olson, Dale Olson, and sister Carol (Bill) Boerner, grandchildren Nikki Long Olson, Ashley Olson, Russell (Sarah) Hoffer, Dustin (Erin McClure) Olson, Craig (Kelli) Hoffer, Sarah (Tim) Novotny, many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Alva Chasing Hawk, 58, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Wake services were  held on Sunday, March 20 & Monday, March 21, at 7 p.m.,  all at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.

Alva Rose Chasing Hawk, “Wicozani Win” was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend.  She passed away on March 16, 2022, due to health problems.

Alva was born to Alvin and Freida (Andrews) Blacksmith on Oct. 22, 1963.  She lived with her many sisters, brother, and parents in many different areas near Winner including Hamill, where she met her soulmate Norman “Levi” Chasing Hawk Jr on July 16, 1978 and married on July 16, 1983.  Together they had 6 children.

Alva enjoyed traveling and playing softball in many different tournaments.  She met many people and made many friends along the way.  She always helped people in any way possible whether she could afford it or not.  Alva was a mother figure to anyone who needed her.  She helped to raise many of her family members.  They all looked up to her and called her mom.  Alva loved hunting, fishing, and gardening as well.  She always out fished her brother-in-law, Fidel Mendoza!  She was very spiritual and enjoyed encouraging her family by dancing and cooking during the family’s Sundance.  Alva spent the last of her years helping to raise and care for her 34 grandchildren.  They were the center of her life and the reason she fought so hard to live longer, regardless of her many health problems.  She always talked about hoping to live long enough to watch some of them graduate high school.

Alva was survived by:  her husband Norman “Levi” Chasing Hawk Jr, her children Norman Chasing Hawk III (Jess Jensen), John Chasing Hawk, Bruce Chasing Hawk, Thomas Chasing Hawk, Martha (Brandon) Two Bulls, Marcie Chasing Hawk, all of her grandchildren, her sisters Marylin (Diz) Herman, Dorothy Heth, Alice Blacksmith, Dawn Blacksmith (Tim Sharkey), Martha Drapeau (Larry Titus), her brother Alvin Blacksmith Jr, her sisters-in-law Rose (Fidel) Mendoza, Gloria Chasing Hawk (Bob Beauchman), brothers-in-law Nelson Chasing Hawk Sr, and Michael Chasing Hawk Sr.

Alva was preceded in death by:  her parents Alvin and Freida Blacksmith, her sisters Veneda Eagle Hawk, Elizabeth Blacksmith, Mary Chasing Hawk, her father and mother-in-law Norman and Clarice Chasing Hawk, and her sister-in-law Monica Chasing Hawk.

James A Gebhardt, 76, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2022. 

(Jim) grew up in California, moved to the Midwest as an adult and embraced what the ‘country’ had to offer.  Jim’s easy going personality, smile and quick wit was infectious for those around him.  Jim loved to play catch with his son and cheer him on at the many hockey games and load his grandchildren up on strawberry milk and donuts and take them to the park.

Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents John & Helen Gebhardt, CA., his parents Kenneth & Margaret Gebhardt, CA., and his sister, Patricia Lovell, CA. 

Jim’s survivors are wife, Lori, son Daniel, MI., grandchildren Nova Giernet & Hudson Gebhardt, Ill and his brother Jack (Nancy) Gebhardt, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.