Category Archives: Obituaries

Sylvania Earll, 77, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, SD.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Sylvania was born March 9, 1944 to Clarence and Sylvania (Risch) Sigety in Watertown, SD.  She attended her elementary years in Florence. She grew up near the railroad and had lots of good memories with her friends and siblings.    In 1960, she moved with her family to Rapid City, SD.   She attended her Sophomore- Senior year there, graduating from Rapid City in 1962.  She worked at the Woolworths store and babysat when not in school.   Her parents were foster parents, so she kept busy helping with those children as well.  

In April of 1967 she went on her first date with Leo Earll.   In September of 1967, they were united in marriage.   They spent their first nine months of marriage traveling around North and South Dakota doing custom farm work.  Then, they settled on Leo’s family farm near Witten, SD raising hogs.  In March of 1970, on her birthday, her first son Duane was born.  Lee shortly followed in August of 1971.  They lived there happily until Leo passed away from a heart attack in 1976.  She found herself raising two boys on her own at age 31.  A few years after she lost Leo, she was married for a short time to Jim Sell.  She helped him with his 4 children as if they were her own.  She went on to raise her boys on her own.  In 1984, Sylvania started working at the Winner Baptist Hospital as a nurse’s aide.  She worked a brief time at the Adjustment Training Center before returning to the hospital.  A dream had awakened and she decided she would start working towards becoming a Registered Nurse.  She started nursing school at Dakota Wesleyan with her best friend, Carol Horstman, and together they graduated in 1991.  She was employed at the hospital in different capacities as a nurse.  She has left behind many stories of laughter and tears from her time there.  She was gentle and caring, but best believe she was a voice for her patients.  In 1996, she brought her mother home from Arkansas to live with her.  They resided in Colome.  She became a grandmother to her first grandson, Spencer in 1998.  She took the title very seriously.  Her second grandson, Cody was born in 2001.  She spent lots of time spoiling them rotten, making sure the snack drawer was always full and that they could go eat at the “bar”, go bowling, or to a movie whenever they wanted.  They had many adventures over the years.   Sylvania retired from nursing, but continued taking care of everyone.  She could be found cooking for her grandson over his lunch hour, baking goodies or making jelly, helping a neighbor, taking someone to an appointment, making rosaries for the church and taking care of church family.   In 2021, Sylvania was able to connect with a daughter that she made the hard choice to give up when she was young.   Meeting her this fall was one of the highlights of her life.

Sylvania was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Sylvania Sigety, husband, Leo Earll, and brother Dennis Sigety. Survived by her daughter Robyn Hauk and her family; son Duane (Kendra) Earll, grandsons Spencer and Cody Earll and son, Lee Earll, her brothers, Joe (Carole) Sigety, Kevin (Colleen) Sigety, Pat (Deb) Sigety, and many nieces and nephews, family and friends

Memorial services for Donald Kahler age 49 of Gregory, SD will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 pm at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory, SD. Burial will follow in Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD.

Donald Gordon Kahler was born March 14, 1972, in Burke, SD, to Harold and Evelyn (Marts) Kahler. Donald was the fifth of six children. Don grew up in Brookings, SD. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1990.

During his high school years Don was a member of the BB Gun Club and was a state champion. He was also a member of the Youth Archery team and was a state champion.

After graduation, Don started a career as a CNC machinist in Brookings that led him to working in Fargo, ND, building huge sugar beet harvesters. He then landed one of his dream jobs building guns in Sturgis, SD. His passion for guns followed him his entire life. He then worked as a welder for his uncle Jerry Marts. He also bartended for a while at Gregory Lanes where he met a man who built log homes. This led Don, his brother Dale, and nephew Tom, traveling all over the US building homes and other structures.  While in Wyoming, Don’s love for horses led him to videoing the chariot races for the fans and jockeys enjoyment. Due to a poor economy, he then went to owning and driving semi trucks mainly in North Dakota during the oil boom.

Donald passed away at his home in Gregory on Jan. 3, 2022, at the age of 49 years.

Donald is survived by four brothers: Dwight (Pam), Douglas, Daryl (Donna), and Dale all of Brookings, SD, and one sister Kathleen of Dallas, SD; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

August “Gus” Massa, 94, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the Avera Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Yankton, SD. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaclate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.   Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to mass.

August “Gus” Martin Massa, was born in Spring Valley, IL on Oct. 30, 1927 to John and Antoinette Massa (Chiado).  He served as a Radioman Third Class in the U.S. Navy.  He attended the University of Illinois and received a degree in architecture.

Gus married Nancy M. Schwartz on June 24, 1972 in Chicago.  They moved to Sturgis, SD where Gus worked as an instructor at Area 5 VoTech.  When the school merged with Western Dakota Tech they moved to Rapid City, SD.

Gus worked extensively with Bill and Ted Hustead to design many parts of Wall Drug.

Gus and Nancy moved to the family farm near Carter, SD in 1996 where he enjoyed gardening and taking care of his sheep, chickens, and dogs.

Gus suffered a stroke in 2016 and spent his remaining years as a resident of the Elder Inn.  Gus was a very kind, gentle and thoughtful person. Gus is survived by his brothers; John Massa and Jim (Lois) Massa and numerous nephews and nieces.  Gus is preceded in death by his parents and wife Nancy

Lawrence E. Friestad, age 75, of McCook, Neb., passed away at his home on Jan. 11, 2022. 

 He was born in Ottawa, Illinois, on Sept. 22, 1946, to Joseph M. and Hazel I. (Foreman) Friestad. Lawrence attended College View Academy in Lincoln, Neb., graduating in 1964. He attended Union College in Lincoln and obtained his nursing degree in 1971.  He worked in Hinsdale, Ill.  for three years before moving to Seattle, Wash.,  to attend Group Health’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, graduating as a CRNA in 1976. Lawrence moved to Winner, South Dakota to begin his career.

Lawrence married Rosalea “Tillie” Betts in Nevada, Iowa on Aug. 4, 1968.  The couple lived on “Rock Hill” a 20-acre plot in Winner, South Dakota. They moved to Southwest Nebraska 25 years ago while Lawrence worked in hospitals in McCook, Oberlin, Cambridge and Benkelman until he retired. Tillie preceded him in death on December 16, 2019.

Lawrence was an accomplished pianist and organist. He and Tillie donated the Trumpet Pipes for the pipe organ at the College View Church in Lincoln, Neb.  He enjoyed wild boar hunts, and prairie dog hunting. He was a collector of many things, but really enjoyed collecting old and antique tools. Lawrence would meet friends for coffee and buy lunch and have an intelligent conversation and a laugh. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hazel; wife, Rosalea “Tillie.”

Lawrence is survived by his brother, Lloyd, of Seattle, WA; sister, Lorraine Friestad, of Shawnee, KS; niece, Jean Friestad, of Nevada, IA; and a host of friends and relatives.

Graveside services were  held at the College View Cemetery in Lincoln, Neb. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2021, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Ray Daniels officiating. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be left in Lawrence’s name to Union College in Lincoln, Neb. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Dennis Lauritsen, 76, of Wood, SD passed away on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 at the Avera Saint Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD. 

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 at 1 p.m.  at the Evergreen Cemetery in Wood, SD.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to committal service at the cemetery.

Dennis Lauritsen was born Aug. 3, 1945 to Chris and Minnie (McCarthy) Lauritsen. He and his brother Richard were born later in Chris and Minnie’s life; therefore, they were referred to as the miracle babies.  Dennis always considered himself so fortunate for having lived his entire life at the ranch where he was born.

Dennis attended all 12 years of school at the Wood Public School. Dennis graduated from Wood High School in May of 1964. He attended a six-week course in welding in Fargo N.D. He loved to weld and built many ranch items. It broke his heart when the Drs. put in a pacemaker, defibrillator and he could no longer practice his loved hobby. But being a man who loved to work with his hands, he turned to woodworking and built many very neat items. If you received one of those items, then that meant he really liked you. His kids and grandkids will forever treasure the ones they received.

In November of 1963 his father purchased a hereford bull from Herman and Zella Larsen. When they delivered the bull to the ranch, he met their daughter Sena. Dennis decided on that day that this woman who could break a bull to lead would be his wife. Dennis and Sena were married on Oct. 23, 1964. Making this their 56th year of marriage.

Dennis and Sena were blessed with two sons, Russell, born in Oct, 1966 and Ronald, born in Aug. of 1968. This truly completed his dream of someone to carry on his legacy and the ranch.

Dennis loved to tell a story or two. He certainly loved to visit about local history, old machinery, and couldn’t let you leave because he always had “One more story”. Dennis was well versed in local history and who lived where. Pair him up with Willis or George Dickson and it was pure entertainment to listen.

Dennis has always loved working on local projects. It just didn’t matter as long as it was for Wood, the Wood Community, or Mellette County. He was an active member of the Wood Alumni, Mellette County Historical Society, Mellette County Conservation District, Mellette County Centennial Celebrations, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Bulldog Booster Club or the 4-H club. He truly loved this community and the people in it. His one national organization was the Minneapolis Moline Collectors Club. He truly loved going to tractor shows and comparing notes with other collectors.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Sena, his family, sons, Russ and Gloria, Ron and Pam. Grandchildren Daniel, Sara, Alexis and Katelyn. Great grandchildren, Dennis, Camryn, Hudson, and Griffon. Brother Richard and Cyndi, and many nieces and nephews. Sister-in-laws Mary (Jerry) Fisher, and Evelyn Farley.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Minnie, his Great Granddaughter Rebecca Mae Nelsen and many special Uncles, Aunts, and cousins. His sisters and brother-in laws, Guy Farley, Delbert and Phyllis Paulson, Pat and Glen Clausen, Beverly Larsen.

Joseph Donald Fernholz, 61, of Platte, SD passed away Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at Platte Care Center Avera. Funeral services were held at  3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 at Mount Funeral Home in Platte with visitation an hour prior to service. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through mountfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Donald Fernholz was born on Aug. 1, 1960 to William and Kathleen (Heying) Fernholz in Winner, SD. He graduated from Winner High School in 1978 and was united in marriage to Anna Marie McKenzie on Oct. 15, 1982 in Winner. He worked at the Ford Garage for a year and then was partsman for Mathis Implement in Winner until 1991. From 1991 – 2000 Joe was employed as partsman for VanDerWerff Implement in Platte, SD.

Joe was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing cards, lawn work and carpentry.  

Grateful for having shared in Joe’s life, his wife of over 39 years, Anna Fernholz of Platte, SD; three daughters: Stacy (Luke) Andersen of Clear Lake, SD, Jessica (Zach) Dalrymple of Mitchell, SD and Erin Fernholz of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren: Josie and Laycee Andersen, Riley, Molly and Jameson Dalrymple; four siblings: Joan Grim of Gregory, SD, Rose Wells of Gregory, SD; Donna (John) Wright of Sioux Falls, SD and Jim (Darci) Fernholz of Fredericksburg, VA; along with many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings: Mary, Margaret and Ed Fernholz; a brother-in-law, Rodney “Radar” Grim; and a niece, Cassie Grim.

Dorothy Berger, 94, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 at her home in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery and a lunch was served at the Church following the burial.

Dorothy Mae was born to Edward and Mary (Jamber) Karl on April 5, 1927 at the family farm north of Gregory, SD.  Dorothy was the third of four children.  She joined her sister Agnes, brother Edwin and later came brother Elmer.

The family lived North of Gregory, SD and Dorothy graduated from Gregory High School in 1945.

After high school Dorothy worked at the bank in Gregory.  Dorothy and her friends enjoyed going to the dances and that is where she met her soon to be husband Ernest Berger.  They were married on Sept. 17, 1946.  To this union, ten years later, four children were born, Diane, Carol, Barbara and David.

They lived in Omaha, Neb. for 2 years and moved back to Burke, SD until 1971 when they made their home in Winner, SD.

Dorothy was employed as a bookkeeper at the Winner Ford Mercury until she retired in 1989.

Dorothy was an excellent cook of many Bohemian dishes. She also baked many delicious Kolache, rolls, pies and bread over the years. Dorothy enjoyed playing cards and Wahoo, whether it be with family or many of her special card playing friends.

Dorothy was a member of the United Methodist Church, Sisters and Survivors, VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Dorothy is survived by her four children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren: Diane Faubion of Winner, SD and her children Brady (Jena), Chris (Jordan) (Grayson, Dempsey), Heather (Lane) Massingale (Avery, Trinity), and Lindsay Faubion (Anthony) all of Rapid City, SD; Carol (Walt) Baker of Columbus, MT and their children Jessica (Josh) Matteson (baby due Jan 6) and Samuel, all of Billings, MT; Barbara (Darrell) DeSersa of Winner and their children Sarah (Russell) Hoffer (TayShaun, Sadie, Oaklee) of Winner, SD, Dustin (Tia) (Keyleigh, Presley, Jayda, Skyla, Liam) of Winner, SD and Megan of Cayuga, ND; David (Kristine) and their children (Henry, Edwin, Shawn) of Hudson, WI; one brother Elmer (Karen) Karl of Gregory, SD and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy is preceded in death by Ernest, her husband of 59 years, her parents, one sister Agnes Novotny, one brother Edwin Karl, two brother-in-law’s Joseph Novotny and Louis Vodicka, two sister-in-law’s Kay Karl and Ruth Vodicka, son-in-law Rick Faubion, two nieces and one nephew.

Lisa Brandis, 55, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A wake service  began on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.

Lisa Brandis/Antoine was born in Rosebud, SD on Feb. 14, 1966 to Everette and Beryl (Peneaux) Antoine.  She was the fourth oldest of six children.  She had six children: Derek, Ashley, Todd, Jacob and Zachary, Shyanne.  She has 12 grandchildren.  Lisa lived all of her life in Winner, SD.

She enjoyed doing yard work when she was able, she enjoyed going to church and being with her family.

She is survived by her father Everett Antoine Sr., of Winner, SD, 4 children, and four siblings; Everett Antoine Jr., Randy Antoine, Ronnie Antoine Sr., and Charles Antoine Sr., her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother Beryl, her brother Steven, her children; Danielle, Gem, Ethan, Drew and Kuana, her grandparents; Lawrence and Mildred, Virgil and Elsie and her aunts and cousins.

On Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, Kenneth William Adrian, White River, passed away suddenly of complications from cancer at the age of 57.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at 11 a.m. CDT at the Community Event Center in White River, SD.

Kenny was born on Oct. 31, 1964 to William (Bill) and Donna (Shouldis) Adrian. On Sept. 28, 1991, Ken married Kim Donner and eventually settled in Kimball, NE. Together they had two children: Nolan and Kaden.

Ken is survived by his parents William E. and Donna F. Adrian, White River; sister Colette Adrian Kessler (Brian Baus), Pierre; brother Chuck (Bobbi) Adrian; and sister-in-law Janelle Adrian (Newlly O’Brien), all of White River; his children: Nolan Adrian, Fargo, and Kaden Adrian, Rapid City; and six nieces and nephews.

Ken is preceded in death by his brother Jeffery D. Adrian, White River. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in honor of Ken to the Mellette County Community Foundation, White River, or to a charity of choice.  The full obituary is online at  www.isburgfuneralchapels.com. Cards may be sent to 224 East 12th Street, White River, SD 57579

James Lee Minchow, 81, of Hendersonville, NC passed away on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at the Hendersonville Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, NC. 

 Memorial service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 at 10  at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

James (Jim) Lee Minchow was born Feb. 4, 1940 in Yuma, CO to Maurice and Mariam Minchow.  The family moved to Winner, SD in 1952.  Jim attended a one room schoolhouse beside their home.  He went to town for high school and graduated in 1958.  He attended and graduated from Sioux Falls Bible College earning a B.S. degree in 1964.

Jim lived all over the southern U.S. as a teacher and coach.  He earned his Master’s in Emotional Disturbance in 1973 at the University of Tennessee.  He later moved into educational administration and also was a high school principal.  He was an adjunct professor at NC Appalachian University.

After 40 years in education, he retired and worked in National Parks and the NC Cradle of Forestry.  He was with his wife Pat for 44 years.

Jim loved people, telling stories and teaching all ages.  He was creative and kind and unpredictable.  In retirement he enjoyed riding in his golf car with his dog Billy, being in a community choir, playing billiards and was a great volunteer.

He is survived by wife Pat, and son Michael Minchow, and 3 siblings: Ray Minchow, Colleen Blare and Geri Krier.