Category Archives: Obituaries

Bob Pierce, 88, of East Todd Township, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE.

Bob was born on Aug. 23, 1935 at the Rosebud IHS Hospital in Rosebud, SD. His father was William Arthur Pierce and his mother was Violet (Walton) Pierce. Bob and his family first lived in Winner, SD for three years. While living in Winner, he had two close friends he met each morning on the corner, Mot and Mo. They would go downtown with their little wagon to pick up beer bottles left on the sidewalk from the night before. They were so happy to turn them in to get their spending money!

When Bob was 10 years old, he went to Black Hawk to stay with his maternal grandmother Mary “Minnie” (Eddy) Walton helping her through the winter doing various chores for her. While there, he developed a friendship with two boys about his age. Their father ran a sporting goods store in Rapid City. The three boys would always hitch hike to Rapid City with success. While there, they would have their favorite places to play and visit. They made sure they would get back to the Daughenbaugh Rod and Gun Shop for that ride home before their dad closed up. Sometimes their dad would take them fishing which all three boys were happy and looked forward to. In the coming spring, Bob was sad to say goodbye missing his grandma Walton and his two new friends.

Bob would graduate from Mission High School and went on the get a 4-year degree at Springfield College. After college Bob went on the teach at Viborg schools and later at Mission schools, he taught Industrial Arts.

Bob’s father worked for the Cattlemen Association from Texas. Later his parents moved to the Hidden Timber area and established a ranch there for several years. Bob would eventually take over for his elderly parents in the fall of 1959 and he lived there until his death. Bob followed in his father’s footsteps falling in love with the Quarter Horses and the draft horse, Suffolk, originally from England which was used during the war. Bob also raised red angus cattle which he was very proud of. Bob loved to tell jokes, laugh, a wonderful singer, and dancer in college.

Bob was a bachelor for many years until he married Sylvia Carol (Van Allen) Van Volkenburg when he was 70 years.

Bob is preceded in death by his siblings which include William Pierce, Ernest Pierce, Mavis Pierce, Leah (Pierce) Peed and Carol (Pierce) Schubauer.

Bob is survived by his nieces and nephews.

Carl King, 45, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at his residence in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery. Wake services started on Thursday, April 25 and continuing until Carl’s funeral on Monday.

Carl was born on Feb. 17, 1979 to Donald Dale King Sr. and Cleo Rouse King in Winner, SD.

Carl was preceded in death by his father Donald Dale King Sr.; Grandmother, Pauline King; and Niece Zaylee Inessa King

Survivors include his son, Dalton Moursted; his mother, Cleo Rouse; brothers: Dale King Jr. (Tasha Hopkins), Davis King (Samantha Dion-King), and Michael Palmer; sisters: Kathleen King, Seanne King-Mosley (Josh), Cherrie Roubideaux and Jonnie Storm; best friend for life Jamie Lynn, And his many aunts uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Karen Leslie Shattuck Hansen, a cherished mother, devoted wife, and beacon of light in her community, passed away on April 20, 2024 at the age of 84.

She was born on May 1, 1939, south of Gregory, South Dakota, to Dorothy and Harold Shattuck. Karen was the beloved firstborn of the family, with three younger siblings, Marvin, Mavis and Carol Beth.

Growing up on the family farm instilled in Karen a deep connection to the land and a resilient work ethic. She attended and graduated from Gregory High School in May 1957. After graduating she attended business school in Rapid City. She later returned to Winner where she worked at the Ford Garage. This is where she met Lewis “Louie” Hansen. On May 9, 1958, Karen married the love of her life, Louie. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Karen and Louie were blessed with five children: Brenda, Todd, Troy, Kendra, and Kirsten. Karen’s devotion to her children and grandchildren was unparalleled, as she never missed any activities they were involved in, supporting them wholeheartedly in all their endeavors. Her love extended to her role as a grandma, or “Memaw,” to her seven grandchildren, and later as a great-grandmother to three.

Karen’s selflessness and giving nature were evident in every aspect of her life. She was named Volunteer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce for her tireless efforts. Whether offering comfort to those in hospice care or opening her home to anyone in need, Karen’s generosity knew no bounds.

An elegant and put-together woman, Karen was known for her impeccable style and attention to detail, from her perfectly matched shoes to her radiant smile. She cherished the simple joys of life, especially gathering with friends for lunch and celebrating the milestones of those she held dear. Karen’s thoughtfulness extended to calling the local radio station to ensure the birthdays and anniversaries of her loved ones were announced, spreading joy to all who listened. She loved spending her Sunday mornings at the Winner Methodist Church, where she was a longtime and dedicated member for many years.

Karen’s legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Beth Winters (Mike), her children Brenda Brown (Earl), Todd Hansen (Donnette), Kendra Hansen Best (Rex), and Kirsten Fischer (Chris), along with her grandchildren: Rojanae Williams (Jonny), Aryan Brown (Ryan Edwards), Aspen Brown, Brogan, Easton, Waverly, and Renner Best, and great-grandchildren: Lake and Seren Williams and Ayrro Brown.

Karen Leslie Shattuck Hansen will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, and the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Karen’s life took place at the Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 23.  Karen’s funeral service will be held the following day, April 24, at 10 a.m., also at the Methodist Church.

Though she may be gone from our sight, Karen’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her love and kindness.

Sara O’Bryan Bradford, 22, of Colome, SD passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Colome Vets Hall in Colome, SD.  Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the Colome Vets Hall from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service  at 7 p.m.

Sara Marie O’Bryan Bradford was born at 1lb 12 oz on Sept. 15, 2001 in Sioux Falls, SD. She passed away at her home on April 9, 2024. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. Sara continued to love the Lord and read her bible and devotions faithfully.

Growing up, Sara spent time on the farm with her Uncle Ferman and Aunt Sally Harter. Those were special times for her. Sara received a horse from Julie Ann Farley which she named Star. They developed a very special relationship as she nursed Star to health and broke him to ride. During her high school years she developed physical limitations so she took an interest in photography. Sara especially loved taking pictures of rodeos, landscapes, and sunsets.  When relaxing at home Sara enjoyed reading books and writing poems.

Some of Sara’s fondest memories were working with Lisa Forgey at the Feed Mill. During high school she also worked at the family business, Dan’s Last Shot. She graduated from Colome High School in 2020. After graduating she went to farrier school in Nebraska. She later worked in Mitchell, SD cleaning apartments, detailing cars, and helping operate a clothing and candy store. Sara left Mitchell, moving to Gettysburg, SD where she lived when she met the love of her life, Dylan.

Dylan and Sara were married in Colome on Sept. 2, 2023. They lived for a time in New Evarts as Dylan worked for Bradford Construction with his dad. Later they moved to Colome where they both worked at Dan’s Last Shot. Dylan started Diamond B Construction in Colome, while Sara was employed at the Winner Stockman’s Café at the time of her death. They enjoyed watching movies together, going on drives through the countryside to the river, going to rodeos, grabbing ice cream treats and fishing at the river.

Sara battled mental health for many years but was loved and surrounded faithfully by her family and God.

She is survived by her husband Dylan Bradford, her parents Dan and Heidi O’Bryan (Colome SD), brother Kelly O’Bryan (Ellendale ND), parents-in-law Clayton and Roxana Bradford (Selby SD),  brothers-in-law Nathan Bradford and Cooper Bradford (Selby SD), sister-in-law Tomi and Thomas (Bridger and Peyton) Dryer (Selby SD), grandmothers Marty Bliese (Gettysburg, SD) and Eileen Tobin (Parkston SD), grandparents-in-law Donald and Kathleen Hauck (Mobridge SD), Robert and Betsy Bradford (Belen, NM), Yvonne Kohn (Selby SD), special aunt and uncle Sally and Ferman Harter (Colome SD) along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Ralph Tobin, Mick Bliese, Dick and Mavis O’Bryan, and grandfather-in-law William Kohn.

Loretta Diez, 60, of Apple Valley MN, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 in St. Paul MN. 

Graveside service will be held on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Hall.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt and friend, Loretta Diez.  Loretta was born in Winner, South Dakota on April 8, 1963 to Rose and Carl Diez.  She was the youngest of six children.  She grew up on the family farm near Clearfield, SD and spent her first years of school attending Star Prairie country school one mile from their home.  She graduated from Winner High School in 1981.  She then attended the University of South Dakota where she made lifelong friends.

She enjoyed participating in pageants and was crowned Miss Winner, Miss USD and Miss State Fair.  Sadly, she was paralyzed in a car accident in May of 1985.  Even after her accident she went on to crown the next Miss State Fair.

In 1985, at the age of 22, Loretta furthered her education pursing a master’s degree in counseling psychology.  She had a successful career, culminating in building her own leadership coaching business.  She made such a positive impact on the many who had the honor of knowing her and she leaves behind a meaningful legacy.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends.  She enjoyed the Diez family reunions in the Black Hills and loved to spoil her nieces and nephews and cuddle with her great nieces and nephews. 

Plays and concerts were among her favorite experiences.  Her trips to Rome, Barcelona, Paris, London, Venice and Florence were special highlights for her.

She left this world appropriately on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2024 in the loving home and in the loving arms of her sister Margo in Saint Paul, Minn.  Even while her body succumbed to the cancer that ravaged her physically, she remained mentally strong and fought hard to stay with us.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Rose Diez, and her brother Michael. 

She is survived by sister Monica (Bob) Muth, sister-in-law June Diez, sister Margo (Dan) Osadchuk, brother Jack (Starla) Diez, sister Merna (Randy) Greer and 14 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews and her many friends.

Courtney Paige Brozik, 45, of Winner, SD, returned home to her Heavenly Father on April 14, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

 Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. 

As with life, her family was by her side endlessly until she began her eternal life. As much as we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we find comfort in knowing that her fight is over and she is now in Heaven watching over us, until we meet again.

Courtney was the first child born on July 29, 1978, to the union of Ron and Judy McCready.  Joining her as siblings in this family were Tyler in 1980 and Zach in 1984.  Courtney was born and raised in Winner, and ultimately returned to Winner to raise her family.   She graduated from Winner High School in 1996 and pursued her secondary education at South Dakota State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2000. Courtney later attended the University of South Dakota and obtained her graduate certificate in Child & Adult Advocacy Studies in December of 2022.

On Aug. 17, 2002, Courtney entered into her Godly marriage and lifelong commitment with Jon Weston Brozik.  This loyal and joyful partnership was blessed with two children, Ellie and Maxton.  They lived their entire lives and raised their family in Winner, South Dakota.

After completing her schooling, Courtney began a career of service of helping others.  Her first opportunity began at the Chamberlain Academy in Chamberlain, South Dakota.  Next, Courtney worked for the South Dakota Department of Social Services in the Child Protection division.  In 2004, she began her career with Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services in Winner, South Dakota, and was employed in that capacity until the time of her passing.  Throughout her lifetime and employment, she has positively impacted countless lives, often times going without notice or recognition.

Courtney is a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran church in Winner, South Dakota.  She also served as a board member for the Tripp County Library and was a member of the Winner Rotary Club and Winner Quarterback Club.

She was an avid sports fan of the children in Winner, especially her Lady Warriors and Warriors.  She could always be found following and supporting her children, Ellie and Maxton, in all of their activities.  If there happened to be two of the kids’ activities at the same time, she would follow one, while still following the other through livestream. They were her pride and joy!

When Courtney wasn’t giving herself to the area children, organizations, agencies, or following her children, she found joy in her own activities.  She loved to scrapbook, collect antiques and refurbish them, and spend countless hours on the phone with her closest friends.  She was a concert enthusiast, always ready to go, no matter the performer or location.  She cherished her time spent with her closest friends.

Courtney is lovingly remembered by her husband Jon and their two children Ellie and Maxton Brozik,  parents Ron and Judy McCready (Winner), Jim and Linda Brozik (Winner), and Marcy Fifield (Pierre).  Also surviving are siblings Tyler (Jennifer) McCready of Sioux Falls, Zach (Kelli) McCready and family of Chamberlain, brother-in-law Bruce Drapeaux and family of Spearfish, brother-in-law Jody (Sally) Brozik and family of Winner, and brother-in-law Paul (Courtney) Brozik and family of Lawrence, Kansas. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She will be missed by her countless number of friends and acquaintances.

Courtney was preceded in death by grandparents:  Orvin and Mary McCready, Harold and June Ringstmeyer, Stan and Rose Brozik, Maxine Audiss, and Velda Kindt.  Additionally, preceding in death was her father-in-Law, Jack Fifield.

Vernon Alfred Beehler was born on December 20, 1943, in Gregory, SD, to Alfred and Marie (Henderson) Beehler.  He was the youngest of four children.  He attended grade school at a country school north of the family farm which was homesteaded in 1904.  Vernon graduated from Gregory High School in the class of 1961.  After graduation, he attended college in Springfield, SD.  He then ventured out west to California with a friend, where he was employed for a time.  After which, he returned home to Gregory and small-time life that better suited him.  Upon returning home, he began employment with Harrison Plumbing & Heating.  Vernon and Barb purchased the business in October, 1974.   They owned and operated the business for almost 50 years.  During high school, he met his future wife Barbara (Fortuna).  They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 8.  Vernon and Barbara were blessed with four children, Lisa, Jade, Jason, and Jerred.  

Vernon was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren.  He was also a big fan of all sporting events, which included coaching his sons’ baseball teams.  He enjoyed Gorilla football and was seated in the broadcast booth for over 30 years with his friend Jack Clark.  Besides Gorilla Football, he was fortunate enough to attend many USD Coyote football games watching his favorite players Chris, Lucas, and Tim!  Vernon also enjoyed many card games with family and friends.  He was a member of many leagues including golf, pool, and darts.  He was also inducted into the Gregory Fire Department Hall of Fame in 2016 with 26 years of volunteer service. Vernon was well known in his community for his ability to repair most anything.  In addition, he was well known for his quick one liners and Vernie-isms!   

Vernon, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on April 3, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.  

Vernon is survived by his wife Barb.  His children include, Alisa (Steve) Thieman, Gregory; Jade (Julie) Beehler, Spencer, IA; Jason Beehler, Winner, SD; and Jerred (Jodi) Beehler, Inwood, IA.  Also has 10 awesome grandkids, Chris (Abbey) Mikkelsen, Lucas (Jessica) Mikkelsen, Eric (Lauren) Beehler, Bayli (Fiance Jeff) Beehler, Emily Beehler, Mali Beehler, Lillie Beehler, Masen Beehler, Easton Beehler, Mara Beehler, and great grandkids Drake and Haddie Mikkelsen and Knox and Nyla Mikkelsen. Also surviving are several nieces and one nephew along with close relatives and friends.  

He was preceded by his parents, brothers (Gerald & Roger), and sister (Anne).  

                                                                                 V o We’ll miss you!

Memorial for Vernon Beehler age 80 of Gregory, SD will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024,at 10:30AM at United Methodist Church in Gregory, South Dakota.  

Rosie Julia Pesek Smith passed away on March 27, 2024, in Burke, SD. Rosie was born June 12, 1933, to Joe and Helen (Vomacka) Pesek. She attended school around Colome and Dallas through the 8th grade, attended Colome High School for two years, and graduated from Gregory High School in 1954. She went on to attend Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD.

Rosie married Don Smith on October 9, 1954, at the Gregory Methodist Church. Rosie and Don have lived in the Gregory area their entire married life of 69 years.

Rosie taught in Dallas, Colome, Keya Paha, Gregory, and Hayes SD. Rosie taught for 12 years before retiring to take care of her mother who was injured in a car accident. Rosie also cared for her father, brothers, and mother-in-law in her retirement years. Rosie never forgot her former students and stayed in touch with many of them. She loved all her former students as well as the neighborhood children. Rosie was famous for giving candy bars or a dollar to the neighborhood kids in exchange for a hug.

Rosie loved to dance and listen to her Czech music. Her favorites were her dad’s button accordion and the Leon Olsen band.

Preceding Rosie in death are her parents, Joe and Helen Pesek, sister Helen, brothers Joseph and Jim Pesek, great nephew Jeremy Pesek, mother and father-in-law Cliff and Anna Smith, and close friend, Clarence Raschke.

Survivors of Rosie are her husband Don Smith, brother Alvin Pesek, sister-in-law Linda Smith, special friend Carol Raschke, many nephews and nieces, friends at Buche’s, as well as neighbors and friends too numerous to list.

Rosie will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral Services for Rosie Smith, age 90, of Gregory, SD, will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 10:30AM at United Methodist Church in Gregory, South Dakota. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD.  Visitation is one hour prior to funeral service. 

Janice Anderson, 80, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the Pipestone County Hospice Home in Pipestone, MN.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Janice Elaine Anderson was born to James & Ethel (Schneider) Konvalin in Winner South Dakota April 10, 1943.  She was the oldest of the 3 children.

She graduated from Winner High School in 1962. 

 She married Eldon Anderson June 8, 1963 in Kennebec South Dakota.  To this union one child was born, Dawn in 1973.

After marriage, Janice attended Stewarts School for Cosmetology in Sioux Falls SD.  She went on to be a hairdresser for over 40 years with the majority of this time having her own hair salon in her home.

Janice was an active member of First Christian Church serving as a deacon.  She was a member of the VFW ladies Auxiliary in Winner.  She enjoyed baking and cooking and had a green thumb with plants.  Every weekend, she looked forward to watching NASCAR.

In the fall of 2016 Janice was diagnosed with cancer.   She moved to Falls Landing Assisted Living in Pipestone MN to be closer to her daughter.  She enjoyed this time being closer to her family.   While living at the assisted living one of the joys she took pride in was caring for all the plants at the facility.

On Easter Sunday March 31st Janice, died peacefully surrounded by her family at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, Minn.

Janice is lovingly remembered by her daughter Dawn (Jon) Carson, Pipestone and their children Mitchel & Morgyn of Pipestone, one brother Michael (Judy) Konvalin, Rapid City South Dakota, and several nephews and a niece.

She is preceded in death by her husband Eldon, her bother Larry Konvalin, her parents James & Ethel Konvalin and mother and father-in-Law Leonard & Helen Anderson.

Barbara Jean “Barb” Winckler, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024 at her residence in Winner, SD.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Barbara Jean (“Barb”) Winckler was born on May 29, 1947, to Raymond Bambas and Genevieve (Wysuph) “Jenny” Bambas, in the Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota.  She was the only child born to the Bambas family and lived in Tyndall, South Dakota, throughout her upbringing. Ray was a plumber while Jenny was a homemaker for many years; and, together, they ran the local movie theatre and the Tyndall Sky Hi Drive-In.  

Barb graduated from Tyndall High School in 1965 – and treasured her high school classmates for life – especially the love of her life Myron “Big Mike” Winckler.  She went on to acquire her elementary education bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota and began teaching the next fall in the Yankton School District. 

While growing up, Barb was active in many school activities and, until the last few years, was happy to share a demonstration of a favorite cheer while a high school cheerleader.  In college, she was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority and spoke often of her shared experiences with her sorority sisters.

After many a love letter while serving in the Army in Vietnam, Myron Mark Winckler made the best decision of his life and asked Barbara Jean Bambas to marry him.  They were engaged in February of 1969 and married on July 24, 1969.  They danced beautifully – at weddings and other events – and ultimately, through life.  To this union, two children were born – Alicia Jean in 1972 and Mark Raymond in 1978.

After a few years in Yankton, Mike and Barb moved to Colome, South Dakota, where Barb continued her career as a teacher.  A few years later, they moved to the big city – Winner – with Barb transitioning to teach in the Winner School District.  While Mike was socializing with others, enjoying the outdoors, and demonstrating reliably how to tell a great story, Barb was trying to get him to “do good, kind things”, “watch his language”, and be a role model for his children – but also laughed heartily and was entertained by his antics, sayings, and retorts for the better part of their life together.  Although their interests and personalities were very different, they remained in love through each of their earthly transitions.  

Through an impactful career of 33 years as an elementary school teacher, primarily for reading and math for early elementary students, she took great pride in the success of her school children and would reference their life successes as she tracked many of them quietly for years thereafter.  

Barb was widely known for her kindness, warmth, expressive cards and letters, and enthusiastic conversations.  She approached others always with a smile and with a positivity, hopefulness, and faith that miracles do happen while keeping hope alive for a better future.  Many have shared stories about her kind words and effervescent smile, enthusiastic waving while driving about town, and enjoyable (yet never brief) conversations as she moved about her daily life – noticeably changing their day in a positive way.

She took immense pride in and loved her family deeply.  To anyone whom she encountered, she told stories about the successes and accomplishments of her grandchildren and children – and when life wasn’t so kind – what she hoped for each of their futures.  She was also quite a sports enthusiast – especially when her son, Mark, was wrestling.  At times, her response to what was happening on the mat was more entertaining than what was actually happening on the mat.

She is survived by her daughter Alicia Jean, her grandson, Lucas Edward Hansen, his father, Gary Hansen; her son, Mark Raymond, his three children, Norah Blanche, Jacob Marcus, and Sullivan Charles, and their mother, Melissa (Grossenburg) Winckler; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law – Norma (Bob) Bender, JoeWayne Winckler, Vern Dangel, Jarvis (Marilyn) Winckler, Sue Winckler, Merlin (Lisa) Winckler, and Larry Winckler.

Barb passed peacefully in her home on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, appropriate as she was a staunch woman of Catholic faith. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike, her parents, Genevieve and Ray Bambas, her sister-in-law, Arla Dangel, her brother-in-law David Winckler, Mike’s parents, Hubert and Edna Winckler, several of she and Mike’s good friends, and many uncles, aunts, cousins.