Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Terrance “Terry” Clifford, 73, of Hamill, SD passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service were held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 at 2 p.m.  at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will be held in the Dewey Cemetery in Dewey, Okla.,  at a later date. 

Terrance Max Clifford was born on April 13, 1948, in Woodward, OK.  His parents were George Wendell Clifford and Patricia Sue (Hamlin) Clifford.

The family moved to Copan, Okla., when Terry was 5.  He attended Copan public school from grade school through high school.  After graduating in 1966, he attended Northern Oklahoma College.

In November of 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Kay Smith, in Dewey, OK.  They moved to Stillwater, OK where he attending Oklahoma State University.  His college career was interrupted by service in the US Army.  He served in Germany as an instructor.  After his discharge he returned to OSU and graduated.

He and Kay moved to Hominy, OK where Terry worked for a pork production operation.  To their marriage were born two daughters, Tara Kay and Kalyn.  While in Hominy, Terry was active in his church, and helped with the high school athletics program.

He started working with his father in his construction business.  In the 1990’s he came to South Dakota to help build a barn and corrals for his sister.  He continued coming up to work on different projects and eventually called it home.

He worked on the farm and feed yard with the Robbins family.  Even though he was a great help on the place, Terry had certain priorities during the year.  The first of February was the rodeo and stock show in Rapid City  April was turkey season and crappie fishing time in Oklahoma.  July was the Cheyenne Rodeo in Wyoming.  September was elk season in New Mexico.  November was deer season in Kansas and Oklahoma.  December was Christmas with the girls and their families.  But no matter where he was, or if you called him Terry, Ted, Pig, Cliff, or TC he always enjoyed being with family and friends.

Terry is survived by his daughters Tara Kay (Joe) Ratliff Pawhuska, OK, Daughter Kalyn (Kris) Davis Prosper, TX.  Grandchildren, Josh Ratliff (Marissa) Cleveland, OK, Joel Ratliff Cleveland, OK, Macie, Kaleb, Kinsley Davis, Prosper, TX, great-grandchildren, Emma Rae, Hallie Jolene Ratliff, Cleveland, OK..  Sister Sue (Roger) Robbins, Hamill, SD, Several nieces and nephews.

Terry is preceded in death by his father Joe, mother Pat, brother Jim, sister-in-law Myrna, nephew Austin Clifford, nephew Jamie Smith and great nephew Brooks Hurley.

Eugene Engel, 71, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021 at his home south of Winner, SD. 

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 at 11 a.m.  at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Eugene Frank Engel was born on Feb. 13, 1950 to Benjamin and Gleva (Poler) Engel, in Winner, SD. Gene was the third of four children to this union. He was raised in Ellison Township before moving to Sulfur, Oklahoma during elementary school. After a year, they returned to South Dakota and moved to town in Winner when Gene was in junior high. He graduated from Winner High School in 1968, where he met his high school sweetheart and beautiful bride of 53 years, Debby Kirksey. They were joined in marriage Aug. 11, 1968. To this union, four children were born – Lori, William, Gena and Kasie.

Gene worked numerous jobs in the Winner area including Winner Gas, Prairie Distributors, Grossenburg Implement, Colome Farm Service, Winner School District, and later with his son at the Conservation District. In 1974, he and Debby and the two kids moved to the Kirksey family farm. This is where he spent his spare time farming and tending his herd. Gene had a huge love for animals of all kinds, including indoor pets such as skunks, raccoons, and birds of all feathers. He had a special love for his pigeons and geese, which had a special love for him in return. Anywhere Gene went his geese were sure to follow.  If not, they would quickly come to his call and compete in a friendly foot race with him.  Gene would spend hours in the corral watching and talking to his cows.  He loved his mule, George.

Gene was happiest at home, surrounded by family. He was so proud of his kids and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. Gene loved them all so much. He would constantly say to Debby, “We did good, huh Mom?” You could almost always find him with a pack in his pocket, a grin on his face, and a smart aleck comment up his sleeve. He was known for making everyone feel welcomed, but not without giving them a bit of a hard time at first. There was rarely a dull moment with him around. It didn’t matter if you called him Gene, Dad or Granddad, you easily could call him one-of-a-kind.

He is survived by his wife Debby, and four children Lori (Roger) Kingsbury, William (Jody) Engel, Gena (Josh) Engel, and Kasie (Craig) Sealey, and grandchildren Sarah (Chris) Aid, Kevin Kingsbury, Allie (Jesse) Docken, Chase Kingsbury, Shaydel Engel, Maddison Engel, Taylor (Emily) Sperlich, Molly Sperlich, Kaysen Sealey and Harper Sealey, great grandchildren Owen Aid and Leo Aid, brothers Duane (Amy) Engel, Leon Engel, and sister Beverly Engel. 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Marvin Olson, and sister-in-law Sandy Engel. 

Ruth Williams, 92, of Toney, AL, formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 in Toney, AL. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Ruth Elaine Williams, age 92, formerly of Clearfield, SD, passed away peacefully on the morning of Dec. 17 in Toney, AL, with her family by her side.

She was born to William and Doris Thiede on May 15, 1929 in Burton, Neb. Ruth graduated from Springview High School in 1947 and received a teaching certificate from Wayne State College in Nebraska.

She married the late James Williams in 1954 and they lived together on the George and Myrwin Williams family farm in Clearfield until his death. 

Ruth is survived by her son: Gary Williams, daughter-in-law: Ya Williams and son-in-law: Larry Wagner, sister: Kathy Titus, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.  Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her daughter Julie Williams Wagner, sisters Ruby Richardson and Mary Williams, brothers-in-law Eldon Williams, Howard Titus, Elmer Richardson and her nephew Tom Richardson.

Ruth was a devoted mother, an extremely hard-working farmer, a dedicated parishioner of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Clearfield and patient wife of a part time musician.  She cared for her husband’s grandparents and parents as well as her own mother as they declined.  When she retired from farming, she moved to Oacoma, SD where she made a new life for herself. She made time to bake cookies for her daughter’s veterinary practice and took care of the clinic animals on the weekend so her daughter could have a break from work. Ruth was a wonderful role model for her children and the people that were around her.

In her early life, she stayed closed to home and took care of the family and farm.  In her later life she spread her wings and travelled to distant lands.  Her most notable trip took her to China where she was exposed to another culture and met her daughter’s-in-law parents.

The family requests that people make donations in support of Alzheimer’s research, instead of sending flowers.

Daniel Eagle Hawk Sr., 61, of Ideal, SD passed away on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Holy Spirit Cemetery in Ideal, SD. Wake services were held on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021 at 7 p.m.  all at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.

Daniel Ross Eagle Hawk Sr. “Danny” was born Oct. 6, 1960 in Rosebud, SD to Clarence “Matthew & Lucy (Eagle Star) Eagle Hawk.

Danny attended Ideal school, Todd County High School and obtained his GED at Coolidge School in Sioux Falls, SD.

In Danny’s younger years he pitched fast pitch for “Ideal Red Machines” for many years and they won lots of championships in those years. Danny also played for “Blue Aces” and our family slow pitch team “The Familia.” Danny also enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, and throwing horseshoes. Danny had the love for working on cars. Give him time, a tool box and a broke down car, he’d fix it in no time.

Danny has 11 children and 28 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren that whom he loved dearly.

Daniel is survived by his 11 children: Daniel Eagle Hawk Jr. and Adrian Joseph of Ideal, SD; Dana & Darren Joseph of Wagner, SD; Derek, Ashley, and Todd Antoine of Winner, SD; Krista DeNoyer of Virginia; Dazey and Edith Eagle Hawk of Winner, SD; and Sydney Iron Heart of Sioux Falls, SD. Also survived by his brother Clarence “Junior” Eagle Hawk, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

  Danny is preceded in death by his parents Clarence “Matthew” and Lucy (Eagle Star) Eagle Hawk, his brothers John Sr., Burton Sr., and LeRoy Eagle Hawk. His sisters Virginia (Eagle Hawk) Parkis and Renetta Eagle Hawk. His daughter Danielle Antoine. Paternal Grandparents John & Susie (Two Teeth) Eagle Hawk. Maternal Grandparents William and Laura (Crooked Foot) Eagle Star, and many uncles and aunts.

Jean Ellen Collins, age 78, of Baxter, passed away at her home from cancer, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021.

 Jean was born on March 14, 1943, in Winner South Dakota to Van & Ruth (Phillips) Collins. Jean grew up on a farm at Witten, SD, with her 2 brothers and 1 sister. She graduated from Winner High School. She attended South Dakota University and graduated with a BS in Home Economics Education. Jean taught 2 years in Sauk Rapids, Minn.  and 29 years in Brainerd, Minn., Junior Highs.

Jean was an active member of First Baptist Church in Baxter, she was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary women’s education sorority. Jean served as state president in 1984-1986. She was active in both the Brainerd and Baxter Kiwanis Clubs. She served as Governor of the Minnesota Dakotas Kiwanis District in 2001-2002. Jean also served on the Baxter Cemetery Commission Board. She was a member of the Lakes area Law Enforcement Association. Jean really enjoyed volunteering. She was known for the love of her church, quilting, reading and travel.  She traveled to all 50 states and numerous countries. She enjoyed spending her time with family and going to their special events. Jean loved sports and cheering on many teams.

Jean is survived by her sister, Catherine Erickson, Blomkest, MN; brother, Vern (Paulena) Collins, Witten, SD; sister-in-law, Jean Marie Collins, Wood, SD; 9 nieces and nephews; and 12 great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Calvin; brother-in-law, Dick Erickson; nephews Toby Collins and Joseph Bobby; niece, Connie Collins.

Funeral services for Jean will be on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021 at 10 a.m. in Winner, SD at First Baptist Church.

Kerri Old Lodge, 38, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Wake services began at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021 at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner.

Kerri Janeen Old Lodge was born Feb. 8, 1983 to Franklin “Frank” & Martha (Eagle Star) Old Lodge in Winner, SD. Kerri joined her father Frank in heaven on Dec. 12th, 2021 at the young age of 38.

Kerri went to school in Ideal until her high school years she then attended Todd County and Winner High Schools.

Kerri has 2 loving children Ryleigh Rae & Stephan Pierre Old Lodge. Kerri was a very loving, caring, unique young lady. She had a smile that would brighten up anyone’s world. There was never a dull moment with Kerri, she was forever laughing and cracking jokes. Kerri had a heart of gold. She was always willing to open her door to anyone in need. She definitely made sure you didn’t go away hungry.

Kerri loved to bake and help her mom cook especially during the holidays. Kerri loved her mother, her children, her siblings, nieces & nephews unconditionally.

Kerri is survived by her 2 children Ryleigh Rae & Stephan Pierre Old Lodge. Her mother Martha (Eagle Star) Old Lodge; 3 sisters: Melissa “Lisa”, Nealy (Patrick) Old Lodge, Geraldine (Wayne Jr.) Running Horse; 5 brothers: Quentin “Bub” (Delphine), Howard Sr. (Jolene) Old Lodge all of Winner, SD, Brent (Mandy) Old Lodge Witten, SD, Franklin Jr. & Troy Old Lodge of Ideal, SD. Her aunts Lorelie Old Lodge of Oklahoma, Nancy Old Lodge of California, Zona (Eagle Star) Turkey of Huron, SD, & Ruth (Kevin) Olson of Sioux Falls, SD. Her uncles Clyde & Emmet Swalla of Lower Brule, SD, Million Eagle Star of Winner, SD, & Donnie (Alberta) Old Lodge of Norris, SD.

Kerri is preceded in death by her father Frank Old Lodge Sr., uncles Antoine “Tony” Sr. & Jasper Eagle Star. Aunts Marva & Karen Eagle Star, Trudy Old Lodge. Her paternal grandparents Howard & Irene (Felix) Old Lodge. Maternal grandparents Homer & Cona (Lever) Eagle Star. Nephews Homer & Jaeden Old Lodge.

Melvin Dale Cook, 95, of North Platte, Neb.,  passed away on Dec. 14, 2021, at North Platte Care Center.

He was born on May 27, 1926, to Stewart and Zelma (Beemer) Cook on the family homestead in Burke, South Dakota. He grew up on a farm 10 miles southwest of Clearfield, South Dakota, and attended the Lutheran school.

His family, like most, moved around frequently during the Great Depression before settling in Colome, South Dakota, where he also continued his education. Melvin enlisted in the US Navy during his junior year of high school. Following boot camp, he was assigned to a naval ammunition depot in Port Chicago, California. Melvin received his G.E.D. and was discharged from the Navy. He then returned to South Dakota and enrolled at Dakota Wesleyan University in September 1946. As a music major, he joined a traveling territory dance band the Buddy Bair Band.

Melvin married his high school sweetheart, Vera Joyce Gagan in Gregory, South Dakota. To this union a daughter was born, Melva Jean Cook. The family moved to Omaha and Melvin attended a National Railroad School. After graduation, they moved to Oshkosh where he worked as a student telegrapher and station agent. In 1951, the family moved to North Platte where Melvin worked for the Union Pacific Railroad until he retired April 1, 1986.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vera; and sister, Fairy “Cookie” Gardner. Melvin is survived by his daughter, Melva Jean Cook; niece, Sherry (Doug) Best; nephews, Scott (Jane) Gardner, Bob (Vanessa) Gardner, Bill (Bonnie) Gardner and Barry (Rachell) Gardner; and other family. Online condolences can be shared at adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and inurnment will take place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jean Snavely, 98, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 at 11 a.m.  at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Eleanor Jean Snavely, 98, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center surrounded by family. 

Jean Thee was born Sept. 1, 1923 to Victor and Amy (Bonsall) Thee in St. Joseph, MO.  Jean grew up on a farm near Columbia, MO and later graduated from high school in St. Joseph, MO.  She was united in marriage to Wayne Bunnell and to this union one son, Gary, was born.

In 1957, Jean married Jack Snavely and to this union two sons, David and Chris, were born.  Jack and Jean made their home in Sioux Falls, SD until moving to Winner, SD in 1999 to be closer to family.

Jean enjoyed spending the winters in Texas with Jack. They enjoyed the warm weather and Jean stayed very busy with outside activities. She played golf and tennis and loved having family visit to enjoy the weather and activities.   Jean loved pets and enjoyed visits from Barney after moving to the Long-Term Care Center. She especially loved watching her grandchildren grow up and spending time with them.  One of her favorite past times as she got older was rocking her great-grandbabies.

Jean was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls and attended the United Methodist Church in Winner.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sons, Gary (Sally) Bunnell of Bellevue, NE, David (Cathy) Snavely of Spring, TX, and Chris (Julie) Snavely of Winner, SD; grandchildren Mark (Diana) Bunnell of Plattsmouth, NE, Thomas (Jessica Scarfuto) Snavely of Bryan,TX, Heather (Adam) Anderson of Tea, SD, and Elizabeth (Christopher) Hobaugh of Spring, TX; great-grandchildren  Sarah Bunnell, Ava, Jack , Ellie, and Lennox Anderson, James Hobaugh and Jarom Bell.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Snavely; parents Victor and Amy Thee; brothers Frank and Walter Thee and several nieces and nephews.

Brett Donald Brickman, age 55, of Carter, SD, passed away on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Gregory, SD.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to services.

Brett was born Aug. 5, 1966, in Winner, SD, to Donald and Eva Jean (Hansen) Brickman. He joined an older brother Bryan at home. This completed their family.

Brett attended country schools, Schmidt School and Happy Valley School. He then attended Todd County High School where he graduated in 1984. Brett played football, basketball, and track. He enjoyed shop class where he learned carpentry, welding, and auto mechanics.

Brett met LaVonne Flisram through his cousin Teresa (Kuil) Mathis. They dated and were married on July 31, 1987. They lived in Winner for a year before moving back to the farm where he grew up and lived for the rest of his life. To this union two sons were born: Carter and the family was complete when Coy was born.

Brett was a kind person and loved his two boys, his world revolved around them. He could not tell them no, if he thought it was something they shouldn’t do or have, then his answer was “go ask your mom.” He could not walk past a cat without stopping to pick it up or walk by a dog without petting it. He was also patient if it was waiting for the boys to get ready to feed cattle or haul grain, after a short time they got tired and it was stop and drop them off at grandpa and grandma’s. His patience was also tested when he had to wait to put the bar up on the mower or fold the rake because his helper (LaVonne) insisted that the corners had to be mowed and raked, even though they would catch snow, it looked better mowed.

Brett was a farmer/rancher all of his life. His first years were spent working beside his Grandpa Hansen and his dad Don. The last years were spent working beside his dad and two sons. Brett trucked some in his younger days for Engel Trucking. He never considered that a job because he had so much fun.

Brett is survived by his wife LaVonne; his sons Carter and Coy; his father Don Brickman of Carter; his brother Bryan (Julie) Brickman of Harrisburg, SD; sisters-in-law Joyce Flisram, Louise Flisram, Liz (Alvin)  Focken and Connie Rae (Doug) Frantz; brother-in-law Dennis Flisram; nephews Brandon Brickman, Justin (Heather) Focken, and Tyler (Kaitlin) Focken; nieces Brittany Brickman (James Woods) and Bryanna Brickman; four great nephews; one great niece; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Brett is preceded in death by his mother Eva Jean (Hansen) Brickman, grandparents Robert and Alma Brickman, Elvis and Betty Hansen, mother and father-in-law Jerome and Betty (Moeller) Flisram, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 Brett left us on Dec. 10, 2021, after an eight week stay in the hospital as the result from a leg injury. He had tears in a blood vessel in his thigh that was bleeding and being absorbed by the tissues. It was detected when the leg turned black and blue and started to swell. He had numerous units of blood transfusions, so many that all of the iron became toxic and his body could not get rid of it. He had an angiogram that led to an aneurysm that had to be fixed twice. His blood became too thin, it would not clot. His body was eating up his red blood cells. His kidneys took a hard blow, but they did bounce back some. He developed another bleeder on Monday night. He was beginning to suffer. After visiting with doctors and specialists and a lot of consideration, it was time for us to choose comfort care. God took him home.