Category Archives: Obituaries

Roger Allen Pochop passed away Dec. 8, 2021, at the Winner Long Term Care Facility at the age of 83 years.

A celebration of life was held Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. 

Roger was born Nov. 11, 1938, to George and Pauline (Meyers) Pochop.  He was the third of four boys: Virgil, Darrel, and Merle.

Roger grew up on a farm in the Colome/Dallas area.  He graduated from Colome High School in 1956.  After graduation, he began his life-long career in farming and ranching.  After a short period of service in the United States Army, he returned to the farm where he and his wife Jeanne lived, until the time of his death.  He had four children:  Myra (Dan) Stoney, Michael (Tami) Pochop, Sandra Gillispie and Jamey (Lisa) Stroschine.

Roger’s faith was the most important part of his life; he was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome where he was a life-long member. He taught Sunday school and served on the church council for many years.  Roger was proud to be a veteran and was active in the Colome Legion.  He was a staunch Republican and not afraid to let anyone know his opinion.  Roger also spent several years working for FSHA measuring grain bins.  He loved meeting people.

Roger is survived by his wife Jeanne of 40 years, his four children, their spouses and 13 grandchildren and a soon to be great-grandchild.  Also surviving are his brother Merle, sisters-in-law Verna and Margaret, brother and sister-in-law Stan and Connie Bicek, many nieces and nephews including three special nephews: Donnie Hambek, Damen and Cory Pochop.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Pauline, and two brothers Virgil and Darrel.

Parting words — Life should not be a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming “Wow, what a ride”

George Roubideaux, 64, of Mission, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at the Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service was held  Dec. 2, 2021 at noon at the Bishop Jones Building in Mission, SD.  Burial  followed in the Holy Family Cemetery.  Wake service  began on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 at 7 p.m.  at the Bishop Jones Building in Mission.

The family of George Michael Roubideaux Sr. include wife Diane Miller and children: Denise, Michael Jr. Weylin, Tamelia, Alexis, David and Teresa.

Larry Sund, 73, of Hot Springs, SD, formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Dec 2, 2021 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Larry Dale Sund was born Aug. 26, 1948 to Eldon & Ruth (Burdick) Sund in Winner Baptist Hospital. He passed away on Dec. 2 in Rapid City Monument Hospital with wife & daughter by his side.

Larry grew up in the Winner area and started working for Frank Antes and worked there for 25 years. He then started work for Tripp County Highway Department and worked there for 32 years until he retired.

He married Lorinda O’Bryan on Nov. 11, 1978 in Winner, SD. To this union two children were born, Scott Sund & Shawna Rogers. They resided in Winner until October of 2019 when they moved to Hot Springs, SD.

He enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, gardening, and fixing bikes for kids. He loved watching western movies, driving around, & seeing new sights.

Larry is survived by his wife Lorinda, son Scott, daughter Shawna (David), 4 grandchildren; Adrian George, Robert George, Dustin Sund, & Destiny Sund. Sisters and brothers: Belva (Bud) Leighton, Ruth (Bob) Benedict, Carol Hight, Linda Sund, Don (Susan) Sund, Jim Sund, Mary (Mike) Hodge, Wanda (Ron) Klein, Connie Jones, Nancy (Jeff) Peters, & Roger (Tammy) Sund, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by parents, Eldon & Ruth, sister Janet (infant), brother Eldon (Pat) Sund and in laws Patrick & Ethel O’Bryan.

Funeral services for Jerry L. Meyer, 73, of Chamberlain, SD will be 3 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain.  Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the United Church of Christ.

Jerry Lee Meyer, 73, of Chamberlain passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2021 at the Sanford Chamberlain Care Center surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born to Gideon and Adeline (Holec) Meyer on Sept. 21, 1948 in Parkston, SD. Jerry was raised in the surrounding Chamberlain area and graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1966. He worked various jobs over the years in his beloved community and served our country for 27 years in the Army National Guard.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart Sherry Smith on Nov. 20, 1966. To this union one daughter, Michele, was born.

Jerry was adored by his family and community and was always willing to help anyone in need. He worked for most of his career between Midwest Supply and Register Lakota Printing, however, his true passion was tinkering and fixing small engines. Throughout his career, Jerry supported a small engine repair shop from his home. He truly was a jack of all trades and was able to fix anything from lawnmowers to chainsaws to vacuum cleaners. Jerry also volunteered for many years as Santa Claus’ local embodiment for the City of Chamberlain and families in the community.

Memories of Jerry will survive with his life partner Sherry Meyer (Chamberlain, SD); daughter Michele Hagenlock (Winner, SD); grandson Evan Hagenlock (St. Charles, MO); half-sister Shirley Gregoire (Fairfax, SD); cousin Maynard Meyer (Tripp, SD); brothers-in-law Ty Smith (Mitchell, SD) and Ron Smith (Chamberlain, SD); dear friend of many years Ron Luurs (Pukwana, SD); his dear furry dachshund friend Oscar Weiner Meyer; and all of his community who had the opportunity to share the joy that Jerry brought to our lives.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, grandparents, father-in-law Clairedon Smith, mother-in-law Bertha (Hieb) Smith, brother-in-law Gary Smith, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be directed to the Chamberlain Senior Center.

Viola L. Farris, 99, of Grand Island, Neb.,  died Wednesday Dec. 1, 2021, at her home.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at Apfel Funeral Home.  Inurnment will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School. Apfel Funeral Home is serving the family.

Viola Loeda Farris was born Jan. 15, 1922, near Utica, NE to Frank and Wilheminia “Minnie” (Neujahr) Suhr. She was baptized at St. Johns Lutheran Church on Feb. 6, 1922, and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York, NE on June 2, 1935. At age two, she moved to the Lushton community. She attended District 11 School. At age nine, she moved into the town of Lushton and graduated high school in 1939.

  Viola married Edwin Farris on Nov. 5, 1945, at Treasure Island, CA. To this union was born eight children She lived in Ainsworth, and Johnstown, NE and Winner and Mission, SD. She held various jobs as a waitress, cook, golf clubhouse manager at Ainsworth, NE and Winner and Mission, SD. She moved to Grand Island in 1989. Mr. Farris preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 2002.

Viola was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid, Altar Guild and Evening Guild. She was president of Ladies League at Fonner View Golf Course for 2 years, a life member of DAVA where she served as chaplain, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and volunteered at the Veterans Hospital. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and leader of the Chrysalis Red Hatters. She enjoyed crocheting, golf, pool, crossword puzzles, and playing Wii.

Survivors include children: Nyhlia Kempke, Audrey Farris, Robert (Sue) Farris, Randy Farris, Rick Farris, Judy (Robin)Dykstra, Ron (Janelle) Farris, Debra (Steve) Splitt; grandchildren: Keith (Becky) Kempke, Chad (Treva) Kempke, Rob Farris, Lindsay (Jessie) Farris, Amanda Farris, Maghen Farris, Alisa Farris, Christopher Bolton, Brian (Kayla) Krege, Kaelee Krege, Andrew (Megan) Krege, Jessie (Steve) Farris, Betsy Farris, John Farris, Brianna (Matt) Whalen; great grandchildren: Eli, Ruth, Aryn, Jordan, Mason, Maddox, Kannon, Olivia, Cougar, Mia, Jillian, Lyla, Serenity, Brielle, Harper, Kaeslee, and Sophie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Louis and Emanuel Suhr, and sisters: Elfrieda Strait and Evelyn Pinneo.

Online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com

Lorraine M. Dohmen, 86, of Winner, SD passed away Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital.  Funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Church beginning at 10 a.m.  with visitation one hour prior to Mass.  Burial was Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at 11 a.m. M.T, at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Lorraine Maxine Earll was born April 28, 1935 to Lloyd and Geraldine (Schmidt) Earll.  The family was complete when younger sister, Marion, was born.  Lorraine was raised on a farm in the Witten/Carter area, graduating from Winner High School.  

  She was united in marriage to Norbert Ruhkamp and to this union, three daughters were born: Crystal, Tracy, and Tammy.

Lorraine had a strong work ethic, whether it was working for an employer or as a housewife.  She worked for several years at Bailey Rexall Drug as a sales clerk.  She enjoyed meeting and helping customers.  She also worked at the Winner Drive-In Theater, giving her daughters the opportunity to play on the awesome playground and see many movies on hot summer nights.   She taught her girls to work hard, be kind, and mind their manners.

In 1970, Lorraine married James Dohmen.  They enjoyed years of volunteer work, travel, hosting family events, and raising the girls.  As parents and grandparents, they were second to none!  Lorraine was a Junior Catholic Daughter counselor, a member of Court Mary Imelda Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Winner VFW Auxiliary, and the Colome American Legion Auxiliary. 

 Lorraine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She attended many ballgames, concerts, graduations, weddings, and baptisms.    

Grateful for sharing her life are daughters, Crystal (Wayne) Pauli, Tracy (Cal) Swanson, and Tammy (Riley) Sargent; grandchildren Tara (James) Johnson, Jeremy (Heather Bieber) Pauli, Josh (Samantha) Pauli, Cally (Riley) Garrigan, Tanner (Ashley) Swanson, and Baley (Brandon) Moore; great-grandchildren Austin and Cade Falor, Destrie (Rachel), Dax, and Morgan Johnson, Elizabeth and Madison Pauli, Madelyn and Gracie Garrigan, Lucy and Sylvie Swanson, Kendall and Leslie Moore, and very special family friends, Kitty Little and John (Megan) Little, as well as numerous  nieces, nephews, and cousins who played significant roles in her life.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband, James Dohmen; parents, Lloyd and Geraldine Earll; sister, Marion Gregg; brother-in-law, James Gregg; mother-in-law and father-in law, William and Marie Dohmen; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosemary and Don Elsasser, and brother-in-law, Gene Dohmen.

Cynthia Marie McCormick passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 after her courageous battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 63.

Cindy was the third of nine children born to Ivan and Florence Fischer on Sept. 13 1958 in Winner South Dakota.  Cindy was born and raised on the family farm where she enjoyed nature, the many pets, and riding horses.  She learned all her hard work, dedication, family staples, and wonderful cooking at a young age when she would help care for her younger siblings.  During her teenage years, Cindy worked for a traveling combine crew which allowed her to travel the harvest fields from North Dakota to Oklahoma.

After graduation in 1977, Cindy went to work for the USGS surveying crew and the combine crew which lead her to start her career in construction in Sioux Falls.  Cindy moved to Spearfish in the fall of 1983 and started a career with Fisher Sand and Gravel where she learned to run various types of heavy equipment, which she loved for 20 years.  In addition to running heavy equipment, Cindy worked for the Homestake Mining Company where she operated the hoist to lower miners and scientists into the ground.

During her time in Spearfish, Cindy met Bob McCormick and they were married in 1986 in Las Vegas.   They bought their forever home where they were able to raise their two children Jessica and Christopher.  Bob and Cindy spent many happy hours taking their children camping in the Big Horns to boating on the Missouri River and family vacations to Disney Land and Mexico.  There was always laughter, smiles, and love within the walls of their home.

After the kids were grown, Cindy and Bob each fulfilled a lifelong dream to own their Harley Davidson motorcycles where they could enjoy the freedom of the road.  Their motorcycles took them to many beautiful destinations together, and enjoying the Sturgis Rally every year.

Cindy strived to help others in all aspects of her life.  She was involved with her church and the president of the chapter in Spearfish called Alpha Nu which was part of the Beta Sigma Phi.  Designating her heart and time for the church and Beta group allowed Cindy to raise money for the community homes, the Humane Society, delivering gifts to the Angel Tree Children, and visiting the elderly.

Although Cindy was always on the go, in her free time she enjoyed sewing, making beautiful quilts, canning, gardening, crafting, riding her bike, and cooking for all her beloved family and friends.  The doors of Bob and Cindy’s home was always open for all their loved ones to come to eat, drink, and be merry.  There was never a dull moment in Cindy’s life.  Her biggest joy was spending time with her beautiful granddaughter, Adelynn.  Cindy and Adelynn were best friends and would do everything together, creating memories and love that will last a lifetime.

Cindy filled the hearts of every person she met and created great memories with her family, friends, Beta Sisters, and Rally Family.  From the many Bitch N’ Stitch quilts made with her Sisters and Beta Family, to spreading her love with spaghetti sauce, and the miles put on with the bikes that traveled for the yearly Rally gathering there will always be happy memories to remember.

Memorial services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com

Clara Ulmer, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.

  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m.  on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner. SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Clara Belle (Shutt) Ulmer was born to Alvin and Florence (Dodds) Shutt on Jan. 26, 1935, north of Paxton, SD.

Clara attended the Prairie House Country School near Paxton. While growing up Clara helped work on the family farm. Clara would do anything on the farm and help take care of her 6 brothers. Clara also would help the neighbor lady Mrs. Lambert cook during thrashing season. She also babysat and did the chores at the Don Bowling farm, Vernon Jamos farm, and Shirley Beck which became one of Clara’s best friends.

Clara met and fell in love with Ray Ulmer her lifelong husband of 65 years on Nov. 3. To this union the two had 5 children. Shortly after they married, they moved with their son Morris to Johnstown, Colo., where Ray worked a dairy and irrigation farm. There they had brought into the world a little girl named Connie Marie. In November of 1957 they moved back to Gregory where the lived and worked at the Kaupp Brother Ranch for a short while.

Ray and Clara then moved to Steve and Mabel Sharkey Farm east of Winner. Clara loved to raise chickens and a big garden. They brought to their family three more children: Cheryl Elaine, Diane Rae, and Gregg Leon. They lived on the Sharkey Farm until the kids started school in Winner, 1971. Clara then worked at the school lunch where she would help cook. For a short time, she worked with her youngest daughter Diane until Clara went to work at the Lil Feller Store in Winner as a cook where she met all kinds of different people from all over. She did this for 14 years.

Clara then went to work at the ROCS Dining Service. This is where they cooked meals for the elderly or anybody. Mostly served people that would come there to eat. Everybody was special but there were a few extra special people.

Clara worked at the Senior Citizens for 16 years. Clara worked the last few years with her daughter Diane. Clara worked until the day she had a stroke in 2018.

Clara enjoyed bowling, gardening, puzzles, crocheting baby blankets for her grandkids, making dollies, fishing, and playing with all the grand and great grandkids. Clara collected bells and spoons of all the states as well.

Clara lost battle with dementia passing away at the Winner Regional Hospital on Nov. 24, 2021, with some family members present.

Joining Jesus, Clara follows her son Morris; parents: Alvin and Florence Shutt; parents-in-law: Albert and Hilda Ulmer; brothers: Art, Duane, Jerry; brothers-in-law: Harold, Larry, Joe, Wayne, Don; sisters-in-law: Irma, Clarice, Leola.

Clara is survived by her husband of 65 years; children: Connie (John) Blazina, Cheryl (Mike) Eilmes, Diane (Jr.) Schroeder, Gregg (Shawn) Ulmer and Daugher-in-law Diane Shutt. Clara’s 18 grandkids, 52 great grandkids and great great grandkids; multiple nieces and nephews and all her friends and 1 special friend Marie Reagle. Clara will be greatly missed.

Donald McCabe died Nov. 11.

Celebration of Don’s Life was Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 at 12:30pm, with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) in Omaha, Neb.

Interment: Omaha National Cemetery

Donald Michael McCabe, born Oct. 3, 1937 at Winner SD to Donald McCabe, and Elva Elsie (Likens) McCabe. As a youngster growing up, he was known as “Mick” to his family and friends.

He attended grade school at McNeely District 52 country school for all 8 years. He attended high school at Winner SD senior high, and graduated in 1955.

He spent one year at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield SD.

In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and took his basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio TX. His 1st duty station was Hickam Field, Honolulu HI. He was known as Mike or Mac, to his AF fellow servicemen. He served for 23 years, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. During those years he was stationed in Hawaii, North Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Greece, and back to Nebraska, where he retired. Most of his career was served in the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He was a crew member on Operation Looking Glass.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, two children, son, Russell McCabe of NY, NY, and daughter, Lynne Hartner of Papillion NE; brother, Mark of Pierce NE, and sister, Jean Couch of Ft. Madison IA and 6 nieces and nephews, and 4 grandchildren.

Raymond Bartels, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Tuesday, Nov. 23  at the Winner United Methodist Church.

Born Sept. 14, 1943 to John and Cecelia Esther Bartels in the Winner Baptist Hospital; Ray grew up northwest of Winner at the original homestead and attended East and West Banner schools. A 1961 Winner High School graduate, Ray had a wonderful time celebrating his class’s 60th reunion at WHS this homecoming, well-attended by Ray’s oldest friends and classmates.

In addition to working on the farm throughout his teen years, Ray worked for many neighbors including George Mills, Wayne Lapsley, Red and Jerry Shoemaker and worked at the South Dakota Experiment Station north of Presho.

On a whim, he traveled to California where he worked at a lampshade factory before returning home to start his adult life here in Tripp County.

A canary yellow Pontiac Lemans carried Ray into Dallas, SD one night where he met the love of his life Judy Day. He won over Bill and Pearl Day by delivering homemade pickles every evening and Ray and Judy were soon engaged, then joined in marriage on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1970. Soon after the two wasted no time carving out an idyllic life at the farm and welcomed the births of Troy, Jason, Amanda and Lane.

Ray spent the next few decades raising his family, crops, and livestock. He was an old-school farmer who took great pride in his large, bountiful garden and his chickens. Additionally, he served on many boards and associations. He and Judy worked tirelessly in the concession stand for the Elk’s Rodeo. Ray as an Elk, Judy as a Doe. Ray was a member of the Tripp County Wheat Producers Association, and was a lifelong member of the Episcopalian Church, working his kitchen magic every Shrove Tuesday at the annual pancake dinner.

The Tripp County Water User District was established in 1977 and Ray was named one of its inaugural directors, a post he has manned for 44 years as director and past president. The Water users district is comprised of 2200 miles of pipeline with 2400 service connections. Ray and Judy enjoyed their annual Water District meeting trips around the country and made many wonderful memories with the TCWUD board and staff.

Responsibilities loomed at the farm and in town; however, the relationships Ray took seriously were that of a “family man”. He was a dedicated and adoring husband, a loving and supportive father and an absolute pushover for his five grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by friends who were fortunate enough to make his acquaintance; he was known for a quick smile and a quicker wit. He shared his warmth and his breakfast table with all who were lucky enough to get a “Big Ray Breakfast” and one couldn’t possibly eat a Thanksgiving roll tomorrow without wondering how Ray made his so impossibly soft and buttery.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the wonderful, peaceful life Ray embodied and the tremendous joy he brought to this community. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of fifty-one years, Judy and their children Troy (Josh) Bartels, Jason (Tovi) Bartels, Amanda (Dylan) Hostetler and Lane (Melanie) Bartels and his grandchildren, Chloe, Finnegan, August, Hayden and Hank. He is survived also by siblings Lloyd Bartels and Judy Novotny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther, in-laws Bill and Pearl Day, sister Frances (Gerald) Bachman, and in-laws Butch Novotny and Bill and Donna Day.