Category Archives: Obituaries

Sylvia Jean Iler Schlaht, age 89 of Burke, SD passed away due to a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021 at Community Memorial Hospital  in Burke, surrounded by her children.

Funeral services were held Nov. 20 at the United Methodist Church in Burke with pastor Sarah Hermann officiating.

Burial was in the Herrick Cemetery.

 Sylvia “Syb” was born Aug. 19, 1932 in Tripp, SD to James Marvin and Mary Minnie (Reiner) Iler, the third of four children.  She spent her early years enjoying life on the family homestead NW of Dallas, SD. She spoke with fondness of her freedom to explore the outdoors, tending the animals, churning butter, riding her pony and family trips to town every Saturday.

 Sylvia received her elementary education at the country school near the family home, riding her pony the mile or two to and from school, and in Dallas, SD, while staying with her grandparents. She attended Burke High School. These years were full of treatment for scoliosis, wearing various painful back braces and built up shoes in attempts of straightening her spine. She would tell her family in the following years, after many back surgeries, to “stand up straight, put your shoulders back”, knowing the gift it was to have the luxury of a good back and posture. She would always display resilience and never see her scoliosis as a hindrance. Sylvia was active in choir and planning social activities. She graduated in 1950.  Sylvia maintained her classmate friendships until her passing.

 Sylvia was swept off her feet by the handsome, Maurice Schlaht. They were married Dec. 21, 1952. The dancing and devout love for each other would last nearly 60 wonderful years, until Maurie’s passing in 2010.  To this union, five children were born, Maurice, Gregg, Melinda, Brenda and Jody. Maurie and Syb resided in Burke all of their married life, with the exception of 2 years in Spokane, WA. Sylvia worked at Wischmann’s Dry Goods, in various Gregory County offices, ASCS, PCA-Farm Credit Services, Burke Hospital and Clinic until retiring in 1995.

Sylvia was lovingly devoted to her husband and family.  She treasured spending time together as a family:  going to church, enjoying meals, and having picnics.  Syb partnered with Maurie’s love of hunting and fishing. She cleaned many geese, pheasants and fish.  She enjoyed watching her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s milestones, events and sporting outings. Everyone received a big smile and a hug from her walking in the door.

Acts of kindness were always on Syb’s mind, wondering what she could do for or give to others. She enjoyed socializing and had fun being witty and kidding people. She found pleasure in sewing, quilting, crafting, gardening, canning, puzzles, reading, and baking: bread, buns, kolaches, runzas, pies, caramel rolls, plachenda, knepfla to name a few of her specialties. The preparation and participation in Burke Farmers Market was always a highlight of her summers.

Sylvia was a strong Christian and faithful active member of United in Faith Parish United Methodist Church in Burke, holding many offices and positions. United Methodist Women, 60 plus year member of Graceland Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

 Left to cherish her memory:  two sons, Maurice (Cheryl) Schlaht, Gregory, SD, Gregg (Joan) Schlaht, Deadwood, SD, two daughters, Brenda (Arlyn) Klundt, Winner, SD and Jody (Pat) O’Brien., Okoboji, IA.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss their loving Granny who adored them: Ben (Amber) Schlaht, The Colony, TX, Brandon Schlaht, Rapid City, SD, Amy (Braedon) Petersen, Deadwood, SD, Grant Schlaht, Slayton, MN, Whit Kruse Luverne, MN, Jennifer Kruse, Dominic and Olivia Luverne, MN, Austin (Hailey) Klundt, Evan and Sylvia, Winner, SD, Josh (Sherry) Klundt, Beckett and Oaklynn, Sioux Falls, SD, and Grace Grommesh, Vermillion, SD, sister-in-law Jane Schlaht Portland, OR, brother-in-law, Bert Dickman, NY and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death, parents Marvin and Mary Iler, brothers Orvis James and Calvin Marvin, sister Donna Canon, step father Paul Kimball, husband Maurice, daughter, Melinda Jean, granddaughter Hope, furry friend, Millie, and many sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, and nephew.  Syb will be greatly missed.  As she would frequently say, “make it a good day!”

Dennis Schroeder, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Nov. 15th, 2021 in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were  held on Friday, Nov. 19th, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Dennis was born on Jan. 27, 1945 to John and Clara (Speidel) Schroeder.

Dennis graduated from Winner High School in May of 1964.  Dennis enlisted in the Army in 1965 and served his country during the Vietnam era. He was stationed in Germany for 3 years. Dennis was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for meritorious service as a Maintenance Data Specialist while assigned to B Battery, 1st Battalion, 81st Artillery. His outstanding performance as a clerk and the assistance he rendered in training new personnel significantly contributed to the successful accomplishment of the unit’s mission.

June 1, 1964 he was hired by the City of Winner to work in the water department. In 1985 he was appointed head of the Water Department; in 1987 he was appointed maintenance supervisor; and in 2006 he was appointed Public Works Director.

 Dennis was certified in water distribution, water treatment, and waste/water collection. Through years of service and dedication Dennis worked maintaining the city’s streets, parks, and cemetery. Dennis was a dedicated self-motivating employee who never lost his enthusiasm for his job or for the betterment of the city and community. Dennis retired June 1, 2014, after 50 years of service to the City of Winner.

Dennis was definitely a creature of habit. He could be found almost every day between the hours of 5 and 7 pm at the Pheasant sipping on a whisky water and playing a few hands of cards or rolling dice with his friends.  Dennis enjoyed gardening and keeping his yard in pristine condition.  In his younger years, Dennis bowled on a league for Dick’s Bar, played softball, hunted pheasants, and enjoyed fishing. He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. He had a positive impact on all whose lives he touched over the years. Dennis loved the City of Winner and was very involved in the community. He participated in Rotary Club, Shriners, and was involved in turning on the Christmas lights every year.

“Schroed” will be greatly missed by all who knew him, along with his big goofy grin.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Nicole (Deb) Schroeder, Sioux Falls, SD and Melanie Peterson and Danielle Bredenberg of Casper, WY; Grandson, Jacob Schroeder, Sioux Falls, SD; Granddaughter, Dani Peterson of Casper, WY; his brothers Roger (Monica) Schroeder, Valley Springs, SD and Clifford (Lisa) Schroeder, Winner, SD, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Clara Schroeder, and his sister, Barb Simkins.

Kari DeMers, 28, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Winner, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.

Kari was born in Winner on Aug. 2nd, 1993, to Keith and Lynn DeMers (Van Patten), she was the younger sister of Courtney DeMers.

Kari spent her childhood on a farm west of Colome and enjoyed spending time at her grandparents’ house. She attended Winner High School and graduated with the class of 2011. Upon graduation, Kari worked as a CNA at Winner Regional Long Term Care, and also held part-time work at Winner Country Club.

Kari is remembered for the compassion she showed to others, her ability to care was unmatched and she had a heart of gold. Kari especially loved all animals, particularly cats. Regardless of whether they were people or animals Kari always took time to be kind to every soul she met.

In her free time Kari loved to golf and spend time with her family playing board games and watching movies. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors and joining her sister on adventures.

Grateful for sharing her life and missing her in death are Kari’s parents, Lynn and Keith DeMers of Winner, SD, her sister Courtney DeMers and her husband Collin Strong of Denver, CO, and Kari’s grandmother Louise DeMers also of Winner, SD. Additionally Kari had many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that all love and will miss her.

Kari was preceded in death by her grandparents William “Bill” and Reva Van Patten of Winner, SD, grandfather Lawrence DeMers of Winner, SD and aunt Patricia Van Patten of Rapid City, SD.

Helen Cameron, 91, of Presho, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13th, 2021 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD. Burial will follow in the Presho City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Helen Marie Cameron was born June 10, 1930 in Onida, South Dakota to Siegfried and Marie Schieckoff. Helen had two sisters and one brother. She was baptized and a member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. She attended Pleasant and Buffalo Township schools in Sully County. She and her sister, Eva, boarded in homes in Onida while attending high school. She graduated from Onida High School. She received her teaching certificate and taught country school. She later went on to work for Dr. Sutley, dentist, in Ft Pierre and in the motor vehicle department in the Capital building.

She was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” C. Cameron on Sept. 18, 1954. To this union three daughters were born, Deborah, Leigh Ann, and Lisa.

Bob and Helen purchased the Lyman County Herald in Presho in 1954 a newspaper and commercial printing business which they ran together until they sold the paper in 2000.

Helen taught Sunday school for several years at Zion Lutheran, was a member of the Young Matrons Extension Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She was the editor of the Lyman County Herald for many years.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Deborah (Jim) McDugald, Leigh Ann (Ed) Farris, and Lisa (Craig) Curtis. One brother Clifford Schieckoff. Five grandchildren, Chanda (Paul) MacNeil, Travis (Jenny) McDugald, Justin (Angel) McDugald, Ashley (Trey) DeHaan, Colby (Kiah Schumacher) Curtis. Six Great Grandchildren, Ethan, Colin, Hope MacNeil, Autumn McDugald, Eliza McDugald, Logyn DeHaan, many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Cameron, sisters Dorothy Schmitgen and Eva Johnson, infant brother Herbert Schieckoff, sister-in-law Marilyn Schieckoff, brothers-in-law Lewis Schmitgen and Bob Johnson.

Jeremy Pesek, age 42 of Lincoln, NE died on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.

He is the father of three children, twins Maddox and Hope, and Rosie.

Jeremy is the son of Rick Pesek of Weldona, CO and son of Karl and Chris (Kayl) Christensen, of Lincoln, NE. He has one sister, Christy Christensen, of Lincoln, NE.

Funeral services will be held at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Lincoln, NE, on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at 4 p.m.

He is the great nephew of Don and Rosie Smith and has many Kayl relatives in and around Gregory, SD.He is the grandson of Winnie Kayl of Gregory, SD, the late Kenneth Kayl, and of the late Jim and Joyce (Wynia) Pesek.

 Jeremy was a carpenter for years. He will be greatly missed.

Arlene Bierema, 91, of Springfield, died Nov. 13.

Funeral services are 1:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Visitation will be Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the church. Burial is in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield. Peters Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Emmanuel Reformed Church.

Arlene Cornelia (Tjeerdsma) Bierema was born to Peter and Annie (Odens) Tjeerdsma on Jan. 6, 1930, in the Springfield, SD area. She passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.

She attended Kirkwood country school and graduated from Springfield High School in 1948.

On July 7, 1949, she was united in marriage to Sidney James Bierema, the son of Peter and Sadie Bierema, at the home of the bride’s parents. To this union eleven children were born, 5 sons and 6 daughters.

She was a stay-at-home mom who loved to bake bread and sew. She made shirts for the boys and dresses for the girls. She was a 4-H leader who taught her daughters to bake and sew. She enjoyed baking cookies for her grandchildren. She made many blue jean denim quilts for family members, just ask one of the grandkids they probably have a blue jean quilt in their car or pickup that was made by Grandma Arlene.

In retirement she and Sidney spent many hours at auctions. She kept in touch with farming by watching the various trucks, tractors and wagons, sprayers and fertilizers that went to and from Kingsburg. She loved watching the various birds in the bird bath on her yard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-law, and brother Oscar Tjeerdsma.

She is survived by her children: Allen (Jeryln) of Tyndall, Charlene of Springfield, Harvey (Brenda) of White River, Myron (Kim) of Springfield, Aletha (Hal) Whitethorn of Madison, Ivan (Cindy) of St. Onge, Vera (Joe) Hall of Wagner, Miriam (Bill) Leibel of Tyndall, Arlis (Dan) Kafka of Wagner, Amy (Randy) Thum of Scotland and Theran of Sioux Falls; 30 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren; brother Gerald (Betty) Tjeerdsma of Springfield and sister Bernice (Elmer) Tolsma of Avon

John E. Leetch passed away on Nov. 2, 2021, with his family by his side. 

John was born on Aug. 1, 1943, to Regina (Horst) and Matthew Leetch in St. Charles, SD.

John married his best friend and love of his life, Margaret Hansen in 1968.  They were married 53 years and raised two children, a daughter, Melynda (Jay) and a son, Damon (Shannon). 

John loved spending time in the Black Hills.  He loved playing online poker, and he enjoyed watching old westerns and listening to ’50s rock like Buddy Holly and old time country.  He grew up watching boxing in black and white and changed to MMA as he got older.  He also enjoyed panning for gold with his friends and family. Some would even say he had the gold fever his whole life.

He was always there for all of his family to help with every project, big or small.  He was very talented as there wasn’t much that he couldn’t do or figure out how to do.

John had an amazing sense of humor, quick wit, and an infectious laugh that we will forever miss. He had great stories, and usually all of them were funny.

John’s favorite name to be called was “Pa”.  His grandchildren were the biggest joys of his life.  He spent every moment possible with Dalton (his Dalty), Morgan (his lil princess) and Greyson (his big boy).   All of the grandchildren have timeless memories and funny stories about their Pa.  

He is now at peace and will never be forgotten.

John is survived by many family and friends who love and will miss him very much.  The family will honor John’s wishes to not have any services.

Donna Dice, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

 Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

 Donna was born Oct. 6, 1930 to Albert and Clara Christensen.  Her mother passed away right after her birth and it was her mother’s death request that Donna’s Uncle Claude and Aunt Lizzie raise her.  She joined the Larsh family who were always her Mom & Dad and also gained a big brother, Oliver Larsh.

Donna graduated from Winner High School in 1949 and married Andrew Dice on April 2, 1950.  Together they raised four children on the family farm northwest of Winner.  Donna worked beside Andy on the farm keeping busy cooking meals, baking caramel rolls, driving tractor and any other chores that needed to be done.  She also had many jobs in Winner.  She managed the Outlaw Café, enjoying the girls she worked with and her many customers.  Her last job was department head of laundry at the Winner Regional Healthcare.

Andy and Donna moved to Winner after their children were grown and enjoyed the social side of town life.  You could always find them at one of the local restaurants enjoying a meal with friends followed by a good game of cards at their house.

Donna is survived by her children Dale (Joan) of Chester, VA, Roger (Rickita) of Winner, SD, Shirley (Shane) Bingen of Ideal, SD, Bonnie (Doug) Percy of Winner, SD, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her half-sister, Joan Songer, half-brother, Marvin (Jan) Christensen, sisters-in-law, Margaret Lewis, Dorothy Taylor and Catherine Ambur as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Andy of 66 years, her parents, Claude & Elizabeth Larsh and numerous relatives.

J. Marilyn Gronlund, 92, of Rapid City passed away Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.

Services were held on Thursday, Oct. 21, at South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Interment was at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Marilyn was born March 26, 1929, in Huron, SD to Jonas and Olga (Andersen) Jonason.  She graduated from Huron High School and South Dakota State College with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. This background led her to a career as a Registered Laboratory Technologist.

On Aug. 26, 1951, she married Arden Gronlund and they were married for over 56 years. Her hobbies included counted cross stitch, crossword puzzles, and knitting baby sweaters.  Many family members and friends possess one of her works of love.  She was most proud of the fact that all of her children had college degrees and successful careers. Her love of sports extended to cheering for Rapid City Stevens High School Raiders and the Denver Broncos. Marilyn was a faithful member of South Canyon Lutheran Church and had been a member of Altar Guild and Piecemaker’s Quilting Group.

Marilyn is survived by her children; Mark (Victoria) Gronlund of Winner, Eric (Laurie) Gronlund of Pierre, Joan Ehrismann of Colstrip, MT, Karen Overholt of Gillette, WY, Diane Gronlund of Rapid City, Nancy (David) Bassett of Macedon, NY, and 8 grandchildren; Aislinn, Cade, Garrett, Natalie, Halle, Kenzie, Steven, and Mark.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters; Velma Billington, Verna Schramm, sons-in-law; Rex Overholt and Mark Ehrismann.

Her online guestbook is at osheimschmidt.com

Margaret Meyer, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at the St. Gabriel’s Hospice Facility in Arlington, Texas. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Margaret Ann Meyer went to be with her Savior on Oct. 27, 2021

Margaret was born on May 19, 1943 in Winner to Oliver and Mildred (Hedlund) Larsh. She was tiny but feisty. She spent the first few years of life growing up on her parents’ farm, where she loved to play with the chickens. Her brother Ivan was born when she was 3, and at age 6 the family moved to town so that she could attend school.

Margaret grew up attending First Baptist Church of Winner, where she played piano from a young age. She dreamed of becoming a missionary.

She started dating the love of her life, Keith Meyer, during their senior year at Winner High, and they graduated together in 1961. Margaret received her Teaching Certificate from Southern State Teacher’s College in May 1963.

Keith and Margaret were married on Aug. 17, 1963. They moved to Pierre, where Margaret taught elementary school and where their first daughter Keatha was born in 1966. Keith’s career took them to Cheyenne and then Green River, Wyo., where their daughter Megan was born to them in 1980. They then moved to Edwards, Colo. where their daughter Cathy joined the family.

In 2003, Keith and Margaret moved back to Winner to care for her mother Millie. Together they remodeled Margaret’s childhood home. They again became active members of First Baptist church, where she played piano and taught children’s and adult Sunday School.

Margaret was a very talented teacher, artist, homemaker and musician. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to plan fun activities with her granddaughters during summer visits. She leaves behind for us all a legacy of love and faith.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

She is survived by her brother Ivan; daughters Keatha, Megan and Cathy; grandchildren Jake, Ben, Luke, Seth, Sierra, Nykyta, Kaylee and Kara; and great grandchildren Kassidy, Eleanor, Kinley and Landon.

She will be so greatly missed by her family and many friends.