Category Archives: Obituaries

Bertha “Cricket” (Davis) Zweifel, age 69, of Wall, South Dakota, died on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 at her home near Wall.

Bertha “Cricket” Mae (Davis) Zweifel was born Oct. 2, 1952 in Valentine, Neb., to Hanson and Grace (Hayford) Davis.

Cricket grew up in Millboro, SD. She attended New Huggins school in Millboro, SD. She left school in her early years to help her family after her mother passed away at a young age. Cricket lived various places throughout her life and later considered her home to be Rapid City, SD. She raised three children on her own as a single parent. Cricket worked at various jobs but primarily waitressed, worked for herself as a security guard, and later medically retired from her position at SCI Systems. Cricket worked hard all her life and she showed her children and everyone around her what hard work looks like.

Cricket received a special gift that provided her with second chance at life receiving a lung transplant in 2017. She was the toughest woman we knew – also beating Covid in 2020. You could never count her out as she always bounced back regardless of what was thrown her way. She loved drinking coffee with her Morningside Café friends, playing cards with family, western dancing, and singing karaoke. Cricket was incredibly fond of her pets, to include her beloved dog Matonka. The most special people in Cricket’s life were her grandkids and great-grandkids – probably more than her own children!

Survivors include a son Darrel (Rochelle) Davis; two daughters Jacqueline (Bill) Davis and Savannah (Jeff) Williamson; bonus daughter Donna Brave Boy; grandchildren: Nathan (Jen) Swallow, Stephon “Brian” Grimm, Tyann (Nathan) Sturdevant, Justin (Bri) MIller, Melissa Delker, Trevin Williamson, Kayja Murphy, Dante Murphy-Davis, Kaleb Murphy, William Housman, Kayla (Ryan) Fischer, Deanna Brave, Kira Left Hand Bull, Braidon Brave Boy, and Briana White Buffalo; great-grandchildren: Annastasia Delker, Hannah, Talan, and Trenton Sturdevant, Kai Murphy, Elizabeth Fischer, Kiyann and AJ Miller, Sidney and Evelyn Garcia, and Georgina McWhorter; sister Lue (Stan) Hanson; three brothers: Cecil (Carol) Davis, Charles (Susan) Davis, and James (Linda) Davis; and a host of well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Hanson and Grace Davis; sisters Helen (Norbert) Schutz and Berniece Gallatin; brother Duane Davis; granddaughter TishaMarie Sandberg and great-granddaughter Shelby Sturdevant.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 201 Wall, SD 57790.

Celebration of Life services were held at 3:30 pm Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home in Rapid City. A light meal was served following the service at the VFW 420 Main Street.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Josephine Alice Klein died Sept. 20,2021 in the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center. Jo, or gramma Jo as she was called by many, was from the Hidden Timber Area, SD, but with a Valentine, NE address.

Jo was born to Florence (MacDonald) and Herbert Gregg on February 18, 1932 in room C of the Carter Hotel being run by her grandparents. She grew up on a farm north of Carter and attended country school in Carter. There she learned to care for her younger brothers and elk wit chores and gardening. Jo attend and graduated high school in Winner.

After high school she worked as a telephone operator. Jo’s high school friend Gladys introduced Jo to her brother Lawrence Klein. Jo and Lawrence were married on May 25, 1951. Lawrence finished his term in the army in 1952 and they moved home to work with his family in the Hidden Timber area. They had four sons: Randolph, Rory, Roderick, and Rockwell.

She was always up for an adventure and when Lawrence said “Let’s go” she could pack up four kids and be ready to go at the drop of a hat. It might be deer hunting in the Hills or rock hunting in western SD.

In the mid 60s she started a career as secretary/receptionist in the Todd County School District. Duties included starting a library at the South Elementary. She worked with many who became long time friends.

She was a typical school mom and helped with many school functions, grade school parties and proms.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church teaching Sunday School and vacation bible school.

She was always helping others and took in the neighbor kid while his mother finished her teaching degree. Later on she took in a high school gal who had a baby when her family chose to ignore her. Set up a bed in the corner of the living room for mother and baby.

She always had a listening ear, and withholding judgement, would condole the heaviest heart.

She loved things with dinosaurs and windmills.

As her sons got married, she got the daughters she never had. She said she didn’t know what to do with girls. She soon learned. She also got grandchildren who she had special bonds with them all.

Jo was preceded to heaven by her husband Lawrence, her parents, Lawrence’s parents George and Coral Klein, her brother Jim and his wife Marion; brother-in-laws Raymond Anderson and Francis Kramer; sister-in-law Loyce Gregg; sisters-in-law and husbands; Eleanor and Bill Chauncey, Clarice and LeRoy Chauncey.

Jo is survive by her hour sons Randy (Vicki), Rory (Kathy), Roderick (Peggy), and Rocky (Yvonne); her brothers John (Jeanne) Gregg and Dennis (Kay) Gregg; sister-in-law Gladys Kramer, 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces and their families.

Jo wanted it said: She lived, she laughed, she loved, she died!

Stan Roubideaux, 26, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility. 

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Winner/Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Wake service was held on Tuesday and Wednesday Oct. 19, and 20 at 7 p.m.  at the Winner/Ideal Community Hall.

Stan Robert Roubideaux started his journey to the Spirit World on Oct. 11, 2021.

Stan was born on Oct. 28, 1994 to Cathy Small and Eric Roubideaux.  The oldest of all his siblings and Cathy’s only son.  He was his mom’s and sister’s protector, he would go to war with anyone who came their way.

You could always find Stan at the city park basketball courts, playing ball with his cousins and friends until dark.  Sometimes the would even play with only the street lights on.  Stan often worked at a bee farm or odd jobs here and there.

In 2013 Stan became a father to a baby girl Ava Jane, whom he got to name.  Ava was his everything.  In 2018 Stan was blessed with twin boys Issac and Elliot, he was so happy to have boys of his own!  Lastly he had one more baby girl in 2020 Kamryn, he loved all his children.

Stan is preceded in death by his very close aunt Crystal Peneaux and his grandparents Veryl and Elsie (Fast Horse) Peneaux.

Stan will be greatly missed

Lois Duffy, 93, of Rapid City, formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 at the Monument Healthcare Facility in Rapid City, SD.

  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Lois Duffy passed on to her eternal home on Oct. 16, 2021 in Rapid City, SD at the age of 93. She cheerfully and optimistically fought a long battle with cancer always believing in God’s healing power.

Lois Marie Leat was born on Sept. 22, 1928 to Freda (Schelske) and Clarence Leslie (Ted) Leat. She was born at home on the Savage ranch near Hamill, SD where her father was employed.

While an infant her family moved to Winner, SD. She attended school in Winner graduating from Winner High School. In the fall of 1948 she moved to Redding, CA working as a Bell Telephone switchboard operator. She was transferred to Lake Tahoe for a summer which became a very memorable time in her life. She returned to Winner in the fall of 1951 where she continued working for the telephone company.

In 1952 she met Jr. Duffy and they were married Aug. 26. They initially resided in Winner moving to Clearfield after the birth of their first child. They had 5 children, Terry, Susan, Patrick, Rollie and Thomas.  They moved back to Winner in the fall of 1964 where they remained until Jr.’s death in 2013. Lois moved to Rapid City to live with her daughter in 2015 where she remained until her death.

Lois got her love of gardening from her parents and had large flower gardens that were enjoyed and admired by all her neighbors .She and Jr. both enjoyed sharing vegetables from their garden with family and friends. She often had a jigsaw puzzle going on her table. She loved a good tart lemon pie and was well known for her pies, cinnamon rolls and chicken noodles. Visits with family and friends were most important and nothing made her day more than a call from an old friend or one of the grandkids.

She looked forward to her weekly bible study and prayer meetings and up until her last few years was active in the Methodist church. She had a deep and unwavering faith in God and her common refrain was always “God takes good care of me.” And he did to the very end.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, son Rollie, her parents, two brothers, Merlin and James and three sisters, Sandra, Nancy Olsen and Aileen Hopkins.

She is survived by her siblings Donald (Shirley) Leat of Sioux Falls and Patsy (Chuck) Fyler of Rapid City: her children Terry (Greg) Bennick of Gillette, WY, Susan Duffy of Rapid City, Patrick (MyraLee) Duffy of Moorcroft, WY and Thomas (Annette) Duffy of Hill City; six grandchildren, Josh (Karrissa) Bennick of Vancouver, B.C., Joseph (Rebekah) Bennick of Casper, WY, Paul (Kristi) Bennick of Buffalo, WY, Miranda (Sean) Schelske of Rozet, WY, Megan (Joe) Rosenau of Gillette, WY and Miles (Sharlet) Duffy of Torrington, WY.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Alice Short, Donna Rae Duffy, Maxine Duffy and Delores Duffy, five step-grandchildren, James (Brooke), Jeff, John (Renae) and Joe (Darcy) Fleming and Maggie Kuehler, and 11 step great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael Raymond Knodell, 67, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner.

Funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Michael Raymond Knodell was born on March 10, 1954 to William and Patricia (Collins) Knodell in Yankton, SD.  He graduated from Winner High School in 1972.

After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served our country.

He married Brenda Konop on Aug. 20, 1972 and to this union two children were born, twins, a son Mickey and a daughter Misti.

After his military service, Mike and his family settled in Wyoming.  Mike had a special gift with horses and people with disabilities.  After a lifetime of experience with horses and 20 years working with the disabled, Mike brought his love for both together and started the Wind River Therapeutic Riding Association that quickly became one of the largest riding associations in the western United States.  With this program, Mike taught riders who suffered from paralysis, blindness, brain injuries, mental challenges, or other disabilities.  Mike formally studied therapeutic riding at Central Wyoming College and belonged to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.  As a therapeutic riding instructor, he helped severely disabled people to learn life skills through horsemanship.  Most of his clients had never ridden before.  Soon after they were participating in Special Olympics and bringing home a trove of gold, silver, and bronze medals.  Mike returned to South Dakota to be near family.  He enjoyed helping at Miles and Kim DeJong’s ranch, where he had great memories, bible study, and ample time with horses.

When his son Mickey moved to the Winner area, they purchased an acreage together and savored the love of country living.  Mike liked playing pitch and pool, watching rodeos and boxing matches, and, of course, westerns.  He had a great sense of humor and knew how to tell a good story.  He had a big heart and will be deeply missed.

Mike passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 9, 2021. 

Grateful for being a part of his life, he is survived by his son Mickey Knodell, his daughter Misti (Chris) Burns, his grandchildren Taylor, Brooke, and Katie, his brothers and sisters, Dorothy (Tim) Gant, Carole (Tim) Mahan, Jack Knodell, Dar Knodell, Tammy (Steve) Lapsley, and Tony (Kathi) Knodell and several nieces and nephews. 

Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and his brother Bill.

John Irving McCollam died June 30, 2021 on his homestead outside of Dixon, SD. Pursuant to his wishes, he was cremated and no service will be held.

John was born Dec. 21, 1935 on the homestead outside of Dixon, SD to Benjamin and Esther (Engel) McCollam. He attended Lincoln Country School until the 8th grade and served in the Army as a medic for two years.  After his service to his country, John moved back to live and work on the family homestead.

When John was a young child, he started helping his mother milk the cows.  Other than his time in the Army, John continued to do the milking at the family farm for most of his life. At age 77, he finally made the tough decision to quit milking.

In between his twice daily milking, farming and chores, John also worked for Pete Rohr and Bill Taylor for many years. Likewise, John did many jobs for others over the years and always had time to help anyone in need. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and relatives build and repair things. More than one neighbor has shared that all John had to do was pat or rub their tractors and they would be running again. John also spent quite a bit of time helping Floyd with his many projects and endeavors.  

John built his own tools, repaired his own equipment and could fix almost anything. He never spent money on himself and many of his siblings said he had quietly loaned them money throughout the years.  He made remarkable cedar chests in his free time and gave them away, Intending that his sisters, sisters-in-laws and nieces by age all had one.

John shared a lifetime of experiences and wisdom with his many nieces and nephews which will be forever missed. He always loved company and enjoyed visiting, as long as he was not the center of attention; it was hard to even get a good picture of him!

He is survived by his sisters-in-law Joyce McCollam and Lavonne McCollam; 2 brothers-in-law William Hartland and Richard Huettmann; as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Esther; brothers, Philip, Steve, Delano, David and Floyd; sisters, Dortha Wheeler, Rosemary Hartland, and Virginia Huettmann; his brother-in-law Jack Wheeler; a niece Lisa Huettmann; and two nephews Willie Hartland and Jack Wheeler Jr.

Floyd Roger McCollam died June 30, 2021 on the homestead outside of Dixon, SD. He was cremated and his celebration of life will be Oct. 16, 2021 at 2 p.m. with a meal to follow, on the homestead.

Floyd was born on June 25, 1944 on the homestead outside of Dixon, SD, to Benjamin and Esther (Engel) McCollam. As a young child he helped his mother with milking the cows, taking care of the chickens and gardening.

He attended Lincoln Country School until 8th grade, graduated from Gregory High School and went on to graduate from Nettleton Business college.  In his younger and school years he worked as a police dispatcher and hotel clerk. He then moved to California for a time before working construction in Rapid City with his brothers; David and Delano. He even had his own Taxi service but his connection to McCollam Ranch always called him home, where he worked with John milking cows.

Floyd loved raising all sorts of animals like, fish, canaries, sheep, pigs, chickens, geese, guineas, he also loved raising all sorts of plants, he truly had green thumb. Floyd loved and owned a-lot of cars through the years, at the end he still owned his Cadillacs and prized GMC pickup.

Most of all, Floyd loved people, his friends, neighbors, and relatives often received cards for every occasion, sometime with money. He really enjoyed socializing and was a night owl, perhaps watching TV, preparing cards, baking, or listening to music.

He is survived by his sisters-in-law Joyce McCollam and Lavonne McCollam; 2 brothers-in-law William Hartland and Richard Huettmann; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Esther; brothers, Philip, Steve, Delano, David and John McCollam; sisters, Dortha Wheeler, Rosemary Hartland, and Virginia Huettmann; and his brother-in-law, Jack Wheeler; a niece Lisa Huettmann; and two nephews Willie Hartland and Jack Wheeler Jr.

A memorial service for Donald Story will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 20201 at 1 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD.

Donald Kelvin Story was born on Aug. 31, 1964, to Lydia and William Story.

Don spent his childhood on the family farm east of Winner, SD. He attended country school during his grade school years and then attended Winner High School, graduating in 1982.  

He attended Mitchell Vo-tech, and spent a short time in the Army.

He eventually entered truck driving school in Sioux Falls, SD. Turned out it came quite natural for him and became his profession.

Don met Jackie Lane in 2001, and convinced her to join him in the truck driving profession. This started their life and adventure, visiting many places while working highway construction. They were married on December 31, 2009.

His passions were fishing, music, 60’s and 70’s muscle cars – his  favorite being his 1969 Camaro, He also enjoyed spending time with his brother Wally, friends and family.

Don passed away on July 1, 2021 in Sioux Falls, SD, after a short battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents on both sides, mother Lydia story, father William Story, sister Nancy Story and father-in-law Gerald Drey.

He is survived by his wife Jackie, brothers, Wally Story and wife Marcie; Ken Story and wife Camie, nephews and nieces, many aunts and cousins; mother-in-law Edith Drey, and Jackie’s children and grandchildren.

Funeral services for Cheri Carlson will be  held Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke with Pastor Philip Henning officiating.

Burial was previously held at Graceland Cemetery in Burke.

Cheryl Lynn Swedlund was born in Winner, South Dakota, on May 28, 1947. Joining two brothers on a ranch north of Witten, all three went to the Eden School and on to Winner High. Sandy and Claudine raised her with strong faith and a sense of humor, as well as a deep appreciation for a wicked game of pitch.

After graduating, she attended Stewarts School in Sioux Falls and started her career as a beautician in Gregory. She built a loyal clientele and formed lifelong bonds that manifest from a stylist’s chair. Later, she upgraded her title to business owner, opening the Beauty Boutique in Winner.

Everett called her “my beautiful wife” starting in 1977. The Carlsons offered a warm welcome and she moved onto the family farm south of Burke, just shy of the Nebraska line. She and Everett took on remodeling the farmhouse, Cheri assuming the role of interior design director. In the decades to come, she used her knack for cooking and baking to feed her family, neighbors, the men working cattle, and holiday gatherings. She took pride in setting a table that sparkled so brightly you had to slip on your sunglasses when taking a seat. She put this flair to work during the annual tradition of the Christmas open houses she hosted for many years at the farm, filling the house with friends, family, and lots of laughter.

Burke called her “Thelma Jean” during a play in 1985, but her role as a community builder surpasses play practice. Winter Wonderland, Legion Auxiliary, the Stampede Rodeo, Community Club, Red Hats, and 4H; she loved connecting to people. Her pride overflowed when she hosted a style show for South Dakota’s State Centennial and organized events for the class of ’65, and a seemingly endless amount of fundraisers and benefits for people and groups in Burke. Whatever the occasion, when you saw her big white Caprice roll into town there were good times to come.

One of her most important names was “Mrs. Claus.” Santa and elf responsibilities rotated through friends new and old, but her mainstay as Mrs. Claus filled her with joy. Cheri sewed Mrs. Claus’s dress, which comes as no surprise. Her time spent at the sewing machine is counted in years, not hours. From western shirts to elaborate bridesmaid’s dresses, she labored over every stitch with talent and precision.

The names that came up during the card games in her house and yours—well, you likely remember them yourself. Pitch was the game of choice, but a deck of cards offered possibilities to Cheri. Everett had his hands full during nightly games of pinochle and rummy, governed by the Jamison rules, of course.

To say she was an enthusiastic fan of the Cubs is an understatement. Baseball, in general, was a lifelong passion. She enjoyed yelling at the umpires (one in particular) and when the Cubs won the world series, she went to bed grinning from ear to ear.

The most significant name of all, though, is “friend.” Cheri had a giving, sensitive heart that often appeared tough as nails on the exterior. We saw her lose a bit of her stride when she lost Everett, but friendships kept her strong as she navigated the years after his death. Her friends sent letters and visited with her on the phone for hours, and she loved every moment.

Cheri is preceded by Everett, her parents, and one brother, Joel.

She’s survived by her brother Jerry and his wife, Joanna. Her sons Kip and Zeb, and close friends Marla, and her son Colton. Grandkids Danielle, Taylor, and Drake, as well as their partners, grandkids, and great-grands, as well as cousins, spouses, sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, and on and on.

We are grateful to Burke. The people, the hospital, the nurses, the EMTs, and friends, all of you are extended family to us. We stand in awe of the excellent care given to Cheri from Ava’s House Hospice, as our lives are forever changed by the caregivers there.

Memorials will be shared with the Burke Community Foundation.

Alberta “Tisa” Elsasser, 66, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021 at her home in Winner, SD.  Memorial service was  held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Tisa went to her Lord and Savior on Oct. 5, 2021 at her home in Winner, SD. Tisa had a long two-year battle with cancer, she fought very hard to not let it slow her down.

Alberta Lettetia Cooley was born at Forbes Air Force Base Hospital, Kansas, to Colvin and Wanda (Hudson) Cooley.

Tisa graduated from Rapid City Central High School in 1973. She was united in marriage to Rick Sattler and they had two daughters: Jennifer and Sarah.

Tisa met Michael Elsasser in 1992 and they were united in marriage Sept. 11, 1994.

Tisa had many talents and interest in her lifetime.  She worked as a chef and baker for several years. While living in Clarksville, near Nashville, TN she modeled clothing for magazine advertisements, painted landscape art and worked as a chef.  She also loved sewing, crafting and was in her element when fishing.  Her biggest passion was reading. Tisa edited and reviewed all types of pre-published books. She became highly known for how thoroughly she edited and reviewed the books, that authors contacted her directly to review their books. As time went on this expanded to many different products that she tested and wrote online reviews for.

Michael’s work took them to Oregon in 1996. Tisa continued her reviews and was a fantastic homemaker. In 2018 after Mike retired, they moved to Winner to live with and take care of his mother Norma.

Tisa met many wonderful people in Winner and enjoyed volunteering at the Winner Thrift Store and meeting women from the Town and Country Women’s Club. She enjoyed fishing and just hanging out with  cousins.

Tisa is preceded in death by both her parents Wanda and Colvin, her first husband Rick and her three brothers Dale, Joseph, and Christopher.

She is survived by her husband Michael, her two daughters Jennifer of Texas and Sarah of Tennessee, her sister Theresa of Nevada, her two stepdaughters Nora of South Dakota and Darcy of Wyoming, five grandkids Harrison, Atticus, Hudson, Maribeth and Jacob and four step-grandkids Kevin, Kendall, Keaton, and Jaden.