Category Archives: Obituaries

Carla Lebert, 58, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, SD.

A private family graveside service was held on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Carla Jo Lebert was born on Oct 17, 1963 in Gregory SD. The third daughter of Bill Lebert and Helen (Frank) Bateman of Winner SD.  She passed away on Oct. 22, 2021, at the Winner Regional Health Care Facility in Winner, SD.

 Carla grew up on the family farm southwest of Dallas, SD where she helped with all the usual farm work. She attended 1st and 2nd grade at the New Valley School in rural Tripp County, SD, then went on to Colome grade school and high school and graduated in 1981. Carla went on to Mitchell Vo-tech where she graduated with a diploma from the secretarial program.

She returned to Winner working at the Winner Advocate, Cendant Ramada Reservation Center, Sargent’s Café (where many friendships were made), Joie’s Café, the Holiday Inn (where she loved hunting season and made many friends throughout the years), Country Pride Convenience store, and a caretaker. Carla never met a stranger. She talked to anyone that would listen, and then left as friends. Her conversations where always full of pride and joy of her family.

Carla loved her family. She didn’t have children of her own but her nephews, Roy, Craig, and Will were definitely her children. She was a 2nd mother figure to Craig and Will and helped raise them as her own. Her love and caring heart continued to help raise Craig and Will’s children also. She was the best babysitter around and if any of the kids needed anything she was the first to offer to help.

In the recent years Carla had some health problems which made her have to stay in the Winner Regional Nursing Home for an extended period of time where she also made “many” new friends. Carla was no longer able to work outside of the house. She moved in with her mother Helen and companion dog Angel a few years ago and was a great caretaker of her. She was always willing to babysit any of the grandkids anytime, any day.

Carla is survived by her loving mother, Helen (Frank) Bateman; Carla’s siblings Joan (Larry) Sargent, Tammy Turner; Carla’s nephews Roy Turner and his 3 children Isabella, Jazmyne, Alyxzandria. Craig (Heather) Sargent and their children Jude, Oren and Elsie. The children of Will Sargent (Therese) Wakely and Wynn.

She was preceded in death by her father Bill Lebert, younger brother Oren Lebert, nephew William (Will) Sargent.

Erika Michele Kaupp, age 41, of Flandreau, SD, passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Erika was born on Jan. 6, 1980, to John Kaupp and Julene Lupkes in Omaha, NE. She spent her early years in Gregory, SD and then moved to Colome, SD, graduating in 1998. Erika joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas. After the Air Force, Erika moved to the Flandreau area and started working at the Royal River Casino.  Erika attended school at Southeast Technical Institute, graduating in 2012 with her associate degree in marketing. She became the marketing director for the Royal River Casino. She also worked in marketing for the Chewelah Casino near Spokane, WA and the Ft. Randall Casino in Lake Andes, SD.

Erika enjoyed playing softball and volleyball in her younger years, was a music enthusiast, loved to go on adventures, and had a huge heart for all animals. She spent her free time hanging out with her friends and family and will be remembered for her spontaneous, outgoing energy, and her motivated spirit. Those who knew her will miss her great sense of humor and companionship.

Erika is survived by her mother, Julene Lupkes, Colome; sisters: Stacia (Jason) Paulson, Colome; Dana Ellwanger, Flandreau; Shana Kaupp, Flandreau; and Chelsea Lupkes, Huron, SD; 10 nieces and nephews; 3 great-nieces and nephews; and many other extended relatives and friends.

Erika was preceded in death by her father, John Kaupp; her grandparents, Oswald and Ellen Kaupp, Stanley Pitsenberger, and Blanche Hiller-Taylor; and her dog & fur baby, McGhoo.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at the Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center, Flandreau, with burial in the First Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation was  Thursday from 5 – 7 pm with an all-night wake service beginning 7  pm at the community center. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. www.skrochfc.com

Norma Jean Storms, 92, passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society–Valley Vista, in Wamego, Kansas.

Norma was born to Fred and Lillian Daughters on April 11, 1929 at the Bull Creek Township homestead of her paternal grandparents, Frank and Katherine Daughters. Norma was the first of eight children.

Norma attended grade school with her siblings at Sunnyside School. She attended Winner High School, graduating in 1946. After graduation she worked at JC Penney for five years as a cashier/bookkeeper then as a bookkeeper at the Winner Livestock Auction Company.

As a career girl, Norma enjoying spending time with her many friends and family, traveling and even hiking the buttes west of Winner! Her vast wardrobe was the envy of her younger sisters who often ‘borrowed’ favorite outfits.

On Aug. 28, 1953, Norma married James Storms from Keyapaha, SD after his return to the U.S. from his Korean War deployment. They were married in Clearfield, SD then lived in Tampa, FL during the remainder of Jim’s enlistment in the US Air Force.

Throughout their marriage, Norma was always a partner in the true sense of the word. Through Jim’s law enforcement career, she was an active member of the Tripp County Republicans, working for his re-election every two years. From the mid-1970’s on, she was a partner in businesses she and Jim owned. In addition to this, community involvement played a large part of her life. She was a life-time member of the VFW Auxiliary holding several post positions including the South Dakota District President. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish for over 60 years. She was a charter member of the local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a member of the Catholic Daughters, Avenue of Flags, a volunteer at the Tripp County Historical Society and in the Winner Public Schools.

In her retirement Norma continued her community involvement while playing bridge with her friends, entertaining, baking and being a Grandma.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her son, William, brothers Donald, Roger and Russell Daughters, and sisters Avis Bilyeu and Marilyn Laycock.

She is survived by her children Gail Dunford (Lynn) of Wamego, KS and Susan Storms (Bob) of Eden Prairie, MN; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Storms of Winner, SD; grandchildren Dr. Gretchen Dunford of Colby, KS, Claire Shaver (Daniel) of Kansas City, MO, Kaelob Storms and Jacob Storms of Flandreau, SD; a great-grandson, James Shaver; a sister, Kathryn Wanek of Green Valley, AZ; a brother, David Daughters (Deborah) of Rapid City, SD; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas.

Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday morning Nov. 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Winner, South Dakota.  Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery.

A vigil service will be Monday evening Nov. 8, 2021 at 7 p.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to  Good Samaritan Society-Valley Vista; Immaculate Conception Church; Tripp County Historical Society or the Winner V.F.W. Auxiliary #4674 and can be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Road, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547

Robert “Bob” Anderson, 61, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 at his home in Winner. 

Memorial service was held on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 at 10 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was held on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7:00PM with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Bob was born July 25, 1960 in Pierre, SD to Carl and Doreine (Johnson) Anderson.  He was the youngest of five siblings.  He attended school in Lyman County and spent much of his time on the family farm north of Kennebec, SD.  As a youngster, Bob enjoyed rodeoing and life on the farm.

In the “Red Hot Summer of 1983”, Bob met Laurie Bertram at a wedding dance in Witten, SD.  She thought he was “so handsome” in his white sweatpants and cowboy hat.  This chance encounter led to marriage just 5 months later.  During a blizzard, on Nov. 26, 1983, the two exchanged vows at the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Laurie often recalls the ‘wedding chase’ was so slow, they got passed by a farmer in a tractor on the highway.  To this union, two boys were born.  Zachary Emanuel was born on Bob’s birthday, July 25, 1985, in Rapid City, SD.  Initially living in Rapid City, the family decided to move to Winner, SD in 1986 to be closer to family.  Joshua Robert arrived 2 years later on Aug. 22, 1988, in Winner, SD.

By this time, Bob had started driving for United Van Lines, moving household goods from coast to coast.  As the boys grew, summer trips in the truck with Bob ensued.  These trips were enjoyed by all and would be remembered for years to come.  Although the trips are fond memories now, one can only imagine the challenges of housing two rowdy boys in a truck sleeper for days on end.  This is probably the time Bob’s hair started to turn white.

During the times not spent on the road, Bob loved rodeoing, camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends.  His quick wit, abundant jokes, and funny stories (often told so much that most listeners knew them by heart) were always a sure bet during these get-togethers.

Years later, once the boys had grown older and the “trips with Dad” were over, Bob and Laurie were blessed with two grandsons, Jace Robert and Ty David.  These three were a match made at a pond.  Fishing trips, muddy shoes, and endless giggles were always guaranteed during their time together.  Trading jokes and having adventures “out North” will not be soon forgotten.  Bob loved his grandsons, and they loved their Papa Bob more than anything.

Bob is survived by his wife Laurie, sons; Zach (Taylor) Anderson, and Josh Anderson; his sister Linda Vavra, and grandsons Jace Anderson and Ty Anderson.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Darlene Cudmore and Carla Cudmore and brother Richard Anderson.

Charlotte Mortenson, 77, of Presho, SD, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at her home.

Visitation was held  6 until 7 p.m.  on Tuesday, Nov. 2 with a vigil service  at 7 p.m. and a rosary followed.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3. All services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Presho. Interment will follow at Holy Angel Catholic Cemetery in Presho.

Charlotte Mortenson (Leichtnam) was born on Nov. 9, 1943, in Presho to Martha and Emanuel Leichtnam. She grew up 7 miles north of Presho and attended Annin Country School until 8th grade. Charlotte then became a Presho Wolf and graduated from Presho High School in 1961.

After high school, Charlotte was united in marriage with Robert Mortenson on June 17, 1961, in Presho. To this union three children were born: Lorie, Lorna, and Martin. Robert and Charlotte were married for 47 years until his death in 2009.

For 40 plus years you could find Charlotte as a waitress at Hutch’s Cafe, where she coined her trademark comment, “make a happy plate”. Charlotte enjoyed making crafts from pheasant feathers and did a variety of sewing projects. She was very competitive by nature and enjoyed winning at cards and all games. She regularly attended two different card clubs.  She looked forward to family functions and community events.  Charlotte loved her word-search circle books – she always said that they kept her mind working and helped to pass the time!  She also loved to travel and wasn’t afraid to play the slot machines or Keno.

Those who knew her well, called her “Chuck” or “Chucky”. Charlotte was very observant and would wait to give her “jab” or “poke” when the moment was right. Charlotte and her identical twin sister Charlene were always in sync and lifetime partners in crime.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved spending time with them.

Charlotte shared her 77 years with her children: Lorie (Tim) Mulhair of Yankton and stepchildren: Eric, John and Timothy; Lorna (Mike) Arnoldy of Kennebec and children: Raegan and Andee; Martin (Wendy) Mortenson of Winner and children: Hunter, Ryder and Piper; her three sisters Charlene Nies of Martin, Tootie (Earl) Bailey of Presho, and Deanna (Herb) Sundall of Sioux Falls as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Emanuel and Martha, brother Jack, sister Mary, infant sister MaDonna, and nieces Crystal Lyn Mortenson and Connie Rae Whipple.

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.