Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Linc Wilson, age 63, formerly of Winner,  passed away on Sept. 30, 2021. Linc loved his family and his cats. Family and friends called him the Lincster and /or Hopper. He loved to have fun with people and make everyone laugh.

Linc enjoyed hunting deer and pheasant it was something he did every year with his family. In recent years he started metal detecting and found some very interesting treasures like real silver dollars and helped a couple find an engagement ring they had lost at a park. Linc also enjoyed hiking all over Arizona. He collected Mickey Mouse memorabilia and was frequently seen wearing one of his many Mickey T-shirts.

Linc was a glazier and installed glass in high rise buildings, the heights didn’t bother him. He also contracted to put the banners up at Sun Devil Stadium for the Fiesta Bowl games and for the Super Bowl game. Before moving to Arizona Linc worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He grew up in Winner, South Dakota.

Linc is survived by his wife Margo, his sister Tracee Ford, her husband Greg their children, Shae, Layne, Reed, Teeyl, and Jais. His brother Shannon and wife Cindee. Linc adored his grand nieces and nephews Gunner, Bristol, Maive, Rhen, Ophelia, Tanner, Piper, Peyton and Ashton. He would have them laughing and screaming with delight within minutes. He was always a kid at heart.

Linc was a hobby artist and created some fun pieces using glass and wood. He made beautiful fairy houses for many of us. He also collected Native American pottery. His collection will be donated to local museums.

Donations to ASPCA and the Arizona Humane Society.

Linc was well loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral service was held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 at 12 p.m.  Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com

A memorial service will be held in the spring in Winner, SD.

Donald Vaughn, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 at the Edgewood Assisted Living in Mitchell, SD.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Funeral services will be live-streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page.

Donald Lee Vaughn was born on Nov. 20, 1931, in Paxton, South Dakota where he was the first child of Dallas and Dorothy (Bennett) Vaughn. Don was blessed to grow up with his 11 siblings and attended rural schooling in Gregory County until the 8th grade.

He married Luella Ulmer on June 14, 1953. To this union, three sons were born; David Lee, Gary Dean, and Bradley Don.

Early in the marriage between Don and Lue, they lived south of Carlock, SD and worked for the Bill Steppat family. For a short time, they lived near Moser, SD and worked for Chet Weaver. Don and Lue moved to the banks of the Keya Paha River, where many great memories were made when the boys were younger. Don was working for Bob Brazena. Aftertime, they relocated to their place on Rahn Lake Road in 1969. On their farm, the couple continued farming, milking cows, raising sheep and chickens, until their retirement. One of Don’s greatest passions was to own, raise, and ride horses, which was a passion that he shared with the rest of his family.

When they decided it was time to move to town, Don and Lue purchased a town house in Winner, SD. The doors of their new home were always open for company, coffee and fresh banana bread were always hot and waiting. Don loved to have company, he could always be found visiting with friends and family. At the time of his passing Don and Lue were residents of the Edgewood Living Center in Mitchell, SD.

Don was always proud of his family, especially his grandkids and great grandkids. He was the first one to tell you what they were up to and how they were doing if you were willing to lend an ear to listen. Don was overjoyed to meet his great-great granddaughter, Wakely, and was proud to be a part of 5 generations of family.

Donald passed away peacefully on Oct. 2, 2021, in Mitchell, SD surrounded by his family. Preceding Donald into Heaven were his parents, Dallas and Dorothy, and his in-laws Albert and Hilda Ulmer, sisters Belle Ravelette & Lois Fode, & brothers Billy Vaughn, Merle Vaughn, & Leo Vaughn; and numerous brother and sister-in-laws.

Don leaves behind his loving wife Luella of 68 years, Sons; Dave (Bev), Gary (Debbie), Bradley (Jil), grandchildren Domini Turnquist (Blake Benedict), Melony (Cody) Bertram, Tommy (Dayris) Vaughn, Jordan (Krista) Walton; Sequoya (Dan) Rohrbach, Taylor (Jeremy Huber) Vaughn, Brady (Taylor Ann) Vaughn, Cooper Vaughn and Rahni Vaughn. Great grandchildren; Baleigh (Forrest) Cerv, Cohl (Dacey Kocer) Turnquist, Trevor Bertram, Wyatt Turnquist, Kenndal Turnquist, Brayden Malsam, Chandler Benedict, Kayln Rohrbach, Legend Benedict, Reagan Vaughn, Addison, Kayson and Teegan Walton, and Kinsley Vaughn. Great great granddaughter Wakely Cerv. Siblings; Derald (Jo), Lloyd (Sally), Jim (Judy), Jerry (Bev), Dennis (Cindy), Randy (Jean), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rest in those heavenly acres Grandpa Farmer. We love you.

Funeral Services for Rodney King age 70 of Gregory, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Winner-Ideal Community Center, Winner, SD. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. in Bull Creek Miniska Presbyterian Cemetery in Dixon, SD. There will be a wake service on Friday at 7 pm at the Community Center in Winner, SD.

Mary Chasing Hawk, 59, of Winner, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service were held on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at 12 p.m.  at the Winner Middle School Gym.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  Wake service  began on Wednesday and Thursday Sept. 29 and 30, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Gym.

Mary Frances Chasing Hawk (Blacksmith) was born on Jan. 7, 1962 to Alvin and Frieda Blacksmith.

Mary Frances Blacksmith and Nelson Chasing Hawk received the blessing of marriage in April 1983 at his Grandpa Bill’s (Bill Schweigman / Chief Eagle Feathers) Traditional Cultural Camp in the Two Strike Community.

Mary passed away Sept. 23, 2021 and at time of death her and Nelson have been together for 43 years since she was 16 years old and Nelson was 14 years old.  They had 4 children; Marie, Nelson Jr., Casey and Rebeca and 2 grandchildren Delilah and Delrick.

Mary sun danced for 24 years and a lot of those years she helped with and took care of what needed to be done with the ceremony.  She was really proud and enjoyed her life within her spiritual beliefs.

Mary really enjoyed being around children, her siblings and Nelson’s siblings even their grandchildren called her grandma.  Even non-natives called her mom or grandma.

Mary had a very friendly personality, she was very well liked by her family and friends both native and non-natives referred to her either by mom or as grandma.  She was well liked by her bosses and co-workers, fellow students and instructors.  When she saw her grandkids playing outside she would always be happy to see them she’ll say hi and if she had something she would give it to them like candy or whatever and watch them get excited over it that made her feel good to see all her grandkids happy.  She always got her own grandkids whatever they wanted, she just loved to see them happy.  When her granddaughter wants her no matter how she felt or what time it was late at night she would sit there with them.  Mary always talked to all her friends and family and would give them advice.  She had a big heart no matter who it is was she was always kind to everybody she met.  Mary and Nelson went back to school where they both received their bachelor’s degrees.

She is survived by her children Marie Chasing Hawk, Nelson Chasing Hawk Jr., Casey Chasing Hawk, Rebecca Chasing Hawk and her sisters and brothers Marilyn and (Darrel) Herman, Dorthy Heth, Alva and (Norman “Levi”) Chasing Hawk, Alice Blacksmith and Dawn & (Tim) Sharkey, David Blacksmith and Martha Blacksmith.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother Alvin and Frieda Blacksmith, her sisters; Veneda Eagle Hawk/Andrews, and Elizabeth Blacksmith, Grandmother Mercy Andrews and father and mother in law Norman Sr. and Clarice Chasing Hawk.

Mary loved being with her family and her grandkids, she was deeply loved by all her family and friends and will be forever in our hearts and forever missed.

Services for Joyce Hermsen, 95, of Norfolk, Neb.,  will be at Immaculata Monastery in Norfolk, NE. The Rev. Allan Stetz O.S.B. officiated for the funeral Mass at Immaculata Monastery in Norfolk on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m.  Graveside services were Monday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Colome Cemetery. A luncheon followed at St. Isadore’s Catholic Church basement, in Colome.

Joyce died on Sept. 22, 2021, at Faith Regional Services in Norfolk, NE. Brockhaus-Howser-Filmer Funeral Home in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

Joyce was born in Colome, S.D. on July 26, 1926, to Leon and Hilda (Stockman) Rehberg. She passed to eternity on Sept. 22, 2021, in Norfolk, NE.

  Joyce graduated from Colome High School in 1943 and was married to Albert Hermsen Jr. the same year. Joyce and Al made their home in Winner, S.D. and had three children, Garry (deceased as an infant), Gayle (Sister Kevin) of Norfolk and Gregory of Seattle.

Joyce was known as a great cook and meticulous housekeeper. She and Al traveled extensively during their marriage, visiting several countries in Europe and Asia. Al died in 1997 and Joyce continued to live in Winner until 2014 when she moved to the Meadows senior living facility in Norfolk, NE. She enjoyed having Sister Kevin closer and Greg visited often from Seattle.

She is preceded in death by her husband Al; infant Garry; her parents; and her two sisters, Shirley Mitchell and Mary Olson. Joyce’s mother Hilda died while Joyce and her sisters were still small children. They were raised by their maternal aunt, Clara Dedlow and her husband Ed on a farm near Colome. Their cousin Earlean Dedlow was a special “big sister” to them.

She is survived by her daughter, Sister Kevin of Norfolk; her son, Greg of Seattle, WA; two granddaughters, Marissa Hermsen of Seattle and Monica (John) Wisniewski of Bellingham, WA; three great-grandsons, Elijah, Ashton, and Ezren Wisniewski.