Category Archives: Obituaries

Harley Edward Furrey, 90, of Quinn, South Dakota, formerly of Todd County, South Dakota, passed away on May 2, 2021.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, South Dakota, followed by a luncheon at St. Mary’s Hall. A private family burial was held on May 7, 2021 at the Winner City Cemetery.

Born on Aug. 15, 1930 at Ashurst Hospital in Rosebud, South Dakota, Harley was the first child of Harrison and Louise (Whiting) Furrey of Okreek, South Dakota. He was baptized on Aug. 25, 1930 in St. Francis, South Dakota, and remained a devoted member of the Catholic Church.

Harley grew up on farms in Todd County, South Dakota, where the family eventually settled at what became known as The Furrey Place, five and one-half miles south of US Highway 18. He graduated from Winner High School and kept in touch with his classmates throughout his lifetime.

A Korean War veteran, Harley was an active duty Marine from 1952 until 1954, being meritoriously promoted to Corporal in 1953 and receiving an honorable discharge. After his military service, Harley returned to the farm and in 1963 married Alice Neuharth. They had three children: Lisa, Vincent, and Paul. Alice passed away in 1998 from multiple myeloma, and in 2003 Harley married Kathy (Sieler) Clark of Quinn, South Dakota.

When their father died in 1971, Harley and his brother, Bill, formed Furrey Bros. partnership, which they operated until Bill’s death in 2018. The two brothers were known both for their daily morning farm meetings over coffee and for their prodigious memories of the history of the people and places of Todd County and the Rosebud Reservation. They welcomed visitors both familiar and new, whether family, neighbors, or hunters, and always had time for conversation, coffee, and cake.

In recent years, Harley and Kathy lived near Quinn, South Dakota, where he enjoyed his role of stepfather, step-grandparent and step-great-grandparent, as well as his chats with neighbors and tourists at Wall Drug. He was diagnosed with a back fracture after entering the Philip Hospital in February 2021 and was transferred to the Philip Nursing Home a few weeks later.

Harley is survived by his wife Kathryn Clark Furrey of Quinn; children, Lisa Rivero (Al) of Wisconsin, Vincent Furrey (Loretta) of Arizona, and Paul Furrey (Christine) of Colorado; sisters, Dorothy Schultz (Charles) of Wyoming and Mary Cournoyer of Florida; grandchildren, Albert Rivero (Jamie), Gavin Furrey, Anna Furrey, Charley Furrey, and Corbin Furrey; stepchildren, Jeffrey Clark, Randall Clark, and Laurie Hindman, and their children and grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Louise Furrey, his wife Alice (Neuharth) Furrey, his brother, William “Bill” Furrey (Laurine), and his half-brothers, Gerald Furrey and Del Furrey.

Memorial Services for Charlotte Colson age 89 of Winner, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church, Winner, SD.

Carol Rowe McCormick, 83, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021 in Mitchell, SD surrounded by her son and daughter.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 30 at 10:30 am at the Winner United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 29 at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm.

Carol June Rowe was born on April 5, 1938 to Kenneth Rowe and Helen Hinman Rowe of Carter, SD. Carol was the oldest of three children born to Ken and Helen. She was raised on a ranch in Mellette County. Later she attended and graduated from high school in Winner, SD where she met the love of her life, Chuck McCormick. They were married in 1956 while Chuck served in the U.S. Army in Lawton, OK. Their son, Russ, was born in Lawton one year later and their daughter, Lorna, arrived just 12 months after in Winner.

Chuck and Carol co-owned and operated a motel and propane service in Valentine, NE from 1960–1966 with Chuck’s brother Keith and his wife Betty. In 1968, the family moved from Winner to Denver, CO where Chuck attended gunsmith school and Carol took a job with H&R Block as a personal tax preparer. When the family returned to Winner, Carol quickly became a beloved secretary at the Winner Middle School for many years. Before retirement Carol worked at Karl’s Appliance and kept the books for Chuck’s portable welding business. After retirement Carol enjoyed volunteering at the Community Thrift store in Winner.

Carol was a member of the Carter Gospel Fellowship where she and Chuck attended church for many years. She enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, getting together with friends, and playing cards. She took pride in her Swedish Weaving and managed to provide a personal afghan for all her grandchildren for their high school graduation gift. Carol loved to travel and especially loved seeing new sites in the southwest from their park home in Arizona.

Surviving Carol are her son Russ & Conni McCormick of Mitchell, SD; her daughter, Lorna & Paul Reiman of Fairfax, VA; five grandchildren, Trevor McCormick, Alison (McCormick) Van Muyden, Jocelyn McCormick, Taylor Reiman, and Kelsey Reiman; one great-granddaughter, Cooper; two brothers, Robert & Dianna Rowe of Aurora, CO; and Larry & Dot Rowe of Heston, KS.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles McCormick, her sisters-in-law, Janice, Betty, and Marilyn, and her daughter-in-law, Jill McCormick.

Gerald Junior Bachmann, 89 passed away on July 21, 2021 at the Avantara Nursing Home in Pierre.

Funeral services were  held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, South Dakota.

Gerald was born on Feb. 5, 1932, at home north of Wood, SD to Gottleib and Marie (Krieger) Bachmann.  Gerald attended the Mellette County School through the 8th grade.  He worked on the farm until the time that he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War from November 1952 until November 1954.  He earned the rank of Corporal.

On April 23, 1956, he married Frances Bartels in the little brown Episcopal Church. To this union four children were born, Wayne, Derald, Joyce and Brian.

He worked for C. J. Grossenburg from 1958 until he went into business for himself.  Gerald liked to hunt and often entertained guests that came from out of state.  His passion was fishing and he could often be found along the shore or in his boat casting a line.  He was also very proud of all the Canadian geese he raised.  He and Francie enjoyed riding motorcycles and trikes with friends and traveled to many states taking in the sites.  Gerald was very involved in 4-H.  He was a pie judge for over 20 years and supported the 4-H Premium Sale.   He loved going to auctions and benefits.

Grateful for having shared his life, sons – Wayne (Denise), Derald (Melanie), all of Winner, Brian (Deb) of Pierre and daughter – Joyce (Reynaldo) Cruz, Corpus Christi, TX.  Grandchildren – Brian Cruz, Stephanie (Rob) Garneau, John Cruz, Jennifer (Justin) Larson, Brielle Bachmann, Brennan Bachmann and Kyle Winckler. Great grandchildren – Ofelia Cruz, Ashley Garneau, Otto Garneau, Bobby Liserio, Mason and Waylon Larson.  Brother – Don (Ruth) Bachmann, Winner, sisters – Betty Cotsamire, and Louise Klein, both of Loveland, CO; Brothers-in-law – Lloyd (Vicki) Bartels, Hamilton, IN, Raymond (Judy) Bartels, Winner; and sister in law – Judy Novotny also of Winner;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Bachmann, his parents Gottleib and Marie Bachmann. Sisters – Kathryn Brown and Mildred Burnham, brothers – Herman Bachmann and Chris Bachmann.  Brothers-in-law – Loren Cotsamire, Caroll Brown, Jim Burnham, Albert (Butch) Novotny and great-grandchild, Owen Larson.

Graveside services for Brenda Lea Leighton Vanderwalker and inurnment were held at the Winner Cemetery in Winner, SD on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 with Rev. Morris Gustafson officiating.

Brenda was born to Wilford Sr. (Bud) and Belva Jean Leighton on Nov. 25, 1958. The eldest of 3 children, she grew up in Witten, SD and graduated from Wood High School. Following high school, Benda married Jeff Hanson of Witten. They resided in Colome, SD and were blessed with three sons: Jason, Jamey and John. Brenda and Jeff parted ways and Brenda later married Richard Vanderwalker of White River, where she worked as a dietician at the White River Healthcare Center.

Brenda studied at Sinte Gleska University to pursue a career in teaching. After Richard passed away, she remained in White River and completed her college education. Along the way she met and fell in love with August (Augie) Chasing Horse. While working as a teacher at the White River Elementary School, Brenda continued to pursue her higher education, including certification in special education. She was a life-long learner and passionate about the kids she worked with.

Brenda shared the remainder of her life with Augie, traveling when she could, spending time with family, going to movies and listening to Elvis (she may have been his #1 fan.)

 Brenda Lea Leighton-Vanderwalker passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 with her best friend August Chasing Horse and son Jason Hanson at her side.

She is survived by her life partner August Chasing Horse of White River; sons: Jason (Crystal) Hanson of Pierre, SD, Jamey Hanson of Brookings, SD and John (Bobbie Jo) Hanson of Loretto, WI; parents Bud and Jean Leighton of Winner, SD; sister Vicki (Jim) Supik of Winner and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Brenda was preceded in death by her brother Wilford Eugene Leighton, Jr and spouse Richard Vanderwalker.

Paul Storms, 61 of Winner, SD passed away at his home on Saturday, July 17, 2021 in Winner. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.  Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery in Clearfield, SD.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m.

Paul Edward Storms was born on Feb. 24, 1960 in Winner, SD to Leo and Ruth Storms. He was the youngest of five siblings. Paul attended Jordan school through eighth grade and graduated from Winner High School in 1978.

Paul’s mechanic roots led him to his first job at Car Care in Winner, SD during high school. After graduating, he built his own house, spent Sunday evenings at Winner Speedway, and met many lifelong friends during this time. Paul’s mechanic career involved UPS, a Chevy dealer in Deadwood, and then brought him back home to join Storms Brothers Repair. While working at the family business, Paul assisted his dad with building a metal cross for a cemetery in Mission. To thank him for his assistance, the tribe honored him with an eagle feather and he was given a Lakota name at a special ceremony. For the last 25+ years Paul has operated Storms’ Haygrinding, serving many customers in the area.

Paul’s love for cars led him to meet Ellen, where she worked at a gas station in Gregory, SD. Paul embraced Ellen and her two children, Michele and Michael. In April of 1988, Eric completed their family. Paul loved his family and enjoyed hosting get togethers at Stormy’s. He cherished time with his grandchildren and attended many of their activities. Paul was involved in various organizations including Bassmasters, North Star A.B.A.T.E., and the Winner Stock Car Association.

In Paul’s words to a close friend, “I’ve lived a good life. Don’t be sad for me. I have no regrets. Remember to love everyone. And always keep your tank full…”

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ruth Storms; brother Linus Storms; and many close family and friends.

Paul is survived by Ellen Moss; 3 children- Michele (TJ) Bice, Michael (Chelsey) Moss, and Eric (Destiney) Storms; 11 grandchildren- Shayla, Cora, Evan, Reven, Bryken, Bohdi, Jace, Rowdi, Rooke, Henry, and Sully; two sisters- Myra Christensen and Nancy (Brian) Walsh; brother- Jack (Ellen) Storms; sister-in-law- Pat Storms; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Roger Lloyd Schlem, 80, of Piedmont, SD, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at Monument Health Rapid City hospital.

Roger was born November 19, 1940, to Rose Tideman in a tar paper house in Tripp County, SD, he was the oldest of five children. He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

 Roger married Rose Marie Dierks on Aug. 19, 1962, and together they had three children, Valarie, Dana, and Richard. Roger loved farming, fishing, bowling, and helping Rose with the gardening.

 Roger is survived by his daughters, Valarie Schlem of Tilford, SD, and Dana (Rich) Schmidt of Huffman, TX; his son, Richard Schlem of Rapid City, SD; brother, John Schlem of TX; and a sister, Marie McCollum of OK; and three grandchildren, Kelsey Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, and Elias Schlem.

 Roger was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 59 years, Rose M. (Dierks) Schlem; mother, Rose E. Schlem; brother, Charlie Schlem; and a sister, Sharon Schlem.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

Michael “Mike” Herrlein, 54, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, July 12, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.     Mass of Christian Burial was held  10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.  Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Michael Herrlein was given the “gift of gab” by his parents Carolyn (Smith) Reis and Donald Joseph Herrlein Sr. on Oct. 29, 1966.  His gift was appreciated by all who knew him but especially his six siblings who were often given the saving grace of Mike’s quick wit. Mike grew up and later worked around cattle and crops throughout the years.  Often, Mike would tell stories about the scrapes he would get into while working cattle such as roping calves with “good mothers”, next to pivots or in feedlots.

Mike liked to have fun.  He would often tell of a time when someone’s car was put on blocks just enough so the tires would spin, bajaing with vehicles in unique places, and replying with funny phrases.  Some of these also got Mike into trouble such as when a boat rider said: “Dad, I see the bottom!”

Mike spent most of his adult life “fixing things” and “getting it done”.  This was easily demonstrated in his work as a mechanic while living in Nebraska.  One night, Mike was in a car wreck after which he touched a live electrical powerline.  Afterward, the “Bandit” was constantly teaching everyone how to do things in new ways such as tying shoes and changing diapers with one hand.  He also attended Black Hills State University and the University of South Dakota attaining a business administration degree.

Mike found his match in his wife when evaluating whose billiard skills were better.  Tammie and Mike were married in September 2004.  Three of his proudest moments were when his boys Andrew, Jordan, and Conor were born.  He loved to camp, hunt (deer, pheasant, and waterfowl), fish and watch old western movies and Yellowstone with the boys.

Mike’s latest adventure was also his favorite job as a Crop Insurance Agent where clients became his friend and family.  Mike was thankful every day for those he worked with over the phone and on his many road trips in the region.  Mike would often be driving down the road talking on the phone, eating a cheeseburger while trying to catch farmers.

  Mike is survived by his wife, Tammie; sons, Andrew (19), Jordan (13), and Conor (9); mother, Carolyn (Brad) Reis; brother, Joe Herrlein; sisters, Laura Herrlein, Koreana (Lance) Strande, Melissa (Darin) Tillie, Holly (Jesse Turpin) Reis, and Amy (Brandan) Moe; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jeanette A. Ertz of Grand Junction, Colo., — beloved wife, mother, and baptized child of God — was taken to rest in Christ on June 29, 2021.  She lived a life shaped by God’s gifts of baptismal grace and faith, and died in God’s promises of eternal life for all who trust in Jesus’ redeeming death and resurrection.

Jeanette was born on Oct. 29, 1952, to Dale and Joyce Swedlund, in Winner, South Dakota.  As an infant she was baptized into salvation and faith in Jesus in 1952, in Witten, South Dakota. 

She and Melvin (Mel) were married in December 1971, and remained so for over 49 years. 

Jeanette and Mel met shortly before she left for college.  She moved west to attend college near Rapid City, South Dakota.  Mel followed soon after and it wasn’t long before they were married.  They then ventured out to Colorado Springs, Colo.  Jeanette worked full time in Colorado Springs, for a local electrical company.  Within a few years their family expanded as they welcomed their daughter, Mandy.  Soon after Mel accepted a job offer in Grand Junction, Colo.  So, the family moved over to the Western Slope of Colorado.  This is where they would settle and raise their family.  Their son, Lance, made his appearance a few years later.  Jeanette was able to stay home with both kids and was kept very busy running after both children and tending to their unique needs. 

Jeanette and Mel started a garage door and window business which kept the whole family busy for many years.  Jeanette was an integral part of that business.  She and Mel were also able to travel a bit, taking a couple cruises and a few other fun, island adventures.  After owning the business for over 18 years, they decided to sell the company and were both able to enjoy some retirement adventures.  They took the opportunity to travel a bit and immensely enjoyed spending time together. 

Jeanette loved her family, her flowers and yard, and also her church.  She looked forward to spring each year.  Then she could get out, plant a few items, and enjoy the pretty yard that followed. She enjoyed talking with friends and keeping in touch with everyone.  She often would contact friends to catch up, even those from her childhood in South Dakota.  Talking to her friends and loved ones always gave her a lot of joy!

 She is survived by her two loving children, daughter, Mandy Kaspar (Jason), of La Grange, Texas, and son, Lance Ertz, of Grand Junction, and also by her brother.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel, her parents, two brothers, and one sister. 

Funeral services were held at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah, Grand Junction, Colo., on July 13, 2021, at 11 a.m.  In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the school at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah.

George Soles, 92, of Millboro, SD passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at his home in Millboro, SD. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Funeral Services will be live-streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mason-Funeral-Home-Cremation-Services-107313317901842

George Soles went to be with the Lord and his family on July 15, 2021 in his home at the age of 92 years old.

George Alfred Soles was born Aug. 19, 1928 at the home place four miles south of Millboro. He was one of 14 children born to Dottie (McCloughan) Soles and William Soles.

George attended grade school at Loss Creek and high school for one year at Millboro and for one year at Beaver Creek.

He married Mavis McClanahan on Aug. 25, 1949. Together they had two sons Jody in 1956 and Russ in 1961.

He previously worked as a ranch hand for different ranch owners. After marrying Mavis, he worked in Winner at West Side filling station, then later at the Farmers Coop. George then worked in St. Francis for two years before serving in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during 1952-1954. After that he went back to St. Francis as ranch hand for three more years before purchasing the home place in 1957, living there until his death.

George was a life member of both Colome Legion and V.F.W. in Winner. He served on the Township Board for years and was a member of the U.C.C. Church at Millboro, serving many jobs.

He is survived by his son Jody and son and daughter-in-law Russ and Shawn (Vergin) and four grandchildren- Kelsey, Whitney, Logan, and Lesley (fiancé Gene Rygaard), and three great grandchildren- Jocelyn and Jemma (Whitney) and Adelyn (Logan), three sisters- Helen, Ellen, and Mary, and his companion Babe Haskell.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 55 years Mavis, his parents- William and Dottie, his 5 brothers- Woodrow, Frank, Louis, Harold, and Johnnie, and his 5 sisters- Velma, Nellie, Ines, Pearl, and Ann.

George enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, helping his neighbors, playing cards, and always fixing something to make tasks easier.