Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Clyde R Calhoon, 80, passed away on July 12, 2021 at the United Living Community, after a short battle with cancer.

A celebration of life was  held at the Brookings Elks on Friday, July 16 from 5-7pm.  The family extended an invitation to all who knew him and to celebrate his amazing life story.

Clyde was born on May 4, 1941 in Winner, SD to Leon and Wilma (Frantz) Calhoon.  He was raised and worked on the family ranch near Ideal, SD and attended country grade school and Winner High School.

Clyde attended SDSU after high school where he met an east river girl, Karan Redlin.  They soon became engaged and built a new home in Ideal, SD planning to live and work on the Calhoon Ranch.  However, on the way to their wedding in January 1964 he was involved in an automobile accident and lost his eyesight.  Plans changed and he and Karan returned to SDSU.  After graduating from SDSU in 1967 and as magna cum laude from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1970, Clyde returned to Brookings to practice law.  In 1971 Clyde and Karan bought a lot on Lake Poinsett and built a cabin where they spent 49 summer weekends fishing, boating and entertaining family with many a 4th of July firework celebrations.

In 1974 Clyde was elected to the office of Brookings County States Attorney.  In 1976, Wm. Mark Kratochvil joined the law firm and served as deputy state’s attorney.  In 2002 he was recognized as South Dakota’s first Prosecutor of the Year.  During his tenure in office, Clyde earned a reputation for fairness and firmness and was known as a tough prosecutor.  Clyde served the Brookings community as state’s attorney for 42 years retiring in December 2016.

Clyde was heavily involved in his community and was a founding member of the Brookings Optimist and named Optimist of the Year in 2001-2002.  He also belonged to SDSU Jackrabbit Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, South Dakota States Attorneys Association, National District Attorneys Association, South Dakota Bar Association.  Clyde also received many awards from law enforcement over the years.

Clyde was an avid sports enthusiast following the Winner Warriors, Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Wild and the Brookings Rangers.  He was a fanatic about SDSU sports, especially football and attended football in all three SDSU venues over the years and the beloved “Barn” for basketball.  Clyde’s children were the light of his life and he was very proud of their success in life.  But the highlights of his life were his 2 granddaughters and he followed their successes with great pride, especially their time in KCK Wildfire, Sioux Valley Cossacks and soon to be Bobcat Cheer.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Karan, his son Chris of Parker, Colorado and his daughter Camille Koolmo of Brookings and her husband Graham and granddaughters, Bella and Mija. His brother, Lee (Keatha) Calhoon and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com

Funeral service for Donald E. McIntosh, 77, Norfolk, Neb.,  were held  10:30 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2021 at Peace Evangelical Church, rural Norfolk. Officiating was Pastor Clark Jenkinson. Burial was at  2 p.m. July 2 in the Wakefield City Cemetery, Wakefield.

Military rites were  by the Wakefield American Legion, Wakefield V.F.W., and United States Army honors guard. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Eugene McIntosh, 77, passed away at his home in Norfolk, NE, on June 28, 2021.

Donald was born on Nov. 22, 1943 in Winner, SD to Riley and Rose (Bicek) McIntosh. He graduated from Winner High School. Donald was known for his work ethic and organizational skills. Immediately following high school he served in the U.S. Army Oct. 1, 1961 to March 13, 1962, National Guard Spec 4th Class served from 1960 to 1967. In 1967, he moved to Dakota City where he worked for IBP/Tyson. He was quickly promoted to store room supervisor. He also enjoyed working as a volunteer for the Dakota City Fire Department. While working at IBP, he met his wife Mary, and they were married on July 27, 1985. They moved to Lexington, and Donald retired after 36 years.

Donald and Mary began a business together called D&M Enterprises where they created and sold hand painted lawn ornaments. Donald’s favorite pastimes included cheering on his favorite teams the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary and spending time with his siblings, children, and grandchildren.

He was an active member of Peace Evangelical Church. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Mary McIntosh; his siblings Bill (DeLinda) McIntosh, Marvin (Karen) McIntosh, and Carol (Dennis) Phillips; his children Penny (Scott) Warnberg, Kelly McIntosh, Devon (Tonya) Wiig, Gaylen (Chris) Wiig, Chad (Chrissy) Wiig, and Charles Wiig; 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and one more due in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents Riley and Rose McIntosh and brother Robert McIntosh.

Although we mourn as Donald will be greatly missed by the many family and friends who loved him, we have hope knowing that he is experiencing complete joy and peace as he is accepted into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.   Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

Funeral services for Eldon White Pipe age 46 of Gregory, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, July 17 at 1 p.m.  at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory, SD. Burial will be at a later date.

Frances Montour, age 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were  held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

A wake service was  held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Gymnasium.

Frances Maple Sprague Montour was welcomed to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, surrounded by her family.  Frances was born in Bradley, Mich.,  on March 10,1928 to Adam and Elizabeth Sprague. She was raised in the Bradley Community until she married Raymond Montour on June 6, 1951.

Frances was one of 11 children and is the last one to pass on.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond A. Montour.

She was the beloved mother to Rebecca Wakeman (Thomas), Ruth Hooper (Kenneth), Sharon Phelps (Walter), David Montour, James Montour (Louva), Elizabeth Montour, and Esther Montour and grandmother to Anthony Wakeman, Maria George, Elena Wakeman, Christopher Wakeman, Catherine Wakeman, Suzanna Miller, Joshua Hooper, Joe Hooper, Serena Hooper, Sarissa Hooper, Wayne Phelps, Dakota Phelps, Raymond Montour, Max Montour, Jess Montour, Brandon Montour, Andy Wilson, and Amanda Wilson.

She was the great grandmother to Antoinette Wakeman, Raiden Wakeman, Alyssa George, Nicholas George, Mikayla George, Madison George, Olivia Sanchez, Riley Sanchez, Keziah Wakeman, Madalyn Wakeman, Maximino Betancourt, Milo Miller, Selah Miller, Drew Hooper, Ella Hooper, and Ashlynn Phelps.

She was a member of the Match-E-Be-She-Wish Band of the Pottawatomi Indians. Frances and her husband, Raymond, were the founders of the Society of Indian Missions. She was an honorary member on the board of the Society of Indian Missions for many years. Frances was a very devout Christian and prayer warrior. One of her greatest joys was to go to church.

Memorial Services for Ruby Graham age 77 formerly of Springview, Neb., were held on Saturday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Springview, NE. Burial followed in Mt Hope Cemetery.

Ruby passed away at the University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., on July 1, 2021.

Ruby Mae Weston Graham was born on Sept. 7, 1943, to John Earl and Joella (Ellis) Weston in Ainsworth, NE.

Ruby attended grade school at the Cottonwood school which is located in the yard at the Weston Ranch. She attended eighth grade through high school in Springview, NE.

On July 6, 1960, she married Donald Graham.  To this union three children were born: Russell, Barry and Brinda.

Ruby was blessed with the birth of her daughter Sondra on Nov. 10, 1981.

Ruby had a love for flowers and plants.  Her green thumb could make anything grow and her flower beds were amazing.  She enjoyed her years working at various Walmart greenhouses, and was willing to share her knowledge with everyone.

Ruby enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandkids.  Nothing she enjoyed more than cuddling the little ones!  She loved to travel and had many interesting adventures and saw beautiful sites. Her recent trips were canceled due to Covid, which was a disappointment to her.  She also enjoyed gardening, sewing and playing games with her kids.  Playing cards with family and friends was also an enjoyable pastime.

Ruby, 77, of Red Cloud, NE, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 1, 2021.  She passed away at the Buffet Cancer Center in Omaha, NE.

Survivors that cherished their time spent with Ruby include her son, Russell (Renee) Graham of Springfield, OH; her son Barry Graham of Chetek, WI; her daughter Brinda (David) Simons of Winner, SD; her daughter Sondra (Mike) Peck of Bonesteel, SD; granddaughters Danielle of Kathleen, GA, and Michelle of Santa Fe, NM;  granddaughters Tara of Downsville, WI, and Halley of Menomonie, WI; grandson Trenton of Rapid City; granddaughter Megan of Watertown, SD; granddaughters Lacy and Ily of Bonesteel, SD; and eight great grandchildren; her brother Ben (Sue) Weston of Springview, NE; and numerous, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Joella Weston, her brother Brad Weston, and grandson Tommy.

Harold Benson, 79, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11 a.m.  at the United Methodist Church in Winner.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Harold Duane Benson was born at the Winner Hospital on Jan. 4, 1942, to Walter and Edna (Stark) Benson, the oldest of four boys. He attended Blue Valley grade school and graduated from high school in 1960.

In 1962 Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army. Assigned to a special unit, Harold was very proud of the fact that he did not have to wear a uniform while serving his country. He was discharged from the Army in1968.

Harold was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Harold was married to Sue Muzney on May 24,1969. Harold was a truck driver most of his life while living in Iowa. After retirement he returned to Winner and continued his love of playing cards and attending baseball games. He would attend as many games as he was able to cheering on the youngest to oldest baseball players.

Harold passed away July 6, 2021 at Golden Prairie Manor. Harold was preceded in death by his parents,Walt & Edna, two brothers Dale and Tommy, mother-in-law and father-in-law James & Imo Muzney, brother-in-laws LLoyd Stevens and Don Muzney, and sister-in-law Carolyn Muzney.

Harold is survived by his brother Bob (Judy), sister-in-law Cindy Jones (Kelly), niece Bobbi Jo (Scott)Rank, nephews Jay Benson (Carrie), Blake Benson, Chad Benson (Darla), and Nick Benson (Lauren), and Darrell (Peggy) Muzney of Iowa. Two great nieces and 3 great nephews.

Edwin L. Assman, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at his home in Pierre.

Services were  held at 10 am, Tuesday, June 22, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and he will be interred at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.

Ed was born on June 23, 1952, to Joe and Esther Assman of Mission, South Dakota. He was the third eldest child of seven that included two older brothers,three younger brothers, and a younger sister. He grew up farming and ranching, deciding at an early age, that was not what he wanted to do for the remainder of his life. He attended a one room country school until 9th grade, and he was the only student at his grade level throughout. He attended Todd County High School in Mission, participating in band, wrestling, and track, and graduating in 1970.

After acquiring consent from his mother because he was underage, he volunteered for the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood for combat medic training and Ft. Sam Houston for Airborne training. He arrived in Vietnam in early April of 1971. He was stationed at Northern I Corps on the DMZ as a medic for light armor troop with frequent engagements with the North Vietnamese near Con Thein (Alpha 4) fire base. His unit was 1st Platoon B troop 3rd squadron 5th Armored Calvary 9th Infantry Division. He was wounded in heavy combat on May 18,1971, earning his first Purple Heart. Ed was able to return to his unit, however, he was seriously injured again on June 18 that same year, earning his second Purple Heart. He was able to leave for home to heal and recuperate in late August on convalescent leave, but later returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg. He worked as an Airborne medic until he obtained an honorable discharge in July of 1972.

After being discharged from the Army, Ed was hired as the youngest ever (at that time) for the South Dakota Highway Patrol, at the age of 21. He quickly rose through the ranks, as he was promoted to sergeant in 1982, and lieutenant in 1990, where he was eventually stationed in Pierre. He had a variety of accomplishments, including the youngest sergeant, the youngest lieutenant, and the SWAT team leader. He was even the first trooper awarded the Meritorious Service Ribbon for apprehending hundreds of drug offenders. He also taught drug tactics at the police academy. During his time as a State Trooper, Ed was the leader of various security details, including President George H. W. Bush when he visited South Dakota. Unfortunately, in 1997, due to heart complications, Ed had to medically retire early. Since that time, he continuously worked as an investigator for the Crime Victims Program and had his own private investigation firm.

Family and friends can attest that Ed had an incredible sense of humor, and was extremely witty, well read, and very articulate. He was a true patriot. Ed was also very passionate about history and would frequently attend Mountain Men Rendezvous with full pre-1840 era Fur Trade re-enactments, that included the correct attire, housing, and weapons. He was always up for a road trip or any impromptu adventure. He was not only a loving husband, father, brother; overall friend to everyone that knew him. Just know you were all loved by him.

Grateful for sharing Ed’s life and survived by his loving wife, Josephine, sons, Clint (Shannon), Colter, and Bridger, brothers, Dave (Diana), Greg (Cindy), Chris (Cathy), Brad (Debra), Mike (Darla), sister Mary Beth (Chris Lovejoy), and grandchildren, Aubrey, William, and Ethan.

Proceded in death by his parents, Joe and Esther, infant sisters Jean and Kimberly, and little brother Gordon.

With a heavy heart we are saddened by the loss of a true patriot who was willing to take a bullet for his country and did take a bullet for his country.

Memorial services for Ruby Graham age 77 formerly of Springview, Neb., will be held on Saturday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Springview, NE. Burial will follow in Mt Hope Cemetery.    

Ruby passed away at the University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., on July 1, 2021.

Mary Jane (Lang) Putnam, 85, passed away in her sleep Dec. 19, 2020 in Cathedral City, CA. 

Burial for Mary Jane will be at St. John Catholic Church cemetery, Paxton, SD, on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 11 am.

Mary Jane was born in Gehring, Neb., on Oct. 20, 1935, to Irvin and Dolly Lang.  Tragedy struck the young family when Mary Jane was diagnosed with spinal meningitis, a typically fatal disease for that time.  Mary Jane often told the story of how she and her mother were quarantined alone in their house, and her father and siblings would just be able to talk through the window.  No medicine was available locally, especially with the war effort on.  Her father and uncle drove to Denver to pick up the medicine, and Mary Jane survived the deadly disease.  Her mother tirelessly worked her legs so she could walk.

The family moved to Dallas, SD in 1945, where they farmed.  Mary Jane attended Dallas High School, and was a member of the last graduating class, as the school burned down her senior year. 

After graduation, Mary Jane attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD and obtained her teaching certificate.  She also worked part time in her aunt and uncle’s restaurant in Dallas, which is where she met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Putnam.  Mary Jane taught grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse during her courtship with Bob, and they celebrated their nuptials on June 8, 1955.

After her marriage, Mary Jane moved to Bristol, SD with her husband.  Bob got in BIG trouble after he traded their house in town for a farm west of town without discussing the move with Mary Jane.  By this time, the family had 5 children and Bob wanted his kids to grow up on a farm like he did.

Mary Jane became an amazing cook and baker after her husband “accidentally” dropped the first pie she ever made him.  Family meals included her homemade bread, delicious desserts and home-grown beef. She was even known to make lefse and have a lutefisk party or two at her house. As the family grew, so did the amount of land she and Bob farmed.  Their children did most of the farming, as Bob still worked in town at the local Cenex.

Mary Jane spent her free time enjoying arts and crafts.  She spent many hours embroidering, which always brought beautiful memories of her mother, who taught her how to embroider when she was sick as a child.  She enjoyed ceramics, cake decorating, macrame and quilting.  She also worked part time as a substitute teacher for the Groton School District.  She also enjoyed politics, and was very active in the SD Democratic party. 

Mary Jane was an avid fan of music., a trait passed down to her from her grandfather, who used to entertain the family with his fiddle, and her parents, who loved going to dances.  Her farmhouse was filled with tunes from Frank Sinatra to Wayne Newton to Bing Crosby.  She had a lovely voice and often broke in to song.  She loved going to Las Vegas to see the live shows of her favorite stars.

Bob and Mary Jane sold their farm after twenty years of farming, and moved to California.  While in California, Mary Jane went back to school and obtained her degree in early childhood education, and taught pre-K until she retired.  After Bob retired, they moved to Arizona and lived there until Bob passed away in 2015.  Their years in Arizona were filled with golf and good friends. 

Mary moved to Palm Springs, near her son Steven, and spent her final years singing and dancing through her last years of her life.  Dementia robbed her of many things in her final years, but it never stopped her singing.  Mary Jane serenaded all she met with her beautiful songs, and brought a smile to many.

Mary Jane is proceeded in death by her husband, Robert Putnam, her parents Irvin and Dolly Lang, and her brother Donald Lang.

Mary Jane is survived by her sister Beverly Steffan(Vern) and her 6 children, Rodney Putnam of Piedmont, SD, Michael Putnam(DaleAnn) of Peoria, AZ, Randall Putnam(Fanny), of Sioux Falls, Timothy Putnam (Tori) of Visalia, California, Cheryl Putnam (Matt) of Half Moon Bay, CA, and Steven Putnam (Rey) of Palm Springs, CA.  Bob and Mary Jane were blessed with many grandchildren,and often joked that being a grandpa or grandma was much more fun than being a mom or dad.  Included are Aubrey, Cole, Natalie, Valerie, Bridget, Katelynn, Hannah, Jonathan, Robby, Jake, Zach, and five great grandchildren.

Burial for Mary Jane will be at St. John Catholic Church cemetery, Paxton, SD, on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Jane’s family asks you to put on your favorite Sinatra song, and sing along, and, if you feel like it, dance a spin or two.