Category Archives: Obituaries

William Long Crow III, 59, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11 a.m.  at the Assembly of God Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Mniska Cemetery. Wake services were held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 5 p.m.  at the Assembly of God Church in Winner, SD.

William, also known to those who shared his life as “Will”, “Willie” or “Uncle Will”, passed on and began his journey to the spirit world on May 29, 2021 at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls.

William was born in Rosebud, SD on June 10, 1961 to William Long Crow, Jr. and Geraldine Iron Heart. He grew up in the Bull Creek area and was raised by his grandparents, William Sr. and Rosa (Collins) Long Crow. He liked to recall the good times in Bull Creek and often mentioned his memories with his grandparents.                                                                            

Willie attended Hamill School for a short time and then went on to Todd County School where his love for basketball grew. He graduated from Todd High School in 1980.

He went on to attend Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell for a few years. Later on, Willie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business at Sinte Gleska University. As a student at SGU he came back to his roots as a Lakota, he made many friends there and was proud and grateful in his accomplishment.

Willie loved many things in his life. Basketball, music from the 70’s and 80’s, family dinners, and watching the Minnesota Vikings play football. But, most of all he loved just being with his grand kids and being called “Uncle” Will. You would often hear the kids in the backyard playing and Willies’ laughter right behind.

William is survived by his sister, Marvene Long Crow from Sioux Falls and brothers Lawrence (Bernadette) Long Crow from Winner and Frank Iron Heart from Sioux Falls, and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren that he cared so deeply for.   Willies’ passing was preceded by his parents Geraldine and William Jr., paternal grandparents Rosa and William, Sr., maternal grandparents Fred and Beulah Iron Heart, a special uncle, Elmer Long Crow, and 2 sisters, Jackie and Sandy.

Vickie Ann (Winter) Harter, 65, was the daughter of Ralph and Shirley (Rehak) Winter. She was born Aug. 23, 1955, in Winner, SD. On August 16, 1956, Vic was blessed with the birth of her younger sister, Val Winter. The two of them spent the next sixty-four years sharing all the joys, triumphs, and hardships that life had to offer them and shared a bond that only sisters can.

Vic attended school in Winner, where she graduated from high school in 1973. While growing up in Winner, she enjoyed the tight-knit community and friendships that are found in small towns all across South Dakota.

While attending high school, Vic met and fell in love with Lonny Vern Harter. They were married on Aug. 10, 1974, starting a love-filled adventure that would last forty-seven years. Shortly after the wedding they packed their bags and moved to Sturgis, SD, where Lon accepted a job teaching at Sturgis’s Elementary School. After spending their first few years together as a married couple in Sturgis, they once again packed their bags and moved to Philip, SD, where Lon accepted a job to become the elementary principal for Haakon County School District.

While living in Philip, Vic and Lon were blessed with the birth of their first child. Eric John Harter was born in Philip, SD, on Aug. 24, 1979. Three years later, Amy Lynn Harter was born in Philip, SD, on Oct. 17, 1982. During this time, Vic was able to stay home and take care of two of the most important people in her life, Eric and Amy.

In 1984, Lon accepted the job of Middle School Principal at Sturgis Williams Middle School. The Harter’s were once again on the move, but this time they were a family of four. In 1987, Vic took a job working at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, which she retired from on June 7, 2019, after 32 years of service. While working there, Vic made several lifelong friendships that lasted beyond retirement. While living in Sturgis, Vic and Lon attended LifeSpring Wesleyan Church. They were regulars at the church and met many lifelong friends, not just at church, but throughout the community. They enjoyed spending time with all their friends and family as often as they could.

Vic was blessed with a wonderful husband, incredible children, and a loving family, but without a doubt the thing she enjoyed the most in her life was her grandchildren. There was nothing she enjoyed more than cuddling with them in her big recliner, facetiming them at bath time, talking to them on the phone, and just spending time around all of them. Whether taking them on a trip to Disney World or watching them wrestle with Lon on the living room floor, it was pure joy for Vic. A birthday or holiday did not go by without receiving a card from their grandma, and Sunny, Sean, Berkeley, and Calder loved every second of their time with her.

Victoria “Vickie” Ann Harter, 65, of Sturgis, died Monday, May 31, 2021, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Survivors that cherished their time spent with Vic include her husband, Lon Harter of Sturgis, SD; her son, Eric (Jason) Harter of Dell Rapids, SD; her daughter, Amy (Chris) Bessette of Wall, SD; grandsons, Berkeley and Calder of Wall, SD; a grandson and granddaughter, Sean and Sunny of Dell Rapids, SD; her mother, Shirley Winter of Rapid City, SD; her sister, Val (Steve) Lien of Rapid City, SD; many in-laws; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Winter; her father and mother in-law, Vern and Berniece Harter; and her nephew, Reed Lien.

Funeral services were at 2:30 p.m. on June 4, 2021, at LifeSpring Wesleyan Church in Sturgis.   Interment  followed at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

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

Verna Jane (Forsch) Aeschbacher, 88, of Billings MT passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 22, 2021. Exactly 6 years prior to the date her brother Bing passed away, the family likes to think that he came to bring her home.

Verna was born Nov. 1, 1932 south of Herrick on the family homestead in a sod house to Emil and Albina (Stroh) Forsch. She was the 1st born of 13 children in the family. Verna was raised on the family farm and attended grade school and high school at Burke, SD.  Verna would tell stories of having to get up early and milk the cows before she could clean up and walk to town for school. Verna graduated from Burke High School with the class of 1951. After high school graduation Verna moved to Winner,SD where she worked as a telephone operator for the local telephone company transferring calls with a switch board.

In 1954 Verna met and married Dale Robert Aeschbacher on April 27, 1954. From this union they had 4 children Allen, Meldon, Myron, & Joel.

Verna took pride in being a stay at home mom taking care of her children and later on in life enjoyed having her grandchildren grow up in the same small community as she lived! When her grandkids started high school Verna took pride in cooking lunch every day for them. For 7 consecutive years they would come from school for their 20 minute lunch break to enjoy her home cooked meals which always included some form of potatoes. Verna enjoyed cooking, conversation, and of course making her famous brownies that her grandsons loved and requested often. Verna and Dale always attended any sporting events her grandchildren took part in.

Verna also remembered everyone’s birthday/anniversary and was sure to send a letter or a card out. She made sure to keep in touch with her granddaughter Domenica through the years with letters. Dale would never write a line or two but always made sure to read each letter they received in the mail.

Verna was a Chicago Cubs fan her and Dale would switch the “tube” from the Dodger and Cubs games. Baseball was only one of the many things Verna & Dale shared interest in. In their retirement years you could always find them on Sunday nights playing card downtown or at their friends house. They never would play on the same team girls against guys in pitch.

Verna took time to enjoy herself by being selfless member and was part of the Newcomers extension club for 38 years which includes 2020. Verna would offer up her talents and make 5 homemade pies a year for the annual local 4H fair every August.  She always had to make an extra peach pie for Dale & Bridget to enjoy!

It wasn’t until 2015 when Verna’s health declined after she had multiple mini strokes and once finishing rehab in 2016 moved to Billings, MT with Dale where they proceded to live out their final days.

Verna is survived by her sisters: Marlys Cardelli of Inner Grove Heights, MN; Joyce & Art Knutson of Kaw City, OK; Jann Gessner of Oakdale, MN; Marjorie Schroeder of Appleton, WI; Marlene & Robert Percy of Sioux Falls, SD; her sons, Allen Aeschbacher, Helena, MT; Myron Aeschbacher, Billings MT; Meldon & Kathy Aeschbacher, Ashland WI,; Joel & Rhonda Aeschbacher Wanblee SD, Grandchildren: Domenica VanDyke Sarasota FL, Brooke & Dustin Fisher Winner SD, Sam & Elaine Aeschbacher Ideal SD, Bridget & Younger Kramme Presho SD, Patrick Aeschbacher Winner SD, Jenie & Nick Borders Thermopolis WY, Jess & Miles Vondra, Zap ND. Great Grandchildren: Payton, Bailey Carley, Jerrod, Evelyn, Elyse, Eloise, Emerie, Mieka, Lincoln, Baylee, & Tayton. Along with a very large extended family.Verna is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Dale Aeschbacher, her parents, a baby sister Karen Kay, her sisters Shirley, Bonnie, and Lorraine and three brothers Gary, LaVonne and LuVerne.

Mass of Christian Burial for Melvin Reiser, 68, of Butte, Neb.,  was held Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Butte. Reverend Richard Reiser and Reverend Bernard Starman were the concelebrants, with burial in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Butte.

Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 51 and Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements. Melvin died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Niobrara Valley Hospital in Lynch, Neb.

Melvin Michael Reiser, son of Wilbur and Agnes (Lechtenberg) Reiser, was born Aug. 5, 1952, at Lynch, Neb. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School until the eighth grade and graduated from Butte Public School. Melvin served in the United States Army from 1972 until 1975 and was stationed in Germany. Melvin was blessed with two adopted sons, Gary and Carl Reiser and an adopted granddaughter, Rebeka.

Melvin was a teacher and taught at Osmond Public School, Martin School in Martin, South Dakota, Anoka School. His last school was Cheyenne Eagle Butte School where he taught for 35 years.

Melvin was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, All Saints Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.

Melvin is survived by his adopted son, Gary Reiser; granddaughter, Rebeka; and siblings, Louise Ann Reiser of Spencer, Donna (Donald) LaFerrier of Elk Point, South Dakota, twin brother, Marvin (Julie) Reiser of Butte, Richard Reiser of Omaha, David (Linda) Reiser of Spencer, and Gregory Reiser of Spencer. Many nieces and nephews and friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Agnes (Lechtenberg) Reiser; adopted son, Carl Reiser; sister-in-law, Pamela Reiser; and nephew, Jacob Reiser.

George A. Davis was born to Roy and Florence (Linton) Davis on March 6, 1931, in Deadwood, SD. He was the youngest in his family and joined a brother, Sam and three sisters, Nellie (Parsons); Inez (Sharp) and Margaret (Kollmar). He grew up in Deadwood, Millboro, Igloo and Custer, SD.

 In 1966, he married the love of his life, Opal Clark. They lived in Custer and eventually bought their own place south of Argyle in Custer County. In addition to raising livestock, he worked on the railroad for many years, starting on the section crew in Custer and worked his way down the line retiring out of Edgemont, SD.

He loved animals and always had some combination of horses, cows, chickens, pigs and lambs as well as dogs, cats, and even a raccoon. He could often be found out walking amongst the cattle, talking to them in his own special way. Some even answered back. He was a true cowboy and loved riding. He had one extra special horse, Wasaka, who he raised from a foal and had for 27 years. He liked to read the history of the country and remembered everything. And if he loved horses, he also loved horse power. The faster the better.

George loved people. He never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met.   He and Opal travelled all over the country visiting family and friends and making new ones. They loved to go dancing. He was always up for an adventure and in his 70’s he hiked Black Elk Peak with his niece and her family and travelled to France with a neighbor.

Music was another passion. He learned to play music by ear without any formal instruction.

Preceded in death by his wife, Opal; his parents, Roy and Florence Davis; his siblings, Margaret Kollmar; Inez Sharp and Nellie Parsons; his nieces, Sandra Rhoades; Joy Showalter; and a great grandson, Nicholas Farrell.

He is survived by his step daughter, Gloria Bennett of Tuscon, AZ; grandchildren, Tami Habeck of Tuscon, AZ; Robert (Micole) Miller of Newcastle, WY;  Leona Farrell of Edgemont, SD; 3 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren as well as nieces, Beverly Rose; Devera Sharp; Glenda Keller; Patricia Davis; Dusty Thorstenson; nephews, Jim Sharp; Kenny Kollmar and their families that he enjoyed immensely.

 Memorial services will be held 10 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2021, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.  Committal services will follow at Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Leo Froning, 95, of Winner, South Dakota, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Faulkton Area Medical Center Hospital, Faulkton.

Funeral Mass was at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at St. Liborius Church, Polo, Fr. Kevin Achbach and Father Christopher Hughes, celebrants. Burial    followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Leo’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net.

JoAnn Carlson, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

 Funeral service were held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.  at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  

  Jo Ann Carlson was born at home on March 18, 1943 to Rella Marie Wheelock in Fremont, Neb. She passed away on at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on May 9, 2021. Jo was adopted by George (Bud) Stickland in 1953 and spent her childhood in rural Tripp County where her love of animals developed.  She rode her horse to school daily, sometimes even in the midst of a blizzard.  She finished school in Winner, South Dakota. 

  In 1960, she married Frank Weaver. To this union was born Frank, Jr.  They soon parted ways and Jo was later married to Dale Engel in 1963.  Dale and Jo welcomed two children, Dean and Dennise, while they lived in rural Tripp County. Dale and Jo separated in 1972.  Jo and her kids then moved to the Oacoma area where they lived until 1980 when they moved to Winner.

  In 2000, Jo married John Carlson, and they purchased a home in the rural Winner area where Jo was able to enjoy her dogs and horses. John passed away in 2002, and Jo began taking in Siberian huskies and German Shepard’s. She eventually added two horses, Lucky and Red.  She shared her love of animals with her grandchildren and great grand-children.

   Jo is survived by her children Frank (Lori) Weaver, Dean (Amy) Engel, Dennise (Bruce) Nielsen, all of Winner and her eight grandchildren: Rachell (Matt) Henning of Maple Grove, MN, Erin (Charlie) Grossenburg of Winner, SD, Robin Curtis of Winner, SD, Miranda Nielsen of Sioux Falls, SD, Lance (Jenny) Engel of Winner, SD, Blake (Reagan) Nielsen of Winner, SD, Landon Engel and Luke Engel of Winner, SD, and fourteen grandchildren, and her brother Gary (Jean) Stickland, Paul and Carol Tonn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Carlson (husband), and one uncle, LeRoy Stickland and many of her favorite animals.

JoAnn Carlson, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. 

  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.  at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Mason Funeral from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

 Funeral service for Ronald Jerred were  held at 10  a.m., Thursday, May 6  at Gillette Memorial Chapel, Gillette, WY with Pastor Samara Jenkins officiating. Interment took  place  Friday, May 7  at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Springview, NE.

Ronald Leroy ‘Ron’ Jerred was born in July 17, 1946 in Winner S.D. to Harold & Marie “Keever” Jerred and passed from natural causes. Ron moved from Colome, SD to the state of Oregon and then up to Kent, Wash. where he attended school.

At the young age of 14 Ron was burned in a garage fire, as he was painting the inside of the garage and the fumes ignited from a light switch.  It took him about 6 months to recover in the hospital.  In the middle of high school Ron then moved, with his family, back to Winner and attended Winner High School there for 3 months. He then moved to Springview, NE. where he met his childhood friend Ron Turnquest.  Ron graduated from Springview, NE High School in 1964.  Ron then attended Springfield Collage where he received a 2-year degree in automotive tech.  Ron then went to work, like his father, in the construction business and traveled all over in the Midwest for many years. Ron then moved to Gillette, WY in 1999 where he worked in the Buckskin coal mine.  Ron had finally settled in one spot, from work friends, senior citizen friends, church friends, Ron never met a stranger he didn’t know.  Ron spent his last few years making knives and also loved working with leather making belts, holsters, and saddle bags.

Ron is preceded in death by parents Harold and Marie Jerred and siblings, Harold D. Jerred, Martha Freedman, Margret Watters, Lillian Taggert.

Ron is survived by three siblings, Clayton Jerred, Gillette, WY; Doris Cogdill, Clovis, NM; Dennis Jerred, North Platte, NE and many numerous nieces, and nephews along with many great nieces and nephews.

The family requests that memorials be made in Ron’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com

  Twila Brunmeier, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Twila was born to James and Adeline (Redding) Chastain on Sept. 26, 1934 in the family home at Wheeler Bottom on the Missouri River in South Dakota. While Twila was growing up the family moved several times before settling in Winner where Twila graduated from high school in 1954.

Twila married Leonard Brunmeier on Dec. 4, 1954 and to this union 4 boys were born: Danny, Robin, Kelly and Bradley. 

Twila and her sisters Jean and Charlotte worked for Donna Dice and Barb Kuil where they would eventually take over the business and successfully run the Outlaw Café for many years.

In 1979 Leonard and Twila bought their first motorcycle and traveled on this bike to 48 of the 50 states.  For 30 years they would ride their motorcycle to Sturgis to attend the rally.

Twila is survived by sons Danny (Linda), Robin, Kelly (Kathy); grandchildren Justin (Val) of Winner, SD, Danielle (Dan) Bohman of Pierre, SD, Tasha (Jimmy) Ankeney of Edgerton, WY, Angie (Jason) LaFave of Aberdeen, SD Blake of Winner, SD, Marque (Alex) Bachmann of Winner, SD, Jesse of Rapid City, SD, DaleRay (Crystal) Sell of Winner, SD, Megan DeHaan of Sioux Falls, SD, Kagney (Seth) Mosteller of Rapid City, SD, Jesse (Becca) Shelbourn of Sundance, WY, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Twila was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leonard, son Bradley, brother Emmet, sisters Jean Siewert, Shirley Broadbent and  Charlotte Colson.

The family will be directing memorials to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner.