Category Archives: Obituaries

Memorial services for John Forgey, 86, will be held April 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Winner. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Lunch will be follow at the Colome American Legion.

John Finley Forgey was born July 10, 1934, in Long Pine, NE, to Findley and Bertha (Forsch) Forgey. He went to school in Nebraska and graduated from Keya Paha High School in 1952.

John married Lucy Painter on Aug. 15, 1954 and to this union they had six children: Steve, Neil, Jan, Dan, Dale, and Lisa. After their marriage John and Lucy moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he worked for his brother Joe.

In 1957 they moved to the ranch in South Dakota. John and his brother Jim worked together raising cattle, shearing sheep, and manufacturing hay rakes. In 1964 he went to AI school in Denver and did a wonderful job of AI’ing for himself and the neighbors. Black Angus were his passion and he was well known for raising top quality cattle.

John took great pride in his children. He coached Little League baseball in Wewela with his boys. He loved baseball. The Dodgers were his favorite team and he also enjoyed listening to the Twins games on WNAX.

One of the highlights of John’s week was the weekly “marble games” with the Steffens and the Graessers. He was always up for a good Cribbage game with the kids and grandkids.

As the kids left the nest, John and Lucy started new adventures. He assisted Lucy with the Sale Barn Cafe in Gregory. He was the taste tester.

In 1993 they started Deer Creek Hunting for bow hunting deer and spring turkey. John met many people through this experience. One special bond grew with Pat Mundy.

John served on the Colome School Board from 1969 – 1983. In 1989 John joined the Board of Directors of the Tripp County Water Users District serving until his retirement in 2014.

In 2000 John, Lucy, and Jan had the trip of a lifetime going to New York to see the mastodon at the Natural History Museum. The mastodon was found in 1932 on land that he later purchased. He enjoyed taking visitors to that site to look for bones.

John and Lucy moved off the ranch and into Colome in 2007. They enjoyed morning coffee at the cafe. Then Dad could usually find an afternoon card game at the Flying D.

As much as Dad loved his children, his grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life. He and Mom would travel to visit them and watch their events. He loved when they would come visit and share ice cream to cool his tummy.John passed away at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas, Wyoming on March 29, 2021 at 86 years of age.

John is preceded in death by his parents Findley and Bertha, six brothers Joe, Glenn, Russ, Sam, Jim, and Charlie Forgey, two sisters Pearl Forgey and Hazel Williams, daughter Jan, and great granddaughter Elsie.

He leaves behind his wife Lucy; four sons Steve (Shirley) of Casper, WY, Neil (Clarice) of Lance Creek, WY, Dan (Lyn) of Dallas, SD, and Dale (Carla) of Alliance, NE; one daughter Lisa of Colome, SD; two sisters Audrey Walker of Arizona and Lona Lou Libolt of Oregon; thirteen grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Robert Lee Long Crow, 59, of Flandreau, SD, left on his journey to the spirit world on Monday, March 22, 2021.     Funeral service was  held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2 p.m.  at the Winner Middle School Gymnasium.  Burial  followed at the Mniska Presbyterian Cemetery near Dixon, SD. 

Wake service will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 1 p.m.  at the Winner Middle School Gymnasium.

Robert was born March 13, 1962, at home and was adopted as an infant by Kenneth Sr. and Velma (Felix) Long Crow. He always felt the utmost love and gratitude to his biological mother (Nina Roubideaux) for placing him with the Long Crow family who loved him dearly.

Robert loved his music, loved attending concerts, and was an awesome pool player. He especially loved hunting and fishing with his best friend, Duane Schmidt. His favorite holiday was the 4th Of July, where he would have a big cookout and loved setting off fireworks. He had many friends wherever he went.

Robert worked at the Star Mark Cabinet Factory in Sioux Falls, then later at the Royal River Casino as the Captain of Security Dept. His most recent job was at Twin City Fan in Brookings until he had issues with his health.  He did smaller jobs helping his friend Duane.

Robert leaves to mourn his two sons, Darin and Wade Of Flandreau SD; three daughters; Holly (Milli) of Flandreau SD, Genevieve and Erin Of Sioux Falls SD; special friend, Peggy Munk also of Flandreau SD;  two sisters; Maxine Long Crow- Knisley (Roger) Nunda SD, Phyllis Comes Flying, Ft. Thompson SD; Jeffery Long Crow Sr. (Paula) Ft. Thompson S. D.; Dave Clairmont (Betty) West Chicago, Il. ; Jim(Bonnie) St. Paul Mn.: Duane Schmidt(Gayle) Dell Rapids SD; eleven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his biological mother, Nina; parents, Kenneth and Velma, brother, Kenny Jr. and grandson, Brandon.

Arlene Marie Brandis (Gary), 76, of Winner, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, in Minneapolis, MN. 

Memorial service was held on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Gym.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Arlene was born in Rosebud, South Dakota March 15, 1945, to George and Eva (Hawk Track) Gary.  She attended school in Winner, graduating from Winner High School in May of 1964.

Arlene attended college in Denver for some time before moving back to Winner. 

In 1980 she met and married her husband Marvin Brandis, together they had 4 children: Toby Clairmont from a previous marriage, Alicia, Derek, and Wade. 

She attended Black Hills State University graduating in December of 1984, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Business Education.  Arlene worked for Sinte Gleska University, Department of  Office Technology for more than 20 years, retiring in August of 2020.

Arlene enjoyed many things in her life; traveling, pow wows, music, dancing, bowling, watching the Denver Broncos, and of course the T.V. series “The Walking Dead”.  She enjoyed selling fireworks with her husband Marvin.  She loved spending time with her family, always exited and ready to tell stories and jokes over a cup of coffee.  She was always happy and optimistic about everything.

Arlene is survived by her sister, Laura, her children; Toby Clairmont (Kristina Foss), Alicia Brandis (Bruce Parker), Derek Brandis, and Wade Brandis.  Her grandchildren: Christian, Damian, Wyatt and Logan.

She is preceded in death by her husband Marvin Brandis, her parents, two brothers: John and Anthony, and two sisters: Marilyn and Verna.

Lawrence (Larry) Donald Crouse, age 80, of Burke, SD passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2021.

  Larry was born in Boone, Iowa, on Oct. 7, 1940.  He was the son of Paul and Ruth (Smith) Crouse.  Larry grew up in Denison and Carroll, Iowa.  At an early age, Larry was known as a daredevil.  He wasn’t afraid of anything.  When he was very young, he was racing some kids on his bike in Denison, he rode through a stop sign and was hit by a car.  Even though he was injured, he said he won because all the other kids stopped at the stop sign.  At the age of 16, Larry began driving truck loads for Omar Bread.  He would drive from Carroll to Fort Dodge.  He drove Christmas trees from South Dakota, truck loads to Chicago and smaller loads throughout Iowa all while he was still in high school.  He graduated in 1958.

While living in California, Larry learned how to skydive.  He loved skydiving.  He said that he jumped out of an airplane many times before he actually ever flew somewhere on a plane and he jumped 30 times before ever landing in a plane.  He had over 500 jumps in his lifetime.  He created a flight jump uniform and was on the cover of a skydiving magazine.  He jumped as part of a group known as the San Joaquin Sky Divers Club.  He had two separate jump fails both shattering his leg/ankle.

He moved back to Omaha and started Nebraska-Iowa-Express (NIX) in downtown Omaha at 12th and Jones.  He met the love of his life, Rose Braun, at a lunch place on 13th and Davenport in Omaha.  He knew he wanted to marry her the first time he saw her and told her that one day her last name would be Crouse.  NIX ran to Kansas City, Denver, Sioux City, Ogalalla, Scottsbluff, Cheyenne, Casper, Kimball, Sydney, St. Joe, Nebraska City and Fall City.  In November of 1969 was the grand opening of the dock in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  At the height of NIX there were 350-400 employees (200 in Omaha/Council Bluffs alone).  He also owned Corrugated Carriers.  In 1979 -1980, he was the president of the Nebraska Motor Carriers Association.  In 1980, he testified before Congress against trucking deregulation.  There are many, many stories of Larry’s trucking days.

In the early 1970’s, Larry became interested in hunting.  His father-in-law, Gus, took him to Keya Paha County in Nebraska.  In 1982, Larry and Rose purchased a ranch along the Keya Paha river.  Also, in 1982, Larry closed the doors to NIX and bought a warehouse down the street from the Council Bluffs dock and began CDL warehouses.  He sold many of the docks that he owned across Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Illinois.  In 1983, Larry purchased Sunnyside Stables in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where he boarded many of the Shiners B Patrol horses along with his.

He was active in many charities including becoming a Mason, a Shriner, founded a golf fundraiser for mentally handicapped children, hosted wild game feeds as fundraisers and was a devout Christian.  In his 70’s, he helped build the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD.  Larry’s favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Rose; his children and families: Bob of Arizona, Lisa (Simon) of Texas, Lynda (Todd) of Washington, Lori (Dean) of Colorado, and Mark (Angie) of Arizona; and 3 grandchildren: Ashley of Alabama, Tristan of Washington and Jordan of Colorado.

Private family services will be held.

Donald E. Knecht, 85, of Houghton passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen after a weeklong battle with Covid. 

A private family funeral service was held Saturday, March 6 at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, Aberdeen, with Pastor Eldon Reich officiating. 

Burial will be at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Donald Eugene Knecht was born on May 29, 1935, the oldest child of Elmer and Viola (Ole) (Hansen) Knecht in Aberdeen, SD.  Donnie grew up on the farm that he and his dad would one day farm together.   He attended the James School through 8th grade and attended high school in Claremont, graduating in 1953.  Donnie was a proud member of the undefeated Honker’s 6-man championship football team. 

Donnie married the love of his life Doris Mommer on June 29, 1956, in Aberdeen.   They made their home on a farm near Houghton, and eventually moved into Houghton, where Donnie continued to live until his death.  Donnie & Doris enjoyed 48 years together.  They loved spending time with family and friends bowling, dancing, playing cards, camping, and traveling to Twins games until Doris passed away in 2004. 

Donnie loved being a farmer, operating machinery, and raising livestock for almost 70 years.  One of his favorite times of year was harvest and running the combine.  There were many great memories made on the farm, especially working with his two sons.  Donnie was always thinking of ways to build or improve things.  He would come up with the ideas and leave it to his sons to put those ideas into action.   He took great pride in the projects they built together.   He was known for teaching the farm dogs many interesting tricks.  Neighbors and friends were always dropping by the farm (Hilltop) to visit and solve the world’s problems or play a game of horseshoe or cards.  No one enjoyed a fresh ear of sweet corn, or a cucumber, radish, or tomato straight from the garden more than Donnie. 

Donnie was a member of the Columbia Masons and Aberdeen Shriners.  He served on the Houghton and North Brown School boards and was a member of the Houghton Congregational Church where he also served on the church council.

Donnie will be greatly missed by his three children: Dawn (Monte) Nipp of Langford, Mick (Becky) Knecht, and Pat Knecht all of Houghton; six grandchildren: Abby (Gavin) Krueger, Zachary Nipp, Megan (Davi) Handa, Matt (Whitney) Knecht, Spencer Knecht and Macy Knecht; two great granddaughters: Gia and Ivy Krueger; five siblings: Karen (Allen) Siefkes, Butch Knecht, Kathy (Rick) Schultz, Chuck (Denise) Knecht, and Karyl (Jeremy) Clay, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister-in-law Betty Knecht, and nephew Tim Knecht.

Roy Intorn, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service were held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation was  held one hour prior to service.

Roy was born in Nov. 12, 1929 in Carlock, SD.  Roy farmed with his parents south of Colome until he was drafted into the Army in February 1952 until 1954.

He met his wife Norma in Louisville, Ky.,  and they were married on July 15, 1953 in Louisville, at the Concordia Lutheran Church.

After being discharged in 1954 they moved back to South Dakota.  Roy worked for Robert Brenzina farm south of Colome for several years.

In 1985 they moved to Winner where he resided until his death.

Roy is survived by his three children; Kenny Intorn of Winner, SD, Rodney (Danita) Intorn of Pierre, SD and Karen Knadle (Roger) of Mitchell, SD, 6 grandchildren; Kelli Sitzman (Sean), Jenna (Travis) Masur, Nikki Moody, Sidney (Bethany) Intorn, Kaley (Kevin) Sonsalla, and Jacey Intorn (Kegan) and 8 great grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma, one brother Henry Intorn, sisters; Hilda Ulmer, Alvina Blize, Emma Dziadula, Arlene French, Viola Kartak, Mabel Sharkey, Ida Kaiser and Lorraine Prochazka and one son-in-law Pat Knadle.

Alvin “Big Al” H. New Jr., 82, of Grand Island, Neb.,  died March 9, 2021 at CHI-Health St. Francis.

Visitation was  held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m., at All Faiths Funeral Home.

Services will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2 p.m., at All Faiths Funeral Home. Dan Naranjo will officiate.

Services in his hometown of Winner, SD will be held at Mason Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 625 W. 3rd St., Winner, SD 57580, on Friday March 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. with visitation the hour prior. Burial will follow in Winner City Cemetery.

All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Al was born on November 27, 1938, eldest son of Alvin H. and Gula (Perry) New Sr. in Winner, South Dakota.

He graduated from Winner High School and attended South Dakota School of Mines. However, his love for farming led him back to the fields. On April 4, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Donna Horstman. They built a beautiful life together on the family farm but times were tough and they decided to move to Grand Island in 1972.

While living in Grand Island Al began working for Stahla Mobile Homes. Big Al was known as Mr. Fix It by family and friends and enjoyed the different projects that each day brought. He was skilled in general construction, plumbing, woodworking and masonry. Al was famous for his large garden that he tended to meticulously, everyone enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

Al always enjoyed returning back to South Dakota for yearly hunting, fishing and camping trips. He loved family time spent with his kids, grandkids and more recently great-grandkids. Even when life and health was against Al you would never know, he wasn’t one to complain. He was a simple man who will be missed for his strength and determination.

Al is survived by daughter, Diane (Jim) Stevenson of Doniphan; son, Doug (Annette) New of Kearney; grandchildren, Brent (Jen) Stevenson, Brady (Kylee) Stevenson, Kelsey (Josh) Meier, Brandon (Amy) New, Tara (Logan) Ruzicka and Sean (Lorena) Schultz; seven great-grandchildren with one on the way, along with many extended family and friends.   He was preceded in death by his wife on February 24, 2021; parents, stepmother, Dorothy (Schneider) New; brother, Duane New and sister, Betty Lou Heying.

James Zimmerman, 82, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 10 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial was at 2:30  p.m.  Mountain Standard Time at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

James was born on May 13, 1938, in Eureka, SD, to Albert Zimmerman and Bertha (Brunmeier) Zimmerman. He was a graduate of Eureka High School. He went to Northern State College in Aberdeen for one year after high school. He then taught at a country school for about one year and decided that was not for him. He then went to work for Northwestern Bell, where he would remain for his entire career.

He also served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967, receiving an honorable discharge.

He married Mary Pettit on Feb. 15, 1969, in Winner, SD. To this union, two daughters were born, Jodi and Julie.

Jim was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, where he participated in Knights of Columbus, church choir and helping out wherever else as needed.  His greatest joy was baseball season at Leahy Bowl. Many days, nights and weekends were spent taking tickets for the Teeners and Legion games.  Rarely, if ever, did he miss a game. He enjoyed traveling with the teams to the state tournaments and cheering them on. He was also an avid Winner Warriors fan, known to park his pickup by the fence in the early hours for every football game. He also took pride in singing with the Acafellas for a number of years at various events.

Jim is survived by his daughter Jodi and son-in-law Daric Mortensen and grandson Riley of Yankton, SD; grandson Nathan Mortensen and Stacy of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Julie and son-in-law John Gordon V and grandson John VI of Rapid City, SD; granddaughter Molly Gordon of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Eloise Cannon and Lanny of Meridian, Idaho and a host of other extended relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, Albert and Bertha; and sister Geri.

May the angels lead you home, Zim.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Storybook Island in Rapid City, SD.

Della Marie Farley, 77, passed away at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls after a short illness.

Memorial services will be held at the Winner Cemetery June 12 at 3 p.m.

Della was born at the Winner Baptist Hospital Dec. 29, 1943 to George and Velma Hiserote Farley.

At the very young age of 3 she came down with polio and began a very long life of pain and suffering. She spent many years in Hot Springs and then Minneapolis, Minn.

She was sponsored by the Shriners organization and they sponsored her for many years.

Eventually, she came to the Children Care Hospital in Sioux Falls and graduated from there in 1962.

She was then offered a secretarial position there and worked there until she retired.

She is survived by one sister, Rita Dillon, Ainsworth, Neb.; three sister in laws, Joan Farley Manke, Spearfish; Evelyn Farley, Mission and Elysabeth Farley, Winner, many nieces and nephews and  a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Velma Farley, a sister, Bettie Toman and brothers, Guy Farley, Robert Farley (infant), Richard Farley, Ralph Farley and Merle Farley.

 Fern (Peneaux) Ringing Shield, 68, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 at her residence in Winner, SD.

 Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Wake services were held on Tuesday, March 2 and Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium in Winner, SD.

Fern Marie Ringing Shield (Peneaux) 68 of Winner, SD passed peacefully at her at residence with love ones by her side on Feb. 24.

Fern Marie was born in Bad Nation, SD on Nov. 18, 1952 to Verle Lee Peneaux and Elsie Coedelia Fast Horse (Peneaux).

She grew up in Bad Nation and Winner, SD with 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

She married Pete Ringing Shield Sr May 10th 1985.They had 7 children together. She went to school for a CNA and worked at Golden Prairie Manor for 7 years. She loved spending time with her family and cooking big meals for everyone.

She is survived by her children Marcy (Matt), Mardell (Michael), Calvin Sr. (Daryl), Pete Jr. (Kenja), Marissa, Corey (Jasmine), Melody; her sisters Alma (George) (Peneaux) Small and Melda (Joe) (Peneaux) Struck; her brother Bud (Kathy) Peneaux, her aunt Joyce Watts (Peneaux) and all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren

She is preceded in death by her great grandbaby Jeesie the 3rd Felix sisters Mavis Peneaux, Velda Peneaux and Beryl (Peneaux) Antione, her brothers Wilbur Peneaux and Lester Peneaux, her niece Crystal Peneaux and her husband Pete Ringing Shield Sr.