Category Archives: Obituaries

Kori Foote of Ideal, SD passed away on Jan. 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.     Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 at 2 p.m.  at the Ideal Hall in Ideal, SD. Burial  followed in the Ideal cemetery. Wake services were held on Sunday, Jan. 10 & Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 at 7 p.m.  at the Ideal Hall in Ideal, SD.

“Dearest baby, please know that our greatest blessing was having you” “Kori Roary”

Kori Ione Foote, 7 weeks old, was born in Sioux Falls, SD on Nov. 16, 2020 to Richard Foote and Karley Antoine. Heavens gain was our loss when our angel was called to the Lord on Jan. 6, 2021.

During Kori’s brief visit on earth, she enjoyed listening to music and spending time with her dad (they were very close). She loved to cuddle her mom and being held for hours. She also loved her papa Rod very much. She was loved by all who met her, and will be greatly missed.

Kori Ione is survived by her parents, Richard Foote and Karley Antoine. Her brother Riley Scares Hawk, two big sisters that loved her so much, Kelliana and Rickeya Foote. She is also survived by her grandparents Blossom Cook (Rodney Foote), Myron (Rose) Foote, Katie Turkey and Charlie Antoine. Great Grandparents; Dewey (Leona) Foote, Bernice Spaulding, Everett Antoine Sr., Zona Eagle Star-Turkey and one great great grandfather, Harry Thunder, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Preceded in death by great grandmothers Charlotte Cook and Beryl Antoine.

Shirley Ann Knorr Frick , age 81, of Huntsville, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020.

Shirley was born May 11, 1939 in Geddes , South Dakota to Donald and Tillie Knorr. Shirley was a member of the Presley Chapel Methodist Church and served as the Children’s program coordinator, Shirley was a homemaker, she enjoyed wood crafting and attending the War Eagle fair each year.

Her husband, boys and grands were the light of her life. She had Christmas traditions that will be passed down through the generations.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Richard Knorr and Denny Knorr and a sister, Beverly Wetland.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 61 years, Glenn Frick, three sons, Doyle Frick, Jay Frick and Travis Frick (Nancy). 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth Holt (Daniel), Savannah Lasiter (Brian), Addie Roberts (Michael), Jacob Frick, Caleb Frick, Cole Frick (Brooke), Clayton Frick, Tanner Frick, Brooklyn Frick, Emma Grace Frick and 4 great grandchildren, Walker Lasiter, Clansy Frick, Anna Marie Lasiter and Nash Holt. Shirley is also survived by a brother, Butch Knorr (Sharon) and two sisters, Diane Atwell (Mike) and Patsy Shelter (Ken).

A graveside service was held at 2 pm Thursday Dec. 10 at Marshall Cemetery at Forum , Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Childrens Hospital.

Melanie Coffey, 65, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, at the Winner Regional Health.   

A visitation was held on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at  Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. A visitation was held on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 from 5-7 pm at Miller Funeral Home, downtown  Sioux Falls. 

Funeral service was held 1 pm on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 also at Miller Funeral home –downtown, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls.  

Melanie Ann Coffey was born on Jan. 22, 1955 to Orville and Mary (Steiner) Olson in Madison, South Dakota.

Melanie graduated from Madison High School in 1974.  She later met her future husband in 1978 while both were working at McKennan Hospital.  Melanie had started in housekeeping and then transferred into the physical therapy department. Melanie was married to Kevin Coffey on May 26, 1979 in Sioux Falls.  He worked in materials management and Melanie started work in medical records.  Nearly every day they would pack a lunch and eat together in the hospital cafeteria.

In pursue of Kevin’s healthcare career, they moved to Yankton, SD in 1981, with stops in Red Wing, MN, Elk Point, SD back to Sioux Falls, then to Freeman, SD and Arlington, SD before settling in Winner in 2013.

Melanie and Kevin custom built their home in Arlington in 2005 and learning from that experience, designed a home on 11 acres south of Winner in 2014.  Melanie would spend time in the kitchen looking out the patio window at deer, pheasants, rabbits and Canadian geese while working on embroidery or a word find book.

Melanie became a homemaker and stay at home mom with the birth of their first son.  Over the next 30 years she volunteered at the Sioux Falls School District, then Freeman School District and the Arlington School District.  After moving to Winner, she volunteered at the Winner Nursing Home playing cards and BINGO.  In 2017, in addition to volunteering at the nursing home, she began working as a paid employee over the noon hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday waiting on residents in the dining room as a hospitality aide.

She became very attached to many of the residents and was deeply impacted on anyone’s passing.

Her passion was family and stayed in touch with her 7 siblings, never forgetting their birthdays.  She also enjoyed her Cocker Doodle dog Kasey, camping, traveling, embroidery, and working on word find.  The family goal was to see as many national parks as possible, going to Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Pipe Organ, Yosemite, Big Horn Battlefield, Craters of the Moon, Avenue of the Giants, Death Valley and Rocky Mountain.  In the process also took the opportunity to visit Tombstone, Mackinaw Island, Carlsbad Caverns, Durango/Silverton Railroad, Royal Gorge, Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods.

She was always about maintaining traditions as a family.  The boys opening one gift on Dec. 23, making her mom’s favorite “mocho cakes” at Christmas, keeping a journal for all their travels and special events in the life of the boys.  But by far, the biggest tradition was to spend nearly every Memorial weekend in the Black Hills, most of the time at Beaver Lake campground outside of Custer.  The family became so close to Max and Cindy the owners, that when it was raining, snowing, or too cold for other campers to utilize the 2-story waterslide and pool, they would give the keys to the gate and pump house for Clay and Kyle’s exclusive use.

Melanie is preceded in death by her parents Orville and Mary, and 2 infant brothers and brother-in-law Clay Coffey.

Melanie is survived by her husband Kevin, and sons Clay and Kyle and also her brothers and sisters; Jim Olson (his wife Joann passed just last year) New Prague, MN, Gail Booth (Tom) Baldwin, MO, Bruce Olson (Karen) Bennett, CO, Peg Thompson (Mike) Sun City, AZ, Craig Olson (Marlene) Sioux Falls, SD, Valerie Manthey (Craig) Hartford, SD and Cecelia  DeWaard, Sioux Falls, SD, mother-in-law Betty Coffey, sister-in-law Crystal Erdmann and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arylin Harsin, 70, of OKreek, SD passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Family services were held on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Hillview Cemetery in Dallas, SD. 

Arylin Robert Harsin was born on Feb. 7, 1950 in Rosebud, the oldest child of Cecil and Leona (Nightpipe) Harsin. He was raised in Gregory with his five brothers and sisters. Arylin graduated from Gregory High School in 1969.

Arylin attended Southern State University in Springfield and Mt. Marty College in Yankton, graduating in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He worked for a time at a halfway house in Yankton, then returned to Gregory to work at Krotters Lumber. He continued his work in construction, working as a self-employed contractor in Sioux Falls. Arylin then worked as a construction supervisor with the Rosebud Housing Authority for nearly 20 years, maintaining and rehabbing homes in the local reservation communities. He retired in 2017 to a quiet life of hunting, fishing, and NASCAR with beloved dogs Izzy, Jack, and Maggy.

He suffered ill health the past year, losing his battle at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls on Jan. 5, 2021 at the age of 70.

Arylin was beloved Uncle Arlie to his nieces and nephews, teaching them to fish and play cards. He is fondly remembered for horseplay, letting the nieces punch him in the stomach. He enjoyed pheasant hunts with his brothers-in-law. He and his brother, James, took loving care of their mother day and night as she fought cancer the last five years of her life. Arylin ended every phone call to his sisters with “I love you.”

Arylin will be greatly missed by his father Cecil Harsin and wife, Linda, brother Jim Harsin, sisters Leigh Lyon, Jean Cole, and Lynda (Tom) Ehrich, sister-in-law Michelle Harsin, as well as his nieces, Carmen Hutchison, Rhiana Limpus, Melissa Harsin, Misty McGaugh, Wendi Cole, and nephews, Douglas Cole, Jr. Craig Lyon, Ryan Cole, Dhani Cole, Joshua Harsin, Scott and Shawn Harsin, his aunts and uncles, good friend Dewey Foote and many other friends and family. Arylin was preceded in death by his mother, Leona, brother Louie Harsin, and brother-in-law Randy Lyon.

Funeral services for Dwight Keith Pepper were held Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Bible Church in Bonesteel. Burial was in Graceland Cemetery of Burke.

Dwight Keith Pepper was born Sept. 30, 1951 to Duane and Cleone (Herman) Pepper in Burke, South Dakota.  He was baptized at the Baptist Church in Bonesteel as a young child.  He lived north of Bonesteel early on in his childhood and then moved to a farm south of Bonesteel in 1964.  He graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1970.  He continued to live on the family farm helping his dad, following graduation.

In March of 1971, he was drafted into the US Army, where he served in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in December of 1972.  He continued to be enlisted in the Army reserve until March of 1977.  Dwight was married to Juanita Callahan on Aug. 3, 1974.  They continued to live on the family farm until the summer of 1983, when they moved to Creighton, Neb. for a job opportunity.  They were there about one year before moving back to Bonesteel where he continued to help with farming and ranching for his dad and various other local farmers and ranchers. 

He served as Chief of Police for the City of Bonesteel from approximately 1986 to 2011.  He also drove school bus during those years.

Over the years Dwight was known throughout the area for his love of hunting and wildlife, as well as his love for farming and cattle.  He had a gift of being able to talk to almost everyone he met.  He also left a positive impact on everyone he encountered.

After a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Dwight passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 at the age of 69 years, with his family at his side.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents Duane and Cleone, on nephew Jeremy Ware and multiple aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Juanita; his three children: Arthur Pepper, former daughter-in-law Emily , and Tara Kallhoff (fiancé) of Sioux Falls, SD; Richard of Mankato, MN and Elizabeth of Norfolk, NE; his three grandchildren: Natalie, Dawson and Oliver of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as four bonus grandchildren: Alison Tracy of George, IA, Ian Rohan, Jacob Rohan and Logan Rohan of Newcastle, NE; and one bonus great-grandchild, Evelyn Tracy of George, IA; one sister Carole Ware and one nephew, James Ware of Oklahoma City, OK.

 Dwight will be greatly missed by everyone who his life touched, but we take some comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is in his heavenly home.

SoChae Kim Sinclair, 77, of Gillette, Wyo., passed away from complications related to COVID-19, on Dec. 25, 2020 at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.  Her husband, son (Robert), and daughter (Betty) were by her side.

SoChae Kim was born Dec. 13, 1943, in Hungnam, Korea to her parents, ManYelle Kim and Aesun Jo.  During the Korean War, SoChae’s family was gravely impacted by the hardships that many Korean families endured.  In December 1950, her family was evacuated to the Island of Geoje on the S.S. Meredith Victory leaving their home in Hungnam with only what they could carry.  They were then relocated to Busan, Korea where she grew up and later owned a successful beauty salon.  Sochae’s experiences left an indelible sense of inner strength that was a guiding principle throughout her life.  She believed her life story was an example for her children regarding the importance of self-reliance and perseverance. 

In 1968, SoChae met William Sinclair while he was stationed in Wae Gwan, Korea, serving with the 44th Engineering Battalion in the United States Army.  They were married that year and subsequently moved to White River, South Dakota where they were active members in the community and school district.  She was a member of the UMW (United Methodist Women) and the American Legion Auxiliary for nearly forty years.  SoChae was a constant self-learner who was always mastering new skills in cooking and gardening, most notably her beautiful rose gardens throughout her and William’s property. 

In 2017, SoChae and William relocated to Gillette, Wyo., to live closer to family due to health reasons.  SoChae’s energetic spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met.  She was always willing to help people in need and believed that everyone could make something of themselves through hard work and an opportunity.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and two brothers; YongTeak and YongBok. 

SoChae is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, William Sinclair; her seven children, Enam Tong (Busan, Korea), Susan Danilson (North Sioux City, SD), Sunhui Cash (Houston, TX), Myoung Andie Coughlin (Omaha, NE), HyongKyu Tong (Denver, CO), Betty Sinclair (Minneapolis, MN), and Robert Sinclair (Gillette, WY).  Eleven grandchildren; YouTek and Jiun Kim, Dustin and Jacob Sorenson, Bryan Cash, James Coughlin, Jr., Ronnie and Andrew Tong, Paul Danilson, Breianna and Milo Sinclair, along with six great grandchildren.

SoChae’s wishes were to be cremated and although a service will not be held at this time, there will be a memorial service held on July 16, 2021 at 1 p.m. MST at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. 

Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 S. Medical Arts Gillette, Wy 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.WalkerFuneralGillette.com

Dennis Kevin Mahto, 57, began his journey on Monday, Dec. 28th, 2020 at Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Wake services were held at the Winner Community Building in south Ideal on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 7 pm and Monday, Jan.  4 at 7 pm. The funeral began on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 11 am. The burial  followed in  the Winner Cemetery in Winner, South Dakota.

Dennis was born July 10, 1963 to Elvira Donnice Mahto in Pierre, South Dakota. He was a part of a large family, his siblings: Sandra, George ‘Buff’, Jeff, Blaine, Joan, David, Laurette, Georgia, and Denise. He grew up in Wolf Point, Mont., and in Pierre, SD, moving often with his family. He had a love for traveling, and a passion to work with his hands, such as drawing and carpentry.

Despite his age at the time, he spent the majority of his youth taking care of his grandparents, Leslie and Alma Mahto in Pierre. He then moved to Winner and married Nancy Antoine on Sept. 2, 1989. He had three children, Noland, Dayle, and Aarin. During these early years, he battled diabetes, which would develop into kidney disease much later in life. Dennis would often travel with his father-in-law, Roger; for work. Doing jobs like construction and working on houses. He also worked as a bus driver for a time at the Lame Deer Head Start Center. His bus code name was ‘The Rubber Duck’. He liked to jam out to rock music with the kids. Dennis was a part of bowling leagues during the fall and winter and played softball on his Wayne’s Auto’s team in the summer. Both of which he excelled at. It wasn’t long into those years that he discovered he had leukemia and began to lose his sight shortly after. Dennis withdrew from work around 2004 and remained at home with his family and grandchildren. He developed many lifelong friendships and remained active despite everything he endured. Dennis was always noticeable due to his trademark Vikings hat and sunglasses. Every weekend he was always looking forward to the next football game. His favorite activity was to sit out in his backyard with a cold one in the sun; with his radio while his family and grandchildren played nearby. Dennis loved all his family near and far.

Toward the fall of this year, Dennis contracted Covid-19, which he managed to beat. After his recovery, he spent the remainder of his days at home with family till his health took a turn. He fought till the very end for all of those that he loved and those who loved him. Now he is finally at rest and at peace.

He is preceded in death by his mother Donnice; his siblings Joan Wetsit, Laurette Wetsit, Denise Zimmer, George ‘Buff’ Wetsit, and David Wetsit; his grandparents Leslie and Alma (Wells) Mahto and Sydney and Alma Bad Moccasin; his father-in-law Dr. Roger Milk; his uncle Leslie Mahto Jr and uncle Norman Wilson; his nieces Sayra Mahto, Daveau and Mariah Azure; his granddaughter Jozlyn Turney, and his nephews Elijah Zimmer; Mason and Nathaniel Wetsit.

He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Nancy Antoine, and his children Noland (Sami, Kaycen, Na’Talia, and Gracie), Dayle (Jaziel and Wyatt), and Aarin. His siblings, Sandra Mahto Stracener (Mike and family), Jeff Wetsit (Tamara and family), Georgia Wetsit (and family), and Blaine Wetsit (Sally and family).

He also survived by, Truman Mahto Carmen), Karen Howe, Kathy Mahto, his mother-in-law Lavina Milk; Nichole Smart( Ken and family) and Mary Antelope, Bernadine Wilson, Heather King (and family), Ruperta ‘Bobbi’ Larson Galen and family) Algie Mahto (and family), Samuel Antoine(and family), Jay Antoine (Nanette and family), Paula Antoine (and family), Julie Turney (and brothers and sister Rachel)… and his many nieces and nephews, and all his grandchildren, and beloved friends.

Dennis was a very strong man who always confronted a problem head-on and full of confidence. He was very proud of all his long battles and all the hardships he overcame in his life. Dennis had an amazing sense of humor and seemed to always have a joke ready. Dennis always lent a hand to those who needed him and never judged a situation. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends. He was a determined and passionate man who wouldn’t let anything stand in his way. Dennis will always be remembered, sorely missed, and greatly loved forever.

 Michael Murphy, 79, of Denver, Colo., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.

 Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, and good friend to many.

 He was born on Oct. 15, 1941 in Smith Center, Kan., to Fred and Bernice (Lathrop) Murphy. He grew up in Smith Center and later Winner, South Dakota. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1962. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After college he served in the United States Army. Mike practiced accounting as a CPA for 40 years in Denver, retiring from Benson Mineral Group where he worked for 25+ years.

On October 3, 1964, he married Valerie Jean Sturges. They raised two children, Michael and Christine.

Mike loved to be outside. He fished and hunted while growing up in Kansas and South Dakota as well as in the mountains of Colorado. In his retirement he spent a great deal of his time hiking near his home in Evergreen and later walking daily around his neighborhood in Denver. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan and enjoyed attending Denver Broncos games, (in any kind of weather), with his family and friends for many years. He also enjoyed watching Nebraska football on TV.

Mike was also an avid reader and had a great passion for knowledge. Those who knew Mike would say that although he was a man of few words, he was a man of great integrity and kindness.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Valerie. He is survived by his son Michael and his wife Mika (Brooklyn, NY), his daughter Christine and her husband Joel and their two children Miles and Ava (Denver, CO), his brother James and wife Rhonda (Spokane, WA), his sister Jane and her husband Andrew (Denver, CO), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Veneda Kay (Andrews) Eagle Hawk passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at 12:24PM at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Wake services were held on Saturday, Jan 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3,  at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium. Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Veneda Kay (Andrews) Eagle Hawk was born in Winner, SD on March 2nd 1955. Her mothers name was Delphine Andrews. Veneda went to Todd County School. In her younger years she liked to go to the ball games, spend time with family, she loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

She met the love of her life in 1980 and married Clarence Matthew Eagle Hawk II on Dec. 5, 1984.

She had 2 kids Michael Todd Andrews and Lynette (Chet) Andrews, and adopted daughters; Camille Angelic Herman, Chloe Raine Eagle Hawk, Clarence Matthew III (Madonna) Eagle Hawk, Frances (Jack) Brandis, Angela Eagle Hawk, Nicole Eagle Hawk, & Janice Eagle Hawk. Nieces and nephews she helped raise, Darrell (Donnella) Herman, Dan (Clarissa) Herman, Isabelle Angelic Herman, & Deloris (Colin) Herman.

She has 2 sisters, Marilyn (Diz) Herman, Elizabeth Ann Blacksmith (Deceased). Adopted sisters: Dorothy Heth, Mary Chasing Hawk, Alva Chasing Hawk, Alice Blacksmith, Dawn Blacksmith, David Blacksmith, & Martha Blacksmith and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren.

Raised by her aunts and uncles: Martha (Geno) Williams, Esther Andrews, Mary (Andrews) Martin, Jeanette Andrews, Anita Andrews, Frieda Blacksmith (Deceased) Larry Andrews (Deceased) Orlando Andrews (Deceased) Wally Andrews (Deceased) Richard Andrews (Deceased) Grandpa: Wallace Andrews (Deceased) Grandma: Mercy (Greenwood) Andrews (Deceased)

Private Family Services for Janice Osbourne age 84 of Colome, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 2. Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery, Colome, SD.