Category Archives: Obituaries

Mary Ann (Redl) Moorhead, 91, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Winner Regional Nursing Home on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  An open public visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 from 5-6 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a rosary beginning at 6 p.m.

Mary Ann Redl was born in Iroquois, South Dakota to John and Marie (Brandrup) Redl on Oct. 26, 1932. Growing up in Deadwood, Mary Ann was an active Brownie Scout and social butterfly which continued throughout her life. She was proud to tell stories of her father playing Wild Bill Hickok in the shootout reenactments as well as riding side-saddle in the Days of ‘76 Parade, on her horse named Penny. She hosted her own radio show during her teenage years where her vocals sang any song requested. Her personality shined as a bartender helping her parents at the Inferno, which was built in an old mine shaft near Terry Peak.

On May 24, 1951, she married the love of her life, Gerald Dean Moorhead at the St. Ambrose Church in Deadwood. To this union, three children were born, John, Cindy, and Gerri.

Mary Ann and Gerald moved to Winner, South Dakota to manage Modern Cleaners raising their three children as Winner Warriors. They loved sports; most notably yelling at each other over the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Braves. In 2003, the couple lost their son on a family hunting trip, which Mary Ann never fully recovered from.

Known for her sugar cookies and silly jokes, Mary Ann could warm any room. Her giggle and smile was contagious and her inviting soul welcomed anyone to call her “Grandma.”  She loved to bowl (2005 SDWBA Hall of Fame Inductee), foster any animal (squirrels included), play cards, sing her school song, and spend time with family and friends alike. Her pure joy was watching and cheering on her grandkids and great grandkids no matter their accomplishments, big or small, in-person or on a live stream.

Mary Ann was an expert in the kitchen and in the woodshop with Gerald. Her famous kitchen recipes were: sugar cookies that melted in your mouth, pies that nobody could replicate, and egg rolls that caused family disagreements of who would get the last one. In the last months of her life, she was able to share her joy of cooking homemade noodles for the other residents at the nursing home.

She is survived by her daughters Cindy (Doug) Osborn, Winner; Gerri (Chuck) Mosset, Sioux Falls; special nephew, Billy (Amy) Reiser, Wagner; daughter-in-law, Lori Schrader, Winner, 12 grandchildren: Cody(Brandy), Casey (Laurie), TJ (Michele), Cassidy (Matt), Brady (Jamie), Jamie (Jason), Chelsey (Matt), Dustin, Corey, Rachele (Justin), Randi, and Becca along with 22 great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Jan Redl, several nieces and nephews and anyone who would consider her their grandma.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, favorite son, John, parents John and Marie, her sister, Phyllis, and three brothers, Jack, Bill and Donny Redl.

Leslie “Les” Sherwood Jr., 49, of White River, SD passed away at his home on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. 

Funeral service was held on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Wood Community Hall in Wood, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Leslie “Les” Howard Sherwood Jr. (49) was born prematurely to Peggy Lee Bowers-Sherwood and Leslie Howard Sherwood Sr. on July 21, 1974, In Winner, South Dakota. Leslie grew up in and around the Wood and White River areas. Learning ranching from his father Les Sherwood Sr. and mechanics from his step-father Roy Moran Sr. He was always learning and teaching something new along the way throughout his life.

He graduated from White River, South Dakota in 1992. After he attended technical school in Watertown, South Dakota where he became a certified diesel mechanic.

Throughout his adult life he worked for various implements using his mechanical skills, as a ranch hand at a few different locations and as a mechanic at Wagner Auto in Pierre, South Dakota. He later pursued his dream of working on his family’s ranch outside of Wood, South Dakota, where he stayed. Les is known for his kind heart, loving words, calming demeanor, love and his acceptance of everyone he met along his journey. There was never a time that Les would not make sure that he could take his grandbabies out to the pasture to see the cattle and the horses or even to let them go with him to feed in the mornings. Among all of Les’s hobbies he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. Along with the yearly camping trip where he could enjoy family and boating. Les especially enjoyed all of the hunting adventures he went on with his brother Henry Moran.

Les passed unexpectedly on Dec. 16, 2023 in the early hours of the day. He will be missed by all.

Survived by his wife, Vickie Sherwood. His daughter Sierra Boren, son Damian Bingen (Megan) Aberdeen, South Dakota, Jarred Bingen (Brittany) Witten, South Dakota, Trey Bingen (Maddie) Burke, South Dakota. Along with his 6 grandbabies, Raphael Jax, Reese James, Delilah Belle, Kensley Mae, Jackson Leslie, and Ryker Joel. Survived by his father Les Sherwood Sr. (Lois) White River, South Dakota, Siblings Tonya Copeland (Rich) Rapid City, South Dakota, Misty Moran (Kelly Wright Sr.) Pierre, South Dakota, Henry Moran (Rose Larvie) White River, South Dakota, Harold Moran (Audra) Letcher, South Dakota, Berton Moran (Cassie Jones) Mitchell, South Dakota, Lisa Sherwood (Tyler Harter) White River, South Dakota and Brother-in-law Gabe Schumacher Wosley, South Dakota. Bonus siblings, Joelene Hamilton, Roy Moran Jr., Tim Moran (Breanna) and Jewels Moran. Along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his mother Peggy Lee Moran, sister Karin Schumacher, niece Kateri Knife, Maternal and paternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Douglas John Taggart was born to John and Lillian Taggart in Winner, SD on April 13, 1952.

Doug grew up on a farm outside of Winner with his sister Karen and brothers Jerry, Brad and Robert.  Much has been whispered about his antics, but no one wants to come forward with hard facts on the wild days in Winner.  I can confirm that he DID learn to play the accordion, because his aunt and uncle liked to dance to the polka.  I know, right?!  The accordion.  Knock me down with a feather.  He was also the undefeated boxing champ from Winner.  He was 15 years old.  It was one fight and then he hung up his professional boxing gloves for good……but it was sanctioned.  So, we are going with Undefeated Boxing Champ.

Doug was world-renowned for his lack of patience or his endless patience (which one would you get today???), not holding back his opinion and telling it like it is. Doug always told you the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear.  It was the school of hard knocks, and yes, we were told many times how he had to walk for miles in a blizzard to get to school, so suck it up and life is tough all over kid, get used to it!

He married his main squeeze, Polly, a librarian, almost 50 years ago in Colstrip, Mont. They lived in Montana, Indiana and later returned to Montana so dad could hunt and fish. They spent many hours on a boat with fishing poles in their hands but much to Doug’s dismay, Polly could out fish him many times.  Jennifer and Whitney (the daughters), cannot out fish either of them. Recently they moved to North Dakota to be near family and so dad could go back to his roots of farming, which he loved. 

Doug taught us that family comes first, to get outside,  and work hard…at what you love.  Doug made the best sourdough treats, homemade pizza and cookies.  Jennifer and Whitney also ended up with midnight snack addictions because of Doug.  Many a night would pass with a knock on the door and a question – “Want an ice cream shake?” He also made sure that he had someone around to make his sweet treats, he taught Jennifer how to bake cookies each weekend. Why? So, he could have the cookies for a nighttime snack.

Jennifer married Kevin Norton and Whitney married David Gonitzke – in a stroke of amazing luck – Doug loved both of them. 

Doug was Papa to Mackenzie, Aiden, Jules and Jane.  Oh, how he loved the four of them.  We don’t want say that he got soft as a Grandpa….but he got soft!!  Those kids could do anything and get anything!  He made sure his grandkids knew how to fish and that started at a young age. Papa was a huge history buff, this love of history was passed down to his grandson, Aiden, who is going to college to be a high school history teacher.  He bragged about his grandkids to anyone that would listen!

Doug and his two best friends, Pat and Kelly, (the “Three Amigos”) hunted and fished for over 30 years together.  After a while Doug decided that their friendship was strong enough to withstand anything…..so he included them into the Taggart Brothers Secret Circle.  For years and years, the brothers circle would meet up at Uncle Jerry’s ranch house in Wyoming to fish, hunt, drink loads of beer.  Who knows what lies and tall tales were told on those trips.  Really – Guys, can’t you just tell us one little thing??

Doug traveled extensively and took us camping all the time.  We went from tent, to a pickup box camper, then a 5th wheel camper– spoiling us girls forever.  Never will Jennifer or Whitney tent camp again.  Our love of the water likely came from the plethora of trips to rivers and lakes.

He is survived by his saint of a wife, Polly; children,  Jennifer (Kevin) Norton, Whitney (David) Gonitzke; grandchildren, Mackenzie (Eric) Wineinger, Aiden Sothers, Jules and Jane Gonitzke; great-grandchild, baby Wineinger (coming in June); siblings Jerry (Janine) Taggart, Karen King, Brad (Linda Wilson) Taggart, Robert (Kim) Taggart and many, many nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.

Although we feel like we didn’t get enough Doug in our lives – we can remember that Doug did not live an average life.  He traveled where he wanted to travel, laughed inappropriately at every chance, danced (especially the alligator) when the opportunity arose, learned what he wanted to learn, fixed what he wanted to fix, and loved who he wanted to love, and loved those people hard……..especially Polly.

Since Doug liked to do unusual things, he also ended up with cholangiocarcinoma – bile duct cancer.  It’s rare and aggressive.  Of course, that’s what he died from, he had to be unique.  Doug went to heaven on Dec. 15, 2023.

Danny Herman, 63, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Danny Eugene Herman was born on April 26, 1960, in Winner, South Dakota, to Robert and Joyce (Biggins) Herman. He was the first of four to join this union. In the later years, his best friends, Tony, Marty, and Penny, joined him.

Dan attended his grade, middle, and high school career at the Winner School District. He graduated in the year of 1978. This year was his 45 class reunion. It was a lot of fun, as he drove a party bus for their celebration.

After graduating high school, he attended Western Dakota Tech for mechanics.

After his schooling, Dan joined his father at the B&D Auto Salvage. He got to do what he loved for many years – working on cars. Another passion he had was racing, and he spent many summers at the Winner Speedway. Dan now has a pit crew seat in all of the races. If anyone needed something, he would do anything that he could to help. Until his last days, individuals would find him working on cars, riding his motorcycle, or drinking Busch Lights with his friends.

If someone happened to go out to the shop at 6:30 pm, the television would be playing “The Wheel of Fortune.” He would get multiple puzzles correct and would joke that he would do better than many contestants. Fittingly, on his last night on Earth, that show was on the television. Dan certainly hit the million-dollar wedge in this thing called life.

What Dan loved the most was being a father and grandpa. His grandkids could do no wrong. You could always count on him dropping what he was doing to be there for his kids and grandkids. The second drawer on the left-hand side of his desk was filled with different toys. His grandkids would drag out all of the different toys every visit. Dan was a kid at heart, and he would always be right there playing with them. He was the best “Pop-Pop.”

Dan is survived by his five children: Travis (Kat) Walker, Trevor (Kortni) Herman, Joshua Herman, Jacob Herman, and Shanelle (Clinton) Herman. His grandchildren also survive him: Dane, Kai, Jaxon, Krew, Adyson, Connor, Canyon, Dally, Copeland, Delaynie, and Sage.  Also having an empty place in their hearts are his siblings: Marty, Tony, and Penny (Chad). Other family members include nephews: Bryce (Becky) and Adam, nieces: Lindsey and Alex, Aunt Dianne, and Uncle Darrell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a special aunt Darlene; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Harvey Naasz, 84, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. 

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Winner High School Armory.  A visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Winner High School Armory from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date.

The community of Winner and the athletic arena of South Dakota lost a wonderful man when Harvey F. Naasz passed away.

Jacob and Martha Naasz of Java, South Dakota welcomed Harvey Fred Naasz on March 24, 1939.  He joined older brothers Harold and Howard, with younger brother, Harry, soon to follow.  The family moved from Java to Mobridge where Harvey graduated from Mobridge High School in 1958 (where he was an all-state football player).

Harvey then attended and played football at the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1958.  He transferred to the University of South Dakota where he played football (offensive guard) for three more seasons.

He coached 17 years in Winner, where he guided the Warriors to three state titles (1981,1987, and 1989) and one runner-up finish (1986).  Naasz’s Warriors were unbeaten in 1980, 1981, and in 1987.  He was a longtime teacher and athletic director at the Winner High School.  He also coached at Gettysburg (two years), Custer (one year), and Gregory (four years).

Even during his retirement years, you could find Harvey coaching middle school football, opening the weightroom for any Winner School District student who wanted to better themselves, and taxiing kids from the elementary school to where they wanted to go (maybe a detour or two for a few driving lessons).  In the late spring, summer and fall you could find Harvey riding on a Grossenburg Implement John Deere mower taking care of Warrior Field.  It took him back to his youth in the hay field of Walworth County.

Harvey’s most important missions in life were being a husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa as witnessed by his wife of 61 years, Karen, and their children: Bart and Tricia Naasz, Brian and Sharon Naasz, and Brad and Lori Naasz.  The sight of a grandchild and great-grandchild never failed to bring a smile to his face.  Trey and Hannah Naasz (Ruby and Bennett), Trevor and Bailie Naasz, Trent Naasz, Jacob and Ellie Naasz (Conrad), Nathan and Lorrin Naasz (Jensyn), Samuel Naasz and fiancé Jenni, Isaac Naasz, Faith and Manasseh Vincent, and Leah Naasz and boyfriend, Brandon.

The family has requested that you dress casually, preferably in your favorite sporting team’s apparel.  In lieu of flowers the family will be directing memorial funds to the Winner Warrior Athletic Department.

Steven James Schmidt, 47, of Harrisburg, SD, passed away Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, doing what he loved, coaching youth football. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls.  Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, also at the funeral home.  An additional visitation will be from noon until 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at the White River Event Center in White River, SD.  Interment will follow at the White River Cemetery with refreshments to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family that will be dedicated to a future youth sports team or player scholarship.

Steve was born Sept. 26, 1976, in Winner, SD to Ted and Candace (Hanson) Schmidt. He was the oldest of four children and grew up working long days on the Schmidt ranch south of White River, SD. Steve knew the only way he could get out of work on the ranch was if he excelled at sports. He attended White River high school where he stood out in football, basketball, and track, and eventually earned a multi-sport scholarship to Dakota Wesleyan University.

At DWU, Steve was an All-Conference football player and an All-American shot putter, eventually setting the school record and finishing 2nd in the nation at the NAIA level. Steve eventually transferred to the University of South Dakota where he continued his football and track career. He set the school and state record in the shot put, while also finishing as an All-American in both the indoor and outdoor NCAA DII national track meets. Steve was eventually inducted into the USD Track Hall of Honor for his numerous achievements. At both schools, Steve had a reputation as a gentle giant who lived in the weight room. Steve always had a reason to get better and he had a skill to motivate others into joining him. Steve was always positive, and believed in his friends and in himself, and that there was always a chance to succeed.

After college Steve selflessly put his life on hold to act as a full-time companion and guardian to his terminally ill younger brother, Jake. During this time, Steve met his future wife, Kimberly Olson, and he also began the first of 12 years of Arena Football as a player with the Sioux City Bandits. Steve eventually had his jersey retired and was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Following his career with the Sioux City Bandits he played a few years with the Sioux City Stampede as well.

Steve and Kim were married in 2005 and a few years later they welcomed twins, daughter Jaylen and son Brecken. Son Treyton followed shortly thereafter. Steve loved his kids more than anything, and he opened his door to all their friends.

Steve was very well known in the Sioux City and Sioux Falls communities through his athletic achievements, his business “Titan Gutters”, his countless hours coaching youth sports including most recently the Midwest Miners youth football team, and through the many social events he attended.

He was also a mountain of a man with an even bigger heart, and he always put others ahead of himself. He used his larger-than-life persona in a positive way to try and bring happiness to those around him. He loved being around people and he rarely complained, even when things looked their worst. He was the first (and loudest) to laugh at himself and you always knew when Steve was around due to his booming voice and laughter. Steve believed in redemption and always put others ahead of himself. The stories of Steve’s generosity are endless ranging from driving all night to support a faraway friend, to giving new acquaintances a vehicle so they could get to work and earn a living, or opening his home to others when they needed a place to live.  He was always the first person to drop everything to help anyone, regardless of their circumstances and background. Above all, Steve believed in a sense of team, and he believed that through sports, any kid can learn to make a difference through a little hard work and self-confidence.

For those who met Steve, they’ll never forget him, and he would call everyone “friend” regardless of how long he knew them. For those of you who were not able to meet him, imagine a huge, strong man, with a loud laugh, big smile, and gentle heart… then take all that times 10 and you’ll get close. He was a legend before he passed, and he will never be forgotten. Although his time here was far too short, he made 100 years’ worth of impact to those around him. Truth be told, we were lucky to have him as long as we did.

Steve is survived by Kim and their three children, Jaylen, Brecken and Treyton, Harrisburg, SD; brother, Dan (Alyssa) Schmidt, Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Candy Kaye (Nate Jarosik) Schmidt, Edgar, NE; grandmother, Jean Schmidt, Spearfish, SD; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends he would call family.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Candace and father, Ted; brother, Jake; paternal grandfather, Theodore Schmidt; and maternal grandparents, Ervin and Viola Hanson.

Allen Burtz, 75, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 from 6-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

 On Thursday, October 25th, 2023, Allen Charles Burtz lost a long battle with Parkinsons and a short battle with esophageal cancer at the age of 75.

Allen was the first-born son to Earl and Marian (Best) Burtz on April 10, 1948.  Later he was joined by siblings Linda and Malon and took his big brother role very seriously.  Allen learned the value of hard work helping run the family farm and dairy.   His love of hard work would continue as he graduated with the class of 66’ as #60, an All State Guard for Winner Football.  He would later go on to earn a Dairy Science degree from SDSU.  Allen was a life long Winner Warrior and Jackrabbit supporter.

In 1971 Allen married the everlasting love of his life, Pam Jordan.   Soon Justin made them a family, Nathan, then Emily eventually also followed.

Allen was just the most incredible man.   He worked tirelessly to provide for his family.  He spent 27 years at the Animal Clinic, 29 years with ABS, (AI-ing and running Nitrogen all over West River) and a life of farm and ranching. Al had the best sense of direction, and could tell you who lived in EVERY FARM between White River and Platte.   He shared his love of animals with his children.  He coached his kids in 4-H with cows and horses, and drove Emily around the State for POA shows weekend after weekend in the summers.    You always could find him in the stands at the kids’ various sports/band/academic events.  (He wasn’t one to skip a good concession stand.) The next morning we was always up for Coaches Corner.  Later  he loved to hear about his grandkids swimming, soccer, and basketball games.

He and Pam loved vacationing with the kids at Camp Judson, making many lifelong friends and dominating the horse shoe championships year after year.   They loved holidays with family and playing Pitch with their card club.  Through it all you could always find Allen with a cherry lifesaver in his hand and two in his pocket and a can of Pepsi or Ruby Red Squirt nearby.  (He always kept a case of the full sugar soda hidden in the pickup or the barn so Pam wouldn’t scold him)

He loved horses and classic country and Elvis and the color yellow.  He ate twin bings and candy pumpkins like they were somehow delicious. He never tired of a rodeo or a baseball game.  He would make his own oyster stew because no one else would eat it.  He loved a country drive and he loved to lend a hand whenever he could.

Allen was a true man of God.  He showed up, he worked hard, he treated you kindly with a smile and those shiny blue eyes. He was patient beyond measure, (as some of the kids tested him in everyway possible.)   He was humble, but also proud of the life he made and the people he had in it.  He was a life long member of the Baptist Church and enjoyed volunteering with AWANA.  He was a hospital board member for several years and loved being a part of the Winner Community.

Allen always kept his word, always followed through, and always finished the job.   When Pam’s Alzheimer’s worsened, he just kept his head up and kept being Allen.  He would visit the nursing home daily for years. As his own Parkinsons began to worsen, Allen struggled with having to slow down but never stopped fighting the good fight.  Twice a week he would be so excited to go to PT/OT and show them how hard he could work.   When his body slowly quit listening to him, and the cancer came, Allen was so Allen.  As the doctor told us the news, he looked at her and said  “I’ve got a great family and a great team and a great God and that’s all I need.”

Allen is preceded in death by his parents and wife.  

He is survived by son Justin (Julie) and their children Leighton and Bennett of Denver, CO; son Nathan and his children Dalton, Sylvia and Sierra of Winner, Sd and daughter Emily of Winner SD  He leaves behind a legacy of good faith and good works.

Karen Berg, 82, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  Funeral service was held on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Karen Joy Bowling was born to Robert and Lela (Painter) Bowling on Oct. 10, 1941 at the hospital in Winner, South Dakota.

Karen spent the first part of her life on the farm north of Dog Ear Lake enjoying all of her pets. (much to her mother’s dismay). On her fifth birthday she received a Shetland pony which became her best friend for a long time.

Karen’s mother taught her at home until she began school in the second grade and stayed with her aunt and uncle Wanita and Walt Phillips.  Wanita was her teacher.  Her mother was her teacher from 3rd grade through 7th grade, and she had Mrs. Mann in 8th grade.

She attended Winner High and graduated in 1959.  She then worked at Weapons Inc. for a year in Los Angeles. The following year Karen attended Springfield State College, and taught 8 years in Tripp County rural school.  In 1986-1988 she attended Black Hills State University graduating and returned to teaching reading, math and special education in the Winner School District. Karen taught for 25 years.

Karen married Stanley Hanson and to this union Gregg L. Hanson was born.  After their marriage she married Larry Meiners and to this union Shawn and Shendra were born.  After 25 years they divorced and Karen later married James Berg and acquired 2 step-sons, Michael and Robert.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her parents, step-father and grandparents.

She is survived by her children; Gregg (Keng) Hanson, Shawn (Brad) Tuttle, Shendra Meiners, Michael (Misty) Berg, Robert (Julie) Berg, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, a sister Arlis (Lyle) Kemnitz, brother Robert (Marta) Bowling and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Rita, Roger and Mary for always being there and looking out for Karen.