Dakota Mathieson, 23

Dakota Mathieson, 23, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Funeral service were held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 at 2 p.m.  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall, in Winner, SD.  Wake service began on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 at 4 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.   

Dakota Michael Mathieson was born on Feb. 6, 1997 to Michael Paul Mathieson and Ardith Jean Mathieson (Frank) in San Bernardino, Calif. Dakota and his family moved back to South Dakota in May 1997.   That same year Dakota’s father passed away.   

Dakota started school in the Winner School District then transferred to the Colome School where he attended high school.    He later worked hard to receive his GED. After high school Dakota moved to Sioux Falls, SD to live and work with friends.  He returned home, south of Gregory, SD and recentered himself.   

Dakota returned to Sioux Falls to give it another try on his own .Dakota loved life.  In school he tried out and played football. He loved to skateboard and play basketball with his friends. Dakota later moved back home and started working at the Winner Bakery and Kooch’s, cleaning pheasants.    Dakota started working at the Winner Hospital as a laundry aide until the time of his passing. A job in which he loved.

Dakota shared a special bond with his little sister Angel from the beginning.  He was so very patient with her and were always there for one another, playing, laughing and growing.   

Dakota was loved and celebrated by his large beautiful family. He had a love for fishing and often attended family camping trips.   

He had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need.   

Dakota is survived by his mother and dad Ardith and David Frank, his sister Rose (JJ)Wolf and family, Trinity (Emily) Mathieson, Melanie (Wyatt ) and Family, William (Kaycee and Lilo) Schroeder; Dustin (Ashley) Frank, and Angel Frank. Grandmother Audrey Ferguson, Grandfather Elmer Frank and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.   

Dakota was preceded in death by his father Michael Paul Mathieson, maternal Grandfather Michael Lawrence Ferguson.

  Ruthann Kluender, 76

Ruthann Kluender of Chandler, Okla., passed away Nov. 11, 2020 at the Stillwater, OK Medical Center.   

Ruthann was born in Omaha, Neb., on June 26, 1944 to Max and Ruth (Flynn) Hostetter. She graduated from Valentine High School in 1962.     On Sept. 21, 1967, Ruthann married Jack Hollopeter in Valentine, Neb., and were blessed with three children, Jay, Jodi and Jeanne.

In 1974 they moved to the family ranch south of Colome, SD. They ranched there until 1986 upon Jack’s untimely death. In those years on the ranch Ruthann enjoyed rodeoing and watching her kids’ rodeo. She helped Jack on the ranch but also had many jobs through the years to help support the family.   

In 1995, Ruthann moved to Sioux City, IA and worked at Gateway Computers.

On June 6, 1997 she married William (Bill) Kluender. In the Fall of 1999, Bill and Ruthann moved to Chandler, OK and bought an acreage and started building a homestead together. Ruthann worked at Oklahoma State University and Farm Bureau Insurance until she retired in 2011. She enjoyed watching rodeos on TV and loved being outside with her dogs and horses. She also enjoyed taking care of her many cacti and other plants.   

Ruthann was preceded in death by her first husband Jack and her parents Max andRuth.   

Ruthann is survived by her loving husband William (Bill) Kluender of Chandler, OK; her children Jay (Dusty) Hollopeter of Kilgore, NE; Jodi Mathis of Box Elder, SD; Jeanne Hollopeter of Chandler, OK; Stepsons; Darwin (Eva) Kluender of Akron, IA; Kalen (Keri) Kluender of Akron, IA. Grandchildren; Sydney Hollopeter, Emily Hollopeter, Jack Logan Hollopeter, Morgan Mathis, Ronnie Kluender, Baron Kluender, Karoline Kluender, Taylynn Kluender and William Kluender.

She is also survived by her sisters Jeanne Albin and Eileen (Jim) Wilson.

Ruthann’s life will be celebrated at a later date.

Renee Waters, 59


Renee Waters, 59, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 in Sioux Falls,SD.    

Private family visitation was held from 11-1PM at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. A private family graveside service was held Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.    

Renee Lynn Waters, 59, of Sioux Falls, S.D., joined her Heavenly Father Friday evening Nov. 6, 2020 in the company of her long-time companion, Doug Anderson, at her side.    

Renee was born in Winner, S.D. at the Rosebud Hospital.    She was one of 8 children and grew up on a farm in Clearfield and in Witten, SD, and attended Witten grade school.   

She graduated with the Class of 1979 from Wood High School. In school, she enjoyed track, cheerleading & was known for being friendly, outgoing, and amazing artistic abilities.           

Renee married Gerald Greenough Sept. 3, 1994, and to this union their son, Westley Raymond Greenough, was born on May 3, 1995 & Renee enjoyed sharing funny stories of his youth. They divorced and Gerald passed away a few years after.    

Renee lived in Sioux Falls for the last several years where she met her companion, Doug.   

She thoroughly enjoyed cooking (often by making up many recipes), camping, fishing, playing cards, gardening, sitting on her patio enjoying beautiful weather and thoroughly enjoyed the company of their loving & energetic fur-baby, Jack.   

She was known for her amazing sense of humor, compassion, strength, forgiveness, sketching, praying for all those around her, kindness to friends, family & strangers as well. She was not afraid to welcome or help-out anybody in need or alone.   

While in Missouri, she gave comfort to mothers who were away from their families and drew sketches of their beloved children for them.    She was also known to give much of a paycheck to a single mom in need or a stranger down on their luck.       

Renee is survived by her dear mother, Connie Luther of Winner, SD, her devoted companion, Doug Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, son Westley Greenough of Oelrich, SD, Siblings; Russ (Cris) Walton of Rapid City, SD, Sherry (Jeff Paulson) Schroeder of Witten, SD, Tim Waters of Gillette, WY, Meridie (Mike) Locklear of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle (Tim) Williams of Gillette, WY, Stacie Weinheimer of Onida, S.D., Dixie (Rick) Fiala of Baltic, SD & many nieces & nephews.    

She had a strong faith & valued her relationship with Jesus. She loved to share her faith and life experiences no matter how difficult they were & be a prayer warrior for everyone in need.

Renee will be greatly missed, but we are comforted to know that she is with our Savior now.

There will be a viewing at    Mason Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a prayer service and funeral following at 1 p.m. 

Written in Renee’s notes in her bible: “When all of earth turns against you, All of Heaven turns towards you!! To keep your balance in a crooked world, look at the mountains. Think of Home.”

Frances Hoffine, 108

Frances Hoffine, 108, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.       

Frances Anna (Pech) Hoffine was born to Frank and Tillie Pech at her maternal grandparents’ home in Lynch, Neb., on June 13, 1912.    At two weeks of age she and her mother traveled by train to Plainview township to her parents’ farm.   

Frances attended grade school at a country school about ½ mile from home. She and a younger cousin, Elsie Pech, who lived just down the hill from her walked to school together.   

She attended all 8 grades in a one room school house.    After school she had chores to do, such as wash dishes, cream separator, gather eggs, gather corn cobs to burn in the kitchen stove for heating the home and cooking and baking.   

Frances attended high school in Winner, SD and worked for her room and board at the home where she stayed through the week.    She graduated in 1930.  After graduation she returned to her parent’s farm and helped out there.   

She was united in marriage to Merle Hoffine on Oct. 18, 1934 and to this union 3children, Ralph, Donna and Neil were born. They rented a small house in Winner wherethey lived a few months and then purchased a home.    

In August of 1936 they along with Merle’s parents purchased a grocery store and meat market in Hot Springs, SD. They struggled to make a living and lost money due to the fact that customers couldn’t afford to pay their bills.

In the spring of 1941, they came back to Tripp County and rented a farm with buildings.   

In 1943 they purchased a farm.  In 1951 they built a new home.    They lived on the farm until 1979 at which time they moved their home into Winner.       

Merle passed away in November of 1990 and Frances resided there until December of 2012 at which time she went into the Winner LTC.   

Frances was a member of many organizations over the years which include Hillcrest Ladies Aid, United Methodist Women, Extension Club, Rebecca Lodge, 18 years as a 4-H Leader (with her husband), General Federated Women’s Club and a Plainview Community birthday club.   

She was an avid pitch player and belonged to three pitch clubs.    As a member of the 4-H Leaders Association she along with others from SD attended a 4-H Leaders Forum in Washington DC in 1964.  As a side trip the group attended the World’s Fair in New York City.    She and her husband took several bus tours. They spent several winters in AZ and TX, which they really enjoyed. They purchased a rustic cabin in the Black Hills in 1971 which they remodeled. They enjoyed this cabin immensely for parts of summers for 18 years.   

They loved having children and grandchildren and friends visit them there. In 2012 Frances celebrated her 100th birthday at her home with an open house planned for her by children and grandchildren. All family members were there with the exception of her daughter and one great-granddaughter from Idaho. Many relatives and friends came to wish her a happy birthday. She had a great day.   

In December of 2012 at the age of 100 + 6 months due to a broken bone in her foot which she got during a fall in her kitchen she entered the Winner Nursing Home.   

During the 8 years there she enjoyed playing pitch and bingo even though hearing and eye sight were bad. She celebrated her birthdays 101 through 108 at the LTC planned by sons and wives with lots of family attending.    Attending were as much family as could be there.   

She is survived by children: Donna Atkins, Idaho, Neil (JoAnn) Sundance, WY, daughter-in-law Harriet Hoffine, Hamill, SD, grandchildren; Sheri (Don) Connell, Newport, NE, Terry Hoffine, Hamill, SD, Carmel Steffen, ID, Todd (Tif) Hoffine, GA, Ty (Kerri) Hoffine, AR, Heather Hoffine, CO,Great-Grandchildren; Jennifer, Sarah, Ashley, Samantha, Connell, Breanna, Kira Jo Steffen, Baylie and Ashlyn Hoffine.   

Frances is preceded in death by her husband Merle, son Ralph, her parents Frank and Tillie, brother Raymond Pech, two grandsons Kelly Hoffine and Scott Steffen.

Audrey Ferguson, 73

Audrey Ferguson, 73, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 at the Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs Care Center in Yankton, SD.     

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium in Winner, SD. Burial will follow at the Old Mni’Ska Cemetery. Wake services was    held on Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. all at the Winner Middle School Auditorium in Winner, SD.   

Audrey Marlene Ferguson/Herman was born on July 17, 1947 at the homestead northwest of Hamill, SD. Audrey was born to Dan and Isabel Herman and lived at the homestead until she started school. She went to the Rosebud Boarding School and remained there until she finished the 8th grade. In 1960 she moved to Anderson, Indiana, with her sister Martha Palmer, where she attended Madison Heights High School (Anderson High).

As she was going to school she worked as a waitress. After graduating high school, she met and married Ronald Perry and to this union 2 children were born. She was later united in marriage to George Rinker and to this union 3 children were born.

She later found the love of her life Michael Ferguson. She moved back to South Dakota and Michael followed later. To this union 6 children were born. She lived and worked in Winner and the surrounding area until her health prevented her from working. She worked at numerous jobs over the years but the ones she spoke of often was when she was a powder puff driver and having to take apart the engines if she won a race, a police officer for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, a bus driver for the Winner School District, and a nurse’s aide at the Winner Nursing Home. But the jobs she loved the best was wife, mother and grandmother, if any child needed a safe place, they found it in her home.   

She was a huge Jimmy Johnson fan and also a New England Patriots fan. If a race or game was on you had to be quiet as she was usually betting against and winning her kids money.   

Audrey is survived by her brother Darrell “Diz” (Marilyn) Herman, Daniel Perry of Lyons, Indiana; Madonna Rinker, of Winner,SD; Christine Rinker (Jack Williams) of Pendleton, Indiana; Michael Rinker of Anderson, Indiana; Stacy Ferguson of Aberdeen, SD; David Ferguson of Aberdeen, SD; Ardith (David) Frank of Winner, SD; April Ferguson of Winner, SD; Jodelle (Corey) Doherty of Yankton, SD; Isabelle (Ben) Larson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, 31 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, many more cousins and family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dan & Isabel Herman, 3 brothers, Calvin, John, and Charles Herman, 2 sisters, Darlene Herman & Martha “Deloris” Palmer, husband Michael Ferguson, and grandson Dakota Mathieson.

Janna Baker, age 56

Janna Baker, age 56, of Edgerton, Minn., died on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 in Mesa,Arizona.       

Visitation was held on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 f at the Colonial Funeral Chapel in Edgerton.   

A private family committal service will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Edgerton.   

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020    at the American Reformed Church in Woodstock, Minn.   

Arrangements are with the Colonial FuneralChapel in Edgerton.    

Please visit www.edgertonburialassociation.com to sign an online registry and to read Janna’s life history.

Shirley Hoffer, 80

Shirley Hoffer, 80, of Winner, SD passed away on Nov. 4, 2020 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, SD.    

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 at 2 p.m.    at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  

Shirley Joan Chambers was born Aug. 25, 1940 in the Burke Memorial Hospital to Bert and Alice (Dummer) Chambers. As a baby, her parents, and 4 siblings moved from Bonesteel, SD to a ranch north of Newport, NE then later to a ranch north of Stuart, NE. This is where she began her first grade in school. The next spring her parents purchased a ranch near Millboro, SD where she completed her grade school education at a country school.   

On June 26th, 1955 she was united in marriage to Richard Hoffer in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church south of Colome. They lived on a farm near Millboro, SD. To this union four children were born Rodney, Debra, Roger, and Scott.

They bought a farm near Clearfield, SD where she was always busy with a large garden. Shirley loved her flowers, raising chickens, milking cows, and working in the fields. She also loved being outdoors. Later she worked various jobs in Winner. Due to her failing health they moved to Winner in 2003. In 2018 she moved to the Platte Care Center until January 2020 when she moved to the Gregory Health Care Center.   

She leaves to mourn her husband of 65 years, daughter Debra Shreeve, son Scott (Deb) Hoffer. Grandkids; Tisha Jons, Angy (Jim) Murphy, Russell (Sarah) Hoffer, Craig (Kelly) Hoffer, Sarah (Tim) Novotny. Nikki (Shannon) Whitten, & Marie (Nathan) Lapsley. Great Grandkids; Isabella, Isaiah, Lijah, & Harley Jons; Baylor and Blayke Murphy. Tayshaun, Sadie, & Oakley Hoffer. Nancy Novotny & Scarlett Hoffer. Tyler & Emma Berg, Ava Lapsley, Shaylin & Pryce Whitten. Sisters Fern Kramer and Leora Emme and many nieces and nephews.   

She was preceded in death by her 2 sons Roger and Rodney, her parents, 2 brothers Wayne and Clyde. Son-in-law Roy Shreeve, brother-in-law Bill Emme and Maurice Kramer and nephew Tom Kramer.

Lamars Manke, 50

Graveside services for Lamars Manke, 50, Sebring, Fla., were held Nov. 7 at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory.    

Lemars Lee Manke was welcomed into his heavenly home too soon on Oct. 27 2020 at the young age of 50 near his home in Florida.    

His adventurous life began on April 9, 1970, to his loving parents Larry Lee Manke and Marvelyn Jean (Glynn) Manke.   

Lemars grew up in Pierre, South Dakota and spent some years being raised in McCook, Nebraska. He was surrounded and cherished by family all around. With the adventurous heart he always had, he made life for him and those whom he surrounded a spontaneous thrill. Through many challenges and uphill battles Lemars’ kindred spirit always won by shining through.

He was a survivor who never met a stranger because to him everyone was a friend. Lemars was so full of ways to uplift those around him by constantly seeing the good in anything, he wouldn’t accept it otherwise. Lemars had such a beautiful way of evolving any situation into something worthwhile. His free spirit allowed him to walk into any situation with an open heart never judging those around him – something the world could use more of.    

One of his passions consisted of cooking, which is how he was able to build his life traveling the states. No matter where he traveled he shared the consistency of being an exemplary employee as a cook. On any summer or winter day you would never see him without his dogs, he had so much love for them and that love was mutual.

Lemars also loved being outdoors by spending time fishing, nature hiking and exploring which led to his traveling wherever the wind took him. Even though Lemars may not be walking the Earth next to us anymore, we all know he is just on his next adventure that we will someday be able to join. 

Lemars is survived by his father Larry Manke of Pierre, SD; siblings: Kerry (Bobbi) Odenbach of Florida, Carmen Cox and Lavonne Smith of Texas; nieces: Cory Manke, Shawndraya Ferro, Chantel Vincent, Kylie Smith and Kandy Harrell; nephews: Chase Smith, Kaiden Smith, TJ Harrell, and Shayne Clements; uncles: StanKlug of Burwell, NE, and Donnie Manke of Gregory, SD; aunts: Betty Vaughn of Gregory, SD; Beverly Keegan of Gregory, SD; Sandy Baker (Gene) of O’Neill, NE; daughter Bethany Waldman and grandson Victor Gustine of Rochester, MN; cousins: Rhonda (Tom) Waterbury, Justin (Jennifer) Keegan, Chauncey Keegan, Jessica (Dusty) Jones, William (Mary) Baker, Randy(Kamaha) Baker, Arlita Hamling, and Craig Klug.   

Lemars was preceded in death by his mother Marvelyn Jean Manke, grandparents William and Mary Manke and Vernal and Flerida Glynn, Aunt Carol Klug, Uncle Paul Vaughn, Uncle Jim Keegan and Cousin Jay Keegan.

Elsie Ptacek, 60

Elsie Ptacek, 60, of Winner, SD passed away at her home surrounded by her familyon Friday, Oct. 30, 2020.      

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4th, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church.   

Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.   

Elsie Marie Ptacek was born Feb. 23rd, 1960 to Kenneth and Bertha Wiley of Wewela. She attended grade school in Wewela and graduated from Colome High School in1978. Not long after graduation, she met her husband, Milo. The two were married in Pierre, SD in August of 1979. The couple had three children; Melissa, Cliff, and Samantha. Elsie’s greatest passion in life was helping others.

She started her nursing career working in long term care at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in 1992. Elsie received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1996. Throughout her career, Elsie continued to seek out training and other opportunities to be able to provide thebest care possible to the residents.    

In 2011, Elsie moved to the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory. No matter the position she was in, patient care was always her top priority and she cared deeply for each of the residents in her care. She loved being outside during the summer. She always had a large garden and could often be found out there relaxing.

Of course, her idea of relaxing in the garden meant pulling weeds. She also loved going camping. Elsie enjoyed being right down along the river where all she needed was the radio and her fishing pole. She could always out fish all of us especially when it came to catfishing. Family time was very important to Elsie. Her time with her grandchildren was very precious. They helped her in the garden, played games together, and she always had art projects for them to do.

She also cherished being able to spend time with her kids. Whether it was during the holidays, a late-night card game or throwing darts, being surrounded by her family always brought the biggest smile to her face. Her kids always knew they could come to her for advice and she was grateful to be able to pass her knowledge along to them.   

Elsie is survived by her husband of 41 years, Milo; her children: Melissa Ptacek of Lennox, SD, Cliff (Andrea) Ptacek of Winner, SD, and Samantha Ptacek of Winner, SD; her grandchildren: Bailey and Camden; her sister, Nancy Wiley of Spearfish, SD; as well as her nephews and many other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Bertha Wiley, her father-in-law, Milo Ptacek, Sr., and mother-in-law, Lillian Vavra.