Category Archives: Obituaries

James Gregg, 86, of Carter, SD was called home to be with the Lord Oct. 12, 2020, surrounded by all of his children.    

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 326 Madison Street in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Jim was born June 7, 1934, the second of four children born to Herbert and Florence Gregg. Jim was born on the second level on the old hotel in Carter, South Dakota. Jim attended school through eighth grade in Carter, then went to work on the farm until 1954-1956 when he joined the United States Army. Jim served two years during the Korean Conflict and was medically discharged due to service-related injuries.    

On Oct. 14, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Marian Lucille Earll. To this union, three sons and two daughters were born.   

Jim absolutely loved to farm and ranch, although about the only time you ever saw him get mad, and maybe cuss just a little, was when moving cattle. In December, 1983, Jim was injured in a farming accident, and then again two years later when he slipped on the ice and broke his previously injured leg. But that didn’t stop him from doing what he loved. Jim continued farming until about 2014 when he retired and spent most of his time delivering coffee, soda, and Little Debbie snacks to folks working in the field or working cattle in the neighborhood. Jim understood, firsthand, what amazing, caring neighbors there are in the Carter area… and the valueof “neighboring.” Jim also loved a good card game, but most of all he loved his family and demonstrated that love until the day he died.     

Jim is survived by his children Jeff Gregg(Sayna), Carter, SD; Julie Gregg-Bubac (Duane) Mammoth, WY; Jill Christensen (Joe), Arlington, SD; Jerred Gregg (Kara), Jason Gregg (Renee DeNoyer), and Pedro Cintron, all of Carter, SD; grandchildren that Jim was so proud of and loved very much: Jamin Hartland (Sarah), Rapid City, SD; Jessa Ellendorf (Gabriel), White River, SD; Jadyn Gregg (Wyatt McMillen), Rapid City, SD; Mark Bubac (Timmi), Rapid City, SD; Christi Bubac, Mammoth, WY; Dustin Christensen (Samantha), Colome, SD; Gary Christensen (Kayla), Sioux Falls, SD; Sara Wollen (Bryce), Sioux Falls, SD; JaceySmith (Conner), Faith, SD; James, Jacob, Josey, and Jenna; Justus (Liz Duffy), Jaynee, Jentry, Jude, and Jett, all of Carter, SD; great grandchildren Zylais Ellendorf, White River, SD, Sage Bubac, Rapid City, SD, Claire and Chloe Christensen and Brody Wollen, Sioux Falls, SD, Desirae Christensen, Colome, SD, and Paisley Smith and baby brother or sister due in March, Faith, SD; brothers and sisters Josephine Klein, Hidden Timer, SD; John Gregg (Jeanne Carpenter Thelen), Evansville, WY; Dennis Gregg (Kay), Martin, SD; and sister-in-law Lorraine Dohmen, Winner, SD; and many, many special nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.   

He was preceded in death by his wife Marian, his parents, Florence and Herbert Gregg, mother and father-in-law Lloyd and Geraldine Earll, brothers-in-law Lawrence Klein and James Dohmen, and sister-in-law Loyce Gregg.

Jim touched many lives… everyone that knew him will remember his contagious giggle, that he worked hard but loved what he did, that he was a quiet soul (unless moving cattle), and that he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He will be missed dearly but he and Toots are together again… just in time for their 59th Anniversary (October 14). We will love you always, Triple J.

Tammy Wynette Cook-Foote, age 48, of Ideal, SD passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.    

Wake services were held on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11 starting at 6 p.m. at the Ideal Community Hall in Ideal, SD. Funeral services were held on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020 starting at 2 p.m.  Burial  ollowed in the Ideal Cemetery in Ideal, SD.   

Tammy Wynette Cook-Foote was born to Charlotte R. Thunder/Cook and Drury D. Cook on Nov. 19, 1971. She attended school in Ideal and finished her schooling at Flandreau Indian School. She enjoyed listening to music watching Ivan play softball, watching her 8 grandchildren, and watching family play horseshoes.     

Tammy is survived by her husband Gerrit Foote whom she married on March 10, 2006. From this union she is survived by Ivan Foote (Samantha Foote), Jordan Foote, and Chelsea Foote. She is also survived by six brothers: Larry Long Crow Sr., Charlie Long Crow, Amos Cook, Delano Cook, Drury Cook, and Bruce Cook. Her sisters: Leona Long Crow/Foote (Dewey F.) Blossom Cook (Rodney F.), and Denise Cook.       

Tammy is preceded in death by her grandparents; Amos and Jeanette Cook, Simon and Gladys Thunder. Her parents; Drury Cook Sr. and Charlotte Cook. Brothers; Wayne, Harold, Lowell, Richard, and Mark. Sisters; Enola and Gwen.

Carmelita L. “Carme” O’Malley, age 89, of Gilbert, AZ, formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020 at the Hospice of the Valley in Gilbert, AZ. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct.16 at 1 p.m. at        Mason Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Winner city cemetery.     Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.    

Carme was born on Sept. 14, 1931 to Leonard and Irene Lucas. She lived the majority of her life in Winner. She attended school in Winner and graduated from Winner High School in 1949. After high school she attended nursing school in Omaha, NE. She married Shannon P. O’Malley from Yankton South Dakota on March 3, 1950. Out of this marriage came two sons, John O’Malley of Phoenix, AZ and Marty O’Malley of Las Vegas, NV.

Carme was an avid sports fan and followed her boys to sports that they competed in whenever possible. She followed them (with Shannon) to events all over South Dakota, the U.S. and the world. Carme was also a lifetime New York Yankee’s fan. She saw them play many times even in two World Series. She also attended the Kentucky Derby and many other World Class Events.     

She loved to play bridge and dance with S.P. One of her many joys was reuniting with her famous class of 49.She was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church. She enjoyed politics, traveling, and flying in the family airplanes.    Carme was preceded in death by her husband Shannon

O’Malley, her grandparents John & Molly (Pa & Ma) Jorgenson, her mother Irene and her husband Cecil Dreyer, and her father Leonard Lucas.    She is survived by her sons John O’Malley Phoenix, AZ, and Marty O’Malley, Las Vegas, NV. Her three grandchildren John M. O’Malley (Payton), Shani O’Malley Phoenix, AZ and Kate O’Malley Scottsdale, AZ. She has 6 great grandchildren who she referred to as her greats.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Rickey Nelson died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 66.   

Rickey Lee Nelson was born on May 1, 1954, in Winner, South Dakota to Lee and Delores (Sterling) Nelson. He grew up on a dairy farm near Lucas, South Dakota. Rickey graduated from Burke High School in 1973 and enlisted in the US Navy immediately after.

Rickey Nelson died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 66.   

Rickey Lee Nelson was born on May 1, 1954, in Winner, South Dakota to Lee and Delores (Sterling) Nelson. He grew up on a dairy farm near Lucas, South Dakota. Rickey graduated from Burke High School in 1973 and enlisted in the US Navy immediately after. On Jan. 21, 1984, he was united in marriage with Martha Dueck in Winner, South Dakota. In Winner, the couple purchased their first home and later adopted their daughter, Samantha. Rickey also worked as a local police officer and EMT before he and his family moved to Sioux Falls.

Rickey was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, NRA, VFW, DAV, and American Legion. He was a talented woodworker, gunsmith, and leatherworker. He enjoyed being involved in his church, traveling, fishing, and, most importantly, being a dad. Rickey loved being a part of Samantha’s life and spent every moment he could playing outside with her, taking her to movies, and challenging her to a game of Clue.     

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Martha; daughter, Samantha, Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Ron (Sylvia), Pierre, SD; sisters, Loryece Handwerk, Marion, SD and Marcy Nelson, Peoria, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.      

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Randy Nelson.    Funeral service was held    11 am Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at First Evangelical Free Church.    Rickey will be laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

Eleanor Hanig, 97, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2020 at the Lake Andes Nursing Home in Lake Andes, SD.    

Funeral services were held on Friday Oct.9, 2020 at 10 a.m.    at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Burial    followed in the Winner City Cemetery.    

She was met at the gates of heaven by her husband of 73 years Donald Hanig, her Brother Louie Klima, Sister Lavon Smith and her parents Frank and Eva Klima.       

She is survived by her sister Dolores Smith of Winner, Nephews Steven Klima (Debbie) of Sturgis, Mark Smith, Tim (Lori) Smith and Pat (June) Smith of Phoenix.   

Eleanor was born on July 20, 1923 in Hamill, South Dakota.    She and her husband Donald grew up in Hamill, South Dakota.   

Donald would tell you he fell in love Eleanor when she was 8 years old andhe was 10. Eleanor went to grade school in Hamill and graduated from Winner High School.   

Eleanor and Donald were married on Jan. 24, 1948 – 73 years, and members of the Winner Catholic Church – Immaculate Conception.    She made her life with her husband Donald in Winner. Eleanor got her undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of South Dakota and became a school teacher.    She taught grade school in Winner for over 40 years.    She taught multiple generations of students while there and was loved by all her “kids”.     

Eleanor later got her PhD in Administration and ended her career as the principal and administrative superintendent of the Carthage School District.     

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Catholic Charities – c/o Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in the name of Eleanor Hanig.

Harvey Kewley, 74, was called to his eternal resting place on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND.   

Harvey Leroy Kewley entered this world on Aug. 16, 1946, in Witten, SD, born to Leroy and Myrtle (DuBray) Kewley. He grew up and attended schools in Witten. After graduating, Harvey enlisted in the US Army and served two tours of duty.

Harvey was a man of many talents, but he loved caring for others and so his work as a caregiver was his true passion. He was a hard worker and passed on his work ethic to his children.   

Harvey loved all of his family, especially his kids. He enjoyed hunting and fishing very much. Harvey was a man who could quickly make friends with complete strangers, a trait that helped him in life and as a caregiver.   

He is survived by his children, Sarah Kewley, Fargo, ND; Josh Kewley, Valdosta, GA; Lee Kewley; Fargo, ND; Anne (Steven)Bokas, Tampa, FL; siblings, Larry, Wayne, and Monte Kewley.   

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barb Wilcox.

A memorial service was held at 12:30 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Burial was at the Fargo National Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.hansonrunsvold.com.Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo, ND.

John Benda, 92, returned to his maker onJune 30, 2020. He resided at the Randolph County Nursing Home in Sparta, Illinois, until the time of his death.      

Funeral services for John will be held    Oct. 9 at 10 am, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis South Dakota where his ashes will be placed in Columbium with military veterans’ honors.       

John was born on April 20, 1928 in Ainsworth, Neb., to his parents John & Belinda (Hendrickson) Benda who resided at that time south of Millboro, SD.    The eldest of the children, John grew up on the family farm and ranch outside Winner SD alongside his 5 other siblings.   

He attended schools in Winner and Ainsworth, NE where he graduated in 1946. Immediately after graduating high school, John joined the newest branch of the military, the United States Air Force. He was one of the first trained group of airman mechanics for Jet propulsion.   

He was part of the post WWII peace keeping troops sent overseas to Okinawa Japan with the 26th Fighter Squadron in 1947. He left the military with honors at the rank of sergeant.    

John entered college after the military, playing football for both Nebraska State (1950) and Ohio State (51) until an injury ended athletic goals.     

John was a high school and college athlete participating in several sports such as football, boxing, and baseball. In team sport photos, he was always in the middle of the back row, being one of the tallest athletes on a team.        John relocated to Kansas City, Mo., where he met his first wife Florence M. (Greulich) Benda. The two were married in 1954 for 24 years. They had three childrenand relocated to St. Louis, Mo, in 1969.       

John was remarried in 1986 to Ceil Wachter and later separated. John lived his final years in the town of Sparta Illinois, just southeast of St. Louis, Mo.     

John was a Christian celebrating at different Christian denomination churches throughout his life. John or Jack as many referred to him, spent his life pursuing a variety of business careers. A few of which were heating & cooling, a funeral home, motel, restaurant, and moving & storage company.   

Our father was a kind and gentle man. You never heard him speak negative or discriminatory of others, and you liked him for those reasons. 

John is survived by his sister Mazie Marcella ( Benda) Brandt of Rapid City.    His three children Carol Ann (Benda) Bennett of St. Louis Mo., John Joseph Benda of Superior, Mont., and Neil Richard Benda of St. Louis, Mo. John has many surviving In-Laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents John Benda and Belinda (Hendrickson) Benda. His sisters Peggy Marrie (Benda) Ballou and Cornelia Ann (Benda) Yost.   

His brothers Robert Willard Benda and Russell Vac Benda. Wife Florence Marie (Greulich) Benda.   

Donations can be sent in John Benda’s behalf to your favorite charity of choice.

Leo Westendorf, 66, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.    

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at 10 a.m.    at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Burial was held    at the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery in Geddes, SD.    

Leo was born May 30, 1954, in Wagner, South Dakota, to Arthur and Josephine (McKenna) Westendorf and was raised south of Wagner on the family farm.    He was baptized and confirmed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner.     

He graduated from Wagner High School in 1972 where he participated in football and wrestling.    He served in the National Guard from 1973 to 1979.

In 1976, he married Janette Bren, and to this union three daughters were born; Nichole Jean, Jessica Jo, and Demi Raye.  Leo farmed near Wagner, raised Limousine cattle, and helped with custom farming.  He also enjoyed rodeoing as a bareback and bull rider.    

In 1986, he became employed by Farmland Industries as a Livestock Production Specialist.   His sales territory spanned from Parkston to Winner. He continued his Farmland training education during this time.      

On Jan. 1, 1993, he married Stacy (Jansen) Martin at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo.  To this union two children were born; Tyson Arthur in 2000 and Danielle Ann in 2007.  Stacy’s daughter Brooke Danielle also joined this family.

Leo became Feed Department Manager of Farmer’s Coop in Wagner. Leo and Stacy lived south of Ravinia for five years before moving to Gordon, Neb., where Leo was manager of a large feed mill for Farmer’s Co-op for the next twelve years. They lived on their 40-acre ranch west of Gordon where they raised Quarter Horses and put up hay.   

In 2010, Leo moved to Winner with the family where he took over the challenge of managing the feed department of Country Pride Coop.    Leo loved the challenges and successes of working with producers. He was so proud of his employee team and was a great mentor.   

He made lasting friendships everywhere he went with his wit and infectious laugh. He made positive contributions throughout his life in every community he lived. Examples of this include his involvement as a member of local township boards, rodeo president, saddle club president, community development director, catechism teacher, dart champion contender, countless trail rides, and training horses.   

He loved walleye fishing and his 15+ years of annual Canadian fishing trips.  He enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, socializing, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. Most of all, he loved attending his children’s school activities, teaching them and countless others how to ride horses, and enjoying numerous motorcycle adventures with his soul mate Stacy.    

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Josephine Westendorf.    

Leo is survived by his wife Stacy, children Nichole Frank, Jessica Hudon, Demi Fitzpatrick, Tyson, Danielle, and stepdaughter Brooke (Skeet) Johnson; grandchildren, Chase Frank and Alexis (Jordan) Bierbrauer, Mason Musfelt, Cole, Cody and Caycee Johnson; siblings Rita Sundermann, JoEllen Houseman, Kathleen (Scott) Clapp, and Paul (Jacquie) Westendorf.

Theresa Kathryn Snow, 91, of Houston, Texas, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020.    

Theresa was born on March 23, 1929 in Witten, South Dakota to Louis John Janak and Anna Margret Staska Janak. 

Theresa graduated from Winner High School in Winner, South Dakota and went on to graduate from South Dakota Beauty Academy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She worked in the beauty salon business in Winner    including owning her own salon before moving to Colorado Springs, Colo. in1954. She lived in Colorado Springs for the next 60 years and raised her family there.    T

heresa was married to Charlie Snow and they had four children. Patricia, Pamela, Tamara and Scott. Theresa was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and aunt to many nieces and nephews.   

Theresa worked for McGraw-Hill in sales and retired after 20 years. After retiring she continued to work part-time because she loved being active and being around people. Wherever she worked she made life-long friendships. She was an inspiration to her family and friends with her youthful and positive attitude whatever the circumstances. Theresa never slowed down, even after several major health issues because she always had a zest for living. She was a life- long learner and taught her family “anything worth doing, is worth doing right.”   

Among her many hobbies Theresa enjoyed cooking and baking (she was famous for her pie crusts) and was delighted to share homemade goodies with her sweet smile to her friends and neighbors.

Theresa was a faithful member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Colorado Springs until she moved to Houston, Texas in 2014 when she joined St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church. She was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary.

Theresa is survived by her daughter, Patricia Maddox and husband Gary; daughter, Pamela Criezis and husband Spero; daughter, Tamara Survil and husband Jay; son, Scott Snow; grandchildren, Nicole Monroe and husband Loren, John Stofer, Stephen Maddox and wife Amy, John Maddox, Meili Criezis, Rachel Anderson and husband Erik, Taylor Hays and husband Mitch, Mitch Snow, Trevor Snow, Tessa Snow, great-grandchildren, Miles Monroe, Linden Monroe, Jackson Maddox, Mary Wesley Maddox, Bennett Maddox, Alex Maddox, Mason Maddox, and numerous nieces and nephews.   

Theresa always had a smile on her face and a kind word for every person that crossed her path. Her sweet, spunky and always caring nature will be greatly missed by all. The family wishes to show their appreciation to the entire staff of Clarewood House for the loving support they always gave to Theresa. She loved her home at Clarewood and the many friends she made while living there.   

In lieu of flowers please make memorial remembrances to St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, Clarewood House Resident Assistance Fund, or a charity of your choice.   

A memorial service and celebration of Theresa’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral Columbarium, 22 West Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903 at a later date.

Larry Lowell Ticknor, age 84, of Sioux Falls passed away peacefully with his sons by his side, under the loving care of the staff at Ava’s House on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020.    A private family memorial service will be held at burial. Burial will be at Hillsview Cemetery, Dallas.                

Larry was born to Tillie and Elmer Ticknor on March 1, 1936 in Burke, South Dakota.    Upon graduating from Burke High School in 1954, he attended the University of South Dakota on a football scholarship.       

On Dec. 29, 1954, he married Janet Qualm of Bonesteel, South Dakota.        Larry served two years in the U.S. Army.   After returning to college he entered the world of business, banking, and finance to which he devoted his entire career. 

Larry was a mentor to many and was considered a driving force in shaping the banking and credit card industry in South Dakota.    He enjoyed golfing, pheasant hunting and doting on his family.               

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Janet, sons Greg (Kris) and Jim (Laurie), six grandchildren, Andrew, Jacob, Erica, Stuart, Tom, and Rachel, in addition to a great-granddaughter Dillon.   

Memorials can be directed to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota.