Category Archives: Obituaries

Colleen “Connie” Vaughn, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.  

Colleen “Connie” Annetta Vaughn was born on Jan. 16, 1936, in New Underwood, SD to her parents Elsie “Kink” (Killian) & Howard Connolly. She grew up in Wall and graduated from Wall High School.  She had an older brother Ron whom she loved and looked up to yet found ways to push his buttons. Although if her dad, Howard, was around she could do nothing wrong.  She was the apple of his eye.  Howard was very musical and passed along his talents to Connie.  She played the saxophone and piano along with singing, which she continued throughout her life. 

 After graduating from Wall High School in 1954, Connie went on and completed one year of business school in Rapid City before being united in marriage to Frank Vaughn on June 2, 1955. To this unity, four children were born, Debra, Pamela, James, and John.  They lived in Rapid City, then moved to Philip for a few years before settling down in Winner in 1966. 

 Connie was a very strong woman.  She worked hard and loved supporting her family.  She was always there supporting Frank in whatever his next dream was.  Whether it was an auto body shop, a hotel, or a farm, she was there helping make it all work!  She even found time to foster her own hobbies like Swedish weaving and embroidering, but we think she loved knitting the most.  She knitted Christmas stockings for all her grandkids and great grandkids.  We joked with her that she must’ve been slowing down just a touch because by the time the great grandkids came along the stockings got a little smaller!  She was also so giving!  Frank was a collector of antiques.  He enjoyed the hunt and bartering for a good deal.  Connie enjoyed the love she could share by giving it to someone else.  Any time you stopped at her house she tried to give you something to take home with you.  That along with a bag of cookies of course.

 She was a wonderful baker.  One of our favorites was her Snickerdoodle Cookies.  She tried her best to write down all the details of her recipes, but as hard as we tried, they never quite turned out like hers.  Perhaps it was the grandkids’ dirty hands helping and her love that made them extra good!  She also used to pull taffy with the kids.  They made homemade donuts and fudge.  And if the fudge didn’t turn out, she’d just make popcorn and let the kids use the fudge as a dip.

 Unfortunately, she was widowed early in life.  But she was blessed to be able to travel to the east coast with her brother Ron and his wife June and traveled to Alaska with her sister-in-law Barb.  She took in the warm Texas weather a few months out of the year with her sister-in-law June during the winter months.  She also loved traveling with her kids to go see her grandkids.  She would try and make it to all her 10 grandkids’ many activities… her lifetime activity pass was still in her purse.

 She was always about family.  Whether it was our extended hunting family joining us for opening weekend, or the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids at Christmas time.  She loved a big Christmas Day.  She would get the good China out for everyone, even for the grandkids.   She had a wonderful smile and laugh!  And she loved to tease.  Even after her stroke she was a jokester and never lost her sense of humor.    She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, an aunt, and a friend…. But to us she was a Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma and she is greatly missed.

 She is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren: Debra (John) Fisher, Tiffany (Sam) Zoey and Ally Sandmeier. Michelle (Ben) Rayne and Phineas Rohlik. Cindy (Chet) Milo Willer. Pamela (Curt) Leat, Travis Leat and Kirby Leat. James (Diane) Vaughn, Chad (Shannon) Crosby and Gunner Vaughn. Erin, Jyles, Cooper, and Liam Auble.  Jill (Quentin) Iden, Reagen and Boston Myers. John (Penny) Vaughn, Mandy (Cole) Emmet and Avery St. Clair.  Jordan (Amelia) Vaughn. Her sister-in-laws June (Ward) Hogue and Barb (Bill) Dunn. And numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Frank, her parents, and her brother Ron.

Emmogene Hysell, 95, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  Funeral service was held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Emmogene was born on July 24, 1928, to Matt and Regina (Horst) Leetch.

She attended country school in the Herrick area where she rode horseback to school.  She graduated high school in St. Charles, SD, in 1946.

Emmogene married Howard Hysell, on May 21, 1949.  Emmogene and Howard had one daughter (Connie).  They lived in Bonesteel, SD for 9 years before moving to Winner.  Emmogene worked at Holmes Café for a short time before she started cleaning homes.  She continued to clean homes until she was 82 years old.  Many close relationships were developed with these families.  These individuals became her extended family.

Emmogene was a very dedicated Lutheran.  She taught bible school and Sunday school for several years.  Her faith was very important to her.  Emmogene’s passion was her grandchildren and great -grandchildren.  She spent her entire life following their activities and sporting events. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins games, especially with her family.  She also loved to crochet in her spare time.  She created many family heirlooms that will always be treasured.

Emmogene is survived by her daughter Connie (Bob) Meiners, grandchildren; Scott (Shelly) Meiners, Kelly (Kay) Meiners, Kevin (Lisa) Meiners, great-grandchildren; Cale Meiners, Kameron Meiners, Marissa Meiners, Kelbi Meiners, Taylor Meiners, Jax Meiners, and Harper Meiners, sisters; Marcella Kaiser and Marcelline Dykeman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and six siblings; Bill Leetch, Bob Leetch, Patty Leetch, Matt Leetch Jr., John Leetch, and Dickie Leetch.

Kenneth Donald DuBray, 97, of Kellogg, MN, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at Gundersen – St. Elizabeth’s Health Care Center, Wabasha, MN.

Kenneth was born April 5, 1926, to Lillie (Rice) and Peter DuBray in Winner, South Dakota on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. He served in the US Army during WWII, primarily in the Philippines and Japan.

On May 23, 1953, Ken married Opal Pomeroy at Northwood, IA. They lived in Minneapolis for 20 years and then moved to rural Kellogg in 1971 where they owned and operated a melon farm. From 1948-1991, Ken was self-employed as a long-haul trucker.

Ken is a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and Kellogg American Legion and a former member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Rollingstone, MN and the Spring Lake, MN VFW.

He enjoyed looking at the stars and planets in the nighttime sky, farming, and he was known for his flower and vegetable gardens.

Kenneth is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene Mannikko; Jane (Roger) Maschka; and Connie (Ron) Scamp; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Opal; an infant daughter; a grandson William Scamp; granddaughter Deborah Anderson; son-in-law Dave Mannikko; siblings: Delbert DuBray, Myrtle Kewley, Emma Anderson, Alvina Van Epps, Leona Pechota, Wynn DuBray, Violet Rocek, Harry DuBray, and an infant sister.

Funeral Mass was held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Kellogg, MN, with Rev. Prince Raja officiating.  He was interred at Greenfield Cemetery, Kellogg with military honors.

James Jerauld Erickson, 88, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

James was born on Oct. 11, 1935, in Madison, South Dakota to the late Orville and Leila Erickson. After graduating high school, he attended the University of South Dakota for one year before joining the United States Army in 1954. During his two years of service, he served in the Korean conflict and ended his career as a Specialist. After the military, he returned to the University of South Dakota, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1959 and a master’s degree in 1964. During his schooling, he began working in education. He became a teacher in Winner, South Dakota for six years before becoming the principal in Gettysburg, South Dakota. From there, he was a principal and teacher in Dell Rapids, South Dakota from 1971-1997.

In 2020, he and his wife moved to Warner Robins, Georgia. In his free time, he could be found spending time with family, spending time outdoors, golfing, hunting, fishing, or woodworking. He enjoyed refereeing sports and was the member and past president of The Optimist Club, The Lions Club, The Rotary Club and The Jaycees. His presence will be missed by all who loved him.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Jacquelyn Marie Erickson of Warner Robins, GA; children, Jon Erickson (Sharon) of Bonaire, GA, and Jan Jastram (David) of Dell Rapids, SD; grandchildren, Amber Erickson of Bonaire, GA, Bradley Erickson (Kristen) of Bonaire, GA, Amanda Jastram of Brunsville, IA, James Erickson of Brunswick, GA, Melissa Christiansen (Matthew) of New London, MN, Branden Jastram of Wichita, KS, and Emily Erickson of Atlanta, GA; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Jerauld, Hunter Bradley, Levi James, Reid Christian, Ember Lynn, and Jaden Lee; along with siblings, JoAnn Trygstad (Ken), Joyce Strom, and Debra Ramirez.

At the family’s request, in honor of James, please consider sending floral tributes to Jacquelyn at The Phoenix at Lake Joy at 100 Lake Crossing Drive Apartment 606, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Memorial services for Robert Dykeman, 82, were held Oct. 19 at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Burial was in the Colome Cemetery.

Robert (Bob) Allen Dykeman was born on July 5, 1941, in Winner, SD, to Earl and Mabel (Redies) Dykeman. He was the youngest of six siblings, the only one to be born in a hospital. On Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at the age of 82 years and 3 months, Robert was called home. He was living in Mesa, AZ, at the time of his passing. He lived most of his adult life in Huron, SD.

Bob was raised on a farm south of Colome, SD. He attended school in Colome, graduating in 1959. Bob was the quarterback for the Colome Cowboys, winning the state title his senior year. While in high school he participated in track, basketball and baseball.

 Robert’s father Earl died when Robert was 17 years old. He and his mother remained on the family farm until he graduated high school. He then attended USD in Vermillion, SD, and Huron College in Huron, SD, studying business and participating in track at the collegiate level. Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard during this time. He was stationed in Ft Riley, Kansas, with friend Les Keever and later stationed in Ord, CA.

In 1963, Bob married Carol Cerny. To this union one child, Leslie Jo was born. The family lived in Huron, SD. After college he worked for Sherwin Williams, various insurance companies and later owned his own insurance company.

Bob was a member of the Huron Elks Club for over 30 years, a member of the Huron Country Club for many years, where he taught summer group golf lessons to many children. He was an avid golfer, winning many golf tournaments around the state with his golf buddies. He obtained a hole in one four times during his golf career. Bob enjoyed playing cribbage for hours. Some called him the Master, when it came to cribbage. He bowled in several bowling leagues for many years, having bowled two perfect 300 games. He loved to play cards and referred to himself as PG, professional gambler. Bob was a sports fanatic, enjoying any type of sports event. He was always joking around, smiling and talking about the team, who won the game. He was always up for a bet. He loved driving big blue to the casino to play Texas Hold-em for hours. Bob would call family daily the past few years to read their horoscope, visit about the stock market, the price of gold, the weather in their area and bet on which team he thought would win.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Leslie Smith (significant other Tom), of Shakopee, MN; five grandchildren, Benjamin Smith, Yankton, SD, Nicholas Smith, Pierre, SD, Nathan Smith, Burke, SD, Emily Vitek (Derek), Yankton, SD, Elly Daisy (Jerrod), Yankton, SD, whom he called the Rugrats; his great grandchildren, Charlee, Bailey, Bentley, Arleigh, Mya and Ameila, who called him picker grandpa.

He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Schlaht (Larry), Omaha, NE, brother Ray Dykeman (Pat), Sioux Falls, SD, sister-in-law Mary Ann Dykeman, Los Angeles, CA, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and Phyllis Deis, a special friend.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mabel & Earl Dykeman, sister and brother-in-law, Bernita & Sherwin “Nick” Carter, sister Betty Dykeman, brother Harold Dykeman and nephew Thomas Dykeman.

As he would say, Fifteen two, Fifteen four, and there ain’t no more. You can bet RAD is enjoying a round of golf, playing cribbage, playing cards and/or bowling in heaven.

Funeral services for Jeannine Johnson age 93 of Des Moines, IA formerly of Gregory, SD will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church, Gregory, SD.  Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery. There is a visitation Friday night from 6-8 p.m. at the church.

Memorial services for Robert Dykeman age 82 of Mesa, AZ will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory, SD.  Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery.

Roland Wayne Piper, 96, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on Oct. 11, 2023, at his residence surrounded by family.

Roland was born on Feb. 18, 1927 to Verne and Beatrice (Casey) Piper at Carter, SD.  He was the first of five boys born into this family.  During his early years, the family lived on ranches near Wood, SD.  He attended country school for eight years then went to Wood High School where he graduated in 1945 as Salutatorian.  Roland married his high school sweetheart, Twila O’Connor, on Sept. 21, 1946 in Winner, SD.  They lived on a farm in the area until 1949, when they moved to Rapid City where Roland managed a Phillips 66 service station.  From 1951-1958 they resided on various farms near Draper, SD and Vivian, SD.  Together they milked cows and cared for a very large flock of sheep along with feeding a few thousand market lambs.

In 1958, they purchased a ranch south of Hot Springs, SD where they lived for nearly 30 years.  During this time their son was born.  Together they maintained a sizeable herd of cattle and sheep while working full time jobs in town.  Roland started his building construction company, doing all types of carpentry and masonry projects in the local area until his retirement in 1989.

He married DeAnna Wotier in 1988, and operated an irrigated farm near Oral, SD from 1989-1996.  To that union, two sons were born.

Roland was baptized into the Lutheran Church after moving to Hot Springs.  He was an active member of both Bethesda Lutheran Church and then later, Grace Lutheran Church serving various leadership roles in both congregations.

Roland didn’t shy away from a hard day’s work during his lifetime, although he enjoyed spending time with his sons and their activities.  He had a passion for family history and believed in carrying forward our family stories.  He was also an avid player of cribbage and card games, he enjoyed watching rodeoes and antique tractor shows.   But above all, Roland loved socializing, especially dancing.  He spent many Thursday afternoons at the Minneluzahan Center in Rapid City, along with any dance in the region he could attend.  He was also a member of the Black Hills German Good Time Club.

Grateful for sharing Roland’s life include his survivors, sons, Randy (Karmen) Piper of Sioux Falls; Wayne Piper of Edgemont; Drake (LaShia) Piper of Fort Pierre; chosen daughter, Jazmine (Piper) Tarant of Hot Springs; twin granddaughters, Erika Piper of Omaha, NE; Brooke Piper of Sioux Falls, brothers, Don Piper of Osage, WY; Harold (Charlotte) Piper of Wood; Rodney Piper of Wood; sister-in-law, Dorothy Piper of Winner; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Twila Piper; one brother, Edward Piper; sisters-in-laws, Ina Piper; Nancy Piper; Gwendolyn Sherwood; brother-in-law, Glen Sherwood Jr. and a nephew, Roger Sherwood

Visitation will be held 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, SD.

Committal services will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at the Wood Community Hall and Evergreen Cemetery in Wood, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Barry M. Jensen, age 78, of White River, South Dakota, died on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 in Rapid City.

Barry Marlin Jensen was born Aug. 13, 1945, in Kadoka, South Dakota on the son of William and Agnes (Stromer) Jensen of White River. Barry lived his entire life at the Jensen ranch north west of White River with the exception of a few years while he attended college. Barry attended all 12 years of school at White River Public school graduating with his high school class of 1963. He attended college at SDSU for two years before transferring to Kansas State University where he graduated with a degree in science and agriculture.

Barry married his high school classmate and sweetheart Katie (Kathryn Mickel) in 1965 and they lived in Manhattan, Kansas for the next three years while earning their college degrees. Their oldest daughter Wendy was born in Kansas.

Following graduation, they moved back to South Dakota to go into the ranching business with his parents. That next fall the White River School found themselves without a science teacher and so that following year Barry was asked to teach all science classes until a science teacher could be located. Ironically, it took four years. Many of his former students were his good friends. It was during these years that their second daughter Katie Kristine (Krisi) was born in 1970 and their youngest daughter Paige LeAnn was born in 1975.

Barry retired from teaching and returned to ranching full time when his parents began to spend their winters in Arizona. He has continued to run the Jensen Cattle Corporation ranch up to the present day.

Barry was a role model alumnus of White River High School. He served on the Board of Education for a number of years. His name appears on the bronze plaque in the foyer declaring the dedication of this very gymnasium. He organized the first Tiger Booster Club. In 2000 he was instrumental in organizing the school alumni association which is still very active today. He served as its first chairman and in that position, he organized four all school reunions. In 2013 he enjoyed his 50th class reunion when his 1963 classmates were recognized at the spring Commencement.

While Barry and Katie were raising their family, their children were very involved in school and community activities. During those days, Barry volunteered as a church youth group leader, he was Associate Guardian for Bethel 33 of White River Job’s Daughters, judged many rodeo queen contests and announced at the local 4-H rodeos for several years. Back in the day these rodeos lasted from sun up to sun down even utilizing two arenas. He rarely missed a basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, rodeo, track or music event that his daughters participated in.

Barry was very civic minded. He served as a Mellette County Commissioner. He was elected as a legislator representing District 26 to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2001 and again in 2005 where he served on the Judiciary committee among others.

Barry also enjoyed board work. He felt that a well-organized board, with good managerial leadership, could effectively run a successful company. Barry served on the Board of Directors with the following corporations: Country Pride Coop of Winner, SD, Farmland Industries and the Cooperative Finance Association both of Kansas City, Missouri, Southern Plains Behavioral Health of Winner, SD, Missouri Valley Insurance Company of Burke, SD, and South Dakota organizations of Cooperatives when in 2010 he was inducted into the SD Cooperative Hall of Fame.

Additionally. Barry was appointed by Governor Daugaard to the South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks and served as commissioner until his commission expired. Barry left footprints all across South Dakota.

Barry is a member of the White River Masonic Lodge #181 of White River, The Order of Eastern Star #126 of White River and the White River United Methodist Church. Barry’s church was very important to him. He served in many different capacities from Ad Council chairman to trustee to singing in the choir. He attended regularly and when he fell ill his church family stepped up to help him celebrate his 78th birthday with cards, pictures and a singing video. He loved his church.

Throughout the years, Barry enjoyed his children and grandchildren’s activities, NASCAR racing, traveling, cruising, motorcycles, flying his airplane, sports, especially Kansas State University sports, and being outdoors on the ranch. Fall was his favorite time of year. Barry and Katie traveled across the pond on three occasions. Once to visit granddaughter Angel who was going to school in London, another time with K-State college friends on a Mediterranean cruise. And in 2017 Barry, Katie and their entire family traveled to Denmark. Arriving in Copenhagen and traveling across Denmark to the ancestral home of his great-grandfather Morten Jensen in Olgod, Denmark.

And another story: Barry’s parents bought him a car when he was near graduation from college at K-State University. Not just any car, but a Pontiac GTO. He got involved with drag racing that GTO and never told his parents. Many years later he fessed up and showed his parents his trophies after it was all said and done.

Barry is survived by his wife Katie of 58 years, three daughters Wendy (Dan) Conrad of Rapid City, Katie (Doug) Bates of Rapid City, and Paige (Bill) Kelly of Milton, Georgia; eight grandchildren; Angel Spreen, Molly (Bruce) Miller, Taylor (Ashley) Bates, Luke (Morgan) Bates, Samantha Bates, Berkeley Bates, William Kelly Jr., Jensen Kelly; other family include Kip Jensen, Beverly Jensen, Mike Dimond and family, Janel Krogman (Robert) and family, Todd Krogman (Amy) and family, Dana Krogman, the extended Lester Stromer family, Bud Stromer, and Kenny Kingsbury families, several cousins and many friends.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clifford and sister Janet; niece Lindy Krogman; and nephews Mark, Troy, Bill Jensen.

A Celebration of Life Service was held 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Community Events Center in White River.

Interment followed at the White River Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Mellette County Community Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

He was a South Dakota boy, grew up strong and fast

Dreamed of being a cowboy but dreams, they never last.

He felt free on a horses back, learned to rope and ride,

But he wanted a life all his own, built off love, strength and pride.

He built homes in Wyoming, learned trades as a way of life.

Built bridges in Dallas, and found the love of his life.

Work sent them to LA, they scrapped and scrimped and saved,

Soon three little ones joined the club and a whole new road was paved.

In big sky country they raised their pack,

Things got easy, things got hard, but he always had their backs

The kids grew and along the way they were taught right and wrong,

But all parents will tell you it just doesn’t last that long.

“Make me a promise”, he would say, “It’s the only one I ask,

Promise me you’ll never grow up, you think you’re up to the task?”

Walking, running, driving, love found and lost,

Fishing, laughing, playing, baseballs caught and tossed.

He watched them make their own lives, on their own terms just like him;

Pride seeped from every pore, his cup full to the brim.

He watched them travel, learn, and grow, build families of they’re own,

Experience things he never had, and my, what these three had shown.

Through their lives he lived again, each triumph and each defeat,

The stories they regaled him with he never missed a beat.

He would say, “If I die tomorrow, I wouldn’t regret a bit.

Wrong right or in between, there’s no reason to throw a fit”

“I’ve done a lot, I’ve seen a ton, I’ve lived my life, and had my fun.

But the greatest achievement I ever had, was raising you three and being your dad”.

We never realized till he was gone, too soon, as it always goes

That we three kids were his most prized possession, and through us that love grows.

I’ll think about him everyday, and the lessons that I learned.

About love, life and happiness; respect that’s only earned.

Take pride once more, for when we came up to the end

You weren’t only my Dad, you were also my best friend

I love you Dad, one day we’ll be reunited

To bask once again in the love you provided.

Sleep well now, in peace and without pain

But you won’t leave wholly, no; cause in my heart you will remain.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Funeral services for Ray Bigelow age 79 of Colome, SD were held on
Monday, September 25th at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Colome, SD. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery, Colome, SD. There was a
prayer service Sunday night at 6pm at the church.

Ray Robert Bigelow was born to Robert and Dorothy (Bertram) Bigelow on
August 11, 1944, in Winner, South Dakota.

Ray was an only child. Other than the short time Ray lived on the west
coast when his dad was in the Navy, he lived all his life within a
quarter mile on the same South Dakota road.

He attended Pleasant View Country School in Colome, South Dakota and
graduated from Colome High School. Ray had a desire to go on with
school, but the farm called him home to work.

Growing up Ray enjoyed playing cribbage with his grandfather. In his
later years he still enjoyed playing games and cards, cribbage and pitch
were among his favorites.

On March 15, 1969, Ray married Sharon (Worden) during a snowstorm. The
love they had for each other grew and they were blessed with three
children Kenneth Ray, Beverly Ann, and Barbara Marie. Ray and Sharon
enjoyed 54 years of marriage together.

Ray was a farmer and a rancher. He loved working hard and really loved
the farming side of his work. Ray was not as fond of the cows as he was
the farming.

Ray enjoyed music, especially country and western music. He enjoyed
listening to the music as he was not much of a dancer. Ray also loved
hunting with family and his close friends.

Ray was always willing to help out a friend, neighbor, his many family
members, and his three children. Ray cared deeply for his family,
especially his grandkids. He cherished every moment with them while they
were growing up. Ray will be so missed by Liv, Red, and Bella, as they
had a special bond with their Papa Ray. They always knew how to get a
smile out of him no matter what. Ray had a special relationship to all
of his grandchildren whether near or far.

Due to some health issues, Ray and Sharon moved Golden Prairie Manor in
July of 2022.

Ray passed away at Golden Prairie Manor on September 22, 2023, at the
age of 79 years.

Ray is survived by his wife Sharon; son Kenny (Rebecca) Bigelow,
daughter Bev Beck (special friend Bruce Clark), and daughter Barb (Shay)
Littau; grandchildren: Rebekah Bigelow, Joe (Erin) Beck, Bailey Beck,
Olivia Littau, Keegan Littau, and Bella Littau; step grandchildren:
Chelsea Blickenstaff, Garret Kruback, Kord Littau, and Lane Littau;
great grandchildren Jace and Layke Beck; and step great grandchildren
James, Izebella, and Paislee Blickenstaff.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Bigelow and
grandson Kolby Beck.