Category Archives: Obituaries

Gerald Dennis Earll, 78 of Valentine, Neb., passed away at his home on Saturday, Aug.1 with his wife Carol and daughter Nichole by his side. He was born April 30th, 1942 at Carter, SD to Orval and Mary (Toman) Earll. He attended various country schools and graduated from Winner High School in 1960.

He worked at Crossroads Supermarket until April 1964. He then joined the National Guards in Winner, S.D. until December of 1970. On Feb. 27, 1965, he married Carol Heying. They were blessed with 3 children, Bob, Denny and Nichole. In 1968 they moved to Valentine, NE where he managed the Ideal Market until April, 1984 when they bought the Frosty Drive In.

During this time, he was active in the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department, the Jaycees and National Guard.

He also had a local band called “The Venturas” where they played in the Nebraska/South Dakota areas. His favorite pastimes where camping, fishing, hunting and ATV trail riding with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Roger and his bother Gene. He is survived by his wife Carol, sons Bob (Marci Garland) of Grand Island, Denny (Letta Rowse) of O’Neill and daughter Nichole (Tadd Buechle) of Valentine; eight grandchildren, Alex (specialfriend Gabby) of New Zealand, Katie (Kent Niss) of Pawnee City, NE, Kylee (Keith Baughman) of Blair, NE, Amanda (Colton Hunzeker) of Bremerton, WA, Mitchell Bromwich (fiancé Diane Montoya) of Garland, NE, Jordan (Shandie Reiser) Buechle of Valentine, Shelbie Buechle of Valentine and Stephanie Buechle of Valentine; sister, Linda (Wally Eklund) of Gregory, S.D.; sister-in law Leatha Earll of Soldotna, AK; four Great Grandchildren, Kendrix and Kohen Baughman, Heston Buechle and Eleanor Niss.

The rosary will be held on Aug, 4th and the memorial service was held Wednesday Aug. 5 at 10:30 a.m. both at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine.

Memorials can be sent to Carol Earll at 729 N. Hall St., Valentine NE 69201. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.

A prayer service for Ilene Hickey, 88, Burke, formerly of Iona, was held July 29 at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Ilene Marie Konop Hickey was born Oct. 21, 1931 in rural Dixon, SD, the third of five children born to Chas (Charlie) and Marie Feyereisen Konop. The family lived on a farmstead north of Gregory. She attended the rural Washington School and Gregory High School, graduating on May 14, 1948, in only three years and as the salutatorian of her class.

She then received her teacher’s certificate and taught for two years in a country school. She was smaller and almost the same age as some of her students.

Ilene met and later married the love of her life, Claude Hickey, on Aug. 28, 1950, in Pierre, SD. She and her younger sister Alvena Joy (Jody) lived together in Winner while their husbands were in the service. Ilene later moved to California to live with her mother to be closer to Claude, who was stationed at Camp Pendleton. After Claude finished his military duty, the couple lived west of Iona, SD on his parent’s farm, then in the Iona Hotel before purchasing their farm north of Iona, where they made their home for many years.

They worked side by side raising hogs and cattle, milking cows, and farming the land. To this union were born four children, Karen, Marvin, Darla, and Claudia. The couple also provided a home for her dad for many years.

Ilene, also known as Ikie to her friends, worked for a brief period of time sewing collars on shirts in a factory in Reliance, SD. Civic responsibility was important to Ikie as she served the community as an election worker in Lyman County about 25 years and as the Iona Township Treasurer for 40 years.

After the couple retired from farming, they moved to Burke, SD to a house on Main Street and later on to an apartment in Parkview Manor. After Claude’s death, she continued to live at the apartments until a series of strokes required the move to Butte Senior Living in Butte, NE in December of 2019. She resided there until her death.

She was a favorite of the nursing home staff because of her sweet and gentle personality and quick wit. Ikie’s skill for cooking became well known, and there was always room for one more at the family table. Liver and onions was a favorite meal served to her loved ones. Sheloved to bake and share homemade goodies, such as caramel cinnamon rolls, angel food cakes, raised and glazed donuts and pumpkin pies. Another specialty was making homemade candy, especially peanut brittle.

Ikie was an avid seamstress, making clothes for her children and grandchildren. She even put in an “all-nighter” sewing a Halloween costume for one of her granddaughters. She enjoyed gardening and in her later years she spent hours reading and following her beloved Chicago Cubs. She was thrilled when the Cubbies won the World Series in 2016.

She is survived by daughter Claudia (Glenn) Smith of Ainsworth,NE; daughter Darla Viereck of Sioux Falls, SD; and daughter Karen (Marvin) McIntosh of Iona, SD. She is survived by many grand and great-grandchildren; sister Jody (Jerald) Tagtow of Kandiyohi, MN; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Mary Ann Konop in 1939; parents Charlie in 1988 and Marie in 2004; husbandClaude in 2013; son Marvin in 2011; sister Betty Jean Rice in 1990, and brother Chuck Konop in 1986.

A prayer service for Ilene Hickey age 88 of Burke, South Dakota (formerly of Iona, SD) will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, South Dakota.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 the night of the prayer service. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Phyllis Lucille Leach was born on July 3, 1928 in Winner, SD to Joyce E. Taylor (Goodsell) and Ned D. Taylor. Phyllis died on July 14, 2020 at her residence in Austin, TX, at the age of 92 years.

Phyllis grew up and attended school in Winner, SD. After high school, she attended Northwestern University where she graduated with honors.

One of the highlights of her college years was being part of the debate team that won the Big 10 Debate tournament and she was then named to the all-Big 10 debate team.

She married her husband and best friend for life, Robert (Rusty) Leach on December 27, 1951. Their first son, John was born in 1955. Phyllis and Rusty moved to Pierre, SD in the late 1950’s. Mark, their second son, was born in 1959. Phyllis worked as a teacher (Spanish, English and Drama) in Ft. Pierre for several years before joining the Pierre school system as a Spanish teacher.

After retiring from teaching she joined a travel agency (AAA Travel) which helped her share her love of travel with scores of clients. When Phyllis retired from the travel agency, she joined the South Dakota History Center as a volunteer and enjoyed meeting people and sharing a love of SD history.

In 2009, Rusty and Phyllis moved to Austin, TX to be closet to their sons’ families and their grandchildren. They embraced the challenge of starting a new life in their early 80’s and greatly enriched the lives of their extended family in the process.

They made many new friends in Austin and that continued, when after Rusty passed in 2017, Phyllis moved to the Brookdale Senior Living facilities.

Phyllis loved to read and travel and learn about other cultures. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her 65+ year marriage to Rusty and loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and brother and her husband Rusty. She is survived by her sons John and Mark, and her numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister in law Jean (Gary) Stickland, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

While current circumstances present challenges to having a gathering or memorial service, plans are being made to honor her life at the appropriate time in the future.

Terry Jorgensen passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 at the Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, SC.

Because his mother, Marian Jorgensen, passed away on May 17, 2020, a joint “Celebration of Life” funeral service will be held for them at First Christian Church in Winner, SD, at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2020.

Terry was born May 18, 1946 in Winner, SD to Fred Schwenkner and Marian (Applegate) Jorgensen. Fred passed away July 4, 1953.

Terry graduated Winner High School in 1964 and joined the US Navy in 1967. He married Donna (Kingsbury) Lucas and had their daughter Teresa (Jorgensen) Gross on Aug. 21, 1969.

After divorcing, he joined the Navy again and when discharged moved to Omaha, NE, where he worked for IBM.

He overcame his battle with alcohol, became a drug and alcohol counselor and moved to Baton Rouge, LA. He had a passion to help people with addictions by sharing his journey with others.

He married Diane Jorgensen in 1983 and moved to Oklahoma City, OK. On September 29, 1984, they welcomed their daughter Alexis (Jorgensen) Sprogis. In 1987 they moved to Charleston, SC. He loved South Carolina and called it home.

Even after two divorces, a liver transplant and other health conditions, Terry didn’t stop living. He continued his education and by the time he was 60, he had two degrees in business and accounting, including his Master’s in Business Administration. He was also a Certified Public Accountant.

Due to his failing health, he retired from his job at MSU. He moved to Taylors, SC to be near Alexis, her husband Brandon, and his granddaughters Bailey (11) and Avery (7).

He loved his family, and especially his mother, daughters, and grandchildren.

Besides his mother, Terry is preceded in death by his father Fred Schwenkner, his adoptive father Harry Jorgensen, and his grandparents.

He is survived by his daughter Teresa (Scott) Gross, daughter Alexis (Brandon) Sprogis, sister Nancy Jorgensen (Dennis Barnhardt), sister Mary Ann Schroeder, brother Tony (Jane) Jorgensen, and his grandkids Hannah, Ramsey and Harrison Gross; Bailey and Avery Sprogis (and baby Ezra due October 30).

Ronald Eugene Derry, 54, of Wellington, Ohio, died unexpectedly on March 29, 2020, at his home.

Ron was born May 14, 1965 in Winner, South Dakota to Claude and Judy (Harter) Derry. He graduated high school in 1983 at Wood, South Dakota.

Following high school, he attended the University of Springfield, Springfield, South Dakota for auto mechanics. Ron also received an associates degree in accounting from DeVry University in July 2017.

On April 8, 1988 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country until his retirement on April 30, 2008. He retired as an Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Petty Officer (E-6). During his active duty service, Ron was highly decorated with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal (6); National Defense Medal (2); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and the Navy “E” Ribbon. Ron achieved his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) wings.

He was also forward deployed to Bahrain, Japan and Diego Garcia and served in the Persian Gulf, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ron married Susan (Nicoll) on July 6, 2001 in Angleton, Texas, Ron and Susan resided in Oak Harbor, Washington where Ron was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island for several years while working on P-3 Orions.

Prior to NAS Whidbey Island, Ron was stationed at Point Mugu, California where he worked on F-14 Tomcats. Ron was transferred to NAS Norfolk for his last 2 years of his 20-year service.

Ron is survived by his wife Susan; his canine companion Chloe; parents Claude and Judy of Winner, SD; brothers Craig and wife Cassie of Freeman, SD; Neil and wife Laura of Sioux Falls, SD; Niece and Nephews, Tyler Derry, Cory Derry, Laine Derry, Ashley Schumacher and Tegan Derry; 1 great-niece Raelynn Derry; grandmother Gladys Harter of Winner, SD; mother-in-law Maura Nicoll and sister-in-law Marian Nicoll both of Medina, OH; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Robert R. and Loraine Derry, grandfather Merle Harter and father-in-law Eric Nicoll.

Due to the corona virus, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Burial will take place in South Dakota with the Wood American Legion Post 19 taking part in the service.

Arrangements by Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main Street, Wellington, Ohio 44090, Online condolences may be expressed at HYPERLINK “http://wwyv.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com/” \h wwyv.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com

Lenore Antonia Sutton was born to Billie and Kelsea Sutton on July 8, 2020, at 11:01 a.m.

She weighed 5.5 pounds and was 19 inches long. She delighted everyone with her head full of dark hair and her sweet spirit.

She honored us with one week of memories and died peacefully in her mom and dad’s arms on July 15, 2020. She got to meet and be held in the arms of grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and brother Liam.

She was held in the hearts and prayers of countless others.

Funeral service was held July 21 at 11 a.m. at the Sutton Ranch, Bonesteel with Rev. Mark Tuttle officiating. Burial was at the Sutton Cemetery, Bonesteel.

Rather than flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to the Burke Community Foundation (PO Box 376) because we love this place where we planned to raise our daughter Lenny.

Lenny is survived by her parents, Billie and Kelsea, and her big brother Liam. Her grandparents Bill and Renee Sutton and George and Laurie Kenzy. Her aunts and uncles Katelyn, Alec, Chloe, Rehme, Tayler, Dee and Tyler. Her first cousins Landry, Arina, Blaisely, Maris, Maysa and Cru. And her great grandmothers Ruth Sutton, Betty Kost, and Linda Lillibridge.

She was preceded in death by her great grandfathers Kenny Kenzy, John Lillibridge, Anton Kost, and Billie Sutton, and her great grandmother Eleanor Kenzy. Both Eleanor and Anton were her namesakes.

Rosemary Hartland, 83, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at home in the Clearfield area of rural Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.

Rosemary McCollam was born March, 11, 1937 to Ben and Esther McCollam. She attended and completed her eight-grade education at the Lincoln School in rural Gregory County.

It was a daily 2-mile walk (one way) to school, she voluntarily helped the teacher tutor the younger students. She graduated from Winner High School in 1955. While attending high school she became friends with Effie Hartland. Effie invited her to a non-denominational gospel meeting. She made her choice to serve the Lord and kept true to the end.

She also met Effie’s brother William (Bill), the love of her life as they celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. They were married June 15, 1955 and to this union five children were born, William, Debra, Douglas, Daniel, and Richard.

Rosemary spent many hours doing custom sewing and sewing for her family, this included many wedding dresses. She was a superb cook and loved to bake pies to share with everyone. She loved gardening, especially raising flowers. She quietly gave it all.

She loved to share a smile, hope, encouragement, advice (if you asked) and most of all – love. Anyone who spent time with her would never go away empty-hearted. Relatives and neighbors appreciated her nurturing spirit and she spent many hours babysitting for them.

Rosemary was preceded in death by parents Ben and Esther; son, William; brothers, Philip, Steve, and Delano McCollam; two sisters, Dortha Wheeler and Virginia Huettmann.
S

he leaves to mourn her husband, Bill; four children, Debra, Douglas, Daniel, and Richard (friend Judy Bahm) all of Winner, SD; brothers, John McCollam of Gregory Co., David (Joyce) McCollam of Rapid City and Floyd McCollam of Gregory Co. Grandchildren; Casey (Loni) Colson, Megan Fisher, Jamin (Sarah) Hartland and Deven Fisher; great grandchildren, Aaliyah, Olivia, Emily, Silas, Kaden, Jaxon, and Novella; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Robert Henley, 89, of Winner, SD passed away at his home in Winner on Monday, July 20, 2020.

Graveside service will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 10 a.m. MT.

Robert D. “Bob” Henley was born Sept. 2. 1930 in Heil, ND to Estol and Martha (Moos) Henley. Bob grew up and graduated from high school in Hardin, MT. In 1948 he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea including the battle at the Chosin Reservoir.

Bob was awarded the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal and the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in 1952.

Robert and Geraldine (Torske) Henley were married June 21, 1951 in Hardin, MT. They later moved to Chamberlin, SD and then to Winner, SD in 1965 where they were in the construction business for over 35 years.

Bob is survived by two children Jeanette (Roger) Letcher, Alexandria, SD and Scott (Marne) Henley of Rapid City, SD. He is also survived by two grandchildren Joseph Pejsa and Janelle Pejsa and four great grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a sister and a brother as well as his elder son Tom.

William K. “Willie” Kyler passed away at home surrounded by family on July 13, 2020 at the age of 77 after battling cancer.

Willie served in the Army for 4.5 years.

Visitation following CDC guidelines was Saturday, July 18 from 9 am to 10 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (2110 S. 32nd Ave.), Omaha, Neb., followed by memorial service at 10am with military honors by So. Omaha American Legion Post 331.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judie Kyler; son, Richard (Tracy) Kyler; daughter, Christine Kyler all from Omaha, NE; four grandchildren: Matthew (Katheryn) Kyler, Shelbi Kyler, Justine Humphrey, and Tre Humphrey; two great-grandchildren, James and Juliette Kyler; sisters: Elsie Saunders, Eunice Cole, Sharon Totten (Don Etherington), Carol Zvorak, and Nila (Dave) Lively; and brother, James (Gina) Kyler.

Preceded in death by parents, Lyle and Hazel Kyler of Winner, SD; two brothers, Leroy and Roger Kyler; one sister, Vada Kyler; and three brothers-in-law: Tom Saunders, Sam Cole, and Darrel Orel.

Loved by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and longtime friends.