Category Archives: Obituaries

Lester “Tiny” Wayne Emery, 88, of Mission, SD passed away on Saturday, June, 20, 2020 at the State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the White River Cemetery in White River, SD. A memorial service will be held after the graveside service at the Catholic Hall in White River.

Lester “Tiny” Wayne Emery was born March 12, 1932 at Rosebud, SD. His parents are Clarence and Nellie (Young) Emery. Tiny was one of six children. The family lived on Ironwood Creek, near Parmelee. Clarence moved the family to Parmelee to be close to school and later to Mission for high school. Tiny left school after 8th grade to help with ranch work.

In 1951 Tiny enlisted in the Army, after basic training he was shipped to Alaska to help build Fort Richardson. After a three hitch Tiny was honorably discharged at Fort Carson, Colo.

Tiny married Laurene Markus in 1954 at Winner, SD. They have two sons Robert and Rockey, both born at Rosebud. When Tiny was building the ranch, he worked at the Rosebud boarding school’s farm/ranch. Tiny and Laurene lived in the school’s housing.

In 1958, Tiny joined the Navy. His first station was Norfolk, Virginia. Tiny rode destroyers his entire Navy career. His stations were: Newport, Rhode Island; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; back to Newport; Naval Reserve Center in Duluth, Minn., as an instructor; and Bayonne, New Jersey.

In 1970 Gunners mate Tiny Emery was selected Cruiser-Destroyer of the Atlantic Fleet- Sailor of the Year. Tiny was selected due to the performance of his duties as the Gun Boss aboard the U.S.S. Davis during their tour in Vietnam. August 1975 Tiny retired from the Navy.

Tiny and Laurene returned to the ranch and have been there ever since. Tiny passed away on June 20, 2020 at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Lester (Tiny) is survived by wife Laurene, son Bob (Paulette) Emery, son Rockey (Kathy) Emery, granddaughter Casey Emery Krogman, grandson Lance Emery, 6 great grandchildren, 2 sisters Delphine Tech of Witchta Falls, TX, Fern Benner of Williamsport, Penn.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Nellie Emery, brother Clarence Jr. Emery, sister’s Audrey Cordry, Eltine Krebs.

Nicholas “Nick” B. Pharris, 45, of Aberdeen, passed away due to injuries received from a grand mal seizure, Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held at Wylie Park, Aberdeen, at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Nicholas Bryan Pharris was born June 15, 1975, at Baptist Hospital in Winner, SD, to Bryan and Cindy (Holmquist) Pharris. The family resided in Winner, SD, running the Pharris Bakery, into Nick’s third grade year. They then moved to Black Hawk and finally the family settled in Aberdeen in 1985. Nick attended C.C. Lee Elementary, Holgate Middle School and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1994. After a brief stint in the Chicago area he moved back to Aberdeen where he remained.

You might’ve known Nick as the bookstore guy or the show-stealer on the Aberdeen Community Theatre stage in a handful of productions in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Many knew him as a trusted confidant and easy ear to bend. Nick wove many a memory with those he met in life. He had a passion for debate and a baker’s touch like his father. Summers never felt complete without a trip back to Winner and a canoe ride down the Niobrara River.

Nick married Kelda Larson on Oct. 5, 2002. They had three children together, Samuel, Quade, and Novella Pharris. They were married for 13 years. He had two more sons, Oliver and August Pharris, with Amber Schanzenbach. Nick’s favorite times were spent with his children, introducing them to music, taking them fishing, playing games, or going on a bum ride through country roads.

Nick will be dearly missed by his children; sisters, Brooke (Pharris) Meyers, of Aberdeen, and Bridget (Pharris) Schilling of Ramsey, MN; brother, Alexander Pharris of Aberdeen; parents, Bryan and Cindy Pharris of Aberdeen; grandmother, Doreen Holmquist of Aberdeen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Eleanor Pharris and Marvin “Buzz” Holmquist, and uncles, JJ Holmquist, Michael Holmquist, and Kenton Pharris.

Funeral services for Pauline Hogue 82, Gregory, will be held July 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery.

Hogue died at the nursing home in Gregory.

Pauline Hoffman was born on Dec. 8, 1937, at Valentine, NE to Fred & Margaret Hoffman.

She was raised on a ranch north of Cody, NE with five other siblings.

She attended grade school in Cody and then went to high school at St. Mary’s Academy in O’Neill, NE, graduating in 1955. She then taught at a rural school for two years.

She then went to Denver and attended Parks Business School in Denver.

While in Denver she met Charles

Hogue and they were married on June 13, 1959 in Nenzel, NE. To this union three children were born: Charles (Rick) Jr., Karen, and Angela.
She worked at various jobs in her lifetime, Gibsons and Pamida in Winner and Walmart in Yankton.

She moved to Gregory in 2004 and has resided there until her passing. She made many special friends living in the Church Street Apartments, Silver Threads, and the Rosebud Country Care Center.

Pauline is survived by two sisters, Betty Jackson and Mary Jo Ring, one brother Chuck and

Sister-in-Law Gena. Her son, Charles (Rick) and wife Sue and their children Joshua, Tyler, Chelsey, Melissa, and Matthew. Daughter Karen, husband Jeff, and daughter Nikki, Daughter Angela, husband Tim, and kids Briana and Damon.

She is also survived by 8 grand children, 13 great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 2001. Her parents Fred and Margaret Hoffman, in-laws Carroll and Edith Hogue, brother William Hoffman, sister Bobbi Kunert, brother-in laws Gene Kunert, Jerry Ring, Irwin Jackson, grandson Christian Ayersman, and nephew Evan Hoffman.

Joanne Bartels, age 90, of Winner, South Dakota, died on Monday, June 22, 2020 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care.

Joanne Bartels was born Nov. 13, 1929 in Winner, South Dakota to Thomas Henry and Ruth (Sigafoos) Scissons. She was united in marriage to Elmer Charles Bartels, and together they had five children.

After her sister died, Joanne also raised her sister’s two children. Joanne was a dietary cook at the Winner Hospital for 35 years. She enjoyed cooking,baking, crocheting, yard work, and going to yard sales.

Joanne was from the time period that when somebody stopped to visit they should never leave hungry so she graciously fed anybody that walked through her door. She was extremely proud of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include two daughters Barbara (Arnold) Olson of Platte and Deborah “Debb” Vollmer of Winner; one son David Bartels of Winner; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister Beverly Ruhkamp of Havre, Montana; and several nieces and nephews. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Bartels; a daughter Sharon Hysell; a son Roger Bartels; one grandson Kelly Vollmer; her parents Thomas and Ruth Scissons; four sisters and one brother.

A public graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 29, at the Winner Cemetery in Winner.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

James Vobr, 87 of Custer, SD formerly of Winner, SD passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Custer Regional Care Center inCuster.

Graveside services were held on Monday, June 29, at 2 p.m. at the Colome Cemetery in Colome, SD.

James Vobr was born on Sept. 25, 1932 inWinner, SD to Ludvik and Stasie (Franek) Vobr. The family lived on a farm south of Winner.

James attended the Vobr Country school south of Winner and enlisted in the US Army in 1955 where he served in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge in 1961, he returned to Colome and workedfor several farmers.

He later moved south of Winner but continued working for farmers in need of help.

James enjoyed his coffee, playing cards, fishing and just being outdoors. James is survived by his sister-in-law Clara Vobr of Mitchell, his niece Linda (LuVerne) Jager, of Wessington Springs, his three nephews: Brad, Jerry and Gary (Kristy) Vobr of Mitchell. One great nephew,Austin Vobr of Mitchell and 2 great nieces, Tiffany and Carissa Vobr of Mitchell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ludvik and Stasie Vobr and one brother, Leonard Vobr.

Robert “Bob” George Clark, Sr., age 91, passed away on June 25, 2020 in Rapid City, SD. He was born on Nov. 7th, 1928 in Winner, SD.

Bob grew up on his family homestead in Clearfield, SD where he drove a school busat the age of 13 and later that same year drove a cattle truck to Omaha, NE. He joined the US Army Airforce in 1947.

When he returned home to Winner due to a family hardship in 1949, he married the love of his life Juanita Gemmrig. Their honeymoon consisted of a Harley Davidson Knucklehead motorcycle trip to the Black Hills.

He reenlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 where he served as an Engine Tech on B17 and B21 Aircrafts. He was stationed in Thailand and Guam during the Vietnam War where he obtained T34 and TF37 Jet Engine Aircraft qualifications.

He was also stationed at Goose Bay Labrador USAF, Offutt AFB in Nebraska, and K. I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan. He arrived at EAFB in 1968 where he served as the SNCOIC of the Jet Engine Propulsion Aircraft Maintenance Wing until he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSGT) in 1970. After retirement from the US Air Force, he continued with his passion for vehicles and mechanics working at the Rapid City Ford garage, Rushmore Texaco, Westside Truckstop in Winner and Jerry’s Marine in Rapid City to name a few.

In 1975, he started over hire at Ellsworth Transportation until 1984 when he enlisted in Civil Service at EAFB as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer and later retired in 1995. Up until his early 80’s, you could find him tinkering in his home garage on boats, motorcycles, RVs, cars and trucks. In 1973 he rode a DT125 Yamaha in the 3-day National Trials. He also competed in numerous other motorcycle enduros throughout the years with his sons.

In his later years, he spent his down time bowling in Senior Leagues at Robbinsdale Lanes. Even at 91, he could still throw a strike!

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Juanita Clark; his two sons Robert G. (Pat) Clark Jr., David A. (Gay) Clark; and his daughter Diana M. Clark, all of Rapid City; his two sisters, Alice (Ray) Minchow of Winner and Lilly (Howard) Nussbaum of Belle Fourche; and a brother William “Bill” (Joann) Clark of Winner.

He has six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Clark, his son Eugene “Tuff” Clark, his brother Cecil Clark, his sister Betty Korb, and a grandson Deon Clark.

Rapid City visitation will be on Wednesday, July 8 at 12 p.m. followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home.

Winner visitation will be on Thursday, July 9 at 11 a.m. (Central Time Zone) at Mason Funeral Home followed by burial at 1 p.m. at the Winner Cemetery. Family and friends are welcomed to share stories and condolences on the Kirk Funeral Home website.

Joanne Bartels, age 90, of Winner, died Monday morning, June 22, 2020 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care.

Survivors include two daughters Deb Volmer of Winner, and Barbara (Arnold) Olson of Platte; one son David Bartels of Winner; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister Beverly Ruhkamp of Havre, Montana; and several nieces and nephews. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Charles Bartels; a daughter Sharon Hysell; a son Roger Charles Bartels; one grandson Kelly Volmer; four sisters and one brother.

Funeral services are pending with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Graveside services for Donna Mae Ryberg were held June 19 at the White River Cemetery. Burial was in the White River Center. She died June 16 at Aventara Nursing Home in Pierre.

Donna Mae (Kriege) Ryberg was born on April 2, 1937 to Robert & Irene (Mott) Kriege at Murdo, SD. She grew up on the family farm at White River and was joined by three sisters, Midge, Vera, Pat and two brothers, Buzz and Ralph.

As a little girl, she milked cows, gathered eggs, herded sheep on horseback, helped tend to her siblings and dreamed of being a cowgirl.

Donna attended school at Big White Country School through the 8th Grade and then boarded with Mrs. Anderson in White River for high school, graduating in 1956.

On May 28, 1956 she married Arthur Ryberg at the White River Methodist Church and they started their life together, working with his parents to maintain the farm.

On June 14, 1957 they were blessed with their first child, a daughter Raedene. Julius and Josephine retired later that yearand Art and Donna took over the farm operation. On Dec. 30, 1959, a son, Terry, joined the family. Son Marty was born on Aug. 25, 1962 and the family was complete with the birth of son Mick on Sept. 11, 1965.

Art & Donna were busy parents, tending to the farm, attending school activities and becoming active in the community. Donna joined many organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary Otterman Post #94, Cottonwood Ladies Aid, Senior Citizens, Mellette County Historical Society and Red Hat Ladies.

She held many offices over the years and served as secretary, treasurer and president.

Having lost her leg to cancer at the age of 14, she is credited with starting a cancer support group in White River. Donna could also be counted on to organize the local blood drives and was a lead planner for Frontier Days for many, many years, attending and taking part in all community events.

Like any farm wife, she enjoyed taking care of her family, maintaining a large garden, baking, sewing and spending time with neighbors and friends.

Art passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 1993 and Donna continued her life at the farm aided by Mick. Mick moved to Mitchell and Donna began to enjoy retirement, maintaining her farm lifestyle, but focusing more on the organizations that meant so much to her.

At the same time the world was struck by a pandemic, Donna took a spill at home and required a hospital stay and the inability to have physical contact with family and friends, and her health rapidly declined with the eventual diagnosis of Lymphoma.

She is preceded in death by her husband Art, son Mick, parents Bob & Irene, sisters Midge, Vera and Pat and brother Ralph.

She is survived by daughter Raedene (Gary) Hovey of Reliance, SD, son Terry of San Diego, CA, son Marty (Sandy) of Renton, WA, granddaughters Cindy (Tim) McCarthy, Chelsea (Igor) Parkman and Caitie (Justin) Laxton, great grandchildren Dylan (Jessica), Ashlyn (Reid), Megyn, Elliot, Oliver and Gwen, great great granddaughter Olive Harper McCarthy, born on Saturday, brother Buzz (Astrid), sister-in-law Alyce and many nieces and nephews.

Jean Kline, 79, of Orange, Calif., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 at her home in Orange, Calif. Graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 1 p.,. at the Winner City Cemetery in Winner, SD.

Jacqueline Voss was brilliant, elegant, accomplished, unassuming and charming.

Born in Winner, South Dakota in 1927 to Jacob and Audrey Holm, she passed away peacefully in Lincoln, Neb. on June 9, 2020. In the intervening 93 years, she both followed the path set out for her as wife to Orville (“Scad”) Voss and mother to Steven (Connie Healey) and Wendy (James Livingston), and was a trailblazer as a university professor and administrator.

In 1968, contrary to her early expectations and almost 20 years after receiving her undergraduate degree in home economics, she received her Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Measurements. She then joined the faculty of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, winning multiple teaching awards. In 1979, Dr. Voss was named associate dean of the School of Home Economics at North Dakota State University.

One year later, she became the dean. In 1982, she assumed leadership of the College of Home Economics of the University of North Carolina. Under her transformational leadership, that college became the College of Human Environmental Sciences— an applied human science program that included the schools of Human Development and Family Studies; Housing and Interior Design; Social Work; Food, Nutrition and Food Service Management; and Clothing and Textiles.

After her retirement in 1992, she worked as a consultant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. Throughout her life she was a mentor and role model to many.

Her mother always told her, “Jacque, just do your best.” She certainly did.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren (Andy and Sara, Nate and Stephanie, Tighe and Melissa), sister Barbara (Bobbe) Kositzsky, god-daughter April, nieces and nephew, and so many friends and admirers. She will be sorely missed.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please read Dr. Voss’s statement on education (https://uncg.academicworks.com/donors/dr-jacqueline-h-voss-endowed-scholarship) and make a donation to the college of your choice. lincolnfh.com