Category Archives: Obituaries

Arlene Olson, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner. Burial will be held at a later date. A visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Arlene was born on a homestead 6 miles north of Mission, a daughter of William and Opal Leighton, she was the 3rd born of her parents. Growing up with 2 sisters named Donna and Hazel, and a brother named Bud. In her early years she raised chickens and ducks that she loved to care for, and riding her buckskin horse named Buck.

She would ride Buck a few miles every day to the country school in Todd County where she gained her education. Later on, in life she moved into Mission to live with her sister, and to start work for the local veterinarian, where she met the love of her life, Alvin Olson.

Arlene and Alvin got married at the Winner Methodist church on Sept. 14, 1957 and from that unity she had two beautiful children. Ray was her first born son on Sept. 30, 1958 and he was her whole world until the birth of her second child named Debbie on Jan. 28 1966.

In her later years she became a laundry housekeeper and loved working for Bud and Louanne Haley at Haley’s Motel, then the Haley’s had the Warrior Inn built and she continued her career there when Gary and Sheryl Hutchison became the new owner and from that bloomed a great friendship for Sheryl and Arlene.

Arlene retired from the Warrior Inn to enjoy her golden year with grand and great grandchildren.

Alvin and Arlene loved to travel to their favorite destination Branson, MO and to Texas, and various other locations. There are many great and fond memories of her in her many years of life.

Arlene loved to make people happy, one time she and Jean walked across town just to get ice cream from the Dairy Queen, because they were in the mood to get ice cream.

Her hobby was sewing, she could make or repair any outfit she desired, and made many Barbie doll clothes as well.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents William and Opal Leighton, two sisters Hazel Harrison, Donna Larvie, adopted brothers Ronnie Baker, and Benny Leighton.

She is survived by her loving husband Alvin Olson, son Ray Olson, daughter Debbie Hoffer, brother Bud Leighton, adopted brother Donnie Baker, adopted sister Ida Icard, and many great grandchildren, as well and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Robert “Mike” Schmitz were held June 12 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel with Fr. Jonathan Dillon officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Bonesteel.

Robert “Mike” Schmitz entered this world on July 18, 1928, the second child of Clarence and Mary (Darcy) Schmitz at Burke, South Dakota. He went to eternal rest on June 7, 2020.

Keith Meyer, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, June 8, 2020 at his home in Winner.

Funeral service was held on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Winner First Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Keith Leroy Meyer went to be with Jesus on June 8 in his home in Winner, surrounded by his loving family.

Keith was born on Sept. 12, 1943 in Winner to Otis and Virginia (Bell) Meyer. He attended country school West of Winner near the family farm.

He started dating the love of his life, Margaret Larsh, during their senior year, and they graduated from Winner High School together in 1961. They attended Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, South Dakota, where Keith graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electronics with a minor in math.

Keith and Margaret were married on Aug. 17, 1963 at First Baptist Church of Winner. They moved to Pierre, SD where Keith worked as a TV repair technician for Karl’s TV and Appliance, and where their first daughter Keatha was born.

Jobs took them to Cheyenne and then to Green River WY, where Keith began his career as a telephone central office technician. Their second daughter Megan was born to them in Green River. His job with Southwestern Bell then took them to Edwards, CO, where their third daughter Cathy joined their family.

In 2003, Keith retired from the phone company and he and Margaret returned to Winner to live in Margaret’s childhood home. Keith was never one to sit still and enjoyed working and building. He remodeled and expanded their home over the years.

He worked part-time doing maintenance for an apartment complex and tirelessly helped maintain the old First Baptist Church of Winner, where he and Margaret were active members. Between 2013 and 2015, Keith was a critical member of the team that built the new First Baptist Church of Winner building on S. County Road.

The new church building is a testament to Keith’s faith, skills, and heart.

Keith was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had an endless supply of energy and skills, and never hesitated to help when needed.

His daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren will always treasure his kindness, gentle demeanor and generosity, and will continue to admire him as the toughest guy they knew.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of over 56 years; daughters Keatha, Megan, and Cathy; grandchildren Jake, Ben, Luke, Seth, Sierra, Nykyta, Kaylee and Kara; and great-granddaughters Kassidy, Eleanor, and Kinley. He is also survived by his brother Wayne, and sisters Jean, Joanne, and Betty.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Agnes Orel, 83, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday June, 10, 2020 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.

Agnes Ann (Klima) Orel was born in Witten, SD on March 29th 1937 to Joe and Anna Klima.

Agnes and her family moved close to Dallas, SD. She attended schools in Tripp and Gregory Counties. She attended Gregory High School. While attending High School she worked Stukels Café part time, also she worked at Warrior Inn.

In 1956 she married Melvin James Orel and they lived on their farm near Hamill. They had three daughters, Elaine, Eileen, and Lori.

Agnes loved her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Agnes also loved working in the garden and flower garden. She was also an avid cake baker and baked several cakes for birthdays and anniversaries. Agnes also loved to square dance.

They moved to Winner in 1993 where they both spent their time and enjoyed retirement.

She is survived by her husband, Melvin, of 64 years, 3 daughters, Elaine (Brad Boes), Eileen Larson, Lori (Keith McCarty), 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a brother-in-law, Donald Orel.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Anna Klima, her brother Frankie, several aunts and uncles, mother and father-in-law Joe and Anna Orel, and a brother-in-law, Darrel Orel.

Ivan John Sterry passed away on Sunday, May 24 in Presho SD at the age of 83.

A private family memorial service was held on Saturday, May 30 at 11 am at the Isburg Funeral Chapel in Presho, SD.

Persons can show support by taking part in the “Together In Spirit” option. Please email your name and a message of support to togetherinspirit@yahoo.com and we will place it on a heart that will be attached to a chair at the service.

The family will be able to read your heartfelt message and know that you are together with them in spirit.

Ivan was born on March 21, 1937 in Fosston MN to Irven and Emma (Milsten) Sterry. He grew up in Fosston and graduated from high school in 1955.

He then went with a longtime friend, Rolly Rue and he traveled to Great Falls, MT area to help local farmers with their harvest, then during the winter months he worked at a mink farm in Fosston, MN.

In 1960, he was drafted by the US Army. After basics, he was stationed in Germany till he was honorably discharged in 1962. From there he started work with the US Forest Service for one summer.

He then started working road construction and did this until he retired in 2011.

Ivan met “the best thing that ever happened to him,” Alta Mae Perry in Bondurant, WY and they were married on Oct. 8, 1963, in Pine Bluffs, WY.

They moved and established their home in Presho, SD in 1966 where they raised their 3 children.

Ivan had many hobbies but enjoyed fishing and hunting the most. He loved to take his children, grandchildren and friend’s children out, to show them his love for the outdoors.

After his retirement, he would spend most of his free time engraving guns. He was well known for his designs and artistry. He engraved shotguns for Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited.

He also did special engravings for his family members and friends. His exceptional talent drew people from across the upper Midwest to have him showcase his artwork on their guns.

Ivan was also a “jack of all trades” he could design it, build it, and fix it, whether it came to metal fabrications, plumbing, carpentry, mechanic or electric work. He was good at it all!

Ivan is survived by his wife Alta Mae, his brother Mike (Collen) Sterry, of Fort Collins, CO, his children Rich Sterry of Westminster, CO, Darrell Sterry, and special friend Jenise Link of Presho, SD, Donna (Trusty) Surat of Brookings, SD. His grandchildren Shelon (Nate) Harrington of Brookings, SD, Killian (Shelby) Surat of Brookings, SD, and Emily (special friend Dylan Wegner) of Omaha, NE and 3 great-grandchildren Myles, Sloan and Malix Harrington and several nieces and nephews.

Ivan is preceded in death by his parents, Irven and Emma Sterry, a sister who died in childbirth and granddaughter Sydney.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Ivan’s name to Lyman Co Ducks Unlimited, P.O. box 307 Presho, SD 57568.

Funeral services for Zane Goitia will be held May 29 at 10 a.m. at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Burke.

Zane Christian Goitia was born Dec. 12, 2003 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Christel Harbo and Brandon Schumann.

Zane grew up and attended elementary school in Lennox, South Dakota and Amboy, Ill. He moved to Burke, South Dakota and was in the 10th grade at Burke High School.

Zane was a very well liked, kind and caring young man. He always had a smile on his face. He loved video games, vacations with grandma and grandpa, fishing and was so proud to play football and golf with the Burke Cougars.

He enjoyed working at Green’s Grocery Store and people always commented how helpful and polite he was. He always talked of joining the military after high school.

A tragic car accident on May 22, 2020 took Zane’s life far too soon.

He will be eternally missed by his parents, Christel Harbo (Jordon Wickersham) and Brandon (Stacie) Schumann; his sisters: Arianna Goitia, Chloe Harbo, and Ashley and Amaeya Schumann; his grandparents: Robyn and Bob Waterbury, Margaro and Miriam Goitia-Cruz, Wayne Schumann and Dolores Markowski; his aunts, uncles and cousins: Carmelo Rodriguez, Chela (Nick) Bolte, Brenna and Braxton , Charles Goitia and Martha Waterbury and Bentley.

He is also survived by a host of other family members.

May you find peace Zane.

Norma Nielsen, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

A private family service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. A public visitation was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 from 6-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.

Burial will be held at the Winner City Cemetery following the services on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the Friends of the Library.

Norma Mae (Grossenburg) Nielsen was born Sept. 8, 1928 in Winner, SD to Charles (CJ) and Blanche (DeBolt) Grossenburg and passed away on May 22, 2020 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care.

Norma married Wilber (Bill) Nielsen on Sept. 20, 1950 and they raised eight children on a dairy farm north of Winner.

Mom was a very loving, generous, and teaching person with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. We celebrated her life and all of us will miss her.

Mom was active on the farm raising chickens, gardening, and helping Dad. She would take the eggs and cream to town to sell to help support the farm and her family.

Mom loved to sew, knit, and crochet, which she taught us girls. She taught all her children how to help in the house with cooking, cleaning, laundry and gardening.

Once the youngest Jon was in school, she worked at Grossenburg Implement until her retirement in 1999.

She had a wonderful retirement. She enjoyed playing cards, drinking coffee with her friends and family whether it was her house or at McDonald’s.

Norma’s door was always open especially on Sunday’s for coffee at 4 p.m.. She loved her Sunday coffee time with whoever would come to her house. Many stories were told and a lot of laughter went on, what a special time.

Mom was on the Tripp County Library Board and a member of United Methodist Church. She received South Dakota State Library Trustee of the Year award in 2005.

Norma and Bill had 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. She is survived by sons, Robert D (Karen Hauff) Nielsen, Steve (Kathy Woods) Nielsen, William Scott (Deb Steinfadt) Nielsen, Bruce (Dennise Engel) Nielsen, Jon Nielsen and daughters Annette (Dale) Storhaug, Marrianne Skelton (Frank Dorman), Dianne (Duane) Anderson, her brother and sister-in-law, Gene (Pat Scholz) Grossenburg, numerous nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces and many loving friends.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Lori Roubideaux, 52, of Bonesteel, SD passed away on Sunday, May 17t, 2020 at the Avera Gregory Health Care Facility in Gregory, SD.

A graveside service was held on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Garden Cemetery in Wood, SD.

Lori Ann Roubideaux was born on June 2nd, 1967 to Caroline (Roubideaux) Zephier and Sylvan High Rock in Rosebud, SD. Lori spent most of her life in Winner, SD until she moved to Gregory with her life long partner Scott Eagle Star and had 3 girls together.

Lori was the life of the party. Always smiling, laughing and joking around. She adored children and always had candy tucked away in her purse for them.

Lori was very involved with the youth in the Creek Community and served as the Youth Bull Coordinator for years. When she got sick, she moved to Bonesteel with her sister Violet and resided there until the date of her death.

Lori passed away on May 17, at Gregory Avera Health Care due to cardiac arrest.

She is survived by her six children Michelle, Dolly, Thomas, Rhiannon, Kristen, and Mika and her 11 grandchildren and 1 on the way. Her significant other Scott and his 4 children Nicholas, Trisha, Christopher, and Wayne and their children.

Lori was 1 of 10 children. She is survived by her siblings; Denise, Madonna, Wayne Jr. Corrine, Becky, Mary, Clara, Violet, and Celeste and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Caroline, father Sylvan, brother Christopher Sr., step-grandson Owen Cay and many aunts and uncles.

Lori is loved by many and will be missed by all!

Public graveside services for John M. Hanig, 66, were held 11 am Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain.

John Michael Hanig “Opie” age 66, passed away May 16, 2020 in Oacoma, SD.

John was born March 2, 1954 in Gregory, SD to John A. and Orvilla (Boes) Hanig. He was raised on the family farm south of Reliance, SD.

John attended country school until high school where he graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1972.

After graduation he worked road construction for Gustafson Construction and drove truck for Gary Goodman Trucking.

On April 22, 1978 John married Sandy Kenyon. Together they had one daughter, Samantha. From 1986 to 1997 they owned and operated Dakotah Floral.

John worked for Chamberlain Wholesale for 30 years. He made many great friends across the state on his daily travels for the wholesale. He was set to retire in the next few weeks to continue his love of his lawn irrigation business, Optimum Performance Irrigation Equipment (O.P.I.E).

John was very proud of his business and treasured every minute he got to spend doing it. He loved that he was able to name his business after his childhood nickname “Opie”.

John was a people person. He loved to visit with everyone. He was especially proud of his grandson Maxon (Max). He was notorious for showing pictures and videos of Max’s accomplishments.

He was looking forward to his retirement and being able to attend more of Max’s sporting events.

John was a member of the Chamberlain/Oacoma Fire Department and is an honorary member. He was also a member of the Lakers Car Club. John had a deep appreciation of cars. He talked endlessly how he was going to restore his 1970 Chevelle SS for his grandson to have in high school.

He was surround by a great group of men that encouraged him to enjoy life. He always looked forward to his evenings with the AA (Adams Agency) group. He was looking forward to having more time and traveling to the Black Hills and riding his motorcycle with the boys.

Above all else, John was fiercely proud of his daughter, his son-in-law, and his pride and joy grandson. He was also a loyal brother who dedicated his time to those he loved. There was nothing he would not do for his family. He leaves a hole in many of our hearts and will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by daughter Samantha, son-in-law Ryan Speed and grandson Maxon Speed of Rapid City. Siblings Gary (Fritz) and Ruth Ann Hanig of Rapid City, Jean Beckman of Chamberlain, Ann and Boyd Thiel of Chamberlain, Tony Hanig and Terami Frantz Nespor of Winner, Jim and Betty Hanig of Pukwana. Aunts Shirley Vosicka of Gregory and Wanda Engel of Winner. Special Uncle Donnie and Eleanor Hanig of Winner. His “adopted” sons Kevin and Leslie Olesen and Luke and Hilary Giese all of Chamberlain. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Orvilla Hanig, one brother Mark Hanig, brother-in-law Erv Beckman, two half-sisters Cleo Binder and Joyce Olson.

In the words of John: Tally-Ho and Stay cool.

Crystal “Cris” Blare, age 62, passed away on Saturday May 16, 2020 at the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD.

Funeral service was held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Luncheon was served at the Witten Community Hall immediately following burial.

Crystal Lynn Maier was born on Feb. 10, 1958 to Eugene and Velma Maier in Winner, SD. She attended grade school at Pahapesto School in northern Tripp County, across the road from her family ranch.

She spent her freshman year at Wood High School alongside her brother Terry who was a senior at the time. She would attend the rest of high school and graduate from Winner High School in 1975.

Following graduation, she moved to Wyoming and began working at True Trucking and later worked at Caterpillar.

She met the love of her life during this time and married Cully Blare on Aug. 12, 1989 in Gillette, Wyo. They spent several years trucking and were able to travel and see many parts of the country together.

On March 31, 1996, their daughter Josey was born in Tulare, CA, where Cully and Cris had decided to start their family.

In 2001, they moved to Coleridge, NE to be closer to her ailing dad. The following year they moved to Carter, SD and began ranching.

Cris held many jobs in her later life, some of her favorite were being a paraprofessional, the house mom in Josey’s sorority during her last semester in college, and housekeeper for all of her family and friends.

All of her life, Cris enjoyed helping and giving to those around her. She was most known for her intelligence and generosity, especially the quilts she made for her nieces and nephews and the Christmas cookies and candy boxes she made every year.

She told everyone that would listen that her proudest accomplishment was her daughter Josey and that she was attending law school at USD.

She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Cully, and her daughter Josey. Her brother Terry (Regina) and her sister Kim Sell.

Her stepsister Stacey Maier and stepmother Kathi Maier. 7 nieces and nephews – Ty Maier, Tara Maier, Taylor Maier, Terrance Maier, Trey Maier, Jacey Kreeger, Dusty Sell, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Velma.