Category Archives: Obituaries

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

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.