Category Archives: Obituaries

Dale Aeschbacher, 89, of Billings, MT passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the auditorium in Wood, SD. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at the Evergreen Cemetery in Wood, SD.

Dale was born on his family homestead on Aug. 5, 1930 north of Mosher, SD in Mellette County to Ernest and Catherine (Dimond) Aeschbacher. Around 1940 the family moved to Wood SD. Dale had two older brothers Ray and Herbert.

Dale was most proud of his track career and his relay team. Dale went to the Basset NE track meet his senior year where he won the 100meter dash. He would often times refer to the medal he had won which had a milk cow and a water tank on it. Dale graduated from Winner High School on May 27, 1949.

When Dale was just 21 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on the 29 of Jan 1952. Dale served in the Korean War as a result of action against enemy forces on the Oct. 26, 1952 Dale was injured in Western Korea.

Dale earned multiple medals including: Korean Service Medal W/1, Purple Heart Medal, United Nations Services Medal, National Defense Services Medal. Dale received Honorable Discharge on the 30th of September 1953. Later in 2016 Dale received the Korean Ambassador Peace Medal.

Upon returning home from the war and healing from his wounds Dale met and married Verna Forsch on April 27, 1954. They built a house together in 1954 in Winner, SD. From this union they had four sons Allen, Myron, Meldon, and Joel.

Dale worked for the government at the Bureau of Indian Affairs with the Rosebud Agency Land management for 30 years before retiring. Dale was proud of the work he had done and the friendships he had made during his time with the BIA.

After retirement Dale enjoyed spending his time being a grandfather. He enjoyed attending every sporting events his grandsons took part in and held a very special tender place in his heart for his granddaughters. He was also an avid Dodgers baseball fan & Chicago Bears football fan.

Dale took the most pride in teaching and making memories with his grandchildren.

Deer hunting was a hobby Dale loved and a family tradition. He enjoyed spending time and passing on this family tradition with his children and grandchildren where they made many memories from hunting in Mellette County, the Badlands, and along the White River.

Another hobby that Dale enjoyed with Verna was spending Sunday evenings going downtown and playing pitch and thirty-one with friends over a few cups of coffee and great conversation. Dale had a very fast witty mind and had stories for all.

Dale is survived by his wife of 65 years Verna Aeschbacher. He also survived by his children: Allen Aeschbacher Helena MT, Myron Aeschbacher Billings MT, Meldon & Kathy Aeschbacher Ashland WI, Joel & Rhonda Aeschbacher, Wanblee SD, Grandchildren: Domenica VanDyke Sarasota FL, Brooke & Dustin Fisher Winner SD, Sam & Elaine Aeschbacher Ideal SD, Bridget & Younger Kramme, Presho SD, Patrick Aeschbacher Winner SD, Jenie & Nick Borders Thermopolis WY, Jess & Miles Vondra, Zap ND. Great Grandchildren: Payton, Bailey Carley, Jerrod, Evelyn, Elyse, Eloise, Emerie, Mieka, Lincoln, Baylee, & Tayton.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents Earnest and Catherine Aeschbacher, his in-laws Emil and Albina Forsch, his brother Herbert Aeschbacher, his sister in law Shirley Aeschbacher, his brother Ray Aeschbacher.

The family ask that you send sympathy cards to:
30171 SD Hwy 248
Presho, SD 57568

Howard Bechen, 92, of Mitchell formerly of Artesian, died Monday, Jan. 20, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Howard James Bechen was born on May 30, 1927, to Ruben and Elizabeth (Mader) Bechen. He was born in Kadoka, South Dakota and joined the Navy after graduating high school in May of 1945. Howard served in both World War II and the Korean War. After returning from the wars, he met and married Marg Moore. They were married on June 20, 1952.

They were the proud parents of ten children. In January of 1982 the good Lord called Marg home. He then met and married Mary Beaner. They were married on Dec. 23, 1983.

Howard was involved in many things other than ranching and farming. He was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Artesian Saddle Cub, the Moose Club, the VFW and the Artesian America Legion. He was a 4-H leader and received numerous conservation awards.

He enjoyed riding horses to check his cattle as well as camping and boating for relaxing. He taught his family the value of hard work, tough love and devotion to God.

Howard passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2020 surrounded by his loving wife, Mary and many of his children and grandchildren.
Howard is survived by his wife Mary (Beaner) Bechen; his children and their spouses, Doug (Renee) Bechen of Whitewood, SD , Sandy (Dick) Krantz of Winner, SD, Merl (Diane) Bechen of Mitchell, SD, Larry (Carn) Bechen of Chaska, MN, Joe (Donna) Bechen of Winfred, SD, Brad (Kathleen) Bechen of Huntsville, AL, John (Gayle) Bechen of Letcher, SD, Tom (Marie) Bechen of Mitchell, SD, Barbie (Greg) Becker of Little Elm, TX and Dave (Brenda) Bechen of Mitchell, SD. Howard had 34 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. All who loved him dearly.

Howard is preceded in death by his first wife, Marg (Moore) Bechen; infant grandson, Ian Bechen; parents, Ruben and Elizabeth (Mader) Bechen; brothers, Russell, Donald and Edward Bechen; In-laws, Loraine, Carol, and Joyce Bechen, Melvin, Earl, and Bonnie Moore, and Joe and Bill Beaner; and one niece, Dixie Zoelle.

Funeral services for Evelyn Hofer were held Jan. 20 at the Trinity Community Church in Bridgewater. Burial was in the Bridgewater city cemetery.

Evelyn Jeanette (Hossle) Hofer (87) was born in Winner, SD, to J. Vernon and Jeanette M. (Broline) Hossle on May 25, 1932. She grew up on a farm near Hamill, SD. Evelyn attended country grade school in Tripp County (riding her pony, Trixie).

When her area school was closed, she went to live with her Hossle grandparents in order to attend school in Lyman County. She graduated from Winner High School while staying with her grandmother Broline and also attended SDSU one year.

Evelyn married Calvin D. Hofer on Sept. 16, 1951, at Winner, SD. Evelyn and Calvin lived on their Century farm near Bridgewater where they raised their two children. Evelyn worked at the Bridgewater Post Office for over 20 years, 12 of them as postmaster. Evelyn and Calvin moved into town in 1996.

Evelyn was gifted in a many ways. She was a self-taught architect and gifted carpenter, designing and building their two homes and the church. She was creative (sewing, crafting, painting, quilt- ing) and showed hospitality. She was active in her church (Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian/Trinity Community) and in her community in various roles.

A unique achievement was her experience as one of ten finalists in the Mrs. South Dakota Pageant 1968 where she won an award for her original recipe.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents with whom she spent many years, her parents, and her husband of over 66 years, Calvin.

She is survived by her son Robin Hofer of Bridgewater; daughter Trudi (Dave) Nelson of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Dusti (Aaron) Jones of San Antonio, TX, Kyle (Kathryn) Nelson of Lincoln, NE, and Kensi (Patrick) Proehl of Owatonna, MN; six great-grandchildren; brother Everett (Carol Jo) Hossle of Hamill, SD; and friends and family.

Ardath Ewing, 94, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, SD.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan 21, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Ardath Maurine Hopkins Ewing passed away on Jan. 15, 2020, at the age of 94. She was born on Nov. 8, 1925 and lived a full and rewarding life. She grew up with her parents, William and Lydiann Hopkins, on their homestead land.

She was the eighth child and grew up with her younger brothers and often said she was somewhat of a tomboy. As a child Ardath loved to play near or in a gentle creek that wasn’t far from their house. She spent much of her childhood days outside working and playing with her family.

Ardath graduated from Winner High School in 1943 and immediately went to summer school in preparation for a teaching position. She was only seventeen! She passed a state exam and received a 2nd grade teacher’s certificate which was being offered at that time because of a shortage due to WWII.

She didn’t have funding to go to college to further her education. Since she wasn’t 18 until Nov. 8, 1943, she was not old enough to hold a certificate. So, she was allowed to teach on a permit until her birthday. She enjoyed teaching and had good rapport with both parents and students.

Later she enjoyed sharing fond memories of her teaching days with family and friends. She taught in rural schools for three years, and during summers worked at the Outlaw.

Ardath had a boyfriend during her teaching days who was serving in the U.S. Army. After his service in WWII Ardath and Ivan “Bus”, were married.

They worked hard to build a beautiful productive cattle ranch and naturally were proud of their accomplishment. It took much of their care and dedication in good and tough times.

During their young adulthood they were blessed with four children: two boys, Robert “Bob” (Mary), Neil (Theresa), and two girls, Carol (Larry), and Marsha (Tim). They had nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Ardath was an active wife, mother and citizen. She began one of many leadership roles in Home Extension and 4-H when her children were young. When she had time, she loved writing, crafts and music. She was also an excellent cook. Ardath loved to read and write. Because of her love affair with words she successfully wrote articles for magazines and poetry, many of which were published.

She wrote and self-published a book about her parents and siblings traveling by wagon through Oklahoma Territory to homestead in Dakota Territory entitled, “Long Road to Dakota”. Ardath was an active member of the little country neighborhood Lakeview Methodist Church near Dog Ear Lake, and eventually was instrumental in getting it moved and preserved at the Tripp County Historical Society after the church was closed. This led to serving the Tripp County Historical Society for several years.

Later Ardath was pleased and honored by the Tripp County Historical Society for her book, “Long Road to Dakota.” She continued her active role at The Winner United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. She could play guitar, harmonica, piano, and the accordion and much to her delight would join in playing and singing along with others or simply listening to old familiar tunes.

As the ranch grew so did Ardath’s responsibilities. She brought big meals to the fields, helped sort cattle, kept careful records, and more. She joined the local Cattlewomen’s group and served in leadership capacities there and then went on to become president of South Dakota Cattlewomen. She enjoyed supporting the beef industry, making new friends, and traveling and learning with other leaders.

After Ivan retired Ardath and Ivan enjoyed traveling, something they hadn’t found much time to do in earlier years.

Ardath resided in the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory for the past year. She now resides in a much happier place in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bus, and her granddaughter, Lana.

Lewis “Bumpy” White, 85, Mission, SD, died on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex in White Shield. A wake service was held on Sunday beginning at 5 pm at the complex. A family gathering was held at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison from 2-4 on Sunday, Jan 19. Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery in rural White Shield.

Lewis “Bumpy” White beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend made his peaceful journey into the spirit world on Jan. 14, 2020 at the Winner Regional Hospital, in Winner, SD surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Lewis was 85 years old and born on May 24, 1934 at Elbowoods, ND to Eugene White Sr. and Anna Fliger. He was given his Arikara name, Lightning Runner by his grandmother, Rhoda White. He spent his younger years assisting his parents with farming, breaking horses and playing with childhood friends in the Nishu Bay area, where he grew up. Upon graduation from Elbowoods High School in May of 1950 he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17.

He served during the Korean Conflict on the U.S.S. Merrimack until his honorable discharge in 1954. He received the National Defense Ribbon during his time in the Navy.

After his return to civilian life he worked on construction projects building dams and bridges in North and South Dakota.

On July 19, 1951 he married Leota Perkins at Garrison, ND and later they had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church in Pine Ridge, SD on April 2, 1962. John and Teresa Danks served as their witnesses during this special occasion and from this union, 7 children were born.

In 1960 he accepted a position as a patrol officer on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and received his training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center at Chicago, Ill. He worked in this position for eight years and was offered the position as Captain of Police for the Rosebud Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency in Rosebud, SD.

During this period of his employment he was asked to serve as a police instructor with the Indian Law Enforcement Training Center, in Artesia, New Mexico. Lewis was promoted to the position of Criminal Investigator while working on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

In 1974 he accepted the position of Chief Criminal Investigator on the Cheyenne River Reservation until his retirement on May 24, 1984. He worked in the field of government service for 30 years.

Lewis had many pastimes, and enjoyed listening to classic country music, playing cards, cribbage, watching his favorite westerns, and spending time at his favorite fishing hole. He was a life-long Vikings fan and cheered and cussed them on to victory to the end. In his younger years he enjoyed team roping and rode bareback.

He spent quality time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lewis was blessed with 27 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Lewis “Bumpy” White was a man of integrity and had great respect for people. He had a strong work ethic and was a devoted husband and father to his children. As his brothers and brothers-in-law passed on, he became a father-figure to many of his nieces and nephews giving them guidance and encouragement. Lewis made life-long friends and was well-respected and well-known in the law enforcement community.

Lewis is survived by his children, Louie (Mary) White, Sioux City, IA; Lee Ann (Tuffy) Beardt, Mission, SD; Tom White, Sioux Falls, SD; Don “Pug” (Ruth) White of Eagle Butte, SD; Bonnie Jones, Sioux City, IA; and Greg (Jodi) White of Underwood, ND. Brothers: Donald (Dolly) White, Grove, OK; and Max (Ella) James of New Town, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leota; daughter, Bernadette; grand-children, Louis Charles White and Weylin Bear Child; great-grandson, Tyler White; Brothers—Eugene White Jr.; Robert White, James White, Joseph James, Tyrone White Sr., Lyle “Bucky” White; Loren White Sr.; sisters: Bertina Chase and Kathy Samuels.

Funeral services for Evon Soesbe age 92 of Gregory, SD will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 am at Methodist Church in Gregory, SD. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery.
There is a prayer service Friday night at 7 p.m. at the church.

Lonnie Hollenbeck, 84, of Carter, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 at the Sanford Chamberlain Care Center in Chamberlain, SD.

Funeral service was held on Friday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
Lon was born Oct. 5, 1935 to Vincent and Genon Hollenbeck in Ainsworth, NE. Lon married Kathern Novotny on July 13, 1955. To this union two children were born, Brad (Dixie) Hollenbeck of Thedford, NE and Brenda (Harvey) Bierema of White River, SD.

In 1966 they moved from the Clearfield area to the Carter community where they spent the rest of their lives. Lon and Kathern worked side by side whether they were calving, haying, coyote hunting or fishing. They always enjoyed time with family and friends. Some of those times happened while out fishing. Whether it was fishing when the Sell boys came down or watching the grandkids jumping up and down on the bank when they caught “the big one!”

Lonnie as he was called most of the time, from day one was a baseball player. He started out as the bat boy. His dad and grand dad all played ball. Then Lon coached little league and caught for the Witten baseball team for many years. He enjoyed all sports, but rodeo was his favorite, the good bucking horses and bulls.

Lon drove the truck many miles loaded with horses and was always proud to be a part of the family tradition. He loved being with family and friends. He was also very proud of his grandchildren attending every basketball and volleyball game that he could.

Lon loved to farm and make the ground black. He loved putting up hay and, in the winter, you could find him with a grey hound or two. Coyote hunting was a family thing, do chores and go hunting with grandkids or anybody that would like to go along and plan on it being all day.

Lon is preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Genon Hollenbeck, wife Kathern Hollenbeck.

Lon is survived by is son Brad Hollenbeck, daughter Brenda Bierema and their spouses, 3 granddaughters, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Twila Dvorak, 85, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at 11am at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Lutheran Cemetery in Mission, SD.

Twila Lou Horst was born on July 7, 1934, in Mission, South Dakota to August and Bertha (Hartmann) Horst and was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Mission.

After graduation from Todd County High School in 1952 she was united in marriage to Duane Levon Dvorak on Jan. 31, 1953 in Clearfield. South Dakota. They ranched in the Wood area and were active in the Wood Legion until 1982 when they divorced and she moved to Winner where she became a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

She was very active in the Winner American Legion Auxiliary and was elected the South Dakota American Legion President in 1983. She served for a number of years as the editor of the Legionette and was a member of the Board of Directors of South Dakota Girls State.

Twila enjoyed her job as a typesetter for the Winner Advocate for a number of years and loved to golf, bowl and be involved in volunteer work. She was also an avid reader and was always ready to share a good book with a friend or relative. She prided herself on her crossword puzzle skills and her daily routine included solving the one that was in the paper for that day.

Although she never had any children of her own, Twila claimed every single niece and nephew as her own and she was very involved in their lives. She never failed to let us all know exactly where we stood with her and we will miss her wit and humor as well as her presence at family gatherings.

Twila is survived by her sisters Hortense (Ben) Artichoker of Rapid City, South Dakota and Alberta Crabtree of Hot Springs, South Dakota along with a host of nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents August and Bertha (Hartmann) Horst and brother Dewey (Louise) Beselin along with sisters Verna (Robert), Helena (Don), Robinette (Tom), June (Harold), Linda, brother in law Delbert and niece Bernadine (Babe) who was always considered one of the sisters.

Stanley Horton, 50, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 at 10 am at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Union Cemetery west of Springview, NE.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passage of Stanley a beloved brother to Thellma (Mike) VanSteenwyck, step-brother to Dave (Marie) Fisher, Terry (Kate) Fisher, Diane Brown, Randy Fisher and Gregg (Carrie) Fisher. Stan is also survived by his father, Charles Horton.

Stan was also loved by many nieces and nephews and family far and wide. Stanley was a husband to Tonja Ann Horton. He was an amazing father figure to Blake Shuele of Winner, SD and Brian (Taylor) Schuele of Surprise, Arizona. Stan was also a grandfather to Haidee Rose Schuele of Winner, SD and to Levi, Peyton and Simeon Schuele of Surprise Arizona.

Stanley is preceded in death by his grandparents Aurthor and Mildred Horton of Springview, Ne, Elden and Mable Jess of Washington State, sister Patricia Anne Horton, nephew Brian Scott Horton, Step-mother Sylvia Horton, and step-sister Linda Fisher.

Stanley was such an adventurous soul learning to hunt, trap, and fish at a very early age. He had his first BB gun at the age of 3. Stanley loved the outdoors. He loved spending time camping and fishing with his family. Stanley attended Sunny Side and Jordan County Schools until their closing. Then on to Winner High School and Alcester High School where he attended military training his junior and senior year. Stan served 4 years in the Army.

Stanley was always hard working all his life, when he was younger, he had started his own night crawler and minnow stand on Highway 83. Stanley loved working on automobiles. He was a Jack of all trades, he loved fixing things.

Richard “Dick” Mathis, a long time Winner businessman, passed away on Jan. 8, 2020, at Winner Regional Hospital, due to complications following a heart attack.

Prayer service was held on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. A visitation was held one hour prior. Committal service was held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.

Richard Leet Mathis was born on Feb. 17, 1931 to Truman and Louise (Metzger) Mathis in Mt. Vernon, South Dakota. Dick was raised on various farms in Eastern South Dakota until joining the U.S. Military in 1952 during the Korean Conflict.

In 1958, Dick and his brother Doyle purchased the International Harvester implement dealership in Winner, South Dakota. In March of 2018, they celebrated 60 years of business. Most recently, you could find Dick sitting next to the coffee and popcorn machine as you entered the store, ready to chat with long time customers.

Dick was united in marriage to Leona Littau on Feb. 19, 1961. To this union brought two sons, Todd and Scot. Dick and Leona resided in Winner, South Dakota during their 59 years of marriage. Dick served as a Winner City Councilman, and also on the Trinity Lutheran Church council. He also was involved with the building of the new Lutheran Church. Dick was a devoted husband visiting his wife every day at the Winner Long-Term Healthcare Facility.

Dick is survived by his wife Leona, sons Todd (Lisa) of Valentine, NE and Scot of Winner, SD (Deb Sarver) of Rapid City, SD. His grandchildren Skylar, of Chicago, IL, Macey, of Valentine, NE and Morgan of Box Elder, SD, Colter and Lathe Sarver both of Rapid City, SD. Along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Louise, and brothers Art and Doyle.