Category Archives: Obituaries

Robert Blomstrom, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Facility in Gregory, SD.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 26th, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Robert Wayne Blomstrom was born April 1, 1928 in Winner, SD to George and Helen (Frohburg) Blomstrom. One of six children, he was raised on a farm a few miles southwest of Winner until his father died when he was nine. Soon after the family moved into town to find employment.

He helped out the family financially from a very young age and recalled his first job working at a soda fountain cleaning up. He continued to work throughout high school making gas deliveries for his cousin Lloyd Blomstrom.

He graduated from Winner High School in 1945 and worked at the Co-op until he entered the service. He trained as a half track driver and served during the Korean War in Germany as border patrol. Upon his return from the service he resumed work at the Co-op and there he met Elinor Walton, who worked in bookkeeping. They married Oct. 2, 1954. To this union six children were born.

Soon he purchased the Conoco service station and operated it for many years. His family remembers many late night and holiday phone calls from the police station requesting him to open up for some traveler passing through who needed fuel. He never turned anyone down.

In 1982 he began subbing as a rural mail carrier, and not long after sold the Conoco and carried mail full time. His dedication to his work earned him the honor of being named South Dakota rural mail carrier of the year, of which he was very proud.

He resided in Winner his entire life until May 2014 when it became necessary to move to an assisted living facility in Gregory, closer to his daughters. It wasn’t long before he and Elinor moved to Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, where he resided until the time of his passing.

Robert was a faithful servant of his church and community and volunteered wherever he was able to help. He served as a council member to the Trinity Lutheran Church (WELS) for years. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, spending many evenings calling bingo or assisting with steak night. He served on the draft board during the Vietnam war, a job that troubled him dearly, and also served as a city councilman.

He never missed volunteering putting up the flags at the cemetery for Memorial Day, or serving the free meal on Labor Day. He was a volunteer fireman for years as well as a volunteer deputy for a short time when needed. He served as an honor guard at numerous funerals and never missed carrying the flag in the Labor Day parade. He was named parade marshal of the Labor Day parade in 2007, for which he was very humbled. If a volunteer for church or community was needed, he was there as his community meant so much to him.

In later years his grandchildren were his passion and he rarely missed an event. He swapped the purple and gold colors of his alma mater for Cowboy green and Gorilla red and wore them proudly. “Papa” as called by his grandchildren was best known for his joking around and ability to make them laugh. His use of props such as goofy hats and googly eyeglasses were well received with smiles and laughter. An April 1st birthday suited him well.

He is survived by his children: David, Seattle, WA; Neil (Brena’) , Yankton, SD; Beverly (Rod) Graesser, Dallas, SD; Laurie (Mike) Spartz, New Hope, MN; Barbara (Steve) Nallick, Golden Valley, MN; Jeannie Fortuna, Gregory, SD. Also eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren: Glenn (Kirsten) Graesser, Walter, Henry and Edward, Platte, SD; Jordan (Cassie) Graesser, Brisbane, Australia; Leah Graesser, Sacramento, CA; Emilee (Max) Hendricks, Rowan, Sacramento, CA; Nolan Fortuna, Gregory, SD; Josie Fortuna, Bismarck, ND; Alyssa Fortuna, Spearfish, SD; Nathan Fortuna, Gregory, SD. Allyson Spartz, New Hope, MN. Cierra Bordeaux and Lashya Farmer, Dallas, SD.

Gregory Sherman, 67, of Colome, SD suddenly passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Colome High School Gymnasium. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery. A visitation was held on Sunday, Dec.15, 2019 from 6-7 pm at the Colome High School Gymnasium with a prayer service at 7pm.

Greg was born on April 19, 1952 in Clear Lake, SD to Harold and Helen (Spartz) Sherman of Goodwin, SD. Greg and his six brothers managed to keep their mother and father very busy. Greg attended grade school at Kranzburg Catholic School and Goodwin Elementary. He later attended Clear Lake High School where he was very active in athletics. Greg graduated from Dakota State University with a BA in Physical Education in 1974.

After graduating from college, Greg took his first and only teaching job in Colome, SD. There he met the love of his life and future wife, Miss Renee Brown. They first dated in secrecy to avoid teasing from students but soon fell in love. They became inseparable. They spent their time taking summer classes, listening to records, and traveling to see family. Greg and Renee were married on Dec. 27, 1975, and together had three sons.

Greg was involved in all aspects of the Colome Community. He was a devout Catholic in the St. Isidore Catholic Church and was on the Parish Council. Greg spent 25 years on the Colome Volunteer Fire Department and held the offices of secretary treasurer and assistant fire chief. He was also on the Colome City Council. Greg spent numerous years preparing the baseball and football fields and helping out in any way he could around the community.

Most would say Greg’s greatest contribution to Colome was his years spent teaching, coaching and the impact he had on the lives of countless students. He taught at Colome Consolidated Schools for 43 years, and he was just as excited to start his 43rd year as he was his 1st year. He put as much energy into the Legion Oratory Contest, Junior Prom, and Field Day as he put into coaching basketball and football.

In 2004 he received the American Legion Educator of the Year award. His number one priority was his family and never missing one of his sons’ events or games. He put 100% maximum effort into everything he did. To mention all of his contributions to the school and community would fill pages too numerous to mention. He was truly enjoying his retirement. He loved the trips he took with Renee, family, and friends.

Greg is survived by his wife Renee; his three sons, Michael and his wife Monica and two grandchildren Benjamin and Ellasyn of Waconia, MN, Christopher and his fiancé Erin of Denver, CO, and Joshua and his wife Ashley of Denver, CO; his sister-in-law Maritta Brown, and his six brothers, Harold (Larry) and his wife Mary, Dennis (Dimes) and his wife Pam, Ronald and his wife Emmie, Daniel and his wife Nancy, Joseph and his wife Eleanor, and Douglas and his wife Val; and numerous nieces and nephews

Greg is preceded in death by his grandparents George and Lucy Spartz and Joe and Ada Sherman; parents Harold and Helen (Spartz) Sherman; infant brother; nephew Jason; and infant niece April.

Russel Nieman, 65, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at the Wakonda Manor in Wakonda, SD.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Russel Gene Nieman, age 65, was born Aug, 2, 1954. He was raised and spent most of his young manhood in Winner SD. Russ passed away on Dec. 7, 2019 in Wakonda, SD.

Russel loved the outdoors and with a special fondness of hunting and fishing and he was just a fun loving guy. Later in life he was held back from what he enjoyed in life due to health issues. Although Russel had health struggles through his early manhood that carried through the rest of his life, he never stopped providing his fine, friendly disposition and sharing his welcoming greeting to all he met. Russel will be missed but now his health struggles are over.

Russel is survived by four brothers and one sister, Douglas (Kim) Nieman, Ronald (Mary) Nieman, Pamela Molden, Troy (Colette) Nieman, and Hagel (Elaine) Nieman.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ervin Nieman, his mother, Mona Nieman (Welch), grandparents, Bernard and Irene Welch and Emil and Christine Nieman.

Numbers 6:26 May Jehovah lift up his face toward you and grant you peace.

Funeral services for LouElla Nelson, 96, Winner, formerly of Millboro, were held Nov. 23 at the First Christian Church in Winner. Burial was in the Winner Cemetery.

LouElla Mae Rix, one of nine children born to Henry and Dora (Montgomery) Rix, came into this world on Aug. 13, 1923, on a farm five miles north of Springview, NE. She grew up in the Springview area and graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1942. As a young lady, Lou worked at various jobs around Springview and Ainworth.

On Jan. 30, 1943, Lou was united in marriage to Erwin Herrmann. To this union, two children were born: Larry Erwin and Dianne Lynn.

On Oct. 20, 1957, Lou married Glen Nelson and was blessed with three more daughters: Linda Jean, Darla Lyn, and Nancy Eileen. The couple, along with their combined family, made their home in Millboro where Glen served as the rural mail carrier and Lou took on the role of housewife and mother, teaching their girls to cook, sew, and do various other domestic skills.

She was a wonderful cook, and her children and grandchildren will forever remember the homemade dishes and fruit jellies she delighted in preparing for them.

Lou was a member of the United Church of Christ in Millboro and the Millboro Extension Club. She was also a member of several service connected organizations.

Glen and Lou had a full and happy life together until Glen’s passing in December 1996. Lou continued to live in the family home in Millboro until January 2015, when health issues forced her to move to the Elder Inn assisted living facility in Winner.

She later transferred to Winner Regional Long Term Care after suffering a severe stroke in September 2019.

LouElla passed away at the Winner Nursing Home on Nov. 18, 2019.
Lou is survived by four daughters: Dianne Herrmann, Winner, SD; Linda (Larry) May, Bassett, NE; Darla (Rich) Miles, Omaha, NE; and Nancy (Richard) Kloucek, Scotland, SD; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

‘She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Glen; eight siblings: Mildred, Glenn, Nelda, Ortha, Dortha, Melvin, Norman, and Marvin; her son, Larry (Butch) Herrmann; and grandson, Shawn Coleman.

Isabella “Daisy” Mernaugh, 100, of Pierre, SD died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 at Avera Mary House with her husband LeRoy at her side.

Isabella Fox was born on Jan. 24, 1919 on the Fox Angus Farm in Watertown, SD to Nick and Isabel Fox. Her sunny disposition earned her the nickname “Daisy” at a very young age.

Daisy grew up on the farm and left for Hastings, MN to help relatives there take care of their family. She also worked at the Smead Manufacturing Company in Hastings making envelopes. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Daisy gave up her caretaking duties and her job at Smead to join the Women’s Air Corps.

During World War II, Daisy worked in a photography lab at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL, processing photos taken overseas by reconnaissance airplanes. After the war, she moved back to Watertown and worked at Gray’s Photo studio.

It was during this time in Watertown that she met LeRoy Mernaugh. They married in 1949 and together had five sons. The family relocated to Winner, SD in 1966 and then again to Pierre, SD in 1971, where they settled for good.
Daisy was very active in the Catholic Church and local community. She was a volunteer for most of her life on various committees, most notably the funeral committee where she was known to commandeer the volunteers in serving meals for funerals.

Daisy was a lifelong pinochle player and virtually every meal was followed by a couple of hands. She won quite a few more games than she lost. She also had a lifelong passion for flowers and gardening. She won many “Pierre’s Yard of the Week” awards.

Daisy was a longtime member of the East Pierre Women’s Club and as one of her duties, she and LeRoy managed the first schoolhouse building in Pierre, which is now located at Steamboat Park. She also spent many years caring for the small flower garden which surrounds the original steeple from Oahe Chapel, which is located at the corner of South Pierre Street and West Pleasant Drive in Pierre.

Daisy is survived by her husband of 70 years, LeRoy Mernaugh of Pierre; her five children, Ray (Glenda) of Hoover, AL, Kenny of Spearfish, SD, Kelly of Omaha, NE, Kevin (Debbie) of Corpus Christi, TX, and Paul (Lisa) of Ocala, FL; one sister, Sister Rogene (Betty) Fox of Rochester, MN; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Nicholas, Alfred, Mildred, Howard, and Anna Marie.

Per Daisy’s request, she will be cremated with services to be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.isburgfuneralchapels.com

Keith Chester Songer, age 74, of Huron, SD, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 at the Avera Queen of Peace Medical Center in Mitchell, SD. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service with burial in Colome Cemetery will take place at a later date. Visit www.welterfuneralhome.com.

Keith Songer was born on Sept. 30, 1945 on their rural Colome home to Raymond and Hazel (Baughman) Songer. Keith grew up mostly in the Winner and Gregory areas.

Keith enjoyed working on vehicles but his favorite pastime was fishing and camping. He was known to be a pool shark as well. Keith’s greatest joys were that of having his dogs, Missy and Tinker. He enjoyed getting visits from his grandchildren the most. Keith worked as a mechanic, bee worker, truck driver, and finally retiring, due to health reasons, from Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery after 20 years as head groundskeeper.

He is survived by Brian (Tonya Petersen) Songer, Timothy (Kendra Bretz) Songer, Vickie (Eric Rittel) Songer, also David (Joni) Tracy, Charlotta Scheiffer, Darrell (Kari) Songer, Donald Songer, Douglas Songer, Duane (Ruth) Songer, and Carolyn (Kurt) Wallace; 27 plus 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; Siblings, Wayne (Barb) Songer, Larry Songer, Geneva Songer, and Leota Story; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Jimmy James Songer and Daniel Songer; brothers Donald, Dale, Kenneth, Leonard, Melvin, and sisters Velda, Iola, and Charlette; granddaughter Rebecca Jo, great-grandson, Ethan, and daughter-in-law, Jodi.

Marian Burtz, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019 at Winner Regional Long-Term Care. Funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD on Wednesday Dec. 4 ,2019 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Winner from 6-7 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 7 pm.

Marian Ruth (Best) Burtz was born Feb. 23, 1928 to Lloyd and Minnie (Horstman) Best at their home across the Tripp County line in Mellette County. Her sister, Dorothy joined the family 22 months later. She lived a full life before she was called to her heavenly home on Nov. 29, 2019.

Marian attended grade school and high school at Witten, SD, graduating in 1946 from Witten High School.

On Sept. 14, 1946, she married the love of her life, H. Earl Burtz. They were married at the Baptist parsonage in Witten, SD with Rev. Curtis Gatson officiating. To this union 3 children were born, Allen, Linda, and Malon. They shared everything for 57 years until Earl was called home to be with his Lord in March 2003.

Marian was a caring, nurturing person always putting other people and their needs first. Her home was always open to family and friends. There were very few years that she and Earl were alone in their home. From extended family, to high school students who stayed with them during the week, there were always extra people in their home whom she welcomed. She found great joy in being a good hostess.

For several years, Earl and Marian owned and operated a dairy farm just west of Winner. People asked to buy farm fresh whole milk and so began many years of her selling milk right from the bulk tank in the barn into containers that they brought. Cars lined up, sometimes 10 deep waiting for their turn to buy gallons of milk. To this day, many fondly remember Marian as “The milk lady”.

Marian had a passion for growing iris, violets, and a big garden. She spent hours canning her produce from the garden and sharing with others. When she was first married, she had very little cooking experience, but as time went on, she became an excellent cook and fed many people throughout the years.

Marian lived her entire life in the Witten and Winner communities. She moved into Winner Regional Long-Term Care in December of 2016 after a fall in her home. She enjoyed all the people whom she met while living there and always appreciated everything that was done for her. She spent numerous hours cutting clippings from the newspaper and then pasting them in scrapbooks. Her faith and her family were what she valued the most.

Marian is survived by her 3 children: Allen, Linda (Neil) Schroeder, and Malon (Alona) all of Winner, SD. Also, 9 grandchildren: Justin (Julie) Burtz, Nathan Burtz, Emily (Noe) Hernandez, Brad (Susie) Schroeder, Kimberly (Ross) DeMers, Jeremy (Rhonda) Schroeder, Bruce, (Kira) Schroeder, Dan (Angie) Burtz, and Heather (Justin) Heying; 20 great-grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, and 4 step great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Marian in death were her parents, Lloyd and Minnie Best, Her husband of 57 years, Earl, her sister Dorothy Still, and her daughter-in-law Pam Burtz.

Darlene was born March 4, 1936 in Gregory SD, the daughter of Martin and Anna Rezac. She attended schools in the Gregory area, and when she wasn’t learning there, she was at home discovering some of the many skills she would need to raise a large family.

Darlene was a master in the kitchen and quickly became one of the best cooks this side of the Missouri, and probably the other side too. While in Gregory, Darlene met the new kid in town Floyd Simunek, and the two quickly fell in love. They were married on April 19, 1952, and a short time later started a family. They eventually moved to Colome where they continued to farm and ranch. Darlene and Floyd were blessed with 11 children, many of whom worked alongside them on the family farm.

Darlene was the CEO of the house, making sure everything was running smoothly. She often spoke of her dream of being a business woman, but was so humble she didn’t realize that she was a financier, a master chef, a teacher, a doctor and nurse, a psychiatrist, a hospitality manager, and so much more – far exceeding what many business women do in a routine week.

After 28 years in Colome, the family moved to the Black Hills, settling in the Hot Springs area while maintaining a small ranch and garden near Buffalo Gap. Darlene also helped run a family campground and pawn shop, all while teaching her children and grandchildren her cooking skills and family recipes. There was no better day in the Simunek household than when Darlene was making chicken noodle soup, as everyone got in on the act – both making and devouring the culinary treasure.

In addition to cooking, gardening, a cold beer, and the farm life, Darlene enjoyed music and dancing, especially if it was a good polka tune. Her heart was happiest when she had a house full of family. The holidays were always at Mom’s/Grandma’s and although chaotic and loud, she wouldn’t have it any other way. Darlene will forever be remembered as a kind soul, loving all of her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. Whether it was a warm bed, a hot meal, or a thoughtful gesture, Darlene opened her home and heart to many. She will be dearly missed by the countless lives she enhanced.

Thankful by those whose lives she shared, Darlene is survived by ten children, Belinda (Jack) Gunvordahl of Burke, SD; Steve (Carla) Simunek of Hot Springs; Diane Simunek-Batai (Frank Batai) of Orlando, FL; Perry (Patty) Simunek of Gillette, WY; Sandy (George) Portz of Pierre, SD; Kelly (Diane) Simunek of Hot Springs; Marcia (Mark) Kazmer of Spearfish, SD; Scott (Keri) Simunek of Hot Springs; Lori SimunekStevenson (Tim Stevenson) of Los Angeles, CA; Floyd Jr.”Chris” (Kelly M.) Simunek of Rapid City, seventeen grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd, a daughter, Tammi, a great-grandson Roper, and siblings Delores, Martin, Howard, Leland, and JoAnn.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 , 2019, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Following Mass, Internment was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley’s Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

Vernon Carpenter, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 at the Winner Regional LongTerm Care Center in Winner, SD.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial was at 2:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour, SD on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019.

Vernon Joe Carpenter, born Jan. 11, 1928 and passed away on Nov. 24,2019 at Winner Regional Long-Term Care at the age of 91.

He was married to JoAnn Kathryn (Lammers) Carpenter. They shared 66 years of marriage.

Born near Wister, Okla., he was the son of Alkali (Doc) Carpenter and Lula (Wilson) Carpenter. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater, Oklahoma with a degree in vocational agriculture. After graduation he was employed as a vo-ag teacher and also loved refereeing high school football and basketball in Nebraska and South Dakota.

On Aug. 22, 1953 he and JoAnn were married.

After several years of teaching he joined the Ralston Purina Company as a district sales manager where he was employed for 24 years until his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and playing cards throughout his life. During his retired years he took particular enjoyment in traveling with his grandchildren and sharing his favorite hobbies with them.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn, Winner, SD, a younger sister Margie (Leo) Christ, Newton, KS, his daughter, Mary Carpenter (Dan Flynn), Winner, SD, His son Mark, Mill Spring, NC, his grandchildren Grant (Erin) Flynn, Tristan and Sean, Pierre, SD, Katie (Jessie) Harris, Ayden, Lucia, Jesse, Mylah, Telon, and Tobias, Winner, SD, and Jamie Flynn, Tucson, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Ona Wiggington, Robert Carpenter, Ola Martin, Luella Todd, Frank Carpenter, and Oman Carpenter.

Jim Wagner, age 76, passed away Oct. 23, 2019. He was surrounded by family He was a resident of Wesley Woods Manor, Hewitt , Texas.

He was born Feb. 20, 1943 to Ed and Emma (Vavra)Wagner. Growing up he played sports and worked in the family store Wagner’s Market. He graduated from Colome High School in 1961. He married Faye(Clark) in 1966 in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. He finished collage and taught school in Bonesteel, S.D. They moved to Montana for several years . They returned to Colome and ran the family grocery store Wagner’s Market and Locker. Later moving to Florida and worked with troubled teens . They worked at earning their GED while at Florida Youth Challenge Academy. While working there he received the Florida Distinguished Service Metal and the Florida Commendation Medal.

Jim loved working with the youth whether is was coaching baseball, track, community service or education. He wanted for someone to learn one thing each day. He also enjoyed playing cards and golfing. In 2012 they moved to Waco, Texas, where they retired.

Survivors are his loving wife Faye of 53 years. To this union were 2 children, Troy ( Evelyn) Wagner, La Vernia, Texas and grandchildren Andrew and Sherrylynn,. Daughter Shannon ( Tom) Grimmond Sioux Falls, S.D. grandchildren Krisha ,Joey, and Mikey. Siblings Ed Jr. wife Glenda, Starke, Fl. Dave wife Nelda, Judy husband Rod Smith , Lake Havasu City, Az. One aunt Adeline Vavra Winner, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Jim joked we should have started with the grandchildren they are more fun.

He suffered from Alzheimer’s for several years spending the last two years at home. He developed an upper respiratory infection which he couldn’t recover.

Jim’s body was cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Colome.