Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Russ Phillips, 53, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 at his home in Winner, SD. Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, November 25th, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery in Winner, SD.

A visitation was held on Sunday, November 24th, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Winner, SD with a Vigil service.

Russ Phillips took his final checkered flag on November 20th 2019 after a four-month hard fought battle with cancer. Russ will be remembered for his convincingly quick wit, never-ending humor and pranks. His generous and giant heart was felt by all.

Russell Todd entered the world on December 7th 1965 in Winner, SD. Proud parents Dennis (Denny) and Carol (McIntosh) Phillips decided Russ was so perfect they need not have anymore. He was baptized in April of 1966 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Russ graduated from Winner High School in 1984 and went on to graduate from the National School of Business in Rapid City, SD where he received a degree in business in 1986. In October 2019 Russ became a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.

Hard work was a virtue for Russ and he started working at a young age. From the time he could walk he worked with his dad at the Car Care Center. He also worked at the Phillips 66 station with Arlyn (Harold) and Brenda Klundt. This provided him the opportunity to perfect his prank playing. Next, he became the chip man delivering chips for Old Dutch. Along his route he met the love of his life, Lorna.

They were married on May 21st, 1994. They were blessed with two children Megan Marie and Cole Hunter. Following his chip days, he worked for a short while at the Soil Conservation, before finding his perfect fit and second family. Russ started at the Tripp County Water User District as a Water Operator in 1995. He was promoted to Manager in 2006 and was awarded Manager of the Year in 2017. He served in this position until his final day.

The two loves of his life were his family and his race cars. It depended on the day which one got first place. Russ held numerous wins on South Dakota racetracks over his 25 years of racing and passed on the love of racing to his son Cole. During these years he met many lifelong friends and created many memories and stories that he cherished till the end.
Russ cherished a simple life filled with family, friends, racing, plenty of hot tub time, and of course Bud Light. Many are left to carry on his stories including loving wife Lorna, children Megan (Mike) Cahoy, Cole (Taylor) Phillips, granddaughter Maycee Cahoy, a special “second “ son Austin Klundt (Hailey, Evan, & Sylvia), parents Denny and Carol Phillips, his in-laws Tom and Nancy Esterling, brother-in-law Matt (Christie, Andrew, & Charlie). Many aunts, uncles, and cousins. The Tripp County Water User District family, employees, and Board of Directors & their families. His extended racing family and many friends.

Meeting him in heaven will be his paternal grandparents Ralph and Elsie Phillips, his maternal grandparents Riley and Rose McIntosh, great aunt and uncle James and Clara Musilek, Lorna’s grandparents Erwin and LaVerna Esterling, Wayland and Kess Dempster.

Funeral services for Joan Stenson, 88, Colome, were held Nov. 22 at the Methodist Church in Winner. Burial was in the Colome Cemetery.
Stenson died Nov. 16 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.

Joan Joyce (Bowden) Stenson was born Jan. 24, 1931, in Tekamah, Neb., to Pearl Edith (Quick) and Clarence Miles “Mike” Bowden. She joined an older half-brother William Bowden. As a child she attended public schools in Nebraska while her father sought construction work during the Depression.

In 1941, Joan’s sister Carol Faith (Bowden) Moyer was born and the family settled in Lincoln. She attended high school in Lincoln, Neb., and later moved to South Dakota, graduating from Winner High School in 1949. Joan enjoyed her high school years in Winner and was active in cheerleading and served as a member of the homecoming court.

Following high school she moved to Omaha with her good friend Kate and worked as a cashier in a department store. It was there on a “blind date” she met Randal Stenson who she would marry on Aug. 22, 1953. Initially, the couple lived in Colome, later moving to the family farm outside of town. Her life would soon become full, becoming a mother to DeEtte the following summer and welcoming sons Craig and Brett in 1955 and 1956, respectively.

In 1966, the family became complete with the addition of a daughter, Randi Jo. As a wife and mother she was active in the community and in her husband and children’s lives, serving as a Cub Scout den mother, in the PTA, American Legion Auxiliary, as a member and later worthy matron of the Eastern Star, and the local bridge and birthday clubs. Joan was also a member of the First Christian Church, but would later attend the United Methodist Churches in Colome and Winner.

Joan and Randal raised their family and farmed/ranched outside Colome. Joan primarily worked in the home, but would later work alongside her husband in the realty/appraisal business in Winner. The couple stayed busy. Joan’s life revolved around family, faith, and Democratic politics. She actively supported her kids as they graduated, married, and began families of their own. Joan and Randal enjoyed traveling, visiting their children in different parts of the country, attending family reunions on both sides, and hosting the Annual Stenson Family Hunt. Throughout her life, Joan was the consummate hostess, her house served as a veritable bed and breakfast for both immediate and extended family and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill and her husband of nearly 61 years, Randal.

She is survived by her children DeEtte (Dan) Lombard, Craig Stenson, Brett (Stephanne) Stenson and Randi Jo Stenson; her grandchildren Danielle (Jason) Bonsack, Lakin (Tanner) Trigg, Colin Stenson, Sean Stenson, Samantha Stenson, Ashlee (Alex) Swanson, Seth Stenson, and Jakob Steffy; and her great grandchildren Judson, Delanie, Weston, Emersyn, Macon, and Keller Bonsack. In addition, Joan is survived by her sister Carol Moyer, her sister-in-law DeEtte Elliott and her brother-in-law Doug (Jeanne) Stenson.

The memorial service for Matthew Weidner, 32, Aberdeen, SD, formerly of Winner, SD, was held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at New Life Fellowship, with Pastor Rodney Johnson officiating. Matthew died Saturday, Nov. 16, in Winner, SD.

Matthew Weidner was born on March 11, 1987, to Ron and Mavis (Stone) Weidner in Winner. His family moved to the farm south of Winner while Matt was young. He loved sports, horse races, shooting off fireworks, and playing Pitch with his Grandpa Jack. He was a proud Boy Scout and active in 4-H, and went on to be a camp counselor and eventually Program Director at Camp Bob Marshall.

After graduating from Winner High School in 2006, he went to Presentation College in Aberdeen where he earned his bachelor’s degree in social work. It was there that he met Heather Rau. Matt and Heather were united in marriage on May 29, 2010, in Aberdeen. They lived in Hot Springs for a few years before moving back to Aberdeen, where Matt earned his master’s degree in school counseling through NSU. He currently worked at Central High School with the ESL program (English second language) and at Pizza Hut.

Matt’s faith was an important part of his life. After he was confirmed, he was very active in youth group. He later went on two mission trips to Mexico where his life forever changed when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His faith became stronger and his desire to help others became a priority. Matt was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Hot Springs and attended New Life Fellowship in Aberdeen.

Matt will forever be remembered because of his strong love for all people. He had fun bantering with those around him, especially when they had opposing views. Whether it was church league softball, deer hunting with his family, or playing poker, board games, and video games with his friends, he loved being around people. But above all else, he loved being a daddy.

Grateful for having shared Matthew’s life are his wife: Heather Weidner, Aberdeen; his children: Annabelle, Theodore Jackson ‘TJ’, Trinity and Simeon Weidner; his parents: Ronald ‘Toad’ and Mavis Weidner, of Winner; grandma: Jackie Stone; brothers: Robert (Brianne) Weidner and Jeffrey Weidner; his nieces Millie and Ella Weidner; his parents-in-law: Kevin (Cindy) Rau; brother-in-law: Matthew Rau; cousin/sister-in-law: Sanessa Lindemann; and many loving uncles, aunts and cousins.

Preceding Matthew in death are his grandpa Robert Weidner, grandpa Alvin Wilken, grandma Elleanor Wilken, grandpa Jack Stone.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials.
www.spitzerfuneralhome.com

Dawn Annette Adams, 55, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019 at her home in the Watchorn area of Pawnee County, Okla.

She was born on Aug. 29, 1964 in Pawnee, Okla. to Wayne and Yvonne (Laird) Robbins. Her early years were spent in the Masham community in Pawnee County.

For her first six years of school, she attended Pawnee Grade School, and she enjoyed the company of her many cousins and relatives.

At the age of 12, the family moved to Hamill, South Dakota where she attended a country school until the eighth grade. She loved the farm life and with no boys in the family she worked livestock and did a lot of the field work. She loved driving the farm machinery and riding horses. Fishing was a favorite pastime of hers, one she often enjoyed with her father. Later, she passed the love of fishing down to her boys.

In 1982, she graduated from Winner High School in Winner, South Dakota. After graduation she moved back to Oklahoma.

She married Rick Adams on Dec. 29, 1983 and they have two boys, Stacey Lee Adams and Dustin Wayne Adams. She and Rick lived most of their married life in Pawnee and the Watchorn/Morrison area except for one year that they lived in South Dakota.

For almost 20 years until her illness Dawn worked as an assistant manager and manager of the Sonic Drive-In, in Pawnee. She was a hard worker and a good boss. Her employees loved her, and she loved them. Because of her love for children, she also ran a daycare for a few years.

Dawn loved her sons, as well as their friends, her grandsons and many other children she welcomed into her home. She loved taking care of her grandsons and loved holding all babies. Family and friends were very important to her.

Dawn had a great interest in genealogy and researched both sides of her family to make sure it was saved for future generations. She especially enjoyed the photos of her family past and present. In spite of her illness, she maintained a sharp mind and could recall dates and numbers when others could not. The family called her a “walking phone book”. She also loved to read and shop for gifts for others.

Dawn was especially grateful for the time she had with her family. She was always positive and cheerful even when she did not feel well. She was an inspiration to many for the life she lived and handled her illness with grace. She was always thinking of others. Everyone that met her knew that she had a kind, sweet spirit, , but she was very strong willed, too.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Rick Adams, of Morrison, OK; her sons, Stacey Lee Adams, of Morrison, OK and Dustin Wayne Adams and wife, Jessica of Hamill, SD; her grandsons, Gunner Adams, Kacen Adams and Liam Adams; her mother, Yvonne Robbins, of Hamill, SD; two sisters, Kathy Morford and husband, Steve of Spearfish, SD, and Amy Gregg, of Carter, SD; her special caregiver, Stormi Scott of Morrison, OK and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Dawn is preceded in death by her father, Wayne Robbins, and her many grandparents.

Dawn’s service was held on Nov. 15, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Masham Baptist Church with Pastor Johnny Wagner and Stanley Robbins officiating. She will be put to rest at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, Okla.

On November 8, 2019, Kathryn Joanne Foster (Walton) 84, passed into heaven surrounded by her loving family.

Kay was born and raised on a family homestead farm near Clearfield, SD. She graduated from Winner High School in 1953, married her high school sweetheart, Ronnie and formed a loving union of almost 66 years.

After her marriage in 1953, the couple moved to Vermillion and the University of South Dakota, then to Stockton, California, on to Arlington, Virginia (Washington, D.C.), and then to Kailua (Oahu,) Hawaii, where the family resided for almost fifty years. Finally moving to Ashland, Oregon to be near their daughter.

Kay was an immaculate seamstress, upholsterer, and the best pie maker in the world. She loved to water ski and ride the wave runner with her dog, Maile. Kay always relished and believed her number one job was to love, nurture and to raise a family. In this, she was indeed a loving and devoted mother and wife.

In addition, she managed to work at many venues throughout her life as an efficient secretary, of which she took much deserved pride. After high school, she was employed at the Winner JC Penney store, worked at the Agriculture Stablization Conservation (ASC) offices at both Clay and Tripp Counties of South Dakota, as secretary to the Commissary Office at Fort Meyer, Virginia, and as secretary to the Chairman of the Waikiki Improvement Association.

She also volunteered to supervise and to participate in numerous school activities in Kailua, Hawaii to be near her children. Kay was a wonderful, patient, and beautiful mother. She gave so much, and asked so little. She will be missed so very much, but never forgotten. “Love ya babe.”

Kay leaves behind, her husband, Ron Foster of Ashland, Oregon; son, Todd Foster, of Kailua, Hawaii; daughter, Tamar Foster-Mikota and son-in-law Bryan Mikota of Ashland; and a sister, Laverna Bechtol, of Coulee City, Washington and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents Ralph Andrew Walton and Freda E. Walton, brothers, Ralph Dean Walton, Richard Walton of Clearfield, SD and Albert Wayne Walton for Grand Island, NE; sisters, Joyce Bettcher of Santa Clara, CA and Elinor Blomstrom of Winner, SD.

Marie Magdalene Banek went to her heavenly home on Nov. 8, 2019 at the age of 101 at the Winner Regional Hospital.

Marie was born March 7, 1918 to John and Maria (Brunsch) Karlin near Milboro, SD. In 1925 she moved with her family to a homestead near White River, SD.

She was married to William Banek on April 15th, 1939. To this union three daughters, Bernice, Diana and Carol were born. They farmed and ranched near Parmelee, SD. In February of 1977 Bill died in a tractor accident. That fall she moved to Winner, SD.

Marie kept herself busy being a helpful farm wife. She enjoyed her hobbies of sewing, quilting, and embroidery work. She was known for being a fabulous cook.

She was baptized at an early age in the Lutheran Church and confirmed on July 3, 1932. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran for many years and was an active charter member of the Ladies Aid at the Church. After moving to Winner, SD she became a member of Christ Lutheran where she was always willing to help. Following a fall in her home she moved to assisted living at the Golden Prairie Manor for nine years and the past two years at the Winner Regional Nursing Home.

Marie was known for her witty sense of humor and for “the look”… you didn’t want to be the recipient of that “Look”!!

She loved to play cards and games but took it very seriously and kept everyone on the straight and narrow…

She is survived by her three daughters, Bernice (Bob) Sandal of Lynn Haven, FL, Diana (Terry) Zieman of Springfield, MO, Carol (Bob) Hutchinson of White River, SD, Seven grandchildren; Shane (Shana) Sandal, Justin (Andrea) Sandal, Dawn (Bryan) Snyder, Nikki (Dave) Caudill, Shawn (Lynsey) Zieman, Ryan (Patty) Hutchinson, Cole (Jessica) Hutchinson, Eleven great-grandchildren; Megan, Logan, Autumn, Madelyn, Maddox, Ashlyn, Aiden, Isla, Morgan, Connor and Evie and one very special niece Dorothy Piper along with other nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Norris, SD.

Memorial service for Danny L. Dixon, 53, of Winner, SD formerly of Madison, SD will be 2 pm Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 at the Pukwana Free Lutheran Church in Pukwana, SD with burial of the ashes at a later time.

Danny Lee Dixon was born Jan. 25, 1966 at Chamberlain, SD to Virginia Dixon. He made his home in several different communities in South Dakota including Madison and Sioux Falls where he worked construction along with other occupations.

Danny passed away on Nov. 9, 2019 at Winner, SD as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Survivors include his two children Jace Dixon of Sioux Falls and Courtney Dixon of Madison; mother Virginia Hansen of Madison; six siblings Kelly W. Dixon of Madison, Kimberly Potts of Madison, Dawn Dixon of Wisconsin, Nadine Dixon of Sioux Falls, Nicole (Scott) Knisley of Madison, and Dean Hansen of Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were grandparents Milo “Bud” and Dorothy Dixon, uncle Glen Dixon, and two nieces Nicoleana Dixon and Elizabeth Potts

Leah May (Jorgensen) Benson 86, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2019 in Roseville, Calif., following a long battle with cancer.

Leah was born in Winner SD to Tony and Gladys Jorgensen on May 6, 1933. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orton Wilmont Benson Jr on Dec. 31, 2005. Leah is survived by her three sons, Brad (Laura), Craig (Andrea), and Kevin (Kim); four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother Richard; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Leah loved visiting and socializing with her family and friends and enjoyed playing golf and other competitive games such as bocce ball and Mahjong. She took full advantage of available activities at Sun City where she lived for more than 23 years.

Leah will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to The First Tee of Greater Sacramento 916-486-6220 www.thefirstteesacramento.org.

Funeral services for Lois Connelly were held Nov. 11 at United Methodist Church in Burke. Burial was in the Winner Cemetery.

Lois Marie (Teel) Connelly passed away Nov. 4, 2019 at Rapid City Hospice House at the age of 76. Lois was born April 7, 1943 in Burke, South Dakota the seventh and last child of Harold “H. K.” Teel and Opal (Rogers) Teel.

Lois grew up on a farm northeast of Herrick, South Dakota where she attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended Gregory High School. She had various jobs throughout her career including the Gregory County Assessor’s Office.

Upon moving to Rapid City in 1985, Lois found her perfect job: working the clothing departments at Herberger’s. Lois loved helping her customers find the perfect outfit to look and feel their best.

Lois’ hobbies included flowers, line dancing, aerobics, and golfing until her health prevented her from these activities. However, when Lois wasn’t able to live the active lifestyle she once enjoyed, she switched to reading, coffee with her girlfriends, and watching western movies.

Lois was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota and her faith in the Lord grew each day.

Lois was blessed for the 40 loving years she spent with her husband, Lee Connelly. Another great blessing in Lois’ life were her seven children: Ruthie Jo, Ricky, Jeff, Greg, Richard “Rick”, Lissa, and Vince. Lois’ ultimate blessing, as she would tell anyone who would listen, however, were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Harold “H. K.” and Opal Teel, infant son Ricky, and her six siblings, Russell Teel, Harold Teel Jr. “Tom”, Ralph Teel, Geneive Steffen, Max Teel, and Ruth Ann Mathson.

Left to mourn after her passing are Lois’ husband, Lee Connelly of Rapid City, SD, daughter Ruthie Jo (Dean) Norberg of Burke, SD, son Jeff Hoffman of New Underwood, SD, son Greg (Paula) Sandoz of Lacey, WA, son Richard “Rick” (Lana) Aupperle of North Platte, NE, Lissa (Tom) Schroeder of Grant, NE, and Vince (Charlene) Connelly of Sioux Falls, SD, grandchildren Eric Colvin of Rapid City, SD, Tate Hoffman of Rapid City, SD, Rachelle Norberg of Burke, SD, Lanning Norberg of Burke, SD, Katelyn Connelly of Sioux Falls, SD, and Faith Hoffman of Rapid City, SD, great grandchildren Anthony and Daniel Aquitar of Rapid City, SD, and several nieces and nephews.