Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Dennis D. Stevens, age 67, passed away on Nov. 4, 2019 in Anderson, Ind. Memorial services are pending and will be held at a later date in Page, Neb.

Dennis was born on Oct. 22, 1952 in O’Neill, Neb. He was the son of Inez (Albright) and Robert T. Stevens. He attended high school in Winner, SD graduating in 1971 then pursued an undergraduate degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion S.D.

Dennis then moved to California to enjoy a long and distinguished career in commercial art and marketing.

Dennis was an avid artist, photographer, gardener, and cook. One of his greatest passions was to create, prepare, and cook special exotic dinners. He thoroughly enjoyed showing special attention to his steady companions, his family and all of his friends.

Dennis Stevens was a beloved son, brother, uncle and a dear friend to many in California, Nebraska, Indiana and South Dakota.

He is survived by brothers Tom (Valerie) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jeff (Linda) of Parker, Arizona, and Bob (Sherry) of Anderson, Ind., and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Inez (Albright) Stevens and father Robert Stevens.

Dale Francis Sherman, 55, of Norris, SD formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at the Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral service were held on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 at 10 am at the Winner Middle School Gym in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Mniska Presbyterian Cemetery near Dixon, SD.

Wake service began on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Winner/Ideal Community Hall in Winner and were held on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Winner Middle School Gym.

Dale was born to Carol Ann (Bills) and John Francis Sherman on June 16, 1964. He grew up in upstate New York.

He met Judy Collins when he went to Ohio Institute of Technology. They were married on June 23, 1983. After one year of Bible School, they moved to Winner, SD.

Dale began pastoring at Indian Gospel Chapel at the age of 21. They went to Alberta, Canada for a short time, and then returned to Spring Creek, SD. In 1992, they moved to Alberton, MT to be the Boy’s Dorm Parents at Northwest Indian Bible School. After that, he pastored in Fairford, MB, Canada for 11 years. They moved back to Winner to pastor again in 2005. They were there until October 2018, at which time they moved to Norris, SD. Dale was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic cancer on March 15, 2019. At that time, they moved to Sioux Falls to be close to the hospital for his treatments.

Dale was the president of the Society of Indian Missions for 10 years, stepping down due to his illness.

Dale loved the great outdoors! His favorite times were spent hiking, especially in New York with his nephew Manley. He hiked Harney (Black Elk) Peak as often as he could.

His other passions included cutting firewood, hunting, fishing and camping. His favorite “get-away” was the Black Hills.

But, Dale’s greatest passion in life was his ministry. He LOVED being a pastor. He especially loved working with children and youth. He was always looking for ways to help and care for his people. He truly loved the Native people, and they always made him feel right at home when he was with them. He will be missed by all.

Dale is survived by: his wife, Judy (Collins) Sherman; his son Tonweya (Judy) Sherman of Detroit, MI; grandchildren Aiden and Krishana. His daughter; Tasbah (Keith) Lavery of Mission, SD and grandchildren Alanna, Cassie, Emily and Yamni. His father, John (Linda) Sherman of GA; sister, Merillee (Brad) Waterman of NY; brothers; Asa (Marlene) Sherman of PA and Aaron (Hannah) Sherman of KY. Brothers-in-law Dan (Brenda) Quackenbush, IN, and Dan (Deb) Collins, IN, and John (Joyce) Drake, IN.
He also leaves many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dale had many “adopted” children, brothers, and sisters that he truly considered part of his family that he sadly leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol (Bills) Sherman, baby brother, Randell; Grandparents Francis and Eleanor Sherman, and Asa and Othelia Bills; an unborn grandchild, several aunts, uncles and close friends.

At his request, memorial donations may be made to the Society of Indian Missions; Att: Dale Sherman memorial Fund.

Carroll Kenneth Simkins of Surprise, AZ, was born March 29, 1930 to Jesse and Lucille Simkins (nee Sheldon) in rural Burke, South Dakota. He died Nov. 3, 2019, at Surprise Memory Care, Surprise AZ.

Carroll graduated in 1948 from Winner High School, Winner, SD. He joined the National Guard which was activated in 1950 for the Korean War. He spent one year of training in Colorado Springs, CO, and one year of service in Alaska. After his return home to Clearfield, SD, he met Shirley Miller and they married on May 25, 1955, in Winner, SD. They then moved to Indiana, where Carroll received a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology.

After graduating from IIT, Carroll worked for Douglas Aircraft in Sacramento, CA; Martin in Denver, CO; and American Bosch Arma in Salina, KS. He moved to Santa Maria, CA in 1965 to work for the Boeing Company at Vandenberg Air Force Base and in the field for Boeing in Ogden, UT, and Cheyenne, WY. Carroll retired from Boeing in 1992, after working for them for 27 years.

In 1996, Carroll and Shirley moved to Glendale, AZ and later to Surprise, AZ to be near family. Carroll enjoyed playing golf, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Carroll also loved to work on his farm, which is near Clearfield, SD.

Carroll is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; three daughters, Jolene Loving Semtner of Carmel, CA; Vicki Rios and her husband Rafael of Glendale, AZ; Errin Simkins and her husband Brian Kato of Huntington Beach, CA; three granddaughters, Carmen Rios Drury and her husband Adam Drury; Cristina Rios Cotton and her husband Dino Cotton; Cassandra Rios; four grandsons, Rafael Rios, and his fiancé Jessica Ratliff; Dylan, Kelsey, and Sean Kato; seven great granddaughters Rosalie Love; Brookelyn, Piper and Annabelle Cotton; Adrina and Arilyn Drury; Gabriella Bando: and one great grandson, Ronin Cotton. He is also survived by his brother, Vaughn, in Mountain Home, Ark. and his extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald and Vernon; and one granddaughter, Deanna Loving Matsuura.

No services are planned at this time. Please join Carroll’s family in sharing memories, pictures or videos on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.