Category Archives: Obituaries

Eldora Mae Sorber Whiton passed away on Nov. 2, 2019 at the age of 95 surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation was Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 9-10 a.m. with funeral services following at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church (1224 Lucinda Street, Perry, IA). Burial followed at Violet Cemetery. Memorials will be designated after the service and will include the First Christian Church, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be sent at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.

Eldora was born Oct. 14, 1924 in Dallas, South Dakota to Charles Edwin Sorber and Cora Pervilla Alsever Sorber. She was the youngest of eleven children, namely: Marvel Hearth; Edwin Sorber; Orlin Sorber; Cora Lewis; Willard Sorber; Dorothy Bennett; Howard Sorber; Merlin Sorber; and twins, Delbert and Elbert Sorber. She cherished memories growing up with her siblings, nieces and nephews. After attending high school in Dallas, SD, in 1941 she moved to Iowa and graduated from Rippey High School.

She was married on March 31, 1946 to Lloyd Arthur Whiton, and they enjoyed fifty-one wonderful years together. They farmed for 48 years on a family centennial farm northwest of Perry where they raised two daughters, Vickie and Cheryl.

Eldora had a strong faith in God and was an active member of the First Christian Church family having taught Sunday school for ten years, serving as a Trustee, chairman of the Farm Committee and a member of Christian Woman’s Fellowship. In addition, she was a Boone County 4-H Leader for Union Livewires and a member of Cowbells.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed socializing with her many friends and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her positive outlook, infectious laugh, supportive nature, and wise advice. Family will treasure memories of her special 95th birthday celebration just a few weeks ago. She was very grateful to receive well-wishes from so many family members and friends.

Eldora’s love will live on in her daughter Cheryl Goodall (Charlie) of Waukee, son-in-law Craig Ditsworth of Panora, grandchildren: Kari Ditsworth Hensen (Andy) of Ankeny, Jeff Ditsworth (Heather) of West Des Moines, Charles Goodall (Rachel) of DeSoto, Andy Goodall (Katie) of Clive, Jennifer Goodall Langeness (Cosby) of Waukee, and Michael Goodall of Waukee. She was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Kelsey and Drew Hensen, Juliet Warren, Maxwell Ditsworth, Laura, William and Claire Goodall, Charles (CJ) and Skye Goodall and Clayton and Caleb Langeness, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, Lloyd, and her daughter, Vickie.

Eldora was a strong, independent woman who was so proud that she lived independently with the assistance of her many neighbors and friends.

Robert “Bob” Hansen, age 79, passed away on Wednesday Oct. 30, 2019 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday Nov. 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Robert LaVern Hansen was born on May 3, 1940 to Milo (Butch) and Berniece (Eddie) Hansen in Winner, SD.

Robert attended Jordan School in rural Tripp County through the 8th grade, he then attended Winner High School graduating in 1958. Robert attended Humboldt University after high school and then worked for Continental Airlines in Chicago, IL.

While working for Continental Airlines he met Delores Jean Brown. They were united in marriage on Jan. 26, 1962. To this marriage three children were born, Michael Robert, Mary Ann, and Mark Patrick. Robert and Delores resided at the family farm where Robert worked alongside his father, brother, and uncles.

Robert continued to work on the family farm his entire life and was united in marriage to Jeanne Rowe on Oct. 1, 2002. Robert and Jeanne worked side by side on the family farm and loved spending time with family and friends.

Robert especially enjoyed going to farm sales, auctions, and an occasional trip to the casino. Robert continued to work until his health required him to stay in the Winner Regional Long-Term Care.

Robert made many new friends during his stay in the Winner Long Term Care in 2017 until his death. He lived a very upbeat and social life as one of their residents and fulfilled his role as ‘ambassador’ and always was ready for a quick card game.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Jeanne and his children, Michael (Dawn) of Phillip, SD and Mary (Brad) Whitley of Winner, SD. 5 grandchildren – Jason, Joshua, Brittney Hansen, and Chelsey Dee and Jayd Whitley. Brother – Virgil (Twila) Hansen of Winner, SD and Sister – Peggy Douglas of Witten, SD and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Milo and Berniece, infant son Mark, sister Joan Carroll and brother in law Gene Carroll.

Helen Carroll Sharkey passed away on Oct.31, 2019 in Gillette, Wyo. Visitation with be on Friday, Nov. 8 from 5 – 6 p.m. for family. Public visitation will be from 6 – 7 pm. with vigil service beginning at 7 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Committal services will follow at Winner Cemetery, in Winner. A gathering of friends, neighbors, and relatives will be held at St. Mary’s Hall with a meal.

Helen was born on a farm south of Mission, on Jan. 30, 1931. Helen is the daughter of Frank and Mary (Sheehan) Carroll. She grew up in a family of nine children. She attended rural school and graduated from St. Francis School, and at the age of 16, she received the valedictorian award.

After graduation, she began her career teaching at Midway Rural School, where she taught her younger brothers and sisters. Helen then attended Black Hills State University.

Helen met the love of her life, Michael James Sharkey, at a dance in Valentine, NE, and they were married on April 28, 1951. They were married five days prior to his deployment to serve our country in the Korean War. Helen continued her teaching career in a one-room classroom in rural school. She was loved and admired by her students and families.

She also continued summer college courses and later graduated from Southern State College at Springfield, SD. With the loving union of Michael and Helen, six children were born. Helen was an always-loving wife, mother, and active in the duties and responsibilities of the farm/ranch operations. She continued her teaching career for 30 plus years.

Helen was active in church activities and always present in her children’s activities, especially sports. Nonetheless, she supported Michael’s coaching their sons and others in their love for boxing. Helen continued her support of Winner Quarterback Club, VFW, and Catholic Daughters in Winner, SD.

Helen and Michael resumed their cattle operation after their children were raised. Helen would be recommended by many people, for cooking, especially her caramel rolls. Family and friends enjoyed visiting the ranch/farm, raising horses, branding cattle, playing cards, going to dances, and hunting deer and pheasants.

Family always woke up to the smell of Helen making breakfast. She always made sure everyone felt at home.

Michael and Helen retired from the cattle operation due to Michaels failing health. Subsequently, they moved to Pierre, in order to best support Michael. Michael passed away in July of 2008. Helen later moved to Gillette, Wyo, for health reasons, where she lived at the Legacy Retirement Home.

Prior to that, Michelle, Gary, and Helen were able to enjoy a 10-day Catholic tour of Italy. Helen was so loved by the staff at the Legacy. She did a lot of cheerful singing and assisted her roommate Phyllis and others, while residing there. She was a loving person, caregiver, and uplifted everyone around her. Helen was a Christian woman, praying and always attending church activities.

She is preceded in death by Michael (husband), Leo (son), Mindy (granddaughter), her parents, and all of her sisters and brothers.

Helen is survived by Gary, Gillette, WY, Pat (Mary Kay), Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Terry (Deb), Spearfish, SD, Michelle (Rapid City, SD), Jack (Paula) Lincoln, NE. Helen is also loved and cherished by her 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD.

Eva Jean Brickman, age 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday Oct. 24, 2019 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 30, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Eva Jean (Hansen) Brickman was born on Nov. 27, 1940 to Elvis and Betty (Jansen) Hansen at the family farm near Carter, SD.

Eva Jean passed away on Oct. 24, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Eva Jean attended Hansen School in rural Todd County through the 8th grade, she then attended Winner High School graduating in 1958 where she was involved in band, cheerleading and being a majorette.

Eva Jean attended Nettleton College after high school, after college she worked for the attorney general in Pierre for two years.

While attending high school she met her future husband, Don Brickman. They were married at the Carter Gospel Fellowship Church on Sept. 16, 1961. To this marriage two sons were born, Bryan and Brett.

After Don and Eva Jean were married, they moved to Denver. before moving back to the family farm in 1963 where Eva Jean was a devoted farm wife helping Don whenever he needed help and taking care of the household chores.

Eva Jean loved spending time with family and friends. She was actively involved with her children and grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed attending their games and concerts.

Eva Jean was a member of the United Methodist Church and actively participated in church life.

She enjoyed doing various puzzles, playing a rousing game of pitch and traveling to visit family particularity in Deadwood and Rapid City. The family got their love of cats from Eva Jean.

Eva Jean was gentle, kind and sensitive, as her mother would say “she never met a stranger.” She was the kindest lady you ever met and she always had a smile on her face.

She was a long-time member of the SD Cattlewomen’s Association promoting beef and a member of the Treadle Trippers Club.

On election day you could find Eva Jean sitting at the polling station checking people in to vote.

Eva Jean is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Don and her two sons, Bryan (Julie) of Harrisburg, SD and Brett (LaVonne) of Carter, SD. Also, 7 grandchildren – Brandon, Brittany (James Woods), Bryanna, Carter, Coy Brickman, Cassie Rogers and Matthew Reu, 3 great grandchildren – Jonathan and Nora Brooke, Kaya Bailey, Sister – Betty (David) Porter of Everett, WA, sister-in-law – Sharon Hansen of Rapid City, SD, and Aunt Marjorie Jansen of Mission, SD, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She proceded in death by her parents and brother, Larry Hansen.

Harold Glen Cook, age 52, of Ideal, SD passed away on Oct. 22, 2019 at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Wake services were held on Saturday Oct. 26 and Sunday Oct. 27 starting at 7 p.m. at the Ideal Community Hall in Ideal, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday Oct. 28, 2019 at noon at the Ideal Community Hall in Ideal, SD. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery in Ideal.

Harold Glen Cook was born to Charlotte R. Thunder/Cook and Drury D. Cook on Aug. 3 1967. He then attended Ideal School during elementary and Todd County and Flandreau during high school. He enjoyed listening to music very loudly, working out his arms for physical therapy and because that made him feel better, being around all eleven of his grandchildren.

He also loved being outside watching his family play horseshoes and watching the tribe play fast pitch and playing aggravation. Before Harold became a quadriplegic, he enjoyed playing basketball and softball. Harold was also a very hard-working man, he worked for the Jorgensen Farms and also Gary Fast Construction.

Harold is survived by his wife Frances S. Running Horse/Cook whom he married on June 5, 1998. From this union he is survived by three daughters: Faith Cook, Charlene Cook/Walking Eagle (Warren Jr. W.E.), Jeanette Cook (Dylan W.), and one son Kyle Running Horse Sr. (Bridgette R.H.). He is also survived by six brothers: Larry Long Crow Sr, Charles Long Crow, Amos Cook, Delano Cook, Drury Cook, and Bruce Cook. His four sisters are: Leona Long Crow/Foote (Dewey F.), Blossom Cook (Rodney F.), Tammy Cook/Foote (Gerrit F.), and Denise Cook. He also has one surviving uncle Harry Thunder and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Charlotte Thunder/Cook and Drury Cook, brothers Wayne Long Crow, Lowell Long Crow, Mark Long Crow, and Richard Cook as well as sisters Enola Cook and Gwen Cook, grandparents Amos Cook and Jeanette Owl King/Cook, Simon Thunder and Gladys Eagle Star/Thunder and most of all his grandbaby Charlotte Rebecca Cook.

Alona Roubideaux, age 46, of Mission, SD passed away on Oct. 23, 2019 at the Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. Wake services were held on Sunday Oct. 27 and Monday Oct. 28 at the Bishop Jones Building in Mission, SD.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday Oct. 29th, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Bishop Jones Building in Mission, SD. Burial followed in the St. Mary’s Garden Cemetery in Wood, SD.

Alona is survived by her husband, Lancer Sr. of White River, SD; her children; Jovan, Dayvon, Lacey, Lancer Jr., Ellisa, Keyon, also her grandchildren; Brett, Dayvon Jr., and Kashton, all of Mission, SD.

She is proceded in death by her mother; Martha Iron Shooter, her father; Aloysius Roubideaux, her brother; Carl and her son; Avery Lee.

Alona was born on Sept. 9, 1973 in Winner, SD to Aloysius and Martha.
She went to St. Joseph’s Indian School until the 8th grade. Sometime after she attended Job Corps where she received her GED. She moved to Mission around the year of 1999, which is also around the time when she met her husband. She then began her life in Mission.

She worked at the Rosebud Casino as a cage cashier for about 3 years. After her time at the casino she then began working as a cook for the Todd County School District. She worked with the school district for about 9 years. In that time, she got to know a lot of the little kids who went through the elementary, they called her “cooker teacher”.

She loved her job at the school. She enjoyed playing bingo, having family get togethers, and she also enjoyed watching football. Denver Broncos was her team. Most importantly she loved her kids, family, and friends. She loved to watch her kids play in any and all sports they participated in. She was their #1 fan. She will be missed greatly be her children, family, and friends.

Margie Joan (Pearsall) Bechtold, 86 of Vermillion, SD passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Vermillion Sanford Care Center. She joined the love of her life, Buzzy and they will be golfing and dancing together thru eternity.

Margie was born on Aug. 16, 1933 to Archie and Marjorie (Carter) Pearsall in Lynch, NE. She joined three brothers and one sister while growing up on a farm near Mosher, SD. She attended Burns grade school in Mosher, 3 years of high school at Wood and graduated from White River in 1951. After attending college at Spearfish she worked as a legal secretary in White River.

On Feb. 14, 1953 Margie married Clellan (Buzz) Bechtold at her parent’s home in Mosher. They were together for 65 years until Buzz’s passing on Oct. 30, 2018. Together they raised three children: Crystal McGuire (Vermillion), Monty Bechtold (Pierre) & Cindy Burton (Tulsa, OK).

In 1960 Buzz and Margie built and managed the Maverick Motel in Mission, SD until 1975.

Margie kept very busy with managing the motel including cleaning rooms, daily laundry, and bookkeeping while also taking care of family responsibilities.

Buzz and Margie later moved to Winner and then to Hartford where they built homes and townhomes. They retired in Sioux Falls and wintered part-time in Sun City, AZ for 15 years and returning to SD year-round in 2014 because of health reasons and to be nearer to their children.

Margie was very involved in the lives of her three children attending many events and activities including music concerts, plays, sports and church.

She was a volunteer leader and coordinator for Job’s Daughters and a member of the Eastern Star and Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). She also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing and dancing. Margie started golfing in her 30’s and had great success in winning many trophies and tournaments throughout South Dakota.

She was a marvelous cook and baker, very gifted as she sewed clothing, knitted and crocheted many items for family and others, and made holiday crafts for children and grandchildren. She loved to entertain and was always well-dressed as her past-time later in life was shopping for clothing and shoes.

Margie enjoyed having the family meet for holidays’ at their home and enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared in Margie’s life: her three children: Crystal (Jim) McGuire of Vermillion, SD, Monty (Peggy) Bechtold of Pierre, SD and Cindy Burton of Tulsa, OK; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer (Terry) Hrdlicka, Kevin (Janice) McGuire, Brian (Tina) McGuire, Pamela (Dave) Moening, Kelley (Stu) Larson, Cori (Brandon) Haag, Bailey (Mic) Johnson, Jessica (Ben) Cuddy; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and close friends.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Clellan (Buzz) Lloyd Bechtold; a granddaughter, Brianne Lea Bechtold; her parents, Archie and Margorie Pearsall, three brothers: Russell, Robert and Jay Pearsall; and one sister, Lillian Pearsall.

A private family celebration of life and burial of ashes will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be distributed to Margie’s favorite charities and may be sent to the Bechtold Family at 501 Sharpe Drive, Vermillion, SD 57069.

Margie celebrated her 85th birthday in Vermillion last August (2018) with her entire family including her husband (Buzz), 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, spouses, other relatives and friends and 1 granddaughter in memory.

Kevin Long, 64, of Witten, SD passed away on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at his home in Witten surrounded by family.

Funeral service were held on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 at 10:30 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation was held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6-7 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, with a prayer service at 7 pm.

Kevin Duane Long of Witten, SD passed away on Oct. 20, 2019 after a long and very courageous battle with cancer. He will always be a hero to his family for his strength and his love for life during the most trying times. No matter how sick Kevin was, he never complained about how bad it was.

Kevin was born in Pierre, SD on July 20, 1955 to Robert and Gayle (Jordan) Long. Kevin attended Witten Elementary and graduated in 1973 from Wood, South Dakota.

Kevin married Susan Bender Aug. 27, 1981. Together they raised three daughters, Nikki, Lacey, and Taylor.

Although Kevin had many different jobs, his passion was the Witten Elevator where he spent a majority of his life. No matter the place or situation, Kevin would make friends and could talk for hours to complete strangers. There were not many of Kevin’s close friends that went without a comical nickname with a story behind it.

Kevin loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Kevin had many hunting and fishing trips, including his Elk trip and fishing trip to Canada. He has passed his passion of hunting and fishing to his grandchildren.

He took the grandson’s out hunting for their first deer or fish. If Kevin wasn’t fishing or looking for that “big buck” you could find him at various activities of his grandchildren.

Kevin served many years on the Town of Witten council and was a volunteer fire fighter until his health began to decline. He served as treasurer of the St. John’s Lutheran church. Kevin was very involved in the activities of Witten throughout the years.

Kevin is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Nikki (Winner), Lacey (Sioux Falls), and Taylor (Sioux Falls), brothers Cary (Witten), Rob (Gillette, WY), Tim and Pam (Kennebec, SD), Brian and Catie (Gillette, WY), Kelly (Witten), Todd (Mitchell, SD) and sisters Becky and Rick (Gillette, WY) and Melanie (Gillette, WY). Grandchildren, Tyler, Austin, Kevin, Delaney, Jaxson, and Lincoln and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gayle Long, grandparents Robert and Sylvia Long, Paul and Roseland Jordan, brother Jody Long.

Neal Farley, age 61, of Colome, SD passed away on Wednesday Oct. 23, 2019 at the Avera Gregory Health Care Center in Gregory.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday Oct. 30, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Neal was born to Guy and Evelyn (Larsen) Farley on June 30, 1958, joining his big sister, Jane Elaine. He attended grade school and high school in Todd County.

On June 5, 1972 Neal and David were in a 3-wheeler accident that left Neal in critical condition. He lost half of his liver and his gall bladder and required 9 units of blood. He was a fighter and was released after being hospitalized 64 days.

He graduated from high school in Mission in 1977. Then he attended and graduated Gun Smithing School in Denver, CO. There he made some long-term friends. After that, he went to work on the Ed Pajl farm and during that time he met the love of his life, Julie Ann Stevens. They married on Sept. 24 1982. He worked for Ed for several years.

Then Neal went to work at the ID Ranch north of Sinclair, Wyo. During that time, he had at least two major surgeries to remove scar tissue. He qualified for a liver transplant, which he received on April 10, 1989. This required his doctors to complete a 30+ hour surgery.

Julie worked and Neal volunteered at Needs, Inc. in Cheyenne, Wyo., in order to stay close to Denver. In 1990 they moved home to help her mom when her stepdad passed away. They moved to their place near Colome and built up that place, living there in 1992. Neal loved his cattle, his special horse Blackjack, as well as other horses, geese, dogs, cats, etc… Neal loved all animals.

Following that they worked in Presho, Custer and Sturgis Convenience Stores, then moved back to their place in about 2005. Due to his poor health, Neal did what he could while Julie worked. He spent his days with his family and friends. Neal was Denver’s longest living transplant patient.

About two years ago he had to start kidney dialysis.

Neal leaves to mourn, his wife Julie Ann, his mother Evelyn Farley of O’kreek, brothers David (Wilma) of White River and Donnie (Denise) of Mission, brothers-in- law Mike Nahnsen, Daniel Snethen, Ron (Jean) Snethen, Mike Stevens, sisters-in-law Dawn Snethen and Karen (Craig) Scheely, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Guy Farley, his sister Jane Farley Nahnsen, grandparents George and Velma Farley and Herman and Zella Larsen, mother and father in laws Richard and Dorothy Snethen.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Neal’s family for the memorial of their choice.

Richard “Rick” Pinney, 67, of Rock Springs, Wyoming passed away of a sudden illness in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 12, 2019.

He was born to parents, Warren and Phillis Pinney, of Souix Falls, South Dakota on November 16, 1951.

Rick attended grade school in Huron, South Dakota, and Deadwood, South Dakota, and graduated in Winner, South Dakota in 1970, where he played many sports.

After high school, he went to Mitchell Vo Tech and studied to be an electrician and became a journeyman electrician.

In 1982, he married his beautiful wife, Bonnie (Tatro) Pinney, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. They resided in South Dakota until they moved to Rock Springs in 1984 where they lived until the time of his passing.

Rick was a very caring and loving husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and friend. He loved to go fishing, skiing, working on old cars, riding his Harley Davidson, was an avid Rockies fan, and he was also an active member of the American Legion Post 24.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Bonnie, sons Nick (Julie) Zimmerman of Gillette, Wyoming, Richie (Jennifer Haapala) Zimmerman of Aurora, Colorado; grandkids, Sarah (Jesse) Raisaned of South Dakota, Anthony Kingston of Michigan, Trayon Haapala of Rock Springs, Monika Gibbson of Casper, Wyoming, Brendon Smith, Chris McInturff, and Rod Smith, all of Gillette; sisters Cheryl (Melvin) Littau, Teri (Edward) Turgeon, and brother Timothy Pinney of Winner, South Dakota; sister-in-law Joan Engraff of North Dakota, brother-in-law Harry (Chuck) Tatro of Montana, sister-in-law Jackie Blade of Rock Springs, and brother-in-law Rick Tatro of Sturgis, South Dakota; and several niece and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by parents, Warren and Phillis Pinney, three special dogs Misty, Tasha, and Cocoa, and his kitty Buster.

The family would like to say thank you to the Rock Springs Fire Department, Sweetwater Medics, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Air Meds of Salt Lake City, Life Flight, University of Utah Hospital, friends, extended family, and the American Legion Post 24.

Services will be held on Sunday, November 3, at 1 pm at the American Legion Post 24’s new building, 551 Broadway St.

All flowers should be sent to 3302 Sierra Cir., Rock Springs, Wyoming, or the American Legion Post 24, 551 Broadway St.