Category Archives: Obituaries

Mark Hanig of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 at the Avera Gregory Health Care Center in Gregory, SD surrounded by family at the age of 64 years old.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Mark was born in Gregory, SD on July 25, 1955 to John A. Hanig and Orvilla (Boes) Hanig. Mark was the fourth of six children and attended Wolcott and Lindgren country schools and attended Chamberlain High School, graduating in 1973.

After graduating Mark worked for various construction companies including Border States, John Carlson Construction and Heavy Contractors. Mark was forced to retire from construction after an automobile accident in February 1995.

Mark enjoyed hunting with his friends at the family farm and riding his Harley. Mark loved having breakfast with his Uncle Donnie at Shirley’s Café and then taking breakfast to Aunt Eleanor.

Mark’s favorite drink of choice was Diet Dr Pepper and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Mark enjoyed reading and keeping up with current news. Mark was very knowledgeable on many topics and was always ready for a conversation and loved sharing his opinion.

Mark is survived by brothers –Gary (Fritz) & Ruth Ann Hanig Rapid City SD, John M. Hanig, Chamberlain, SD and Tony (Terami Frantz Nespor)Hanig of Winner, SD and sisters Jean (Erv) Beckman and Ann (Boyd) Thiel of Chamberlain, SD and a half brother James R(Betty) Hanig of Pukwana, SD. 2 Aunts , Shirley Vosicka of Gregory, SD and Wanda Engel of Winner, SD and an Uncle Donald (Eleanor) Hanig of Winner, SD. Along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles and 2 half-sisters.

RIP in Mark “you did it your way.”

Hartley Lee Howard, 37, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019 in Brookings, SD.

Memorial Services were held at 10 am on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre, SD, inurnment followed at Bad Nation Cemetery.

Hartley was born on April 28, 1982 in Winner, SD. He attended school in Winner and became a certified welder. He enjoyed playing guitar and making rap music; he even made a gospel CD. He also enjoyed reading and traditional dancing.

Hartley is survived by his father Burton Wilbur King Sr., children: Amber, Harmony and Lea. He is also survived by his siblings: Jason Blacksmith, Richard Blacksmith, Louis Norse, Marty Eagle Hawk, Burton Jr Eagle Hawk, Heather King, Jessica Norse, Julie King, Waynette King, Jonnie Eagle Hawk, Angel Eagle Hawk, Cara Fischer and Mae Lisa Goldammer.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Melody Mae and his grandmother Joyce Fern King.

Raymond Burch Jr., 66, of Winner SD passed away on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.

Raymond Joseph Burch Jr. was born Feb. 1, 1953 to Raymond and Margaret (Harcher) Burch in upstate New York. Ray graduated from Boulder High School in 1971.

After high school, Ray became a welder which began his journey of being able to fix just about anything. In Boulder, he worked at Complex Tooling for over 20 years before moving to Winner in 1994.

In the Winner area, Ray worked in the fields of maintenance, masonry, landscaping and more.

Ray was an absolute adventure seeker – whether it be hiking over the continental divide, skydiving, snowboarding, target shooting or riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, he loved the thrill. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. Ray was a phenomenally hard worker, excellent marksman, and would genuinely do anything to help others.

Ray enjoyed spending time with family, spoiling his grandchildren, telling stories (lots and lots of stories) of his past, catching up with old friends, and sneaking in as much hunting and fishing as time would allow. One of his favorite stories to tell was when he caught a 15 1/2 lb. northern that was 41 inches long out of the Tripp County stock dam.

He loved telling stories about how many times he jumped out of airplanes and his crazy adventures. His wild side left him with many nicknames such as Ripcord, Major, Radar, and Green Beret Ray.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sheila Burch of Winner, daughter Melanie (Laramie) Unzen of Sioux Falls SD, grandchildren Jase and Cierra, and brother William Burch of Frederick CO.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Margaret Burch and brother Brian Burch.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. “It is not the length of life, but depth of life.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Janet Joye (Aitken) Leonard of Spearfish SD and formerly of Rapid City died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019.

She was born Dec. 14, 1922 to Noble and Jessie (Boerner) Aitken of Winner SD.

On June 30, 1950 she married Robert Leonard. They lived in Burke and Sioux Falls before moving to Rapid City in 1963 where Robert ran the YMCA health club and was a masseuse.

She is survived by her daughters Joye Greeson of Sioux Falls, Carla (John) Heavlin of Rapid City and Anita ( Larry) DeKramer of Lake Madison SD, and daughter-in-law Vicki Leonard of St Paul MN. Eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert in 1967, son Gene in 1997 and sister Carol V Jones.

A private family gravesite committal service will be held in Burke SD.

Douglas D. Kloppel was born in Alliance, NE, on Oct. 8, 1951, to Duane and Madeline (Loeb) Kloppel. Doug had one sister Marilee and they grew up on ranches in Hay Springs, Wood Lake, and Bassett, NE. In 1957, the family moved to a ranch south of Winner, SD. Doug went to school and graduated from Colome High School in 1969.

Douglas married Donna Rohde in 1970 and they had three sons—Joseph, Jedediah, and Justin.

Doug served in the U.S. Navy from 1971-1975. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and NAF Atsugi, Japan and received an honorable discharge.

Doug joined the Spearfish Police Department in 1976 and received his BS degree from Black Hills State University while working full time. He retired from the Spearfish Police Department in 1996 and entered the insurance business full time and then part time.

Doug and Donna retired in 2011, traveled the US, and spent winters in Arizona City, AZ.

Doug enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and spending time with family and friends. His heroes were his dad, his three sons, and, of course, John Wayne. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Naja Shriners, and the Western South Dakota Buckaroos. Doug was proud to be involved in the start of the Spirit of Sue Award honoring Sue Ann Big Crow at the State High School Basketball Tournaments. He was also on the Committee that created the SD Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol Grounds in Pierre, SD.

Doug passed away on Aug 19, 2019 at the Avera Gregory Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Doug is survived by his wife, Donna; three sons; Joseph Kloppel of Clearwater, FL, Jedediah (Andrea) Kloppel of San Diego, CA, and Justin Kloppel of Jacksonville, FL; three granddaughters, Isabella of Lincoln, NE, Sophia of Tallahassee, FL, and Olivia of San Diego, CA; one grandson, Reece Kloppel of San Diego, CA; one sister, Marilee (Tim) Anton of Pierre, SD; and a nephew Alec Anton.

Monte Kahler, age 78, died at home Aug. 19, 2019, with his wife and daughter at his bedside.

He was born in Colome, SD, spent six years in the Navy, then moved to San Diego with his family where he became a bus driver for Greyhound. He and his wife, Janet Kahler, began investing in real estate.

In 1983, Monte and Janet relocated to Rapid City, SD where they continued to pursue their real estate business.

Monte is survived by his wife, Janet, his daughter, Deonne Kahler, and his nieces, Michelle Kroska and Sheila Staples. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Letha Kahler, his sister, Joanne Brickman, and his brother-in-law, DeWayne Brickman.

Monte will be buried at a later date in Colome and arrangements have been placed in the care of Behrens Wilson Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD.

Funeral services for Douglas Kloppel, age 67, of Gregory, formerly of Spearfish, SD will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church, Gregory, SD. Burial will follow at the Colome City Cemetery. There is a prayer service Friday night at 7 at the church.

Leslie Kay (Viedt) Hysell was born on Feb. 16, 1943. She grew up in Winner, South Dakota with her loving parents Bob and Irene, and younger sister Gayle.

Leslie loved music including vocal, piano and percussion.

Leslie married Daryl “Tank” Wilken on May 19, 1962. On April 6, 1963 their beloved daughter Michelle was born. Tragically, Daryl died on March 19, 1972. Leslie was later remarried to Cliff Hysell. She enjoyed years of being a hairdresser and singing with Sweet Adelines.

Leslie was injured in 1981 while living in California. She moved back to Montana and resided in Bozeman and her daughter Michelle was very lovingly attentive to her care. Sadly, her daughter Michelle died in 2010. Leslie described herself as a “puzzlemaniac” and enjoyed ALL activities at the Gallatin Rest Home the last several years.

She is survived by her grandson, Thomas McGuane V; her son-in-law, Thomas McGuane IV; brother-in-laws, Steve Wilken and Charles Johnson, as well as nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held for Leslie on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11am, at First Lutheran Church, Bozeman, MT.

Funeral services for Roger D. Studt, 68, of Presho, SD were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD with burial in the Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery at Carter, SD.

Roger Dean Studt, 68, of Presho, SD passed away on Aug. 14, 2019 at his home with family present after a short battle with cancer.

Roger was born in Chamberlain, SD to John and Della (Quillin) Studt on June 27, 1951, the fourth of seven children. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD. He attended the New Lincoln Country School through the sixth grade, and at the Kennebec school his remaining grammar school years.

As soon as his feet reached the pedals, Roger was driving tractor, helping with field work and putting up hay in the summer. Even though there was an age difference of five years, Rogers’ older brother Bob often included his younger brother whether it was farm work or cruising the streets of Presho. They enjoyed hunting together and taking camping and fishing trips to the Big Horn Mountains. Roger held his brother in high regard; they were best friends his entire life.

At a young age of 13, Roger assumed the responsibility of the farm, as John his dad, pursued another vocation. He loved the farm, the farming. He enjoyed working and planting his fields; harvest in the fall, working the fields for the next planting season.

After raising pigs for 30 years Roger decided time for a change and put together a cow/calf operation. He enjoyed backgrounding his calves and watching his hard work pay off.

Roger had several interests. He was a talented mechanic, machinist, and carpenter. He enjoyed the challenge of trying to figure out how something worked and then to repair it. He often times was more successful than not. He enjoyed working with wood, remodeling or making gifts for giving.

Roger met “the best thing that ever happened to me” in 1987, his wife Diane. They shared 32 years together, 13 of those being married. Being a farm girl herself, after she retired in 2015, they spent most of their time together, sharing the love of the farm life. They enjoyed short get-aways usually to the Black Hills attending the Black Hills Stock Show and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with friends or just riding his Harley along the back roads.

Roger was the father of two children, Dana and Jeff.

Being grateful for sharing his life are his wife Diane, daughter Dana Studt (Tom) of Spearfish, SD and grandson Nolan; stepsons John (Lyn) Spear of Avondale, AZ and Todd (Cindy) Spear of Riverview, FL; six step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; brother Bob (Elaine) of Custer, SD; sisters Judy Raybon of Wendell, NC; Mary Lou (Tony) Urban of Presho, SD; Peggy (Tim) Boysen of Presho, SD; Lucy (Kim) Halverson of Oacoma, SD; and Lavonne Miller of Aberdeen SD; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Roger was a wonderful husband, a great dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and a good friend, he will be missed by many.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents John and Della Studt; son Jeffrey; and brother-in-law Shelton Raybon.

“Here Dad take my hand. Jeff? Yea Dad, I’ve been waiting for you. Take my hand and we’ll go to Heaven together.”

Mary Shea, age 101, of Philip formerly of Winner, South Dakota, died on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 at the Philip Nursing Home.

Mary Margaret Peters was born Jan. 8, 1918 at Colome, South Dakota, to Paul and Nora (London) Peters. As a child Mary lived in the Colome area, as well as, Gretna, Nebraska, while she was growing up. Mary was the oldest of five children and helped her mom with her four younger brothers. She graduated as valedictorian from Colome High School in 1939 and attended Springfield Teachers College. After attending college, she taught school and worked in a government office in Kennebec, South Dakota.

On Oct. 24, 1945, she was united in marriage to Donald F. Shea at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Colome. To this union four children were born: LeRoy, Dennis, Peggy, and Marilyn.

Mary was an excellent cook and baker and loved to feed family and friends. Her hobbies included: playing cards, dancing, baking, cooking, gardening, canning, crocheting, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, and crossword puzzles. While raising her family, she baked homemade bread and cinnamon rolls once a week. She did a lot of crocheting, including making an afghan for each of her eleven grandchildren as well as “double-knit” block quilts for them. She loved to have visitors as well. In the later years she especially loved visits with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church of Colome and Immaculate Conception Church in Winner, Willing Workers Extension Club, Catholic Daughters of America in Colome and Winner, the Colome American Legion Auxiliary, and Retired Teachers Association.

Grateful for having shared Mary’s life are two sons: LeRoy (Sandi) of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Dennis (Judith) Shea of San Diego, CA; two daughters: Peggy (Rick) Palecek of Philip, and Marilyn (Pete) Anderson of Brookings; eleven grandchildren: Nikki (Jim) Rhomberg, Phillip (Katie) Shea, Samuel (Kim) Shea, Donald (Patty) Shea, Laura (Chris) Coyne, Daniel (Christina) Shea, John (Allison) Palecek, Daniel (Tracy) Palecek, Anne (Alex) Chmura, Shaun (Jess) Malady, and Conan Malady; 21 great-grandchildren: Emmalee and Andrew Rhomberg, Claire, Madeline, Colin, and DanniRose Shea, William, Joshua and Emma Shea, Anthony and Jacob Torres, Addison and James Shea, James, Georgia and Jack Palecek, Lily, Elizabeth, and Vivian Chmura, and Luna and Leo Malady; one brother Paul Peters; one sister-in-law, Martha Peters; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald in February of 1988; her parents Paul and Nora Peters; and three brothers, Jack, Gene (Ginger), Leroy (Mary) Peters, and sister-in-law Norma Peters.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.

Interment followed the luncheon after the funeral at the Colome Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.