Category Archives: Obituaries

Mary Alice Davis Novotny was born Jan. 23, 1927 in Haywood County, North Carolina to Joseph and Pearl (Snyder) Davis.

Mary passed away quickly and peacefully on Sept. 6, 2019 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Long-Term Care Facility at the age of 92.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Sept. 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Mary grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, and was very proud of her southern heritage. She was a 1944 graduate of Waynesville (North Carolina) High School. Mary joined the Catholic Church as a young woman, and was equally proud of her faith.

Mary came to South Dakota to visit her brother, Ben, who had married Iva Engle from Wood. She like it here, got a job, and stayed. She met Paul Novotny at a dance in Wewela. They were married on April 15, 1950 in North Carolina.

Paul and Mary raised their six children on a ranch in eastern Todd County. Mary always raised a big garden to feed her family. She was quite proficient at mowing hay, and could often be seen mowing the corners of the field when she was done so as not to leave a stem of hay standing! Mary LOVED to visit. She fed everyone who came to her house, and often sent them home with a gift.

In 2002, Paul and Mary sold their ranch and moved to Winner to retire. Mary cared for Paul until his declining health reached a point that she could no longer do so. She lived in assisted living and eventually moved to the long-term care facility.

Mary is survived by five or her six children. Catherine, Rapid City, SD; Paul (Susan), DeSmet, SD; Mark (Monica), North Stonington, CT; Teresa (Scott Hollenbeck), Winner, SD; Marianne, Marquette, MI. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Nathan Novotny, Blythe Novotny, Justine (Ryan) Sauter, Elyssa (Clark) Vargo, Rachel Novotny, Elizabeth (Jarad) Gouge, Jennifer (Raymond) Buchanan, Stephanie Novotny, Sydney Hollenbeck, and Sean (Ashley) Symons. Ten great grandchildren survive Mary: Alexis and Alison Novotny; Jackson and Nash Sauter; Harper Gouge; Vivian, Henry, and Faye Buchanan; and Calvin and Ayla Symons.

Additional survivors include her brother, Bob Davis, Waynesville, NC; daughter-in-law, Marcia Kruse-Novotny, Bandon, OR; brother-in-law, Virgil (Delores) Novotny, Colome, SD and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul Novotny, Sr.; son, Bruce Novotny; son-in-law, Michael Symons; brothers: Tom, Hack, AJ, and Ben Davis; and sister, Sara Mitchem.

Memorials will be directed to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

Services for Kenneth  Berens age  96,  of Gregory, SD was held on Saturday, Sept 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD. Burial followed at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  There was a prayer service Friday  night at 7 p.m. at the church.

Kenneth Alfred Berens was born Dec. 25, 1922, at Dixon, SD, the youngest of 14 children in the family of John E. and Magdalena (Marx) Berens. Kenneth attended elementary school through 8th grade in the Dixon school and then went to Gregory High School and graduated in 1940.

Ken attended Sioux City Business College and graduated in 1942. In 1943, Ken enlisted in the Navy. During his time in the Navy, he served in numerous stateside locations to include Idaho, California, Louisiana, and Illinois. He also served overseas during WW II on an Oiler Vessel in numerous locations in the Pacific Theater and later served at the Pacific Ocean Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii.

Ken shared with family that, while in Hawaii, he crossed paths with Admiral Nimitz while walking on the Naval Yard. After his service in the Navy, he returned to the family farm. For over 70 years, Ken acted as the business manager of the farm and also worked with his brother, Raymond, taking care of the cattle side of the farm operation.

Ken continued the farming tradition on the farm that was started by his father in 1908, over 110 years ago. Ken’s main “hobby” was farming and just checking out the farm operations, whether it was participating with his brothers or conversing with the many neighbors in the Dixon area. He liked to hunt deer and pheasants when he was younger. In later years, he enjoyed hosting a family pheasant hunt on the farm with his many nephews and nieces.

Ken was an avid reader and subscribed to numerous magazines about farming, western life, national history/geography, and religious subjects. When his health started to decline, he moved to Silver Threads and then to the Rosebud Community Care Center until his passing at the age of 96 years.

He was a member of the Gregory American Legion. Ken was also a life-long member of the Catholic Church both in Dixon and at St. Joseph’s in Gregory. He was extremely devoted to his Catholic faith and generous to many charities throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 13 brothers and sisters: Vincent, Mary, Helen, William (Bill), Ann, Carl, Raymond, John, Margaret, Robert (Bob), Nicholas (Guy), Leo (Pete), and Armand. He was preceded by niece, Rita Berens, and nephews Tom Berens and Vincey Berens.

He is survived by nephews, Lawrence (Vince) Berens, Dick Berens, Dan Berens, Jack Berens, Bob Berens, Jr., and Jim Berens and nieces, Mary Stevicks, MaryAnn Berthelson, Barb Berens, Peggy Greene and Anne Marie Shackleford and many great, double-great and triple-great nieces and nephews.

Darlene Clyde, 79, of Winner, SD passed away on Aug. 31, 2019 at her home in Winner.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Church in Gregory, SD.

Darlene was the cherished wife to Robert Clyde, cherished mother to Crystal & Pamela. Loving grandmother to Desiree, Robbie, Jason, Brittany, and Kyle. Loving great grandmother to Caden, Hudson, Peyton, & Henry.

Darlene is also survived by her two sisters Marlene, Betty, and a brother Dale. She is succeeded in death by her brother Wayne Middlesworth.

She was the best mom anybody could ever have, our best friend. She was always there for us in our daily lives whenever we needed her. Mom and Dad loved to square dance and vacationed in South Dakota every year to come back to visit family who they loved. She liked the beach, loved to shop, and always looked beautiful with her hair done and makeup on. She loved Red Roses. She will be missed more than words can say.

Memorial services for Clark Miller, age 60, of Burke, SD were held on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. Burial followed in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke.

Clark Dale Miller was born June 2, 1959 at Burke, South Dakota to Delbert and Lena (Willuweit) Miller and he died Sept. 4, 2019 at the Avera Gregory Healthcare Center in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 60 years.

Clark was born In Burke at the Community Memorial Hospital, to Delbert and Lena (Willuweit) Miller. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church. He received his elementary and high school education in Burke. His next education came while serving in the National Guard where he became proficient in water purification.

Following graduation, he joined his parents at Miller Plumbing where he became known as an expert back hoe operator along with learning the plumbing trade.

During his early years he served the community of Burke as a member of the Burke City Council, of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department, of the Burke Jaycees and Men’s Club. He thoroughly enjoyed working at the benefit meals prepared by the various organizations.

In those early years, he worked as a plumber during the day. In the evenings he assisted with duties at the Hillcrest as a bar tender and as a bouncer. He was known as ‘a strong man that one didn’t mess with’, making him a great commodity when the crowd contemplated becoming an unruly lot.

Winter time activities included bowling, throwing darts, and over the years joining in various card games. He found playing cribbage as a wonderful challenge, but also greatly enjoyed teaching others to play, including teaching his 8 year old great nephew, Luke Sunner, who still loves to play. He would have taught, Sophia (great niece) and Marshall (great nephew) also but time didn’t permit.

Miller Plumbing has served as grave excavator for Clausen Funeral Home for over 40 years which expanded Clark’s community to reach outside of Burke area. He could be found plumbing or digging for people throughout Gregory County and into northern Nebraska. It was always surprising the number of people who would greet Clark by name as you entered an establishment outside of Burke. He formed many endearing friendships across the years and communities.

Clark was preceded in death by his mother, Lena; his maternal and paternal grandparents; a maternal aunt and uncle; all paternal aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his father, Delbert, his sisters Sandy Sunner and Diane (John) Audiss, his nephew Chad (Michelle) Sunner, Stana Pelzel, and Heather (Mike) O’Connor, his great niece Sophia Sunner, his great nephews Lucas Sunner and Marshall O’Connor. He is survived by a host of relatives including his aunts Elsie Kortmeyer, Doris (Lewis) Bailey and Inez Jones and a host of cousins.

Darlene Harrison 82 of Chamberlain passed away Sept. 3, 2019 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Family burial will be held at the White River City Cemetery on Sept. 21 at 3 pm.

Darlene Stromer was born Aug. 13, 1937 to Lester and Pauline (Krogman) Stromer at Murdo South Dakota.

She went to country school until 7th grade and then went to White River School until she graduated in 1955.

On May 25th, 1956 Darlene married the love of her life Ronald (Mick) Harrison. Mick and Darlene lived and worked at the Nielsen place for several years and then moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Mick went to barber school and Darlene did ironing to help pay for Mick going to school.

They then moved to Winner, South Dakota and had a barber shop business for many years. They moved to Oacoma, South Dakota in 1996 and enjoyed living by the river and fished as much as they could.

After Mick’s passing in 2016 she moved into the Regency Retirement Center in Chamberlain and loved her daily walks along the river.

Darlene worked hard in her garden and flowers and enjoyed canning pickles and tomatoes. She always made enough for all her nieces and nephews to enjoy too. Darlene also enjoyed making quilts and made sure all the new babies of the family and close friends always had a hand made baby quilt.

She is survived by one sister Cleota Bryan of Avon, SD, 2 brothers Alvin (Dorothy) Stromer and Wayne (Pat) Stromer all of White River, SD. 5 nieces Debbie Carrol of Murdo, SD Julie Mehrer and Tessa Myers (Cory) of Avon, SD. Paula Stromer of Brookings SD and Shannon (Allen) Olson of White River, SD. 5 nephews, Justin (Pam) Bryan of Oacoma, SD, Jason (Rose) Bryan of Milton Fl., Shad (April) Stromer of Ft Pierre SD, Wager (Lori) Stromer of Harford, SD and Michael Stromer of Rapid City. SD. Numerous great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mick, 6 babies and brother in law Willard Bryan.

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