Janet Leonard, 96

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 Kloppel, 67

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, 78

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.

Leslie Hysell, 76

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.

Roger Studt, 68

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, 101

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.

Belva London, 89

Belva London, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility.


Mass of Christian services will be held Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD with burial in the Colome Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. at the church.


Belva London was born on Dec. 26, 1929 to Guy and Bernice (Boyd) Rockafellow in Kimball, SD. She was an only child. After her father’s passing in the early 1940’s Belva along with her mother and grandmother moved to Chamberlain, SD where Belva worked at the hospital as an aide.


On April 19, 1946 she married Patrick (Patsy) London in Chamberlain. To this union one son was born, Dennis London. They lived south of Colome on a farm for fifteen years before moving to Reliance, SD for three years. Pat then accepted a position in 1964 with F.C.I.C as a field representative and at that time relocated the family to Yankton, SD. They lived there for over 27 years. While in Yankton Belva worked as an aide at the hospital.

In 1991 after Pat had retired, they then made their home in Winner, SD. Her husband Pat passed away in 2000 but Belva continued to live in her home until 2014 when she moved into the Elder Inn in Winner. As Belva’s health declined she stayed a few weeks at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility.

Belva will be remembered for her loving care for her family. Belva and Pat took in their Grandson Aaron London at 10 months old and raised him as their own giving him love and support. Their love for family continued when they took in Aaron’s half-sister Shelly for a short time. During this time Belva and Pat were caring for Belva’s elderly mother in their home. After retirement Pat became ill and Belva lovingly took care of him at home until the time of his death.


Belva was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pat, and her son Dennis.


She is survived by her Grandson Aaron (Kerri) London, and Great grandsons William and Henry London all of Rapid City, SD, her Granddaughter Shelly Pierce, husband David and their two sons Tyler and Dylan all of Plano Texas, many London nieces and nephews, and her special friend Heidi O’Bryan of Colome.

Karen Week, 70

Karen Faye (Lowry) Week, age 70, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.


A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the White River Cemetery, in White River, SD.


Karen was born Sept. 29, 1948 in Valentine, NE to Melvin & Ruth Lowry of White River, SD. She joined 2 sisters (Melva & Linda) at home. In 1955, Karen’s mom remarried to Robert (Bob) Winters & to this union Karen got a baby sister, Sheryl.


Karen grew up in White River, SD. She loved being on the Novey ranch where she rode horses and had many animals she watched over. She enjoyed her family. She attended White River School & graduated high school in 1967.


Karen met her husband Arnold in October 1966 while babysitting for her sister Linda. Karen & Arnold were married on Aug. 27, 1967 at the Lutheran Church in White River. After they were married, they moved a few times while Arnold worked construction. They moved back to White River, and started their family, in 1971 they were blessed with a son, Robert, and in 1978 a daughter, Rita. Karen worked in the café business and later took a job with the Mellette County News, she retired in 1999.


Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. You could always catch her at the café having coffee with her friends after work. She loved being a grandma, and spent many days & hours with her grandkids, she would do anything for them, and they talked her into do everything for them.


In 2014 Karen moved to Winner as she was starting to have some health problems, and needed to be closer to her children, and grandkids. She was later diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and traveled to Sioux Falls for chemo, she did amazing through treatments and was cancer free in February 2018.


Karen is survived by her children, Robert Week (Michelle), Rita (Greg) Pravecek all of Winner. Grandkids Lauren, Jaikob, Cailob, Adysen, Alex, Payton, Chelsea, Brittany, Dustin, Eric, Kayla, & Kenzie. Three sisters Linda Sumners, Melva Vik, & Sheryl Ferdinand all of Spearfish. A special sister-in-law Janice Ring of Norris, sister-in-law Carol (William) Tuttle, Belle Fourche, brother-in-law Rod (Rhonda) Week of Kearney, NE. And many nieces, nephews, and many close friends.


Karen is preceded in death by her husband Arnold, her parents Melvin Lowry, Ruth & Bob Winters, her mother & father in law Reinhart & Mabel Week, a special granddaughter Shauna Pravecek, & brother-in-law’s Reinhart Jr., Bernard, Jack, Roger, & Allen.

Joseph Janak, 97

Joseph Louis Janak, 97, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center in Winner, SD.


Funeral services will be on Saturday Aug. 24, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday Aug. 23, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 5-6 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 6 p.m.


Janak was born on April 30, 1922 to Mr. and Mrs. Lou and Anna (Staska) Janak who lived north of Jordan Corner near Winner, SD. He received his elementary education at Royal School near there and attended high school in Winner.


Joe went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camp and was in charge of the construction work for the Sheridan Dam, which was constructed in 1937 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Joe was also a member of the construction crew, which built the original runway at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD.


From 1940 to 1943 he worked for Joe Week’s Livestock Company in Winner where he drove a truck and also purchased cattle for Week’s. In 1943, Joe entered the US Army and served as a tank commander with an armored battalion in both Africa and Italy. Joe served in five major campaigns in Italy and his unit spent 387 days in the front lines without any relief. During this time his unit suffered 83 percent casualties. He was a decorated WWII Veteran and received his honorable discharge in December, 1945.


On Sept. 16, 1946, he married Bernetta M Erickson, daughter of Clarence and Marina Erickson. To this marriage, they had four children, DuWayne, Gregory, SD; Delaine (Janak) Larson and husband Dale, Sioux Falls, SD and fraternal twins, Brent and Beverly (Beck), Winner, SD and Beverly (Janak) and husband Randy Sprenkle, Sioux Falls, SD.


Upon his return to Winner Joe drove a truck for Ray Kahler, and then he entered the grocery business where his first position was a grocery clerk for the IGA Store in Winner. After a year, Joe went to work as an assistant meat cutter at the Outlaw Trading Post and was promoted to manager of the meat department for 13 years.

When the Outlaw sold out, Joe went to work for the Ideal Chain Stores in Chadron, NE as a manager of the meat department for five stores. After holding this position for one year, Joe returned to Winner and worked at the Westside Grocery market for one year.

After working many years in the grocery store business, Joe and Bert made the decision to buy a restaurant in Winner. Joe and Bert owned and operated the B & J Salad Bowl Cafe from 1961 until 1970. They moved to Minot, ND where Joe managed the Knights of Columbus Supper Club for 4 years before moving to Commerce City, CO. in 1976. Joe was a member of the Meat Cutters Union while employed at Kings Sooper for 11 years; he retired in 1987. His free time allowed him the opportunity to manage “Joe’s Swap Shop”, fish, travel, process wild game in addition to enjoying time with his family and friends.


Joe is a lifetime member of the VFW and is also a member of the American Legion, Elks and Knights of Columbus, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In addition to his love for fishing and hunting, Joe was also an avid baseball fan.


Joe made many new friends during his stay in the Winner Long Term Care Facility in 2015 until his death. He lived a very upbeat and social life as one of their residents and fulfilled his role as ‘ambassador’ and always speaking highly of his medical team, especially, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Berg, and Dr. Wagner.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Bert, son, Brent, and daughter-in-law Lil (Engel) Janak, his parents, Louis and Anna (Staska) Janak, in-laws Clarence and Marina (Suing) Erickson, siblings James, Alice, Leonard, Leo, Dorothy (Janak) Reynolds, Rosalie (Janak) Vedral, and great granddaughters, Maxx and Mallory Janak.


Joe is survived by one sibling, Theresa (Janak) Snow, Dallas, Texas; three children: DuWayne, Gregory, Dee Larson (Dale), Sioux Falls, and Bev Sprenkle (Randy), Sioux Falls, 7 grandchildren; Jeff Evans, Lee, Nick (Katie) Larson, Ashley (Will) Oliver, Jay (Sarah) Janak, Eric (Amanda) Sprenkle, Jen (Jordon) Terveen, and great grandchildren: Jack and Elizabeth Evans, Julia and Blake Larson, Maddie and Walker Oliver, Mason, Miley and Miriah Janak, Nate, Zach, and Noah Sprenkle, Nola and Gus Terveen, and Jesse.