Category Archives: Obituaries

James Henry Burnham, 89 of Winner, SD and formerly of Wood, SD died Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Ava’s House by Sanford in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jim was born at rural Wood, SD on June 12, 1929 to Ivy and Maysie (Dickerson) Burnham. He attended the Lookout country school through the eighth grade. Following school Jim worked as a farmhand for his sisters and other various farmers in the area. On April 10, 1948 Jim married Mildred Ann Bachmann at McMinnville, OR. After a short stay in Oregon they made their home in the Wood area. Jim continued working as a farmhand until 1970, when he started driving a bulk fuel delivery truck. He and Mildred raised cattle, milk cows, pigs, chickens and five kids. Jim enjoyed staying busy woodworking, welding and gardening. He also liked to fish, was an avid rattlesnake hunter and never missed an area rodeo. Jim retired from driving fuel truck in 1999 but continued to help area farmers with anything they needed. Jim was known to be a prankster and always looked forward to teasing the children of his route customers.

Grateful for having shared in Jim’s life are his children, Linda (Ronnie) Dimond of Wood, and their son Ben (Jenny) Dimond and grandchildren Colter and Mesa all of Wood, and daughter Amy (Keenon) McClaine and granddaughter, Karelli all of Kansas City, KS; Lonnie (Sue) Burnham of Rapid City and their daughter Heather (Matt) Palmer and grandchildren Garrett, Liam, Nora, Hank all of Mina, SD and son Austin Burnham of Rapid City; Lois (Rob) Comp of Presho, SD and their son Lance (Amanda) Comp and grandchildren Brady and Wes all of Presho, SD and daughter Darla (Leon) Cameron and grandchildren Cooper and Ely all of Sherwood, ND; Lori (Scot) Schara of Rapid City and their son Tyler Schara of Fargo, ND, daughter Savanna Schara of Rapid City and daughter Ashley Schara of Sioux Falls; Lisa (Devin Rogers) Burnham of Rapid City and their daughters, Dorian Swanson of Rapid City and Delane Rogers of Aberdeen.

Jim was the last remaining survivor of nine siblings and his parents. He is reunited in the Heavenly Kingdom with his beloved wife Mildred who died on June 8, 1984.

Memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Wood Community Hall with Rev. Gary Walters officiating. Inurnment followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Wood.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.kirkfuneralhome.com

James F. Shoemaker Jr. “Shoey”, 63, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at his residence in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner Catholic Cemetery.

Shoey spent his life with a homestead in Winner but had an adventurous spirit. Shoey’s idea of a life on the road was a well-lived life. From traveling to 48 states, half of Canada and most of Mexico, he was happiest whether it was visiting Sturgis, family & friends, or venturing with his dogs, Grizzly & Rip. This was Shoey’s passion.

Shoey was extremely proud of things in his life such as earning his Eagle Scout Badge in 1973. Attending many concerts like Led Zeppelin, building many motorcycles including his prized joy, the Brother Mike Bike, and supporting the Military & several non-profit organizations.

Shoey will be missed by his four sisters, Rosemary Connot, Patricia Eade, Jeanne Shoemaker, Judy Fisher, nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Awaiting him in Heaven is his parents. Helen & James (Red) Shoemaker, brother Mike Shoemaker, niece Dawn Knoepfle, nephew Bob Connot, his bird Niko, and friends who passed before him.

Fiuneral services for William Lindwurm were held Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church of Burke. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery of Burke.

William George Lindwurm was born on Jan. 24, 1919, near Osmond, NE to William and Rosa (Kumm) Lindwurm. He was baptized on March 30, 1919, at Pierce County, NE.

His mother died of the flu shortly after giving birth to his sister Rosie. Bill was one year old and was sent to live with his grandparents in SD until his father moved to SD. His father hired Lena Kahler as a nanny for his five young children (Christina, Ella, Elsie, Bill, and Rosie).

After his father’s marriage to Lena, Bill returned to live with his dad, step-mother, and sisters. His dad and Lena had 4 more children (Alvina, Esther, John, and Phillip). Bill attended school at Pleasant View District No. 53. Bill was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on July 14, 1935, at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlock, SD, and was a faithful member there until it closed in 2001. He then transferred his membership to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, where he remained a member until his death. He served as church secretary and treasurer at Peace for 12 years.

When his father was unable to work because of a stroke, Bill stepped in to do the farming. He also worked on the WPA building county roads with horses. After his father passed away, he remained on the farm until 1958, when he and his step-mother moved into Burke. Then, in 1961, he moved back out to a farm 8 miles south and 5 miles west of Burke. He “batched” it for 14½ years and then on June 5, 1976 he married Esther Smith. They moved 3 miles west of Burke in 1986. In 1995, Esther passed away. He moved to Park View Manor in Burke in 2007, and moved to Silver Threads in 2016.

Bill was a kind, quiet man with a strong but simple faith. He enjoyed playing his harmonica, fishing and playing cards. He was one of the first people to have a video camera and he enjoyed videoing and taking pictures.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Rosa, his wife, Esther, his half brother Phillip Lindwurm who was killed in the Korean War, his step mother Lena Lindwurm, his sisters Rosie Sengleman, Tena Neuharth, Elsie Fode, Ella Hanson and Esther Braun, six brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and one step-son.

Bill is survived by his sister, Alvina Wonnenberg, his brother, John Lindwurm, nieces and nephews, and step-children.

Bill passed away at the Rosebud Country Care Center on Aug. 9, 2018 at the age of 99 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Leo Clark Moses, formerly of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018. He lived the last three years outside of Brule, NE, being lovingly cared for by nephew, Denny and Cheryl Thompson.

Leo was born on July 18, 1919, to Leroy and Millie Moses in Carter, SD. He spent his early years in Carter and Witten, SD, where he attended school and worked on his father’s farm.

He was a WWII veteran, serving from May 1945 to October 1946. After an honorable discharge, Leo returned home and married Evelyn Margaret Thompson on July 1, 1950, in Gordon, NE. They returned to Witten and he worked on the family farm until moving to Philip, SD where he operated a dairy farm.

After moving to Hot Springs in 1955, Leo did custom haying and later worked at the State Veterans Home. He then went to work for the Standard Oil Company and continued to be involved with selling propane and repairing furnaces for many, many years. He operated Leo’s LP Service for over 25 years and filled his last 20-pound propane tank at the age of 90.

He was a loving husband, brother, and uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Leo enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with friends. He was a kind, hard-working, happy man who was loved and respected by relatives and friends alike. He will be dearly missed.

Leo always thought of his sister Eileen’s family as the children he never had. He is survived by sisters, Ava Aeschbacher and Carol McCroan of Texas; nephews, Denny (Cheryl) Thompson of Brule, NE; Mike (Mary Kay) Thompson of Hot Springs; niece, Sandy Thompson Gordon of Hot Springs; nieces-in-law, Vicki Thompson of Buffalo Gap; Cauline Thompson of Hot Springs; great-nephew, Matt (Jeannie) Thompson of Highmore; great-nieces, Kim (Tim) McNemar of Buffalo Gap; Vickie (Monte) Olson of Charlotte, NC; Natalie(Shawn) Morgan of Oral; Tara (Steve) Storm of Spearfish; Niki (Wally) Campbell of Grand Forks, ND; Megan Thompson of Greeley, CO; Jaime Gordon of Hot Springs; and 10 great-great nieces/nephews. He is also survived by numerous Moses and Thompson nephews, nieces, and their families whom Leo loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years; his parents; a sister, Eileen Moses Thompson Weisenberger; brothers, Howard and Gay; sister-in-law, Ann; and nephews, Tommy Thompson and Gary Thompson.

Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery 2:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. A celebration of Leo’s life will be held at Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral home in Hot Springs 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, with Pastor Bill Martin officiating. A noon lunch will be held prior to the service at the American Legion Hall. Family and friends are invited to attend. Memorial gifts will be donated to the American Legion, Battle Mt. Post 71, of Hot Springs.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home, Hot Springs, SD.

Elinor M. Bloomstrom, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory, SD.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.

Elinor Marlene (Walton) Blomstrom was born Nov. 18, 1928 to Ralph and Freda (Wagner) Walton in Chadron, NE. One of seven children, her family moved around in Nebraska before settling near Clearfield in Tripp County where she grew up. Her father passed away when she was nine years old, leaving her mother struggling to raise the family on her own until she married Guy Walton in 1954, whom Elinor became very close to. She lived with her aunt in Valentine during high school years and graduated in 1945. She attended college in Spearfish but was unable to complete her education as she was needed at home to help with the family.

n She taught country school for a year before employment at the Co-op in Winner, where she met her future husband, Robert Blomstrom. They were married in October of 1954 and to this union six children were born. She resided in Winner until a decline in health made it necessary to move to Silver Threads in Gregory to be closer to her daughters. Eventually a move was made to Butte Senior Living and then Avera Rosebud Country Care Center where she remained with her lifelong love until her passing.

Family held the highest place of importance in her life, and her children and grandchildren were her passion. She was always eager to help out when needed. She was blessed to be able to be home with her children while they were growing up, and seeing her waiting at the door after school or baking cookies is a favorite memory of her children. She was often seen sitting at her sewing machine making clothing for daughters, granddaughters and dolls. But she would also play catch with her sons in the backyard. There are many fond memories of her on the floor playing with grandchildren, sitting with them on her lap reading them encyclopedias and other books, or cheering them on at their sporting events. She was their biggest fan. Other hobbies included reading, especially the classics, doing needlework until her eyesight prevented it, crossword puzzles and watching old classic movies.

A member of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, she shared her love for Jesus with her children and loved to sing them Bible songs from her youth.

She is survived by her children: David, Seattle, WA; Neil (Brenae), Yankton, SD; Beverly (Rod) Graesser, Dallas, SD; Laurie (Mike) Spartz, New Hope, MN; Barbara (Steve) Nallick, Golden Valley, MN; and Jeanne Fortuna, Gregory, SD. Also her grandchildren and great grand children: Glenn (Kirsten) Graesser, Vermillion, SD (Walter, Henry, Eddie); Jordan (Cassie) Graesser, Boston, MA; Leah Graesser, Redding, CA; Emilee (Max) Hendricks, Sacramento, CA; Nolan, Josie, Alyssa and Nathan Fortuna, Gregory, SD; Allyson Spartz, New Hope, MN; Cierra Bordeaux and LaShya Farmer, Dallas SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Freda Walton, Guy Walton; sister Joyce Bettcher; brothers Ralph (Dean) Walton, Albert (Ab) Walton, Richard (Dick) Walton; an infant sibling ; and son-in-law Rod Fortuna.

Funeral services for Willis “Bill” Andersen, were held Aug. 14 at the United Methodist Church in Burke. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery of Burke.

Willis M. “Bill” Andersen was born in Herrick, South Dakota to Ernest “Mose” and Alma Loudon Andersen March 20, 1931. Bill attended elementary school in Herrick, South Dakota with a few years in Bell, California. Bill attended and graduated from Burke High School in May of 1949. Basketball was his passion with a few records set in his day.

After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Army-the 101st U.S. Airborne Division in Fort Riley, Kansas August 1949. He completed his field officer training in 1950 and continued training troops for the Korean War at Fort Riley and later Fort Ord, California until November 1951. Bill then transferred to the U.S. Army reserves until April 1957 when he was honorably discharged.

Upon discharge from active military duty, Bill began working with Northwestern Bell and continued working with the company for 40 years. He was a lineman, installer, equipment and office manager. During his employment with the telephone company, Bill met and later married Mary Kuntz, June 24, 1954 in Ogallala, Nebraska. They moved to Burke in 1962 to continue raising their 3 girls, Crystal, Teresa and Shelly. Bill was married to Mary for 55 years, and not a day went by after her death in 2009, that he did not miss her!

Bill was very active in the Burke community, playing slow pitch softball, bowling for Gambles and becoming Mayor of Burke from May 1967 to April 1973. Bill was very instrumental in the development of the housing units, maintaining the Burke water tower and starting the first girls softball team with Ed Pravecek to name a few accomplishments.

Bill’s passion was his volunteer work for the Burke Fire Department and ambulance crew, alongside his brother-in-law Emmitt Hall and countless friends. Bill was also very active with his girls, attending games, track meets and never missing an important event. This tradition carried on with his granddaughter, Gabriella these past 5 years in Arizona.

After retiring from the telephone company, Mary kept Bill busy with his honey-do list, day trips throughout South Dakota and Nebraska, fishing, fixing things, taking care of his lawn/garden, playing cards, occasional trip to the casino and wintering in Arizona. The past five years, Bill became a reverse snowbird spending more time in Arizona with summer trips back to Burke. While in Arizona, Bill began new hobbies of playing Spider Solitaire, putting puzzles together on the computer, gardening and watching the airplanes fly overhead. He enjoyed watching the news, reading the hometown paper, attending Phoenix Suns NBA basketball games and sneaking away for a quick trip at the Casino’s in the Phoenix area.

Bill was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He also was a member of the American Legion Allen B. Loudon Post 220 in Herrick for the past 58 years. Bill took pride in belonging to this Legion post named after his uncle.

After a sudden illness and a very brief stay at the Sherman House Hospice unit in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bill took his last breath with the loving support from his daughters and granddaughter. Bill peacefully took the hand of the lord to his eternal home.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Crystal Mitchell, Teresa Andersen and Shelly Liu and granddaughter, Gabriella Liu from the Phoenix area and numerous nieces, nephews and friends in South Dakota and Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, son-in-law Wayne Mitchell, parents, brothers: Lester, Adrian (Wilma); Sisters: Imogene (Emmitt) Hall and Marcene (Pat) Whitley,1 niece and 2 nephews.

Dick Frantz, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral service were held on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Dick was born on July 21, 1931 to Gerald & Lorraine (Nelson) Frantz. He grew up on the family ranch in Ideal, SD, 25 miles north of Winner. This is where he learned his strong work ethic. At a young age he learned to be a cowboy and accepted responsibility for running the ranch. Dick loved his horses, cattle, and the open range.

In 1949, Dick graduated from Winner High School. After high school, he attended Ag school in Colome, SD for 3 years. He joined the US Army in March of 1952. On June 12th, 1952 he married the love of his life Donna Lee Ambroz. They got married in Red Bank, New Jersey, where Dick was stationed. Dick spent 14 months overseas in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in March of 1954 with the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, the U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Dick and Donna continued their life together and returned to the family ranch. To this union, 4 children were born; Doug, Dan, Deb, and Deone. Dick was a successful rancher and businessman. In 1961, he was chosen as the Outstanding Young Rancher and in 1965 the Local Jaycees selected him as the Outstanding Farmer. In 1966, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Man of America.

He was very active in the community, but what he was most proud of was his family. Dick was happiest in a room full of family and friends. As a people person, he would visit with anyone anywhere. He was a good story teller and loved a good joke. He was a man of exceptional generosity. Dick always made sure his family came first. Dick and Donna were the perfect example of what a marriage should be.

He met many lifelong friends working Fridays at the Winner Livestock Auction for 50 years. Dick served on the Winner School Board and Tripp County Rural Fire Department for 30 years each. He was on the 4-H horse committee for many years and for 26 years Dick was the trail boss for trail rides. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Winner for 64 years. Dick was a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion. As a Christian, he was a member of the Ideal Presbyterian church for 77 years and held many positions.

In 1997, he became an honorary member of the Sioux Tribe. They gave him the name Wamblee Oheteca. Which means “Brave Eagle.”

Grateful for having shared his life are his children; Doug Frantz (Connie), Dan Frantz (Patty), Deb Nelson (Terry), Deone Frantz (Shane). His grandchildren; Rich Frantz, ReAnn Frantz, Renae Kaiser (Clay), Brandon Frantz, Amanda Frantz, Danielle Frantz (Jamie), Jesse Frantz (Sara), Alyssa Welk (Brady), Tennille Miller (Mike), and Lexie Nedved, also numerous great-grandchildren. His brother Jack Frantz (Marlene), and sister-in-law Donna Hughes (Jon).

Awaiting him in Heaven is, his dear wife Donna, his parents, sister Della Bolton, brother Wesley Frantz, and sister-in-law Marian Bloom.

Rose Enders, age 69, of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie Street, SW, Grandville, Michigan. Burial will be at a later date in Winner, SD.

Rose was born in West Point, Nebraska, on June 15, 1949 to Richard (Dick) and Magdalene (Meg) Doescher (Heinecke). She was the oldest of eight children: Richard (Bev), Randy (Linda), Ronda (Harland), Judy (Jack), Cheryl, Tom, and Chris (Lisa). Her parents lived across north central Nebraska and south central South Dakota. Rose graduated from Winner High School in 1967.

In March of 1969, Rose married Joey Leo Enders in Winner, SD. They made their home in Massachusetts as Joe finished his Air Force commitment. After the Air Force, they initially made their home in Yankton, SD as Rose pursued her education at Yankton College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. She subsequently also received her Master’s Degree from California Lutheran as she and Joe pursued their life dreams in southern California.

Joe and Rose moved from life in the sun to Western Michigan to accept new life challenges. Rose worked as an educator for the next 40 years spending her energy building self-esteem with disadvantaged youth in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Rose literally loved her work, which went beyond the normal commitment or dedication . Rose taught, coached, and mentored many children which all had special places in her heart. Joe and Rose welcomed children into their lives and home, making each child feel accepted, special and loved. Rose’s desire to make all children feel cared for can’t be understated; just look at the Facebook page blow up’s.

Rose’s legacy in the Grand Rapids Public Schools will be foundational, as all that she cared about was building children’s self esteem and mentoring those students down an avenue to find a better way of life. Rose was compassionate, firm, and strict, but always putting herself at risk to make sure her students were cared for and could see a positive way forward in life. Rose’s legacy is carried forward with the love that she displayed daily to her children (students).

Rose’s other passion was to care for her namesake rose gardens. She was fabulous at taking care of her plants and competing and judging shows across the central United States. Rose won many ‘best of show’ and would want to be remembered as a kind soul and being reunited with her lifelong love, Joe.

Rose’s and Joe’s special adoptions were Joyce (John) Jefferson and their children Jonte and Mya along with Takeia Sherman and her daughter Khyleice Grover.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, both parents, and brother Richard.

She is survived by her siblings (except Richard) and Joe’s sister Jana (Paul) Kemp.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, please consider donating school supplies to your local schools.

Peace be with our sister, aunt, friend, mentor and confidant who always cared more for her acquaintances than she cared for herself. Let’s celebrate Rose’s life legacy. Rest in peace our beautiful sister.

Marian Bloom, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 from 6-7 p.m.at the Trinity Episcopal Church with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

Marian Francis Bloom joined the Lord peacefully on Sunday, July 29th, 2018 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center.

Marian Francis (Ambroz) Bloom was born Sept, 10th, 1931 to Martha (Kostal) and Leonard Ambroz in Winner, South Dakota. She is the older of two children and was raised on the family farm southeast of Winner. Growing up, Marian could be found helping her dad in the field, milking cows, and keeping the house in a tidy manner. She enjoyed spending time with her family attending country dances, playing cards, and driving the family car to visit her relatives and close family friends.

She attended Winner public schools and was a graduate of Winner High School. She married Dick McCormick on June 12, 1949. To this union Dick and Marian had three children; David, Robert, and Shelley.

In January 1955, Marian joined the Episcopal Church where she was very active and found many lifetime friends. Marian enjoyed her time as a Sunday school teacher and was a member of ECW, the Guild and Vestry up until her passing. She was a treasurer for the Episcopal Church in Winner for 20 years. Marian also worked as a Secretary for the Tripp County Extension Office and the Winner School District until she retired.

On March 23, 1973, Glen Bloom and Marian united in marriage and welcomed their daughter Julie. Glen and Marian enjoyed playing cards, camping and traveling adventures, and being with their family. Glen was always known as the love of her life and the one who made her smile.

Anyone who knew Marian knows she was an avid reader, had a beautiful hand at scrapbooking, crossword puzzle fanatic, enjoyed taking pictures, researched genealogy with her cousins, and was known for her seamstress expertise. She took great enjoyment in keeping a very clean house and cooking for her family. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many family members and friends who always felt welcomed at her home.

Marian was a dedicated Winner Warriors fan and looked forward to a competitive football season watching her Green Bay Packers and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Marian took great pride in spending time with her Coffee Girls. She was a very classy lady who would dress up for daily coffee outings at the local cafe. This time together sometimes turned into an additional outing to catch up over lunch or afternoon card parties. Whether it was her Coffee Girls or her family; she was always ready to take someone on in a game of Hand and Foot.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children; David McCormick, Robert and Cindy McCormick (Jessica, Christopher), Shelley and Bob Kucera (Chad and Justina, Jeremy and Lauren, Tyler and Danielle), and Julie Rogan (Patrick and Kaitlyn). Marian was very blessed with 23 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her husband’s children and many grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Diane and Jim Uttecht (Mike, Mark), Glenda and Bill Rogers( Lindsay, OJ), Michael and Anne Bloom (Jeff, Ryan, Cory), Trudy and Jim Harris (Nancy, Brady), Margo and Larry Kolbo (Amos, Megan, Molly), and Bonnie Swartwood (Haley, Jeben, Zachary, Hannah).

She was preceded in death by her husband Glen, her parents, and her only sibling DonnaLee Frantz, her son David, and many special friends.

Dianna Frank, 72, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

A memorial service was held on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Dianna Frank was born July 2, 1946, the second child to Raymond and Rhoda (Storrud) Abbey at the Winner Hospital in Winner, SD. With no available beds in the nursery due to the baby boom, she and her twin sister, Donna, were placed in apple crates. She grew up on a farm northwest of Witten, SD where she loved spending time with her 5 sisters and one brother. She attended elementary school at South Curlew School #8 in Curlew Township. She attended her freshman year at Winner High School, then on to Witten High School the following year. During this time, she waitressed at both the Witten Cafe and Winner Cafe. She graduated a “Witten Wildcat” in 1964. After high school, she continued waitressing at the Winner Westside Café, where she once waited on country singer, Merle Haggard, and got his autograph. She worked at the café for six years and for a brief time at Outlaw Trading Post.

Dianna married Neil Vincent Frank, Jr. on Christmas Eve of 1967, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. She continued working while Neil was stationed in Pearl Harbor until 1969. When he returned, they made their home in Winner, SD for a short time, until they moved to Everett, WA in 1970. On August 13, 1970, they had their first of three daughters, Serena. Due to Boeing layoffs in Seattle, they returned to Witten, SD in 1971 for a short period of time, and Dianna had her second daughter, Tammy. They moved to Watertown in 1973 where she waitressed while Neil attended Lake Area Vo-Tech.

They returned to Winner in 1972 where she began working at the former Gibson store, later named Pamida, as the clothing manager until 1981. In 1980 she attended Sinte Gleska University where she received her associates degree in accounting. She began working at the Tripp County Water Users District in 1981 where she worked as a secretary and office manager for 25 years. In 1982, she and her husband had their third daughter, Lindsey.

nDianna was an active, patriotic member of the Winner American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as president for two terms and junior unit leader. She was also a member of the Winner VFW, and began waitressing several evenings during the week there. She enjoyed her involvement in both clubs and enjoyed the many friendships she made while spending time in both organizations. She also volunteered much time baking goods for funeral services and was active in the Catholic Altar Society.

nThroughout her life, Dianna was very reserved and humble about her abilities. She was a talented seamstress, sewed trendy outfits for her young daughters, and several prom and bridesmaids dresses, a talent she acquired from her mother. She was very creative and resourceful, helped with school projects, upholstered furniture and even built her youngest daughter a dollhouse with miniature custom-made furniture. She was very industrious around the house, having accomplished many projects. She had many special “young” friends and enjoyed their company. She enjoyed her time attending her daughters’ softball games, keeping books, and still played an occasional game up until the young age of 50.

Dianna will be remembered for her selflessness, putting others first and her gracious, humble, giving nature. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and aunt, and was proud of her family, especially her parents. In later years, she enjoyed special visits from close family and friends, and loved the “storytelling” others had to share. She was sentimental and compassionate; her quiet efforts were often overlooked, yet she never asked for anything in return.

Dianna leaves a void that cannot be replaced, yet we rejoice in knowing that she has joined her father, and Our Father, in heaven. Her faith was simple but deep.

Dianna is survived by her husband, Neil Frank, Jr; mother, Rhoda Abbey, Winner; children: Serena (Stan) Ager of Spearfish, SD, Tammy Frank (Ricky Hespe) of Winner, SD, and Lindsey Frank (Raymond Hespe) of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren: Chloe and Ezekiel Ager, Aidan Hespe, Kayden and Slade McKenzie, and Sebastian Hespe. Siblings: Rae (Joseph) Tyburec, Gregory SD, Donna Tyburec, Winner, SD, Mike (Renee) Abbey, Hudson, WY, Linda (Allan) Devish, Winner, SD, Susan (Nick) Frank, Valentine, NE, and Barbara (Ron) Hespe, Winner, SD and many special, beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, who all had a special place in her heart.

She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond Abbey; mother and father-in-law, Neil, Sr. and Eleanor Frank; brother-in-law, Frank Tyburec; niece, Annette Devish, & great nieces Lynae Hespe, Marcy Hespe and Shauna Pravecek.