Category Archives: Obituaries

Dr. Anita Remerowski passed away in Olympia, Wash., on Thursday, Aug. 31,2023, with her husband at her side. She left her kindness, concern for the poor and less fortunate, sense of humor, and unwavering opinions on the state of the government, religion, and legal and medical issues across the central and western United States. A more committed Democrat and progressive there never was.

Anita was born to Frank and Margaret Remerowski in Philipsburg, Mont., on Sept. 27, 1947. In the 1950’s Margaret, a teacher, moved with her two small daughters to Central California, where she taught migrant workers. Anita attended various elementary schools, then St. Mary’s Catholic Girls School in the Bay Area. In 1969 she graduated from UC Berkeley Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Anita went on to get a law degree from Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley.

In 1972 she and her young son Eric moved to Alaska, where she worked first for a private law firm and then for the Alaska State School System, flying in small planes to schools all over Alaska.

An adventurer, she lived with Eric in Boston and Rapid City, South Dakota, before moving to Mission. She met Terry Pechota at her interview for a job with South Dakota Legal Services. She got the job and Terry got a wife. The two were married in 1976 at St. Francis.

Anita worked for South Dakota Legal Services as a staff attorney and eventually became its director in 1978. As she told her friends, it was the best time of her professional and personal life. She undertook and directed litigation that was significant if not monumental, including cases in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals establishing a United States trust responsibility for Indian health care in Indian County and the right of people in South Dakota’s unorganized counties to vote for those who governed them in attached organized counties. In her first case in the South Dakota Supreme Court she clarified the right of women to have their maiden name returned in divorce actions.

Their son Dominic was born in 1978 and son Alec in 1979. Mother Margaret moved from California to Mission to help her raise her sons. Anita made lifelong friends in her professional and private life during her time at Mission including Bill Janklow, Charlie and Vi Colombe, Lionel and Barbara Bordeaux, Father Harry Eglasar, Tom and Judy Tobin, Ryan White Feather, Frank Pommersheim, Phil Baird, Marvin Amiotte, Julie Valandra, and a host of others. In 1980 the family moved to Boulder, Colo., where she went to work for the Native American Rights Fund providing litigation services and other support for Indian Legal Services Programs across the United States.

Anita’s personal mission in life was to help people. In 1984, believing she could help more people as a doctor, she changed career and life paths. She took the necessary prerequisite courses at the South Dakota School of Mines, then enrolled in medical school at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Eric, Dominic, and Alec went with her. Many plane trips between South Dakota and Illinois took place during these years.

She became board certified in internal medicine and practiced in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Arizona, Washington, and Texas.

In San Antonio, Texas, Anita found immense satisfaction volunteering and administering at Each One Teach One, helping migrants learn English and employment skills. She made many dear friends in San Antonio and elsewhere, including Colleen Walker-Vamos, Diane Warren,

Lea Ream, and Rebecca Stokes who along with her family loved and cared for her.

Anita is survived by her husband, Terry L. Pechota, Rapid City, South Dakota; sister Mary, San Francisco, Calif.; sons, Eric Remerowski, Amarillo, Texas; Dominic Pechota(Heidi), Decorah, Iowa; Alec Pechota (Annie), Boise, Idaho; stepson, Todd Pechota (Shelly),Custer, South Dakota; and grandchildren, Samantha, Will, Bridget, Harper, Jalyn, Tate, Collin, and Lucy Leona. Anita will be laid to rest in Philipsburg, Mont., alongside her dear mother whom Anita had cared for until she died.

Jean Docken, 89, Winner, passed away on Sept. 11 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility.

Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

A visitation was held on Sept. 14 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7 p.m. with  prayer service at 7 p.m.

Jean is the third of four children born to James (Buzz) and Emma (Devish) Sharkey.  She grew up on their family farm 1 mile east of Clearfield, SD.  She met Jack Docken at a Clearfield dance on her 16th birthday in 1950.  They were united in marriage on Sept. 29, 1951.   To this union five children were born: Caryl, Jack Jr., Gail, Lynda and Scott.

Jack and Jean owned the local Clearfield Bar before moving to the present location of the Lazy Anchor Ranch.  In September of 2015 they celebrated 64 years of marriage.  After Jack’s death in December of 2015, Jean moved to assisted living in Winner.

Jean was a very active partner in the farming and ranching operation.  She was proud of her farrowing unit and was quite learned in raising hogs.  Jean was an avid gardener and enjoyed preserving the bounty.  She milked cows and sold the cream and eggs from her chickens for many years to feed her family.

As Jean did not graduate high school with her class, in the early 1980’s she completed her GED along with typing and accounting courses.  She was a strong influence on her children and grandchildren to be educated and have a strong work ethic.  There was very little she was afraid to tackle and did it very well.  She would say “If you don’t have anything to do you aren’t looking hard enough”.

Jack and Jean enjoyed dances in Clearfield and the surrounding area.  They also attended many area card parties.  Other activities included the VFW and American Legion Auxiliary, local Extension Clubs, 4-H, and the Clearfield Youth Baseball Organization.

Jean is survived by her 5 children and their spouses, a sister Maxine Duffy, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren with another due in 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, parents, brother Robert Sharkey and sister Doris Sharp, and brother’s-in-law Wayne Sharp and Jack Duffy.

The children of Jean would like to express their deep appreciation to a compassionate lady and friend, Elaine Meiners.  Her many visits and conversations meant so much to our mother.

Devota Hutchinson, 93 of Kearney, NE formerly of White River, SD passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 at the Mount Carmel Nursing Home in Kearney, NE. 

Funeral service was held on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the White River Methodist Church in White River, SD.  Burial followed in the White River Cemetery. 

Devota Majel Bechtold Hutchinson was born on Oct. 27, 1929 in Murdo, South Dakota to Julius and (Elsie) Grace Peterson Bechtold. She passed away on Sept. 12, 2023 in Kearney, Nebraska. She grew up in and near White River, SD and lived there all her life until moving to Kearney, NE to be near her daughter Rhonda.

Devota was an avid reader and student and graduated as valedictorian of her class from White River High School in 1947. Shortly after becoming 18 years of age, she married Glen (Buddy) Hutchinson, a loving relationship that lasted for 53 years until his death in 2000.

She loved her community and was a passionate public servant in whatever role arose. This led her to serve the Music Parents and PTA when her children were in school, the White River City Council and White River School Board, as adult advisor for Job’s Daughters, on the White River High School Alumni board and whatever else needed to be done in and for the community. She was especially active in Eastern Star, serving several times as Worthy Matron for her chapter and filling several stations in the state organization.

Devota and Buddy raised four children, all of whom graduated from White River High School. Devota sat through and enjoyed many band concerts, plays, track meets, football and basketball games, rodeos and horse shows in support of her children and other White River School students.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her brothers Dwight and Clellan (Buzzy), her husband Buddy, her son Keith Hutchinson, a grandson Rev. Daniel Ofstehage, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by daughters Glenda (Bernard) Ofstehage, Rhonda (Rodney) Week, and Barb (Keith) Bailey; grandsons Steven (Stacey), James (Heather), Peter (Dawna) and Dr. Andrew (Amanda Johnson) Ofstehage, and Quincy (Darcy) Week; granddaughter-in-law Sarah Ofstehage; granddaughters Dallas (Jade) Lain, Hannah (Jeff) Baker, and Ellen Ofstehage; great-grandsons Rison, Nolan, Augustin, and Bishopp Lain, Hayden and Zane Baker, and Arlo and Henry Ofstehage; great-granddaughters Payton, Keira, Emma and Chloe Ofstehage and Riley and Ansley Week; and brother-in-law Roger Hutchinson. Also mourning her death are many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ty Scott Dimond was born on Nov. 29, 1990, in Winner, SD and was welcomed into this world by his parents Scott and Julie (Hall) Dimond and big sister, Ashley. He lived on a ranch north of Wood, SD. He would help with feeding bottle calves and lambs and started riding horses at a very young age. He would be joined by brother Tate in 1996 and would grow up in Wood, SD. Ty and his siblings enjoyed the freedom of small-town life, playing in the Wood park and would play cops and robbers with the Larson, Ryno and Tucker kids.

Ty and his siblings loved riding horse and would help their dad with raising cattle. Ty loved riding dirt bikes and enjoyed many adventures riding with his friends. Ty loved his coon dogs and enjoyed hunting with them along with all of his friends and his siblings.

Ty attended Wood Grade School and then attended White River Middle School where he would start playing football. He loved playing football in high school and although he only weighed about 140 lbs., he was one of the hardest hitting players on the team. Ty was very close with all his teammates. Ty graduated from White River High School in 2009 and he had a close circle of friends, many of them being his classmates. They would hunt and fish together and often grill up some of their catch in his mother’s shop. He and his friends were also part of a branding crew during their high school years helping all the local ranchers. Ty was a very hard worker and spent his high school summer months working for Harvey Bierema and Dan Valburg.

Ty attended Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City to become an electrician. He received his Associates of Applied Science degree in 2011 and began his career with Kucera Electric in Winner, SD. Ty worked the required hours; studied, tested for, and passed the exam to obtain his South Dakota Electrical Contractors license. One of Ty’s dreams was owning his own business and after working diligently to achieve it he would start Dimond Electric, in Wood SD. Ty also held a North Dakota Master’s Electrical license and worked for Muth Electric in ND. Ty was currently working for H&O Electric in Winner, SD under the supervision of Red Osborne, whom he admired greatly.

Ty was married to Valerie (Vandermay) Dimond and together they welcomed three daughters into the world. The greatest loves and joys of his life were his three girls Jentry, born November of 2013, Paisley, born May of 2015, and Tierney, born on February of 2018. He loved to fish and taught his girls to fish at a young age. Ty also enjoyed playing guitar and bought Jentry a guitar for them to begin playing together. He also bought Jentry and Paisley BB guns and was teaching them to shoot and took them rabbit hunting in the winter. He was also teaching his girls to ride horses. Ty was an incredible uncle and would often be joined by Tate and his kids on these adventures.

Ty met the love of his life, Nichole Lee in June of 2020. Although the time they had together was brief, it was filled with love, laughter, pranks, and slow dancing in the kitchen while they cooked together. Ty cherished his time with not only Nichole but with his three daughters, Jentry, Paisley, and Tierney; and Nichole’s children Braxtyn and Miah. He spent countless hours pitching baseballs, bike riding, and playing with the kids in his pool. Ty proposed to Nichole on Dec. 15 2022, and was so excited about wedding planning often sending Nichole ideas for their ceremony and was looking forward to spending their lives together.

Ty is survived by his loving family including his three daughters, Jentry, Paisley and Tierney. His fiancée, Nichole Lee & her children, Braxtyn and Miah. His mother, Julie Hall. His sister Ashley Dimond & Courtney Krogman, his brother Tate Dimond & Tierra Axdahl and their children, Braedynn and Scott Dimond. His grandparents, Twila Edwards, Scott & Mary Hall and Mark & Delores Edwards. His aunts and uncles: Kim & Sandy Hall, Clayton, Lori, Duane & Karey Hall, Laurie McCabe & Rodger Drake, Vava Dimond & John Vesco. His cousins: Scott, Lane, Chandra, Sheena, Thomas, Peyton, Brandon, and Traye. And the mother of his children Valerie (Vandermay) Dimond.

Ty was preceded in death by his father, Scott Dimond, his grandparents Larry Dimond and Joyce Hall and his uncle Kevin McCabe.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Wood Community Hall.

Funeral services were held 3 p.m. Friday, Sept.  8, at the Wood Community Hall.

Burial followed at the Evergreen Cemetery in Wood.

Memorial moneys received will go to a college fund for Ty’s daughters. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 383 Wood, SD 57585.

Robert Ahlman, 94, of Colome, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, South Dakota. 

Funeral service was  held on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery. 

Robert (Bob) Eldon Ahlman, born on Sept. 8, 1928, to Albert and Roberta (Wygal) Ahlman and surrounded by the love of his family entered his eternal heavenly home on Sept. 3, 2023. He was reunited in glory with his parents, Albert and Roberta Ahlman, his brother, Eugene (Gene) Ahlman, and his beloved wife, JoAnn (Harter) Ahlman, alongside numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who had gone before him.

Bob’s life was one marked by gentleness, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. He spent his formative years on the family ranch, alongside his older brother, Gene. He received his education at Clairmont Country School and graduated from Colome High School in 1948. Following graduation, Bob answered the call to serve his country and joined the National Guard, actively contributing for several years.

In March of 1950, Bob married the love of his life, JoAnn Harter, and together they embarked on a 72-year journey filled with love and togetherness. To this beautiful union, they were blessed with four daughters: Peggy Ann, Glenda Lee, Susan Jean, and Lori Jane.

Bob was not just a model family man; he was also a brilliant fabricator. There was no piece of machinery that he couldn’t fix, earning him the trust and respect of countless farmers and ranchers throughout south-central South Dakota. In 1973, he and JoAnn decided to start a new chapter in their lives, selling their acreage to open Bob’s Machine Shop in Colome. However, even with their move to town, Bob never strayed too far from his roots, traveling each weekend back to the family farm to help his brother, Gene.

Bob was a dedicated member of the South Dakota Welders Association, demonstrating his commitment to his craft. He served his community as the mayor of Colome, contributed as a volunteer firefighter, and faithfully attended and served at the United Methodist Church. His life was a testament to the values of faith, hard work, humility, and family.

In his spare time, Bob found joy in reading, hunting, solving puzzles, and teaching his grandkids to play checkers. He relished Sunday drives on dirt roads and the simple pleasure of a hearty meal, with meat and potatoes, followed by sweet tea and dessert. Bob had a passion for sharing his knowledge of machines and interests in history and geography with those around him. He lovingly shared in the joys and sorrows of his family, making his days truly rich in love and work.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will forever be cherished by his family. While he will be greatly missed, his gentleness, his loving eyes, his mischievous raised eyebrow, and his endearing wink will live on in our memories.

Those fortunate enough to have shared their lives with Bob are his daughters: Peggy Soper, Glenda Simer, Susan (Rob) Saunders, and Lori Haukaas. Thirteen grandchildren including:  Eric Brown, Danta (Barry) Simonson, Crystal Allen, Allissa (Alex) Gurnsey, Chris (Michelle) Sachtjen, Connor (Cassie) Sachtjen, Beth Larsen, Bonnie (Ken Harkins) Saunders, Erica (Ivan) Beck, Jacque Haukaas, Lacey Brubaker, Paige Haukaas and Peter (Cheyenne) Haukaas.  Twenty-six great-grandchildren including:  Taylor (Cody) Ratz, Devon Simonsen, Ciara Allen, Jordyne Hoffman, Lacy Sachtjen, Layton Sachtjen, Laila Sachtjen, Boyd Sachtjen, Bo Sachtjen, Harley Hall, David Hall, Frankie Harkins, Grace Harkins, Ethan (Angela) Beck, Aidan Beck, Ayla Beck, Amir Hariri, Javon Haukaas, Korbin Miller, Mila Johnson, Isabelle Brubaker, Landon Brubaker, Ace Brubaker, Paxtyn Miller, Whitlee Haukaas, Bodee Haukaas.  Three great-great grandchildren, including:  Cash Wheeler, Reagan Kahler and Nora Beck.               

In celebrating the life of Robert Eldon Ahlman, we remember a man who lived with purpose, integrity, and an abundance of love. The significance of his life will continue to shine brightly through the lives of those he touched. Rest in peace, Papa Bob, until we meet again.

With heavy hearts, it was  announce the passing of Patricia (Pat) Florence Hall on Sept. 3, 2023, a devoted wife, caring mother, grandmother, friend, and a pillar of love within her community.

Pat, born on July 15, 1942, in Okreek, South Dakota, touched the lives of many through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

Patricia was the beloved wife of Wayne (Baldy) Hall, a partnership that exemplified enduring love and companionship. Alongside her husband, Pat shared her heart with their faithful dog, Stella, a constant source of joy in their lives.

As a mother, Pat’s dedication knew no bounds. She leaves behind three sons who were the center of her world. Jess Hall (Merri Jo), his four children: Darcy Swanson, Janette Cummings, Jay Hall, and Traci Kyder. Justin Hall (Rachel) and their two children: Morgan Hall and Natalie Hall. Jason Hall (Karissa) and their four children: Peyton Hall Jones, Karson Hall, Larkin Hall, and Jeslyn Hall. Pat felt blessed to be surrounded by her eight great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy and happiness.

Pat’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. Her passion for gardening mirrored her ability to nurture relationships, and she was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a special place in her heart for the elders in her community, often visiting and providing assistance to bring happiness to their lives.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Viola Haukaas and Henry John Haukaas, and her siblings John Henry Haukaas, Anthony Lee Haukaas, Mable Margaret Emery, Sidney Whetam Haukaas, Martin Nels Haukaas and her niece Malia Emery. She is survived by her siblings Henrietta (Hank) Joens, Peter Lewis Haukaas, Cora May Dale, Dorothy Marie Nelson, Jay Sokol, and all of her nieces and nephews.

In this time of remembrance, let us celebrate Pat’s life, her boundless love, and the countless lives she touched.

Patricia Hall’s legacy will live on through the memories she created and the love she shared. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Feeding South Dakota, a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication to caring for others.

Duane Everett Brunkow, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD after a brief battle with cancer. 

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Sept.  12, 2023, at 11 am with a visitation 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

Duane was born on March 11, 1936, to Clarice (Frank) and Clarence Brunkow in Western, NE, where he lived until he was 9.  He then moved to Ideal, SD. Later he and his mother moved to Winner, SD.  He graduated from Winner High School in 1955. 

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1957 to 1960.

Duane was united in marriage to Joan (Bolander) on May 20, 1962, they shared 61 wonderful years together and they had three children Janet, Doug and Julie.

He joined the South Dakota National Guard in 1978 where he served for 18 years. During his service he was activated and deployed to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.

He was an active volunteer in Winner, SD.  He was a volunteer fireman, drove over 35,000 miles for DAV taking veterans to medical appointments, and was a lifetime member of the VFW and the Legion.

Duane held several jobs during his lifetime, but his favorite was building.  He made items for his family as gifts and when requested.  He also drove cars for area car dealerships as he loved to drive and be on the road.  He also loved sports and hunting.  Family was extremely important to Duane, and he loved to visit and spend time with all his extended family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Joan, daughter Janet (Dave) Kauer of Sioux Falls, SD; son Doug (Kristine) of Sacramento, CA; and daughter Julie (Erin) Peterson of Omaha, NE.  Grandchildren Amanda (Jay) Bhatt, Isabella, Issak and Sophia Brunkow, Ella and Adam Peterson.  Great-Grandchild Arjun Bhatt.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Clarice Brunkow.

Ty Dimond of Wood, South Dakota, died on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 in White River at the age of 32.

Survivors include his three daughters Jentry, Paisley, and Tierney; his fiance Nichole Lee and her children Braxtyn and Miah Olson; his mother Julie Hall of Wood; his sister Ashley Dimond (Cortney Krogman) and their son on the way, of White River; his brother Tate (Tierra) Dimond and their children Braedinn and Scott of Piedmont; his maternal grandfather Scott (Mary) Hall of Elizabeth, Colorado, his paternal grandmother Twila Edwards of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his grandfather Mark (Delores) Edwards of St. Paul, Nebraska; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ty was preceded in death by his father Scott Dimond; paternal grandfather Larry Dimond; and his maternal grandmother Joyce Hall.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Wood Community Hall.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Wood Community Hall.

Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Wood. Memorial moneys received will go to a college fund for Ty’s daughters.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Funeral services for Raymond “Ray” Stukel age 88 of Gregory, SD will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church, Gregory, SD.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There is a rosary service Friday night at the church at 6:30 p.m. Visitation one hour prior to both services.

Olga B. Borrell, 94, Hastings, Neb.,  passed away Wednesday, Aug.30, 2023, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.   

 Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 5, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Burial was at Juniata Cemetery in Juniata. Memorials may be given to First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.

 Olga was born Aug. 6, 1929, in Winner, SD to Frank A. and Alba M. (Rohla) Ptacek. She married Milton C. Borrell on Feb. 13, 1970, in Hastings; he preceded her in death on June 3, 2017.

Olga worked at Mary Lanning Healthcare in the housekeeping department. She was a past member of the Eagles and South Central Czech Society. Olga enjoyed puzzles, card games, and playing pitch.

Olga was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Milton C. Borrell; step-son, Milton Borrell Jr.; step-daughter, Donna Borrell; brother, Milo Ptacek; brothers-in-law, John “Jack” Borrell, Leonard Borrell, and Arthur Borrell; and grandson, Josh Hedlund.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Donald and Sharon Hedlund, Hastings; daughter, Vicki Hammonds Hastings; step sons, Raymond Borrell, Hastings, Neb. and Anthony Borrell, St. Louis, Mo.; four grandchildren, 11 great grandchilden, 10 great,great grandchilden; sister-in-law, Rita Ptacek, Winner and numerous nieces and nephews.