Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

Hazel M. Langer, 79, of Gettysburg, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at Avera Gettysburg Hospital.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Aaron Garza presiding. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery. A prayer service was held  Tuesday, August 29, 2023, with visitation one-hour prior at the church.

Hazel Marie Marvin was born April 21, 1944, to Don and Mabel (Wallace) Marvin in Creighton, Neb..  She was the youngest of 8 siblings.

Hazel graduated from Long Pine High School in 1962.  She worked for a few short months as a nurse’s aide at Clarkson Memorial Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Hazel and the love of her life, Duane, eloped on Dec. 12, 1962, in Pierre, South Dakota.  They immediately moved to New Jersey for 11 years where their son, John David, and daughter, Lora Lee, were born.

Duane and Hazel moved to Winner, South Dakota, in 1972.  They owned the West Side Market in Winner for 16 years.  They joined John and Jill at Langer’s Family Foods in Gettysburg in 1989. 

She was active over the years volunteering for many organizations including being a Camp Fire Girl leader, a church youth group leader, running fundraisers, being a member of the General Federated Women’s Club, serving meals on holidays and being on various boards.  She continued delivering meals on wheels until the end of her life.

She enjoyed trips to Hawaii with Duane, family, and friends.  She loved music by Elvis Presley.

One of her favorite responsibilities in life was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was so very proud of all of them. Grandma’s rule was “You get to eat dessert with your supper.”

Hazel is survived by her son, John (Jill) of Gettysburg; daughter, Lora (Brad) Hazelrigg of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: James (Jaymi), Megan Hazelrigg (Fiancé Alex Bennett), Justine (Aaron) Garza, Matthew (Samantha) Hazelrigg, Jacob (Brianna), and Joshua (Fiancée Kayla Koll); six great-grandchildren: Jackson, Ezra, Addie, Andrew, August, and Samuel; sisters: Dorothy Fredrickson and LaRayne (Doug) Halligan; and brother, Larry Marvin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; parents; sisters: Clara Mae and Darlene; and brothers: Kenneth and Ernest.

Memorials in Hazel’s honor may be directed to Go and Grow Ministries, 101 N High St, Gettysburg, SD 57442. (www.goandgrowministries.com)

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Hazel’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

(Margaret) Jayne Knutson, 82, of Red Wing and formerly of Aberdeen, South Dakota, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

 She was born March 8, 1941, in Clearfield, South Dakota to Fred and Fern (Curtis) Vogt.  She grew up on the family farm in Clearfield and attended school in the area.  She helped on the farm as a young woman and then worked in Winner, South Dakota, where she met her husband, Ed Knutson.  They were married in 1962 and lived in Winner for a time before moving to Huron and later Aberdeen and Mina Lake.  After her children were older, Jayne went back to school for her nursing degree, receiving her bachelor’s from Presentation College in Aberdeen.  She worked as an RN for a few years during which she started a home health care business with some friends.  She later returned to nursing and worked at a same day surgery center until her retirement.  Throughout their marriage, she and Ed enjoyed traveling both internationally and throughout the US, having visited all the state capitals.  They had a group of friends they enjoyed camping with as well as with family. 

In retirement, they spent several winters in Texas near Corpus Christi.  Jayne excelled at all forms of sewing, using her talents early on as a talented seamstress.  She later became accomplished in cross-stitch, Hardanger and quilting. 

Ed passed away in 2020 and Jayne moved to Minnesota where she would be closer to her children. 

She is survived by her 2 children, Sherri Knutson of Red Wing and David (DeNae) Knutson of Farmington; 3 grandchildren Chelsea (Jesse) Gebel, Tyler (Baylee) Knutson and Carter (Maddy) Knutson and one great-grandson, Henry. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ed.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with a visitation one hour prior to the service.  Memorials are preferred to Aberdeen Area Humane Society (https://anewleashonlife.net/). Services will be live-streamed and can be viewed at Mahn Family Funeral Home’s Facebook page.    Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

William “Bill” Schroeder, 64, of Witten, South Dakota passed away on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 at 10 a.m.  at The Red Hills, formerly known as the Carter Mall, in Carter, SD.

William Bradley Schroeder was born Sept. 21, 1958 to Herman and Phyllis (Smith) Schroeder. He was the 5th child of Herman and Phyllis. Bill was baptized on Sept. 22, 1963 in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kahler were Bill’s sponsors.

Bill grew up in the country and attended grade school until the 8th grade before coming to Winner High School. After high school Bill joined the Army and was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas. He completed his basic training before he was injured in an accident and he was given an honorable medical discharge.

Over the years Bill worked various local jobs. He married Connie Labbs Jan. 13, 1995 at the Carter Mall in Carter, SD. Connie and Bill lived in Carter and later moved to their permanent residence home in Witten, SD. Bill loved the Witten community and people in it. Later in life as Connie’s M.S. progressed, she moved to Winner where she made a home at the Winner Long Term Care Center due to her health.

Bill was a very frequent visitor of the Winner Nursing Home. He visited his wife Connie daily, showing his love for her and keeping her up to speed with what was going in their lives and community. Bill also cared for the other residents, and also the staff of the Winner Nursing Home, helping out wherever he could and participated in many activities.

Bill is survived by his wife, Connie, siblings; Herman Jr. (Diane) of Winner, SD; Mylan Schroeder of Alcester, SD; Lori (Rudy) Kahler of Winner, SD; Kathy (Dan) Vavra of Gregory, SD; Cindy Schroeder of Winner, SD; Sally Schroeder of Gregory, SD; Orville (Melinda) of Winner, SD. Robert (Jean) Schroeder of White Lake, SD. Marlin Smith and his family of Holyoke, Colorado. Sister-in-law Patsy Smith and family of New York. Bill is also survived by his step children Ray Allen (Linda) Bahm of O’Neill, NE and children Christina Bahm and children: Ava, Cruzito, Genevieve and Reynaldo (Brandee Felix) Bahm and their 4 children: Sinella, Vincent, Elvira, Lacinna; Todd (Lisa) Bahm of St. Paul, MN and Orion; Dan Labb and family. Bill is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins and in-laws.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, brother Jerry, nephew Benjamin, mother-in-law Clarice Dreyer and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Emily Marie (Noyes) Henderson passed away peacefully at her home on the farm near Hamill, SD on Saturday Aug. 5, 2023 at the age of 83.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug.  12, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Emily was born on Dec. 16, 1939 in Huron, SD to Marie (Duxbury) and Eben Noyes of rural Wessington, SD. She had one brother, Eben “Buzz” Noyes, Jr, born in 1948. She often shared fond memories of her childhood on the family farm in the Wessington Hills. Animals were always important to Emily, from raising poultry and puppies, to showing horses and Hereford cattle. Of course, many great memories revolved around time spent with family and friends at the SD State Fair each year.

After graduating from Wessington High School in 1957, Emily continued her education at Huron College, where she also participated in the school choir. She received her bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in 1961, and went on to teach elementary school, first in Wessington Springs, followed by Madison, MN and Pierre, SD.

Emily then married Lauren Henderson of rural Hamill, SD on June 24, 1972. She joined Lauren on his family farm, where they raised their son, Brian, and daughter, Laura. Once their children were both school-aged, Emily returned to teaching in Colome, SD where she was the 2nd grade teacher for over 20 years.

Emily loved being a teacher. Whether it was a Sunday school lesson or her classroom, she worked hard to engage every student and keep them interested in learning. Classrooms were sometimes chaotic with many hands-on projects and even some live critters joining a lesson from time to time. She held a special place in her heart for each child, and she always referred to a former student as “one of my kids.”

After retirement, Emily had more time to enjoy her family. She especially enjoyed time with her 5 grandchildren, spending countless hours reading, playing and just visiting with them. Emily is survived by her son Brian (Anora) Henderson and their children Ainsley, Andrew and Allie, of Hamill, SD; her daughter Laura (Michael) Poncelow and their children Sarah and Samuel of Wessington Springs, SD; her brother Buzz (Donna) Noyes of Wessington, SD; sister-in-law Nadine Henderson of Pierre, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lauren, who passed away in 2008, her parents, brothers-in-law Raymond Henderson, Russ Nesson, Keith Benthin and sisters-in-law Myrna Nesson and Avis Benthin, and nephew David Nesson.

Funeral services for Dennis Flisram, 68, Witten, were held at the Methodist Church in Winner on Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. Burial followed at the Winner Cemetery.

Dennis Lee Flisram was born Aug. 26, 1954, in Winner, SD, to Jerome and Betty (Moeller) Flisram.  He joined two sisters at home; later, he would become big brother to four more sisters. He was the first and only son born into the family.  He passed away on Aug. 1, 2023, at his home in Witten, SD.

Denny, aka “Suzy” or “Cat”, grew up in Witten where attended grade school and then graduated from Wood High School in 1973.  He grew up running the streets and most likely getting into some mischief with his friends: Kevin Long, Jack Arthur, the Gardner boys (Scott, Bill, and Bob), Mike and Warren Sporrer, and Dale Tarrel (Mouse).  He was surrounded by five sisters, but never complained.  Why would he when he was somewhat spoiled?

In his adult life, he ran with his cousin Kyle Moeller.  What fun they had!  In grade school, he played basketball, and in high school, he participated in track, high jump, broad jump, and hurdles; he received several ribbons and medals. He participated in basketball until the coach told him to cut his hair.  Denny said no, and that was the end of his basketball career.

After high school, he worked for a local farmer/rancher, Orville Smith; The Pizza Pub; and Larson Cement; and during the summer months, he worked for the county. 

In 1977, he decided to move to Vancouver, Wash., where he picked up the skill of drywalling, with some remodel jobs on the side.  He was a perfectionist when it came to his work; everything was thought out to the fullest before a project was started.  Due to a shoulder injury, he was forced to retire.  In September 2017, he moved back to Witten, SD, and was home again.

While in Vancouver, he met Shelly in 1999.  She had two sons and they became his family.  He thought a lot of them and would tell many things about them.  The two sons married and had children.  Denny thought of them as his own grandchildren; he was proud of them all.

He made a trip out to Washington in 2022 to see them.  Riding his Harley was a favorite of his, but the last trip riding it back from Washington to SD was a little long.  After that, he hauled it.  He liked to attend the rally in Sturgis once every few years.  Denny was a very kind and giving person with a big heart.  He would help anyone without being asked.  He would let a younger sister comb and curl his hair, without complaining, when there was no other victim around.  Denny will be greatly missed by his sisters, more than words can express.  We love you, Dennis.

Denny is survived by sisters Elizabeth (Alvin) Focken, Joyce Flisram, Louise Flisram, Connie Rae (Doug) Frantz, and LaVonne Brickman; nephews: Justin (Heather) Focken, Cole and Evan; Tyler (Kaitlin) Focken, Landon and Kaden; and Carter and Coy Brickman; his Washington family: Paul (Deanna) Crouse, Jr., Madison; and John (Sarah) Dean-Dawson, Perry and Cordelia; cousins, an aunt, and many friends.

Denny is preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Betty Flisram, companion Shelly, grandparents Clarence and Elizabeth Flisram and Frank and Elsie Moeller, infant sister Dorothy Ann, brothers-in-law Brett Brickman and Dillon Olson, aunts, uncles, and cousins.