Category Archives: Obituaries

Ralph Leroy Mefferd, Jr. was born Sept. 1, 1932, to Ralph L. Mefferd Sr. and Dorothy (Dodds) Mefferd in the Ainsworth, NE hospital. He died Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff, NE.

Ralph’s life began in the fossil digging camps of Morris Skinner and Company. There his father found employment on bone collecting expeditions that ranged across the Nebraska and Wyoming prairies and South Dakota Badlands. During those years, Ralph’s winters were spent in New York City attending school as the excavation team researched and processed their summer’s finds for Frick Laboratory in partnership with the Museum of Natural History. Disliking New York City, the Northeast winters, and attending school in such a large city, Ralph began living and working on his grandparent’s (Frank and Vivian Dodds) ranch while attending school in Raven, NE. He took up boxing after starting high school in Ainsworth and found the sport to be a great outlet for his natural toughness and fighting spirit. Ralph’s time spent boxing saw him qualify for state on two occasions. He placed second his sophomore year and he was undefeated his junior year before the Ainsworth boxing team became stranded while traveling to the state tournament in the Blizzard of 1949. Nebraska outlawed the high school sport his senior year.

Following high school, Ralph received his draft notice and become a veteran of the Korean War.

He served in the United States Army from Jan. 7, 1953, to Sept. 1, 1954, and spent most of his time in service overseas. Ralph operated heavy equipment to build roads and other infrastructure in Korea as he served as a combat engineer and rose to the rank of corporal. After leaving service Ralph returned to his hometown of Ainsworth. 

Upon his return home, Ralph married his longtime girlfriend and fiancé Betty J. Propst of Springview, NE on June 24, 1955. The following year, Ralph and Betty began their family as Sandra, Michael, and Kelly, joined the world and learned to live and work as hard as their parents. A faithful and devoted husband, Ralph celebrated 67 years of marriage with his lifetime sweetheart.

Ralph’s life was driven by the cowboy spirit. This began at the young age of three as “Ralphy” rode a simple stick through camp at his father’s dig sites and dreamt of his future life as a rancher and rodeo enthusiast. This carried through his high school years as he worked a local dairy farm while attending school.

Following his time in service, Ralph picked up his life as a cowboy and returned to the three rough stock events. There he once successfully rode 54 head of bucking stock straight before retiring from the events and focusing on his young family. Alongside his rodeo days, Ralph and his family lived and worked on several ranches in the area including Wood Lake, Nenzel, and Bassett, NE, as well as Hamill and Edgemont, SD. His ranching days were far from uneventful. One winter, while loading a large stack onto a hay sled, Ralph’s glove became caught in the tractor’s winch. Being unable to stop the winch in time he suffered the loss of three fingers in the accident. Also, in 1974, after managing the “Old Savage Ranch” for Rich and Dean Kinney, Ralph and his family recreated the old-time cattle drive as they relocated 200 angus pair 100 miles from Hamill, SD to their new ranch in Bassett, NE; a highlight for the livestock-focused family. Later, Ralph would purchase his second ranch on the Cheyenne River near Edgemont, SD, operating it for several years before returning to Nebraska.  

In between calving seasons, brandings, fixing fence, and cattle drives, Ralph enjoyed returning to his younger days by fossil and arrowhead hunting on the prairie. He also found time to attend many local dances with his wife Betty and young children and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids as his family grew. Ralph took pride in his near self-sufficiency as he mastered horsemanship, mechanical work, and many aspects of veterinarian care. Throughout his life he became fond of great Western fiction, especially stories written by the novelist Louis L’Amour.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kelly Mefferd, who tragically and unexpectedly passed on March 28, 2021; parents-in-law Henry and Gladys Propst; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard and Sandra Propst, and William and Susan Propst.  

He is survived by his wife Betty of Scottsbluff, NE; daughter Sandra Mefferd of Chadron, NE; son Michael (Carmen) Mefferd of Rapid City, SD; brother Charles Mefferd of Kearney, NE; grandchildren: Chancy Stewart of Orchard, NE; Mikalya Bentley of Milliken, CO; Marc Mefferd of Lander, WY; Ty Brown of Marsland, NE; and Wil Brown of Loveland, CO; brother-in-law Elvin Propst of Tuscon, AZ; great grandchildren Carter, River, Eli, Nash, and Brixleigh. Memorial services were held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth.  Pastor Paul Smith of Hay Springs, NE officiated at the service.    Inurnment will take place in the Ainsworth Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials were suggested to the family for future designation.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Lucas Allen Kaiser, age 35, of Watertown, SD, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, July 10, 2023.  Funeral Services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Cornerstone Methodist Church in Watertown.  Pastor Luke Smith officiated 

Burial was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD. 

Lucas was born on Aug. 26, 1987, in Spearfish, SD, to Greg and Lori (Frank) Kaiser.  He attended school in Billings, MT, until his family moved to Watertown, where he graduated from WHS with the class of 2006.  Following high school, Lucas went on to further his education by attending college in Jamestown, ND, SDSU, and DSU. Lucas loved sports and excelled in track, football, and baseball. 

On Aug. 7, 2009, Lucas married the love of his life, Amanda Cass in Watertown.  The couple raised four children together, Aidan, Audrina, Lincoln, and Cecelia.  Lucas was in business with his dad for several years at Midwest Dent. He was very passionate about his job, which he considered a form of art, and enjoyed working with his dad – most days.

Lucas had a passion for motorcycles, hunting, fishing, golfing, baseball, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Seattle Mariners.  He was also an amazing cook.  His specialties were pizza (with a secret sauce he refused to share), his special noodles, and chili.  Audrina is following in his footsteps.

Lucas adored his children, they were truly the joy of his life.  He enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them, playing video games, movie nights, hitting balls, going on road trips,  and building crazy amounts of lego’s. 

Lucas will be most remembered for his contagious laugh, beautiful smile, and his amazing beard!  He was always willing to rise to the challenge of any dare or prank.  He was constantly razzing his dad, and his dad ALWAYS responded as expected.  For his children he will be remembered for his “magic kissies” to heal any wound.

Lucas is survived by his parents, Greg and Lori Kaiser of Watertown, SD; children Aidan Cass of Lake Preston, SD, Audrina, Lincoln, and Cecelia Kaiser of Watertown, SD; the mother of his children Amanda Crook of Watertown, SD; grandparents Marcella Kaiser of Spearfish, SD, and Vern and Vesta Frank of Newcastle, WY; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Lucas was preceded in death by his grandpa Robert Kaiser; uncle Jesse and aunt Stacey Frank; and uncle Jim Swaby.

Donations to assist the family can  be sent to gofundme under Lucas Kaiser memorial and kids or mailed to Kaiser Family, 59 Sunrise Drive, Watertown, SD 57201

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel   www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

Mary Ann Clyde, 82, of Henderson, NV, formerly of Vermillion and Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  Mary Ann was born on July 30, 1940, in Winner, SD to Bert and Cecilia Tideman of Carter, SD. She graduated from Winner High School in 1958 and received her nursing degree from the Sacred Heart School of Nursing (her “alma mater”) in Yankton, SD in 1961.

 She started her career at the Weld County General Hospital in Greeley, CO where she met her husband, Donald Clyde. They were married in 1967 and moved to Vermillion, SD in 1973 where they resided for 40+ years and raised their family.

 Mary Ann is survived by her husband Donald Clyde; her four children Christina Clyde-Sforzo (Tom), Corey Clyde, Cassandra Clyde, and Camille Clyde (Peter); two grandchildren Jordyn Cannon, Zoe Clyde-Sforzo; two great-grandchildren Orion Cannon, Conner Cannon; and her sister Karen (Tideman) Barnes.

 She was preceded in death by her parents Bert Tideman and Cecilia (New) Tideman (aka “mother and daddy”) and sister Donna (Tideman) Graf (aka “seeester”).

Mary Ann had a deep love for her family, whom she selflessly dedicated her life to.

She never missed a sporting event or school function and loved volunteering her time to help others.  She looked forward to being involved in the community, whether it was to accompany a music recital or to bake one of her famous coffee cakes for the St. Agnes parish. She was known as “Mom” to everyone and always had a puppy or grandchild in her arms.

She loved dancing!  And enjoyed road trips and traveling, being outdoors, drives around town and loved roses, rainbows, butterflies, campfires & s’mores. 

Mary Ann had an immense passion for and love of life with the natural ability to see the beauty in everything and the best in everyone. She had a warm and magnetic personality with a great sense of humor. She got a kick out of practical jokes, pranks, and tongue twisters. Her lighthearted nature and beautiful laughter was guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. She was a kind, genuine and compassionate woman who loved unconditionally and touched the hearts of everyone she met.  She loved helping people and always had the perfect words of encouragement and inspiration. An amazing role model. Beautiful inside and out.

Her relationship with God was deep and pure. Even in the toughest times, she exuded faith, hope and trust beyond measure.  She had an unbelievable strength and resilience that one could only strive for – she was a “farmer’s daughter”.

She left an unforgettable footprint & impression in this world.  Her passing has left a void that will never be filled.

Stanley Christensen, 76, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:30AM at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow at a later date.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Stanley James Christensen passed away Monday July 3, 2023. He was 76 years old. “Never ornery, only maybe a bit mischievous,” Stan loved a good story and a good laugh. His big belly laugh was infectious, and he often laughed so hard that he not only cried but then couldn’t even finish the story he was telling. There was, however, nothing he loved more than giving his favorite people a good old-fashioned teasing. Stan was the master of the tease. He could make people blush with a simple look or even a few short words. If he teased you, you knew he liked you. Many of you were well loved by Stan.

Stan was born on July 15, 1946 in Winner, SD to Lowell and Frankie (Williams) Christensen. The oldest of five children, he spent his younger years terrorizing both the Ideal community and the city of Winner. He graduated from Winner High School in 1964 and was always proud to be a Winner Warrior. 

Although Stan held many different jobs over the course of his life, he always stuck close to home. After living in the Hamill and Presho communities, Stan returned to Winner and hauled propane for the Co-op, retiring in 2011. Of all his many jobs, his favorites were those that involved farming and ranching. Although he loved all cows, he had a special love for Black Angus and Black Baldies, much to the dismay of his daughters who loved the Charolais.

Ever so grateful for having been raised by Stan are his two daughters, Leslie (Rick) Ross and Rebecca Chandler (Jeff Carney), and his son Brent. He was also incredibly proud of his four granddaughters: Kayla (Josh) Swanberg, Kylie (Greg) Ellis, Katie Monson, and Molly Monson. Stan was also blessed with bonus children/grandchildren later in his life: Beth Dice and Mike (Tracy) Dice and children Kendall, Trevyn, and Kenzlee. Stan is also survived by his four siblings: Gary (Connie Christensen), Doug (Liane) Christensen, Deb Christensen (Doug Johnson), and Cheryl (Bruce) Lutz, as well as a host of nieces/nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family. Stan is preceded in death by his wife, Debra Christensen, and his parents, Lowell and Frankie Christensen. 

Stan’s daughters would like to extend a special thank you to his niece Bria Peppel, who was the best caretaker he could have ever asked for. He often referred to her as a “sweetheart” and a “god send” and we couldn’t agree more. A huge thank you to the hospice staff of Winner Regional Hospital for their kindness and compassion as well. Stan was able to remain in his home throughout his battle with COPD, which would have never been possible without the help of Bria and the hospice team. 

Stan’s daughters ask that you come to his service prepared to share your favorite Stan story. Memorials can be made to the family for future designation.

Military rites for John (Jack) Lunne, age 76, who passed away on April 17, 2022, will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Colome Cemetery.

A celebration of life and lunch will follow at the Colome Legion.

Jack graduated from Colome High School in 1964, and at the time of his death was residing in Gilbert, AZ. 

Arla Rae (Winckler) Dangel, age 74, of Yankton, SD, passed away at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital on May 24, 2023, with her husband at her side. Cremation has taken place.

A full mass burial was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, SD on June 17, followed by a Celebration of Life.

Arla was born on April 27, 1949 to Hubert and Edna (Fischer) Winckler in Tyndall, SD and was the fourth born of their nine children. Arla grew up in Tyndall, SD and attended Tyndall High School, class of 1966. She met Laverne “Vern” Dangel of Scotland, SD at the swimming pool in Tyndall. The following week, they went on a date every night. Vern then headed back to Vietnam. Upon return to South Dakota, he reconnected with Arla and within a week of his return, Vern proposed marriage. Within 10 days later, on August 7, 1967 she married Vern in Scotland, SD at the St. George Catholic Church. Joining this union were two sons: Paul and Kelly. Arla’s marriage with Vern took her all over the country. They began their marriage in New Mexico, back to South Dakota, then to Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri again, South Dakota again, the Virginia, Florida and finally returning home to South Dakota. There were many adventures they shared along the way.

Arla had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She would light up any room. She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She loved cooking, baking, canning, watching movies, playing pinochle, and marbles. Most importantly shopping. She was strong-willed and courageous, but those traits defined Arla. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges. She was a fighter and took the cards she was dealt with strength and faith. As a woman of faith, Arla wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. She would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in her life.

Arla is survived by her loving husband, Vern: sons, Paul Dangel of Washington, DC, and Kelly and Delia Dangel of Niceville, FL; grandchildren, Roman, Luke and Lexi of Arlington, VA and Logan of Niceville, FL; sister, Norma (Bob) Bender of Yankton, SD; brothers, Joe (Loretta) of Volin, SD, Jarvis (Marilyn) of Avon, Murray (Lisa) of Collinsville, VA and Larry of Indiana, PA; sisters-in-law, Barbara Winckler of Winner, SD and Sue Winckler of Vermillion, SD; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arla was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Edna; her brothers, Leland, Myron (Mike) and David (Dave); and several beloved aunts, uncles, a nephew, cousins and friends.

Marty Allen Moore spent his years on earth as an adventurer. His early adventures began on his grandparent’s ranch where he and his brother, Mike, explored every turn of the White Thunder Creek and all the acres of the ranch either on horseback or on foot. His adventures continued as a truck driver driving from coast to coast and border to border. All maps were in his head, and he never met a stranger because he loved to visit with everyone.

Marty was born on February 29, 1964, in Valentine, Nebraska, to Larry Moore and Cheryl (Gifford) Medearis.  He made his journey to the Spirit World on May 15, 2023, in Rapid City, South Dakota, after battling diabetes and complications from dialysis with tenacity, courage and incredible mental and physical strength.

He leaves many wonderful memories treasured by his survivors: his mother, Cheryl Medearis and Wayne Colombe, of Wood, SD; his brothers and their spouses, Cody and Tracy Medearis of Caputa, SD;  Michael and Sara Moore of Mesquite, Nevada; his sisters and their spouses, Lisa and Tony Wirth, of Laurel Hill, Florida; Amber, of Wood, SD;  Morgan and Seth Miller of Spearfish, SD; and Meghan and Jared Shear of Gillette, Wyoming. Marty is also survived by two sons: Tyler Moore, of Mission, SD, Ty’s two daughters, Ava and Alexa; Ty’s son, Jaxson Fredrick; and Kade Moore of Nebraska. He was a fun-loving “Uncle Monkey” to his nieces and nephews, and his many family members and friends will also carry their memories of him into the future.

Thankful to have shared Marty’s life is his partner and soulmate, Donna Hermann, her daughters, Richenda and Ashley and their families. He will especially be missed by his “Chocolate Cowboy” and “Baby Girl”.

Marty will join these family members who have gone before him: his dad, Larry Moore; paternal grandparents Allis and Agnes Moore; maternal grandparents Willis (Woody) and Colleen Gifford;  his beloved great uncle and auntie, Dallas and Jessie Gifford and other family members and friends. Equally happy to greet him will be his beloved dog, Thunder.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 CDT at the Wood Community Hall in Wood, SD. A dinner will follow the service. A private inurnment is planned at the G-Heart Ranch where he will be “surrounded by good memories and good horses” which was his wish, and one that we will carry out.

Cindy Wagner, 58, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Winner Assembly of God Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Cindy was born in Bell Gardens, Calif., on July 5, 1964, to Pat and Larry Scholz. She lived in California until she was one, then she and her parents moved to Burke, South Dakota. She was later joined by two siblings, Barb and Lawrence. She grew up in Burke and graduated from Burke High School in 1982.

Being the oldest, Cindy was the boss of her two younger siblings. While their mom was at work, she kept the house and her brother and sister in line. She could often be found spending time with her two best friends, Barb and Stacy. They enjoyed riding bikes, playing softball, listening to music, and sun bathing on hot summer days.

She later moved to Winner and worked at various places before finding her calling working at Community Connections. During her 28 years there, she held several different positions and loved them all.

Cindy had two children, Lyndsey and Josh. Her children and 4 grandchildren were the lights of her life. Spending time with her kids and grandkids was her favorite thing to do. She also loved gardening, baking, drawing, and having sleepovers with her grandchildren.

She married the love of her life, Kyle Wagner, on Aug. 20, 2022. Although they were only married 10 months, they enjoyed every minute together and loved enough for a lifetime. They enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with their grandchildren and their 2 dogs.

Cindy will be remembered by her loving husband, Kyle Wagner; her children, Josh Swartz (Ali) and Lyndsey Tegethoff (Andy); her grandchildren Sadie, Kynslie, Jacob, and Hadley Tegethoff; her step children, Jenny and Jordan Turgeon, and Travis Swartz (Sara); her mother, Pat Grossenburg; her step father, Gene Grossenburg; her sister, Barb Labahn (Duane); her brother, Lawrence Scholz (Tammy) along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services for Calvin Lee Voskia were held July 1 at Graceland Cemetery, Burke. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery.

Calvin Lee Vosika was born Dec. 27, 1946 at Winner, South Dakota to Victor and Thelma (Legge) Vosika and he died June 22, 2023 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 76 years.

Cal graduated from Winner High School in 1964.  On Sept. 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lois Esterling of Burke, South Dakota.  To this union two sons, Bradley James and Brent Alan, were born.

They made their home in Yankton, South Dakota for a short time before moving to Denver, Colo. in 1967.  They lived in Denver until 1973 when they moved to San Francisco and later to Pacifica, Calif.  After the death of his wife, Cal moved to Burke, South Dakota.

Cal attended culinary school in Denver and was a chef as well as a manager at several restaurants until his retirement.

Cal is survived by his children: Brad (Kim) of Burke, SD and Brent (Monique) of South San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren: Jesse (Laura) Vosika of Canton, SD: Alina Vosika (Pete Ng) of South San Francisco, CA; and Erika Clark James of Houston, TX; his great-grandchildren: Keely, Lainey and Lorraine Vosika, Davon, Darius and Eleya Clark James;  his sisters: Loretta Borg and Phyllis Greengrass and a brother, Jack Vosika.

Cal was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents, Victor and Thelma; his brother Lyle; his sister, Doris Elder and his father and mother-in-law, Erwin and LaVerna Esterling.

Everett Antoine Sr., 81, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Wake and funeral services were held at the Winner Ideal South Community Hall. Wake services were held on Thursday June 29 at 7 p.m. with a meal to follow. Funeral services were at noon  on Friday, June  30 with burial at the Winner City Cemetery with meal to follow.

Everett Antoine Sr. was born in Rosebud on Nov. 22, 1941 to Lawrence and Mildred (Haukaas) Antoine. He was their youngest son of 10 siblings.

He and married Beryl (Peneaux) Antoine and to this union had 6 children: Everett Jr., Randy, Steven (deceased), Ron, Lisa (deceased), and Charlie. They were married for 40 years before the passing of his wife in 2001.

Many friends and relatives called him Bun his entire life and was a lifelong resident of Winner, SD. He had spent 42 of those years working for the Winner Street Department. Every blizzard Winner had he could be found pushing snow so the residents could get out.

He loved bowling as all his siblings did and bowled on two men’s league and one mixed league. He also bowled in tournaments and had won several in his career. He was also the center-fielder for the Winner Indian fast-pitch team for many years and would be picked up to play for the Burke Buzzards to play in the Rosebud Fair Fast-pitch tournament.

Out of his busy life he found time to help his brother Jake with repairing broken TV’s which he loved when his brother opened a TV shop in Mission.  He had spent many Saturdays doing what he loved. He had a passion for music and on his downtime, he could be found in his bedroom playing his music loudly. Didn’t matter country, rock-n-roll, and you could tell when he was in an awesome mood because he would come out of his bedroom music up loud, dancing all the way to the kitchen to find Beryl and grab her hand and try to jitterbug with her. Only to hear her say “Hey behave I’m trying to cook” and off he’d go dancing all the way back to his bedroom snapping his fingers.

After his retirement and he found out about his cancer, his focus became about his family and great grandchildren. Caring for them up until the time of his passing.

He is survived by 6 siblings: Lois Antoine and Muriel Antoine of Mission, SD; Elora Antoine of Rapid City, SD; Georgia of Denver, CO; Cheryl Antoine and Lawrence Antoine Jr. both of Mitchell, SD. Also by 4 children: Everett Jr. (Rochelle), Randy, Ron (Suzy), Charlie all of Winner, SD.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mildred (Haukaas) Antoine, siblings: Charlotte Greaves, Marilyn White Horse, Jake Antoine, Levi Antoine, and Herman (Bud) Antoine. Also, by his wife Beryl (Peneaux) Antoine, 2 children, Steven Antoine, and Lisa Antoine.