Category Archives: Obituaries

Dan Lee Murphy, 70, Brandon, died Monday, May 7, 2018, as a result of a homicide while visiting friends in Baltimore, Maryland.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be given in Dan’s name to Brandon Baptist Church.

Danny Lee Murphy was born on June 5, 1947, in Winner, SD. He attended Catholic school and then public high school where he graduated. He attended SDSU to study teaching. Dan started teaching 7th Grade English at Brandon Valley in 1969, retiring in 2004 after 35 years. He also worked during his spare time and in the summer as a contractor building and remodeling many homes in the Brandon area.

On October 15, 1980, Dan married Joan Kerslake in Sioux Falls. Dan and Joan began attending Brandon Valley Baptist Church in 1980. Dan was always the first one in the kitchen whenever there were treats and he loved the potlucks at church.

Dan was an avid fisherman and loved camping all over the state of Minnesota. Traveling was another of his favorite pastimes including the family’s yearly trip to Disney World and had traveled to Mexico, Canada, and every state in the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii. Dan also took many tours with students and parents to Europe.

Dan will be deeply missed by his wife, Joan and son, Matt, both of Brandon; one sister, Patricia Hollenbeck, Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Wayne Kerslake, Sioux Falls; one niece and three nephews, Katie (Andy) Abernethy, Wheaton, IL, Jay (Jody) Hollenbeck, Valentine, NE, Shawn (Mardee) Hollenbeck, Hutchinson, KS, and Christopher (Jessica) Kerslake, Chicago, IL; one aunt, Agnes Koos, Aurora, IL; and many, many cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret (Speckman) Murphy; step-father, Alfred Koos; one sister-in-law, Gayle Kerslake; one nephew, Andrew Kerslake.
Online condolences at www.heartlandfunerals.com

Robert Fronek, 91, of Wood, SD passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Pine View Good Samaritan Center in Valentine, NE.

Funeral service were held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Wood Community Hall in Wood, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Bob was born on Nov. 21 1926, in Lynch NE to William and Julia (Angel) Fronek, lived in the Lynch and Spencer NE area for a few years until the family moved to South Dakota in 1941 Bob graduated from Mission High School in 1945. It was always Bob’s highest priority to attend every high school reunion, often times cutting short a vacation so he could be home to attend the class reunions.

On Sept. 8 1952 Bob and Mary (Maulis) Fronek were married. To this union 5 children were born. Jerry, Wayne, Kay Massingale, Tina Marie and Lyndon Fronek

Bob loved to visit and tell jokes; he made a lot of friends throughout his lifetime. To Bob there was never a stranger, if he didn’t know someone he had no problem walking up to them and start up a conversation

Bob spent his life farming and ranching. His hobbies were socializing and attending farm auctions. Although Bob worked many long hours farming/ranching, Bob and Mary traveled a lot, whether it be to the many Golden West conventions they attended or family reunions. They always had their bags packed and ready to go.

He was a South Dakota Brand inspector for 33 years. He was a director on the Golden West Telecommunications board for 32 years. He made several good lifetime friends while serving on the board.

In 1981 a new adventure began – he became a grandpa for the first time. He enjoyed spending time doing things with Tandi and helping her get into mischief. He was a father figure to several neighborhood kids, nephews and nieces, family were very important to him. He enjoyed telling stories of his youth and driving around old family homesteads looking for treasure, sharing the history of the land, buildings and those who lived there.

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary, children; Jerry Fronek, Kay (Bill) Massingale and Lyndon Fronek, granddaugher Tandi Massingale of Sioux Falls and grandson Jace Koskan of Wood

Bob was preceded in death by his son Wayne, daughter Tina Marie. Parents William and Julia Fronek, his twin brother Ronald and sister Donna Nibblelink.

Barry Horstman, 75, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center.

Funeral service were held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation was held one hour prior to funeral service.

Barry Franklin Horstman was born at home in Mellette County on June 2, 1942 to Frank and Majel (McManigal) Horstman. He attended grade school at Schmidt rural school in Mellette County and graduated from Winner High School in 1960.

On May 9, 1964, he married Carol Cole in Witten. They made their home on the farm in Mellette County and raised three sons. Barry loved to fish, particularly in his boat on the river with his boys. He especially looked forward to pheasant hunting season with family each year. Also, he enjoyed numerous elk hunting trips to Montana and Wyoming with the guys.

After moving to Winner in 1988, Barry still made daily trips back and forth to the farm and ranch. He remained active in farming and ranching until approximately 2015 when his health declined. Living in Winner until the time of his death, he continued to be interested in cattle and agriculture.

Grandpa Barry enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and made numerous trips to athletic events over the years. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, loud laugh, and “colorful remarks”. Family members are quick to recall Barry’s unique voicemail messages.

He is survived by his wife Carol; sons: Bryan, Brad (Johnyne), and Blake (Cara); grandchildren: Brady (Casey), Chelsea (Danny), Barry Michael, Zachary, Baylee, and Kylie; great-grandchildren: Grace, Harper, Finley, and Jaxson; brother Ronnie (Bonnie), sister Donna (Alvin) New; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, Frank and Majel, preceded him in death, as well as an infant nephew, and his brother Darrell.

Barry will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends

Zaylee King, 2, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Funeral service were held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery. A wake service began on Monday, April 30, 2018 at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.

Zaylee was born Aug. 11, 2015 to Donald King Jr and Tasha Hopkins, brothers Jace King, Zayden King and sister Zaya King.

Proceeded in death by her grandpa, Donald Dale King Sr., to whom she was very close with.

Zaylee was a beautiful, kind, caring, and generous joyful little girl. She loved to sing and dance. She loved her brothers and sister, so much, every time she was given something; she had to have one for her brother. Tiny was her nickname. She was truly loved and brought so much joy and happiness to her family. She will be greatly missed.

Verna Marie (Kahler) Mayer, 74, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral service were held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Verna Marie (Kahler) Mayer of Winner SD was born on June 17, 1943. Daughter of Fred Kahler and Ruth Marie (Rajewich) Kahler of Colome, SD. Verna had three children, Valerie Jo Benko, Vicki Marie Moser and Alan W. Deutsch.

Verna was one of the most generous and non-judgmental woman you could ever meet. Her family and friends remember her vibrant spirit and zest for life. One of her favorite things to do was to go camping with her family.

She enjoyed quilting, scrapbooking, and cooking (especially her green chili) and would always cook extra in case friends or family would stop by. She loved dancing and spending time with her family on the holidays.

Verna had a great passion for helping others. She often reflected on her time working at the University of Wyoming Student Health Services, where she met some of her very best friends. Verna also worked 30 years at Iverson Memorial Hospital in Laramie WY.

She met her husband, Del Mayer in Laramie and was married almost 30 years. Verna moved back to Winner to be with her mom and family in 2003 and was there until her passing. She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and her faith was very important to her.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Del Mayer and her brother, Richard James Kahler. She is survived by her 3 children, Valeria Jo Benko (John) and children, Luke, Daniel, and Patrick, Vicki Moser (Chad) and children, Mark and Michael O’Rear, Tina Espinoza Miller (John Allan) stepchildren Austin Moser, (Jill) Aspen Moser (Jon) and Layne, son, Alan W. Deutsch (Susan) and Stephanie Simmons. Verna is also survived by many great grandchildren. She will be eternally remembered, missed, and loved.

Joyce Marie Swedlund, 98, of Winner, SD, passed away on Friday May 4, 2018 at the long term care unit of Winner Regional Hospital.

Funeral services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at 11 a.m.

Joyce (Bridgman) Swedlund was born on Sept. 10, 1919, in Witten, South Dakota to Claire and Marie Bridgman. The second of two children, Joyce grew up in Witten and graduated from Witten High School. She attended Nettleton Commercial College, graduating in 1938.
Joyce married Dale Swedlund on Dec. 24, 1940 and to this union five children were born, Ronald, Carol, Keith, Russell, and Jeanette. Her family was of utmost importance to Joyce and she was known for always putting the wants and needs of others before her own.

Joyce was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Witten where her church family was very important to her.

She is survived by her son Keith of Winner and daughter Jeanette of Grand Junction, Colo. plus 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, three children, Ronald, Carol, and Russell, plus her brother, Harold.

William Harrison Furrey, 81, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation will be on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 starting at 6 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. William Harrison Furrey was born Aug. 14, 1936, in the Ashurst Hospital in Rosebud, South Dakota. He was the third child of Harry and Louise Furrey of Okreek, South Dakota. He was baptized as a Catholic in St. Peter’s Church in Okreek.

In the fall of 1936, the family moved to another farm, and from there he later attended grade school in Nelson School. He attended and graduated from Todd County High School; his senior class photo states, “Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I just sit.” After high school, he returned to the farm. In 1971, after his father’s death, he and his brother Harley formed a partnership, Furrey Bros., to farm and ranch. This partnership lasted for 47 years until his passing.

In 1988 he married Laurine Adams Whiting and acquired two stepsons and a step daughter. He was a charter member of Mission Council 4077 Knights of Columbus and also 4th Degree Knight. He also served on the 1st board of Commissioners in Todd County. He was a very well-liked man and had very few, if any, faults.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Louise Furrey, and two half-brothers, Gerald and Del Furrey.

He is survived by his wife, Laurine, his brother, Harley, two sisters, Dorothy Schultz and Mary Cournoyer, two stepsons, Dustin and Rod Whiting, and a stepdaughter, Bernice Whiting, as well as nephews, nieces, and cousins.

While writing this, for some reason, I think of Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar, “The evil that men do lives after; them the good often interred with their bones.” Anyone who tried to list Bill’s faults would have a lot of empty paper.

Dale Lewis Thompson 85, of Colome, SD passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Lake Andes Healthcare Center in Lake Andes, SD.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome, SD. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.

Dale passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at the Lake Andes Senior Living Center in Lake Andes, SD.

Dale L. Thompson was born May 3, 1932 to Lewis and Gertie (Hansen) Thompson. Dale was born in the Mitchell Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, SD. He graduated from high school in 1950 in Letcher, SD. He worked on the family farm with his father.

Dale was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1950 and served until 1955 in the 26th Infantry Dog Scout Platoon as a dog handler where he earned the Korean Service medal.

On July 5, 1974 he married Marianne King. To this union 2 daughters were born. He and Marianne lived in Colome, SD. Dale drove gravel trucks for Carlson Construction for many years. He was a handyman and willing to help anyone with any task.

Dale enjoyed cutting down trees and chopping firewood for his pride and joy wood stove that heated the family home.

Dale is survived by his wife Marianne of Colome, SD; sister Donna (Joe) Muth of Bismarck, ND; two children, Robin (Adrian) Hamilton of Norfolk, VA and Holly Thompson of Sacramento, CA; two grandchildren, Christian Hamilton and Camryn Hamilton.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Marian (Earll) Gregg, 77, of Carter, SD, one of God’s special angels here on earth, was called home to be with the Lord April 25, 2018, surrounded by all of her children and special friends, Les and Shareen Canfield.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 27, at 2:30 p.m. at the Winner Community Church. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Marian was born July 14, 1940, the second of two daughters born to Lloyd A. Earll and Geraldine J. (Schmidt) Earll in Valentine, NE.

Marian graduated from Winner High School in 1958. After graduation, Marian attended cosmetology school in Sioux Falls and earned a cosmetology degree, a talent she used for many years including setting up a salon in her home “Country Cut and Curl”.
On Oct. 14, 1961, Marian married the love of her life, James “Jim” Gregg. To this union, three sons and two daughters were born.

Marian was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a wonderful friend and neighbor. A fervent Christian, Marian welcomed the day she would be home with the Lord, and instilled in her children the importance of strong Christian values. Marian loved her family and demonstrated that love until the day she died.

Marian is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jim, Carter, SD; her sister, Lorraine (Earll) Dohmen, Winner, SD; children Jeff Gregg (Heidi Ode), Carter, SD; Julie Gregg-Bubac (Duane), Omaha, NE; Jill Christensen (Joe), Arlington, SD; Jerred Gregg (Kara) and Jason Gregg, all of Carter, SD; grandchildren that Marian loved so very much, Jamin Hartland (Sarah), Rapid City, SD; Jessa Ellendorf (Gabriel), White River, SD; Jadyn Gregg, Spearfish, SD; Mark Bubac (Timmi), Rapid City, SD; Christi Bubac, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Dustin Christensen (Samantha), Edgemont, SD; Gary Christensen (Kayla), Sioux Falls; Sara Wollen (Bryce), Sioux Falls, SD; Jacey Gregg, Belle Fourche,SD; James, Jacob, Josey and Jenna; Justus, Jaynee, Jentry, Jude, and Jett, all of Carter, SD; great grandchildren Sage Bubac, Rapid City, SD, Claire and Chloe Christensen, and Brody Wollen, Sioux Falls, and baby girl Christensen coming in June, Edgemont, SD, and Zylias; brothers and sisters-in-law Josephine Klein, Hidden Timber, SD; John Gregg (Jeanne Carpenter Thelen), Evansville, WY; Dennis Gregg (Kay), Martin, SD; and many, many special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Geraldine Earll, mother and father-in-law Florence and Herbert Gregg, brothers-in-law Lawrence Klein and James Dohmen, and sister-in-law Loyce Gregg.

Marian touched many lives and brought joy and happiness to family and friends. She will be missed dearly. Until we meet again, Toots!… We love you.

Funeral services for Opal Ann Boes were held April 21 at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke with Pastor David Schmidt and Pastor John Schwartz officiating. Burial will be in the Herrick Cemetery at a later date.

Opal Ann Boes was born Aug. 19, 1930, at St. Charles, South Dakota to Darwin and Fern Wilson. She passed away quietly, holding her son’s hand, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota at 4:09 p.m. on April 13, 2018 after a courageous battle with health issues.
Opal was the middle child of three and grew up on a farm south of Herrick, South Dakota. She was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burke, South Dakota and was confirmed and baptized at St John’s Lutheran Church in Herrick as a child. At the age of 15, she met Naven Boes at a dance in Herrick, they dated for one year. They were united in marriage on Dec. 13, 1946 at the Naper Lutheran Church in Naper, Neb., in front of their witnesses Art and Erma Boes. This love would remain and sustain them for the remainder of their lives. To this union seven children were born. They would live on several farms within the Burke area prior to purchasing the Boes family farm from Naven’s parents in 1961. There they continued to live and raise their children until Naven’s death on Sept. 13, 1999. After his death, she sold the farm and moved to Gregory, South Dakota for a short time before moving to Ft. Pierre, South Dakota in 2002. She worked at the Community Youth Center until suffering a stroke, while working in 2009.

Some of Opal’s favorite activities included dancing with Naven, as they spent many nights gliding across a waltz floor as their children watched. She loved listening to music, especially Daniel O’Donnell and Lawrence Welk. She enjoyed hosting card parties for the neighbors and was always willing and able to play a hand of six point pitch or checkers at the drop of a hat with her grandchildren. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and any other child. Nothing would bring a smile to her face faster than a visit from a young person. She enjoyed all of her grandchildren’s sporting events, graduations, marriages and proms, and loved watching her favorite Chicago Cubs.

During her years on the farm she was known to raise large gardens of vegetables that she would use to feed her family or to sell. Acres and acres of tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, muskmelons, and onions. She also raised and butchered hundreds of chickens each year. She worked side by side with Naven, but was known for always having a chocolate brownie and cup of coffee ready for her family or guests.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Naven; her daughter, Joyce; her grandson, Steven; her great-grandson, Stetson; her parents, Darwin and Fern; her step-mother, Olive; her sister, Dorothea, her brother, Edwin; her in-laws, Jacob and Hulda Boes; 9 brothers-in-law and 5 sisters-in-law.

Opal is survived by her children and their spouses: Twila (Kenny) Combs of Dallas, SD; Bradley (Elaine) Boes of Rapid City, SD; Lorna (Richard) Whiting of Gregory, SD; Krista (Steve) Cerny of Rapid City, SD; Douglas (Candi) Boes of Ft. Pierre, SD; Timothy (Jen) Boes of Johnston, IA; her son-in-law, Sonny; 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends.