Category Archives: Obituaries

Ruth Marie Kahler, 98, of Colome, South Dakota passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, South Dakota.

Funeral service were held on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial was at 1 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery on Monday April 16.

Ruth Marie Kahler of Colome, South Dakota was born Dec. 26, 1919 daughter of Martin and Johanna (Hansen) Rajewich of Gregory, South Dakota. She attended the Lapour School north of Gregory South Dakota till March of 1929. The Rajewich’s moved from Gregory to northwest of Witten South Dakota. Marie went to South Curlew School and worked for different people. She was united in marriage to Fred Kahler on May 6th 1941. They worked out the first year of their marriage, and then moved south of Winner, South Dakota. They worked for neighbors. They had two children, Verna Marie Mayer and Richard James Kahler.

Marie Kahler liked to crochet, embroidery, and make quilts. She always had a big garden and raised lots of chickens and helped milk cows. She also helped work in the fields. She loved to play cards and other games with her grandchildren and friends.
Marie Kahler was baptized and confirmed at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, south of Colome.

Marie Kahler was preceded in death by her husband Fred Kahler and her son Richard James Kahler, Dell Mayer son in law, and one sister Ruby Miller and brothers Mervin and Clarence, Martin and Walter, Don and Donald Rajewich. She leaves to mourn her daughter Verna Marie Mayer and 3 grandchildren; Valerie Jo Benko, John and children, Luke and Patrick, Vicki and Chad Moser and children, Mark and Michael O’Rear, and Tina Espinoza Miller and John Allan, Austin and Jill Moser, Aspen and Jon, and Layne. Many Great Great Grandchildren and one Grandson Alan Deutsch and Susan and Stephanie Simmons.

A brave three-year-old girl was surrounded by a herd of half wild horses in the neighbors pasture. Her terrified mother screamed for her father to rescue her. Rafe told Jane not to worry because she would soon run out of carrots. Sure enough the horses ran off. Janie came back crying because they left. Rafe picked her up and promised her he would get her more carrots and her horses would come back.

The Lord gave Janie many carrots of talent to use in her life.

Listening and loving all of us. Singing and inspiring every chance she could. Cooking and welcoming us every day. Celebrating with each birthday and holiday year round. She loved the water, swimming and teaching the kids to swim and to water ski. She love the wilderness, camping, boating fishing and hunting.

She had to slow down the past 15 years, but found the fullness of life enriched with her two granddaughters and her dozen grandsons, more card games, more conversations with her friends and family and performing with Java Jives, her vocal group. She loved being a mom and raising all her daughters and their friends. The multi family trips to games was a treasured time for celebrating community and finding lifetime friendships. She delighted in the snow ski caravan trips and giving out the foolish skiing awards to the kids. Every kid got one, every time.

Janie grew up in the Rouge River Valley between pear orchards and horse pastures near Jacksonville, Oregon. She was a tomboy trying to hang with her older brother Rafe. Her mother Jane taught her to sing, cook, ride horses and to act like a lady. It helps that she developed a world-class soprano voice and spectacular mane of thick long strawberry blonde hair, both good for a lifetime. She took nursing classes at Southern Oregon College and met a tall Nebraska farm boy named John Malm. We fell in love and married in 1970. Laura was born in 1970, Janie found being a mother was her true calling in life. Four years in Portland, Oregon followed for John’s medical school. Jenny was born in 1973. We moved to Sioux Falls in 1975 to train for three years with Dr. Lou Hogrefe in family practice residency. Christi was born in 1976. We moved to Gregory, South Dakota, in 1978 to start doctoring and raising our family.
Janie loved all her friends and the community welcoming her with open arms. Katie was born in 1980. Janie relished singing at church, weddings, and funerals. In 1982 she starred as Calamity Jane, along side Nels Miller as Wild Bill Hickock in the community musical Calamity Jane. She enjoyed every day on stage, practicing, singing and enjoying her friends. She got very sick two weeks later, with kidney failure, progressing to dialysis in 1983. Her brother Rafe donated one of his kidneys to her in 1984, bonding us all into an even tighter family.

The Lord blessed her with the next 34 years of a full and happy life, raising her family in Gregory. She tried to cheer and encourage all of us to enjoy our lives. She wouldn’t let her daily struggles with her kidney disease get her down. God blessed us with her presence until last Thursday… I guess she ran out of carrots.

Benjamin “Ben” Sherwood, 94, of Wood, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner.

Funeral service were held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Benjamin James “Ben” Sherwood was born on May 14th, 1923, to John and Nellie (Weeda) Sherwood on their homestead in Mellette County, north of Wood, South Dakota. He went to be with the Lord on March 31st, 2018 at the age of 94 years 10 ½ months in Winner.

Ben was raised on the family’s homestead, the youngest of seven children. There were four older brothers, Edwin, Irvin, Evertt and Howard and two sisters, Margaret and Arlene. Ben attended Springview, a rural school near the homestead, and there he graduated from the eighth grade. Ben had many fond memories of country life. He told stories of breaking horses, feeding cattle, and using horses to work the land while he was growing up.

Ben married Adelyne Maria Jackson on March 17, 1950 in Pierre, South Dakota. To this union, six children were born, two sons Cleveland James (Jim) and Benjamin Bradley and four daughters Joyce Marie, Jayne Ellen, Mona Lynn, and Sandra Lee.

He continued ranching as they raised their children in the Wood area. Through his life he also had various other jobs which included working construction when Highway 44 was being built, building dams, and worked with Donovan Construction when they built the Wood Community Hall. In addition, he was a policeman for the city of Wood. He always had a deep passion for raising cattle, and in later years, he raised bulls as a hobby in which he took great pride. He also enjoyed a good game of cards. He had spent many good times playing cribbage with local men at Piper’s Station. Ben wouldn’t turn down a good game of poker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nellie, Brothers; Edwin, Irvin, Evertt, and Howard, sisters, Margaret Johnson and Arlene Vesley, sons Cleveland James and Benjamin Bradley, grandson Ben Almand, son-in-law Ralph Longcor, and two great-grandchildren.

Ben is survived by his daughters Joyce Colombe of Rapid City, SD, Jayne Longcor of Valentine, NE, Mona (John) Massingale of Wood, SD, and Sandye(Dave) Goad of Ralston, OK, seventeen grandchildren and thirty one great-grandchildren.

He will be missed by many family and friends.

Constance “Connie” Peterson, 72, of Pierre, died Saturday, April 7 at Pierre Care and Rehab.

Memorial Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 21 at Isburg Funeral Chapel with inurnment at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Isburg Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.isburgfuneralchapels.com

Constance Louise Peterson was born June 17, 1944 in Deadwood, SD, to William and Grace (Haugland) Baumgart. She grew up mostly in Spearfish, SD. While her father was teaching, she spent 3 years in Morelia, Michoaca’n, Mexico, and several years in Mountain Home, Idaho, before returning to the Black Hills. She continued in school until 1962, when on Sept. 19 of that year, she married Ralph Dietrich Peterson.

After selling the Skelly service station around 1967, they moved to Tripp County, living between Colome and Winner, raising their family. Connie worked at JC Penney in Winner and then in the food service industry until relocating to Pierre in 1992. Connie worked in hospitality at two local motels until her health forced her retirement.

Connie loved collecting bells, and had some from travels around the states, and Ralph’s to Germany. She loved country dancing and spending time with family and friends. She will be deeply missed.

Those left to mourn her passing include her daughter, Shelli (Melvin) Jones, Pierre; granddaughters, Rita (Frank) Jacobs, Jessica Jones, Barbara Jones and Paige (Vernon) Jones; great granddaughters, Chloe, Alasen and Miranda Jacobs, Danika Wise and Autumn Sellon; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Doug) Jones, Caroline Peterson and Alice Slade; brothers-in-law, Jack Lunne and Blaine Lunne; daughter-in-law, Mary Owens and many nieces and nephews.

Constance was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her husband, Ralph; son, Bradly Eugene Peterson; a daughter Ellen Marie; her mother and father-in-law; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Dennis) Grenoble and Loretta (Curt) Weidman; brothers-in-law, Dale (Caroline) Peterson, Robert (Alice) Slade and niece, Emily Weidman.

Neil Thomas Kramer Sr., died April 2 at his home in Rosebud surrounded by his family.

A wake service was held April 5 at the Sinte Gleska University multipurpose building in Mission.

Funeral services were held April 6 at 11 a.m. at the SGU multipurpose building in Mission with Rev. Annie Henninger officiating.

Kramer was born Oct. 28, 1959.

His family includes his wife, Michelle Andrews Kramer; children, Neal Kramer Jr., Jesse James Andrews, Kelcey Marie Andrews; his mother, Lois Antoine; brothers, William Fielder, Jeffery L. Fielder and Paul W. Hardy; sister Brenda J. Antoine.

He was preceded in death by Evie Kramer, Sage Hope Kramer and Baby Kramer; his father, Leonard W. Kramer and brother, Keith Fielder.

Jeffrey Allen Hespe passed away in his home on Friday March 30, 2018 at the àge of 56.

He is survived by his mother Arlene, father Richard, siblings, Teresa, Leonard, Pam, and Michelle, his seven children Ray, Trisha, Ricky, Ryan, Russell, J.C., and James and his nine grandchildren.

He loved his family and friends, hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. He is much loved and missed by us all.

His service was held on April 4, 2018 at 4 p.m. in Rising Star, Texas.

Robert (Bob) Norman Gnirk Sr. was born to Fred Paul and Adeline Sylvia (Graven) Gnirk on May 13, 1940 in Burke, SD and died on April 1, 2018 at his home on the Gnirk farm/ranch (Sully Flats Homestead).

He was raised on the Gnirk family homestead northeast of Burke. He attended Hornbeck Elementary School. He attended and graduated from Burke High School in 1958. He is an alumnus of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. After college he explored the option of joining the United States Air Force, ultimately deciding to move back to Burke to farm and ranch.

Bob married Wilma Jean Hansen on June 13, 1961. They raised five children together on the Gnirk family farm/ranch.

Bob spent his adult years working as a farmer and rancher. He used his degree in mechanical engineering to do much of his own farm repairs and custom designed several pieces of farm equipment. He proudly worked long days from sun up to past sun down. He was elected county commissioner and enjoyed participating in managing the business affairs of Gregory County. He also served on the school board.

Bob had a fabulous sense of humor, he loved to pull a fast one and joke with anyone that would engage him. He was known for his clever, charming and witty mannerisms. He told jokes, laughed and worked hard to enjoy life. He proudly celebrated his AA birthday on Jan. 13, 1988, for him this day was more important than his regular birthday. He was a skilled card player with a brilliant mind and spent his free time at Pump N Stuff, Bernie’s, Dallas and the Gregory Bowling Alley. If there was a card game in the county, he was usually there.

Bob loved and cherished his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. He provided a place for Garth to hunt deer. He looked forward to raising steers, so Maranda and Codi could train, show and sell them in 4-H Achievement days. He even ventured out of his comfort zone of small town living, to attend Lacee’s high school graduation in San Antonio, TX.

Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, a brother, Donald and two of his sons, Bart Douglas and Beau James.

He is survived by his brothers; Paul Gnirk, New Underwood, SD, David Gnirk, his wife Elaine, Burke, SD, and Sister-in-Law Karla Gnirk, Brookings, SD. His children; Bobby Gnirk Jr, his wife JaNell, Herrick SD, Bart Gnirk, his special friend Jessie Shook, Bismarck, ND, Garth Gnirk, his wife Kayla and daughter Heidi, Sterling, ND, Chance Gnirk, his special friend Katie Windhorst, Fargo, ND. Sister (Barbi) Law, her husband Jon, and daughters Lacee and Sareena, Schertz, TX. Little Girl (Becky) Mitchell, and her daughters Maranda and Codi, Douglass, KS. He also leaves behind a host of other friends and relatives.

Gary DeJong, age 74, Wickenburg, Ariz. , died on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the Palm Valley Care Center in Goodyear, Ariz.

Gary R. DeJong was born Feb. 26, 1944, in Dupree, South Dakota, the third of four children born to Leo and Thelma (Parkin) DeJong. While Gary was a young boy, the family moved to a ranch south of Kennebec, South Dakota. This is where he grew up and graduated from Kennebec High School in 1962.

He was united in marriage to Betty Manger on February 22, 1963. To this union were born two sons: Lou and Travis.

Gary spent a good portion of his life breaking, training, and showing horses for numerous people. Many years were spent in the saddle and in the arena. Raising, training, and competing with good horses was the focus for most of his life.

Gary always enjoyed singing or playing music and the fellowship of good friends.

He moved from South Dakota to Arizona in the later years of his life where he lived until Jesus called him home.

Gary is survived by his two sons: Lou (Barb) DeJong of Kennebec, South Dakota and their children Dillon and Bailey; Travis (Pamela) DeJong of Philip, South Dakota and their children Tawnie, Trey, Tate, Peyton and Trew; sisters: Luella DeJong of Winner, South Dakota, and Andella Leavitt of Wickenburg, Arizona; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Claire.

There will be a private family burial at a later date in the Winner Cemetery in Winner, South Dakota.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Darline Miller, 92, of Faulkton and formerly of Kennebec, went to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 at the Faulkton Senior Living.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, Presho, with Pastor David Otten presiding. Burial followed in the Kennebec Cemetery.
Darline Imogene Eisenbraun was born at Winner, SD to Albert and Tabea (Fettinger) Eisenbraun on July 13, 1925. She lived with her parents and family on a farm in Tripp County, where she attended grade school. She graduated from Witten High School. Darline was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

On Aug. 30, 1943 she married David Miller. To this union three children were born: David, Allen, and Linda. They farmed north of Witten until 1965, when they purchased a ranch north of Kennebec. They lived there until David died in 2003. Darline then moved into Kennebec where she made her home until 2010 at which time she entered the Faulkton Healthcare Center, where she remained until the time of her death.

Darline was a hard worker. As the wife of a rancher, she worked in the fields – mowing and stacking hay, repairing broken sickles like any farmer could, caring for the livestock, and helping brand and vaccinate cattle. Sometimes she ended up getting the raw end of the deal with broken bones. Darline was a good cook and her house was always spotless. Company was welcome anytime. She had a green thumb for flowers and gardening, and her house was full of beautiful plants including her cherished Christmas cactus. Another natural ability that she inherited from her father were her carpentry skills. She could make anything out of nothing and make it look nice. Darline was an excellent seamstress and not only made clothes for her family, but she also made the beautiful square dance shirts for herself and David for when they went square dancing.

Darline’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved every one of them and she did her job as Grandmother very well by spoiling them with love and hugs. Christmas was an important time at the Miller household!

Sharing in her life are her sons, David D. Miller of Presho and Allen (Candy) Miller of Beula, MT; daughter, Linda Gifford (Wayne Vincent) of Faulkton; seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Renee Miller.

Darline was preceded in death by her husband, David; her parents; two sisters, Lydia Strom and Helen “Toots” Koepp; and one brother, Robert Eisenbraun.

She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. May she rest in peace with our Lord and Savior.

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

Tevis was born Oct. 12, 1936 to Dale and Betty McIntyre in Gregory, SD. He grew up the eldest of five children. Tevis attended Gregory High School through his junior year. He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD in 1954.

Tevis went on to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where he majored in accounting. In 1957, Tevis moved from Vermillion to Denver, CO where he worked and continued his education. Tevis was later presented with an opportunity to work in the accounting department for Boeing in several different locations including Grand Forks, ND, Cheyenne, WY, Rapid City, SD, Santa Maria, CA, and Washington, DC.

In 1966, Tevis decided to be closer to family and moved back to Gregory, SD to work on the family farm before settling in Winner. Tevis was self-employed owning a car wash and Laundromat, and doing lawn maintenance. In December 1984, Tevis began his long-term employment with the Winner Regional Hospital as a night watchman before being promoted to the maintenance department. On Oct. 30, 2015, at the age of 79, he retired from the Winner Hospital after 31 years of service.

Tevis enjoyed spending time with family, taking pictures, and collecting memorabilia. He was an avid traveler, visiting every state except Hawaii and Alaska, as well as travels to Canada and Mexico. He enjoyed attending the Sturgis Rally every summer and spending his winters in Arizona. Tevis was also a member of the Winner Historical Society.

Tevis was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Betty; his brothers Donald McIntyre and John McIntyre, and his sister Betty Ann (Annie) Marts.

Tevis is survived by his sister Kathy (Merle) Ring of Columbus, NE; sisters-in-law Linda (Jerry) McIntyre-Price of Rockford, IL and Becky Messick of Mitchell, SD; sons Daniel McIntyre of Yankton, SD and David McIntyre of Georgia; many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and two granddaughters.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Winner, with a luncheon after the services. Following the luncheon, the graveside service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Gregory IOOF Cemetery. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Family will be greeting friends on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Memorials may be directed to the family for designation.