Category Archives: Obituaries

Donna peacefully passed away on April 7, 2018 at the age of 61 at the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls SD.

Donna Marie Bromwich Bowar was born Sept. 4th 1956 in Winner SD to Beverly (Dvorak) and Percy “Dean” Bromwich. She grew up in the Colome and Winner areas and she graduated from Winner High School in 1975.

She moved to Kennebec in 1978 and worked at the Elevator, Extension Office and Kennebec Telephone Company. But her favorite job was babysitting kids who became an important part of her life.

Donna had many hobbies some of which included fishing, embroidering, quilting, watching Nascar racing (favorite driver Jimmie Johnson) and watching basketball (especially the Boston Celtics). Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandkids and the kids she babysat. Donna followed them in their school and sporting events and was there to cheer them on.

Donna was united in marriage to Rod Bowar and they enjoyed 30 plus years. During this time they traveled and went on many camping trips and later purchased a cabin. She spent a lot of time watching the wildlife eating and wandering around the cabin. They spent many hours exploring the ATV and snowmobile trails.

Donna was blessed with 4 wonderful children and in addition to her husband Rod she is survived by Troy Christensen of San Francisco CA, Chaz (Amy) Bowar of Kennebec and Tiarra (Heath) Bowar Choal of Kennebec. Along with 4 grandchildren Jordon, Jesse, Kaden and Ryker. She also had 3 very special children that she considered grandchildren—Carter, Colton and Chloe Collins. She is also survived by her father Percy “Dean” Bromwich and his wife Connie, her mother’s husband Darwin Unzelman, sisters LeeAnn (Brian) Stuart, Lori (Daniel) Schmidt, Monica (Mark) Seachris, brother Jim (Deb) Bromwich, half-sister Amber (Valentin) Plancarte, mother and father in law Charlie and Gloria Bowar, sister in law Dana (Arlen)Mehrer and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Laddy Christensen, a granddaughter Tyra, a brother Robin Bromwich, her mother Beverly Unzelman and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Because Donna wanted all kids to have an education and make the most of themselves all memorials will go to the Lyman School Building project.

Linda Beck passed away Monday, April 2, 2018, at home.

She was born Oct. 28, 1943, in Gregory, SD, to Glendon and Keithia (Hosack) Rowan, Linda grew up in rural Mills for all but one year in Osceola, NE. She attended Knapp School half a mile from her home where she would ride her bicycle to play with her best friends Lois and Norma Schrader. She helped her mom in the garden and helped out on the family farm. Linda attended Keya Paha High School.

She worked as a nurse’s aide at Burke Hospital before she married Frank Beck on Oct. 22, 1961, in the Gregory Methodist Church. They made their first home in Burton, NE and later near Dallas, SD. With two children, Todd and Pam, Linda devoted herself to her family and helping on the farm. It was then that Linda’s love for the church was ignited, traveling from South Dakota to the Mills Church nearly every Sunday. The family moved back to the Mills area for the last 50 years where Linda was known for her cooking and baking skills. She fed a lot of help over the years and showed her love for others through cooking.

Linda wore her love for her church on her sleeve. She was the first to arrive most Sundays to help make the coffee, arguably to make sure the coffee wasn’t made too strong but mostly because she didn’t know how NOT to leave the house early.

Linda was baptized for the first time on June 16, 2013, in the Keya Paha River when she felt the calling. “She didn’t want to do it but for Linda it was a step of obedience,” said the Rev. Kenly Udd, pastor at the Mills Church.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Glendon and Keithia; father-in-law Emmet Beck; and sister-in-law Mavis Rowan.

She is survived by her husband, Frank of Mills, NE; mother-in-law Shirley Beck of Winner, SD; brother Harlan Rowan of Clarks, NE; son Todd Beck of Mills, NE; daughter Pamela Reber (Gary) of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Andy Beck of Savannah, GA; Callie Beck (Joe DeCrane) of Watertown, SD; Jamie Benedict of Brookings, SD; Rowan Taylor of Lincoln, NE; Tyler Beck of Mills, NE; Ellen Reber (Matt Goeser) of Denver, CO; Will Reber of New York, NY; and seven great-grandchildren.

Linda spent her life caring for her family and took great pride in doing so. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was sad for the people she left behind but she was at peace for whenever her time came.

Elroy Croston, 86, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018 at his home in Winner.

Funeral service were held on Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.

Elroy Dean Croston was born on May 11, 1931. He is the son of Irvy T. Croston and Hermina M. Hespe. The family moved South of Colome near the Keypaha River at a young age. Elroy worked on neighboring farms before and after he went into the service in 1952. He served during the Korean conflict in 1952-1954 stationed in Japan.

On Sept. 1, 1956 Elroy was united in marriage to Velma Harter. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. To this union two daughters were born, Rose and Renee.
Shortly after returning from the service Elroy worked as a general contractor constructing homes, commercial buildings, and did concrete work. He also raised cattle. After retiring from carpentry at age 75 he continued to raise cattle.

He was a volunteer fireman for 37 years, a member of the Colome American Legion, and a member of the First Christian Church. He never tired of playing pitch with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his four wheeler. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Later in life, the highlights of his day included his daily trip to the farm and checking his email for daily pictures of his great-grandchildren. He religiously watched The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and the Minnesota Twins.

Elroy is survived by his wife Velma of Winner, SD, daughter Rose Croston of Gillette, WY and daughter Renee (Jeff) Holzer of Winner, SD along with grandchildren Jami (Andy) Dalchow, Kaycee (Luke) Bannister, Crystal (Josh) Kuchta and great grandchildren Mackenzie Loveday, Dominique Foster, Adriana Foster, Aspyn Bannister, Maizie Dalchow, and Kinsley Dalchow. He is also survived by brothers Orval (Betty) Croston, Alan (Deanna) Croston, and Myron (Jan) Croston, as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and six brothers.

Annetta Almendinger, 92, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral service were held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Annetta was born April 22, 1925 at Delmont, SD to Emil and Christina (Drefs) Nieman joining the family Leona, Ervin, Elta and Leonard.

Annetta grew up in the White River area and attended White River School.  After graduation she worked in California for a year and then returned back to the Winner area where she was united in marriage to Harold Almendinger in 1946.

Annetta worked at the West Side Café for many years until the establishment closed in 1976. She then worked at the Baptist Hospital in Winner until her retirement in 2000. Annetta enjoyed being with family and friends. In her spare time she enjoyed doing her find a word puzzle and watching game shows. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Grateful for having shared her life are children Dennis Almendinger of Winner, Lana (Jack) Kettler of Forrest Lake, MN, Connie (Jim) Sandstrom of Philip, Kelly Almendinger of Winner; niece Darnell Connelly of Winner. 11 Grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her husband Harold Almendinger on Nov. 8, 2003. Her parents, grandson Jason Kewley; two brothers, Ervin Nieman and Leonard Nieman; and two sisters; Leona Parkas and Elta Frank.

Mary Johnson, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Mary, daughter of James Dougherty and Mary (Magirl) Dougherty was born Sept. 16, 1926 in Colome, SD.

Mary completed her first 8 grades of school at the Churchside School near Clearfield, SD. She then attended Colome High School for 2 years and completed her high school education graduating in 1944 from Winner.

She attended college at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD and began her teaching career at the Riverside School south of Clearfield. She attended several summer schools until she received her degree in teaching. She taught school for 26 years in 6 different rural schools.

In the fall of 1970, Mary took a leave of absence from teaching to care for her aging parents and never returned to full-time teaching. She did substitute teaching in almost all the rural schools in Tripp County in the 1970’s and also in the Winner Public Schools.

On Oct. 9, 1976 she was united in marriage to Gordon Johnson of Winner in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Mary said “marrying Gordon was the best thing I ever did in my life”.

They resided on the farm as she loved the farm and always had a beautiful flower garden and yard. After the death of Gordon in 2005, she resided in Winner.

Mary was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, Retired Teachers Association, American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary where she held the office of president and also District #8 president. She received the honor of being named the outstanding president in South Dakota.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband and her parents and a cousin Jack Elder.. Grateful for having been part of her life are her step-son Joel and wife Claudia of Security, Colorado, sister- in-law Betty of Omaha, NE, and 2 step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren of Colorado, nieces; Vicki (Don) Covey, Judy (Larry) Wagner, nephew, Murray (Circe) Brown, cousins; Jean Adel, Avis (Clarence) Von Eschen, and many friends.
We rejoice that her struggles are over and trust she is with her Lord and is reunited with loved ones. May ye Rest In Peace, dear Mary!

Verlyn Victor Milk, known by family and friends as Victor, 89 of Winner, SD , died, March 24, 2018 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.

He was born on Feb. 15th, 1929, to Jesse and Salina (High Rock) Milk. He was raised in Milk’s Camp near Herrick, SD.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.,m. March 28 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed at Holy Spirit Cemetery in Ideal, SD .

Victor was united in marriage to Lucille Roubideaux in March of 1949 at the Episcopal Church in Winner. He was the oldest of five children and a direct descendant of Chief Asanpi (Milk).

Victor moved to Winner where he called home for the majority of his life. He and Lucille would have four children: Rose Melda (Wendel), Edward Charles, Verlyn Victor, Jr. and Violet Marie. Always a family man, he worked various jobs around the area to support his family.

Victor was an active member of the Episcopal Church in Winner. He was known very well and respected throughout the community as a hard working painter and carpenter. His family would describe him as a fun loving man who always put his family first. He loved going to rodeos, attending powwows especially Milk’s Camp, fishing, camping, and mostly spending time with his grandchildren after he retired.

Victor is survived by his daughter, Rose (Ralph); four grandchildren, Mark, Reid (Kaylene), Drake, and Marisa; four great grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Mason of Papillion, NE, and one brother, Roger (Lavina) Milk of Winner, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Salina; his loving wife of 48 years, Lucille; two sons, Edward Charles and Verlyn Victor, Jr.; one daughter, Violet Marie; two brothers, Alfred Eugene and Jesse Thomas, Jr.

Charles “Chuck” McCormick, 81, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018 in Chandler, Ariz.

Funeral service were held on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation was held on Sunday, March 18 from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the church.

Charles Max McCormick was born June 13, 1936 to Charles W. McCormick and Melva (Bingham) McCormick in his grandmother Bingham’s house in Springview, Neb. Chuck was a Mayflower descendant with three descent lines, one from his father and two from his mother. Surrounded by his wife, son, and daughter, Chuck passed away peacefully after an extended hospital stay.

Chuck was the third of four sons, raised on a ranch near Hidden Timber in Todd County. Later he attended and graduated from high school in Winner, SD where he met the love of his life, Carol June Rowe. They were married in 1956 while Chuck served in the U.S. Army in Lawton, OK. Their son, Russ, was born in Lawton one year later and their daughter, Lorna, was born just one year after in Winner.

Chuck co-owned and operated a motel and propane service in Valentine, Neb., from 1960–1966 with his brother Keith. In 1967, the family moved from Winner to Denver, CO where Chuck attended gun smith school. When the family returned to Winner in 1970, Chuck welded for Winner Welding and Grossenburg’s John Deere Implement before he established his own shop and opened a portable welding business.

Chuck was a member of the Carter Gospel Fellowship where he and Carol attended church for many years. He was also an active member and supporter of Pheasants Forever. Among his other enjoyments, Chuck loved to go deer hunting with his son Russ—in fact, they hunted together every fall for 46 consecutive years. Chuck’s most relaxing pastimes were fishing and playing cards with those who shared his passion.

Many in Winner and the surrounding area fondly remember receiving a bike from Chuck. As a hobby and an act of kindness, he repaired and gave away over 3,000 bikes to anyone who wanted one.

Surviving Chuck are his wife of 61 years, Carol; his son Russ (Conni) McCormick of Mitchell, SD; his daughter, Lorna (Paul) Reiman of Fairfax, VA; Five grandchildren, Trevor McCormick, Alison (McCormick) Vanmuyden, Jocelyn McCormick, Taylor Reiman, and Kelsey Reiman; One great-granddaughter, Cooper; Three brothers, Keith (Marilyn) McCormick of Valentine, NE, Gene McCormick of Valentine, NE, and Melvin (Tracy) McCormick of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Melva McCormick, his sister-in-law, Janice, and his daughter-in-law, Jill.

Elsie Minnie Fode was born July 12, 1916 near Osmond, Neb., to William and Rosa (Kumm) Lindwurm. She died March 11, 2018 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke at the age of 101.

Elsie was baptized on Sept. 17, 1916, and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith. When she was almost four years old, her mother passed away with the flu. A year later she moved by train, along with her father, older sister Christina and twin sister Ella to Carlock, South Dakota. This move was so the family could be near their brother William and sister Rosie, who were staying with grandparents Rosina and George Lindwurm. On Nov. 26, 1922, their new mother, Lena Kahler Lindwurm joined their family.

Elsie attended Pleasant View school for eight years.

On May 5, 1935, she married Oscar Fode at her parents home. To this union three daughters were born: Norma, Mary Anne and Janice. In 1966 they retired from farming and moved into Burke. Elsie worked for Halls Café and Fernaus Grocery Store. She enjoyed working in her garden, flower beds, going to bingo, dancing and playing cards with family and friends.

Oscar passed away May 31, 1991 and Elsie continued to live at Parkview Manor in Burke until moving to Silver Threads in Gregory.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; her sons-in-law: Harold Stahlecker, Del Carr and Jack Murray; her parents; her step-mother; her sisters: Tena Neuharth, Ella Hanson, Rosie Sengelmann and Esther Brain; an infant brother and her brother Philip Lindwurm.

Elsie is survived by her three daughters: Norma Murray of Norfolk, NE; Mary Anne Carr of Fort Collins, CO; and Janice (Arvid) Lindquist of Gregory, SD; her grandchildren: Steve and Mark Lindquist, Doug, Randy and Terry Carr; Kristi Herin and Kathi Slavik; Rick Stahlecker, Lorrie Milton and Mary Lee Tobin; 20 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, William; her sister, Alvina Wonnenberg as well as several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Evelyn Moseman, 88, of Carter, SD passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Evelyn Elaine Moseman was born to John and Esther Moseman near White Lake SD. Evelyn attended St. John Lutheran School, south of White Lake along with 28 other children. She then attended high school in Stickney, SD staying with her Uncle Herbert and Aunt Anne Matzner. She then attended Dakota Wesleyan University. She went to school and worked at Methodist Hospital for 3 years. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1951.

Evelyn worked at the Methodist Hospital for a short while and then married Marvin, adopted son of Henry and Ida Moseman of Carter, SD on June 30, 1951. They spent most of their lives on a farm south west of Carter. Evelyn worked as an RN at Rosebud Community Hospital in Winner.

Marvin was drafted into the Army and spent 18 months as a medic in Korea. Evelyn worked at Platte Hospital as the Superintendent of Nursing. Their son Marvin Jr. was born at Platte Hospital in March. He became suddenly ill and passed away at the tender age of 8 months. His father never saw his son. Marvin returned from Korea in January 1954. They returned to the farm and Evelyn did private duty nursing. Four sons and one daughter brought joy to these parents.

Evelyn enjoyed vegetable gardening, flower gardening, teaching Sunday school, vacation bible school and working on the farm. Grateful for sharing her life are her husband Marvin, children: Carl of Melstone, MT, Tony of White Sulfur Springs, MT, Jim of Winner, SD, Curt of Carter, SD, Rosie Herrboldt, of St. Louis, MO and 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Beverly Unzelman,79, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Funeral service were held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Beverly Ann Dvorak Bromwich Unzelman was born on March 17, 1938 to Edward and Flora (Blare) Dvorak in Winner South Dakota. She was the oldest of four children. Bev lived in the Hamill and Winner areas all of her younger years. She attended school and graduated from Winner High School .

She was united in marriage to Percy (Dean) Bromwich in Pierre SD. To this union six children were born. They later divorced. She was always grateful that Dean’s family would continue to be an important part of her life. His brothers and sisters continued to be hers too.

Family was an important part of who she was. Bev was able to attend all her children’s wedding and even the yearly birthday parties held. As her family grew larger with the grandchildren the tradition carried on to their middle and high school or college graduations and then weddings. Coming up were the great grandchildren.

Bev explored several different jobs during her lifetime and driving truck was her favorite. She always had a story to tell about her trips and the people she met.

When her birthday (March 17th) came, Bev would get all dressed up in green and head to the local parade, which was followed by corn beef and cabbage. On her 40th birthday she dressed all in black as an elderly lady and no one knew who she was. Camping, fishing and taking walks were things she enjoyed. In her later years Bev enjoyed the company of a good book. On Mondays she enjoyed playing Mexican Train Dominos with her friends at the center and on the second Thursday morning of each month she meet with former co-workers for breakfast.

After being single a few years Bev was reunited with an old friend Darwin Unzelman. She moved back to Sioux Falls and they married and enjoyed traveling and visiting relatives. Czech Republic was one of her favorite trips. Bev had traveled to most of the states in the United States. Life was happy and good to them.

Bev is survived by her husband Darwin Unzelman, (Sioux Falls), daughters LeeAnn (Brian) Stuart , Anchorage AK, Donna (Rod) Bowar, Kennebec, Lori (Daniel)Schmidt, Norris, Monica (Mark) Seachris, Presho and son Jim (Deb) Bromwich, Presho. 15 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Sisters Sharon (Roger) Broman Spicer Minn., Connie (Tyke)French, Anchorage AK and brother John (Patty)Dvorak, Litchfield Minn.

She was preceded in death by her, grandmother Josephine Dvorak, parents Edward and Flora Dvorak, son Rob Bromwich and grandson Laddy Christensen