Category Archives: Obituaries

Anita Lois Deming of Granbury, Texas, 64, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 after a brief battle with Stage IV breast cancer.

Anita was born on May 17, 1953 in Cassville, Missouri to Carl and Nita VanSchoonhoven. She lived in Winner, South Dakota and Greeley, Colorado before she moved to Granbury after marrying Rodney Beech Deming, Jr. on Dec. 6, 1980. Anita worked in the title and abstract business for close to 40 years, both in Colorado and Texas. She had a love for history, reading and research and was an expert in Hood County property history and title insurance, because of her work at both Central Texas Title and Porter Title. Anita made her choice to serve God at the age of 10 and was faithful until her last breath. Her faith, Christlike example and trust in his will for her life,have been and will continue to be an encouragement to many.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents Carl & Nita VanSchoonhoven and her granddaughter Adelaide Lois Deming.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Rodney Beech Deming, Jr., son: Matthew Deming and wife Reagan of Granbury, daughter: Katie Shuman and husband Michael of St. Croix, USVI, daughter: Anne Müller and husband Moritz of Frankfurt, Germany, grandsons: Rylon & Owen Shuman, granddaughter: Arianisa Deming, brother: Henry Van Schoonhoven of Greeley, Colorado, sister: Carol Roth and husband Jerry of Greeley, Colorado, sister: Effie Lewis of Sheridan, Wyoming and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation was held at Wiley Funeral Home in Granbury from 6-8pm on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.

Her funeral service will be held at Granbury Resort Conference Center at 11am on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, followed by a reception for family and close friends. A graveside service at Rough Creek Cemetery will be held Saturday afternoon for family and her local church members.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that that persons please consider donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: 3840 Hulen Street #600, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, in honor of Anita’s late granddaughter, Adelaide Lois Deming.

Donald Kemnitz, 77, of Wood, SD passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 at his home near Wood.

Funeral service were held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Wood Community Hall. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Donald LeRoy Kemnitz was born Feb. 26, 1940, to Kermit “Bud” Kemnitz and Mildred (Eaton) Kemnitz. He was the first born son in a family of five children. It was a family that loved getting together and spending quality time with each other.

Don passed away at his home in rural Wood on February 13, 2018, at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 18 days.
Don attended country school a mile from his home and later went to high school in Wood, SD graduating in 1959. He was a great basketball player; at least that is what he told us.

In July of 1961, he married Elaine Harter, who was the love of his life. They were the perfect match. To this union, four children were born: Valinda, Lori, Linette, and Darrell. Together they made themselves a home in Winner. While in Winner, Don worked for the police department, delivered fuel, and was parts manager for the Ford Garage, but his true calling was ranching. In 1973, he picked up his family and moved to the ranch northeast of Wood. He was a member of the Witten Baptist Church where he served as treasurer for many years. He also served as Mellette County Commissioner for 8 years.

Don’s years in ranching were a great success. Don and Elaine left a grand legacy through their family. He and Elaine raised four children and taught them the values of hard work, discipline, honesty, and most importantly Christian values.

The family learned how to wrangle cows, shock cane, put up hay and harvest crops. Long days spent working cattle were some of the best and worst days of their lives.

And then came 11 grandchildren. It was evident of Don’s love of his grandchildren and great grandchildren through him attending many sporting, school, and life events. In later years, it became more difficult for Don and Elaine to participate to a great extent in their grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives, but birthdays, weddings and family celebrations were still a huge part.

The measure of a man can be found in his family. Don’s family loved him dearly. Surviving Don are his wife Elaine of Kadoka, SD, his daughters; Valinda (Casey) Bridgman of Wessington Springs, SD, Lori (Robert) Etrheim of Tyler, MN, Linette (Scott) Christensen of Flandreau, SD and a son; Darrell (Cindy) Kemnitz of Vivian, SD, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings; Gary(Sue) Kemnitz of Platte, SD, Sharon Paulson of Neosho, MO, Lyle(Arlis) Kemnitz of Mobridge SD and Bonnie (Ed) Watzel of Colome, SD and his beloved cow dog Boots.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Mildred, sister-in-law, Leanne, and brother-in-law Stanley.
The family sincerely appreciated Joe Meinen, Don’s faithful co-worker and friend.

George Francis Mowry, Presho, stepped into Eternity on Feb. 16, 2018 at Mary House in Pierre, SD. George’s wish after cremation was to have his ashes scattered overlooking the White River on the “the little ranch that I love so much”.

George was born April 28, 1928 on a farm near Alexandria, SD, the fourth of five children born to George H. and Nora (Ehret) Mowry. George graduated from Alexandria High School in 1947. He was to become Corporal Mowry after being drafted into the U. S. Army in 1951, taking with him a new bride to Camp Rucker, near Enterprise, Alabama. George and Shirley (Mizner) remained faithful to their wedding vows for the next 67 years. George and Shirley purchased their White River ranch property south of Presho in 1961 and raised three sons down on the White River.

George loved visiting with friends and family from near and far, and he loved anything to do with the ranch. Among the many of his memorable quotes was the following: “That name – ‘Dad’ – now that’s special!”
George was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert and wife Rita (Kaiser), his sister Virginia Boling and husband Don, his sister Phyllis Peters and husband ‘Dub’, his brother-in-law Curt Hedman, nephew Ronnie Mowry, nieces Jean Ann Wibben and Kathleen Ann Clark, great-niece Shelly Burleson, and great-grandson Zion McKillop.

Surviving George is his wife, Shirley, children- Craig (& Amber), Presho, Connie, Sioux Falls, Mark (& Paula), Custer, Steve (& Deb), Presho, grandchildren- Cade (& Desi), Spokane, Amanda (& Chris) McKillop, Anchorage, Chase, St. Paul, Allison (& Jamie) Coin, Spearfish, Callie (& Jordan) Wilson, Sioux Falls, Kahle, Spearfish, and Shalayne, Spearfish, Sage and Shilo, Presho, and great-grandchildren- Breckon, Ogden, Nevada, Edan, Lava, Terec, and Ezrah.

Zachary Ethan Reagle age 13 of Mission, SD passed away on Feb. 1 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Zachary was born on March 18 in Winner, SD to Candice Reagle. Zachary was a very friendly and loving child that would give you a high five or a big smile any day. Zachary attended Todd County Middle School at the time of his death as an 8th grader. He had attended Todd County Schools during his educational career. Zachary had the biggest heart, a very loving and caring young man. Zachary’s greatest love was riding or watching the planting and harvesting of corn and soybeans in a John Deere tractor or combine. Zachary loved being on the farm and ranch helping his Great Uncle Ivan and Great Aunt Sheila check cows and watch the baby calves running and being silly.

Zachary enjoyed running and throwing the tennis ball during the Special Olympics activities that he participated in every year.
Zachary is survived by his mother: Candice Reagle brother: Emerson Reagle Grandma: Marie Reagle Uncle: Corey (Blaise) Reagle of Bismarck, ND. Aunt: Cheryl Shaul of Lake Montezuma, AZ. Cousins: Peyton, Cruz and Shaya Reagle Bismarck, ND. Great Grandma: Mildred Hannah of Valentine, NE. Uncle: Ivan (Sheila) Reagle of North Valentine, SD, Leonard (Bernie) Reagle and families of Mission, SD, J.R. (Vicky) and families of Mission, SD. Aunt: Sharon Koger of Hudson, CO. and all the special friends that he made during his life.

Zachary is preceded in death by his grandpa (best friend) Everrett Reagle.

A celebration of Zachary’s Life was held Feb. 6 at the Todd County Middle School.

Funeral Services were held Feb. 7 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, Neb. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was entrusted with service arrangements.

Edward De Wonnenberg was born Aug. 17, 1971 in Vinh Long, Vietnam, the second-oldest of four children of David and Quyen Wonnenberg. Ed was a creative, charismatic, happy person who found enjoyment at an early age playing football and baseball. He graduated from Winner High School in 1989 and then attended South Dakota State University.

Ed excelled as a kitchen and bath designer, loving the opportunity to help people create their dream rooms. During his spare time, he enjoyed outdoor activities especially fishing and golf, along with honing his carpentry skills. Ed also took great pleasure in cooking, always eager to show off his culinary experiments. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Ed was also known to be funny, loving, easy-going; always trying to make sure everyone around him enjoyed themselves. Even up to the day of his passing, Ed was making jokes and smiling, still more concerned with everyone around him than himself.

Ed accepted Jesus as his personal savior. He was baptized and became a member of the First Cristian Church of Winner, SD on Dec. 2, 1978.

After several years battling health issues, Eddie passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 46 at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD on Jan. 23, 2018 surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his children, Brandon of Brookings, SD from Ed’s first wife Heidi. Jacob and Isabel of Minnetonka, MN from Ed’s second wife Amanda. Parents, David and Quyen Wonnenberg of Gregory, SD; sister, Snow and Jim Poler, their children Misty and Chyanne of Colome, SD; sister Jackie and Chad Haremza, their children Ella, Anna, and Jack Haremza of Shakopee, MN; grandmother Alvina Wonnenberg of Gregory, SD, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William Wonnenberg of Gregory, South Dakota; maternal grandparents, Xuyen Trinh and Diep Nguyen of Vinh Long, Vietnam and brother, Joseph Wonnenberg of Shakopee, MN.

Sherry Schramm, 63, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Monday Feb. 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation was held two hours prior to funeral service.

Sherry Lea (Hixson) Schramm was born Dec. 28, 1954 at Osmond, NE to Gene and Eveline (Kiichler) Hixson. She was baptized into God’s family on Nov. 20, 1981 and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Winner.

She was united in marriage to Bradley R. Schramm on June 8, 1974.

To this union three of the finest sons you could ever ask for were born; Dustin (Lisa) Schramm of Sioux Falls, SD, Brian (Sandy) Schramm of Florissant, CO, Robert (Erin) Tea, SD.

Sherry worked alongside her husband raising the boys and operating motels located in Vermillion, SD, Valentine, NE and finally owning the Buffalo Trail Motel in Winner. She was instrumental in the formation of Independent Motels of America, a small motel referral chain. She also operated the Curves fitness center in Winner when it was here. Sherry was always a pleasure to work with as whenever we had a small argument she always let Brad have the last words: “Yes, dear.”

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served in Ladies Aid and Mary/Martha Society.

Sherry was preceded in death by her mother. She is survived by her husband, three children, 13 grandchildren, her father and his wife Shirley, three sisters, Pat (Gary) Philbrick of David City, NE, Becky Bailey of Adel, IA and Angy of Waukee, IA and her brother Rick of Toledo, IA and a host of friends and relatives.

Shirley Schwartz, 76, of Colome, SD passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at her home near Colome, SD.

Funeral service were held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.

Shirley Schwartz was the fourth child born on Oct. 1, 1941 to William and Marie (Manke) Giedd. She was baptized in infancy on Nov. 8, 1941 and confirmed May 15, 1955 at the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dallas, SD. They lived on a farm south of Dallas. Shirley attended Gregory High School and graduated in 1959. After graduation she moved to Pierre, SD to work at the capitol in the Department of Health until 1963.

On February 23, 1963 she married Charles Schwartz at St. Isidore Church in Colome. To this union three daughters were born.

In 1963 she worked at the Baptist Hospital in the business office until 1970. She then went to work for Dr. Stiehl as office manager until his death in 1995. She continued on with Dr. Schramm until 1996. In 1997 she worked at Harry K Ford as a book keeper until she retired in 2009. She spent her retired years spending time with her family, friends, and dedicating her service to the Zion Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and playing cards with her friends. You could always find her cooking in her kitchen for her family. Shirley will always be remembered by her thoughtfulness of remembering everyone on their special occasion. She never forgot to send a card.

Shirley is survived by her daughters: Candy (Dave) Cahoy, Colome, SD, Kristi (Todd) Hauf, Colome, SD, Angel (Ryan) Wolff of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Michael (Megan) Cahoy, Robert (Danielle) Cahoy, Cowen of Colome, SD, Collene (Jerod) Schwarting, White River, SD, Bryce Hauf, Colome, SD, Brandon Hauf, Winner, SD; Madison and Ella Wolff, Phoenix, AZ step-grandson Josh (Melissa) Hauf, Conner, Aliviah, and Kiley of Farmington, MO; brother-in-law James (Peggy) Schwartz, Gregory, SD, sister-in-law Patricia Erickson, Mandan, ND and many nieces and nephews.

Irene L. Fischer, 82, of Rapid City, South Dakota and Mesa, Arizona, passed from this life on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Mesa. Her courageous battle with breast cancer has finally ended and she is now in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Irene Louise Spinar was born October 31, 1935 in Colome, SD to Jerry and Emma (Urban) Spinar. She grew up on the family farm near Colome and attended Colome Public School, graduating in 1952.

On May 25, 1952, Irene married her high school sweetheart, Vern Fischer, in Colome. Together, they eventually moved to Rapid City in 1961 where Irene raised their three daughters while Vern established himself in the car sales business. As a stay-at-home mother, Irene created many fond memories for her daughters – camping at the lake, summer vacations, visits to the cabin in the Hills, baking and doing crafts and ceramics together, sewing, a big play house in the back yard, garage sales, Barbie dolls, creating special Christmas traditions, VBS, Sunday school, TV family time, watching baseball, going to drive-in movies, trips to the grandparents, Sunday drives and meals with turkey salad from Daisy Dell, putting on plays in the back yard, playing cards, and making birthdays so special. Her daughters felt so blessed to have a mother that was so involved in their lives. She truly was the best Mom in the whole wide world.

When their daughters were married and left home, Irene worked for a retail furniture and gift store and Vern sold his automobile dealership and started making furniture. In 1984, Irene opened her own store, Country Estates Heritage House in the Rushmore Mall and later moved it to the Haines Station Shopping Center. She had this gift store for almost 13 years and it was a favorite shopping venue for many in the community.

In 1992, Irene and Vern bought an RV and became snow birds and made their way to Apache Junction, AZ in the wintertime. They kept leaving for the south earlier and coming back home later until they settled there more permanently by buying a place in Apache Junction. In 2017, they moved to Mesa.

Besides being a loving mother, Irene was an extraordinary wife to her husband Vern and a true joy to her many friends. Over the years, she and her husband had cultivated and nurtured deep relationships with many friends, neighbors, and extended family through neighborhood parties and cookouts with friends, taking extended trips with friends, camping with friends, playing cards with friends, and going out to dinner with friends. Irene was active in many different things over the years including bridge clubs, bowling leagues, and golfing.

Irene had a great love of learning and reading and with her deep faith she was a sound source of wisdom, advice, and counsel for any who sought it from her. She was full of peace and contentment all her life, making the best of any situation. Her lovely smile always lit up the room. She was active in church, teaching Sunday school, attending and leading Bible studies, and serving through various church groups. Irene was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City and while in Arizona, attended the Family of Faith Church in Apache Junction.

Irene is survived by her husband, Vern Fischer; her three daughters and their husbands, Lynn (Mrs. Richard) Murphy of Bulverde, TX, Teresa (Mrs. Gary) Horsley of Whitewood, and Diane (Mrs. Scott) Sharp of Rapid City; nine grandchildren, Alicia Murphy of Livingston, MT, Aaron Murphy of Bozeman, MT, Hudson Horsley of Spearfish, Dallas (and Alise) Horsley of Medford, OR, Nelson Horsley of Rapid City, Savannah (and Brandon) Mutschelknaus of Rapid City, Christian Paulson of Rapid City, Christopher Sharp of Rapid City, Amanda (and Blake) Booton-Popken of Rapid City; two great-grandchildren; two brothers Leo Spinar and Melvin Spinar, both of Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Frank (and Joanie) Taggart of Mesa, AZ; and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father Jerry in 1988 and mother Emma in 1994; her father-in-law Pete Fischer in 1992 and mother-in-law Hulda (Redlinger) Fischer in 1991; her sister Anita (Spinar) Calhoon in 1997; and her infant grandson Charles Murphy in 1979.

A memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, SD will be announced later in the spring. Inurnment of her ashes will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota.

A memorial has been established with Gideons, International. Friends may sign her guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com

Henry (Hienie) Carl Schnabel was born Aug. 15, 1922 in southern Tripp County on the farm home of his parents, Arthur and Anna Schnabel. He was the youngest of six children.

He was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wisconsin synod) in rural Colome. Henry attended Progressive elementary school and Winner High School.

On July 24, 1942 Henry married Lucille Arlene Davenport at the Lutheran parsonage in Valentine, Neb. They lived on the farm near his parents until 2005 when they moved to Gregory, SD.

Henry was always a busy person. Even after retiring and still living on the farm, he was busy fixing fences or spraying weeds. Usually he was singing, whistling, or yodeling while he worked. Henry loved to dance—that is where he met Lucille. He loved playing cards and visiting with friends and family. He farmed for many years and then went into the Black Angus cattle business. Henry really liked to fish and took many trips to the Black Hills to fish with family. He was very involved in the American Ag Movement. Henry traveled to Washington DC (not on his tractor, even though he wanted to) to help protest low farm prices. He and Lucille took several trips to California, Washington, and the Black Hills to visit family and to fish.

Henry attended St. Paul Lutheran Church for years and was very involved as a council member. He attended church conventions locally and in Michigan.

Henry passed away Jan. 20, 2018 at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center at the age of 95.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Reginald, brother Herbert Schnabel, sisters Marie Ducheneaux, Alice Dill, Lula Springer, and Lydia Nagel, and son-in-law Edward Mansheim,

Henry is survived by his wife Lucille, three children Sherry of Billings, MT, Lucie Jean of Gregory, SD, and Randy (Lenda) of Dallas, SD; grandsons Jeff Wagner (Teri, Alec, and Brandon), Reggie, Jody Wagner (Mason and Ty), Dustin (Amber); granddaughter Kirsten Metcalf (Zach, Adelynn, Izach, and Ella); step granddaughter JoLynn Herman (Michael, Kaleb, McKayla, and Sophia); step grandson Joe Mansheim (Jean, Matthew, and Madison); great grandchildren listed above; special sister-in-law Darlene Haskell; and several nieces and nephews.

Loren was born on April 28, 1937, in Burke, South Dakota; he was the youngest child of Walter and Eva (Rockholm) Reetz. He grew up on his family’s farm north of Gregory and graduated from Gregory High School in 1954. In 1955, he enlisted in the Army: he was stationed in Japan for the majority of his service, and he served our country with honor until his discharge 1957. His service in the Army was a source pride for Loren, and he actively promoted respect for all local veterans.

Loren came home to Gregory after his honorable discharge. He labored with love on his family farm for the rest of his days. He sustained a fruitful farm/ranch operation and earned the respect of all who did business with him.

On June 30, 1959, Loren married his first love, Marilee Pusl in Winner, South Dakota. The marriage of these two incredibly hard-working people was a successful one in every way. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan Reetz and Brenda (Reetz) Svatos, and Loren and Marilee were very proud that daughters became excellent nurses. His three granddaughters were a source of pure delight. Loren also enjoyed sharing his farming labor, experience and insight with his son-in-law Chad Svatos.

In the winter of 1960, Loren added “fuel truck driver” to his resume of accomplishments and responsibilities. He began this career, which he somehow balanced with his farm work, working for Fred Schlaht. He continued hauling fuel for the rest of his life, ultimately driving for Cenex. Loren’s priority was always to see that his customers were well-served. He was especially grateful that his co-workers at Cenex knew this. They made it possible for him to continue to participate in his life’s work in a meaningful way even as his physical capacities faded away from him. By choice, Loren wore his red Cenex shirt with pride until his very last day.

Loren was guided in all things by his deep faith. He was a dedicated member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church throughout his life, and was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus. Though Loren faced many hardships including the painful loss of Marilee to cancer, he was a person who had no quit in him. Until his death, Loren continued to be a touchstone in his daughters’ lives, and will always be a beloved example of common sense, determination and love for his granddaughters. He courted and shared an abiding love with Francie Johnson. His wide circle of friends all knew him as an entirely reliable, progressive gentleman. He enjoyed a good story and he positively beamed with a charming smile, especially when his granddaughters’ accomplishments were mentioned. He was an integral part of a celebrated pool league where his wry sense of humor was as prized as much as his skill for the game, and he taught many lessons about life and about cards from his side of his cribbage board.

On March 17, 2017, despite being the picture of health and vitality, Loren was diagnosed with brain cancer. He approached this daunting diagnosis with his usual optimism, and he engaged in a dignified, courageous battle to hold onto the life that he so treasured. He tried to fully participate in every aspect of his life that he enjoyed for as long as he possibly could, even when that meant that he had to accept help to accomplish basic things – a difficult process for this self-made, independent person.

Never one to be idle, Loren made good use of his remaining time. He continued to have hope about the future as he prepared himself to meet his Lord. Thus Loren Walter Reetz died peacefully just as he lived: a strong and principled gentleman surrounded in his last earthly moments by people who returned every ounce of the love that he had given them.

Honored to celebrate his life and to cherish his memory are: his daughter Susan Reetz and her partner Bryant Smith of Jackson, Tennessee; his daughter Brenda Svatos, her husband Chad Svatos and their three daughters Lauren Lee, Sydney Ann and Jordan Jo of Gregory; his second love Francie Johnson of Gregory; and countless relatives and dear friends.

Loren was preceded in death by his wife Marilee Reetz; his parents Walter and Eva Reetz; his sister Inez and her husband Bob Clayton; and his mother and father-in-law Loree and Martin Pusl.