Category Archives: Obituaries

Hazel M. Langer, 79, of Gettysburg, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at Avera Gettysburg Hospital.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Aaron Garza presiding. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery. A prayer service was held  Tuesday, August 29, 2023, with visitation one-hour prior at the church.

Hazel Marie Marvin was born April 21, 1944, to Don and Mabel (Wallace) Marvin in Creighton, Neb..  She was the youngest of 8 siblings.

Hazel graduated from Long Pine High School in 1962.  She worked for a few short months as a nurse’s aide at Clarkson Memorial Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Hazel and the love of her life, Duane, eloped on Dec. 12, 1962, in Pierre, South Dakota.  They immediately moved to New Jersey for 11 years where their son, John David, and daughter, Lora Lee, were born.

Duane and Hazel moved to Winner, South Dakota, in 1972.  They owned the West Side Market in Winner for 16 years.  They joined John and Jill at Langer’s Family Foods in Gettysburg in 1989. 

She was active over the years volunteering for many organizations including being a Camp Fire Girl leader, a church youth group leader, running fundraisers, being a member of the General Federated Women’s Club, serving meals on holidays and being on various boards.  She continued delivering meals on wheels until the end of her life.

She enjoyed trips to Hawaii with Duane, family, and friends.  She loved music by Elvis Presley.

One of her favorite responsibilities in life was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was so very proud of all of them. Grandma’s rule was “You get to eat dessert with your supper.”

Hazel is survived by her son, John (Jill) of Gettysburg; daughter, Lora (Brad) Hazelrigg of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: James (Jaymi), Megan Hazelrigg (Fiancé Alex Bennett), Justine (Aaron) Garza, Matthew (Samantha) Hazelrigg, Jacob (Brianna), and Joshua (Fiancée Kayla Koll); six great-grandchildren: Jackson, Ezra, Addie, Andrew, August, and Samuel; sisters: Dorothy Fredrickson and LaRayne (Doug) Halligan; and brother, Larry Marvin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; parents; sisters: Clara Mae and Darlene; and brothers: Kenneth and Ernest.

Memorials in Hazel’s honor may be directed to Go and Grow Ministries, 101 N High St, Gettysburg, SD 57442. (www.goandgrowministries.com)

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

(Margaret) Jayne Knutson, 82, of Red Wing and formerly of Aberdeen, South Dakota, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

 She was born March 8, 1941, in Clearfield, South Dakota to Fred and Fern (Curtis) Vogt.  She grew up on the family farm in Clearfield and attended school in the area.  She helped on the farm as a young woman and then worked in Winner, South Dakota, where she met her husband, Ed Knutson.  They were married in 1962 and lived in Winner for a time before moving to Huron and later Aberdeen and Mina Lake.  After her children were older, Jayne went back to school for her nursing degree, receiving her bachelor’s from Presentation College in Aberdeen.  She worked as an RN for a few years during which she started a home health care business with some friends.  She later returned to nursing and worked at a same day surgery center until her retirement.  Throughout their marriage, she and Ed enjoyed traveling both internationally and throughout the US, having visited all the state capitals.  They had a group of friends they enjoyed camping with as well as with family. 

In retirement, they spent several winters in Texas near Corpus Christi.  Jayne excelled at all forms of sewing, using her talents early on as a talented seamstress.  She later became accomplished in cross-stitch, Hardanger and quilting. 

Ed passed away in 2020 and Jayne moved to Minnesota where she would be closer to her children. 

She is survived by her 2 children, Sherri Knutson of Red Wing and David (DeNae) Knutson of Farmington; 3 grandchildren Chelsea (Jesse) Gebel, Tyler (Baylee) Knutson and Carter (Maddy) Knutson and one great-grandson, Henry. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ed.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with a visitation one hour prior to the service.  Memorials are preferred to Aberdeen Area Humane Society (https://anewleashonlife.net/). Services will be live-streamed and can be viewed at Mahn Family Funeral Home’s Facebook page.    Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

William “Bill” Schroeder, 64, of Witten, South Dakota passed away on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 at 10 a.m.  at The Red Hills, formerly known as the Carter Mall, in Carter, SD.

William Bradley Schroeder was born Sept. 21, 1958 to Herman and Phyllis (Smith) Schroeder. He was the 5th child of Herman and Phyllis. Bill was baptized on Sept. 22, 1963 in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kahler were Bill’s sponsors.

Bill grew up in the country and attended grade school until the 8th grade before coming to Winner High School. After high school Bill joined the Army and was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas. He completed his basic training before he was injured in an accident and he was given an honorable medical discharge.

Over the years Bill worked various local jobs. He married Connie Labbs Jan. 13, 1995 at the Carter Mall in Carter, SD. Connie and Bill lived in Carter and later moved to their permanent residence home in Witten, SD. Bill loved the Witten community and people in it. Later in life as Connie’s M.S. progressed, she moved to Winner where she made a home at the Winner Long Term Care Center due to her health.

Bill was a very frequent visitor of the Winner Nursing Home. He visited his wife Connie daily, showing his love for her and keeping her up to speed with what was going in their lives and community. Bill also cared for the other residents, and also the staff of the Winner Nursing Home, helping out wherever he could and participated in many activities.

Bill is survived by his wife, Connie, siblings; Herman Jr. (Diane) of Winner, SD; Mylan Schroeder of Alcester, SD; Lori (Rudy) Kahler of Winner, SD; Kathy (Dan) Vavra of Gregory, SD; Cindy Schroeder of Winner, SD; Sally Schroeder of Gregory, SD; Orville (Melinda) of Winner, SD. Robert (Jean) Schroeder of White Lake, SD. Marlin Smith and his family of Holyoke, Colorado. Sister-in-law Patsy Smith and family of New York. Bill is also survived by his step children Ray Allen (Linda) Bahm of O’Neill, NE and children Christina Bahm and children: Ava, Cruzito, Genevieve and Reynaldo (Brandee Felix) Bahm and their 4 children: Sinella, Vincent, Elvira, Lacinna; Todd (Lisa) Bahm of St. Paul, MN and Orion; Dan Labb and family. Bill is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins and in-laws.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, brother Jerry, nephew Benjamin, mother-in-law Clarice Dreyer and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Emily Marie (Noyes) Henderson passed away peacefully at her home on the farm near Hamill, SD on Saturday Aug. 5, 2023 at the age of 83.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug.  12, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Emily was born on Dec. 16, 1939 in Huron, SD to Marie (Duxbury) and Eben Noyes of rural Wessington, SD. She had one brother, Eben “Buzz” Noyes, Jr, born in 1948. She often shared fond memories of her childhood on the family farm in the Wessington Hills. Animals were always important to Emily, from raising poultry and puppies, to showing horses and Hereford cattle. Of course, many great memories revolved around time spent with family and friends at the SD State Fair each year.

After graduating from Wessington High School in 1957, Emily continued her education at Huron College, where she also participated in the school choir. She received her bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in 1961, and went on to teach elementary school, first in Wessington Springs, followed by Madison, MN and Pierre, SD.

Emily then married Lauren Henderson of rural Hamill, SD on June 24, 1972. She joined Lauren on his family farm, where they raised their son, Brian, and daughter, Laura. Once their children were both school-aged, Emily returned to teaching in Colome, SD where she was the 2nd grade teacher for over 20 years.

Emily loved being a teacher. Whether it was a Sunday school lesson or her classroom, she worked hard to engage every student and keep them interested in learning. Classrooms were sometimes chaotic with many hands-on projects and even some live critters joining a lesson from time to time. She held a special place in her heart for each child, and she always referred to a former student as “one of my kids.”

After retirement, Emily had more time to enjoy her family. She especially enjoyed time with her 5 grandchildren, spending countless hours reading, playing and just visiting with them. Emily is survived by her son Brian (Anora) Henderson and their children Ainsley, Andrew and Allie, of Hamill, SD; her daughter Laura (Michael) Poncelow and their children Sarah and Samuel of Wessington Springs, SD; her brother Buzz (Donna) Noyes of Wessington, SD; sister-in-law Nadine Henderson of Pierre, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lauren, who passed away in 2008, her parents, brothers-in-law Raymond Henderson, Russ Nesson, Keith Benthin and sisters-in-law Myrna Nesson and Avis Benthin, and nephew David Nesson.

Funeral services for Dennis Flisram, 68, Witten, were held at the Methodist Church in Winner on Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. Burial followed at the Winner Cemetery.

Dennis Lee Flisram was born Aug. 26, 1954, in Winner, SD, to Jerome and Betty (Moeller) Flisram.  He joined two sisters at home; later, he would become big brother to four more sisters. He was the first and only son born into the family.  He passed away on Aug. 1, 2023, at his home in Witten, SD.

Denny, aka “Suzy” or “Cat”, grew up in Witten where attended grade school and then graduated from Wood High School in 1973.  He grew up running the streets and most likely getting into some mischief with his friends: Kevin Long, Jack Arthur, the Gardner boys (Scott, Bill, and Bob), Mike and Warren Sporrer, and Dale Tarrel (Mouse).  He was surrounded by five sisters, but never complained.  Why would he when he was somewhat spoiled?

In his adult life, he ran with his cousin Kyle Moeller.  What fun they had!  In grade school, he played basketball, and in high school, he participated in track, high jump, broad jump, and hurdles; he received several ribbons and medals. He participated in basketball until the coach told him to cut his hair.  Denny said no, and that was the end of his basketball career.

After high school, he worked for a local farmer/rancher, Orville Smith; The Pizza Pub; and Larson Cement; and during the summer months, he worked for the county. 

In 1977, he decided to move to Vancouver, Wash., where he picked up the skill of drywalling, with some remodel jobs on the side.  He was a perfectionist when it came to his work; everything was thought out to the fullest before a project was started.  Due to a shoulder injury, he was forced to retire.  In September 2017, he moved back to Witten, SD, and was home again.

While in Vancouver, he met Shelly in 1999.  She had two sons and they became his family.  He thought a lot of them and would tell many things about them.  The two sons married and had children.  Denny thought of them as his own grandchildren; he was proud of them all.

He made a trip out to Washington in 2022 to see them.  Riding his Harley was a favorite of his, but the last trip riding it back from Washington to SD was a little long.  After that, he hauled it.  He liked to attend the rally in Sturgis once every few years.  Denny was a very kind and giving person with a big heart.  He would help anyone without being asked.  He would let a younger sister comb and curl his hair, without complaining, when there was no other victim around.  Denny will be greatly missed by his sisters, more than words can express.  We love you, Dennis.

Denny is survived by sisters Elizabeth (Alvin) Focken, Joyce Flisram, Louise Flisram, Connie Rae (Doug) Frantz, and LaVonne Brickman; nephews: Justin (Heather) Focken, Cole and Evan; Tyler (Kaitlin) Focken, Landon and Kaden; and Carter and Coy Brickman; his Washington family: Paul (Deanna) Crouse, Jr., Madison; and John (Sarah) Dean-Dawson, Perry and Cordelia; cousins, an aunt, and many friends.

Denny is preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Betty Flisram, companion Shelly, grandparents Clarence and Elizabeth Flisram and Frank and Elsie Moeller, infant sister Dorothy Ann, brothers-in-law Brett Brickman and Dillon Olson, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Betty Darlene Parlet was born on Jan. 11, 1946, in Winner, South Dakota and died on Aug. 7, 2023, in San Luis Obispo, California after a lengthy battle with lymphoma. 

Betty’s early years were spent on a farm near Millboro, South Dakota until her parents bought their farm southwest of Winner when Betty was 12. 

Betty graduated from Winner High School in 1964.  She attended Black Hills State University for a year before returning to Winner and beginning a job at Ranchers National Bank.  She married John Parlet in 1966.  They moved to California and raised two daughters, Darci (Parlet) Turner and Joy (Parlet) Underwood.  John and Betty were in the restaurant business for more than 30 years.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Mildred (Bertram) Kaiser and her brother, Gary Kaiser, all of Winner. She is survived by her daughters, Darci Turner and her husband, Jeff Turner, of Ridgecrest, California, Joy Underwood and her husband, Lane Underwood, of Freeburg, Illinois, six grandchildren, Madison (Turner) Cleveland and husband, Cory Cleveland, of Oak Hills, California, Jacob Turner of Ridgecrest, California, and  JD Underwood, Matt Underwood, Moriah Underwood, and Bethany Underwood of Freeburg, Illinois.  In addition, Betty leaves one great grandchild, Auroara Cleveland of Oak Hills, California.  She is also survived by her former husband, John Parlet of Orange County, California.  Betty’s sister, Norma Keiser and husband, Chuck Keiser, of Winner are left to mourn her loss.  Betty will also be missed by many brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.  Those include Jacque Kaiser of Winner, Jack and Ellen Storms of Winner, Harold and Veda Parlet of Sioux Falls, Tom Parlet and Mona Garcia of Banning, California, Don and Eileen Shibley of Ridgecrest, California, Kevin and Jaime Keiser and family, Nicole Keiser, of Winner, Jennifer (Kaiser) and Daron Uthe and family of Sioux Falls, Crystal Parlet of Banning, California,  Brian Parlet of Banning, California, Tyler Storms of Orange County, California, as well as Judd and Shawna Kaiser and family, Jeff and Marit Kaiser and family, Blake and Emily Tideman and family, and Grady and Sarah Myers and family, all of Winner. 

In every place that Betty lived, she left a mark.  In the over 25 years Betty lived in Ridgecrest, Calif., she was a contributor to the community in so many ways.  She shared the values of her South Dakota upbringing with a whole generation growing up in an isolated desert town.  Betty and John employed so many young people through John’s Pizza. One of the reasons these people loved working at John’s Pizza was because John and Betty cared so much about their employees.  Betty would host staff parties at their home, and she was the glue that held everything together.  She was a woman of faith, a wife, a mom, a businesswoman, a volunteer, and a contributor to all local causes.  She served for years on the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Board of Directors and was responsible for planting many of the trees and gardens in Ridgecrest.  Betty lived in San Luis Obispo, Calif., the last 20 years of her life.  She loved San Luis Obispo and made so many warm memories and lasting friendships.   Her home was always open, and she was happiest when it was full.  Her bible study groups, PEO sisters, bridge clubs, and family – always family – had a home in her home.  She gave real meaning to the word “gracious.”  The lives of so many family members and friends have been forever altered by her loss, yet they have all been blessed to have had such a beautiful bond with our sweet Betty. 

A celebration of life service will be held for Betty Parlet on Sunday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 3 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Winner.   The family hopes that you can stop by to visit and celebrate a life well lived. 

Funeral services for Claudia Vaughn, 78, were held Aug. 10 a First Reformed Church, Mitchell. Burial was in Graceland Cemetery, Mitchell.

Claudia Kay Sparks was born on July 17, 1945 in Homer, Neb.,  to  Lenora (Serr) & Orville B. Sparks. 

She passed away Aug. 5, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House. She grew up in South Dakota/Nebraska. She met Merle Vaughn at the young age of 16 and knew instantly she was going to marry him.  They were married on Sept. 3, 1961, and were thrilled when their daughter Cathy Kaye was born on Christmas Day in 1967 in Nürnberg, Germany, where Merle was stationed in the Army. She cared for Merle during his cancer journey and he died March 5, 2009, just a few months short of their 48th anniversary. 

She worked as a waitress, cook, and owner of the meat locker with Merle. Her most beloved job was daycare provider and she loved on those kids like they were her own.

She played a special role in the lives of her three grandsons, Nick, Nathan and Noah. She spoiled them with hugs, fresh cookies, warm bath towels, and most importantly, unconditional love.  This special bond was very present throughout her life, but especially during her cancer journey as they each visited and called daily.  She was blessed to add another grandson, Sam and granddaughter, Sophia when Emery joined the family marrying Cathy in 2014.

She loved coffee time and visiting with everyone she met.  She talked to her sisters daily/weekly & loved keeping in touch; always ending the conversation with “I love you & take of care   yourself”. She loved having donuts with great granddaughter Hayley,   making noodle soup for her twinkies-Jade & Jace, listening to Oliver ask “are you doing ok?’ & having Everly crawling up onto her bed. 

She spent the last seven months living with Cathy and Emery after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and breaking her hip. She loved finding new recipes and watching TV. She spent her last 3 1/2 weeks at the Dougherty Hospice House being taken care of by wonderful nurses and care assistants. 

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy and husband, Emery;  grandchildren- Nick, Nathan, Noah & wife Brittany, Sam, & Sophia; great grandchildren Hayley, Jade, Jace, Oliver, & Everly, sisters: Marsha Fyler, Mary (Gary) Schmidt, Machele (Eldon) Vogt,  and Julee Miller.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle, brother, Steve Sparks and her parents.

Mary Lou (Noble) Peklo, age 82, of Pembroke, Mass. , formerly of Omaha, Neb., passed away on July 26, 2023.

She was born in Winner, South Dakota to the late Elias and Mildred (Konop) Noble. She worked for the telephone company for 30 years both in Winner and in Omaha. Mary Lou enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, and sewing. She was famous for telling jokes.

Mary Lou was the loving wife of the late Robert J. Peklo for 58 years.

She is survived by their children Kathleen (Rick) English of Omaha, Neb., Karen Peklo of Pembroke, brothers Elias “Chuck” (Trudy) Noble, and Wayne (Sharon)  Noble, sister Marsha (Bill) Gresham, grandchildren Ryan English of Omaha, Katrina (Adam) McKeagney of Pembroke, four great grandchildren Elias “Eli”, Xavier, Emersyn and Gabriella McKeagney, and many nieces and nephews.

Despite retinitis pigmentosa gradually stealing her vision and eventually causing complete blindness, Mary Lou maintained a positive attitude and her sense of humor until the end of her life.  Mary Lou and her husband Robert will be buried at the New Hampshire National Cemetery, honoring Robert’s service in the United States Navy. Date to be determined.

Joyce E Kauer, 75 died Aug. 2, 2023 at Monument Health – Rapid City Hospital.

Joyce Elaine (Legge) Kauer was born June 25, 1947 at Winner, SD to George and Berniece (Storms) Legge.

In July of 1948 the family moved to Clearfield, SD, where her parents owned and operated Legge Garage. Joyce attended grade school at Clearfield School 1st through 8th grade. She graduated from Winner High School in 1967. Joyce worked at DECA at Grossenburg Implement during high school and continued to work their until May 1969. She married James L. Kauer on Oct. 5, 1968, in Winner SD.

In May 1969 she and Jim moved to Rapid City SD. Daughter Jennifer Jill was born on Aug. 1, 1974. Joyce was devoted to her family and friends. She enjoyed the outdoors, her numerous cats over the years and her garden. One of her favorite activities was her neighborhood birthday club where they enjoyed food and birthday sweets. She enjoyed collecting and selling her antiques and collectibles at her booth at Black Hills Antique Mall on 6th Street. She was an excellent cook and shared many recipes over the years and made the best Christmas Bread that was always a favorite at the holidays. Joyce was always up for a game of pitch, snatch or Mexican Train dominoes. Joyce loved to paint and shared her talent with the gifts of original oil painting as gifts to family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, James, daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Totten, grandchildren, Wyatt Totten, Kaitlyn Totten (Grady Martin), Cooper Totten. One great-grandson, Brooks Martin. Brothers, Kelly (Robin) Legge, Loren (Deb) Legge, niece Halley Legge and nephew Lander (Hannah) Legge as well as many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Carol Geldert, brother-in-law, Robert Geldert, grandparents, George C. and Amelia Legge, Joseph and Cresenthia Storms.

A Christian Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rapid City.  She was laid to rest following the Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Please visit the online memorial for Joyce at: www.OsheimSchmidt.com.

Marlene Kay (Gerdes) Kerner, 71, of Burke, SD passed away on July 18, 2023 in Burke, SD.

She was born on April 27, 1952 to John and Darline (Powers) Gerdes in Mitchell, SD.

Growing up, Marlene’s family moved around a lot because of her dad’s work as a truck driver for a construction company. The family would set up camp at each new road construction site and Marlene and her siblings would attend the local schools near the construction camps. Marlene often talked about how she didn’t mind the moving, except for when they attended a small school where her and her little brother (only 13 months younger than her) were in the same class.

Marlene didn’t say her first words until she was 2.5 years old and then suddenly one day as she was looking out the window, she said “there goes my daddy in his truck.” As her mother and everyone who knew her said, “and she hasn’t stopped talking since.” Marlene was known for being a “talker.” She never met a stranger she didn’t like and could carry on a conversation with anyone. Once on a family vacation to Six Flags, Marlene struck up a conversation with her roller coaster seatmate and afterwards commented that the young man wasn’t much of a conversationalist. That evening at the hotel pool, she was surprised to see his face on a souvenir t-shirt. Marlene said to the young lady wearing the t-shirt, “I was just on a roller coaster with that kid today.” The young lady, exclaimed, “you were on a roller coaster with NSYNC!” 

Her mother, Darline Gerdes, ran a bakery out of her home and Marlene was her mom’s right hand baking assistant, instilling a love for baking that she kept throughout her life. She happily volunteered to deliver long johns to local customers for a quarter tip, so she could go to Mrs. Lunn’s candy store to buy nickel black cherry soda and penny candy.

In 1960, her family made their permanent home in Kimball, SD where Marlene graduated from Kimball High School in 1970. During high school and college, she worked as a waitress at Chef Rudy’s Café at Skelly’s Midway Truck-Stop in Kimball, SD to pay her way through college. After high school, she attended the University of South Dakota in Springfield majoring in elementary education and student teaching at the Chamberlain Indian school, planning to be a spinster schoolteacher.

However, that all changed in 1973, while at a rodeo dance in Chamberlain, SD. Her friend Judene Holan asked her to hold her drink so she could go out on the dance floor. Not thrilled to be standing next to the bar alone holding two drinks, Marlene agreed. That gave the otherwise introverted Richard Kerner who was in Chamberlain for guard duty, the chance he needed. He walked up to Marlene and said, “do you always drink two fisted?” That was the beginning of 49 years together and Richard and Marlene where married 9 months later on May 10, 1974 in the same church were Marlene’s parents were married, Saint Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball, SD.

The two built their life together on a ranch south of Burke where they lived and raised their three children, Steve, Anna and David until moving to town in 2009. On the ranch, Marlene was known for her delicious cooking which usually included some variation of home raised beef and potatoes. Marlene made sure that anyone who visited or worked on the ranch, never went hungry. She was constantly cooking whether it was bacon and eggs for breakfast or lunches for moving cattle and taking to the field. She always had a large garden and canned the best beets and dill pickles. There was always boiling coffee on the stove, even though she was never a coffee drinker herself.

Much to Richard’s chagrin, she decorated the house for each holiday, especially Christmas and always made sure everyone got a present. 

Marlene was known for her pumpkin, cherry, apple and rhubarb pies which she brought to every family holiday gathering. She was a skilled donut and cake maker and decorator and made cutout and tiered cakes for all her family’s special occasions, including making her own wedding cake, and three tiered cakes for her parents 40th wedding anniversary and her daughter Anna’s high school graduation.

Marlene and Richard enjoyed visiting their daughter Anna all over the world, including taking the greyhound bus to Washington D.C., the Amtrak train to Niagara Falls, Boston, Sacramento, California and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. They also visited Anna in London twice which included a tour of Europe; visiting the beaches of Normandy, riding the train through the Alps, dining in a rotating restaurant in Berlin, Germany and going on a Gondola ride with her future son-in-law, Dan in Venice.

Marlene and Richard had a tradition of taking family vacations once a year, which they continued with their grandchildren once they were old enough to travel. These trips included taking their oldest granddaughter Mindy to Washington, D.C. and Yellowstone, several trips to the Black Hills, taking the train to Denver, Adventureland in Iowa and meeting up with Marlene’s sister Rosemary and her grandchildren for swim weekends. In 2014, they took their granddaughter Macie to Sweden, Denmark and the Fjords of Norway.

Marlene also enjoyed trips to the casino until her health no longer allowed her to go. Her bubbly personality, infectious laugh and good luck made her well known to other players and the casino staff, many of whom became good friends. She loved to share the story of her winning two cars and true to Marlene’s generous spirit, she gave the first one to her granddaughter Mindy. Her claim to fame was that Ft. Randal Casino filmed her handing over the keys to Mindy and made a television commercial from the footage. 

Marlene constantly worried about others and family was everything to her. She always wanted to make sure everyone around her was taken care of and of course fed, especially her precious David who meant the world to her.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard Kerner; three children, Steve Kerner and wife Julie of Burke, SD, her daughter Anna Kerner Andersson and husband Dan of Burke, SD and her son David Kerner of Winner, SD; a brother, John Gerdes and wife Maureen of Kimball, SD; and 9 grandchildren, Mindy (Jared) Bolling, Austin (Cheyanne) Kerner, Macie (Wes) York, Ava Kerner, Mattie Kerner, Sophie Kerner Andersson, Elizabeth Kerner Andersson, Anna Christina Kerner Andersson and Richard Kerner Andersson and 3 great grandchildren, Emerson and Micah Bolling and Waylon York.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Darline (Powers) Gerdes, and her sister Rosemary Rasmussen. Funeral services for Marlene Kerner, age 71, of Burke, SD, were  held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.  at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke, SD.  Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke.