Category Archives: Obituaries

June “Junebug” Violet Freilinger, 93, of Monona, Iowa died Friday, June 16, 2023 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa. June was born June 10, 1930 to Leonard and Freida (Schmidt) Hofeldt in Milboro, South Dakota. She graduated from Winner High School in 1948 and attended two years of college in Minneapolis, Minn.

On Sept. 22, 1951 June was united in marriage to Roderick Joseph Freilinger at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa. Six children were born to this union.  They made their first home in Yuma, Ariz., until Rod was discharged from the Air Force.  Upon being discharged they then moved to Frankville, Iowa, where they farmed for several years until Rod started Freilinger Construction.

June then did the secretarial duties for Freilinger Construction and raised 6 children and a large garden.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening and canning for her family.  Rod and June had many good times with the Volney crew and surrounding neighbors.  They also traveled to many LICA conventions.  She taught CCD, was a member of the Rosary society and a Catholic Daughter.

Upon raising her family, she then took a job cooking at Pink Elephant, Crow’s Nest and then the Boat, where she met many people and so enjoyed cooking and joking with the busboys and cooks.  “Junebug” as many people knew her, loved to joke and enjoyed people.  She enjoyed her church activities and traveling with the Heritage Club, taking several trips overseas.  June loved to travel and enjoyed her annual trips “out home” to Millboro, South Dakota.  South Dakota and her family still residing there, were always very special to her.  She knew that road well!!!

Most of all “Junebug’s” proudest moments were when all her family was around her.  She loved her birthday parties where everyone was together, always commenting LOOK WHAT I DID”.  June made each of her grandchildren a jean quilt sewn with all the love she could give.  She enjoyed taking her grand kids on outings.  Always a good treat at Grandmas!  She put her cooking skills to good use serving her family some fabulous meals.  June truly loved all 85 of us, and was blessed with all the Junebug trinkets we could find!

June will always be remembered as “Junebug”, with her very caring heart, her joking personality and always thinking of others before herself.  June loved life and people. 

Surviving June are her children, Brad (Cheryl) Freilinger of Monona, Iowa, Barb (Ron) Moellers of Ossian, Iowa, Brian (Brenda) Freilinger of Decorah, Iowa, Bonnie Lange of Monona, Iowa, Beverly (Brent) Blanchard of Guttenberg, Iowa and Beth (Jake) Sweeney of Monona, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren, Heather (Chad) Bettman, Angie (Brent) Mohs, Reggie (Sarah) Freilinger, Elizabeth (Brian) Riley, Dustin (Katie) Moellers, Dereck (Starlette) Moellers, Devin (Carol) Moellers, Randy (Melissa) Freilinger, Brent (Jamie) Freilinger, Blake (Brenda) Lange, Melissa (Matt) Egan, Matt (Shauna) Lange, Marshall (Leah) Lange, Emily Blanchard, Bradley Sweeney and Jason (Maddi) Sweeney; a multitude of great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

June was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Freida Hofeldt; husband, Roderick Freilinger on Oct. 26, 1982; son-in-law, Dave Lange; three grandchildren, Shane Rodas, Eric Rodas and Dexter “Doc” Lange; and two brothers, Lee (Joann) Hofeldt and Loren Hofeldt.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona, Iowa with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant.

Burial followed at St. Patrick Catholic Church Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.

Jim Smith, 71, of Witten, SD passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility. 

Memorial service was held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Carter Gospel Fellowship Church in Carter, SD.  Burial will be held at a later date. 

Alan James “Jim” Smith was born on March 3, 1952 in Billings, Montana.  He lived in Roundup, Mont., until he joined the Army in 1970and served overseas in Taiwan .

Jim then returned home for a short time before moving to Powell, Wyo., where he met Marlyce and they were married in 1976.  Jim and Marlyce lived in Powell where Jim worked in the Oil Patch until they moved to Witten, South Dakota in 1990.

While in Witten Jim had many different jobs doing farm work, working for Grossenburgs and the State of South Dakota.   Jim also worked in Alaska building ice roads and then road construction until he retired.

Jim loved fishing and hunting and visiting with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his father Luther G. Smith, mother Alice, brother Larry and sister Sandee Lekse.

Jim leaves behind his wife Marlyce, sister Dixie Taylor, nieces; Michelle Foeller and Deana Netherton, nephew Danny Lekse and his daughter Skyler, brother-in-law Michael Weathermon his wife Debbie and nephews Cody Weathermon, Nicholas Foeller and Cameron Kinney.

Ruth Adrian, 79, of Columbus, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 in Columbus, Ind. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Born on Aug. 10, 1943, in Highland Park, MI, Ruth was the loving daughter of John and Addie (Cunningham) Knox. She was united in marriage to Richard L. Adrian on Feb. 13, 1982. He preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 2021. Ruth had worked fifteen years for the Jennings County Community Foundation as a secretary. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She had served on the board of directors at the Jennings County Public Library and was an ASPCA Supporter. Ruth enjoyed her quiet life on the farm and cooking. She loved dogs and was an avid reader. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. Ruth will be missed by her children, Kirsten Adrian of North Vernon, Daniel L. (Alison) Adrian of Mason, OH, Richard L. (Amanda) Adrian of Greer, SC, and Jonathan P. (Angela) Adrian of Scipio; grandchildren, Alexander, and Samantha Adrian, Mia, Dylan, and Ava Adrian, Quinn, Duncan, Conner, and Brandon Adrian. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Addie Knox; husband, Richard Adrian; children, Michael, and Megan Adrian; grandson, Rondal Lee Adrian. Memorials can be made through the funeral home to the Rondal Lee Adrian Scholarship Fund through the Jennings County Foundation. Friends and family are invited to light a candle or leave a message of condolence in Ruth’s memory at www.sawyerfuneralservice.com.

Shirley Daughters, 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Winner Regional Nursing Home in Winner, SD. 

Memorial service was  held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Ideal Presbyterian Church in Ideal, SD.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Marlene (Habeger) Daughters, a cherished soul who graced our lives with her immense love for her family, zest for life, and passion for the outdoors and art. Shirley peacefully departed this world on June 13, 2023, leaving a legacy of cherished memories.

Born on July 29, 1944, to Milton and Margaret  Habeger in Denver, Color., Shirley embarked on a remarkable journey embracing life with unwavering enthusiasm and kindness. She lived a life that exemplified love, compassion, and dedication to family. She moved to Ideal, South Dakota, in 1950 and on Aug. 19, 1962, Shirley joined in matrimony with Robert Daughters, creating a bond that would withstand the test of time. Together, they raised their two sons, Wade and Bruce, on their farm in Hamill, SD. As a family, they enjoyed farming, hunting, and camping together. Shirley especially loved herding and caring for the sheep on the farm and spending her free time as a family fishing.

In her later years, Shirley discovered a rare gift for capturing the essence of her experiences on canvas. Art was the language Shirley used to express her vibrant spirit. Her brushstrokes danced with vivid colors, breathing life into breathtaking scenes around her. Her artwork not only adorned the walls of her home and the homes of her family, but they also served as a testament to her ability to convey the awe and wonder she felt from the landscapes around her and her deep love for her family.

The family was the cornerstone of Shirley’s life and her love and devotion knew no bounds. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she stood as a pillar of strength and support, her unwavering love providing a safe harbor in times of joy and sorrow. Shirley was a constant source of love, support, and guidance throughout the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we find solace in knowing that her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. Though her physical presence may be gone, her love for the outdoors, camping, art, family, and farm life will forever inspire us to embrace the wonders around us. Shirley will be greatly missed by her loving spouse Bob, her children Wade (Linda) Daughters and Bruce (Amanda) Daughters, grandchildren Seth (Danielle) Daughters, Dalton (Taylor) Daughters, Jordan (Amber) Daughters, Ashley (Matt) Weisser, Haley (Hunter) Wood, and seven great-grandchildren Braylee, Jones, Lincoln, Piper, Carson, Hazel, and Heston.  Sister Beulah Dewes, Rapid City SD.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Margaret Habeger, brothers, Larry Habeger, Royce Habeger, Nephew Bradley Dewes.

Shirley’s legacy will forever be etched in our minds, and your love will continue to guide us through life’s journey. May you find eternal peace beneath the starlit sky you adored and in the fertile soil of everlasting tranquility.

Memorial Service for Ralph L. Mefferd, Jr. age 90 of Scottsbluff, Neb.,  will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth.  A Military Flag Presentation will be performed by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79.  Inurnment will take place at a late date in the Ainsworth Cemetery. 

Ralph Mefferd, Jr. died April 11, 2023, at Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff.

SURVIVORS INCLUDE:

Wife:  Betty Mefferd of Scottsbluff NE

2 Children:  Sandra Mefferd of Chadron, NE

  & Michael (Carmen) Mefferd of Rapid City, SD

  5 Grandchildren – 5 Great-Grandchildren

Brother:  Charlie Mefferd of Kearney, NE

Along with nieces, nephews and other family members

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family for future designation.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Lois Besmer age 83 of Bismarck, ND will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD on Saturday June 17, at 11 a.m.  

Lucille “Lucy” Darlene (Klein) Smith, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on June 6, 2023 in the comfort of her own home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial will followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Lucy was born the seventh of twelve children on March 19, 1930 to August and Frances Klein.

On Feb. 21, 1963 she was united in marriage to Ivan Smith. To this union Deb and Pam were born. Ivan passed away in May of 2012.

Lucy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Lucy loved to read, play bingo, listen to polka music, and spending time with her family. She had a special place in her heart for her grandkids, and would make them special treats like goulash, homemade noodles, and chocolate cake.

Lucy will be lovingly remembered by her children Robert Klein, of Gregory SD, Debra Smith (Neil), of Rapid City SD, and Pam (Joe) Ferber, of Rapid City SD. 3 grandchildren; Liz Smith (Bob), of Belle Fourche SD, Corey (Carol) Ferber, of Sidney NE, and Kyle (Andrea) Ferber, of Rapid City SD.  7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband Ivan, 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

Donald Bolton, 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Donald Wayne Bolton was born on June 5, 1929, in Racine, Wis., to Louis and Clover (Milton) Bolton. They resided in Wisconsin till moving to the Hamill area in 1932. In 1935 they moved to Winner where he attended and graduated from Winner in 1949.

He worked for Paul Peer from 1947 thru 1949 and proceded to work for Summit Construction in Presho, SD for a year and a half at which time he enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He was discharged in 1951. After 6 months of working at a Tree Farm in Boston he returned to Presho to work for Summit Construction until he moved to Lincoln, NE to attend the University of Nebraska to study in the biology field for one year where they did research on a variety of wheat that would have less rust.

He enjoyed working for the Lantz, Calhoon and Frantz farms before returning to construction work in the Presho area. There he met the love of his life, Phyllis M. Stulken. They married on April 10, 1960 in Wessington Springs, SD, to this union three children were born, Wayne Douglas, Deanne Jean and Kamala Kay.

They moved to Reliance, SD where he started work for Shanard Elevator as the Feed Mill Operator until 1966. He moved his family to Winner, SD to begin work at Deaver-Meyer Elevator, that was eventually purchased by Farmers Co-op until his retirement in 2001. With his love for the outdoors, he started Bolton Lawn Care and enjoyed mowing yards until 2021 when his health began to decline.

He was a lifetime member of the BPOE Lodge #2084 in Winner, SD and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #169 of Winner, SD. Many memories were made on trips with fellow lodge members across the United States, all whom he considered family.

Enjoying any outdoor activities, spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren, Sunday boating trips on the river and wood working were his favorite past times.

Love and Blessed for having shared his life are his children, Wayne (Ann) Bolton, Deanne Bolton,

Kamala (Randy) Kittle. Grandchildren, Michael (April) Bolton, Christopher Bolton, Makayla (David) Poole, Kelli (Craig) Hoffer and Rylee (Destiny) Kittle. Great Grandchildren: Lorelai, Abbygail and Joshua, Scarlett, Liliana (Lily) and Travis. Also, a special daughter, Cathy Mayes.

In-Laws: Bertha Hines, Douglas Stulken, Karen (John) Maciejewski, Kevin (Alice) Stulken, Kenneth (Vickie) Stulken, Catherine (Earl) Siefken, Brian Stulken and John Stulken. Many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Louis and Clover, in-laws Fred and Fannie Stullken, His loving Wife-Phyllis M. His brother James Bolton and twin sisters Ruby and Rachel Bolton, Sister-In-Law Della Bolton. Brother-in Laws, Dean and Fred Stulken, Archerie Millard, Wesley Hines, and Lester Semmler, Sisters-In-Laws, Janeen, Donna, Cora Jean, Donna and Nephews, Steve Maciejewski, Perry Stulken, and Travis Millard.

Ivan Ray Reagle was born Feb 13,1947, in Valentine, NE to Arthur and Blanche (Howe) Reagle of rural Todd County and passed away peacefully in his home on May 27,2023.

Ivan graduated from Todd Co. High School in 1965 and took 1 year of college in North Platte, NE. After college he came back to the family farm/ranch and worked with his parents and brothers raising crops and cattle. There he spent the rest of his life doing what he loved. He was also willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed help with chores, working cattle or anything they needed done in time of need.

In 2007 he met his best friend Sheila and together they worked on the place.  On July 18 ,2016 Ivan and Sheila were married in Winner, SD.  Ivan had no children of his own and gained a wonderful family. Ivan cherished his new family and enjoyed spending time with them whether it was holidays, birthday parties, brandings, working cattle and many other activities.  Ivan was also a great uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was especially fond of his nephew Emerson who came out and spent a lot of time with Ivan and Sheila.

Ivan didn’t have a lot of hobbies but loved Oliver tractors and he loved to visit! He could always find something to talk about with anyone. He didn’t know a stranger.

He is survived by his wife Sheila, her children Amber Kruger, Chuck (Kadie) Kruger, Robert (Megan Schlinz), step-grandchildren Aaron and Jayden Rahn, Lane and Makayla Shelbourn, Sadie Cadwallader, Cooper, Brynna and Easton Kruger, Brother Leonard (Bernadette) Reagle, sister-in-law Marie Reagle and sister-in-law Vicky Reagle. Nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Blanche Reagle, his brothers, JR and Everrett Reagle, and his nephews, Jason, Craig and Zachary Reagle

Funeral service for Ivan Reagle were held on Monday, June 5 at 2 p.m.  at the Cherry County Fair Grounds in Valentine.  The burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.  Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was entrusted with the service arrangements.

Marlo Bicek, 83, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Marlo was born on March 3, 1940 to Raymond and Dorothy (Keogh) Bicek where his parents lived south of Colome.  Marlo has always called himself a simple man which started early on in his life; being raised with no electricity using kerosene lamps for any lighting needs and a wood stove to heat the house. He attended the Kansas Flats country school and developed many lifelong friends during his attendance there.

Marlo made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the National Guard. He was a member of the 730th medical company, based in Winner. Shortly after enlisting he met the love of his life, Linda Lee Sweetland, at the Little Diner located on Main Street Winner.  After much persuasion he finally convinced her to go on a date with him.  On their third date as they were dancing, Marlo told Linda that he could dance with her forever and the decision was made; they were engaged.

A wedding was soon planned for December of 1961 but plans soon were changed when Marlo was called up for active duty to Fort Riley, Kan. Marlo and Linda were then married on Sept. 3, 1961 creating a union, which Marlo had always said was meant to be. Through this union, four children were born:  Kay Evans (Daniel) of Storm Lake, Iowa, Amy Engel (DeWayne) of Winner, SD, Todd Bicek (Angie) of Winner, SD and Carol Peterson (Justin) of Winner SD.

Early on in Marlo and Linda’s marriage, Marlo discovered the second love of his life; being a truck driver. Lil Smokey (dad’s CB handle) and a lifelong career of logging over 3 million miles began. During his trucking career, Marlo developed the reputation of being a man who never met anyone who was a stranger. His children and wife would tell you that they spent many, many long-suffering hours in the back of the family’s station wagon waiting for their dad/ husband as he visited with his newfound friends at gas stations and truck stops.

Dad lived a simple life. He modeled generosity and paying it forward before it was even popular. Always seeing needs of others and helping in any way that he could, even if he was struggling to financially meets the needs of his family. He gave of his resources, money and time whenever he could.

Even though dad worked countless hours, he always found the time to get into a little bit of mischief, tell jokes and share many stories that entertained others. He also found partners to participate in his crazy antics; teaching his grandkids that having fun was an essential to living a happy life.

Since the passing of his Dolly (Dad’s name for his beloved Linda), he did his very best to help fill the void of our missing mom and grandma. Grateful and blessed for the time that we got to share with him are his children, Kay, Amy, Todd and Carol. Grandchildren Samantha Bausch (Eric), Kelly Evans (Joni), Ethan Engel, Jesse Engel, Emilee Engel (Reese), Brandon Bicek (Emily), Austin Bicek, Hannah Peterson (Ian), and Elijah Peterson (Kayleona). Great grandchildren Hastings and Elodie Bausch, Jade Evans, Oaklyn Bicek, and Gavin Fury. Sisters Rhea Nye, Donna Daley (Vinnie), and Doreen Kaiser (Kevin). Preceded in death by his wife Linda, parents Raymond and Dorothy, siblings Thomas and Lynette and brother-in-law, LaVerne Nye.