Category Archives: Obituaries

William F. Day Jr., age 87 of Spearfish, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 at the Belle Fourche Regional Healthcare Center.

Services were held 1 pm Saturday, Jan. 6 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Winner, SD.  Interment was held 10 a.m. Monday Jan 8, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with military honors presented by the Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to the SD Bar Foundation.  Friends may leave written condolences and view a video tribute at: www.funeralhomeofthenorthernhills.com

William Frank Day, Jr., age 87, was born Sept. 22, 1930 in White River, SD to William and Pearl (Coash) Day. As a young man Bill excelled in many sports, especially boxing. He was a Gold Gloves champion in several states. Many said that Bill was the fastest “slap hands” player there ever was. Bill attended several different high schools and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1948. He attended the University of South Dakota and entered the United States Army under the ROTC program at USD. Bill received his basic training in Fort Benning, GA and received the rank of Second Lieutenant. During his first stint of military service, the Army sent Bill to a communications school in Georgia. Thereafter, Bill and Major Burke prepared a two hour lecture entitled “Communications in Small Unit Operations.” Bill and Major Burke presented a lecture tour in every major city in eight western states. Upon his discharge, Bill attended the University of South Dakota School of Law. While at USD, Bill joined the Delta Tau Delta and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. During law school, Bill’s plans were suddenly interrupted when he received a Reserved Commission grade of First Lieutenant on March 2, 1955, and was back in the military. He subsequently received his L.L.B. Degree (replaced by J.D. Degree) from the Law School in 1956. Bill married Donna Mae Hansen on Sept. 4, 1955. After Bill and Donna both obtained their degrees from USD, they moved to Winner, SD so that Bill could begin his law practice and Donna could teach elementary school. To this union two children were born: Michael William and Lori Ann. Once again Bill’s plans were changed, and his law practice was interrupted when he was called to active military service due to the Berlin crisis. Bill received a Reserved Commission grade of Captain on Feb. 16, 1962, and took his wife and young family to Fort Riley, Kansas. Bill was honorably discharged on Aug. 10, 1962. Also during 1962 Bill was selected as the Democratic candidate for Attorney General, but later declined the nomination. After his military service, Bill returned to the practice of law in Winner and did so with distinction for 33 years. While in Winner, Bill served as State’s Attorney for Tripp and Todd Counties from 1958-1961, and as City Attorney for Winner in 1958, 1961, 1963, and 1968. Bill was appointed by Governor Archie Gubbrud to a post on the State Police Civil Service Commission.

On Sept. 14, 1964, President Cato Valandra of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe appointed Bill to the office of Judge of the Sioux Tribal Court of Rosebud, where he served until 1971. Bill had a general law practice but excelled in trial work, both civil and criminal. Bill credited the late George Johnson for many of his early successes as a lawyer. He practiced law in Winner with Mick Grossenburg for many years until 1989 when he joined the firm of Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, P.C. While with Lynn Jackson, Bill’s primary focus was litigation and mediation. Bill retired from the practice of law in 2005 at which time he and Donna moved to Spearfish, SD so that they could be closer to their grandchildren and their beloved cabin and friends located in Mystic Valley. Bill and Donna loved traveling and were wonderful dancers. They enjoyed summers at the cabin with their many close friends and family. Throughout his career, Bill was active in various associations devoted to the public welfare and the legal profession. Bill held a special place in his heart for the Children’s Care Hospital and School and Children’s Care Foundation. Bill spent 26 years on these boards, as well as serving as Board President from 1985 to 1986 and Chairman of the Children’s Care Foundation from 2003 to 2005. Bill also served as the first Legal Aid-Civil Legal Services Coordinator for the State Bar of South Dakota. Bill served as President of the South Dakota Junior Bar Association from 1962-1963, was President of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and was President of the South Dakota State Bar from 1974-1975. Bill also served as a Commissioner on the Judicial Qualifications Commission, served as Chairman of the Task Force on Professionalism Committee and was Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990. Bill served as President of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association from 1969 to 1970. He was also the proud recipient of the prestigious McKusick Award and in 2003 was honored as the South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year. Bill was a long time member of the American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, State Bar of South Dakota, Rosebud Bar, Jackrabbit Bar, American Judicature Society, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American Counsel Association, and a Fellow in the International Society of Barristers. Bill also had a great deal of experience practicing law in tribal courts and was a member of the Sicangu Oyate Bar Association, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court, Lower Brule Sioux Tribal Court, Crow Creek Tribal Court and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribal Court. Bill also had the privilege of arguing before the United States Supreme Court. Bill was an active member of the Episcopal Church, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Elks.

Happy to have shared his life and love are son and daughter-in law Michael and Mary Srstka Day of Belle Fourche, daughter Lori Day of Sioux Falls, his beloved “three Catholic granddaughters” Katie Weitzel and husband Derek Weitzel of Omaha, NE, Allie Day and fiancé Jason Braning of Belle Fourche, and Liz Day of Saint Joseph, MN. He is survived by great grandchildren Jackson and Madison Braning of Belle Fourche. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Jack and Mary Ann Day of Winner, sister and brother-in-law Judy and Ray Bartels of Winner, sister-in-law Marvel Hansen of Sioux Falls, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Carol Hansen of Cape Coral, FL and many cousins, nieces, nephews and many special friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and wife of 57 years, Donna. Bill loved lawyers, his family and friends and they loved him. Bill was one of a kind, and may God bless the life and memory of Bill Day.

Doris Francis Ludemann Connot Sachtjen was born in Naper, Neb., on April 11, 1925 to John and Anna Martha (Bendig). Doris was the third child born of twelve children. The boys are Allen, Ed, Robert, Darryl, and Wayne. The girls are Pearl, Norma, Lavern, Shirley, Rose Marie, Jane. They were all very close and share many wonderful memories.

Doris was married October 5, 1943 in Spencer, Neb., to Henry John Connot until his death on June 3, 1976. And to this union they had eight children Nancy Kelso (Ken) of Nevada, Lucille Francis Connot (August 27, 1945 – October 1,1945), John Connot (Gail) of Texas, Marcia Gregory (Richard “Dick”) of Texas, David Connot (Jo) of Texas, Joseph “Joe” Connot (Cindy Harvey) (Sharon) of South Dakota, Carolyn “Carrie” Baker (Jim) of Louisiana, Mark Connot (Rose) of Louisiana.

Doris married her second husband Albert Thomas Sachtjen on June 14, 1978 in Winner, South Dakota. She became step-mother to four boys whom she loved and cared for deeply. Barry Sachtjen, Tim Sachtjen (Michele), Greg Sachtjen (Kelli), Todd Sachtjen (Cory).

Doris lived in the towns of Naper and Spencer, Nebraska; also Fairfax and Winner, South Dakota. She moved to Downsville, Louisiana in May 2006 where she lived with her youngest son”The Baby” Mark Connot and his family Rose Marie and Mary Rose Connot.

Doris is survived by a host of grand-children, great grand-children, cousins, nieces, nephews extended family and many, many friends. She was cherished by many and will be greatly missed. She will be remembered for her great love of her family and friends.

Doris passed peacefully on Dec. 31, 2017. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Griffin’s funeral home in West Monroe, Louisiana. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Winner Catholic Cemetery, Winner, South Dakota.

Edna L. Lawler, of Valentine, Neb., died at the age of 101, on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. At Edna’s request there will be no funeral service. Memorials may be sent to the Valentine Senior Citizens Center.

Edna was born on Sept. 25, 1916 in Spalding, NE. She was the daughter of Harry L. “Vern” and Helen Faubion and grew up in Millboro, SD.

She attended Millboro Grade School and graduated from Millboro High School, Millboro, SD. Edna attended Southern State Teachers College, Springfield, SD.

Edna married Martin Lawler on April 28, 1942. The couple started married life in Millboro, SD and later moved to Keyapaha, SD. Edna stayed home to raise their two daughters until the youngest started grade school. At that time, Edna resumed her teaching career which spanned over 20 years. She taught at rural schools in Tripp and Todd Counties, SD. Along with teaching, Edna, helped run the Lawler Store in Keyapaha, SD, gave piano lessons to a multitude of children who lived in the area, and took very good care of her family.

Edna and Martin moved to Valentine, NE in 1981, after Martin retired. They enjoyed many years entertaining friends and family at their home in Valentine and escaped winter by traveling to their home in Mesa, AZ where they were often joined by friends and family. After Martin’s death in 2004, Edna continued to live in their home until she moved to Cherry Hills Assisted Living, Valentine, NE in 2011. In 2016 she moved to Pine View Good Samaritan Care Center in Valentine, NE.

Edna was a very caring, well mannered, gracious person with a cheerful smile and a compliment for everyone. We will always love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

She is survived by her daughters, Janet Lawler of Valentine, NE and Jo Ann Engel (Marlin) of Casper, WY; granddaughter, Tonya Kourt (Sheldon) and great-grandchildren, Bailey, Brandon, and Brevan of Casper, WY, and many other relatives and friends.

Edna is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Martin Lawler; sister, Violet Carter; brother, Richard L. Faubion; niece Helen Slouka; nephew Richard “Rick” Faubion; nephew Dennis Howland; and grandson Eugene Rae Engel.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was entrusted with service arrangements.

Funeral services for Sue Brozik age 60 of Gregory, SD were held on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Methodist church, in Gregory, SD. Burial followed in the St John Cemetery in Paxton, SD.

Susan Marie (Woods) Brozik was born on March 15, 1957, the second of five children to Ray and Peggy (Risewick) Woods. She spent her childhood growing up in Colome, South Dakota.

She attended Colome school and graduated from Colome High School in 1975. After graduation she attended National College of Business in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was a dispatcher in Spink County for a few years then returned to Colome.

On Oct. 16, 1982, Sue married Lonnie Brozik and together they raised three daughters, Amanda, Chelsea and Caitlin. They spent many years taking care of the farm together and Sue continued managing the operation after Lonnie’s passing in 2012. Sue also worked in town at Buches for several years then started working at the Gregory Times Advocate. She enjoyed taking pictures of events and visiting with everyone as she sold advertisements for the newspaper around town.

Sue loved spending time with her grandchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments. The grandkids were always very excited to see Grandma Sue. Family was top priority for Sue. She traveled all over the state to visit her daughters and their families.

In her free time, she enjoyed caring for her plants, both her outdoor garden areas and her house plants. She usually had a pet to keep her company.

She died Jan. 3, 2018, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota due to complications from a brain aneurysm. Sue fought so hard to stay in her Earthly body but ultimately entered the spirit world. It was a very peaceful transition with her daughters surrounding her during her passing. Her strength continues to amaze family and friends, even when she was up against such extreme circumstances. Her love for her family and life undoubtedly kept her strong for so long.

The family is devastated to have to continue without this amazing woman but knows she is in the best place now, reunited with Lonnie.

Susan is survived by her daughters: Amanda and Brady Hanson and grandchildren Jocelyn and Silas of Springfield, South Dakota; Chelsea and fiancé Patrick Price and grandson Owen of Miller, South Dakota; and Caitlin and grandchildren Emma and Gideon of Gregory, South Dakota; and special “daughter” Blair (Nathan) Sedlacek and children of Dallas, South Dakota. She is also survived by her sisters Jan (Tom) Endes of White River, SD; Linda (Gary) Bowers of Holdridge, NE; Anita Neitzel of Gregory, SD; and brother Dale (Regina) Woods of Cabot, AR; aunt Myrtle Osnes of Gregory, SD; mother-in-law Mildred Brozik of Winner, South Dakota; brother-in-law Dave (Bernie) Brozik of Winner, SD; sister-in-laws Kathy (Jeff) Askew of Pierre, SD; Cheryl Sperl of Gregory, SD; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Susan is proceeded in death by her husband Lonnie Brozik; her parents Ray Woods and Peggy and Charles Kappelman; father-in-law Ben Brozik; brothers-in-law Mike Neitzel and Rod Sperl; son-in-law Martin Kendrick.

John Voegeli, Jr. 94, Wichita, Kan., retired farmer and U.S. World War II Army veteran who served in the Pacific Theatre, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2017.

Funeral Mass was Wednesday, Jan. 3, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Wichita.

Voegeli is the father of Dr. John Voegeli of Winner.

Preceded in death by parents, John J., Sr. and Elizabeth (Spexarth) Voegeli, and 8 brothers and sisters. Survivors: wife of 73 years, Betty; children, Connie (Mike) Hotze, Michael (Dorothy), Marybeth (Jim) Lubbers, Pat (Wayne) Wirths, Kate (Dale) Mannebach, Dan (Judy), John III (Bobbie), Tim (Toni), Tom (Jennifer), Phil (Darla), Vince (Sandy), Marge (John) Meyer; brother, Francis Voegeli; 56 grandchildren; 82 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials established with John and Betty Voegeli Seminary Burse, c/o Catholic Diocese of Wichita, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.

Death: December 29, 2017

Clara Boneshirt, age 53 of Winner, passed away on Dec. 19, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday Dec. 28, 2017 at the Indian Gospel Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery. Wake Services were held at Dec. 26, and Dec. 27 at the Middle School Gym in Winner.

Clara was born on July 6, 1964 in Winner, SD to Charles and Virginia (Williams) Roubideaux. She was raised in Winner and attended school in Winner, she attended Voc-Rehab School in Yankton. She also attended Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls. She attended Sinte Gleska University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

She enjoyed family gatherings, powwows, cookouts, watching football games, going on rides, and most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Clara is survived by her husband; Wilfred Boneshirt, children; Sky, Bria, Twila, Tiera, Pattee, Philomene, Roseanne, Amanda and Stefanie. Grandchildren; Evangyline (Evan) Roubideaux-Yuzicappi, Eli, Carter, Jesse, Anthony, and Xzayvion, along with her sisters; Velma Chasing Hawk, Bonesteel SD, Sandra Medicine Eagle, Mosher SD, Rebecca Sitting Bear, Winner SD, Aunt Judy Roubideaux and many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and friends.

She will be greatly missed by many.

Proceeding her in death are her parents; Charles & Virginia (Williams) Roubideaux, 3 infant siblings, brothers; Virgil Williams Sr., Timothy Roubideaux, Keith Roubideaux and William “Lester” Roubideaux, her sisters; Wilma “Joyce” Roubideaux, Ardith Long Crow and paternal grandparents; Steven and Carrie (Gunhammer) Roubideaux, maternal grandparents; Lincoln and Frances (Rattling/Ringing Shield) Williams, and numerous aunts, uncles.

Scott Turner 54, of Spearfish, SD formerly of Winner, SD passed away unexpectedly; at his home after a brief illness on Dec. 19, 2017.

A memorial service was held Thursday 12.28.17 @ 12:00 p.m., at the Parish Hall at All Angels Episcopal Church at 1044 N. 5th St., Spearfish, SD. In lieu of attendance, cards can be sent to the family at 320 W. Rushmore St., Spearfish, SD 57783
Scott was born 7/11/1963 in Denver, CO and met his lifelong companion Tami in Denver July of 1982, and from that moment, in good times & bad in sickness & in health, they stuck through it. In December 1987, the oldest of three children was born, Matteo Turner of Dallas, TX., then in 1989 on what was a shared birthday Jeremy Turner of Spearfish, SD was born; both boys were born in the Palm Springs Hospital, in Palm Springs, Calif. The family moved to Colorado for a short time in 1990, and then relocated to Winner in 1991. It was here that his daughter Jaimie Turner, of Spearfish, SD was born in May of 1993. The family remained in Winner until 2006, when the family relocated once more, enabling Tami to complete her bachelor degree.
It was shortly after their arrival in Spearfish when Scott was diagnosed with kidney failure while working for Ainsworth & Benning, and would subsequently (while on dialysis) enter college; a lifelong dream. He graduated in 2012 and received a bachelor of science in environmental physical science; a grueling course, which included physics and advanced math, including trigonometry & calculus – graduating with cum laude honors, and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi; creating overall one of his proudest personal achievements.

Scott loved reading to the kids when they were younger, and every night was story time; with rounds of house hockey, Nintendo’s Mickey Mouse Magical Quest or Starfox. Not gonna lie, he had some demons and baggage that disrupted the family at times, but through it all he loved his children greatly, and there are many happy memories we can all recall.

Scott had been involved in the arts creating sand-castings & paper-castings early in his working career, then moved on to industrial plastic artworks, in California. In South Dakota, he found work as a cabinet maker, pheasant guide, concrete finisher, and in property management maintenance. He worked hard, and applied all his knowledge to any job presented. He was an excellent carpenter, and could fix/repair most anything to look new. He took pride in all his work. Whatever Scott would undertake he gave his all.

Scott will be remembered for his willingness to help others, at the drop of a hat; who loved Christmas & would routinely help put up neighbor’s lights in the spirit of Christmas, or shoveling snow. He also will be remembered for his love of gold mining. A demanding & physically challenging hobby, but he loved the serenity & beauty of the Black Hills.

He is survived by his wife Tami (Hurlbert) Turner, 3 children, Matteo (30)& Kandace Ritter of Dallas, TX, Jeremy Turner (28), Jaimie Turner (24), both of Spearfish, SD, a brother Dean Turner Denver, CO. His presence and energy will be lovingly but, profoundly missed.

Peggy Sue Schmidt, age 59 of Yankton passed away unexpectedly at her home Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.

Mass of Christian burial was held 10:30 a.m. Dec. 22 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton with Rev. Larry Regynski officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at a later date.

On line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Peggy was born June 3, 1958 in Colome, SD to Charles and Pauline (Leibel) Elliott. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Isidore in Colome Peggy married Steve Schmidt. She worked at the Human Services Center for about five years.

Peggy is survived by sons, Eric (Brandie) Schmidt of Boise, ID and Jeffrey (Jessica) Schmidt of Gregory, SD; daughter, Stephanie (Jared) Schwans of Yankton, SD; former spouce, Steve Schmidt of Yankton, SD; grandchildren: Evan, Ella and Read and brothers: Charlie Elliott of Bellevue, NE, Ernie Elliott of Inver Grove Heights, MN and Donald Elliott of Keokuk, IA.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Pauline and sisters, Carol and Mary Lou.

Magdalene “Megs” Doescher, age 87, of Tea, formally of Winner, passed away on Dec. 19, 2017.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday Dec. 28, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial will follow at the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27 at the United Methodist Church in Winner with a Prayer Service starting at 7 p.m.

Megs was born in Cumming County Nebraska, on Dec. 23, 1929, to Hank and Hilda Heinecke (Baer). She was the oldest of 6 children: Dave (Jane), Virgil (Barb), Carolyn (Jim), and Shirley, with one surviving brother, Butch (Joyce) of Tracy, CA. Her parents were first born citizens; with their families immigrating from Europe to Illinois just before the turn of the century. Megs attended Wisner, NE public schools.

In 1948, Magdalene married Richard Leroy Doescher. They made their home across north central Nebraska, South Dakota and Northwest Iowa. They retired to Sioux Falls shortly after Richard suffered a debilitating stroke in 1990.

Megs was a proud housewife and mother, held varying positions of church secretary to retail. She was a past active Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Member, and taught Adult Christian learning throughout a substantial span of her life. She volunteered later in life while living in Sioux Falls at the Washington Pavilion and was named Pavilion Volunteer of the Year in 2012 along with holding a RSVP Volunteer for 25 years.

Megs thoroughly loved to sew, crochet and especially quilt. Her passion for crafts is readily apparent in several of her children and grandchildren. Known as the quilt lady, her motto of life was, “when life gives you scraps, make a quilt.” Those are words she lived by her whole life, having grown up in the depression era, there was never anything wasted in the Doescher home.
With Magdalene and Richard’s marriage, they have 4 sons and 4 daughters Rose (Joe, deceased in 2010) Enders Jenison, MI; Rick (Bev) Champaign, Ill; Randy (Linda), formerly from Mitchell, SD; Ronda (Harlan) Hanson, O’Neil, NE; Judy (Jack) Arthur Winner, SD; Cheryl of Sioux Falls, SD; Tom of Des Moines, IA; and Chris (Lisa) of Tea, SD. In addition to Megs and Dick’s children, she was blessed with 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and many friends that Megs so enjoyed her time with having tea parties.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, both parents, and siblings: Dave, Virgil, Carolyn, and Shirley.

Megs learned to enjoy life after Dick’s death with her large trust of friends that spanned her entire life. She passed with a sense of fulfillment in her life, enjoying every minute right up to the last minutes baking and decorating Christmas cookies.

Funeral services for Dorothea Mae Newman, 82, were held Oct. 25 at Christ Community Church in Omaha, Neb. Burial was in the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Omaha.

Newman died Oct. 20 at Hospice House in Omaha.

She was born in Gregory and grew up on a ranch. She graduated from Winner High School in 1953 and attended Black Hills Teacher College in Spearfish and then established the first kindergarten in Chamberlain.

In 1957, she married Alfred A. Newman Jr and they moved to Lincoln, Neb. where Dorothea taught kindergarten and went to UNL in Lincoln earning her bachelor of education degree. She also taught in Grand Island, North Loup-Scotia, Neb. and Esterville, Iowa, where she completed her 35th year of teaching and retired in 1995.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred A. Newman Jr.; son, Barry (Deb) Newman; daughter, Cherilyn Wicks(Jerry); six grandchildren: Matt Newman (Taylor); Kelsey Schiltz (Adam); Jordan Newman, Ben Wicks (Anna); Andrew and Jacob Wicks; grand grandson Hudson Newman; sister, Marilyn McCormick (Keith); brother, John Jones (Mary); sister in law Ruth Jones, many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Leona Jones, sister, Mable Powell (Johnnie); brother, Wilmer Jones; brother in law, Richard Snow; sister in law Janice Jones.

Dorothea will always be remembered for her great love of God, family and country.