Category Archives: Obituaries

Delbert DuBray, age 88, of Woonsocket, formally of Winner, passed away on Nov. 13, 2017 at the Prairie View Care Center in Woonsocket.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow at a later date. Wake services were held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 at the Middle School Gym in Winner.

Delbert Irving DuBray was born on Feb. 16, 1929 in Tripp County to Lillian Rice and Peter DuBray. He had 8 siblings. He was raised in Tripp County and served his country in the U.S. Army.

He was a strong, loving, in the background king of guy. He never took credit when credit is due. He worked for Nelson Farms for many years. He continued to work for the City of Winner until retirement. He then worked for Green Thumb Project part time. Those who knew Delbert knew what a kind but stern man he was. He was a good listener and gave good advice when asked.

He is survived by his children Debra, John, and Tracey; step-children Cheryl Antoine (Mitchell), Lawrence Antoine (L.J.), and Wally Antoine; grandchildren Moriah, Jessalyn, Tyler, Tyra, Randall Jr., Brandi, and Janessa; great-grandchildren Nevaeh and Rhaena; and siblings Leona, Kenneth, and Violet, and special friend Evangeline Tuton.

He is preceded in death by his parent; sisters Myrtle, Emma, Alvina, Wynonna; brother Harry; and son Jerry.

Inez Woolhiser was born Oct. 9, 1919 at Bonesteel, South Dakota, to Milton and Carolyn (Baker) Woolhiser. When she was 18 months old her parents moved to rural Tripp County, South Dakota. She graduated from Colome High School in 1938. In 1945 she attended the Winona School of Photography in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Inez was employed by Rosebud Photo Company for 40 years and worked as a free lance photographer for 20 years before retiring in 2004. During her career behind the camera she chronicled several generations of families taking their baby pictures, grade school and communion photographs, Senior portraits, engagement, wedding, anniversary and reunion photos. She had a talent for setting up and photographing a large group of people and making everyone look good. She even had the adventure of climbing to the top of the grain elevator to take an aerial shot of the Winner Livestock yard.

Inez was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid, and Winner Hospital Auxiliary. As a Life member of VFW Auxiliary, she served the organization on all levels including State Auxiliary President in 1974-75, where she was named Outstanding State President of the Year. In 2004, Inez was named the State Volunteer of the Year and went on to be named the National Volunteer of the Year. Her work for the veterans and their families was always foremost in her volunteering efforts as she joined the auxiliary through the eligibility of her brothers, Linden Woolhiser who was killed in action in WW II, Glen who also served in WW II, and Merle who served in the Korean War.

Inez is preceded in death by her parents Milton and Carolyn Woolhiser, son LaMonte Woolhiser, sisters Emily Edwards, Eleanor Hammond, Helen Totton, and Ruth Wilke, brothers Linden, M. Glen, and Merle Woolhiser. Step-grandson Tom Orr, brothers-in-law Harry Edwards, Maurice Hammond, and Ray Totton.

Inez is survived by her granddaughters Sheila Woolhiser of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kimberly Woolhiser of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Dawn Shafer of Sioux City, Iowa, two very special people Mike and Lynn, their children and grandchildren, daughter-in-law Connie Woolhiser of Holiday Island, Arkansas, step-granddaughter Lori (Scott) Sanford and 2 step-granddaughters Samantha and Corrine Sanford of Roseville, California, brother-in-law Francis Wilke of Stanley, North Dakota, many nieces and nephews, and the numerous friends she made through out her long life.

Franklin T. Gish of Lewiston, Maine, formerly of Limestone, Maine, died Wednesday Nov. 1, 2017 at Marguerite d’youville Pavilion with his loving family by his side.

Frank was born in Winner on Nov. 5, 1938 the son to Leonard & Rose Snow Gish. He attended Colome local schools and graduated from Colome High School with the class of 1956.

On Sept. 16, 1967 he married the love of his life, Charlene Poitras in Grand Falls N.B. Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force where he made a lifetime career and traveled the country with his wife and son Daniel. He proudly served throughout the United States, including time in Guam, Korea, Spain, Hawaii, California, and returning to where he met the love of his life at Loring AFB, ME for his final station. He served in different positions including, which he was most proud, as an aircraft mechanic for Air Force One under the Presidency of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon for six years. Other roles included Commander of Aircraft Maintenance at Loring AFB and Head of Squadron Nuclear Safety also at Loring AFB. He retired as MSGT after 28 years from the United States Air Force in 1985.

After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Frank worked for Boeing and Lockheed, Loring AFB Supply Squadron (civilian), and DFAS Limestone (Accounting Center for the U.S. Military). He also became the first in his family to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from USM and an accounting degree from Husson College.

Among Frank’s interest was working around his yard, barbecuing for family and friends, fixing old cars, coaching and volunteering for local recreation boards, and being involved his son Dan’s youth sports teams. His greatest pleasure in life however, was the time he spent with his wife, son, grandchildren and close family and friends. He loved making jokes and seeing people around him laugh. He especially loved singing and dancing with his wife Charlene.

He is survived by his wife Charlene of Lewiston, his son Daniel and wife Cindy Gish of Lewiston, his grandson, Hunter Gish and granddaughter Lilly Gish both of Lewiston. He also leaves behind two sisters, June (Dale) Screvens of Hastings, Neb., Doreen Tennett of Grand Island, Neb., as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Frank is predeceased by his mother and father and siblings; Philip Gish, Leo Gish, William Ace Gish, Lindy Gish, Gerald Gish, Roland Gish, and in-laws William and Yvonne Poitras.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Franklin’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
—

Alexa Nicole McKenzie was born on July 20, 2001 in Gregory, SD, to Myron and Nancy (Giedd) McKenzie.

She was baptized and confirmed into her Catholic faith at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome, SD.

Alexa attended Colome School since kindergarten. She was active in volleyball, basketball, and band. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Alexa was active in her church community as well, serving as an altar server, musician, and lector.

Alexa was a fun-loving kind of girl who easily made friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends and playing volleyball. She also enjoyed listening to music and going on camping trips with her family.

Alexa passed away on Oct. 19, 2017 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Alexa lives on through her generosity of being an organ donor.

She is survived by her parents Myron & Nancy McKenzie, her brother Allan, and sister Aspyn; grandparents Sumalee McKenzie and Ken & Ruth Giedd; aunts and uncles, Brenda (Lance) Schmitz, Karen (Randy) Painter, and Brian Giedd; cousins Jasmine Schmitz and Ryan & Katelyn Painter; great grandparents Joseph & Dorothy Hejl; several great aunts and uncles; and a host of friends and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her grandpa Allan E. McKenzie, and great grandparents LeRoy & Donna Giedd.

Daniel J. Jones was born Dec. 1, 1959, in Salina, Kan., the son of Douglas and Marilyn (Dillehay) Jones. Raised in a military family, Dan attended schools in cities throughout the United Sates before moving to Winner, S.D., in 1976. He graduated from Winner High School in May 1978.

He married Brenda Johnsen on Aug. 23, 1980, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.

Dan’s interest in knowing how things work developed at an early age when he began taking apart his toy tractors, Tonka trucks, his bicycle and even a lawn mower. After high school, he bought a set of tools and went to work for the local John Deere dealer, teaching himself how to repair combines and tractors with the shop manuals.

These mechanical talents served him well throughout his life. His tool box still contains many one-of-a-kind tools that were created by him with a cutting torch and a welder.

Always one who was happiest when working for himself, his entrepreneurial spirit began in Grand Forks, N.D., delivering newspapers, shoveling snow and mowing lawns. Many model kits for cars and airplanes were purchased and assembled with his earnings. Never afraid to take on a new challenge throughout his life, he pursued trucking, farming, feeding cattle, custom farming, hauling hay and grain to market for himself and others. These provided him the opportunity to develop leadership and management talents that he utilized with truck fleets at the Old Home Bakery in Hastings and Norfolk Iron & Metal (NIM) in Norfolk. During his tenure with NIM, he accomplished many notable achievements and ultimately held the position of vice president of transportation, which he was very proud of.

The business venture that brought him the greatest joy was working together with his son, building a successful restoration business, bringing life back to classic Ford Broncos for customers throughout the United States. Their business has grown into one of the premier Bronco restoration companies, Bronco Connection.

His love for the outdoors spilled over into every area of his life. This included hunting with his best friend, Rick, his son and brother. It also founded a bond of families through a love of four-wheeling.

Many wonderful memories were made on vacations with family and friends wheeling Jeeps in the Black Hills, Colorado and Utah. His greatest pride and joy was his family and knowing that he instilled a love for the outdoors while Jeeping with them. His family and friends will carry on his legacy by continuing to Jeep and enjoy time together.

Survivors are his spouse, Brenda Jones of Norfolk; three children, Danielle (Shaun) Sullivan of Raymond, Sam Jones of Norfolk and Katie Jones of Norfolk; his father, Douglas Jones of Rapid City, S.D.; brother Steven (Darla) Jones of Rapid City; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn (Dillehay) Jones; grandparents Bert and Golda Jones and Merwin and Gladys Dillehay; and grandnephew Brayden Worden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the family 1200 N. 13th St., Norfolk, NE 68701, for a college fund for their daughter, Katie Jones.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online atstonacekfuneralchapel.com.

Phyllis J. (Jobe) Pinney was born March 18, 1925 in Parker, SD, to Alfred C. Jobe and Margie (Ennis) Jobe. She attended school in Parker. Phyllis married Warren R. Pinney on March 24, 1946.

Phyllis was a dedicated nurse for many years in Deadwood and Winner, SD. She loved the nursery.

One of her favorite things was having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren come to visit her. Warren and Phyllis enjoyed their retirement years camping.

Phyllis was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a member of the United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her children Cheryl (Melvin) Littau of Carter, Rick (Bonnie) Pinney of Rock Springs, WY., Teri (Ed) Turgeon of Winner, and Tim Pinney of Winner; grandchildren Danette (Ross) Eckholm of Rapid City, Darcey (Dale) Gordon of Viborg, Laura (Jeremy) Kessler of Viborg, Ryan Littau of Perryton, TX., Duane Littau of Belle Fourche, Nicole Turgeon of York, NE., Tiffany (Ryan) Turnquist of Piedmont, Nick Zimmerman of Gillette, WY., and Richie Zimmerman of Denver, CO.; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Warren, one daughter and one grandson.

Shirley was born at home November 11, 1938, delivered by a midwife to Clifford and Sadie Sherman. The midwife arrived with a large doctor’s bag, and Shirley’s sister Louise, two at the time, insisted that the midwife take that baby and put it back in her bag and take it with her.

As Shirley grew up she developed an outstanding happy and bubbly personality that resonated to family and friends. She brought joy and laughter wherever she went.

In 1953, Shirley Sherman met Elmer Pigg at a dance in the Valentine Park, and they were married Nov. 20, 1954. From this marriage, Bonnie Jean was born Dec. 6, 1955.

Sewing club was something that Shirley enjoyed and developed life-long friendships, while working on projects, each member taking turns sponsoring and providing some special home baked treats.

When she first came to the ranch, Elmer’s little brother, Earl, and sister, Ruby Mae, were just eight and nine. They loved to spend time with Shirley, having great times swimming, horseback riding and the infamous “Jeep Rides”. Their goal was “To go where no man had gone before!” It was just a bit hair-raising for visitors that were victims of these rides.

Devoted loving wife and Mom, she was always my best friend. Dad loved her by his side helping with field work, animal husbandry, fixing fence and care giver to Elmer’s parents as they grew older. Mom and Dad also fostered a niece, Diane, until she went to live in Arkansas with her Dad, Victor Pigg. Later, they fostered a nephew, Kenny Castle, from Redwood Falls, Minn, until he graduated from White River.

As dad’s business grew and expanded, mom also became his bookkeeper, sending out bills, paying parts houses and doing the sales tax.

Besides all that, Shirley had a huge garden, providing so many wonderful vegetables that would be canned or frozen. Whole tomatoes, juice, pickled beets, and canned green beans were in the pantry for winter. She also tried her hand at making sauerkraut; their friend Frank Perry gave her his special antique grater that she treasured.

Mom spent many hours making her own clothing as well as many outfits for Diane, Rosie and myself. I’ll always remember those three matching polkadot dresses!

Later Mom had another talent emerge after a set of oil paints were given to her for Christmas. Her favorite things to paint were beautiful roses, landscapes and some wildlife. Her outstanding ability was painting clouds. She always paid attention to their special beauty and was looking up at the clouds. Eva Sedlacek, one of Shirley’s best friends, noticed too and laughingly said, “Shirley your head is always in the clouds!”

Grateful to have shared our lives with Shirley are daughter, Bonnie Brahms, (Eric); Their daughter, Heather Brahms, her children Austin and Alexis Brahms; their son, Brandon Brahms (Mercedes) and his child Levi Brahms. Sisters-in-Law, Ruby Mae Astelford and Phyllis Castle; Brother-in-Law Victor Pigg and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Pigg; parents, Clifford and Sadie Sherman; sister, Louise Bernstrauch, and brother in-Law, Earl Pigg.

Pearle Mae (Dunkak) Janas was born on Dec. 27, 1925 in Dallas, South Dakota to Henry H. and Louise (Zimbelman) Dunkak. Pearle attended school and graduated from Colome High School in 1945.

Pearle was united in marriage to William A. Janas on June 29, 1947 in Colome. They were the parents of four children: Gary, Doug, Rodney “Scotty” and Linda.

Pearle will be most remembered from her years working at Edie Lori’s Dress Shop and Gregory Drug. Pearle wore many hats in her life. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, very active in her church with teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir and enjoyed performing in cantatas. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women’s Circle, United Methodist Church, and a life-long member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.

Her hobbies included ceramics and painting by numbers and being a member of the Red Hats. But her biggest passion was league bowling, which began for her in 1962 at Gregory Lanes and continued until her late 80’s. She was a very successful bowler with many accomplishments. Pearle enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up into adulthood. Despite a rough childhood, Pearle was true to self.

Pearle passed away Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 at Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 91.

Her survivors include sons, Gary and special close friend, Sherry Howell, Peoria, AZ, Doug and wife, Marian, Guernsey, WY, and daughter Linda and husband Randy Moos, Fairfax, SD; one granddaughter Toni Janas, Phoenix, AZ, and three grandsons Erik Janas, Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Moos, Fairfax, SD, and Kyle Moos and friend Tori Wendell, Naper, NE. Other survivors include sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Scotty, husband Bill, her only sibling Harold, along with her daughter-in-law Carol Jean (Wilcox) Janas.

Babe Moeller, age 94, of St. Libory, Neb., passed away on Oct. 6, 2017 at the Marry Lanning Healthcare Center in Hastings, Neb. Funeral Service were at 10 a.m. Oct. 12, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Babe (Sweetland) Moeller was born to Gertrude and Parley Sweetland on May 2nd, 1923 at their home in Neillsville, Wis.. She had three brothers and one sister-Parley, Bob, Dan, and Linda (Becik). She also had one brother and one sister who were lost at birth. The Sweetland family moved several times, from Wisconsin to Illinois and Wyoming. Eventually Babe alongside her two sons Patrick and Bill, and sister Linda moved to Winner, South Dakota. This was where she would meet the love of her life, Willie Moeller. They met on Main Street in Winner, and were married in 1956 in Pierre after only two short weeks. To this union also came her two sons, Patrick and Bill McHenry, which Willie saw as his own children.

After marrying, Willie and Babe purchased The Little Diner in 1960 on Main Street in Winner, owning it for three years before moving to Newport, Neb. They bought the Bar 20, which was along Highway 20, and owned and operated it for another three years. Willie had always wanted to move to a large city and work for a big company. A friend referred them to a big plant in Grand Island where they made bombs. Willie phoned the company that very next day, and both got jobs at the bomb plant. Babe worked making trinkets and mini mites, which was very fitting considering her small stature and powerful personality, while Willie was in charge of measuring the powder. They both worked together until the plant closed four years later.

After the closing of the plant, Willie and Babe wanted to settle down and move from the city. They purchased an 80 acre farm near St. Libory, Neb. where they still reside today. Their quaint farmhouse is nestled amongst many fields of corn and trees, alongside their barns and guest house cottage. They always had a big garden, and took great pride in riding their lawn mowers to make their yard look special. They always had many cats to welcome their guests. Babe was known for being an excellent cook, and loved to host friends and family.

Besides gardening and cooking, Babe spent her pass time reading. She would read as many as three books a week. She was a lifelong member of the VFW, thanks to her father who served in World War I, and was still very active in the post in Winner. She was passionate about politics, and was respected for giving her honest opinion.

Babe was always dressed in her very best. Willie said she would never be caught without clean clothes on, even when working with the pigs, in case someone she knew stopped by. Her hair was styled and nails painted, and she displayed a very great sense of style. However, her true beauty was on the inside. Babe was a caring wife, sister, mother, aunt, and friend. It was known to everyone that she also had a lot of spunk in her!

Babe made her journey to heaven on Friday October 6th, 2017 with her loving husband Willie of over 60 years by her side. The two made a lasting impression on the hospital staff where Babe was being cared for, and to everyone they met. Whether it was working in their restaurants or in their yard or garden, Willie and Babe were always together wherever they went.

Babe is preceded in death by her parents Parley and Gertrude Sweetland, brothers Parley, Bob, Dan, sister Linda Bicek, infant brother and sister, and son Patrick.

Babe is survived and forever remembered by her husband Willie; son Bill (Connie); Grandsons: Mark, Scott, and Martin; 4 great grandchildren; and numerous relatives.

Linda Wicker, age 80, of Colome, passed away on October 8, 2017 at the Avera Gregory Hospital in Gregory.

Funeral Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 11, 2017 at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner. Burial followed at the Colome City Cemetery. Visitation was held 1 hour prior to the service.

Linda Jean (Nieman) Wicker was born on May 8th, 1937 to Ed and Mildred (Patton) Nieman.

Linda worked various jobs in the community. She was a member of the Colome Methodist Church and Colome American Legion.
Grateful for sharing her life are her children are her children Deb (Lemoyne) Strasburg of Cozad, NE, Cam (Cheryl) Dougherty of Colome, SD, and Denice (Dave) Duffy of Colome, SD; Step-children Dynette Wicker and Dean Wicker; Grandchildren Christa Fielder, Kelly (Jennifer) Dougherty, Stacie (Joe) Bolton, Shawna (Jason) Mueller, Pat(Tiffany) Dougherty, Max (Kenzie) Dougherty, Chad (Jennifer) Duffy, and Dustin (Ashley) Duffy; 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ed and Mildred Nieman, husband Dwain Wicker, granddaughter Heather Klein, step-children Diane Wicker and Dale Wicker, along with numerous other relatives.