Category Archives: Obituaries

Ed Habeger of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away at his residence on Sept. 25 at the age of 74.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska. There will be a celebration of life in honor of Ed in Alaska Minnesota this summer, later dates to be announced.

Ed was born Dec. 23, 1943. He grew up in Garden City, Minn., son of the late Edwood “Woody” and Lucille Habeger (Zuhlsdorf) of Winnebago Minn.

Ed’s siblings are Sandy Jaeger (Husband Arlo) of Garden City, Minn.; Carol Rollings (husband Michael) of Dalton, Neb; Wes Habeger (wife Paula) of Duluth, Minn., and several nieces and nephews.

Ed’s greatest love was the outdoors. He was a devoted hunter, fisherman, world wide traveler and lived his life to the fullest.
Ed graduated from Garden City Welcome Memorial High School in 1960. He was known to be quite a prankster which carried throughout his life. Alias “Eddie Haskell” of the neighborhood from the TV show “Leave It to Beaver.”

He loved his country and served four years in the USAF. He was a member of the home of the Air Force special operations command at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Ed belonged to a parachute club. He actually parachuted into our town football field during halftime.

Ed worked for and retired from Anchorage Northwest Orient (BONG) Airlines as a chief in the freight department/airline ground support.

Ed had many great qualities—humor, helpful, talent, artistic ability, tardiness, letter writing and a great storyteller. Many wished he would have written books about all of his outdoor activities.

So until we meet again big brother, happy hunting, fishing and happy birthday. We will miss you.

Maxie Nelson, 82, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. A private family service is being held.

Her journey began on Jan. 30, 1935

She grew up in Winner, South Dakota with her brothers Jody and Tom, and her beloved sisters – Ruth, Marcia and Linda.
On May 1, 1954, Maxie was united in marriage with Richard J. Nelson. Maxie was a loving, wonderful mother to her children – Michael, Roxanne, Ruth, Scott and infant son, Timothy.

Bowling, traveling, playing cards, music, gardening, dancing (especially in the kitchen), enjoying a glass of wine and visiting brought Maxie unending joy.

She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and slipping coins into a slot machine with her sisters at her side.

Maxie had a quick wit and the only thing better than her sense of style was her sense of humor.

The greatest joys of Maxie’s life were her grandchildren -Amber, Erica, Kelsey, Grant, Calli, Kristine and Richard and her great-grandchildren – Chloe, Ayden, Graysen and Brody.

Maxie was truly one of a kind…and we will miss her forever.

Maxie went to the Lord on Nov. 25, 2017

Suzanne Huber was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on Feb. 24, 1933 to William and Rose (Raymond) Sonneville. She lived in Michigan most of her life until she moved to Winter Haven, Florida to keep warm. It was there she was dubbed, “The Florida Flower.” She lived in Florida for 13 years before moving back to Michigan to be with her daughter Susan after her stroke in 2012. She then came to Winner, SD to be near her son Dan and daughter in-law Anna. She moved into the Winner Regional Nursing Home and lived there for almost 2 years. She then was able to move into the Golden Prairie Manor and lived there for almost 3 years. She loved the Manor and everyone there was like family to her.

Suzanne was married to her first husband, Donald Rowe, when she was 19. She was 7 months pregnant with her daughter Susan Kay Rowe when her husband was tragically killed in a car accident. She then met and married her second husband, K. Charles Nesseth, when she was 22. And to this union they had Daniel Charles Nesseth. She then met and married Richard R. Huber in December 1981. They lived in Winter Haven, FL until 2012. She loved her life with her friends in Florida. She taught water aerobics every morning in her retirement home. Her famous statement was, “we are all finely tuned machines.”

Suzanne was a majorette in high school. She had 6 very close friends that to this day she kept in contact with. In her early adulthood she was a property manager for seniors. In her later adult life, she helped take care of her mother. She was a loving and caring person.

Suzanne loved life. Everywhere she went, she made friends. She was a master seamstress. She enjoyed making clothes for all her family members, especially when her kids started having children. She loved being able to spend time with her grandchildren, and was always wanting to share her love of sewing with her grandchildren.

Suzanne is survived by her daughter Susan Wohlfert, Kalamazoo, MI. Her children Jonathan Wohlfert (Heather Brule), Portland, OR, and Jessy Rose Belen (Sam), Vicksburg, MI and great grandchildren, Carter and Autumn Rose. Her son Dan Nesseth (Anna) Winner, SD. Their children Sara Swartz (Travis), Rapid City, SD, Lisa Spreckels (Adam), Winner, SD, Katie Campbell (Trevor), of Rapid City, SD, and great grandchildren Brynlee and Maylee. Her brother William Sonneville (Audrey) of Winter Haven, FL. Her nieces Billie Jean Lopez (Jeff), Fairbanks, AK, her children, Jennifer, Josh and Angela, and Sherry Sun (Jim) of Plant City, Florida and their children Samantha and Michael.

She is preceded in death by all 3 of her husbands, and her parents William and Rose Sonneville.

Arlene Fern Meiners was born April 11, 1921 to Henry and Emilia (Marohn) Meiners at Lamar, NE. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church at Amherst, CO in 1921. The family moved to the Millboro/Clearfield area in SD and lived in a sod house for a while. Arlene was confirmed in the Jerusalem Lutheran Church near Carter, SD. She went to high school in the Millboro Church basement and graduated with salutatorian honors.

Arlene married Joseph Kostal in Rapid City in the Little Brown Church in 1939. To this union three children were born: LaVonne, Dianne, and Dwain. They lived on a farm west of Colome. Arlene worked at Pamida for over 25 years.

Joe died in 1985. Arlene married Henry Fuhrman in 2000.

Arlene passed away Nov. 18, 2017 at Avera Rosebud Country Care Center at the age of 96.

Arlene is survived by her two daughters, LaVonne Harter of Colome, SD, and Dianne (Bill) Harter of Winner, SD: five grandchildren Don (Sue) Harter, Gillette, WY, Rick (Peggy) Harter, Albuquerque, NM, Tami Harter, Rock Springs, WY, Brad (Jennifer) Harter, Sedan, KS, and Dustin (Amanda) Harter, Baltic, SD; ten great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Emelia Meiners, husbands Joe Kostal and Henry Fuhrman, son Dwain Kostal, brother Henry Meiners Jr, son-in-law James Harter, and foster sons Marvin and LeRoy Gustavson.

Edna L. Winckler, age 94, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2017 at Riverview Reformed Church in Yankton with Reverend Rodney Veldhuizen officiating. Burial was in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton.
Pallbearers are her grandsons: Steve Bender, Tom Winckler, Paul Dangel, Kelly Dangel, Mark Winckler, Randy Winckler, James Bender and Glenn Winckler. Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren.

Edna was born Sept. 3, 1923, south of Delmont, South Dakota in Charles Mix County, to Andrew Sr. and Katherine (Gramm) Fischer. She was the youngest of 12 children and the last Fischer of her generation. She was baptized and confirmed in Frieden’s Reformed Church of Tripp. She attended country school and completed her freshman year at Tripp, South Dakota. On June 28, 1941, Edna married Hubert Winckler in Tripp. They farmed for 26 years north of Tyndall, SD. She also worked at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, M-Tron Industries in Yankton and finally at Colonial Square Apartments in Yankton for 22 years. Edna was a member of Riverview Reformed Church in Yankton and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary Post No. 791 of Yankton. Edna loved playing cards, especially pinochle and whist, as well as playing marbles with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed doing embroidery work on dish towels. Above all, Edna loved family gatherings and providing a meal for them. “Come and let’s eat.” was one of her favorite sayings.

Edna is survived by two daughters: Norma (Robert) Bender of St. Helena, NE and Arla (LaVerne) Dangel of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; six sons: Joewayne (Elaine) of Mesa, AZ, Myron (Barbara) of Winner, SD, Jarvis (Marilyn) of Avon, SD, David (Sue) of Vermillion, SD, Merlin (Lisa) of Collinsville, VA; and Larry (Barbie) of Bruceton Mills, WV; 25 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bernard (Sophia) Winckler of Tyndall; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hubert on June 17, 1995; son, Leland; one sister and ten brothers.

The family would prefer memorials to be directed to Avera@Home, 501 Summit St. in Yankton, SD 57078 for the excellent care she received.

John Ben Powell born on Nov. 13, 1947, in Winner, SD. He was the son of Hazel (Merchen) and David J Powell, who farmed in rural Tripp County in South Dakota.

John was a hard worker who loved to shoot the breeze with anyone. He was known for coming and going as he pleased with or without warning. He spent long hours on the road driving truck, but liked to tinker around in his garage. Camping, hunting, and fishing had always been his hobbies of choice. Those who went with, always came back saying that it had been quite the adventure. If you went out on a boat with him, it was always a good idea to bring an extra paddle along.

John passed away in his sleep early on Nov. 17, 2017, due to complications caused by cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his brother, David L Powell.

Those left to celebrate and honor his life are his three daughters Mandy Parks (Phil), Laurie Fisher, Sarah Powell, his step children Brandon Collins and Shannon Roberts (Nate), his 11 grandchildren, his brothers and sisters; Betty Lund, Don Powell, Rose Songer, Darlene Determan, and Richard Powell, as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Kenneth Dvorak, 64, of Ft. Pierre, passed away as a result of an automobile accident Nov. 6, 2017 in Sioux Falls.

A memorial visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 18, at 1st United Methodist Church, Pierre. A private interment followed. Condolences may be made to the family at isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Kenneth Ray Dvorak was born Nov. 11, 1952, in Winner, SD, to John and Barbara (Walters) Dvorak. He grew up near Carter and Winner, where he was part of the Boy Scouts, attending and later graduating from Winner High School. Kenneth also attended Watertown Vocational Tech for a year. He lived in the Winner area until 1975 when he moved to Ft. Pierre.

Kenneth worked for a time at the Y.M.C.A., the Ft. Pierre Youth Center and the State Library. He was a member of the N.R.A., and enjoyed reading, watching movies and spending time with family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Kenneth is survived by his sister, Lois (Myron) Docken, Pierre, and Ed (Pat) Dvorak, West Linn, OR, along with 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.

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
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