Category Archives: Obituaries

Eula Pearle (Jenkins) Cole passed away peacefully in her home at Wewela, South Dakota with family around her on Friday morning Sept. 8, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. She looked forward to meeting her Savior Jesus Christ and a host of friends and family who have gone on before.

Eula was born on June 28, 1928 to Milton Frederick and Hattie Pearl (Wilson) Jenkins near Ulman, Missouri, the fifth of seven children. Eula married Frank Boyce Cole on Dec. 19, 1943 in her parents home near Brays, Missouri. They moved to Fremont, Nebraska after their marriage and she worked at the Walkers Ammunition Plant where she became an inspector, while Frank worked for the railroad. They then moved to a ranch in Pahapesto Township of Tripp County and one in Todd County near Carter, South Dakota, before Frank bought the Wewela General Store in 1951.

Eula was a hard worker, but also somewhat of a dreamer. She enjoyed planning her gardens, gardening, canning, cooking, hanging clothes out to dry, horseback riding, making children clothes, and embroidering, and quilting in later years. She also loved to read books and study her Bible daily.

Eula was always ready to help in any way she could whether it was haying, milking the cows or other ranch work, working at the Wewela Post Office, Port of Entry, fixing and serving meals, or doing something involving children. She made popsicles, a favorite treat for her grandchildren and their parents, on summer days.

Eula was a 43 year member of the Winner Assembly of God Church. She especially enjoyed teaching Sunday School for many of those years, lovingly known as “Grandma” to all the children she served. She enjoyed music, loved singing, and sang while she worked. The kids loved to hear her sing and yodel, until her voice wouldn’t allow it anymore.

Faith and family were the most important things to Eula. Each of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very special to her. She loved sharing about Jesus with them, playing games, and sharing God’s handiwork by pointing out the beautiful displays of the land, sky, and nature that God created as they took walks and visited.

Eula loved life, was very generous and thoughtful, thinking of others first. She hand-made beautiful baby quilts for almost every grandchild and great grandchild. She loved to have family and friends stop in to visit, always offering a cup of coffee and whatever baked goods she had on hand. When the children were young the neighbor kids came home with them after school to get some of her fresh baked bread with butter. This was considered a real treat. You were blessed with a wonderful meal that she would prepare, if you could stay to eat,

Eula will be missed by many. She left us all with a great legacy and a high standard of living. She made an important decision to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior at age 13, and loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind. She deeply loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They knew this because she told them often and demonstrated it with her actions. All who loved and knew her will grieve and miss her, yet will rejoice for we know God rewards those who are faithful. To quote Eula, “I have been truly blessed by the Lord. I have been blessed.”

She is survived by her eight children: Sharon Cole, Karen (Milton) Douglas, and Juanita (Richard) Peterson, all of Wewela; David (Colleen) Cole, Sioux Falls; Richard (Laura) Cole, Colome; Virginia (Brad) Albertz, Humboldt, IA; Colleen Cole, Gayville, SD; and Teresa Stark, Johnstown, CO; 21 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren; her brother, Raymond (Mary) Jenkins, Booneville, MO; sister-in-laws Margaret Jenkins, Jefferson City, MO; Kaye Cole, Winner; Burdine Cole, Marjetta, GA and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Those who preceded her in death were her husband, Frank; her parents, her brothers, Leslie and John; her sisters, Myrtle, Gertrude, and Imogene; and her grandson, Nicholas Albertz.

Ernest “Ernie” Kenneth Schuppan was born to Carl and Hannah (Schmidt) Schuppan on Nov. 18, 1927 in Carter, SD. He had 4 brothers and 1 sister. Carl Jr., Frank, Fritz and Reka (twins) and George.

Ernie grew up near O’Kreek, SD and attended grade school in the Mosher area near the Horstman farm. He had many stories about his grandpa (Opa) and grandma (Oma) Schmidt. Ernie entered the military in February, 1946, learning to work on heavy equipment at a Construction Equipment School in Ft. Belvoir, Va. After construction school, Ernie was placed on a ship. While out at sea, many were getting sea sick, so sneaky ole’ Ernie volunteered to be a cook instead of clean up. Ernie was Honorably discharged September of 1947.

In August of 1948, he married Phyllis Anderson. They lived in Winner, SD for several years where their 2 daughters, Judy and Janna were born. Ernie and Phyllis moved to the Curt Daughters and Dick McKay farm, 15 miles west of Winner.

Sundays were spent at Ernie’s baseball games in Witten and Carter. Ernie also served as a baseball commissioner for many years. In 1972, Ernie and Phyllis moved to his present home in Winner. Ernie worked at Grossenburg Implement in the Welding shop, Carlson Construction and retired and continued working managing the Winner Recycle Center. These past years, Ernie volunteered daily at the Winner Thrift Store where he still took work very seriously, right girls, winkwink. Ernie’s always said, “It doesn’t matter how you feel, you just have to keep moving.” Ernie worked literally until the time of his death.

Ernie enjoyed puzzles, card games and he especially enjoyed family gatherings until it got a little loud and then he would disappear out the back door.

Ernie is survived by his 2 daughters Judy Wilcox (special friend Larry Pravecek) and Janna Pravecek (Ray) all of Winner, SD. Grandchildren: Laura Derry (Neil) Sioux Falls, SD, Bryan Wilcox (Kim) Sioux Falls, SD, Beth Bratton (Nate) Wenatchee, WA, Stacy Norrid (special friend Brad Burket) Winner, SD, Michelle Harmon (Bruce) Spearfish, SD, Daniel Pravecek (Betsy) Winner, SD, Ben Pravecek (Amy) Hulett, WY. Great Grandchildren: Tyler and Laine Derry, Shaylee, Garyn, Bella and Lathan Wilcox, Jensen, Mason and Rayden Bratton. Kelli Curtis (Isaiah), Abby Malou (Mut), Casey Norrid (fiancé Clay Fuller) Lauren and Preston Norrid. Jeremiah and Hanna Harmon. Oscar, Charley and Maree Pravecek. Payton Eagle Pravecek and Paxton Pravecek. Great -Great Grandchildren Hallie and Archer Curtis.

He was Preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, brothers Carl Jr., Frank , Fritz and George Schuppan and sister Reka Farris, and son in law Garry Wilcox.

Anthony Raymond Opbroek was born to Leona (Bentz) and Robert Opbroek on Nov. 12, 1962 and God called him home on Sept. 5, 2017 at the age of 54. Growing up Tony could be found working on the family farm, pestering his older siblings, and enjoying farm life. Tony went to elementary in Fairfax, SD from Kindergarten until 3rd grade, at which point the family moved to Gregory, SD where Tony graduated in 1981.

Tony married Sherry Smith on Aug. 9, 1985. From this union came three daughters: Sarah, Amber, and Teresa. Tony and Sherry were “two peas in a pod” wherever one ventured the other was not far behind supporting each other, suggesting new ways of doing this and that, and always loving each other in everything until the very end.

Tony was a proud member of the South Dakota Army National Guard. He enlisted on March 23, 1980 and was sent to boot camp with the “Dirty Dozen”, a group of 12 South Dakota boys who all went through bootcamp together. Tony graduated Officer Candidate School in 1986 and began his successful career in the Guard. Tony commanded many units and received many awards throughout his career. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Burke. Tony graduated BHSU in1987 and moved back to Burke where he worked for Missouri Valley Mutual Insurance, then The Gregory Advocate and finally Southern Dakota Insurance.

Tony loved life. You could find him always fixing things and making old things new again. Tony loved Husker and Steeler football, and lived for Husker parties. His latest pride and joy was the kitchen and living room remodel he finished this summer. Tony truly enjoyed fishing trips with his fishing partners, Alan Peterson, Mike Jones, Jason Mosterd, and his brother Dave. He would always say that his trip to Canada was the perfect trip. Tony loved to fish, golf, work on the perfect yard, and relax on the patio. Although these things were important to him the most important things to Tony were faith and family. He lived for time spent grilling for “his girls” and spoiling his grandkids. His whole world were those four little kids. Tony was the biggest supporter to his family, church, community and his friends. He was involved with many community projects including the wood floor at the school and the patio project at the church, just to name a few. His latest projects included being co-president of the Cougar Athletic Club and the Altar Project at church. His mission in life was to make everything alright for everyone.

Tony is survived by his wife Sherry, daughters: Sarah (Nate) Bottjen of Kingsley, IA, Amber (Thomas) Horn of Aberdeen, SD, and Teresa (Tyler) Klug of Mitchell, SD, Exchange daughter Anna Zara at home in Burke. Five grandkids: Parker, Nona, Tucker, Rubee, and baby Horn (coming in December). . His mother, Leona of Gregory, SD and mother-in-law, Janice Smith of Burke, SD. Brothers and Sisters: David (Lannette) Opbroek, Terry (Rosemary) Opbroek, Gene Opbroek, Cheryl Clark, and Dolores (Jim) Moore. Brothers and Sisters in-law: Ray (Donna) Smith, Rick Smith and special friend Pat, Annie (Brandon) York, and Tina (Austin) Buhta. A host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Awaiting Tony’s arrival into heaven: his dad Robert Opbroek, father-in-law Leroy Smith, paternal grandparents Henry and Margaret Opbroek, maternal grandparents Fred and Lydia Bentz, and his two unborn sons.

Four score and nine years ago on Nov. 9, 1927, Melba Grace Heller was born to Charles and Dora (Bainbridge) Heller. She would join three brothers and two sisters and later a younger brother. Melba attended East Star Valley Grade School and Ideal School. During her junior/senior years of high school, Melba lived with her grandpa Judge Louis F. Heller and was often a witness to the marriages he presided over. She was an excellent student and was on the yearbook staff and debate team. She took piano lessons and often accompanied the school chorus. Melba graduated with high honors from WHS in 1945.

Melba attended Jamestown College in North Dakota and then transferred to the University of South Dakota. A woman ahead of the times, Melba advocated for equal education and was admitted to the Honors program at USD where she was one of very few women that graduated with a master’s degree in biology and botany.

Melba’s first teaching job was at Platte. Teaching, directing plays, and community plays occupied her life. She stayed in Platte four years and then moved to Delmont after her fiance was killed in a plane crash. Melba then went to Rapid City where she taught four years and worked at Reptile Gardens during the summer.

In 1956, Melba married Merlyn Veren and they had a darling baby girl, Alice Leah. The marriage ended and Melba moved to Mission where she taught for three years in the brand new school. Wanting to be closer to her parents, Melba took a teaching job in Gregory. She was active in the Community Players, the Congregational Church, and the Library Board. She implemented a Girl Scout program, co-founded Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and Retired Teachers Society, earned her pilot’s license, and lifeguarded at the Gregory pool. Melba was a good friend and acted as a confidant to many.

In 1972, Melba and Alice moved to Douglas, AZ where she taught one year in an English speaking Mexican school. Teaching in Cheyenne, WY, Melba designed the new science lab and greenhouse and was the administrator of the gifted student program. She was active in Alpha Delta Kappa, PEO, Frontier Days, and was always present at Alice’s many activities. Melba retired from teaching in Cheyenne, but was often called upon to be an advisor.

Melba enjoyed her retirement years traveling and spending time at the Deadwood cabin. She later moved back to Gregory where she enjoyed her gardens and yard. She was glad to be back in “God’s Country” with Alice and many treasured friends. She attended the Congregational Church, and was a member of the Historical Society and the Oscar Micheaux Festival. Melba dearly loved her music and one could hear her “rock out” on the organ. She would often drive out to the farm near Ideal to visit her brothers Lowdon and Wayne. She traveled to Florida to visit Alice, but was always glad to return home.

Melba was diagnosed with lung cancer in October of 2016. She was able to stay in her home thanks to the wonderful hospice program. Melba passed away peacefully in Alice’s arms on Aug. 25, 2017 at the age of 89. She was the last surviving child of Dora and Charles Heller.

We will miss her smile, wry sense of humor, and genuine sense of friendship. Melba was indeed a remarkable woman who influence many lives.

The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories is a memory.

Waiting for her in heaven are her parents Dora and Charles Heller, sisters Cora Kaiser and Dr. Marcella Owens, brothers Wayne Heller, Colonel Kenneth Heller, Lowdon Heller, Alva Heller, and infant brother Edward, brothers-in-law Earl Kaiser and Harry Owens, sister-in-law Georgia Heller, and nephews Kenneth Heller Jr. and Roland Kaiser.

Grateful for sharing her life are her daughter Alice Veren, Gregory, SD; sisters-in-law Lois Heller, Winner, SD, and Vivian Heller, Laramie, WY; nieces Pat Heller, Peg Heller, Jude Heller, Dana Gapter, Mary Ann Christensen, Donna Beltz; and nephews Mike Heller, Chuck Heller, Todd Heller, and Terry Kaiser.

John P. Collins was born on Aug. 8, 1924, the eighth of fourteen children born to John F. and Margaret Collins of Winner, South Dakota.

He graduated from Winner High School in 1942 and joined the U.S. Navy the following year. He served on a submarine tender as a torpedo man in the South Pacific until his discharge in December 1945.

Following the war, he enrolled at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

In 1952, he married LaVaine Ruzicka. Six children were born to this union: Connie Billings, Patrick, Daniel, Colleen Dooly, John and Steven.

John was employed for 31 years by Dial Finance, which merged with Norwest Financial, and subsequently Wells Fargo. He retired from Norwest Financial as a district manager in 1982. John was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for fifty years and was also a long time member of the Knights of Columbus.

John passed away on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at Kavanagh House Hospice in Des Moines at the age of 93.

He is survived by Helen Collins; children, Pat (Sue) Collins, Dan (Teresa Natale) Collins, Colleen Dooley, John (Kelle) Collins, Steve (Monica) Collins; son-in-law, Mark Billings; twelve grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and sisters Kathleen Steele and Joan Foltz.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVaine; daughter, Connie Billings; parents and eleven siblings.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with interment following at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Cleo Ann (Abbott) Barry was born to Bill and Kay (Cordes) Abbott on September 7, 1963 at Winner SD. With her loving family by her side, Cleo began her journey to heaven on Aug. 30, 2017. Growing up on their family ranch, Cleo “Kook” kept busy by doing chores, traveling, and competing in rodeos as a family, being active in 4-H, attending country schools, spending quality time with grandparents and keeping her siblings on their toes with her feisty personality! She graduated in 1981 from Todd County High School and was competitive in all sports. After graduation she attended college and then moved to Gillette, Wyo. She worked in a number of jobs, including the UPS and Gillette Airport. On Nov. 25, 1988 she roped and married the cowboy of her dreams, Wade Barry. To this union four children were born: Wade, Taylor, Tawny, and Windsor.

After marrying, Cleo and Wade, moved to Seattle, Wash., working for the US Post Office and Boeing Commercial Airline, respectively. In April of 1990, they moved to Carter, SD where they established their ranch, for the past twenty seven years. Cleo was a devoted mother and ranch wife. She loved supporting her children and always said that they were her biggest accomplishment! Cleo was fortunate to watch her children win many state and national championships in which she was their biggest fan. She was extremely proud of all of their personal accomplishments.

Cleo and Wade worked side by side at their ranch. They demonstrated the special skill of operating and managing a ranch and loving each other by following the rule of what happens in the corral stays in the corral! Cleo loved the ranch life and was very precise in keeping track of records and cow information, keeping the ranch running smoothly and her family in line!

Cleo also enjoyed playing softball and won numerous state titles in WY and SD. She also loved spending time at family events, playing cards and other activities – which she enjoyed competing and winning! Spending time boating and camping out with family always made her smile. Within the last few years, her smile was bigger and heart was fuller when she got the chance to love and cuddle her granddaughters.

Cleo’s faith was very important to her and she demonstrated this by battling and overcoming an aggressive type of cancer for many years. Cleo also had a very special place in her heart for anyone who is fighting cancer in any shape or form, including medical staff and survivors. Through countless hours and miles she showed her strength and faith as she continued to fight, demonstrating that GRACE and LOVE wins, not cancer.

Everyone who remembers Cleo, is asked to celebrate Cleo’s life in their own way. Enjoying making others smile with a funny quote, posting an inspirational and or ‘interesting’ Facebook post, sending an unexpected text or leaving a special ‘pick-me-up’ note, playing a practical joke and/or wearing one of her “Kook Fighting Mad Kicking Cancer Butt” t-shirts or bracelets in her memory would be quite appropriate. And also in her memory, no matter what life throws at you, be sure to keep, “Fighting like you’re the 3rd monkey to get on Noah’s Ark and it just started to rain!”

Cleo is preceded in death by her grandparents William and Inez Abbott and Milton and Hallie Cordes, and father in law, Darrel Barry.

Cleo is survived and forever remembered by her husband, Wade Barry; son, Wade Jr. (Stephanie) Barry and granddaughters, Emory and Brynlee of Gillette WY. Daughters, Taylor and Tawny and son, Windsor Barry all of Carter, SD. Parents Bill and Kay Abbott; mother-in-law, Viola Barry; brothers, Kasey (Karla) Abbott and Bryan Abbott, sisters, Tracy (Lance) Tucker, Lisa (Scott) Walton, Kodi(Chad) Blotsky; brothers-in-law, Darrel Wayne Barry and Rod (Terri) Barry and sisters-in law, Cheryl Pullins, Pam (Rick) Scott, and Shannon (Drew) Holmquist. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.

Thomas Louis Lillibridge was born Nov. 13, 1945 to Lowell Louis and Doris Lillibridge at Burke, SD. While attending the Burke School System Tom was chosen as the Boys State representative by the American Legion. He also lettered in football, basketball and track all four years. After graduating in1963 he attended Sioux Falls College, The University of the Seven Seas, and The University of South Dakota before graduating with a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Sioux Falls College in 1967. Postgraduate education includes graduation from the Iowa State Agricultural School of Banking and the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. The University of the Seven Seas experience was a 108-day semester on a ship, traveling around the world, with stops in fourteen countries.

Following graduation Tom returned to Burke and went into the banking business with his father and brother, John. In 1972 he became the manager of the Bonesteel Branch where he served until 1977. At that time Tom moved back to the home office in Burke. He was elected President of the First Fidelity Bank in 1982 and held that office until January of 2001 when he was elected Co-Chairman, a position that he held until his death.

In 1974 Tom was united in marriage to Dr. Cynthia J. Thoene. Cindy and Tom have lived in Bonesteel since that time. They have traveled extensively around the world including seventeen hunting safaris in various African Countries, and additionally safaris in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Spain, Argentina, Scotland, England, Sweden and Mexico, along with hunting trips in several Canadian Provinces and many states in the U.S. Having earned the Safari Club International’s Crowning Achievement Award placed Tom among the elite big game hunters in the world.

While in Bonesteel Tom has served as the Mayor of the City, President of the Commercial Club, and President of the Bonesteel Area Development Corporation where he served as a board member until the time of his death. He was also the Treasurer of the Gregory County Pumped Storage Site Water Corporation.

Tom served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Sioux Falls. He also chaired the National Music Museum Board at USD where he and Cindy funded the Lillibridge Guitar Gallery. He was a past President of the South Dakota Heritage Fund Board. He served on the University of South Dakota Foundation Board and both he and Cindy were currently serving on the Onward Campaign Committee. Tom was also a member of the board of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Foundation and a former board member of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Preserve South Dakota, and the Great Lakes of South Dakota Association.

While serving on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Heritage Fund, Tom was instrumental in leading the efforts of the Fund to raise $2.5 million to complete the installation of Phases II and III of the South Dakota Experience and during his tenure the Heritage Fund Board oversaw the installation of all three permanent galleries in the museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society. The Heritage fund raised an additional $2.5 million to fund outreach projects by the South Dakota State Historical Society, including the establishment of the South Dakota Historical Society Press, the development of traveling exhibits and suitcase education kits for classrooms, and upgrading the accessibility of the resources of the State Archives. The South Dakota Heritage Fund established an endowment fund to provide future income to continue the legacy of enriching the programs of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Tom and his wife, Cindy, have contributed generously to the annual and capital giving programs of the Fund.

Tom and his brother John completed over 45 years of combined service on the Board of Trustees and the USF Foundation Board. Tom co-chaired “The Greatest Gift Campaign” which raised over $31,000,000 for USF making it the largest capital campaign in University history. Tom served as the Chairman of the USF Foundation Board from 2008-2011 both giving and encouraging others to support student scholarship endowments. He also served as chairman of the USF Board of Trustees through 2016.

Tom’s influence and investment at the University of Sioux Falls and in the state of South Dakota took a giant leap forward when he and his wife, Cindy, established the Tom and Cindy Lillibridge Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (CELI). Tom knew that his investment was a long-term strategy that he would not fully realize during his lifetime. It was that kind of forward thinking and vision that made Tom such a great leader and influencer of other people.

The USD School of Business honored Tom and Cindy as South Dakotans of the year. They were honored as South Dakota Philanthropists of the year on National Philanthropy Day in 2001 and received the Inman Award from the University of South Dakota Foundation in 2011. In the year 2000 the University of Sioux Falls honored the Lillibridge Family with the Perisho Award. The South Dakota State Historical Society presented its highest recognition, the Robinson Award to Tom in 2005. He was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2013 for all of his leadership and achievements along with his generosity and service to the State of South Dakota.

In addition to banking, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and travel and was very much involved in a ranching operation raising Registered Angus cattle (Ponca Creek Cattle Company) until the time of his death. One of the accomplishments he is most proud of is establishing the Tom and Cindy Lillibridge Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation at the University of Sioux Falls School of Business.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Cindy, his brother John (Linda) Lillibridge, mother-in-law Leone Thoene, brother-in-law Fred Thoene, sister-in-law Shelley (Keith) Gemar, 7 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great great nephew, along with a host of friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Doris Lillibridge and his father-in-law, Logan Thoene.

Marvin Lewis Hoffer, 87, of Bridgewater, SD, formerly of Platte and Winner, passed to his eternal rest on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services were held 2 p.m.. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Mitchell, SD. A Committal Service with Military Honors followed at Green Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, SD.

Marvin Lewis Hoffer was born on March 9, 1930 in Reliance, SD to Mike and Edith (Harmon) Hoffer, joining a brother, Ronald and a sister, Wilma. At a young age, the family relocated to Presho, where Marvin attended Presho High School, excelled in sports and graduated in 1948.

While living in Presho, he met the love of his life, Carol Grace Cross. They were married on Oct. 29, 1950 and were blessed with five children.

Being of service to his country and community was of utmost importance to Marvin. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, returning home with a rank of Corporal.

Upon his return from the service, the Hoffer’s moved to Winner where Marvin finished his enlistment through the Winner National Guard. He worked at Winner Gas & Electric and eventually ran his own business, P&H Electric. He joined the Winner Post Office in 1961 as a substitute mail carrier. In 1978, he was appointed Postmaster in Bonesteel and officer in charge of the Tyndall Post Office. In 1981, he received the appointment as Platte Postmaster, where he worked until his retirement in 1992 after 31 years with the US Postal Service.

After retiring from the US Postal Service, along with his wife, Carol, Marvin became an owner/proprietor of MarCar Enterprises, a candy/vending business. MarCar was derived from combining Marvin and Carol’s names.

Marvin was a member of the Winner United Methodist Church, proudly serving in many capacities. Upon moving to Platte, Marvin and Carol joined the Olive Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and served on various church committees.

While living in Platte, Marvin was instrumental in bringing the Lyric Theater to the community, as well as serving on the Museum board, assisting with the relocation and upgrading of the museum.

Marvin loved giving of himself and was affiliated with many organizations that served and assisted others. He served on the Self Development of People National Committee for five years traveling to Haiti, El Salvador, Costa Rica and other places to set up grants for training camps. He worked to bring the SDCHIP (South Dakota Child Identification Program) to Platte. SDCHIP is an initiative of the Masons to gather standardized information and fingerprints of children in order to provide Law Enforcement with important tools to assist in the speedy and safe recovery of missing children.

Throughout his life, Marvin was a member and officer in many fraternal organizations: 35 year Mason where he held all offices at a local level, including District Master and reached the level of 32nd Degree Mason, Big Bend Shriner’s Club, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. He was the South Dakota State President for NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters of the United States) and a 50-year member of the American Legion.

In addition to serving his church, his community and his country, Marvin loved playing cards, Farkle and other board games, spending time with his family and hand-cranking homemade ice cream. He and Carol enjoyed square dancing and hosting card parties. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.

Remembered by those who loved him: four children: Marcia (Terry) Kindt of Mitchell, SD, Karla (Greg) Farrar of Hurley, SD, Darrel (Gloria) Hoffer of North Glen, CO and Leyna (Jeff) Hoffer of Eagan, MN; a special friend, Colette Van Hecke of Ethan, SD; nine grandchildren: Rebecca (Clarence) Hermanson, Dan (Chelsey) Kindt, Paul (Samantha) Kindt, Brad (Allison) Farrar, Jessica (Jim) Haneke, Clint Farrar, Zach Dietz, Christopher (Crystal) Cantin and Alex Hoffer; 18 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and “honorary” children.

Those who have gone before: his wife of 54 years, Carol (Cross) Hoffer (June 8, 2005); a son, Marvin Curtis Hoffer; grandson, Donald Kindt; his parents, Mike and Edith Hoffer; sister, Wilma Meyer; brother, Ronald Hoffer; and in-laws, Lloyd and Lorraine Cross.

Memorials in Marvin’s honor may be directed to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or First Presbyterian Church, 500 East 5th Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through mountfuneralhome.com.

Michelle Ferguson, age 53, of Winner, passed away on Aug. 26, 2017 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility. Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church with a Prayer Service starting at 7 p.m. An additional Memorial Service for Michelle will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury Connecticut at a later date.

Michelle Paige Ferguson was born Aug. 24, 1964 to Bill and Joan (Sieler) Ferguson in Rapid City SD, where Bill was attending SDSM&T. Michelle was baptized Sept 20, 1964 at Zion Lutheran in Rapid City and confirmed May 21, 1987 at Christ Lutheran in Winner SD. Upon Bill’s graduation as an Electrical Engineer the family moved east, first to Kokomo, Indiana, where brother, Michael and sister, Heather were born, and then to the Boston, Massachusetts area. Michelle loved school and the east coast. In 1976 the family moved back to SD to the family farm in Witten and Michelle joined Eden School in Lone Tree Township. It was a tremendous change from life in Harvard MA, to a country school.

In 1982 Michelle graduated from Winner High School and began college at SDSU in Brookings SD. Michelle remembered only the good things about the east coast and left college to work as a nanny for the McCarthy family in New York. Michelle enrolled in Long Island University where she finished her accounting degree in 1988 but continued to work as a nanny. Upon graduation Michelle enrolled in Pace University Law School. There she met fellow student, Rochelle Weisburg, with whom she developed a life-long friendship. They received their Juris Doctorates in 1991. Michelle passed the New York bar exam on the first try and began work at IBEW Local 1430 Union. Michelle continued her close relationship with the four McCarthy children, attending their sporting events, driving them to school events and being their go-to-auntie. Michelle loved the excitement and energy of New York City.

In 2003 Michelle experienced a sudden change in vision as she was driving to work. She was diagnosed with a frontal lobe oligodendroglioma brain tumor and immediately underwent surgery in Bethlehem, PA. The surgery was partially successful but her prognosis was shortened to only a few years. A stage two clinical trial for brain tumors was beginning at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital (MSKH) in New York City and Michelle became one of 65 participants. The cutting-edge treatment was an adult stem cell transplant where her immune system was reduced to nothing. Michael, who worked in New Jersey, was allowed to visit during this treatment, but Dr. Kaley of MSKH declared SD germs were not allowed, so the rest of the family could not visit. Michelle continued to work during her long battle with the recurring tumor, undergoing periodic chemo treatments at MSKH and an MRI every three months. She holds the record for the most MRI’s given to one patient at Sloan.

Eventually, the tumor forced Michelle to quit her job and take disability. She continued living on her own in Danbury, Connecticut, for 3 years and could still drive and explore New York City. While in Danbury, she was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed the quilting group and working with the Comfort Dog Program. Finally, in October of 2016, Michelle had to move back to Winner because she needed extra care. She lived in a private residence for 5 months and spent 4 more months at Winner Long Term Care until her death August 26, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Michelle is survived by her parents, Bill and Joan Ferguson of Witten SD; sister, Heather (Rev David) Otten and nieces Anna, Dorothy, Esther, Irene, Marlys and nephew, Gerhard of Gettysburg SD; aunt, Kathy (Harley) Furrey of Clearfield and Quinn SD; aunt, Janice Falen of Lacey WA; uncle, Al Trevino of Salt Lake City UT; and Great Aunt Gae Brock of Winner SD. Also surviving Michelle are the McCarthy children (Dana McCarthy of New York City; Ryan and Joanna McCarthy and their two sons of Salem NY; Sheri and Lee Preece and their two sons of Brewster NY; and Sean McCarthy of Los Angeles CA) and her dear friend Rochelle Weisburg and her two sons of Bronx NY. Also, many relatives and friends especially Deb and Tim Moeller of Winner SD.

Preceding Michelle in death were her grandparents, Emil and Ann Sieler and Donna and Vern Ferguson; her aunt, Karen Trevino; her uncle, Bill Clark; and her brother, Michael.

Michelle loved life and people and never complained during the 14 years she fought the tumor. Her response was always, “It could be so much worse.” Michelle also had a great sense of humor, and her favorite quip to family and friends was, “What is WRONG with you?”

Sandra Rae Erlandson, 65, passed away on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at her home in Black Hawk, South Dakota.

Sandy was the second daughter born to John and Betty (Konop) Rice on July 30, 1952 in Winner, SD. She graduated from Winner High School in 1970.

Sandy was introduced to Greg Erlandson by a mutual friend, and they were united in marriage on June 13, 1970 in Winner, SD and celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Sandy was a stay at home mom until she began 18 years of employment with Rapid City Regional Hospital; and was a teller for Dacotah Bank until she was no longer able to work due to her illness.

Sandy loved gardening, canning and cooking for her family. She also enjoyed watching the birds around her bird houses and flower beds. She was happy to have been able to take her first plane trip to Alaska last May with her children and grandchildren, to fulfill her dream of getting to see the whales.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Heather & Todd Madsen, Jeffry Erlandson and his fiancé Lifen Huang, and CJ & Jennifer Erlandson; grandchildren, Tia, Samantha and Shanda Madsen, and Solomon Erlandson; sisters, Cheryl (Bob) Frank & Donna (Lyle) Alberts; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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