Category Archives: Obituaries

Ron Merchen, age 85, of Winner, passed away on Sept. 30, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral service were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 at the Assembly of God Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.
Arthur Ronald Merchen was born on Aug. 15, 1932 to William Merchen and Josephine (Cummings) Merchen in Witten, South Dakota.

The Merchen family moved to Winner, South Dakota in 1936. Ronnie started school in the first grade in 1938. Ronnie joined the South Dakota National Guard in 1949. Coming home from summer camp, the Korean War was declared and the South Dakota National Guard was activated. Ronnie opted-out of going with the guard unit on duty, so he could finish high school. In 1952, after graduating from high school, he went into the regular Army and went to Fort Benning, Georgia, and volunteered for the Airborne.

Ronnie had a three day pass and went to Lagrange, Georgia to attend church, and there he met his wife to be, Margaret Smith. On Aug. 2, 1953, they were married. To this marriage two sons were born, James Henry Merchen and Earl Frederick Merchen. Ronnie and Margaret lived in Smyrna, Georgia where the boys went to school and were very active in sports, playing basketball, baseball, football, wrestling and soccer. Ronnie and Margaret were very active in their children’s sports. Ronnie officiated football, basketball and umpired baseball at some high schools and small colleges.

When they moved back to Winner in 1974, Ronnie became very involved with basketball and football officiating. After moving back to South Dakota, Ronnie became a truck driver, owning five trucks for a period of time. He traveled all 48 states and Alaska, and all of Canada hauling heavy equipment which he enjoyed very much.

Ronnie and Margaret were members of the Assembly of God Church in Winner. Ronnie is preceded in death by his mother and father; step-father; three sisters Dorothy, Aileen, and Louise; one brother Richard; and oldest son James.

Ron is survived by his son Fritz of Salem, SD; two grandsons Alex of Atlanta, GA, and Kellen of Chicago, Il.; two great-grandsons; one sister Joanne Jerred of Winner; daughter-in-law Dena of Atlanta, GA; and his special friend Joyce Weidner of Winner; and a host of relatives and friends.

Erma Taylor, 80, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility.
Funeral service was held on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Erma was born Dec. 5, 1936 to Fred and Bernice (Schafer) Taylor in Hot Springs, SD. She lived at home until both parents were deceased then with her brother until the home was sold.

They moved to Winner where she lived at Presidential Square apartments for 23 years in the care of Community Connections and Southern Plains.

Erma moved to Elder Inn in 2005 because of health conditions and to Winner Long Term Care in August of 2013. Erma loved holidays and decorations. She loved her Lord and was a member of the First Christian Church. She will always be remembered for her Sweet smile.

She is survived by her by her brother Gene Taylor and Rose of Sioux Falls, many nieces and nephews and all her friends at Winner Long Term, Southern Plains and a very special friend Evelyn Mahoney.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters: Myrtle Stuen, Lola Carpenter, Faye Hager and 2 brothers: Lloyd and Glen Taylor.

Judy Audiss, 67, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Funeral service were held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial will follow in the Hamill Cemetery.

Judy was born Feb 03, 1950 to Marvin and Lela (Kubik) Swanson in Winner. Judy grew up with her sister, Marva, and three brothers, Vance, Mark, and Cal on the family ranch near Hamill.

She graduated from Augustana Academy High School in Canton. She then attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. While in college, she was involved with the choir and took trips abroad, performing in different concerts and competitions, which were some of her best memories. She took her first job as a 6th grade teacher at South Elementary in Todd County, and then Hamill. She then married Randy Audiss, and did not teach for several years while she took care of her three children and helped on the family farm. She then returned to the classroom and taught 6th grade at Winner Middle School. Later, she was asked to be the special education director. As she then went into the role of an administrator, Judy pursued her master’s in education, obtaining her degree from South Dakota State University and then later went on to receive her specialist degree in education from University of South Dakota. Her passion for education, making sure all children had the ability to learn and thrive in school, and the relationships she built within the Winner school family is something she was proud of and held close to her heart.

Judy also was involved with church, being the Sunday school superintendent and playing the organ, as her faith and music were dear to her. There were a number of children around the Hamill community that she taught piano lessons to, also. Above all, though, was her love for her grandchildren. She was especially fond of them, always having a smile on her face when she was able to spend time with them, spoiling them, and being a part of their lives.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Lela, and her sister, Marva Lemene.

Cherishing her memory are her husband, Randy of 43 years, son, Chris (Brooks) Audiss of Belle Fourche, SD, Sarah (Ron) Hagenlock of Sioux Falls, SD, and Corey(Mandy)Audiss of Hamill, SD, grandchildren, Ryker, Rexton, and Reven Audiss, Mikah Hagenlock, Jackson Hansen, and Livia and Harper Audiss, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
The Family of Judy Audiss will be directing memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.

Lois Heller, age 85, of Winner, passed away on Sept. 28, 2017 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility. Funeral Service were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Lois was born Jan. 12, 1932 to George and Helen (Frohberg) Blomstrom at her parent’s home outside of Winner. She was the youngest of six brothers and sisters. After losing her father at a very young age, the family moved to Winner where her mother worked hard to support her family.

Lois attended Winner High School and after graduation worked at the cleaners and as a bookkeeper at the Co-op in Winner. She married Wayne Heller on April 17, 1966. To this union two daughters were born: Lisa Ann and Carla Marie. Wayne and Lois lived on the Heller family farm, north of Ideal, for their first few years of marriage then moved to Winner when Lisa started school. Her house was open to everyone and she loved to spoil her nieces and nephews. She hosted many family dinners and always had a sweet treat to offer anyone that stopped by to visit.

Lois was active in her daughter’s many school activities and later babysat and attended her grandchildren’s activities. Many days she drove to Gregory to pick up her grandkids from school. She spent many hours playing Monopoly, Uno and Gin Rummy with them. In her more recent years Lois found enjoyment spoiling two new grandchildren with sherbet and thrilling them with rides on her power wheelchair.

Lois enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends, hosting couples pitch parties and challenging Wayne to a game or two of cribbage. She was very active at Christ Lutheran Church, participated in bowling leagues, and she and her sister, Joann, hosted card parties at the VFW. She was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and finally was able to relish in their World Series win in 2016.

After Wayne died in 2012, Lois moved to the Elder Inn. You could find her there enjoying her sherbet and chocolate and working on her crossword puzzles and word searches. With her declining health she recently moved to Winner Long Term Care. She passed away peacefully on September 28th at the age of 85 years old.

Grateful for sharing her life are Lisa (Randy) Odenbach of Dallas, SD, Carla of Pierre, SD, her grandchildren, Gaige Odenbach, Mackenzie (Derek) Stukel, Reece Odenbach and Grandyn Heller. And one great granddaughter, Averie Stukel. She is also survived by one brother, Bob (Elinor) Blomstrom of Gregory and one sister-in-law, Vivian Heller, of Laramie. She’s also survived many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Going on before her were her parents, husband Wayne, her brothers Marvin and Lyle, and her sisters Joann Beckers and Doris Bennett.

We love you Mom and Grandma Lois. So happy that you have finally found peace in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral services for Geraldine (Geri) Bartling was held Sept. 29 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke with Pastor David Schmidt officiating.

Geraldine Bartling (Geri) age 70, of Burke South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 at Avera Gregory Hospital after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer.

Geri was wife to Gary Bartling, and beloved mother to Gary, Amanda, and Daniel Bartling. Geri is preceded in death by her Father Robert Bohannon, and younger brother Robert Bohannon Jr.

Geri was born to Robert and Bessie Bohannon on Jan. 5, 1947 in Springfield Ill. She was a passionate and devoted mother and grandmother. Geri’s pride and joy in her final years were her seven grandchildren; she loved to dye Easter Eggs with them even when it wasn’t Easter.

Marilyn R. Jones, 79, of Rapid City, passed away on Tuesday Sept. 19, 2017 with her husband, Douglas, by her side at the Redfield Care and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born June 27, 1938 on the family farm near Ocheyedan, Iowa to Merwin and Gladys (Morfitt) Dillehay. She grew up in Ocheyedan and graduated from Harris High School in 1956. She attended Morningside College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in 1958.

Marilyn married Douglas Jones in Harris, Iowa on June 15, 1958, and from this union two sons were born, Daniel and Steven. Being a Military family, they lived in several different cities throughout the Unites States before moving to Winner, SD in 1976 where Marilyn opened “Marilyn’s Interiors”. She relocated the store to Spearfish, SD when they moved there in 1992. As an accomplished seamstress, Marilyn was talented in her ability to create beautiful custom window coverings, bed spreads, and other accessories. She also reupholstered many pieces of furniture throughout her career. Her hobbies included spending time with family and friends, laughing and having a good time no matter what she did. She also enjoyed watching the ducks at Canyon Lake Park, singing, watching classical and western movies, she especially loved musicals.

After Marilyn was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2005, she sold Marilyn’s Interiors and they moved to Sibley Iowa in 2006 before returning to Rapid City, SD in 2015 to be closer to family.

Since Marilyn didn’t have any daughters of her own, she thoroughly loved to spoil and entertain her granddaughters by having sleepovers, watching her favorite movies and musicals with them, taking them on horseback riding adventures, making them beautiful dresses as they were growing up and she never missed the opportunity to go to their sporting events even traveling to Florida to watch them play fast pitch softball while they were in college.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Douglas, Rapid City, SD two sons, Steven (Darla) Jones, Rapid City, SD and Daniel (Brenda) Jones, Norfolk, NE, five grandchildren; Nicole (Lee) Huber, Danielle (Shaun) Sullivan, Michelle (Mike) Worden, Sam & Katie Jones, four great grandchildren; Carter, Cole and KyLee Huber & Graysen Worden, a sister Marjorie Miquelon, and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Donald, Dale, Raymond and a great grandson, Brayden Worden.
Visitation with family present was held on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. at South Canyon Baptist Church 3333 W. Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702. Funeral services followed at 11 a.m. at South Canyon Baptist Church with interment at Black Hills National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers if you wish, a memorial has been established to the Redfield Care and Rehabilitation Center in Redfield, SD as they took excellent care of Marilyn during the last 6 months of her life. Memorials and cards of sympathy may be mailed to Osheim Funeral Home at 2700 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702.

Lee was born in Sioux City, IA on Feb. 6, 1925. His parents were Arthur B. Albert and Marie (Nelsen) Albert of Nisland, SD. After high school graduation from Nisland, he entered the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Lee met Quindrid Frahm in Nisland. They were married, as Lee quoted, “on a rainy Saturday” in Broadus, MT. They remained married for 69 years until Quindrid passed away in 2012.

Lee received his B.A. in Education from BHSU in 1948. Later on he received his MA and Specialist Degree. He began his career as a teacher at Buffalo, SD. He later accepted a position as Principal of Gregory High School, Gregory, SD. In 1950 he moved to Humboldt, South Dakota as Superintendent of Schools. In 1955 he accepted a similar position in Winner, South Dakota. In 1966 he moved to Newcastle, WY as Superintendent of Weston County Schools , where he retired in 1986.

Lee was active in many organizations including American Legion in Humboldt, SD. In Winner and Newcastle, he was a member of the Lions Club and the city Country Club. He was an active member in the Lutheran church, both in Winner and Newcastle. His church community was very important to him and he continued to donate to it after he was unable to attend in person. Lee and Quindrid established a scholarship at Black Hills State University where they both graduated. In addition, Lee is a member of BHSU Hall of Fame as a member of the 1946-47 championship basketball team. He was also awarded BHSU Administrator of the Year in 1978.

Lee enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and sitting on the deck of his cabin “up on the prairie” near Buckhorn. It was family constructed and a true sense of pride for him. He looked forward to the family enjoying “the land”, especially over the summer holidays. During retirement, Lee and Quindrid enjoyed more than 20 years traveling in the south during the winter months. They finally settled in Val Vista Winter Village in Casa Grande, AZ. They made many lasting friends wherever they lived.

Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Quindrid Frerk Frahm Albert and his parents. He is survived by his children, Alvin L. Albert (Elaine) of Newcastle, WY, Betty M. Day (Richard) of Newcastle, WY, William J. Albert (Cindy) of Green Valley, AZ, Robert E. Albert (Linda) of Newcastle, WY, Quindrid J. Godden (Jim Cleary) of Green Valley, AZ, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Newcastle Humane Society or Weston County Hospital/Manor. Cards can be sent to 25332 US Highway 85N, Newcastle, WY 82701

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.