Karen Leslie Shattuck Hansen, a cherished mother, devoted wife, and beacon of light in her community, passed away on April 20, 2024 at the age of 84.
She was born on May 1, 1939, south of Gregory, South Dakota, to Dorothy and Harold Shattuck. Karen was the beloved firstborn of the family, with three younger siblings, Marvin, Mavis and Carol Beth.
Growing up on the family farm instilled in Karen a deep connection to the land and a resilient work ethic. She attended and graduated from Gregory High School in May 1957. After graduating she attended business school in Rapid City. She later returned to Winner where she worked at the Ford Garage. This is where she met Lewis “Louie” Hansen. On May 9, 1958, Karen married the love of her life, Louie. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
Karen and Louie were blessed with five children: Brenda, Todd, Troy, Kendra, and Kirsten. Karen’s devotion to her children and grandchildren was unparalleled, as she never missed any activities they were involved in, supporting them wholeheartedly in all their endeavors. Her love extended to her role as a grandma, or “Memaw,” to her seven grandchildren, and later as a great-grandmother to three.
Karen’s selflessness and giving nature were evident in every aspect of her life. She was named Volunteer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce for her tireless efforts. Whether offering comfort to those in hospice care or opening her home to anyone in need, Karen’s generosity knew no bounds.
An elegant and put-together woman, Karen was known for her impeccable style and attention to detail, from her perfectly matched shoes to her radiant smile. She cherished the simple joys of life, especially gathering with friends for lunch and celebrating the milestones of those she held dear. Karen’s thoughtfulness extended to calling the local radio station to ensure the birthdays and anniversaries of her loved ones were announced, spreading joy to all who listened. She loved spending her Sunday mornings at the Winner Methodist Church, where she was a longtime and dedicated member for many years.
Karen’s legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She is survived by her sister, Carol Beth Winters (Mike), her children Brenda Brown (Earl), Todd Hansen (Donnette), Kendra Hansen Best (Rex), and Kirsten Fischer (Chris), along with her grandchildren: Rojanae Williams (Jonny), Aryan Brown (Ryan Edwards), Aspen Brown, Brogan, Easton, Waverly, and Renner Best, and great-grandchildren: Lake and Seren Williams and Ayrro Brown.
Karen Leslie Shattuck Hansen will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, and the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her.
A gathering to honor and celebrate Karen’s life took place at the Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 23. Karen’s funeral service will be held the following day, April 24, at 10 a.m., also at the Methodist Church.
Though she may be gone from our sight, Karen’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her love and kindness.
Colome community blood drive will be held May 14 at the Colome American Legion. It will be from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Persons can schedule an appointment by contacting Vicki Nelson at 605 842-0270.
LifeServe blood center is doing the blood drive.
As temperatures warm up, suspicious behavior, vandalism and intentional damage to property crimes also tend to increase. If you see suspicious behavior, vandalism or intentional damage to property call Winner Area Crime Stoppers at 605-842-3939.
There will be a new mayor in Winner. Brad Schramm defeated Mayor Jody Brozik in the city election on April 9.
Schramm, a city councilman in Ward 3, received 280 votes and Brozik, 218.
There will also be a new councilmember in the Second Ward as Felicia Hughes defeated incumbent Joe Hockett 105-94.
In the Third Ward, Austin Klundt retains his seat on the council as he defeated Matt Soles 98-44.
In Ward One, two candidates were unopposed. Dick Shaheen has the one year term and incumbent Justin Schuyler, the two year term.
There were 501 votes cast and a 26 percent voter turnout.
Brozik has served as mayor for six years and prior to that was on the council for three years.
The mayor-elect and councilmen will take office at the May 6 meeting.
Voters in the Colome Consolidated School District approved a district reorganization plan that will see the communities ofWood and Witten split from the district.
Voters approved the plan 188 to 178 with a 39.2 percent voter turnout. A simple majority was needed to pass the ballot measure which was combined with the school board election.
This is the second time the school district has voted on this issue with the measure failing 52.2 percent to 47.8 percent in June 2023.
The plan is to split off the Wood and Witten areas between Mellette County and Tripp County to the White River and Winner school districts.
Voters in Witten and Wood strongly supported the reorganization plan with Witten voters approving it 38 to 5 and Wood voters 111-4.
Colome voters leaned the opposite way with 169 against the plan and 39 for it.
With approval of the plan, Colome district is expected to loose about half of its geographic size and about 33 percent of its assessed taxable value.
Betsy Rohde, CEO of the Colome Consolidated School District, said there were many factors going into the vote. Enrollment dropped at Wood enough that the district was financially unable to keep it open. The Witten school had closed years earlier.
Rohde said she will be working with S.D. Department of Education to make sure everything is switched over. Before they can do that, Colome has to wait for the official canvass of the vote which was at the April 15 school board meeting.
Until the time the switch is made the district will remain called the Colome Consolidated School District. Rohde did not know how long the process will take.
Wood and Witten joined the Colome district in 2010. At that time, Wood and Witten had schools that were open.
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