Reverend Richard Harry McGinnis, 91

The Reverend Richard Harry McGinnis, age91 of Hudson,Wis.,    passed away Nov. 20, 2020.       

Fr Dick was born March 5, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of Robert and Frances (Donaldson) McGinnis. He served his country at the end of World War II and was stationed in Japan after its surrender.     

After his service, he attended Seattle Pacific College graduating in 1951 with a degree in psychology.   

He then attended General Theological Seminary in New York and in 1955 was ordained as an Episcopal priest.     He was united in marriage to Phyllis Good on June 30, 1956.    Their marriage was blessed with three children: Paul, Stephen and Dorothy.       

Fr. Dick served as an Episcopal priest throughout his life. He served his Lord as a missionary in Anvik, Alaska, and as a priest for Trinity Episcopal in Winner, SD, Trinity Episcopal in Watertown, SD, and the former St. David’s Episcopal in Jacksonville, FL.   

Upon his retirement, after several years of travel, he settled in western Wisconsin close to family and assisted at the Episcopal churches in River Falls and Hudson. His early ministry was devoted to missionary work among the Athabascan and Lakota peoples in Alaska and South Dakota.    Later in life, he and his wife, Phyllis, worked tirelessly to preserve marriages, creating a marriage ministry model which is used about the county and overseas. Fr. Dick loved the outdoors and spent many days camping and hiking.    He is remembered for his warm smile and deepinterest and care for people.         

His life was devoted to sharing the love of Christ which was present in his life every day.    He is now free of the constraints of his earthly form and reunited with his wife and many friends.    

His infectious smile, gentle spirit and deep abiding love of his Lord and Savior will remain with his sons, Dr. Paul (Christine) McGinnis of Hudson and Stephen (Katrina) McGinnis of Murrieta, CA; daughter, Dorothy Washington of Hudson; grandchildren: Ian (Kaitlin), Kaitlyn and Meghan McGinnis, Anna and Cameron McGinnis, Jon (Katie), Addie and Nate Washington; great grandchildren: Simon and Ellery Washington; and father of Jon, Addie, and Nate: Derek Washington. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis.   

A graveside burial service was held with his family and a celebration memorial will be planned in the future when it is safe to move about.      Memorials are preferred to Rosebud Episcopal Mission East, 105 E. 12th St., Gregory, SD 57533 or SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) samsusa.org.

Funeral services are provided the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Dakota Mathieson, 23

Dakota Mathieson, 23, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Funeral service were held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 at 2 p.m.  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall, in Winner, SD.  Wake service began on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 at 4 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.   

Dakota Michael Mathieson was born on Feb. 6, 1997 to Michael Paul Mathieson and Ardith Jean Mathieson (Frank) in San Bernardino, Calif. Dakota and his family moved back to South Dakota in May 1997.   That same year Dakota’s father passed away.   

Dakota started school in the Winner School District then transferred to the Colome School where he attended high school.    He later worked hard to receive his GED. After high school Dakota moved to Sioux Falls, SD to live and work with friends.  He returned home, south of Gregory, SD and recentered himself.   

Dakota returned to Sioux Falls to give it another try on his own .Dakota loved life.  In school he tried out and played football. He loved to skateboard and play basketball with his friends. Dakota later moved back home and started working at the Winner Bakery and Kooch’s, cleaning pheasants.    Dakota started working at the Winner Hospital as a laundry aide until the time of his passing. A job in which he loved.

Dakota shared a special bond with his little sister Angel from the beginning.  He was so very patient with her and were always there for one another, playing, laughing and growing.   

Dakota was loved and celebrated by his large beautiful family. He had a love for fishing and often attended family camping trips.   

He had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need.   

Dakota is survived by his mother and dad Ardith and David Frank, his sister Rose (JJ)Wolf and family, Trinity (Emily) Mathieson, Melanie (Wyatt ) and Family, William (Kaycee and Lilo) Schroeder; Dustin (Ashley) Frank, and Angel Frank. Grandmother Audrey Ferguson, Grandfather Elmer Frank and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.   

Dakota was preceded in death by his father Michael Paul Mathieson, maternal Grandfather Michael Lawrence Ferguson.

  Ruthann Kluender, 76

Ruthann Kluender of Chandler, Okla., passed away Nov. 11, 2020 at the Stillwater, OK Medical Center.   

Ruthann was born in Omaha, Neb., on June 26, 1944 to Max and Ruth (Flynn) Hostetter. She graduated from Valentine High School in 1962.     On Sept. 21, 1967, Ruthann married Jack Hollopeter in Valentine, Neb., and were blessed with three children, Jay, Jodi and Jeanne.

In 1974 they moved to the family ranch south of Colome, SD. They ranched there until 1986 upon Jack’s untimely death. In those years on the ranch Ruthann enjoyed rodeoing and watching her kids’ rodeo. She helped Jack on the ranch but also had many jobs through the years to help support the family.   

In 1995, Ruthann moved to Sioux City, IA and worked at Gateway Computers.

On June 6, 1997 she married William (Bill) Kluender. In the Fall of 1999, Bill and Ruthann moved to Chandler, OK and bought an acreage and started building a homestead together. Ruthann worked at Oklahoma State University and Farm Bureau Insurance until she retired in 2011. She enjoyed watching rodeos on TV and loved being outside with her dogs and horses. She also enjoyed taking care of her many cacti and other plants.   

Ruthann was preceded in death by her first husband Jack and her parents Max andRuth.   

Ruthann is survived by her loving husband William (Bill) Kluender of Chandler, OK; her children Jay (Dusty) Hollopeter of Kilgore, NE; Jodi Mathis of Box Elder, SD; Jeanne Hollopeter of Chandler, OK; Stepsons; Darwin (Eva) Kluender of Akron, IA; Kalen (Keri) Kluender of Akron, IA. Grandchildren; Sydney Hollopeter, Emily Hollopeter, Jack Logan Hollopeter, Morgan Mathis, Ronnie Kluender, Baron Kluender, Karoline Kluender, Taylynn Kluender and William Kluender.

She is also survived by her sisters Jeanne Albin and Eileen (Jim) Wilson.

Ruthann’s life will be celebrated at a later date.

Renee Waters, 59


Renee Waters, 59, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 in Sioux Falls,SD.    

Private family visitation was held from 11-1PM at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. A private family graveside service was held Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Winner City Cemetery.    

Renee Lynn Waters, 59, of Sioux Falls, S.D., joined her Heavenly Father Friday evening Nov. 6, 2020 in the company of her long-time companion, Doug Anderson, at her side.    

Renee was born in Winner, S.D. at the Rosebud Hospital.    She was one of 8 children and grew up on a farm in Clearfield and in Witten, SD, and attended Witten grade school.   

She graduated with the Class of 1979 from Wood High School. In school, she enjoyed track, cheerleading & was known for being friendly, outgoing, and amazing artistic abilities.           

Renee married Gerald Greenough Sept. 3, 1994, and to this union their son, Westley Raymond Greenough, was born on May 3, 1995 & Renee enjoyed sharing funny stories of his youth. They divorced and Gerald passed away a few years after.    

Renee lived in Sioux Falls for the last several years where she met her companion, Doug.   

She thoroughly enjoyed cooking (often by making up many recipes), camping, fishing, playing cards, gardening, sitting on her patio enjoying beautiful weather and thoroughly enjoyed the company of their loving & energetic fur-baby, Jack.   

She was known for her amazing sense of humor, compassion, strength, forgiveness, sketching, praying for all those around her, kindness to friends, family & strangers as well. She was not afraid to welcome or help-out anybody in need or alone.   

While in Missouri, she gave comfort to mothers who were away from their families and drew sketches of their beloved children for them.    She was also known to give much of a paycheck to a single mom in need or a stranger down on their luck.       

Renee is survived by her dear mother, Connie Luther of Winner, SD, her devoted companion, Doug Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, son Westley Greenough of Oelrich, SD, Siblings; Russ (Cris) Walton of Rapid City, SD, Sherry (Jeff Paulson) Schroeder of Witten, SD, Tim Waters of Gillette, WY, Meridie (Mike) Locklear of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle (Tim) Williams of Gillette, WY, Stacie Weinheimer of Onida, S.D., Dixie (Rick) Fiala of Baltic, SD & many nieces & nephews.    

She had a strong faith & valued her relationship with Jesus. She loved to share her faith and life experiences no matter how difficult they were & be a prayer warrior for everyone in need.

Renee will be greatly missed, but we are comforted to know that she is with our Savior now.

There will be a viewing at    Mason Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a prayer service and funeral following at 1 p.m. 

Written in Renee’s notes in her bible: “When all of earth turns against you, All of Heaven turns towards you!! To keep your balance in a crooked world, look at the mountains. Think of Home.”

Frances Hoffine, 108

Frances Hoffine, 108, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, SD.       

Frances Anna (Pech) Hoffine was born to Frank and Tillie Pech at her maternal grandparents’ home in Lynch, Neb., on June 13, 1912.    At two weeks of age she and her mother traveled by train to Plainview township to her parents’ farm.   

Frances attended grade school at a country school about ½ mile from home. She and a younger cousin, Elsie Pech, who lived just down the hill from her walked to school together.   

She attended all 8 grades in a one room school house.    After school she had chores to do, such as wash dishes, cream separator, gather eggs, gather corn cobs to burn in the kitchen stove for heating the home and cooking and baking.   

Frances attended high school in Winner, SD and worked for her room and board at the home where she stayed through the week.    She graduated in 1930.  After graduation she returned to her parent’s farm and helped out there.   

She was united in marriage to Merle Hoffine on Oct. 18, 1934 and to this union 3children, Ralph, Donna and Neil were born. They rented a small house in Winner wherethey lived a few months and then purchased a home.    

In August of 1936 they along with Merle’s parents purchased a grocery store and meat market in Hot Springs, SD. They struggled to make a living and lost money due to the fact that customers couldn’t afford to pay their bills.

In the spring of 1941, they came back to Tripp County and rented a farm with buildings.   

In 1943 they purchased a farm.  In 1951 they built a new home.    They lived on the farm until 1979 at which time they moved their home into Winner.       

Merle passed away in November of 1990 and Frances resided there until December of 2012 at which time she went into the Winner LTC.   

Frances was a member of many organizations over the years which include Hillcrest Ladies Aid, United Methodist Women, Extension Club, Rebecca Lodge, 18 years as a 4-H Leader (with her husband), General Federated Women’s Club and a Plainview Community birthday club.   

She was an avid pitch player and belonged to three pitch clubs.    As a member of the 4-H Leaders Association she along with others from SD attended a 4-H Leaders Forum in Washington DC in 1964.  As a side trip the group attended the World’s Fair in New York City.    She and her husband took several bus tours. They spent several winters in AZ and TX, which they really enjoyed. They purchased a rustic cabin in the Black Hills in 1971 which they remodeled. They enjoyed this cabin immensely for parts of summers for 18 years.   

They loved having children and grandchildren and friends visit them there. In 2012 Frances celebrated her 100th birthday at her home with an open house planned for her by children and grandchildren. All family members were there with the exception of her daughter and one great-granddaughter from Idaho. Many relatives and friends came to wish her a happy birthday. She had a great day.   

In December of 2012 at the age of 100 + 6 months due to a broken bone in her foot which she got during a fall in her kitchen she entered the Winner Nursing Home.   

During the 8 years there she enjoyed playing pitch and bingo even though hearing and eye sight were bad. She celebrated her birthdays 101 through 108 at the LTC planned by sons and wives with lots of family attending.    Attending were as much family as could be there.   

She is survived by children: Donna Atkins, Idaho, Neil (JoAnn) Sundance, WY, daughter-in-law Harriet Hoffine, Hamill, SD, grandchildren; Sheri (Don) Connell, Newport, NE, Terry Hoffine, Hamill, SD, Carmel Steffen, ID, Todd (Tif) Hoffine, GA, Ty (Kerri) Hoffine, AR, Heather Hoffine, CO,Great-Grandchildren; Jennifer, Sarah, Ashley, Samantha, Connell, Breanna, Kira Jo Steffen, Baylie and Ashlyn Hoffine.   

Frances is preceded in death by her husband Merle, son Ralph, her parents Frank and Tillie, brother Raymond Pech, two grandsons Kelly Hoffine and Scott Steffen.

Audrey Ferguson, 73

Audrey Ferguson, 73, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 at the Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs Care Center in Yankton, SD.     

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium in Winner, SD. Burial will follow at the Old Mni’Ska Cemetery. Wake services was    held on Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. all at the Winner Middle School Auditorium in Winner, SD.   

Audrey Marlene Ferguson/Herman was born on July 17, 1947 at the homestead northwest of Hamill, SD. Audrey was born to Dan and Isabel Herman and lived at the homestead until she started school. She went to the Rosebud Boarding School and remained there until she finished the 8th grade. In 1960 she moved to Anderson, Indiana, with her sister Martha Palmer, where she attended Madison Heights High School (Anderson High).

As she was going to school she worked as a waitress. After graduating high school, she met and married Ronald Perry and to this union 2 children were born. She was later united in marriage to George Rinker and to this union 3 children were born.

She later found the love of her life Michael Ferguson. She moved back to South Dakota and Michael followed later. To this union 6 children were born. She lived and worked in Winner and the surrounding area until her health prevented her from working. She worked at numerous jobs over the years but the ones she spoke of often was when she was a powder puff driver and having to take apart the engines if she won a race, a police officer for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, a bus driver for the Winner School District, and a nurse’s aide at the Winner Nursing Home. But the jobs she loved the best was wife, mother and grandmother, if any child needed a safe place, they found it in her home.   

She was a huge Jimmy Johnson fan and also a New England Patriots fan. If a race or game was on you had to be quiet as she was usually betting against and winning her kids money.   

Audrey is survived by her brother Darrell “Diz” (Marilyn) Herman, Daniel Perry of Lyons, Indiana; Madonna Rinker, of Winner,SD; Christine Rinker (Jack Williams) of Pendleton, Indiana; Michael Rinker of Anderson, Indiana; Stacy Ferguson of Aberdeen, SD; David Ferguson of Aberdeen, SD; Ardith (David) Frank of Winner, SD; April Ferguson of Winner, SD; Jodelle (Corey) Doherty of Yankton, SD; Isabelle (Ben) Larson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, 31 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, many more cousins and family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dan & Isabel Herman, 3 brothers, Calvin, John, and Charles Herman, 2 sisters, Darlene Herman & Martha “Deloris” Palmer, husband Michael Ferguson, and grandson Dakota Mathieson.

Warriors headed to the Dome

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
Winner Warriors tackle a Sioux Valley ball carrier in Friday’s game

It was business as usual for the Winner Warriors football team as they punched their ticket to the state Class 11B championship game.

In Friday’s semifinal game at Warrior field, Winner defeated Sioux Valley 28-14. The Warriors remain undefeated at 10-0. They will be making back to back state tournament appearances facing the same team Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan.

Winner will play in the state championship game on Friday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Dakota Dome in Vermillion.

Last year the Dome was under construction so the state football championships were moved to South Dakota State University in Brookings. Playing in its first every outdoor state championship game, the Warriors were nipped by BEE 21-14.

Coach Trent Olson said Friday’s game was a tough, hard fought game. “It was very physical. Sioux Valley is tough and very physical. Their quarterback is excellent and we are happy to come out of there with a victory,” said Olson. Olson said the key to the victory was the Warriors winning the turnover battle. “We put the ball on the ground two to three times and we were able to get it back.

If they recovered those fumbles it is a different game,” said Olson. Winner scored a touchdown in each quarter of the game. In the first drive, the defense sacked the quarterback which set up Winner’s first touchdown as Sam Kruger scored on a two yard run. Kaden Keiser’s interception set up another Winner touchdown. Brady Fritz found Kruger open on a 14 yard pass to a touchdown to give Winner a 14-0 lead.

Sioux Valley cut the score to 14-6 in the second quarter and that is how the score remained at the half. A big play for Winner was when they converted a 4th and one from the Sioux Valley 46 yard line. Then Fritz executed a quarterback draw and scored on a one yard run to give Winner a 20-6 lead.

At the start of the fourth quarter Sioux Valley scored on a pass play to cut the lead to 20-14.With 4:18 left to play in the game Keiser scored on a 3 yard run. The two point conversion was good by Fritz and Winner was up 28-14 and on its way to play in another state championship.

The Warriors had a total of 242 yards and 19first downs. Fritz was the leading rusher with 69 yards followed by Kruger with 48, Riley Orel and Keiser both with 32 and Even Farner, 17 Fritz was 3-3 in passing for 35 yards.A strong defensive effort was led by Landon Thieman with 8 tackles and 5 assists. Charley Pravecek had 5 tackles and 4 assists; Sam Kruger, 4.5 tackles, Preston Norrid, 4 tackles and six assists.

After the game, Fritz said Winner knew Sioux Valley was going to be tough. “It is kind of like last year with Webster. We knew we were going to have to guard the perimeters. Sioux Valley has a ton of fast guys. This is the fastest team we have faced all season. Our game plan was to keep them inside. I thought we did a good job of containing them. ”The Winner team knows what it is like to play in a state tournament. It is nothing new to them and they are so ready to travel to Vermillon.“I have been dreaming of playing in the Dome since my older brother (Tanner) went there,” said Fritz. “Last year we got our hearts broken and this year at the beginning of the season we have been eyeing Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan.”

Coach Olson said it will be nice to have another shot at BEE. Preston Norrid has been a strong player for the Warriors. He said the team knew it was going to be a tough game.

Norrid said he is proud of the team how well they performed. The senior says it is a blessing that the Warriors have gone undefeated for two years. “We have a great program and have younger kids who we can rotate in during the regular season,” said Norrid.