Category Archives: News

Eldora Mae Sorber Whiton passed away on Nov. 2, 2019 at the age of 95 surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation was Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 9-10 a.m. with funeral services following at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church (1224 Lucinda Street, Perry, IA). Burial followed at Violet Cemetery. Memorials will be designated after the service and will include the First Christian Church, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be sent at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.

Eldora was born Oct. 14, 1924 in Dallas, South Dakota to Charles Edwin Sorber and Cora Pervilla Alsever Sorber. She was the youngest of eleven children, namely: Marvel Hearth; Edwin Sorber; Orlin Sorber; Cora Lewis; Willard Sorber; Dorothy Bennett; Howard Sorber; Merlin Sorber; and twins, Delbert and Elbert Sorber. She cherished memories growing up with her siblings, nieces and nephews. After attending high school in Dallas, SD, in 1941 she moved to Iowa and graduated from Rippey High School.

She was married on March 31, 1946 to Lloyd Arthur Whiton, and they enjoyed fifty-one wonderful years together. They farmed for 48 years on a family centennial farm northwest of Perry where they raised two daughters, Vickie and Cheryl.

Eldora had a strong faith in God and was an active member of the First Christian Church family having taught Sunday school for ten years, serving as a Trustee, chairman of the Farm Committee and a member of Christian Woman’s Fellowship. In addition, she was a Boone County 4-H Leader for Union Livewires and a member of Cowbells.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed socializing with her many friends and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her positive outlook, infectious laugh, supportive nature, and wise advice. Family will treasure memories of her special 95th birthday celebration just a few weeks ago. She was very grateful to receive well-wishes from so many family members and friends.

Eldora’s love will live on in her daughter Cheryl Goodall (Charlie) of Waukee, son-in-law Craig Ditsworth of Panora, grandchildren: Kari Ditsworth Hensen (Andy) of Ankeny, Jeff Ditsworth (Heather) of West Des Moines, Charles Goodall (Rachel) of DeSoto, Andy Goodall (Katie) of Clive, Jennifer Goodall Langeness (Cosby) of Waukee, and Michael Goodall of Waukee. She was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Kelsey and Drew Hensen, Juliet Warren, Maxwell Ditsworth, Laura, William and Claire Goodall, Charles (CJ) and Skye Goodall and Clayton and Caleb Langeness, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, Lloyd, and her daughter, Vickie.

Eldora was a strong, independent woman who was so proud that she lived independently with the assistance of her many neighbors and friends.

Robert “Bob” Hansen, age 79, passed away on Wednesday Oct. 30, 2019 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday Nov. 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Robert LaVern Hansen was born on May 3, 1940 to Milo (Butch) and Berniece (Eddie) Hansen in Winner, SD.

Robert attended Jordan School in rural Tripp County through the 8th grade, he then attended Winner High School graduating in 1958. Robert attended Humboldt University after high school and then worked for Continental Airlines in Chicago, IL.

While working for Continental Airlines he met Delores Jean Brown. They were united in marriage on Jan. 26, 1962. To this marriage three children were born, Michael Robert, Mary Ann, and Mark Patrick. Robert and Delores resided at the family farm where Robert worked alongside his father, brother, and uncles.

Robert continued to work on the family farm his entire life and was united in marriage to Jeanne Rowe on Oct. 1, 2002. Robert and Jeanne worked side by side on the family farm and loved spending time with family and friends.

Robert especially enjoyed going to farm sales, auctions, and an occasional trip to the casino. Robert continued to work until his health required him to stay in the Winner Regional Long-Term Care.

Robert made many new friends during his stay in the Winner Long Term Care in 2017 until his death. He lived a very upbeat and social life as one of their residents and fulfilled his role as ‘ambassador’ and always was ready for a quick card game.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Jeanne and his children, Michael (Dawn) of Phillip, SD and Mary (Brad) Whitley of Winner, SD. 5 grandchildren – Jason, Joshua, Brittney Hansen, and Chelsey Dee and Jayd Whitley. Brother – Virgil (Twila) Hansen of Winner, SD and Sister – Peggy Douglas of Witten, SD and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Milo and Berniece, infant son Mark, sister Joan Carroll and brother in law Gene Carroll.

Helen Carroll Sharkey passed away on Oct.31, 2019 in Gillette, Wyo. Visitation with be on Friday, Nov. 8 from 5 – 6 p.m. for family. Public visitation will be from 6 – 7 pm. with vigil service beginning at 7 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Committal services will follow at Winner Cemetery, in Winner. A gathering of friends, neighbors, and relatives will be held at St. Mary’s Hall with a meal.

Helen was born on a farm south of Mission, on Jan. 30, 1931. Helen is the daughter of Frank and Mary (Sheehan) Carroll. She grew up in a family of nine children. She attended rural school and graduated from St. Francis School, and at the age of 16, she received the valedictorian award.

After graduation, she began her career teaching at Midway Rural School, where she taught her younger brothers and sisters. Helen then attended Black Hills State University.

Helen met the love of her life, Michael James Sharkey, at a dance in Valentine, NE, and they were married on April 28, 1951. They were married five days prior to his deployment to serve our country in the Korean War. Helen continued her teaching career in a one-room classroom in rural school. She was loved and admired by her students and families.

She also continued summer college courses and later graduated from Southern State College at Springfield, SD. With the loving union of Michael and Helen, six children were born. Helen was an always-loving wife, mother, and active in the duties and responsibilities of the farm/ranch operations. She continued her teaching career for 30 plus years.

Helen was active in church activities and always present in her children’s activities, especially sports. Nonetheless, she supported Michael’s coaching their sons and others in their love for boxing. Helen continued her support of Winner Quarterback Club, VFW, and Catholic Daughters in Winner, SD.

Helen and Michael resumed their cattle operation after their children were raised. Helen would be recommended by many people, for cooking, especially her caramel rolls. Family and friends enjoyed visiting the ranch/farm, raising horses, branding cattle, playing cards, going to dances, and hunting deer and pheasants.

Family always woke up to the smell of Helen making breakfast. She always made sure everyone felt at home.

Michael and Helen retired from the cattle operation due to Michaels failing health. Subsequently, they moved to Pierre, in order to best support Michael. Michael passed away in July of 2008. Helen later moved to Gillette, Wyo, for health reasons, where she lived at the Legacy Retirement Home.

Prior to that, Michelle, Gary, and Helen were able to enjoy a 10-day Catholic tour of Italy. Helen was so loved by the staff at the Legacy. She did a lot of cheerful singing and assisted her roommate Phyllis and others, while residing there. She was a loving person, caregiver, and uplifted everyone around her. Helen was a Christian woman, praying and always attending church activities.

She is preceded in death by Michael (husband), Leo (son), Mindy (granddaughter), her parents, and all of her sisters and brothers.

Helen is survived by Gary, Gillette, WY, Pat (Mary Kay), Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Terry (Deb), Spearfish, SD, Michelle (Rapid City, SD), Jack (Paula) Lincoln, NE. Helen is also loved and cherished by her 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD.

Eva Jean Brickman, age 78, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday Oct. 24, 2019 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 30, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

Eva Jean (Hansen) Brickman was born on Nov. 27, 1940 to Elvis and Betty (Jansen) Hansen at the family farm near Carter, SD.

Eva Jean passed away on Oct. 24, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Eva Jean attended Hansen School in rural Todd County through the 8th grade, she then attended Winner High School graduating in 1958 where she was involved in band, cheerleading and being a majorette.

Eva Jean attended Nettleton College after high school, after college she worked for the attorney general in Pierre for two years.

While attending high school she met her future husband, Don Brickman. They were married at the Carter Gospel Fellowship Church on Sept. 16, 1961. To this marriage two sons were born, Bryan and Brett.

After Don and Eva Jean were married, they moved to Denver. before moving back to the family farm in 1963 where Eva Jean was a devoted farm wife helping Don whenever he needed help and taking care of the household chores.

Eva Jean loved spending time with family and friends. She was actively involved with her children and grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed attending their games and concerts.

Eva Jean was a member of the United Methodist Church and actively participated in church life.

She enjoyed doing various puzzles, playing a rousing game of pitch and traveling to visit family particularity in Deadwood and Rapid City. The family got their love of cats from Eva Jean.

Eva Jean was gentle, kind and sensitive, as her mother would say “she never met a stranger.” She was the kindest lady you ever met and she always had a smile on her face.

She was a long-time member of the SD Cattlewomen’s Association promoting beef and a member of the Treadle Trippers Club.

On election day you could find Eva Jean sitting at the polling station checking people in to vote.

Eva Jean is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Don and her two sons, Bryan (Julie) of Harrisburg, SD and Brett (LaVonne) of Carter, SD. Also, 7 grandchildren – Brandon, Brittany (James Woods), Bryanna, Carter, Coy Brickman, Cassie Rogers and Matthew Reu, 3 great grandchildren – Jonathan and Nora Brooke, Kaya Bailey, Sister – Betty (David) Porter of Everett, WA, sister-in-law – Sharon Hansen of Rapid City, SD, and Aunt Marjorie Jansen of Mission, SD, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She proceded in death by her parents and brother, Larry Hansen.