Leslie Hysell, 76

Leslie Kay (Viedt) Hysell was born on Feb. 16, 1943. She grew up in Winner, South Dakota with her loving parents Bob and Irene, and younger sister Gayle.

Leslie loved music including vocal, piano and percussion.

Leslie married Daryl “Tank” Wilken on May 19, 1962. On April 6, 1963 their beloved daughter Michelle was born. Tragically, Daryl died on March 19, 1972. Leslie was later remarried to Cliff Hysell. She enjoyed years of being a hairdresser and singing with Sweet Adelines.

Leslie was injured in 1981 while living in California. She moved back to Montana and resided in Bozeman and her daughter Michelle was very lovingly attentive to her care. Sadly, her daughter Michelle died in 2010. Leslie described herself as a “puzzlemaniac” and enjoyed ALL activities at the Gallatin Rest Home the last several years.


She is survived by her grandson, Thomas McGuane V; her son-in-law, Thomas McGuane IV; brother-in-laws, Steve Wilken and Charles Johnson, as well as nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held for Leslie on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11am, at First Lutheran Church, Bozeman, MT.

Roger Studt, 68

Funeral services for Roger D. Studt, 68, of Presho, SD were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD with burial in the Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery at Carter, SD.


Roger Dean Studt, 68, of Presho, SD passed away on Aug. 14, 2019 at his home with family present after a short battle with cancer.


Roger was born in Chamberlain, SD to John and Della (Quillin) Studt on June 27, 1951, the fourth of seven children. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD. He attended the New Lincoln Country School through the sixth grade, and at the Kennebec school his remaining grammar school years.


As soon as his feet reached the pedals, Roger was driving tractor, helping with field work and putting up hay in the summer. Even though there was an age difference of five years, Rogers’ older brother Bob often included his younger brother whether it was farm work or cruising the streets of Presho. They enjoyed hunting together and taking camping and fishing trips to the Big Horn Mountains. Roger held his brother in high regard; they were best friends his entire life.


At a young age of 13, Roger assumed the responsibility of the farm, as John his dad, pursued another vocation. He loved the farm, the farming. He enjoyed working and planting his fields; harvest in the fall, working the fields for the next planting season.

After raising pigs for 30 years Roger decided time for a change and put together a cow/calf operation. He enjoyed backgrounding his calves and watching his hard work pay off.


Roger had several interests. He was a talented mechanic, machinist, and carpenter. He enjoyed the challenge of trying to figure out how something worked and then to repair it. He often times was more successful than not. He enjoyed working with wood, remodeling or making gifts for giving.


Roger met “the best thing that ever happened to me” in 1987, his wife Diane. They shared 32 years together, 13 of those being married. Being a farm girl herself, after she retired in 2015, they spent most of their time together, sharing the love of the farm life. They enjoyed short get-aways usually to the Black Hills attending the Black Hills Stock Show and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with friends or just riding his Harley along the back roads.


Roger was the father of two children, Dana and Jeff.


Being grateful for sharing his life are his wife Diane, daughter Dana Studt (Tom) of Spearfish, SD and grandson Nolan; stepsons John (Lyn) Spear of Avondale, AZ and Todd (Cindy) Spear of Riverview, FL; six step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; brother Bob (Elaine) of Custer, SD; sisters Judy Raybon of Wendell, NC; Mary Lou (Tony) Urban of Presho, SD; Peggy (Tim) Boysen of Presho, SD; Lucy (Kim) Halverson of Oacoma, SD; and Lavonne Miller of Aberdeen SD; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Roger was a wonderful husband, a great dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and a good friend, he will be missed by many.


Roger was preceded in death by his parents John and Della Studt; son Jeffrey; and brother-in-law Shelton Raybon.


“Here Dad take my hand. Jeff? Yea Dad, I’ve been waiting for you. Take my hand and we’ll go to Heaven together.”

Mary Shea, 101

Mary Shea, age 101, of Philip formerly of Winner, South Dakota, died on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 at the Philip Nursing Home.

Mary Margaret Peters was born Jan. 8, 1918 at Colome, South Dakota, to Paul and Nora (London) Peters. As a child Mary lived in the Colome area, as well as, Gretna, Nebraska, while she was growing up. Mary was the oldest of five children and helped her mom with her four younger brothers. She graduated as valedictorian from Colome High School in 1939 and attended Springfield Teachers College. After attending college, she taught school and worked in a government office in Kennebec, South Dakota.

On Oct. 24, 1945, she was united in marriage to Donald F. Shea at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Colome. To this union four children were born: LeRoy, Dennis, Peggy, and Marilyn.

Mary was an excellent cook and baker and loved to feed family and friends. Her hobbies included: playing cards, dancing, baking, cooking, gardening, canning, crocheting, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, and crossword puzzles. While raising her family, she baked homemade bread and cinnamon rolls once a week. She did a lot of crocheting, including making an afghan for each of her eleven grandchildren as well as “double-knit” block quilts for them. She loved to have visitors as well. In the later years she especially loved visits with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church of Colome and Immaculate Conception Church in Winner, Willing Workers Extension Club, Catholic Daughters of America in Colome and Winner, the Colome American Legion Auxiliary, and Retired Teachers Association.

Grateful for having shared Mary’s life are two sons: LeRoy (Sandi) of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Dennis (Judith) Shea of San Diego, CA; two daughters: Peggy (Rick) Palecek of Philip, and Marilyn (Pete) Anderson of Brookings; eleven grandchildren: Nikki (Jim) Rhomberg, Phillip (Katie) Shea, Samuel (Kim) Shea, Donald (Patty) Shea, Laura (Chris) Coyne, Daniel (Christina) Shea, John (Allison) Palecek, Daniel (Tracy) Palecek, Anne (Alex) Chmura, Shaun (Jess) Malady, and Conan Malady; 21 great-grandchildren: Emmalee and Andrew Rhomberg, Claire, Madeline, Colin, and DanniRose Shea, William, Joshua and Emma Shea, Anthony and Jacob Torres, Addison and James Shea, James, Georgia and Jack Palecek, Lily, Elizabeth, and Vivian Chmura, and Luna and Leo Malady; one brother Paul Peters; one sister-in-law, Martha Peters; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald in February of 1988; her parents Paul and Nora Peters; and three brothers, Jack, Gene (Ginger), Leroy (Mary) Peters, and sister-in-law Norma Peters.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.

Interment followed the luncheon after the funeral at the Colome Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

Belva London, 89

Belva London, 89, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility.


Mass of Christian services will be held Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD with burial in the Colome Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. at the church.


Belva London was born on Dec. 26, 1929 to Guy and Bernice (Boyd) Rockafellow in Kimball, SD. She was an only child. After her father’s passing in the early 1940’s Belva along with her mother and grandmother moved to Chamberlain, SD where Belva worked at the hospital as an aide.


On April 19, 1946 she married Patrick (Patsy) London in Chamberlain. To this union one son was born, Dennis London. They lived south of Colome on a farm for fifteen years before moving to Reliance, SD for three years. Pat then accepted a position in 1964 with F.C.I.C as a field representative and at that time relocated the family to Yankton, SD. They lived there for over 27 years. While in Yankton Belva worked as an aide at the hospital.

In 1991 after Pat had retired, they then made their home in Winner, SD. Her husband Pat passed away in 2000 but Belva continued to live in her home until 2014 when she moved into the Elder Inn in Winner. As Belva’s health declined she stayed a few weeks at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility.

Belva will be remembered for her loving care for her family. Belva and Pat took in their Grandson Aaron London at 10 months old and raised him as their own giving him love and support. Their love for family continued when they took in Aaron’s half-sister Shelly for a short time. During this time Belva and Pat were caring for Belva’s elderly mother in their home. After retirement Pat became ill and Belva lovingly took care of him at home until the time of his death.


Belva was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pat, and her son Dennis.


She is survived by her Grandson Aaron (Kerri) London, and Great grandsons William and Henry London all of Rapid City, SD, her Granddaughter Shelly Pierce, husband David and their two sons Tyler and Dylan all of Plano Texas, many London nieces and nephews, and her special friend Heidi O’Bryan of Colome.

Karen Week, 70

Karen Faye (Lowry) Week, age 70, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.


A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the White River Cemetery, in White River, SD.


Karen was born Sept. 29, 1948 in Valentine, NE to Melvin & Ruth Lowry of White River, SD. She joined 2 sisters (Melva & Linda) at home. In 1955, Karen’s mom remarried to Robert (Bob) Winters & to this union Karen got a baby sister, Sheryl.


Karen grew up in White River, SD. She loved being on the Novey ranch where she rode horses and had many animals she watched over. She enjoyed her family. She attended White River School & graduated high school in 1967.


Karen met her husband Arnold in October 1966 while babysitting for her sister Linda. Karen & Arnold were married on Aug. 27, 1967 at the Lutheran Church in White River. After they were married, they moved a few times while Arnold worked construction. They moved back to White River, and started their family, in 1971 they were blessed with a son, Robert, and in 1978 a daughter, Rita. Karen worked in the café business and later took a job with the Mellette County News, she retired in 1999.


Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. You could always catch her at the café having coffee with her friends after work. She loved being a grandma, and spent many days & hours with her grandkids, she would do anything for them, and they talked her into do everything for them.


In 2014 Karen moved to Winner as she was starting to have some health problems, and needed to be closer to her children, and grandkids. She was later diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and traveled to Sioux Falls for chemo, she did amazing through treatments and was cancer free in February 2018.


Karen is survived by her children, Robert Week (Michelle), Rita (Greg) Pravecek all of Winner. Grandkids Lauren, Jaikob, Cailob, Adysen, Alex, Payton, Chelsea, Brittany, Dustin, Eric, Kayla, & Kenzie. Three sisters Linda Sumners, Melva Vik, & Sheryl Ferdinand all of Spearfish. A special sister-in-law Janice Ring of Norris, sister-in-law Carol (William) Tuttle, Belle Fourche, brother-in-law Rod (Rhonda) Week of Kearney, NE. And many nieces, nephews, and many close friends.


Karen is preceded in death by her husband Arnold, her parents Melvin Lowry, Ruth & Bob Winters, her mother & father in law Reinhart & Mabel Week, a special granddaughter Shauna Pravecek, & brother-in-law’s Reinhart Jr., Bernard, Jack, Roger, & Allen.

Joseph Janak, 97

Joseph Louis Janak, 97, of Winner, SD passed away on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center in Winner, SD.


Funeral services will be on Saturday Aug. 24, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday Aug. 23, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 5-6 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 6 p.m.


Janak was born on April 30, 1922 to Mr. and Mrs. Lou and Anna (Staska) Janak who lived north of Jordan Corner near Winner, SD. He received his elementary education at Royal School near there and attended high school in Winner.


Joe went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Camp and was in charge of the construction work for the Sheridan Dam, which was constructed in 1937 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Joe was also a member of the construction crew, which built the original runway at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD.


From 1940 to 1943 he worked for Joe Week’s Livestock Company in Winner where he drove a truck and also purchased cattle for Week’s. In 1943, Joe entered the US Army and served as a tank commander with an armored battalion in both Africa and Italy. Joe served in five major campaigns in Italy and his unit spent 387 days in the front lines without any relief. During this time his unit suffered 83 percent casualties. He was a decorated WWII Veteran and received his honorable discharge in December, 1945.


On Sept. 16, 1946, he married Bernetta M Erickson, daughter of Clarence and Marina Erickson. To this marriage, they had four children, DuWayne, Gregory, SD; Delaine (Janak) Larson and husband Dale, Sioux Falls, SD and fraternal twins, Brent and Beverly (Beck), Winner, SD and Beverly (Janak) and husband Randy Sprenkle, Sioux Falls, SD.


Upon his return to Winner Joe drove a truck for Ray Kahler, and then he entered the grocery business where his first position was a grocery clerk for the IGA Store in Winner. After a year, Joe went to work as an assistant meat cutter at the Outlaw Trading Post and was promoted to manager of the meat department for 13 years.

When the Outlaw sold out, Joe went to work for the Ideal Chain Stores in Chadron, NE as a manager of the meat department for five stores. After holding this position for one year, Joe returned to Winner and worked at the Westside Grocery market for one year.

After working many years in the grocery store business, Joe and Bert made the decision to buy a restaurant in Winner. Joe and Bert owned and operated the B & J Salad Bowl Cafe from 1961 until 1970. They moved to Minot, ND where Joe managed the Knights of Columbus Supper Club for 4 years before moving to Commerce City, CO. in 1976. Joe was a member of the Meat Cutters Union while employed at Kings Sooper for 11 years; he retired in 1987. His free time allowed him the opportunity to manage “Joe’s Swap Shop”, fish, travel, process wild game in addition to enjoying time with his family and friends.


Joe is a lifetime member of the VFW and is also a member of the American Legion, Elks and Knights of Columbus, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In addition to his love for fishing and hunting, Joe was also an avid baseball fan.


Joe made many new friends during his stay in the Winner Long Term Care Facility in 2015 until his death. He lived a very upbeat and social life as one of their residents and fulfilled his role as ‘ambassador’ and always speaking highly of his medical team, especially, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Berg, and Dr. Wagner.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Bert, son, Brent, and daughter-in-law Lil (Engel) Janak, his parents, Louis and Anna (Staska) Janak, in-laws Clarence and Marina (Suing) Erickson, siblings James, Alice, Leonard, Leo, Dorothy (Janak) Reynolds, Rosalie (Janak) Vedral, and great granddaughters, Maxx and Mallory Janak.


Joe is survived by one sibling, Theresa (Janak) Snow, Dallas, Texas; three children: DuWayne, Gregory, Dee Larson (Dale), Sioux Falls, and Bev Sprenkle (Randy), Sioux Falls, 7 grandchildren; Jeff Evans, Lee, Nick (Katie) Larson, Ashley (Will) Oliver, Jay (Sarah) Janak, Eric (Amanda) Sprenkle, Jen (Jordon) Terveen, and great grandchildren: Jack and Elizabeth Evans, Julia and Blake Larson, Maddie and Walker Oliver, Mason, Miley and Miriah Janak, Nate, Zach, and Noah Sprenkle, Nola and Gus Terveen, and Jesse.

Colome Welcomes O’Doan as New Principal

By Colton Hall

Staff Writer

The school year is upon us.

New additions every year are part of any school district.

This year, the Colome Consolidated School District welcomes Dr. Debbie O’Doan as the new K-12 Principal.

O’Doan is originally from Martin where she graduated from Bennett County High School.

After high school, Dr. O’Doan went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in elementary and middle school teaching. Following that,  O’Doan went on to receive her master’s degree of technology and doctorate degree in college administration from The University of South Dakota.O’Doan recently received her Education Specialist degree in K-12 administration from Wayne State College in Nebraska. Dr. O’Doan is looking forward to being a part of Colome.

“Colome has always been one of my favorite towns that I’ve driven through on Highway 18,” Dr. O’Doan said. “I really liked the town, and I wanted to be here.”

O’Doan has extensive work experience, boasting over 14 years of experience in the state of South Dakota alone. For seven years, Dr. O’Doan was a trainer of teachers in the state of South Dakota as part of the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative/TIE of Sturgis.

“I’ve taught at every grade level,” Dr. O’Doan said. “Whether that’s elementary, middle or high school, I have taught it. My parents still have a ranch in Bennett County, so I’ll be closer to home. I’ve got nieces and nephews in Aberdeen. I like small communities and I wanted to be able to serve them. I’m very excited to be here.” 

For three of her 14 years of experience Dr. O’Doan was a gifted and talented coordinator and teacher. Dr. O’Doan was also a building technology facilitator in Gillette, Wyo.

O’Doan brings a fresh, educated, and motivated perspective to the Colome Consolidated School District. She is looking to build solid relationships, trust, and cohesion to the position.

“I want the parents and teachers to know that I really enjoy students,” O’Doan said. “I can’t wait to serve them and their parents. I want them to know that I want to be here to serve and help them in any way I can. I want to be available to students and families to ensure that I make things work to help to meet the children’s needs. I hope to provide really strong leadership for the district.”

Kinzer Signs with Dakota State

By Colton Hall

Staff Writer

Colome’s Jackson Kinzer, The Daily Republic’s 2018 Football Player of the Year has signed to play college football for the Dakota State Trojans. (Matt Gade / Mitchell Daily Republic)

One of the best all-around athletes in the state of South Dakota has signed a letter of intent to play college football.

  Jackson Kinzer, Colome, will be playing for the Dakota State Trojans this year, and he won’t be alone. Kinzer will join his former high school teammate, Chase Dufek.

  Kinzer will be playing quarterback for the Trojans one year removed from a 12-0 season as quarterback of the Colome Cowboys where he received many rewards including an all-state selection, and Ben Connot as his coach.

  Kinzer gained 2,834 all-purpose yards, scored a total of 46 touchdowns, and helped lead the Cowboys to a state title in 2018.

  While Kinzer is known to be dangerous with the ball in his hands as a runner, he excelled as a passer as well. Kinzer finished with about 1,396 passing yards, and 24 touchdowns with no interceptions.

  Not bad for a quarterback that hadn’t played the position since 7th grade.

  While he is obviously a great football player, Kinzer was also a standout basketball player who scored over 1,000 career points for Colome High School. Kinzer received a second-team all state selection while averaging over 18 points a game in 2019. 

  Kinzer polished off his impressive athletic resume while being an even better baseball player. Kinzer was rewarded for his efforts by being a first-team all-state selection in 2018 and 2019.

Martin Jorgensen, 95

Martin Jorgensen Jr., 95, Ideal, died Aug. 9 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care facility.There will be a celebration of life for Jorgensen on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall in Winner.

The family would like to invite all to join them for a night of food, fellowship and an opportunity to share stories and honor Martin’s life.Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Burial will follow in the Winner Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Oct. 14 from 6-7p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a rosary at 7 p.m.