Category Archives: News

Cleo Ann (Abbott) Barry was born to Bill and Kay (Cordes) Abbott on September 7, 1963 at Winner SD. With her loving family by her side, Cleo began her journey to heaven on Aug. 30, 2017. Growing up on their family ranch, Cleo “Kook” kept busy by doing chores, traveling, and competing in rodeos as a family, being active in 4-H, attending country schools, spending quality time with grandparents and keeping her siblings on their toes with her feisty personality! She graduated in 1981 from Todd County High School and was competitive in all sports. After graduation she attended college and then moved to Gillette, Wyo. She worked in a number of jobs, including the UPS and Gillette Airport. On Nov. 25, 1988 she roped and married the cowboy of her dreams, Wade Barry. To this union four children were born: Wade, Taylor, Tawny, and Windsor.

After marrying, Cleo and Wade, moved to Seattle, Wash., working for the US Post Office and Boeing Commercial Airline, respectively. In April of 1990, they moved to Carter, SD where they established their ranch, for the past twenty seven years. Cleo was a devoted mother and ranch wife. She loved supporting her children and always said that they were her biggest accomplishment! Cleo was fortunate to watch her children win many state and national championships in which she was their biggest fan. She was extremely proud of all of their personal accomplishments.

Cleo and Wade worked side by side at their ranch. They demonstrated the special skill of operating and managing a ranch and loving each other by following the rule of what happens in the corral stays in the corral! Cleo loved the ranch life and was very precise in keeping track of records and cow information, keeping the ranch running smoothly and her family in line!

Cleo also enjoyed playing softball and won numerous state titles in WY and SD. She also loved spending time at family events, playing cards and other activities – which she enjoyed competing and winning! Spending time boating and camping out with family always made her smile. Within the last few years, her smile was bigger and heart was fuller when she got the chance to love and cuddle her granddaughters.

Cleo’s faith was very important to her and she demonstrated this by battling and overcoming an aggressive type of cancer for many years. Cleo also had a very special place in her heart for anyone who is fighting cancer in any shape or form, including medical staff and survivors. Through countless hours and miles she showed her strength and faith as she continued to fight, demonstrating that GRACE and LOVE wins, not cancer.

Everyone who remembers Cleo, is asked to celebrate Cleo’s life in their own way. Enjoying making others smile with a funny quote, posting an inspirational and or ‘interesting’ Facebook post, sending an unexpected text or leaving a special ‘pick-me-up’ note, playing a practical joke and/or wearing one of her “Kook Fighting Mad Kicking Cancer Butt” t-shirts or bracelets in her memory would be quite appropriate. And also in her memory, no matter what life throws at you, be sure to keep, “Fighting like you’re the 3rd monkey to get on Noah’s Ark and it just started to rain!”

Cleo is preceded in death by her grandparents William and Inez Abbott and Milton and Hallie Cordes, and father in law, Darrel Barry.

Cleo is survived and forever remembered by her husband, Wade Barry; son, Wade Jr. (Stephanie) Barry and granddaughters, Emory and Brynlee of Gillette WY. Daughters, Taylor and Tawny and son, Windsor Barry all of Carter, SD. Parents Bill and Kay Abbott; mother-in-law, Viola Barry; brothers, Kasey (Karla) Abbott and Bryan Abbott, sisters, Tracy (Lance) Tucker, Lisa (Scott) Walton, Kodi(Chad) Blotsky; brothers-in-law, Darrel Wayne Barry and Rod (Terri) Barry and sisters-in law, Cheryl Pullins, Pam (Rick) Scott, and Shannon (Drew) Holmquist. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.

Thomas Louis Lillibridge was born Nov. 13, 1945 to Lowell Louis and Doris Lillibridge at Burke, SD. While attending the Burke School System Tom was chosen as the Boys State representative by the American Legion. He also lettered in football, basketball and track all four years. After graduating in1963 he attended Sioux Falls College, The University of the Seven Seas, and The University of South Dakota before graduating with a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Sioux Falls College in 1967. Postgraduate education includes graduation from the Iowa State Agricultural School of Banking and the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. The University of the Seven Seas experience was a 108-day semester on a ship, traveling around the world, with stops in fourteen countries.

Following graduation Tom returned to Burke and went into the banking business with his father and brother, John. In 1972 he became the manager of the Bonesteel Branch where he served until 1977. At that time Tom moved back to the home office in Burke. He was elected President of the First Fidelity Bank in 1982 and held that office until January of 2001 when he was elected Co-Chairman, a position that he held until his death.

In 1974 Tom was united in marriage to Dr. Cynthia J. Thoene. Cindy and Tom have lived in Bonesteel since that time. They have traveled extensively around the world including seventeen hunting safaris in various African Countries, and additionally safaris in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Spain, Argentina, Scotland, England, Sweden and Mexico, along with hunting trips in several Canadian Provinces and many states in the U.S. Having earned the Safari Club International’s Crowning Achievement Award placed Tom among the elite big game hunters in the world.

While in Bonesteel Tom has served as the Mayor of the City, President of the Commercial Club, and President of the Bonesteel Area Development Corporation where he served as a board member until the time of his death. He was also the Treasurer of the Gregory County Pumped Storage Site Water Corporation.

Tom served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Sioux Falls. He also chaired the National Music Museum Board at USD where he and Cindy funded the Lillibridge Guitar Gallery. He was a past President of the South Dakota Heritage Fund Board. He served on the University of South Dakota Foundation Board and both he and Cindy were currently serving on the Onward Campaign Committee. Tom was also a member of the board of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Foundation and a former board member of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Preserve South Dakota, and the Great Lakes of South Dakota Association.

While serving on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Heritage Fund, Tom was instrumental in leading the efforts of the Fund to raise $2.5 million to complete the installation of Phases II and III of the South Dakota Experience and during his tenure the Heritage Fund Board oversaw the installation of all three permanent galleries in the museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society. The Heritage fund raised an additional $2.5 million to fund outreach projects by the South Dakota State Historical Society, including the establishment of the South Dakota Historical Society Press, the development of traveling exhibits and suitcase education kits for classrooms, and upgrading the accessibility of the resources of the State Archives. The South Dakota Heritage Fund established an endowment fund to provide future income to continue the legacy of enriching the programs of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Tom and his wife, Cindy, have contributed generously to the annual and capital giving programs of the Fund.

Tom and his brother John completed over 45 years of combined service on the Board of Trustees and the USF Foundation Board. Tom co-chaired “The Greatest Gift Campaign” which raised over $31,000,000 for USF making it the largest capital campaign in University history. Tom served as the Chairman of the USF Foundation Board from 2008-2011 both giving and encouraging others to support student scholarship endowments. He also served as chairman of the USF Board of Trustees through 2016.

Tom’s influence and investment at the University of Sioux Falls and in the state of South Dakota took a giant leap forward when he and his wife, Cindy, established the Tom and Cindy Lillibridge Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (CELI). Tom knew that his investment was a long-term strategy that he would not fully realize during his lifetime. It was that kind of forward thinking and vision that made Tom such a great leader and influencer of other people.

The USD School of Business honored Tom and Cindy as South Dakotans of the year. They were honored as South Dakota Philanthropists of the year on National Philanthropy Day in 2001 and received the Inman Award from the University of South Dakota Foundation in 2011. In the year 2000 the University of Sioux Falls honored the Lillibridge Family with the Perisho Award. The South Dakota State Historical Society presented its highest recognition, the Robinson Award to Tom in 2005. He was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2013 for all of his leadership and achievements along with his generosity and service to the State of South Dakota.

In addition to banking, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and travel and was very much involved in a ranching operation raising Registered Angus cattle (Ponca Creek Cattle Company) until the time of his death. One of the accomplishments he is most proud of is establishing the Tom and Cindy Lillibridge Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation at the University of Sioux Falls School of Business.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Cindy, his brother John (Linda) Lillibridge, mother-in-law Leone Thoene, brother-in-law Fred Thoene, sister-in-law Shelley (Keith) Gemar, 7 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great great nephew, along with a host of friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Doris Lillibridge and his father-in-law, Logan Thoene.

Marvin Lewis Hoffer, 87, of Bridgewater, SD, formerly of Platte and Winner, passed to his eternal rest on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services were held 2 p.m.. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Mitchell, SD. A Committal Service with Military Honors followed at Green Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, SD.

Marvin Lewis Hoffer was born on March 9, 1930 in Reliance, SD to Mike and Edith (Harmon) Hoffer, joining a brother, Ronald and a sister, Wilma. At a young age, the family relocated to Presho, where Marvin attended Presho High School, excelled in sports and graduated in 1948.

While living in Presho, he met the love of his life, Carol Grace Cross. They were married on Oct. 29, 1950 and were blessed with five children.

Being of service to his country and community was of utmost importance to Marvin. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, returning home with a rank of Corporal.

Upon his return from the service, the Hoffer’s moved to Winner where Marvin finished his enlistment through the Winner National Guard. He worked at Winner Gas & Electric and eventually ran his own business, P&H Electric. He joined the Winner Post Office in 1961 as a substitute mail carrier. In 1978, he was appointed Postmaster in Bonesteel and officer in charge of the Tyndall Post Office. In 1981, he received the appointment as Platte Postmaster, where he worked until his retirement in 1992 after 31 years with the US Postal Service.

After retiring from the US Postal Service, along with his wife, Carol, Marvin became an owner/proprietor of MarCar Enterprises, a candy/vending business. MarCar was derived from combining Marvin and Carol’s names.

Marvin was a member of the Winner United Methodist Church, proudly serving in many capacities. Upon moving to Platte, Marvin and Carol joined the Olive Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and served on various church committees.

While living in Platte, Marvin was instrumental in bringing the Lyric Theater to the community, as well as serving on the Museum board, assisting with the relocation and upgrading of the museum.

Marvin loved giving of himself and was affiliated with many organizations that served and assisted others. He served on the Self Development of People National Committee for five years traveling to Haiti, El Salvador, Costa Rica and other places to set up grants for training camps. He worked to bring the SDCHIP (South Dakota Child Identification Program) to Platte. SDCHIP is an initiative of the Masons to gather standardized information and fingerprints of children in order to provide Law Enforcement with important tools to assist in the speedy and safe recovery of missing children.

Throughout his life, Marvin was a member and officer in many fraternal organizations: 35 year Mason where he held all offices at a local level, including District Master and reached the level of 32nd Degree Mason, Big Bend Shriner’s Club, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. He was the South Dakota State President for NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters of the United States) and a 50-year member of the American Legion.

In addition to serving his church, his community and his country, Marvin loved playing cards, Farkle and other board games, spending time with his family and hand-cranking homemade ice cream. He and Carol enjoyed square dancing and hosting card parties. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.

Remembered by those who loved him: four children: Marcia (Terry) Kindt of Mitchell, SD, Karla (Greg) Farrar of Hurley, SD, Darrel (Gloria) Hoffer of North Glen, CO and Leyna (Jeff) Hoffer of Eagan, MN; a special friend, Colette Van Hecke of Ethan, SD; nine grandchildren: Rebecca (Clarence) Hermanson, Dan (Chelsey) Kindt, Paul (Samantha) Kindt, Brad (Allison) Farrar, Jessica (Jim) Haneke, Clint Farrar, Zach Dietz, Christopher (Crystal) Cantin and Alex Hoffer; 18 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and “honorary” children.

Those who have gone before: his wife of 54 years, Carol (Cross) Hoffer (June 8, 2005); a son, Marvin Curtis Hoffer; grandson, Donald Kindt; his parents, Mike and Edith Hoffer; sister, Wilma Meyer; brother, Ronald Hoffer; and in-laws, Lloyd and Lorraine Cross.

Memorials in Marvin’s honor may be directed to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or First Presbyterian Church, 500 East 5th Ave., Mitchell, SD 57301.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through mountfuneralhome.com.

Michelle Ferguson, age 53, of Winner, passed away on Aug. 26, 2017 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility. Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church in Winner. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church with a Prayer Service starting at 7 p.m. An additional Memorial Service for Michelle will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury Connecticut at a later date.

Michelle Paige Ferguson was born Aug. 24, 1964 to Bill and Joan (Sieler) Ferguson in Rapid City SD, where Bill was attending SDSM&T. Michelle was baptized Sept 20, 1964 at Zion Lutheran in Rapid City and confirmed May 21, 1987 at Christ Lutheran in Winner SD. Upon Bill’s graduation as an Electrical Engineer the family moved east, first to Kokomo, Indiana, where brother, Michael and sister, Heather were born, and then to the Boston, Massachusetts area. Michelle loved school and the east coast. In 1976 the family moved back to SD to the family farm in Witten and Michelle joined Eden School in Lone Tree Township. It was a tremendous change from life in Harvard MA, to a country school.

In 1982 Michelle graduated from Winner High School and began college at SDSU in Brookings SD. Michelle remembered only the good things about the east coast and left college to work as a nanny for the McCarthy family in New York. Michelle enrolled in Long Island University where she finished her accounting degree in 1988 but continued to work as a nanny. Upon graduation Michelle enrolled in Pace University Law School. There she met fellow student, Rochelle Weisburg, with whom she developed a life-long friendship. They received their Juris Doctorates in 1991. Michelle passed the New York bar exam on the first try and began work at IBEW Local 1430 Union. Michelle continued her close relationship with the four McCarthy children, attending their sporting events, driving them to school events and being their go-to-auntie. Michelle loved the excitement and energy of New York City.

In 2003 Michelle experienced a sudden change in vision as she was driving to work. She was diagnosed with a frontal lobe oligodendroglioma brain tumor and immediately underwent surgery in Bethlehem, PA. The surgery was partially successful but her prognosis was shortened to only a few years. A stage two clinical trial for brain tumors was beginning at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital (MSKH) in New York City and Michelle became one of 65 participants. The cutting-edge treatment was an adult stem cell transplant where her immune system was reduced to nothing. Michael, who worked in New Jersey, was allowed to visit during this treatment, but Dr. Kaley of MSKH declared SD germs were not allowed, so the rest of the family could not visit. Michelle continued to work during her long battle with the recurring tumor, undergoing periodic chemo treatments at MSKH and an MRI every three months. She holds the record for the most MRI’s given to one patient at Sloan.

Eventually, the tumor forced Michelle to quit her job and take disability. She continued living on her own in Danbury, Connecticut, for 3 years and could still drive and explore New York City. While in Danbury, she was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed the quilting group and working with the Comfort Dog Program. Finally, in October of 2016, Michelle had to move back to Winner because she needed extra care. She lived in a private residence for 5 months and spent 4 more months at Winner Long Term Care until her death August 26, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Michelle is survived by her parents, Bill and Joan Ferguson of Witten SD; sister, Heather (Rev David) Otten and nieces Anna, Dorothy, Esther, Irene, Marlys and nephew, Gerhard of Gettysburg SD; aunt, Kathy (Harley) Furrey of Clearfield and Quinn SD; aunt, Janice Falen of Lacey WA; uncle, Al Trevino of Salt Lake City UT; and Great Aunt Gae Brock of Winner SD. Also surviving Michelle are the McCarthy children (Dana McCarthy of New York City; Ryan and Joanna McCarthy and their two sons of Salem NY; Sheri and Lee Preece and their two sons of Brewster NY; and Sean McCarthy of Los Angeles CA) and her dear friend Rochelle Weisburg and her two sons of Bronx NY. Also, many relatives and friends especially Deb and Tim Moeller of Winner SD.

Preceding Michelle in death were her grandparents, Emil and Ann Sieler and Donna and Vern Ferguson; her aunt, Karen Trevino; her uncle, Bill Clark; and her brother, Michael.

Michelle loved life and people and never complained during the 14 years she fought the tumor. Her response was always, “It could be so much worse.” Michelle also had a great sense of humor, and her favorite quip to family and friends was, “What is WRONG with you?”

Sandra Rae Erlandson, 65, passed away on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at her home in Black Hawk, South Dakota.

Sandy was the second daughter born to John and Betty (Konop) Rice on July 30, 1952 in Winner, SD. She graduated from Winner High School in 1970.

Sandy was introduced to Greg Erlandson by a mutual friend, and they were united in marriage on June 13, 1970 in Winner, SD and celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Sandy was a stay at home mom until she began 18 years of employment with Rapid City Regional Hospital; and was a teller for Dacotah Bank until she was no longer able to work due to her illness.

Sandy loved gardening, canning and cooking for her family. She also enjoyed watching the birds around her bird houses and flower beds. She was happy to have been able to take her first plane trip to Alaska last May with her children and grandchildren, to fulfill her dream of getting to see the whales.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Heather & Todd Madsen, Jeffry Erlandson and his fiancé Lifen Huang, and CJ & Jennifer Erlandson; grandchildren, Tia, Samantha and Shanda Madsen, and Solomon Erlandson; sisters, Cheryl (Bob) Frank & Donna (Lyle) Alberts; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.