Category Archives: News

Dawn died Oct. 9, 2016 surrounded by her family at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN.

Dawn Michelle Connot Knoepfle was born September 21, 1971 in Winner to Melvin and Rosemary (Shoemaker) Connot. Dawn grew up on the family farm in Tripp County. She attended Sully School, and later Winner Public Schools, graduating in 1989. Following some college, she joined the work force.

On October 17, 1997, she married Marlo Knoepfle, and welcomed his daughters, Victoria and Andrea into her heart. Dawn was compassionate about all animals, especially her beloved cats. She enjoyed camping trips, and later motorcycle rides with Marlo. The Aberdeen Relay for Life was her special project for several years.

Ida Karlin joined Jesus on Monday October 10, 2016. She was born on June 27, 1915 at home in rural Tripp County South Dakota to Wilhelm and Wilhelmina Banek.

Ida Karlin joined Jesus on Monday October 10, 2016. She was born on June 27, 1915 at home in rural Tripp County, South Dakota to Wilhelm and Wilhelmina Banek.

She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church. She attended country schools through 8th grade. In 1928 her family moved to Mellette County for a better opportunity. She attended 9th grade in Norris, South Dakota. She finished her high school education in Winner, South Dakota graduating in 1933. She next attended Springfield Normal School later becoming South Dakota State Teachers College where she received a one year Teaching Certificate allowing her to teach in rural schools. She taught a number of rural schools until she married her childhood sweetheart John Karlin in 1939.

They had 2 daughters and a son. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. She was a Sunday School teacher and was loved by her students. She was also a member of the Lady’s Aid Society and LWML.

Ida returned to teaching in 1956 at the Surprise Valley School in Mellette County. She continued teaching in the Todd County School System and worked toward her degree in Education at Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, South Dakota, where she obtained her Bachelor Degree in 1971. Ida retired in 1976 and returned to the farm.

John and Ida retired to Winner, South Dakota in 1978 and began their new life. They both became active in the Senior Center making new friends. Ida served as Committee Chairman that established Golden Age Meals at the Center.

In 1979 Ida obtained her EMT Certification, was a member of Tripp County Genealogical Society, was a member of Kitchen band at the SR. Center, assisted with the Library Book Cart at the then Baptist Hospital and Christ Lutheran Church.

During retirement they traveled extensively. After John’s death Ida spent time with Agnes Marie in Willits, California and winters in Pensacola, Florida with Eunice. She became part of Grace Lutheran in Pensacola participating in OWLS (Older Wiser Lutherans) and Craft Club.

Ida loved attending the coronation at Winner Homecoming and participating in the roll call portion.

She rode in the Homecoming parade in 2015 at 100 years of age.

She loved gardening, her flowers and grew violets. The fruits of her labor whether vegetables, fruit, or flowers gave her great joy. This love was installed in her Children.

Franklin Paul Swartz was born on November 18, 1946 to Jerome and Virginia (Pitchford) Swartz. He grew up and lived his whole life on the family farm.

Frank attended rural schools for 8 years and graduated from Winner High School with the class of 1965. A farm accident when he was 11 years old didn’t stop him from doing anything he wanted to do.

On May 28, 1966 he married his high school sweetheart Judy Kaiser. To this union 1 son Jeffery was born.

Frank was very active in the Hamill Community serving 25 years on the Hamill Hall Board and coaching Country Conference Basketball. He served as a conference chairman for the Tripp County ASC. Frank was very active in the Rosebud Arrow, Rod and Gun Club where he helped to teach kids to shoot trap. His love of trap shooting was passed down to his grandsons who were his pride and joy. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and trapping with his family.