Category Archives: News

Leroy Harry Hodge was born July 14, 1935 to Harry and Arvilla (Kulbel) Hodge in Winner SD and was baptized in the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church on October 27, 1935. He spent most of his grade school years at Frater School and Center Moss School. He graduated from Winner High School in 1953.

On August 5th, 1954 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Audiss. To this union four children were born; Kelly James, Debra Kay, Becky Sue, and Lana Marie.

Leroy was a member of the Center Moss school board, Deacon and Treasurer of the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hamill, member of the Hamill Soil Conservation District and a member of the Resource Conservation Development Board and State Conservation Commission Board.

In April of 1993, Leroy had a heart transplant at the University of Minnesota Hospital.

His hobbies were farming, hunting, and visiting with friends.

Leroy passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the Highmore Healthcare Center in Highmore, SD, at the age of 81 years, 2 ½ months.

Dorothy was born in White River, South Dakota, to Charles and Edith Hight, the youngest of 10 children. She attended college at Dakota Wesleyan University. After graduating, Dorothy taught in Ft. Pierre and Belle Fourche South Dakota, and then in Canby and Bloomington Minnesota. Upon retirement, Dorothy and Phyllis enjoyed fishing, gardening and being outdoors. They made their way to Harlingen, which has been their home for over 20 years.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her kindness, her generosity and humor. In addition to Phyllis Flach, Dorothy is survived by sister-in-law Ramona Hight, many nieces and nephews, and their families.

A funeral service for Dorothy was held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen on October 6.

Brent Joseph Janak was born May 5, 1954 to Joseph and Bernetta (Erickson) Janak in Winner, SD. He has an older brother Duwayne, older sister Delaine, and twin sister Beverly.

Brent enjoyed the outdoors and riding his bike and was an accomplished skateborder. In high school he developed his love of cars. Brent attended St Mary’s Catholic School through the 6th grade then he attend winner public school where he graduated in 1973.

After high school, he worked at numerous jobs including Mike’s Body Shop, Grossenburg’s, Nagel’s Body Shop. Brent also ssold fire alarms and worked at KWRY as a DJ. He started his own business Brent’s Body and Glass in 1990 where he did body and glass work in addition to towing, Uhaul rental and fixing bikes for the “Bikes for Kids” program.

Brent married Lil Engel on February 21, 1976 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Their son Jay was born on August 14, 1980. Lil died unexpectedly on March 15th,1993.

Brent was active in many civic groups over the years including the Masons, OES, Jaycees and most recently the Rotary Club.

Brent later married Beverly Beck at the United Methodist Church in Winner on July 26, 2003. Together they enjoyed attending family functions watching Nascar and taking care of the dogs.

Brent used his auto body skills to restore his 1934 Chevy Master Sedan name “Lil 34”. His car was a highlight of any car show it was at and it won numerous awards? Brent is a former member of “Street Masters” car club of Pierre, and current member of “Praire Curzers” car club of Winner.  Brent loved Nascar and he and Bev attended several races included one on their honeymoon.

Brent enjoyed talking to people and making new friends. He rarely missed a family function or visiting someone in the hospital He enjoyed talking to his grandkids, nieces, and nephews in his Donald Duck voice.

Brent was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2013. He faced his illness courageously, always had a smile, and was ever hopeful. On February 18, 2016 was put on the active transplant list. He then moved for 6 month to north field, MN and waited for a donor. While there Brent volunteered at a local Senior Center.

On August 7, 2014 the Dr.’s said he could go home. He wasted no time packing and heading for Winner. Brent’s health continued to decline and the Doctors thought he should be in Rochester so they could monitor his care. So On October 23, 2015 he checked in at St Mary’s Hospital.

Brent spent two months reading through the Bible while in Rochester waiting for new lungs. His faith was deepened and strengthened through it all. He was a man of his faith. Brent told Bev “when I come home, I want to read through the Bible together”. Brent was an inspiration to everyone at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was always encouraging others and excited when his new friends received their transplants. Brent enjoyed all the visitors this last year and especially appreciated the group on Mennonites girls that would come to the hospital and sing to him. Brent waited patiently at the hospital for 11 ½ months. Brent passed away on October 3, 2016, his long, hard fought, inspirational battle for breath was over.

Brent loved his family and made sure they felt comfort through his struggles. He told them it has been an incredible ride. I know where I am going and there will be no more pain, all is good.

Sid was born at home on July 24, 1940 in Wood, SD. He was the oldest child of Fred Dimond and Carole McKee. He graduated from Winner High School in 1959. Following graduation, Sid enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until 1963 on the USS Taylor as a Radar Specialist. While aboard the USS Taylor in the Pacific, Sid participated in Operation Dominic, the last above ground atmospheric nuclear test at Johnson Island Atoll about 825 miles southwest of Honolulu. Upon his discharge from the US Navy, Sid returned to Winner, SD.

On January 18, 1964, he and Sharon Farner were united in marriage. They moved to Pierre, SD and later to Edgemont, SD, where he was employed as a Railroad Engineer with the Burlington Northern Railroad until he retired due to illness. They returned to Winner where they have resided for the last 35 years.

Sid and Sharon were blessed when Travis entered their lives. Sid enjoyed his time sharing knowledge with Travis and seeing Travis develop his own desire to learn and share that knowledge with others. Sid was always a great “teacher”.