Category Archives: News

Russell Robert Kinzer, 88, of Colome, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory after a brief struggle with cancer.

Funeral services were held April 23 at the Berean Church in Gregory. Burial followed at the Colome Cemetery.

Russell was born at the farmhouse south of Colome on Sept. 3, 1933, to Joseph (Vern) and Ernestine (Delfs) Kinzer.  In his early years, he enjoyed spearfishing (with pitch forks), playing baseball and hunting around the family homestead on the Buttes, along with his dad and brothers.

He boarded with his grandparents in Colome while attending high school where his enthusiasm for sports broadened to basketball and football.  High school is also where he met Marjorie and where their romance blossomed.  During his high school years, he was fond of attending youth group where he placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior. 

Russell graduated from Colome High School in 1951, where his motto in the yearbook was “There’s never a dull moment when he’s around.” 

On March 1, 1953, Russell was united in marriage to Marjorie Farris.  Through this union seven children were born.  After living in Lake Andes and Kimball where he worked in and eventually managed a Buches grocery store, he moved the family in 1959 to the Kinzer farm, making him a third generation farmer.  Here he raised various types of livestock, farmed, and managed a dairy.

During his lifetime he served on the Highland District #57 School Board, Colome School Board, and Stewart Township Board.  Russell also served as Corporal in the South Dakota Army National Guard.

Russell enjoyed coaching, watching his children and grandchildren play sports, and the occasional weekend golf game.  He found pleasure in gathering to play cards with family and friends.  His church family was also important to him and he faithfully attended services on Sunday.

He is survived by seven children:  David and Kathy (Hermsen) Kinzer of Tea, SD; Vickie Fastnacht of Olathe, KS; Cindy and Ken Lenker of Tulsa, OK; Debbie and Glenn Johnson of Alliance, NE; Mark Kinzer of Colome; Tammy and Scot Beaird of Olathe, KS; and Craig Kinzer of Las Vegas, NV; 26 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren; two sisters Jeannine Johnson of Des Moines, IA, and  Diana Syfie of Ainsworth, NE; and one brother, Darol Kinzer of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law Carolyn Musilek and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie (Farris); his parents and parents-in-law, Martin and Mattie (Hopkins) Farris; his brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Evelyn (Simons) Kinzer; his brother-in-law, Walt Johnson; his sister and brother-in-law, Leila and Kenneth Adams; his sister-in-law Erna (Kahler) Kinzer; his brother-in-law, George Syfie; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arold and Rosie Farris; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leslie and Fern Farris; and his brother-in-law, Lyle Musilek.

Russell Robert Kinzer, 88, of Colome, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center in Gregory after a brief struggle with cancer.

Funeral services were held April 23 at the Berean Church in Gregory. Burial followed at the Colome Cemetery.

Russell was born at the farmhouse south of Colome on Sept. 3, 1933, to Joseph (Vern) and Ernestine (Delfs) Kinzer.  In his early years, he enjoyed spearfishing (with pitch forks), playing baseball and hunting around the family homestead on the Buttes, along with his dad and brothers.

He boarded with his grandparents in Colome while attending high school where his enthusiasm for sports broadened to basketball and football.  High school is also where he met Marjorie and where their romance blossomed.  During his high school years, he was fond of attending youth group where he placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior. 

Russell graduated from Colome High School in 1951, where his motto in the yearbook was “There’s never a dull moment when he’s around.” 

On March 1, 1953, Russell was united in marriage to Marjorie Farris.  Through this union seven children were born.  After living in Lake Andes and Kimball where he worked in and eventually managed a Buches grocery store, he moved the family in 1959 to the Kinzer farm, making him a third generation farmer.  Here he raised various types of livestock, farmed, and managed a dairy.

During his lifetime he served on the Highland District #57 School Board, Colome School Board, and Stewart Township Board.  Russell also served as Corporal in the South Dakota Army National Guard.

Russell enjoyed coaching, watching his children and grandchildren play sports, and the occasional weekend golf game.  He found pleasure in gathering to play cards with family and friends.  His church family was also important to him and he faithfully attended services on Sunday.

He is survived by seven children:  David and Kathy (Hermsen) Kinzer of Tea, SD; Vickie Fastnacht of Olathe, KS; Cindy and Ken Lenker of Tulsa, OK; Debbie and Glenn Johnson of Alliance, NE; Mark Kinzer of Colome; Tammy and Scot Beaird of Olathe, KS; and Craig Kinzer of Las Vegas, NV; 26 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren; two sisters Jeannine Johnson of Des Moines, IA, and  Diana Syfie of Ainsworth, NE; and one brother, Darol Kinzer of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law Carolyn Musilek and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie (Farris); his parents and parents-in-law, Martin and Mattie (Hopkins) Farris; his brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Evelyn (Simons) Kinzer; his brother-in-law, Walt Johnson; his sister and brother-in-law, Leila and Kenneth Adams; his sister-in-law Erna (Kahler) Kinzer; his brother-in-law, George Syfie; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arold and Rosie Farris; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leslie and Fern Farris; and his brother-in-law, Lyle Musilek.

Dick J. Ring, 59, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, April 16 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Graveside service were held on Saturday, April 23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Colome Cemetery in Colome, SD. A celebration of life was held at 2 pm, after burial, at the Colome American Legion in Colome.

Dick J. Ring was born to Walter R. Ring and Celestine “Sally” (Ruhkamp) Ring on March 28, 1963 in Gregory SD. Dick was the first of two children born to Walt and Sally.

Dick attended New Grand Valley country school until the 3rd grade. In the fall of 1971 they closed the country school and he started attending school at the newly built Colome Elementary School.

Dick grew up helping his dad on the farm in his younger years. Dick served on the Colome Volunteer Fire Department for a couple years while he lived in Colome. He worked for Carlson Construction driving truck and later worked many years for Roger Root, farming. He worked for the Root family until his health no longer allowed him to work.

Dick and Connie enjoyed going camping together and Dick loved to fish.

Dick leaves behind special friend, Connie Colson of Winner, SD, sister Lisa (Roger) Hauf of Colome, SD, son Dee Jay Ring, and a host of other family and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Celestine Ring; half-brothers Richard Leiberger and Lesley Leiberger, and half-sister Debra Christensen.

A celebration of life for Jack Lunne will be held in Colome, SD, in the summer of 2023.

John Joseph (Jack) Lunne, Gilbert, AZ, passed away April 17, 2022, after a valiant battle with cancer that lasted over 20 years.

Jack was the third of six children born to Joseph and Barbara (Mackrall) Lunne.

His early years were spent on a farm  near Wewela, SD, and attended Highland Country School. The family moved to a farm north of Colome, SD, and he attended the Viaduct Country School and graduated from Colome High School in 1964. He was the CHS homecoming king in 1964.

After graduation, he lived in Spearfish were he worked for the saw mill. Jack was drafted into the US Army in 1965, serving as an Honor Guard in Ft. Carson, CO. They conducted military rites for many young men who died in war in Vietnam. After his military service, he returned to Spearfish to work again at the saw mill.

Jack married Mary Jean (Lindgren) in 1966. To this union two children were born: Tina and Joseph. The family moved to Gillette, WY, in 1970 where he worked for the Campbell Co. School District, UPS, Salt Creek Freight, and AMAX Coal Mine, retiring in 2003.

In 1984, he met and married Patricia Duffel. Upon his retirement, they moved to Gilbert, AZ. Their love for travel took them all over, always sharing stories with family. The Peterson/Lunne family reunions were a special time.

While living in Wyoming, some of his most cherished times were hunting with brother Blaine and friends in the mountains. Jack and Blaine shared their love for softball, playing on the same team for several years, and enjoyed the challenge of a good golf game. Jack spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren.

Jack enjoyed many hours on baseball fields watching his grandson, Samuel and Maxwell and watching granddaughter Brooklyn play softball.

Survivors include his wife Pat of Gilbert, AZ; daughter Tina (Ryan) Pitts, grandchildren Samuel, Maxwell, and Brooklyn, all of Sierra Vista, AZ; son Joseph (Emily) Lunne of Durham, NC; two sisters, Alice Slade of Gregory, SD, and Ruth (Doug) Jones of Pierre, SD; brother Blaine of Buffalo, WY; brothers-in-law Dennis (Janice) Grenoble of Gregory, SD, and Curt Wiedman of Mission, SD; sister-in-law Caroline Peterson of Platte, SD; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews; and Krista Duffel, a special granddaughter who spent many summers with Pat and Jack in Pine Haven.

Mary Anita Liesinger passed away on April 8, 2022, in her home at Sioux Falls. Her loving husband Dave and family members, who had been caring for her as she battled cancer, were with her.

A funeral service is planned for Monday, April 25, 2022, at Calvary Chapel Church, seven miles south of Colome, SD. The service will be at 11 a.m. with a lunch following at the church. After the lunch, burial will be in the Colome Cemetery.

Mary Anita (Weidner) Liesinger was born to Gus & Orene Weidner at home on their farm & ranch south of Colome, SD, on May 29, 1952. She grew up there as the youngest of seven children. She attended eight grades of school at the one-room rural Stewart School which was a mile west of her home.

She was a member of Calvary Chapel Church a mile and a half northeast of their farm, and she was baptized to publicly show her Christian faith to the world about her confession of Jesus Christ as her Savior.

In 1980 Mary moved to Sioux Falls to attend Sioux Vocational School. There at the school she met the love of her life, David Liesinger, and they were married Nov. 26, 1982.

Mary worked for Holiday Inn as a housekeeper for almost 30 years. She then worked part time at Arby’s for 6 or 7 years until she started her courageous battle with cancer.

In Sioux Falls, Mary and Dave attended Central Baptist Church. She loved her Lord most of all and enjoyed attending church in person as long as she was able. While there she enjoyed the time of fellowship and activities with her adult Sunday School class. Another of her loves’ of a different type was football. She closely followed the Pittsburgh Steelers along with husband Dave on the national level, as well as regularly attending games for the Storm here in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area.

Mary was known for her love of knick-knacks and decorations of all kinds. She loved to decorate her house and wear jewelry for every little holiday on the calendar, but especially loved Christmas with buying and wrapping lots of little gifts. Her other interests included wearing and making bead jewelry.

Mary also had a special love for cats of all sizes and colors. She even had a pet deer, Bambi, when she was young that she raised with a bottle until it was fully grown. She had a love for dolphins and decorated with them whenever possible.

Mary was very friendly, made friends easily, was kind to others, and always worried about being a helper and a good hostess—especially offering to pass things at the table to anyone who was in need.

We know she is at rest in her Savior’s arms to enjoy eternity in heaven as she is welcomed home also by her Mom, Dad and brother Daniel. We know she’ll still have her big smile that she wore right to the very end.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother Daniel.

 She is survived by her husband, David

Liesinger of Sioux Falls, SD; stepmother, Marie Weidner of Tyndall, SD; brothers: Lee (Judell) Weidner of Colome, SD, Fred (Burdena) Weidner of Winner, SD; sisters: Judi Vobr of Colome, SD, Janice

(Dennis) Grenoble of Gregory, SD, Janell (Roger) Heath of Colome, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Robert Whitney, 85, Winner, formerly of Hamill, were held April 15 at the Prairie View Gospel Barn, Gregory. Burial was in the Iona Cemetery.

Robert Harold Whitney was born June 23, 1936, south of Kennebec, SD, on the family farm to Harold and Margaret (Hamer) Whitney. Robert passed away peacefully at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care on April 10, 2022.

  He attended Peyton Country School and then Kennebec High School and graduated in 1954. Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Korea on March 7, 1958, and discharged on March 4, 1960, as private first class.

Bob and Jean (Wagner) Whitney were united in marriage Oct. 26, 1963, in the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD. To this union three boys were born, Delbert, Rodney, and Clayton. Bob and Jean moved to Rapid City, SD, so Jean could finish business classes and he went to work at the Hubbard Feed Mill. Then in 1974 they moved to White River, and Bob worked for a rancher. Finally, they moved to Hamill, SD, on a ranch where Bob resided with his family. He ranched the rest of his life and raised his family on that ranch. Bob’s hobbies were riding horses, visiting neighbors, playing cards with family and friends. He enjoyed having a good cold beer and could roll a cigarette faster than someone could pull it out of their pack. Bob loved seeing his grandkids and great grandkids. In his younger days, he was in the rodeo as a bareback rider and later in life he loved attending rodeos. Bob was a true cowboy with a wild side.

Robert is survived by his children Delbert (Kim) Whitney of Hamill, SD, Rodney (Lori) Whitney of Iona, SD, and Clayton (Holly) Whitney of Gregory, SD; grandchildren Lilly Whitney, Tucker (Tanya) Whitney, Ben and Bonnie Whitney, Zane (Brandi) Whitney and Samantha Whitney; and great grandchildren TJ and Trig Whitney.

He was preceded in death by wife, Jean, father and mother Harold and Margaret Whitney, brother Ronnie Whitney, sister Josie Schoenfelder, sister Betty Worlie, sister-in-law Wanda Whitney, brother-in-law Ken Walling, niece Brenda Stiefvater, nephew Dan Stiefvater, and sister and brother-in-law Vince & Faye Endres.