John & Mavis (Miki) Janecke absolutely love living in Winner, SD. When living in Wonder Lake, Illinois, for 37 years, neither felt like they had a sense of community. Miki didn’t know many neighbors and John didn’t know streets that were 2 blocks from their house. Miki states, “It wasn’t as conducive to friendliness as you guys are out here. Everybody was tucked away in their own little cocoon.”
In 2007, they started vacationing to South Dakota. On their first trip to South Dakota, Miki met Mabel Schmit. She said, “I just really enjoyed her and I still do!” During one of the trips, John decided he was going to retire in South Dakota because of taxes, the open area, agriculture, hunting and fishing. Miki adds, “And don’t forget the friendly people. I just love the people of South Dakota.”
Before moving to South Dakota, they had visited everywhere in the state except northwest South Dakota. When asked why they settled on moving to Winner, they both expressed “because we kept winding up in Winner when we would vacation to South Dakota.” Miki said, “Here we are again!”
In November 2015 they purchased the John & Helen Slouka property and moved a house in shortly after that. Miki states there are opportunities in Winner to make long lasting friendships that are sort of like family. She is a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Extension, Catholic Daughters, Quilting Guild, Winner Area Right to Life, and Rosebud Arrow, Rod & Gun Club. John is a member of Rosebud Arrow, Rod & Gun Club, Knights of Columbus, Pheasants Forever, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The only challenge Miki sees living in the rural area is shopping. If MEMS doesn’t have the fabric she wants, she will look for it in a larger city. Otherwise, she will take a small community any day. John indicates he would like to see a larger selection of building supplies, but he states this is nothing that is unsurmountable.
For fun, John likes to help Glen Novotny on his farm and move cattle with Brozik Angus Ranch.
Both John & Miki state that there is no comparison of urban people to rural people here. John states, “We love it out here”.
John is a retired police officer from Illinois and currently is working part-time for Winner Police Department. Miki worked 25 years for Baxter Healthcare in various departments and retired from the Integrity Customer Database, which insures that the customer information is always 100% correct and compliant with laws. Baxter Healthcare manufactured and distributed medical supplies, such as IV Solutions and some drugs, and manufactured medical equipment.
When asked what advice they would give people moving to Winner, Miki states, “If you have never been here before, come out and spend some time. Get acquainted with shop owners.” John adds, “Enjoy the people. We have not found a jerk yet!”
Loading ...