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Ruth P. Bambas, 84, of Lodi died Thursday in a hospital. Mrs. Bambas was born in Tyndall, S.D. She lived in Lodi for 44 years. Mrs. Bambas was a homemaker. She was a member of Woodbridge Golf Country Club, Lodi Garden Club, Tokay Antique Club, St. Anne's Catholic Church.

Survivors: children, William J. Bambas and Laurie Bambas, both of Lodi; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services: memorial mass is pending. Mortuary: Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials, St. Anne's Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut St., Lodi, CA 95240 or Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation, 999 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, CA 95240.

__________________________________

Ruth P. Bambas, 84, of Lodi, died on December 7, 2000, in a Lodi hospital.

She was born on June 8, 1916 in Tyndall, SD, where she was raised. She graduated from Tyndall High School. She moved to Lodi in 1936, then to Beverly Hills in 1938. She married William F. Bambas on January 28, 1939 in Beverly Hills and the couple moved to Lodi in 1941. She then worked for Stockton Box Company for several years before staying at home as a homemaker for the last 60 years.

Ruth was a volunteer Pink Lady at Lodi Memorial Hospital for 37 years. She was a member of Woodbridge Golf & Country Club, Lodi Garden Club, Tokay Antique Club, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Lodi.

Ruth enjoyed antique collecting, garage sales, animals, bike riding, and traveling. She loved her dog Sophie.

She was preceded in death by husband of 60 years, William F. Bambas.

She is survived by son, William J. Bambas and wife, Toni of Lodi; daughter Laurie Bambas of Lodi; grandchildren, Debbie Chapman, Leslie Sykes, Kristi Johnson, and William F. Bambas; great-grandchildren, Alex, Bonnie, and Sam Sykes, Steven Chapman, Jordan and Giana Bambas, and Cassidy and Claire Johnson, and long time dear friend, Nancy Joy Phelps.

Ruth was a very positive, outgoing, and a friendly person to all. She will be dearly missed by her many friends and family.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church and inurnment will be private.

In remembrance memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne's Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut, Lodi, CA 95240 or to Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation, 999 S Fairmont Ave, Lodi, CA 95240.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home.

Michael Brown, 1950-2014

Funeral services for Michael K. Brown, 63, of Scotland will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at St. John Lutheran Church in Yankton, SD with Rev. David Gunderson officiating. The organist will be Donna Knodel. Honorary casketbearers will be Roger Pfeifle, Robert Civik, Keevan Simmonds, Randy Johnson, Rick Mahacek, Dave Kronaizl, Lowell Prickett, Wendell Simmonds, and “Mikey.” Active casketbearers will be Bruce Goodwin, Jeff Wolf, Steve List, Ray Bertrand, Brian Bertrand, Tim Schaeffer, Mason Lavaway, and Jerry Hess. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland. Visitation will be held at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland on Monday, April 14, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Michael died on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at his residence in rural Scotland, South Dakota.

Michael K. Brown went to meet his Lord and Savior Tuesday, April 8, 2014. He had been asking God to take him because he had been and was in terrible pain for several years. He couldn’t stand the pain and Michael’s prayers were answered.

He was born on September 10, 1950 in Yankton, South Dakota. He is the son of Alfred and Emma (Prickett) Brown. He was raised on a farm near Scotland, South Dakota and graduated from Scotland High School in 1968. Michael attended college for 3 years. He then worked in the oil field of Oklahoma, the mines of the Black Hills, carpenter work in California and Colorado. He then came home to farm with his father and that is where Michael passed away.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at St. John Lutheran Church in Yankton with Rev. David Gunderson officiating. The viewing of his body will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland.

Michael is survived by his mother Emma Brown of Yankton, SD; his daughter Jessica Lavaway and her husband Mason; his grandchildren Morgan and Orrin Lavaway of Akron, IA; his sister Suzanne Simmonds and her husband Wendell of Sioux City, IA; his nephew Keevan Simmons and wife Tanya; and four great nephews: Tommy, Ty, Blake, and Beckham of Marion, IA. Michael left behind many friends because he was such a good friend and so good to all people. He will be missed by many, many people.

He was preceded in death by his father Alfred, his grandparents Henry and Tressy Brown and Grover and Emma Prickett.

Funeral service for Arnold Breitenbach, 62, were held Saturday afternoon December 7, in the Congregational Church in Springfield, with the Rev. B. J. Trickey officiating and the Crosby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Bearers were Sam Henderson, Jesse E. Dawes, Mike Henderson, Fred Dawes, Glen Rodden and John Slattery. Interment was in the Springfield Cemetery.

Mr. Breitenbach was born at Arlington, Wisconsin on April 23, 1895, the second oldest in a family of seven children. He came to South Dakota in his early twenties and on December 21, 1917, he was married Florence Crosley of Santee, Nebraska. They moved to Wisconsin where they lived for two years, then returned to Springfield where they made their home for 22 years.

In 1943 they moved to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he was employed in the shipyards for four years, later working in a hospital in Appleton, Wisconsin for five and one half years. In 1954 they returned to South Dakota where they both were employed in the state hospital in Yankton. He passed away suddenly in the early morning of December 3, 1957. Mr. Breitenbach was a member of the Old Fellows Lodge and the Springfield fire department for many years.

Surviving besides the widow, Florence, are four children: Hilda, Mrs. David Enright, Wausaukee, Wisconsin; Elaine, Mrs. Ray Kuehne, Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Hugh of Chatsworth, California; and Lois, Mrs. Elden Johns of Superior, Wisconsin; and nine grandchildren.

Hugh Breitenbach, 59, Springfield, died February 13, 1983 at his home.

A memorial gathering with the family is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Crosby Funeral Home, Springfield. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Slade, Ray Bussey, Bob Nason, Wayne Barham, Bob DeRoos, Andy Devine, Bob Wertz and Francis Whipper.

He was born March 9, 1923 to Arnold and Florence Breitenbach of Springfield. He was married to Bette Greening.

Survivors are his wife, Bette, a son, Arnold, of Sylmar, California and three grandchildren, James, Daniel and Dina.

Rose Becker, 98, of Sibley, IA, formerly of Avon, SD, died Sunday, September 19, 2004, at the Country View Manor Nursing Home in Sibley, IA. Her funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2004, at the Friedensburg Bible Church in rural Avon, SD, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. to the time of the service on Saturday. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon, SD is in charge of arrangements.

Rose Adelia (Dahlenburg) Becker was born September 2, 1906, to William and Delia (Paul) Dahlenburg, near Springfield, South Dakota. She married Ben J. Becker on August 15, 1928. They farmed south of Avon and retired in the same area. They celebrated 60 years of married life together. Ben died on September 28, 1989. For the past seven years, Rose has been a resident of Country View Manor Nursing Home in Sibley, IA. She passed away at the manor on September 19, 2004, at the age of 98 years and 17 days.

Left to cherish her memory are three sons: Lawrence (Frances) Becker of Greeley, CO; Norman (Pat) Becker of Bigelow, MN; and Arthur (Catherine) Becker of Yankton, SD; nine grandchildren: Jeffrey (Rebecca) Becker, Jon (Mary) Becker, Sherry (Bart) DeBoer, David (Denette) Becker, Sandy (Kelly) Doeden, Dan Becker, Virginia (Brian) Ballard, Doyle Becker and Terry Becker; 13 great-grandchildren: JJ and Anna Becker, Ashley (Chad) Hibma, B.J. DeBoer, Taylor, Tanna and Kaylee Becker, Trista, Tanner, Thomas and Trevor Doeden and Brandi and Mason Ballard; one great-great-grandchild: Carter Hibma; two brothers: Paul (Marie) and William (Mildred) Dahlenburg and many nieces and nephews.

Rose was preceded in death by twin sons: David and Jonathon, her parents, husband and sisters: Amanda Friesen, Bertha Barber and Henrietta Ratzlaff.

Rose was firmly committed to her faith in God. On July 8, 1923, she was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. On June 23, 1926, she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. On January 9, 1927, she became a member of the Friedensburg Bible Church and remained a member there to the end of her life. She was an active member of the Women's Missionary Society. She was an excellent cook and entertained many guests in their home. She was involved in the care of her parents in their later years and Ben's mother lived with Ben and Rose for 18 years. Every day she would read her Bible and pray, until September 2003, when her eyesight became very poor. She was a real blessing to the staff and residents of the nursing home as she exemplified her faith in every way.

Rose was an avid prayer warrior for her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As she would pray, tears would stream down her cheeks as she remembered each of them by name daily. Her family felt surrounded by her prayers and she will be missed greatly.

Her desire, mentioned often, was that each of her children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren would come to know the Lord as their personal Savior, and would live for him.

Patricia Bjorum, 1944-2010

Patricia Ann (Engel) Bjorum was born Thursday, August 24, 1944 at Springfield, South Dakota. Her parents were Fred and Gladys (Van Haitsma) Engel. Her mother married Elmer M. Johnson on January 28, 1948. They lived in Viborg for a while, then moved to Tyndall where she attended high school. She worked for several businesses in Tyndall until marrying Elden Bjorum on February 14, 1965. They made their home a half mile west of Scotland. They had five children together and were married 45 years. She worked at home milking cows, managing a household, and her passion was gardening. Pat’s first job outside the home was working as a cook at the Scotland Good Samaritan Center. She also worked various jobs around Scotland, including leasing the Frostie Shop and she owned and operated Pat’s Café. She then worked for a number of years at the Scotland School doing janitorial work and as a library assistant. Patricia was known for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Patricia passed away on Tuesday, May 4 2010 at Landmann-Jungmann Memorial Hospital in Scotland, at the age of 65 years, 8 months, and 11 days after being afflicted with COPD.

Patricia’s memory will be cherished by her husband, Elden Bjorum of Scotland; five children: Kristine (Tate) McCann of Vermillion, Brian (Brenda) Bjorum of Valley Springs, Kerrie (Steve) Knakmuhs of Scotland, Jodi (David) Fischer of Menno, and Cory (Candy) Bjorum of Scotland; thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one sister, Darlene Slowey of Scotland; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Gladys Engel, her step-father, Elmer Johnson, a granddaughter, Brianna Bjorum, and two brothers, Jimmy Engel and Fred Engel.

Rose Bartunek, 83, Tyndall died Sunday (May 12, 2002) at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Leo's Catholic Church with Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 3-5:30 p.m. Tuesday with a 7:30 p.m. wake service at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall.

She was born on Aug. 4, 1918, in Dante, to Anton and Mary (Bame) Krcil. She married Joe Bartunek on May 4, 1937, in Dante. They farmed northwest of Avon until 1964, when they retired to Tyndall. She worked for several years at the Good Samaritan Center, at the Springfield Academy as a cook for several years and also cared for elderly couples in their homes.

She was an active member of the Senior Citizen's Center and enjoyed playing cards there.

She is survived by her children: Josephine (Vern) Pope, Rapid City; Clarence (Lillian) Bartunek, Avon; Joey (Carol) Bartunek, Wagner; and Leona (Larry) Vellek, Scotland; three sisters: Mary Sternhagen, Tabor; Jossie Honomichl, Wagner; and Leona Miller, Glenco, Minn.; one brother, John P. Krcil, Wagner; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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

Elizabeth "Betty" Brandt, 1916-2011

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 prayer service. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries, Zion Lutheran Church and the Yankton Homeless Shelter.

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Brandt, daughter of George and Mary (Vest) Kutsch, was born June 20, 1916 at Kearney, NE. She died unexpectedly Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. Betty attained the age of 94 years, ten months and nine days.

Betty’s mother died when she was eight years old. Her father’s sister moved in with the family and devoted her life to raising the family. Betty grew up in the Sumner, NE area and received her elementary education there. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1937 and then attended Concordia College in Seward, NE, for four years, graduating with a B.A. in Education. Betty taught at parochial schools in Kankakee, Il for two years and in Avon for two years.

While teaching in Avon, she met Fred A. Brandt. They were married August 20, 1941 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner, NE. Fred and Betty returned to the family farm, where they farmed for 50 years. Betty was a homemaker and farming partner and always a teacher at heart. Three sons were blessed to their union. Fred died October 23, 1988. Due to failing eye sight, Betty became a resident of the Springfield Assisted Living Center on February 23, 2009. At the time of her death, she was in Kearney, NE, visiting her sisters.

Betty was confirmed at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner. After her marriage, she became a member of Zion Lutheran Church and LWML in Avon, where she actively served all of her life.

Betty will be remembered for her enjoyment of quilting for missions and making church banners with her church group. She especially had a heart for people to know the Lord as their Redeemer. Betty had a quiet, yet powerful, strength..... always a teacher.

Thankful for having shared her life are her sons: Daniel, David and wife Sandra, and Douglas and wife Sharon, all of Avon; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; two sisters: Inez Dittmar and Viola Sattler, both of Kearney, NE; and many relatives and friends.

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

Paul Berka, 1951-2011

Paul R. Berka, of Brandon, SD passed away at age of 60 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Paul was born November 9, 1951 to Frank and Marie (Kinzie) Berka in Tyndall, SD. He grew up on a family farm. He attended South Dakota School for the Deaf. Following his high school, he worked at various places... Tyndall John Deere for 4 years, Tyndall Chev and Stinson Chev for 3 years,John Morrell for 9 years then Soukup Services for 14 years. Then later he worked for CSD Lawn & Snow Removals for another 9 years.

He was a life long member of South Dakota Association for the Deaf and South Dakota Deaf Anglers. He was well-known for being a great help to those who needed help with their vehicles. His favorite hobbies were to ride on his Harley, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his four brothers, James (Bonnie) of Salem, OR, Emil of Seattle, WA, Charles (Lynn) of Aumsville, OR, and Edward of Tyndall, SD; his three nephews, Justin Schenkel of Tyndall, Mike (Sandy) Schenkel of Avon, SD, Joey (Becky) Schenkel of South Korea; his brother-in-law, Dave Schenkel of Tyndall; one niece, Jodi (Gary) Eich of Silverton, OR; his special friends, Larry Fahy and Marge Morse both of Sioux Falls, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Mary Schenkel.

Marian Bower, 1917-2008

Marian H. Bower was born Monday, March 10, 1917 to Clarence J. and Anne (Hack) Bower on the family farm northeast of Tyndall. Marian dedicated her life to caring for her parents, grandparents, uncles and other distant relatives and friends. Marian helped on the farm and with the help of uncle Ed Hack raised turkeys, chickens and sheep. Marian also harvested many bushels of apples from their large orchard. Marian, her father, and uncle Ed moved to town in 1977 and from that point on she became very active in the Catholic Church. She cared for the altar linens, planted flowers and rose bushes around the church, and spent many hours working at the Father Cronin Center for funerals, weddings, and other gatherings. Marian served many meals on the farm as well as in town for the area priests. She was a member of St. Leo’s Altar Society, a Eucharistic minister and a member of the Catholic Foresters since 1934, serving as Treasurer for many years. Marian also served on St. Michael’s Hospital Auxiliary. One of Marian’s favorite hobbies was canning, especially pickles, and was extremely proud and happy to donate to any event. Marian died at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 26 days on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Avera Yankton Care Center after a long illness with Alzheimer’s.

Marian is survived by one sister, Evelyn Mach of Scotland; three nephews: Don (Elizabeth) Mach of Katy, Texas, LeRoy ‘Ray’ (Laura) Bower of Needles, California and Ken (Diana) Mach of Scotland; two nieces: Eileen (Warren) Johnson of Spearfish, South Dakota and Ruth Ann (Rick) Hoffman of North Platte, Nebraska; ten great-nieces and nephews: Eric Bower, Nicole (Bower) Martens, Christopher, Patrick and Kelly Mach, Victor, Jr., Joshua and Sarah Walter, and Darrin and Nathan Johnson; one great-great-nephew, Joey Johnson; and two great-great-nieces, Trinity Ziegler and Lucy Johnson.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Roy Bower, a sister, Laura Fuchs Tycz, a sister-in-law, Helen Bower, and three brothers-in-law, Tom Mach, Bud Fuchs and Charles Tycz, Sr.

Rolland "Rollie" Brattmiller, age 81, of Yankton and formerly of Tabor, SD, passed away Monday, June 6, 2005 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with the Rev. John Fischer, and Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Yankton, with military graveside rites by Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791. Visitations will be 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, with a rosary at 7 p.m. followed by a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Schweitzer, Bruce Schweitzer, Ronald Brattmiller, Daniel Rosberg, Richard Rosberg, David Rosberg and Jason Cwach.

He was the first born of six children to Fred and Sadie (Bley) Brattmiller of Ayrshire, Iowa, on March 1, 1924. After graduating from Ayrshire High School, he enlisted in the Navy serving during World War II. Rolland was honorably discharged on May 21, 1946. He owned and operated Brattmiller Plumbing and Electric at Tabor, SD, until his retirement.

Rolland married Rose Klasi on October 18, 1951, and had four children. His wife, Rose, passed away on June 28, 1976, of cancer. On December 26, 1978, he married Lorraine (Schweitzer) Sigel and they resided at Tabor, SD. In May 2003, Rolland and Lorraine moved to Yankton, SD.

For many years, Rolland had been active in the Tabor Volunteer Fire Department, was a school board member of the Bon Homme School District, a member of the Tabor Chamber of Commerce, Yankton Elks, Tabor American Legion, Ernest Bowyer VFW Post 791 of Yankton and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton.

Rolland enjoyed fishing and had a great love to travel. Rolland and Lorraine traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and China. The couple enjoyed their winter home in St. James City, FL, for many years.

Left to cherish his loving memory are his wife, Lorraine, Yankton; his children: Deanna (Gene) Bevers, Monticello, MN; Connie (Michael) Carda, Tea, SD; Karen (Chris) Jensen, Yankton, SD; and Robert Brattmiller, Tyndall, SD. He also has seven special grandchildren: Lee Carda, Gillette, WY; Kate Carda, Tea, SD; Stacy (Jason) Cwach, Des Moines, IA; Stephanie and Jessica Jensen, Yankton, SD; Andrea and Ryland Brattmiller, Yankton, SD; three brothers: Fred (Alice) Brattmiller, Ruthven, IA; Jim (Hope) Brattmiller, Spirit Lake, IA; and William (Ally) Brattmiller, Groveland, CA; two sisters: Doris Rosberg, Wausa, NE, and Ruth (Ray) Brownlee, Carroll, IA. Rolland has many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

His first wife, Rose, his parents, and an infant grandson, Ryan Brattmiller, preceded him in death.

David Balvin, 1929-2014

David Lewis Balvin was born on Friday, November 29, 1929 on the family farm six miles southeast of Tyndall, South Dakota to Frank and Mary Beatrice (Schneider) Balvin. He attended Pleasant Ridge Country School and graduated Tyndall High School in 1947. On December 27, 1950, David was united in marriage to Dolores Humpal. David spent his life working hard while farming, custom farming, and raising his family in Bon Homme County until his retirement in 1982. On September 16, 2004, David became a resident of Springfield Assisted Living Center and later transferred to the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall on August 3, 2009. During his time at the Good Sam, David helped with many of the repairs and small maintenance projects needed at the nursing home. In everything he did, David aimed for the best outcome; be it walking the fields, cleaning and polishing his machinery and auto, wood-working, or taking pictures. From the time of his youth into his stay at the nursing home, David had a green thumb. He took pride in the bountiful crops and beautiful flowers he nurtured, even lending his talents to the Assisted Living Center in the care of both their indoor and outdoor plants.

David died on Saturday, February 22, 2014 having attained the age of 84 years, 2 months, and 24 days.

He is survived by five children: Alan (Susan) Balvin of Tyndall, Charlene Tjeerdsma of Tyndall, Terry (Lisa) Balvin of Tyndall, Randy Balvin and special friend, Michelle Brigance of O’Neill, NE, and Greg (Vicki) Balvin of Springfield; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one brother, Francis Balvin of Rapid City; and 3 sisters: Rosemary Marek of Tyndall, Roberta Moravec of Rapid City, and Alice Cuka of Tyndall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary, son Frank in infancy, and sister Anna Marie Fuchs.

Paul H. Boese of Springfield, SD, hurrying to his home to see his father and mother once more before his death, lost out in his race against the Grim Reaper, dying this morning (July 17, 1913) at a local hotel. Young Boese was 21 years of age. His brother, Joseph J. Boese, was at his side when the end came. Paul Boese had traveled thousands of miles in quest of relief from Bright's disease. During the last several months he had visited several institutions, in Missouri and as far east as New York, but found no relief from his ailment. Physicians finally advised the young man to give up the quest and hurry home, to spend his last days with his parents. On the last lap of his journey, and happy because he would see his mother and father tomorrow, he gave up the battle. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Henry Boese of Springfield. The body was removed to the Weins and Samuels undertaking parlors and will be sent to Avon, SD, tomorrow morning. From there it will be taken overland to Springfield. His brother will accompany the body.

Robert L. Boese, 78, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, at Pleasant Park Estates in Oskaloosa. Robert was born Jan. 31, 1925, at Canistota, the son of Gustav and Katy Ries Boese. He graduated from the Freeman Academy in Freeman, with the class of 1946. After high school graduation, he farmed in the Avon area for several years. In 1948, he was married to Elona Boese at Avon. She died in January of 1974.

He attended Grace University in Omaha, Neb., for two years, and continued to live in Omaha for several years, and worked at Sears Roebuck & Co. They moved back to Avon to farm for a while, before moving to Pueblo, Colo., where he worked on construction including the Pueblo Dam, and also managed a food warehouse. They moved back to Freeman where he was a janitor at Freeman Academy, and later in Council Bluffs for several years.

On May 26, 1979, he married Goldie Severn at Council Bluffs. They moved from Freeman to Oskaloosa in December of 2000.

He was a member of The Evangelical Church in Oskaloosa; Gideon's International and he enjoyed cars, hymns, and hymn stories. He was very keen with dates, numbers and names, and was an artist and enjoyed drawing house floor plans, including the plans for the remodeling of their family home in South Dakota.

He is survived by his wife, Goldie, Oskaloosa; a son, William (Valerie) Boese, Dixon, Neb.; two daughters: Elizabeth (Lynn) Kaufman and Rebecca (Samuel) Barber, all of University Park, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Violet (Thomas) Ruppelt; and a brother, Glenn (Phyllis) Boese, all of Springfield.

Besides his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Boese; and a son-in-law, William Hora.

The funeral was held Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. in The Evangelical Church in Oskaloosa with the Pastor David Barner officiating. Burial was held Monday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Freidensburg Cemetery at Avon with Rev. Dudley Horning officiating.

Loretta Bouska was born on Monday, December 24, 1934 to Wesley and Pauline (Krieger) Bouska in Hutchinson County, South Dakota. She lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota for several years and later moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On January 8, 2014, Loretta became a resident at Palisade Manor in Garreston, SD and it is there that she died on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 having attained the age of 79 years, 3 months, and 8 day.

She is survived by four nieces: Julie Rice of Spearfish, SD, Connie Faulk of Yankton, Stacy Bouska of Yankton, Stephanie Bouska of Yankton; one nephew, Steve Bouska of Yankton; and sister-in-law, Shirley Bouska of Yankton.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Pauline Bouska, her brother Lawrence Bouska in 1991, and nephews, Jeffrey and Lonnie Bouska.

Doris Bambas, 1922-2008

Doris Frances Bambas was born on Friday, November 24, 1922 in Tyndall, South Dakota to Joseph and Frances (Toczek) Szymanski. Doris was united in marriage to Bernie Bambas on November 7, 1946 in Yankton, South Dakota. She was employed as a bookkeeper at Farmer’s Union Oil Company for 29 years and at the Tyndall Ford Garage for 10 years, retiring in 1988. She was a member of the Tyndall United Methodist Church. She was also a lifetime member of the Tyndall American Legion Auxiliary and the Bon Homme Heritage Association. She enjoyed painting, sewing, birdwatching and taking care of her pets. Doris passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall at the age of 86 years and 1 month.

Doris is survived by her sister, Florence VanNoy of Tacoma, Washington, a brother, Gene Szymanski of Stockton, California, and a brother, Cletus “Pete” Szymanski of Tyndall; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bernie, on April 17, 2008.

Bernie Bambas, 1916-2008

Bernie J. Bambas was born on February 6, 1916 on a farm near Tyndall to Frank and Stella (Benesh) Bambas. He attended two rural schools and Tyndall High School. He served 18 months in the Civilian Conservation Corps and enlisted in the Army in 1941. Bernie served 4 ½ years with the 34th Red Bull Division as a Medical Technician in the European Theater of Operations. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart during combat action in Italy and Africa. Bernie was united in marriage to Doris Szymanski on November 7, 1946 in Yankton, South Dakota. He was a carpenter for 12 years before starting Bambas Construction, which he operated until his retirement in 1986. Bernie built many of the existing homes in the Tyndall area. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Tyndall V.F.W., and a 24-year member of the Tyndall Fire Department, Elliot Hose Company #1. He enjoyed hunting (especially geese), fishing, gardening and golf. Bernie died on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall at the age of 92 years, 2 months and 11 days.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Doris Bambas of Tyndall; one brother, Marvin (Barbara) Bambas of Chino, California; a brother-in-law, Pete Szymanski of Tyndall; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Stella Bambas, a brother, Frank Bambas, Jr., and two sisters, Florence and Eleanor.

Joy Berendsen, 1943-2014

Funeral mass for Joy Ann Berendsen, 70, of Springfield will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield, SD with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. following the mass at Crofton Cemetery in Crofton, NE. Honorary casketbearers will be Joy’s granddaughters: Danielle Wiesen, Amber Krafczik, Taryn Glissman, Breanna Berendsen, Bayli Berendsen, Laine Berendsen, Carey Berendsen, Anne Berendsen, and Grace Berendsen. Active casketbearers will be Joy’s grandsons: Brandon Reed, Justin Reed, Nathan Reed, Robbie Krafczik, S. Kyle Krafczik, T.J. Glissman, Dominque Berendsen, Tayler Berendsen, and A.J. Berendsen. Visitation will be held at St. Vincent on Wednesday, April 2, from 5:00 p.m. until a 7:30 p.m. wake service. Joy Ann died on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at her residence in rural Springfield, South Dakota.

Joy Ann Berendsen was born on Thursday, December 30, 1943 to Darrol and Ella (Ware) Barnt at Bayard, Nebraska. She graduated from Crofton Highschool. On April 23, 1963, she was united in marriage to Norbert Berendsen in Yankton, SD. Joy was an independent and strong woman who supported her family in numerous and countless ways; from helping with her husband’s business, keeping the books, and still having time to put a good meal on the table. Not only was Joy a good cook, but she also canned food from her very own garden that she nurtured. She was very talented, especially in her skill of quilting and sewing and porcelain dolls.

Following a long illness due to her battle with cancer, Joy died on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at her residence in rural Springfield, SD having attained the age of 70 years and 3 months.

Joy is survived by her husband, Norbert Berendsen of rural Springfield, SD; five children: Crystal (Ron) Swibold of Haysville, Kansas, Melissa (Robert) Todd of Goddard, Kansas, Monica (Tyler) Glissman of Bennington, Kansas, Bill (Margo) Berendsen of Laramie, Wyoming, and Rodney (Josey) Berendsen of Tyndall, SD; 18 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; one brother, Clifford Barnt of Viborg, SD; three sisters: Connie Hackett of West Harbor, Maine, Lorna (Keith) Cameron of Utica, SD, and Linda (Dale) Eli of Viborg, SD; and one aunt, Eutera Lisec.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Darrol and Ella Barnt, and sister, Jill Barnt.

Survivor of Bataan Death March
BY JOSE PAGLIERY

Frank Base, a decorated military medic and one of the last survivors of the atrocious World War II Bataan Death March, died Saturday at 90.

His wife of 64 years, Bonnie Base, said he died in a Fort Lauderdale nursing home following cardiac and respiratory failure.

Base grew up during the Great Depression in the tiny South Dakota town of Tyndall, where he worked as a drugstore clerk since the age of 12. Inspired to become a doctor, Base attended South Dakota State College until 1942, when he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a medic.

That year, the young combat medic served in the Philippines when a 75,000-person force of local and American troops was overrun by the Japanese, marking the largest surrender in U.S. history. The prisoners were forced to walk a tortuous 65 miles, during which the Japanese frequently stabbed them with bayonets, beat them to death, and denied them food, water or rest. Those who stopped to assist fallen comrades were also killed. One in four did not survive.

Base told family he remembered once looking back during the march and spotting a childhood friend from Tyndall. The march later claimed his life.

The torment continued at Military Prison Camp No. 1 Cabanatuan. Base told family a Japanese guard once smashed the butt of a rifle against his lower back when Base misunderstood a command while planting rice.

The horrendous conditions also caused men to succumb to malaria, dysentery and dengue fever. Bae told family the sick stayed at make-shift hospitals, rooms that some Army doctors refused to enter for fear of catching diseases. That's when Staff Sgt. Base bravely took a stand, entering the rooms with aides and caring for his fellow soldiers.

``There was no medicine, no nothing. He just had a fatalistic attitude that what was going to happen was going to happen,'' said James Savage, his son-in-law.

When U.S. Army Rangers liberated them in 1944, Base barely weighed 85 pounds, his once-dark brown hair then a sun-bleached white.

For his efforts, Base was awarded several service medals including the Bronze Star. The citation, submitted by Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson, said Base ``repeatedly exposed himself to the ravages of these diseases and, by his unflinching loyalty to the patients, prevented what might have become a wholesale decimation of American Prisoners of War.''

It honored how Base ``worked untiringly and faithfully'' with little or no supplies.

His fiancé, Bonnie Healy, had waited three years for his return and taken a job at a war plant in California. She was there one early morning when she got a phone call.

``A woman from the War Department told me that Frank had been liberated and was returning home. I cried, and the woman on the phone cried,'' she told family.

They soon married and moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota, where Base owned a drugstore that he would sometimes turn into a make-shift hospital for animals, including a circus camel that had just given birth. The couple left the cold Midwest for Florida in 1955, where Base enjoyed the warmth he grew accustomed to in the Philippines.

Frank Base is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughter Sherry Savage and her husband James; daughter Debbie Garr and her husband Rick; grandsons Sean Savage and Michael Garr; grandson Jonathan Garr and wife Tina; granddaughter Amy Preston and husband Carlton; and great-granddaughter Amelia Preston.

Private funeral plans are pending.

Agnes Letty Burris, age 85, passed away at her home in White Salmon, Washington on January 7, 2005. She was born in Scotland, South Dakota on October 17, 1919, the daughter of Mary Frances (Bevins) and Edmond Alfred Portner.

Agnes grew up in South Dakota where she attended school in a one-room school house. After World War II, she moved to White Salmon. Agnes worked as a cook for the Elementary school and also at Diamond Fruit as a fruit sorter. She retired in 1982.

Mrs. Burris liked taking walks and loved tending the flowers in her garden, tulips were her favorite. May Aggie's soul rest in peace.

Anges Burris is survived by her son, Larry Burris of White Salmon; daughter Barbara Burris of Eagle Creek, Oregon; sister Edna Woodward of Golden Grove, California; one grandchild and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Louise.

Stanley J. Bednar, Sr., a refrigeration repair specialist, he passed away at the Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett on Sunday, May 22, 2011. He was 81 years of age. Born in Avon, South Dakota, he was the son of the late Frank and Francis (Budde) Bednar. He was raised in South Dakota and attended schools there. After serving in the US Navy, he settled in Chelsea and resided here from 1960-1982. He worked as a repair and maintenance man for Tiger Refrigeration in Everett. In 1982, he moved to Illinois and later returned to Chelsea in 2007.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home 718 Broadway, Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Thursday, May 26th from 6 to 7:30 PM and will conclude with a Funeral Service in the funeral home commencing at 7:30PM.. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend.

He is the beloved husband of the late Barbara (Dunn) Bednar. Devoted father of Cindy Welch and her husband Frank of Chelsea, Frank Bednar and his wife Lisa of IL, Kimberly Keithly and her husband Charles of IL, John Butts Jr. and his wife Linda of Haverhill, Henry Butts and his wife Lisa of Danvers, Stacy Bednar and Stanley Bednar Jr, both of Haverhill. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and his pet friend “Scrappy”.

Herbert Buchholz, 1926-2013

Herbert Paul Buchholz, 87, a resident of Wendell, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Twin Falls Care Center in Twin Falls.

Herbert was born on July 18, 1926, in Tyndall, South Dakota to Edward and Rose Buchholz.

Herbert enlisted in the Army, and served during World War II and the Korean War.

He married Charlotte Marie Archambeau on July 22, 1950 in Lake Andes, South Dakota.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Charlotte Buchholz, of Wendell, Idaho; 6 sons, Kenneth Wayne Buchholz, of Kuna, Idaho, Herbert Paul Buchholz, Jr., of Duluth, Minnesota, Christopher Corwin Buchholz, Curtis Dwayne Buchholz, Kevin Lee Buchholz, and Joseph Paul Buchholz, all of Mitchell, South Dakota; 7 daughters, Elaine LaMere, of Billings, Montana, Glenda Cheppo, of Etters, Pennsylvania, Shirley Ann Dudley, of Wendell, Idaho, Karen Lynn Rodriguez, of Jerome, Idaho, Kelly Marie Strickland, of Twin Falls, Idaho, Corrine Alice Heth, of Sioux City, Iowa, and Emma Marie Drapeau, of Mission, South Dakota. Herbert is also survived by 1 sister, Helen Ohlerking, of Duluth, Minnesota; 30 grandchildren; and multiple great-grandchildren.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Christina Buchholz; and grandfather, Henry Buchholz.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Demaray Funeral Service – Wendell Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, October 28, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wendell with Bishop Luke Kelsey conducting. Visitation at the church will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at the Wendell Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Wendell Chapel.

Lloyd Bach, 1938-2009

Lloyd Carl Bach, 70, of Sioux City died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at a Sioux City hospital following a lengthy illness.

Memorial services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Morningside Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Kevin Lee officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Springfield, S.D. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Lloyd was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Springfield, S.D., the son of Carl and Junetta (McPeek) Bach. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School. He did his undergraduate studies at the Southern State Teachers College in Springfield. He earned his master's degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and a doctorate of education at the University of South Dakota.

He married Mildred "Millie" Johnson on Aug. 25, 1963, in Estherville, Iowa. He taught in Gregory, S.D., for one year, then moved to Sioux City. He worked for Area 12 from 1975 until he retired. He worked as a speech clinician, a school psychologist and for several years he was the director of special education.

He was a member of Morningside Lutheran Church, where he worked with the prison ministries and the elderversity. He also belonged to the Sertoma Club, Abu Bekr Shrine, ARC and was a senior helpmate. He was a 27-year member of the 185th Air National Guard and was called to active duty in 1968.

He appreciated the people who assisted him during his time of illness. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends. He loved reading, walking and looking at cars. He enjoyed watching politics and financial programs on television. He also watched old westerns of T.V.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Julie (Bill) Emerick of Sioux City and Jennifer (John) Bach of Chicago, Ill.; a grandson, Andrew Emerick; three cousins, Belva (Don) Almen of Albany, Ore., Charlene (Ron) Bates of Lead, S.D., and Merle (Pam) Bach of Rapids City, S.D.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nancy Pierce, Marsha Staffa, Linda Silva, Michael Welton, Chip Wolverton, Karin Wolverton and Kristin Wolfe.

A memorial has been established in his name for the Prison Congregation of America and Morningside Lutheran Church.

Funeral services for William F. Baack, 77, will be held at the Congregational Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Calvin Hay officiating. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery.

Mr. Baack died at a Yankton hospital Friday (1963). He was for many years manager of the Thompson Lumber Yard at Springfield, a member of the Congregational Church, and the Masonic and Eastern Star lodges.

He was born Oct. 10, 1886 at Garner, Ia. His wife died in October, 1962. Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Doyle Burr of Omaha and one son, Robert, who lives in California.

Milton Boese, 1923-2012

Now in the presence of the Lord, Milton Delbert Boese went to be with Him Wednesday January 4, 2012. Milton was born July 26, 1923 in Avon, South Dakota to the late Peter and Anna (Schultz) Boese and came to Saginaw in 1938. He graduated from Arthur Hill. Milton married Helen Beckman in January 1946. She predeceased him in June 2002. He married Martha Haenlein in 2003. She survives him. Milton went into farming with his father and brothers. He later farmed with his sons and continued until his retirement. He also farmed in St. Cloud, Florida. Milton was innovative in adapting and developing agricultural machines.

Surviving besides his wife are three sons, Gregory (Sue) Boese, Mark (Lona) Boese, and John Boese, all of Saginaw; one daughter Carolyn (Rick) Kuhns of California; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one brother Donald (Rose) Boese; three sisters, Huldah Gerard, Norma (Wilmer) Warner, and Evelyn (Reuben) Ewert; one sister-in-law Elva Boese; and several stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.

Milton was predeceased by his son Bradley Boese; one brother Ralph Boese; and two sisters, Phyllis Bultman, and Ardis Woolf.

Funeral service will take place 11AM Monday January 9, 2012 at Crosspoint Chapel, 3111 Barnard Road. Pastor Rob Troutman will officiate with interment to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Reitz Herzberg Funeral Home, 1550 S. Midland Road (M-47) on Sunday from 2-8 PM and at the church on Monday one hour before the service. Memorial offerings are suggested to the City Rescue Mission or Crosspoint Chapel.

Norman J. Barger, age 87, of Yankton, passed away Monday, April 18, 2005, at Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. John Fischer officiating. Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery, rural Yankton, SD., with military graveside rites by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183 of Tabor, SD. Visitation will be 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at the Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbrearers will be Robert Barger, Michael Dahlman, Richard Dahlman, Chad Madson, Sean Sundermann and Shane Golden.

Norman was born to James and Lena (Kreber) Barger on May 18, 1917, in Bonn Homme County, SD. He attended school in Hutchinson, Bon Homme and Yankton counties. He helped on their family farm, served in the CCC Camp and worked as a farm laborer on various farms. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy on April 6, 1942, and served in the South Pacific for 3 1/2 years.

He married Josephine Smith in San Diego, CA on March 9, 1943. After his discharge from the Navy on September 25, 1945, he started farming near Tabor and later purchased a farm near Utica, farming there until his retirement in 1990 at which time they moved to Yankton. He served on the Cattleman's Association, FHA Board of Directors, and was a Farm Bureau member. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #183 of Tabor, SD, and a life member of the VFW Post #791 of Yankton. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton.

He enjoyed helping out on the farm and spending time with his family. "Grandpa Shorty" was the happiest when watching his great grandchildren in their activities.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine of Yankton; daughter, Janice (Charles) Dahlman of Westminster, CO; son, James (Gloria) Barger of Utica, SD; six grandchildren: Robert (Lisa) Barger, Julie Slate, Kristin (Chad) Madson, Melissa, Michael and Richard Dahlman; six great grandchildren: Kayla, Austin and Dillon Barger, Tanner Slate and Brooke and Lexi Madson; two sisters: Mary Ann (Alvin) Vanecek of Tabor, SD and Patty Schroder of Missouri Valley, IA.

His parents; two brothers: Donald and Howard Barger; and one sister, Betty Peterson proceded him in death.

Howard Barger, 1915-1996

Howard was the son of James (Jim) Arthur Barger and Mary Magdalena (Lena) Kreber. He was married to Helen Clara Anderson, daughter of William Christian Anderson and Margret Catherine Scherer Anderson, on Feb 26, 1935 at the Lutheran Parish in Yankton, Yankton Co., SD. They were married by Rev. Ole M. Odland, the Lutheran pastor. They farmed and raised cattle for many years near Bloomfield, NE.

They were blessed with two sons and two daughters.

Howard died at Mission, Hidalgo Co., TX , where he and Helen had gone to retire, on July 2, 1996 and was returned to Bloomfield for services held on July 6th and burial in Bloomfield Cemetery.

Howard was survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen Barger of Mission, TX; sons, Melvin and wife Sandra Barger of Bloomfield and Marlyn and wife Mary Barger of Bloomfield; daughters, Audrey and her husband Kenneth Lowin, of Cedar Falls, IA and Margret Ann Barger of Austin, TX.; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Louis Behl, 1933-2013

Louis Behl was born on Thursday, August 3, 1933 on the family farm near Scotland, South Dakota to D. Vern and Dorothy (Mitchell) Behl. He attended Cass Country School and later graduated from Scotland High School. Following his graduation, Louis studied at South Dakota State University (SDSU) for four years and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. On September 4, 1955, Louis was united in marriage to V. Joyce Williamson in Artesian, South Dakota at the United Methodist Church and three children were born from this union. Louis then served in Korea for a year and a half before being granted early release to return home and farm west of Scotland in the spring of 1958. In the spring of 1966, the family moved to a farm southeast of Scotland. He was also a loan officer in Gregory, South Dakota from 1974 until 1976. In January 1976, Louis and family moved to the Roseau area of Minnesota where he farmed and started his trucking career in 1978. In July 1980, the family moved back to South Dakota continuing his trucking career and then resumed farming in 1985 in Parkston until the present.

Agriculture was a large passion and talent of Louis’. Not only did he farm for most years of his life, he also served as an Ag Instructor for veterans in Tabor while he lived near Scotland. During his years at SDSU, he judged dairy cattle and showed Holstein bulls. He loved and showed Palomino horses, an interest nurtured by his parents throughout his youth. Louis was a dedicated veteran who was a member of the VFW post in Parkston for many years, and served as the Commander from 2012 to 2013. He attended as many national reunions of his unit from Korea as possible. He loved his family and looked forward to the Mitchell family reunions held in Hartford, South Dakota which his great-great-grandfather Alexander Mitchell started.

Louis died on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 while farming in Parkston at the age of 80 years, 3 months, and 11 days.

He is survived by his partner of several years, Delaine Geuther of Dimock; two sons: Lynn (Terri) Behl of Parkston and Lee Behl of Blackhawk; one daughter, Joy (Wayne) Pierson of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; one grand-daughter, Brianna Pierson; eight step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lorene (Eugene) Weidenbach of Scotland; one brother, Lawrence (Joyce) Behl of Aurora, Colorado; and one sister-in-law, Idella Behl of Scotland; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, D. Vern and Dorothy Behl, and one brother, Donald Vern Behl.

The Behl family greatly appreciates family and friends’ kindness and thoughts, but request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project Fund (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or the Parkston VFW Post #3298.

Brunken, Gladys, 79, (Dec. 13, 1933-Oct. 21, 2013) Born in Avon, S.D. Survived by her sons, Merlyn and Michael; daughters, Rhonda Armes and Julie Swanson; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at Light of Life Lutheran Church, S.W. Farmington Road and Grabhorn Road, Aloha, Oregon. Arrangements by Springer and Son.

NEW HAMPTON - Funeral services for Ray Burns will be held Wednesday morning at St. Joseph's church here; Mr. Burns, who is an automobile dealer in Avon, S. D., died suddenly Monday from a heart attack, while visiting his brother, Edward J. Burns; members of the Burns family had gathered here Saturday to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Burns; leaves widow, six brothers and sisters, Edward J. Burns, New Hampton; Will Burns. Phoenix, Ariz.; Mrs. Agnes Doyle, Davenport; Mrs. Margaret Qualley. Rock Island, Ill.; Sister Mary Huberta, Waterloo, and Sister Mary Carmella, Cedar Rapids; burial probably be at Avon, S. D.

Anna Matilda Boska, 85, Tyndall, died Sunday (March 3, 2002) at the Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall.

Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Michael Kniffen, Rob Kniffen, Scott Boska, Tim Hovorka, Steve Kezler and Clint Willuweit. Visitation is from 3-5 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Petrik-Kelley Funeral Home, Tyndall. There will be a 7:30 p.m. wake service today (Thursday).

She was born Oct. 11, 1916, at Tabor, to Rudolph and Christine (Stulir) Bystricky. She married Joseph J. Boska Aug. 10, 1940, at Endicott, N.Y. They farmed east of Tyndall until 1972 when they moved into Tyndall.

She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and Catholic Altar Society.

She is survived by three children: Evelyn (Louis) Kniffen, Moore, Okla.; David (Ruth Ann) Boska, Tyndall; Joseph (Patty) Boska, Haines City, Fla.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Christine Gagaman, Puliski, N.Y.; two brothers: Rudolph Bystricky, Owega, N.Y.; and Joseph Bystricky, Endicott.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother and one sister.

Funeral Mass for Andrew C. Becvar, 51, was to be Monday afternoon at St. Leo's Cathollc Church with Msgr. L. F. Zwinger officiating. Burial was to be in the parish cemetery with military rites. The Petrik Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Becvar was horn Nov. 30 1920 at Tabor to Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Becvar and died Jan. 29, 1972 at the Tyndall hospital after a long illness. On Nov. 17, 1941 he married Mildred Bares at Tabor. He was in the Army during World War II and served in Europe. He was a member of the American Legion at Tabor and the Veterans of Foreign Wars at Tyndall.

Survivors include his widow, three sons, Ronald, James and Kenneth, Tyndall; his parents, Tabor; four brothers, Laddie and Daniel, Tyndall; John, Scotland; and Lawrence, North Platte, Neb.; and a sister, Mrs. Leo Wood, Irene.

Winifred Breck, 1920-2005

Winifred Frances Breck, age 84, of Yankton passed away Sunday, March 20, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tyndall, SD with Rev. Gerald Thury officiating. Burial will be in St. Leo's Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitations will be from 3-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton with a 7:00 p.m. rosary followed by a 7:30 p.m. scripture service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Dean Miller, Jeff Miller, Corey Peterson, Mike Merkwan, Josh Miller and Matt Merkwan. Honorary pallbearers will be Melissa Breck, Mandi McCallum, Christina Peterson, Tom Merkwan, Kylie Miller, Garret Kleinsmith, Brian Kleinsmith, Zachary Lattea and Marissa Moore.

Winifred Murphy was born on May 26th, 1920, to Dennis and Mary (Kelley) Murphy of Tyndall, South Dakota. She attended and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1937. She graduated from Springfield Normal School with a teaching degree. She taught in numerous rural schools. She married Willard Breck on July 1, 1940, and continued to teach until 1959. Leaving teaching, Winifred worked in the Bon Homme County Treasurers office for over 12 years.

Winifred will be best remembered for her numerous talents in sewing, knitting, crocheting crafts as well as her baking. Winifred was very proud of her Roman Catholic faith and loved her life as faithful member of St. Leo's Catholic church in Tyndall and after her move to Yankton, the Sacred Heart Parish.

She is survived by her five children: Rayna (Marvin) Merkwan of Tabor, SD; Linda Lee (Jerry) Miller of Cedar Rapids, IA; Dennis (Carol) Breck of Yankton, SD; Mary (Tim) Peterson of Springfield, SD; and Joelle (Chris) McCallum of Yankton, SD; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two step-granddaughters; one step-grandson; six step-great-grandchildren; three sisters: Bonnie Sadler of Casper WY; Rita Holmes of Sioux Falls, SD; Nita Zecha of Cheyenne, WY; and Dolores Moriaty of Rogers, AR.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Breck; her parents, Dennis and Mary Murphy; two sisters, Fern Marie Isaak and Evaryldis Base; and one brother, Douglas Murphy.

Noah Norman Boese, son of Jacob and Anna Boese, was born, July 12, 1921, on a farm near Avon, SD. He died Monday, July 4, 2005, at Avera McKennan Hospice. Noah served in the 96th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army during WWII.

He was united in marriage to Anna "Peg" McElhaney on January 10, 1948, in Saginaw, MI. They shared their life together for 57 years. Norman was an accomplished diesel mechanic for International Harvester for many years.

His favorite pastimes included growing roses, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards; but he especially loved fishing and hunting. Norman also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Grateful for having shared his life for 57 years are his wife, Peg of Sioux Falls; 5 sons: Marty and his wife, Rita of Geddes, SD, Robert and his wife Marla of Sioux Falls, David and his wife Jean of Gillette, WY, Andy and his wife Brenda of Sioux Falls and Barry and his wife Kay of Windsor, CO; two sisters: Martha Tschetter of Freeman, SD and Marie Zikan of Sioux Falls; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2005, at Heritage Funeral Home with burial in Hills of Rest Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home with the family present from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Martha Binder, age 108, of Yankton and formerly of Tabor, passed away Monday, January 17, 2005, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton where she had been residing since 1995.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 20, 2005, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, SD with Rev. Joe Puthenkulathil and Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will from 3-9 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton with a 7:00 p.m. rosary and 7:30 p.m. Scripture service. Visitations will resume at 9:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service at the Kostel Funeral Home, Tabor. Pallbearers are John Binder, Tim Binder, Joe Gratzfeld Jr., David Gratzfeld, Bob Ryken and Greg Ryken.

Martha, whose life spanned three centuries, was born on July 29, 1896, in Tabor, SD to John and Rose (Honner) Wagner. She married Charles Binder on November 21, 1916, at Tabor, SD. After their marriage, they homesteaded to Montana for a few years and then moved back to Tabor. They farmed in the Tabor, Tripp, and Scotland area until they retired to Tabor in 1951. After moving to Tabor, she worked for Mr. And Mrs. Laddie Kostel Sr. for many years as well as cleaning and cooking at the rectory at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Together they raised a family of 11 children, eight of whom are still living.

Martha was a very loving mother and homemaker. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, an honorary member of the Altar Rosary Society, and a 47-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She joined the Century Club in 1996. She had the honor of becoming the oldest living person in South Dakota, which made her the Centenarian of the Year for 2003. Martha also participated in The Genetics of Longevity, New England Centenarian Study through the Boston Medical Center.

She kept very busy with gardening, canning, baking kolaches, rye bread, apple pies and many other goodies. She also enjoyed doing quilting and patching. Her favorite pastime was having all the family together sharing a meal and caring for all the little grandchildren and many other children in the Tabor area.

Martha is a survivor of the Great Depression. She never learned to drive a car, but she could plow with horses with her Dad. Martha was the last of the Wagner family, which included 6 brothers and 4 sisters.

Grateful for having shared her life are four daughters: Lydia (Virgil) Willman, Yankton, SD; Phyll (George) Pfeiffer, Aberdeen, SD; Sylvia (Joe) Gratzfeld, Yankton, SD; and Sophia (Ronald) Ryken, Irene, SD; four sons: Albert (Elvira) Binder, Yankton, SD; Paul (Marjean) Binder, Tripp, SD; Raymond Binder, Corson, SD and Donald (Cleo) Binder, Highmore, SD; 21 grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 16 step-great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. We will always love and miss her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sons, three grandsons, one great-grandson, one great-granddaughter, one step-great-great-granddaughter, four sisters (two in infancy), six brothers (one in infancy) and two daughters-in-law.

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State's Oldest Person Dies At 108 Martha Binder lived a quiet life, but she stood out in one way from the other residents at the Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Binder died Monday at age 108, the oldest resident in South Dakota. Born in Tabor in 1896, she lived in three different centuries and was the last living sibling in her family.

To those around her, Binder often acted much younger than her age, said her daughter, Sylvia Gratzfeld of Yankton.

"Our mother couldn't believe it when they said she turned 100 years old, and she would have turned 109 in July. It was sad that she didn't understand how old she was and the meaning of it," Gratzfeld said.

"But she had a spark. She was uplifting to others. She had a lot of fun. She had a wonderful smile and was a happy person."

The Sister James staff shared many memories about Binder during a remembrance service, Gratzfeld said. Binder's playfulness was reflected in her mock scolding of others at the Care Center, her daughter said.

"(The staff said) she shook her finger and would say they were naughty," Gratzfeld said with a laugh.

Binder was the state's Centenarian of the Year for both 2003 and 2004. The Century Club, sponsored by the South Dakota Health Care Foundation, bestows the honor on the state's oldest living resident.

In the span of just a few weeks, southeast South Dakota twice became home to the state's oldest living resident.

Mabel Jorgenson of Vermillion, who was 107, had become the state's oldest living resident when Anna Peskey of DeSmet died May 14, 2003, at age 111. However, Jorgenson held the honor for only a brief time as she died June 10, 2003, at the Sioux Valley Vermillion Care Center. With Jorgenson's passing, Binder became the state's oldest resident.

Binder made history in another role — as a participant in the New England Centenarian Study through the Boston University Medical School.

Binder's longevity is not uncommon in South Dakota, which has one of the nation's highest rates of centenarians, said Barb Buhler, a spokeswoman for the South Dakota Department of Health.

"We have a high percentage of elderly in our state. We are an older state," Buhler said. "Part of it is outmigration of our younger people, but we also have a high number of elderly residents, particularly in certain counties."

For Binder's family and friends, the elderly woman enjoyed a quality as well as quantity of life.

She never drove, but she lived on her own until she was 98, when she fell and broke her pelvis. She moved into the St. Michael Nursing Home in Tyndall in March 1995, then moved to the Yankton facility in August 1995.

"She was very independent," Gratzfeld said.

Binder was born July 29, 1896, in Tabor to John and Rosa Wagner. She married Charles Binder in 1916, and they lived in Montana for two years.

The Binders returned to South Dakota and lived on farms near Tripp, Scotland and Tabor. They moved into Tabor in 1950.

Martha Binder was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor since 1950 and placed a great deal of importance on her Catholic faith, Gratzfeld said. Binder remained an honorary member of the Altar Society until the end of her life.

"At the remembrance service, Sister Rosaleen said,"If this lady doesn't get to heaven, no one will," Gratzfeld said of her mother.

The Binders had 11 children, with the eight living children ranging in age from 63 to 86.

In addition, Binder has dozens of direct descendants. She didn't mind the full house when family gathered, and in fact seemed to thrive on it, Gratzfeld said. Mealtime often included duck, dumplings with sauerkraut, turkey and ham.

And, of course, kolaches. She made the dozens of the pastry for the annual Czech Days celebration in Tabor or for no special reason.

"My mother must have made a million or more kolaches," Gratzfeld said with a laugh. "She enjoyed doing it. And she loved to make old-fashioned rye bread for friends and people who asked her. She just loved to bake."

Patriotism also meant a great deal to Binder. Six of her sons served in the military, three in World War II and three in the Korean War.

"She was very proud of that (military service)," Gratzfeld said. "She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 47 years."

While living in Tabor, Binder worked at Kostel Funeral Home and later at the St. Wenceslaus Church rectory. She also baby-sat for 35 to 40 families.

Binder remained active in her later years, quilting until she was 100. She also enjoyed button collecting, making patchwork quilts for her grandchildren, crocheting rugs, collecting coins, and making goose and duck feather pillows and goose down quilts.

Binder's funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor.

"She was a very good mother to us. We tried to live by her example, and we hope our children do, too," Gratzfeld said.

Evelyn Burnham, 86, Tyndall, died Tuesday (Nov. 5, 2002) at St. Michael's Nursing Center, Tyndall.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Arvella Palmer officiating. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery. Pallbearers are Justin Burnham, Jordan Rein, Dan Schuurmans, Scott Schuurmans, Terry Schuurmans and Wayne Schuurmans. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. today (Friday) with the family present from 7-9 p.m. at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall.

She was born on Aug. 27, 1916, to Peter and Charlotte (Williamson) Schuurmans. She was a life-long resident of Tyndall, born and raised on the family farm homesteaded by her grandparents. She graduated from Tyndall High School and went on to Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield. She taught rural school and public schools in Lennox, Milbank and Mitchell. After World War II, Evelyn married Howard Burnham on June 12, 1946, at Tyndall and moved back to the family farm. She then returned to teaching and taught third grade at Tyndall Elementary School for 24 years. She received much recognition for her teaching abilities including Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America in 1974 and induction in 1978 into the Annie Tallent Club, South Dakota's honorary elementary teacher's club. She was an educator for a total of 35 years.

She was an active member of Tyndall United Methodist Church, a Sunday School teacher, Church Board president, Church School superintendent and Pastor-Parish Relations Committee chairperson. She was president of UMW and worked as church office secretary for many years. She also was a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary, Good Samaritan Guild, Bon Homme County Extension Homemaker's Club and St. Michael's Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Burnham, Tyndall; her son, Dr. Paul H. (Anna) Burnham, Charles City, Iowa; her daughter, Joyce (Gary) Rein, Scottsbluff, Neb.; and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister.

Funeral Mass for Mrs. John (Lillian) Beringer, 64, will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Leo's Catholic Church with Msgr. L. W. Zwinger officiating. The body will lie in state at the Petrik Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon and evening with the parish wake at 7:30 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

She wan born Sept. 28, 1905 at Tabor to Mr. and Mrs. John Syrovatka and died unexpectedly Sunday morning at her home in Yankton. On June 12, 1926 she married John Beringer. She had lived at Yankton since the death of her husband in 1951.

Survivors include her mother, Tabor; two brothers, Joe Syrovatka, Lesterville, and John Syrovatka, Sioux Falls, and four sisters, Mrs. Anna Wood, Glendale, Calif.; Mrs. Bertrice (?) Beringer, Tyndall; Mrs. Robert Nedved, Lesterville, and Mrs. Alfred Hlavac, Utica.

Helen Becvar, 1929-2013

Helen Ann Becvar, age 84 of Tyndall passed away on Monday, November 4, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2013 at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, SD with Rev. Joe Forcelle celebrating and Rev. Gerald Thury concelebrating. Burial will be in St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitations will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the church with a 7 p.m. rosary. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. The Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers are: Mike Herout, Jim Herout, Ty Becvar, Jake Becvar, Jeff Van Gerpen, and Dennis Tycz.

Helen was born on June 29, 1929 in Verdigre, NE to John and Anna (Ondracek) Herout. She was united in marriage to Daniel Becvar on April 25, 1950 in Verdigre, NE and to this union, four sons were born: David, Theodore (Ted), Thomas (Tom), and Robert (Bob). They lived on the family farm three miles south of Tyndall for fifty years. Together Daniel and Helen farmed side by side, raising cattle, hogs, and chickens.

She was an active member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, attended mass daily, and was involved with every facet of the church. She was a devout Catholic who would go to great lengths to serve her church wherever needed and enjoyed taking communion to parishioners who were unable to attend Mass. She enjoyed her many visits at the café with her two coffee buddies, Flo and Verneil.

She is survived by sons: David (Susan) Becvar of Wagner, SD, Robert Becvar of Goodland, KS, and Thomas Becvar of Tabor, SD; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother, John (Barbara) Herout of Mesa, AZ; three nieces and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, her son, Ted, great-grandson, Mitchell Scheitler, her parents, and two brothers.

Melvin B. Brokofsky, 90, of Grand Island died Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at the Grand Island V.A. Hospital. Melvin was born Aug. 10, 1919, in Avon, S.D., to Dave and Bertha (Nieuwenhuis) Brokofsky.

Survivors are: his wife, Pearl; sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Linda of Lincoln and Roderick and Ellen of Papillion; half-brothers and sisters-in-law, Laveril and Sarah of Russellville, Kent., Robert of Independence, Mo., and Ruben and Alice of Scott City, Kan.; sister and brother-in-law, Opal and Earl Estes of Bath, N.Y.; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He attended rural schools in South Dakota and received his High School diploma from Ainsworth High School in Ainsworth. He entered the U.S. Army in July of 1941 and served in the South West Pacific, with 205 Field Artillery 41st Division. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 24, 1943, with the rating of Corporal from Hoff General Hospital, Santa Barbara, Calif.

He was a life long member of the United Congregational Church of Christ. In 1957, he served on the committee to build a new church at Ainsworth. Mel is a life member of the VFW, DAV, American Legion, Republican Party and Paralyzed Veterans of America. In 1960, the VFW Post was formed in Ainsworth, where he served as first Commander and went on to serve the next year as Dist.. Eleven Commander. He continued to serve many years as Quartermaster of the VFW in Ainsworth.

Melvin studied under the GI bill and owned and operated Mel's Repair Shop in Ainsworth, for many years before his MS progressed until he could no longer work. He took up painting pictures. He drew the plans to have his home built in Grand Island and moved there in 1971. In 1972, he went to work as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in the Benefits Office where he served for 25 years, he then worked in lodging. In 2001, he entered the VA Medical Center to live. He served as Commander of Chapter 11 DAV. After that, he served as Treasurer for several years. Mel served on many committees: District 2 Vice Commander, Dept. Executive Committee, United Veterans Club Board, Congregational Church Board, and the Third City CB Club.

In the 1980's, he took a computer course and started writing genealogy. His family and Pearl's family will always be in his debt for getting this information all together.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, David.

Emil Robert Broz, age 78, of St. Helena, NE, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton with Rev. Lloyd Haney officiating. Burial will be approximately at 1:00 p.m. in the Czech National Cemetery in Tyndall with military graveside rites by Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2, Tyndall. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers will be Dean Neil and Roger Hinderberger.

Emil Robert Broz was born on February 15, 1927, to Alois and Amelia (Plihal) Broz in Tyndall, SD. He graduated from Tyndall High School and served in the United States Army from 1946-1947. On May 20, 1946, he was united in marriage with Dorothy Mae Clark in Yankton, SD. Shortly after his discharge from the Army, they farmed near Tyndall from 1950-1969. They moved to Yankton in 1969 and then to St. Helena in 1971. He worked as a machinist at M-Tron and then at Kolberg-Pioneer for 17 years before retiring. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, as well as the Czech Heritage Society in Tabor where he acted in Czech language plays. Since his retirement he was active in the Yankton Area RC (Radio Control) Flyers, serving as vice president and secretary. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, gardening, painting, music, dancing, inventing, tinkering and building things; helping people, and especially having fun with his wife, family and friends.

His memory will be cherished by his daughters: Linda Broz (Dean Neil) of St. Paul, MN and Beverly (Roger) Hinderberger of Theodosia, MO; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brothers: Charles (Shirley) of St. Helena, NE and George (Delores) of Tyndall, SD; one sister, Rose Cap of Yankton, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his son, Jerald Lee; his parents; one brother, Alois Anton; and one sister, Mary.

Funeral services for Alois Broz, 84, will be at 1:30 pm Wednesday at the Tyndall Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Charles Kruse officiating. Friends may call Tuesday afternoon and evening at the Petrik Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Czech National Cemetery.

Mr. Broz was born Feb. 14, 1887 in Czechoslovakia and died Jan. 17, 1972 at the local hospital. He came to the United States at the age of 17. On March 6, 1917 he married Amelia Plihal.

Survivors include four sons, Alois A. Jr. and George, Tyndall; Charles, Centerville, and Emil, Yankton; two daughters, Mrs. Leo (Mary) Cap, and Mrs. William (Rose) Cap, Yankton; 16 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1943, two grandchildren, and seven brothers and sisters.

Thomas Bainbridge, 1963-2013

Thomas Matthew Bainbridge was born on Thursday, October 3, 1963 in Tyndall to Paul and Eunice (Nelson) Bainbridge. He grew up on the Bainbridge family farm near Scotland that was homesteaded by his great-grandfather. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1981. Tom farmed with pride on the family farm and also helped farm for other family members, neighbors and friends. He was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Scotland, where he served on the Session and as an usher. He loved bowling and attending sporting events, especially ones in which his niece and nephew participated. Tom died on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at his residence near Scotland at the age of 49 years, 8 months and 19 days.

Tom is survived by his father, Paul Bainbridge of Scotland; a brother: Robert “Bob” Bainbridge of Grand Junction, Colorado; two sisters: June Bainbridge of Flagstaff, Arizona and Kay (Mike) Smidt of Menno; two nieces: Elisa Bainbridge of Kenmore, Washington and Vanessa Smidt of Spearfish; a nephew, Logan Smidt of Sioux Falls; and a special friend, Diane Coffin of Scotland, and her children, Amanda and Paul.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Eunice Bainbridge, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Steve Becvar, 1928-2008

Steve Becvar, 80, of Avon died Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD.

Funeral Mass will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 31, 2008 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Dante. Burial is in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, rural Dante. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Wake services will be 7 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Steve Becvar was born in rural Avon, South Dakota on March 12, 1928, the son of Paul and Pauline (Souhrada) Becvar. He died Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD.

Steve attended the Daisy School north of Avon. He farmed all of his life north of Avon. Steve moved to the Heritage Court in Wagner in 2000. He entered the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in 2004.

Steve was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church and was a lifetime member of the American Legion in Wagner.

Steve is survived by three sisters: Hattie Honomichl of Wagner; Ann and husband Pete Kotalik of Tabor; Dorothy Nedved of Tabor; and several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Ed and Oscar Becvar and a sister, Violet Becvar.

Charles Blaha, 95, of Wagner, died Friday (June 15, 2007) at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, with burial in the parish cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Monday) at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner, followed by a 7 p.m. rosary/wake service at the church.

Charles S. Blaha, son of Frank and Mary (Vellek) Blaha, was born Oct. 29, 1911, at Blaha, S.D. He received eight years of education at the Blaha School. He helped his parents on the farm for many years.

He married Mary Kocer on Oct. 1, 1940, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Dante. Six sons were born to their union. He farmed south of Wagner and raised registered Hereford cattle.

Charlie retired in the fall of 1973 and moved into Wagner. Due to failing health, he became a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center on June 1, 2004.

Charlie was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante and was the oldest member of the Dante Catholic Workman Branch 109. He also was a supervisor and school board member for Lawrence Township.

Charlie will be remember for his enjoyment of playing pinochle and pool, fishing and watching his grandchildren play baseball. He especially loved watching television and having control of the remote.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of nearly 67 years, Mary of Wagner; six sons: David and wife, Retta, of Wagner; Donald and wife, Lynda, of LeMoore, Calif.; Raymond and wife, Lyla, of Pierre; Larry and wife, Sharon, of Wagner; Dennis and wife, Lori, of Rapid City; and Douglas and wife, Connie, of Wagner; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother: Steve; two sisters-in-law: Lillian Blaha of Wagner and Marcine Blaha of Dante; and many other relatives and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: James, Ralph and Frank; and two sisters-in-law: Clara Blaha and Damaris Blaha.

Howard Walter Burnham died on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Tyndall at the age of 90 years.

Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Tyndall United Methodist Church with the Rev. Phil Lint officiating. Music will be provided by organist Diane Byran and soloist Kathy Koenig. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery with military rites by the Tyndall American Legion and V.F.W. posts. Casketbearers are Kevin McLouth, Justin Burnham, Jordan Rein, Dan Schuurmans, Terry Schuurmans and Wayne Schuurmans. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until time of service Thursday at the church. Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.

Howard Walter Burnham was born on August 7, 1913, in Platte, South Dakota where he was raised and attended school. He served during World War II in the European Theater with the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion Headquarter Company. Returning from the war, he married Evelyn Schuurmans on June 12, 1946, in Tyndall. They farmed north of Tyndall and near Springfield, South Dakota before moving to the family farm where he farmed for 32 years. They retired and moved to town in 1984. Howard was an active member of the Tyndall United Methodist Church and the Tyndall V.F.W and American Legion Posts.

Howard is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Anna Burnham of Charles City, Iowa; daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Gary Rein of Mitchell, Nebraska; grandchildren: Veronica and Justin Burnham and Crystal and Jordan Rein; and brother and sister-in-law, Roy (Viola) Burnham of Platte.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Burnham; his parents, Walter and Sylvia Burnham; and his sister, Minnie Burnham.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Tyndall United Methodist Church or the Tyndall V.F.W. or American Legion Posts.

Oscar John Becvar, 72, Avon, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.

Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Don Kotalik, Mark Kotalik, Todd Frank, Justin Young, Troy Trysgtad and Frank Hoffert. Visitation is from 1-5:30 p.m. today (Monday) at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Tyndall. Wake service is 7 p.m. today at the church.

He was born on Sept. 24, 1930, on the family homestead near Avon, to Paul and Pauline (Souhrada) Becvar. He attended Daisy Country School and Avon High School. He was a Marine during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Wagner American Legion. He married Katie Vogel at Odens, N.D., on June 4, 1957. He farmed north of Avon all his life.

He is survived by his wife, Katie Becvar, Avon; one son, Darryl Becvar, Avon; six daughters: Delores (Bob) Chabone, Yankton; Arleen (Frank) Hoffert, Yankton; Kathy Becvar, Yankton; Laurie (Troy) Trygstad, Dell Rapids; Malena (Todd) Frank, Tyndall; and Carrie (Justin) Young, Mitchell; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Steve Becvar, Wagner; three sisters: Hattie Honomichl, Wagner; and Dorothy Nedved and Anne Kotalik, both of Tabor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Ray M. Bietz, 79, Scotland, died Sunday (Nov. 4, 2001) at Avera St. Benedict's Hospital, Parkston.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church, Scot-land, with the Rev. John Sieverts officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation will be from 3- 9 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the Petrik-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland. There will be a family prayer service at 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.

He was born Jan. 1, 1922, on a farm near Tripp to Otto and Hertha (Baltzer) Bietz. He married Esther Weidenbach Dec. 21, 1941, at Scotland. They farmed northwest of Scotland until 1982 when they retired and moved to Scotland.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland where he served on both the Sunday school and building committees. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and others play softball games.

Survivors include his wife, Esther Bietz, Scotland; two sons: Dwight (Arleen) Bietz, Tripp; and Roger (Cindy) Bietz, Plano, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Judy Bietz, Winnipeg, Canada; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Geneva Gall, Scotland.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son.

E. Jean Beringer died on Saturday, May 1, 2004, at the St. Michael's Nursing Home in Tyndall at the age of 78 years.

Mass of Christian burial is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury. Casketbearers are Allen Anderson, Jim Anderson, Eric Beringer, Nick Beringer, Sean Beringer and John Wiebelhaus. Interment is in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall. Wake service is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall.

Jean Beringer was born on July 25, 1925, on the family farm near Tyndall. Her parents were Joseph J. and Jane C. (Tierney) Balvin. She attended Daisy Valley Grade School and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1943. Jean worked for the Bell Telephone Company in Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. She was united in marriage to George R. Beringer on July 23, 1945. Following their marriage, they lived in Wakefield, Nebraska; Sioux City, Iowa; and Yankton, South Dakota, before returning to Tyndall in 1968. They farmed, ran a trucking business and also operated the Groveland Ballroom until 1975. She was employed as a secretary at the Bon Homme County Highway Department from 1978 until 1990.

Jean will be remembered for her wonderful cooking, especially her fried chicken and potato salad. She enjoyed being with people very much and always looked forward to her friends that would come to her home and share potluck meals during her long illness. Jean was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and St. Leo's Altar Society. She also belonged to the auxiliaries of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

Jean's memory will be cherished by her four sons: Denny Beringer of Chicago, Tom (Denise) Beringer of Tyndall, Barry of Garretson, and Bart of Tyndall; two daughters: Connie (Allen) Anderson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Peg (Doug) Burns of Englewood, Florida; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Janet (Bob) Aldridge of Santa Clara, California.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, George, in 1978; her son, Bob, in 1992; her parents; four brothers: Jim, Bill, Romain and John; her sister, Evelyn; and her twin sister, Joan.

Elizabeth Benson, 1925-2007

Elizabeth L. Brown, age 82 of Tyndall, South Dakota, died November 14, 2007 at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.

Elizabeth Lucy Maris Brown was born February 17, 1925, in Parade, South Dakota, the daughter of James and Agnes (Paradis) Brown. She grew up in Parade, and later in the Chamberlain, South Dakota area. She finished her schooling in Kansas. She received her nursing training in Los Angeles, California during WWII. After the war she returned to South Dakota where she worked as a cook on the Diamond A Ranch north of Midland.

Elizabeth was united in marriage to L.B. Benson on July 16, 1949 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and to this union were born three children, Robert, Rosemary and Remy. After their marriage they continued to work on the Diamond A Ranch. In 1953 the family moved into Philip. She worked as a switchboard operator for a short time, and then she stayed at home to raise her children. In 1968, she worked as a nurses’ aide in Kadoka prior to moving to Eagle Butte in 1969. While in Eagle Butte, she worked as a teacher’s aide until 1974. After 1974, she lived in various places in the United States. In the late 1990’s she moved to the Yankton area and because of health reasons moved into the nursing home in Tyndall, where she has since resided.

Survivors include one daughter Rosemary McAdam of Sidney, Nebraska; one son Remy Benson of Philip; four grandchildren David D. Pederson, Desiree Smith, Jacob Benson, and Danielle Benson; one great-granddaughter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; a son Robert Benson in infancy; and all her sisters and brothers.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 16, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip. Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery.

Robert F. Bouska, 86, Tyndall, died Thursday (July 17, 2003) at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Gerald Thury officiating. Burial is in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers are Larry Bouska, Steve Bouska, David Giedd, Joe Hovorka, LeWayne Lukkes and Bryan O'Riley. Visitation is from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall. Wake service is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the church.

He was born on March 21, 1917, in Tyndall to Frank and Anna (Sedlacek) Bouska. He grew up in Tyndall an graduated from Tyndall High School in 1935. He worked with his father, Frank, in the building business. In 1940 and 1941, he was foreman of a construction crew that repaired farm buildings in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa for the Equitable Life Insurance Society. During the first year of World War II, he worked on the Island of Trinidad as a carpenter helping to build an Army air base. He then went overseas until 1946 and served in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. After being discharged from the service, he returned to Tyndall to start the Bouska Construction Company. He married Della Swatek in 1947 in Omaha, Neb. He retired from the construction business in 1982. He then purchased the Bouska Apartments in Tyndall which he owned and managed until 1996.

He was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, the Tyndall Fire Department, Tyndall Chamber of Commerce, Tyndall Development Corporation, V.F.W. and American Legion. He served as chairman of the 1989 Centennial and helped start the Bon Homme Heritage Association.

He is survived by one sister, Frances Pudwill, Tyndall; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one sister and one brother.

Robert's memory will be cherished by one sister, Frances Pudwill of Tyndall and numerous nephews and nieces.

Elmer Baltzer, 1915-2013

A memorial service for Elmer W. Baltzer of Scotland will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 23 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland with Rev. Ron Shifley officiating. Organist will be Sharon Orth and soloist is Linda Kronaizl. Honorary urnbearers will be Elmer’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be directed to the music program at the Scotland United Church of Christ.

Elmer William Baltzer was born on Tuesday, December 28, 1915 in rural Hutchinson County, South Dakota to Wilhelm W. and Louisa (Mogck) Baltzer. He attended country school through the 8th grade. He served in the US Army during World War II. Elmer was united in marriage to Lorraine Guthmiller on December 29, 1946 at Parker, South Dakota.

He was a life-long farmer and also worked for the ASCS Office in Hutchinson County. During his retirement years, he was the congenial host, head cashier and coffee pourer on Sundays for many years at the family-owned Sportsman’s Café.

In his leisure, he spent time refinishing antique furniture and woodworking. He enjoyed playing pinochle and indulged in the occasional “game of chance.” Elmer especially enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities.

Elmer was a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ and in the past had been a trustee of the Kaylor Congregational Church. He was a member and past Commander of the Paul Grosshuesch VFW Post #2966 of Scotland and a member of the Scotland Loyal Order of Moose Lodge.

Elmer passed away at his home in Scotland on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at the age of 97 years, 1 month and 19 days.

Elmer will live on in the hearts of his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Baltzer of Scotland; four children: Dale (Lori) Baltzer of Tripp, Peggy (Ron) Zink of Sterling, Colorado, James Baltzer of Madison and Jerry Baltzer of Scotland; eight grandchildren: Jason (Kristi) Baltzer, Ryan Kronaizl, Anthony Baltzer, Nicole (Jerry) Caton, Andrea (Aaron) Legband, Ashley Baltzer, Cody Zink and Haley Zink; five great-grandchildren: Trevor, Ashton, Ayrianna, Brooke and Chloe; two step-great-grandchildren: A.J. and Dylan; a daughter-in-law, Linda Ulmer; sisters-in-law: Bertha Baltzer, Ruth Baltzer, and Marge Sorenson; brothers-in-law: Mervin (Betty) Guthmiller and Emmett Guthmiller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wilhelm and Louisa Baltzer, he was preceded in death by his son, Terry Baltzer, and his daughter, Kathy (Baltzer) Kronaizl; three brothers: Eugene (Elda) Baltzer, Gilbert Baltzer, and Rueben Baltzer; a sister, Olivia (Albert) Hoff; and in-laws: Irene (Mike) Imig, Marguerite Guthmiller; LaVerne (Marge) Guthmiller, Heins Heinsohn and Lorrel Sorenson.

Richard "Dick" Boschma, 78, Springfield, died Tuesday (April 17, 2001) at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m Saturday at the United Church of Christ, Springfield. Burial with military honors will be in the Springfield Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a prayer service, at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Wagner. Visitation will continue from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday.

He was born Dec. 24, 1922, west of Springfield to Hildebrand and Minnie (Bouma) Buschma. He attended Hornstra Rural School through the eighth grade. He farmed with his parents until enlisting in the U.S. Navy Feb. 24, 1944. He served aboard the U.S.S. Bandera in the Pacific Theatre during World War II until he was honorably discharged March 31, 1946. He married Loraine Schweinforth Jan. 6, 1948, in Scotland. They farmed west of Springfield until 1989, when they moved into Springfield.

He was an active member of the United Church of Christ. He served as deacon and trustee of the Dwight Wood American Legion Post No. 132, where had had been active for 56 years.

Survivors include his wife, Loraine, Springfield; a son, Paul, rural Avon; one grandson; one brother, Joe, Janesville, Wis.; one sister, Bessie Hornstra, Tyndall; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son.

Linda Bartling, 1950-2013

Linda M. Bartling, 62, of Tyndall, South Dakota passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the George Mickelson Human Services Center in Yankton, South Dakota.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Carlsen-Feuerstein Funeral Home in Le Mars with Monsignor Mark Duchaine of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellendale, rural Merrill, Iowa officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars, Iowa. Visitation will be Friday morning from 9 a.m. until service time.

Linda Mary Miller was born May 2, 1950 in Le Mars, Iowa to Francis J. and Rosemary (Pick) Miller. She attended Johnson Township No. 1 country school and later graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1968. She attended college at Mount Marty College earning her degree as a Medical Technologist. She furthered her education earning a master’s degree in Education from the University of South Dakota. She taught at Mount Marty College, University of South Dakota and later at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

She was united in marriage to Kevin Wayrynen on October 24, 1981 at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Ellendale. A son, Jason was born to this union. Kevin passed away on August 20, 1985. She later married Robert Bartling on June 17, 1989 in Yankton, South Dakota.

Following their move from Aberdeen, the couple purchased Burke Hardware in Burke, South Dakota. After a few years, Linda returned to the medical field working as the laboratory manager at Gregory Health Care Center, Gregory, South Dakota.

In 2002, her health declined and Linda retired. During retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling in their “RV”. They enjoyed working at Custer State Park, South Dakota in the summers and spending the winters at St. George, Utah. Linda enjoyed cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. She also enjoyed fishing, knitting, and reading books.

Survivors include her husband Robert of Tyndall, South Dakota; a son, Jason Wayrynen of Modesto, California; a step-daughter, Diana Brown of North Platte, NE; 4 sisters: Jean Patton and her husband John of Lytle, Texas, Lois Hofer and her husband Gene of Boise, ID, Kay Anderson and her husband Dave of Burbank, SD, and Patty Washnok and her husband Grant of Brandon, SD; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis J. and Rosemary (Pick) Miller; and her first husband, Kevin Wayrynen.

Lee Beard, 86, formerly of Yankton, died Saturday, February 5, 2005, in Woodland, CA.

Lee was born in Scotland, SD on October 1, 1918, to Harry Lee and Bertha Orth Beard. He grew up in the Lesterville-Yankton area. He was involved in local baseball and most often was a pitcher with the Yankton Terrys. It was his favorite pasttime. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter in his spare time.

He worked at Elsbrees Appliance store during his time at Yankton. He married Neomi Nelson in 1939 in Yankton, SD. He served in the Army during World War II in Europe.

They moved to Davis, CA in 1953 where he owned and operated an appliance shop until his retirement.

He is survived by two sons: Larry and Tyrone (Judy), both of California; four grandchildren: Leslie, Cassie, Shawn and Brenda; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Norman (Doris) Frank, Tucson, AZ; and four sisters: Ruby Bartikowsky, Tyndall, SD; Irene Nohava, Hudson, SD; Eleanor (Hank) Schuur, Sioux City, IA; and Mildred (Frank) Branaugh, Yankton, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Neomi; an infant daughter, Yvonne; and one son, Jerome. Also, two brothers: Merle Frank and Vernard Frank.

He leaves behind many friends, especially Eileen, Virgie and Sherri, who helped him during his last few weeks of illness.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held in California this weekend. Internment will be held in Yankton at a later date. Condolences may be mailed to: Family of Lee Beard, 1170 Stormwood Avenue, Galt, CA 95632.

Virginia "Puddy" Bratton, 1945-2011

Virginia Gail “Puddy” Bratton was born on Monday, December 3, 1945 in Temple, Texas to Malcolm S. and Lillie Mae (Mull) Marshall. She graduated from high school in Plainview, Texas in 1964. Virginia was united in marriage to Clyde Bratton on February 16, 1965 at Plainview. While Clyde served in Vietnam, she worked as a switchboard operator for mobile communications. Following his return from military service, they farmed until Clyde became a court reporter. They then moved to Olivet, South Dakota in 1971. Over the years, Virginia worked at convenience stores in Olivet and Menno, babysat for several children, and for a time she and Clyde owned a gas station in Olivet. For many years, she worked at Gemar’s Market in Scotland. During the past ten years, they wintered in Texas until making their year-round home there earlier this year. Virginia’s life always revolved around her family, and she was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, especially to visit family. She also enjoyed going to flea markets, refinishing furniture and restoring her flea market treasures. She enjoyed fishing with Clyde, as long as it did not involve baiting hooks and removing her catch. For many years, she was a member of the Olivet United Methodist Church. Virginia passed away on Monday, August 15, 2011 at the age of 65 years, 8 months and 12 days.

Virginia’s memory will live forever in the hearts of her husband of 46 years, Clyde Bratton of Temple, Texas; two children: Brandi (Frank) Pravecek of Scotland and Dallas (Joci) Bratton of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Brooke, Allison and Derek Pravecek and Bayli Bratton; one sister, Joan Simpson of Marble Falls, Texas; and three brothers: Emmett “Bud” (Laverne) Marshall of Rogers, Texas, Larry (Linda) Marshall of Tequesta, Florida, and Mark (Kathy) Marshall of Kingsland, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Lillie Mae Marshall.

Elmer R. Bohlmann, 83, of Wakonda, died Thursday, September 28, 2006 near Viborg, as the result of an automobile accident.

He was born June 8, 1923 to Magdelina Catherina (Zeeb) and Richard Hermann Bohlmann at Scotland, SD. He was baptized in Martinus Evangelical Lutheran Church on July 1, 1923. He grew up on a farm near Lesterville, SD and attended school at Odessa #41 in Yankton County. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines and the occupation of Japan until his discharge on November 27, 1946. His unit was Co. B 306th NF. Elmer married Beverly Yvonne Hatch on September 14, 1947 at her parents' home in Wakonda. They began farming east of Wakonda where they raised their two daughters, Marjorie Lee and Cynthia Ann. Beverly passed away on February 15, 1983. He and Phyllis Engman were united in marriage on September 4, 1984 at the Norwegian Stave Church in Rapid City, SD. Phyllis passed away on October 3, 2001. Elmer continued living and farming on Frog Creed Road in Wakonda with the help of family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed raising cattle, which were always an important part of his life.

He will be lovingly missed by his daughters, Marj (Randal) Oaks of Augusta, MO and Cindy (Rick) Keese of Sinton, TX; 4 grandchildren: Trisha Radack Perkins (Gino) of Ridgeland, MS, Amy Lynn Radack Cutright (Kevin) of West Point, NY Stacy Keese (Jack Murray) of Austin, TX and Marty Keese (Meg) of San Antonio, TX; 4 great-grandchildren: Jaden, Kara and Laya Perkins and Caleb Cutright; 3 brothers: Leo, Rudy, and Danny; four sisters: Lucille Musil, Bernice Slupe, Mildred Ruman, and Janice Cahoy, along with many nieces and nephews; stepson Bruce (Kathy) Knutson and stepdaughter Janice (Richard) Olsen, 5 step-grandchildren, one step great-grandchild and countless friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, wife (of 35 yrs) Beverly, wife (of 17 yrs) Phyllis and four brothers; Oscar, Bobbie, Melvin and Leslie.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 3, at the United Church of Christ in Wakonda. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery, rural Wakonda. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, October 2, at the Hansen Funeral Home in Irene.

John (Jack) Beringer died at his son’s home in Toutle, Wash., from complications of pneumonia on Nov. 27, 2012. John’s ashes will be buried in the family plot in Tyndall later.

Jack was born June 3, 1935 in Tyndall to Beatrice and George B. Beringer. He graduated from Tyndall High School. He served three years in the US Marine Corps. He returned to South Dakota and attended Southern State Teacher's College where he graduated with a degree in education. He then coached and taught in Minnesota and South Dakota. In 1963, he moved his family to Utah to work with trouble youth at the Uinta Basin Job Corps. Later he went into private business and was a contractor until his retirement.

John is survived by his partner and friend, for 34 years, Keri Beringer, three children, Jackie (Paul) Southwick, Joni (Vince) Longfellow of Ogden, Ut. and son Michael of Toutle, Wash.; ten grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two brothers Ken (Jo Anne) Beringer of Vermillion and Richard Beringer of Tyndall.

His parents George B. and Beatrice Beringer, his grandparents John and Lena, his sister Mary Ellen Oliver and two brothers George R. and Douglas preceded him in death.

Edward E. "Buster" Babcock, 85, Springfield, died unexpectedly Wednesday (Dec. 24, 2003) at his home.

Funeral service is 10 a.m. Monday at the United Church of Christ, Springfield. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery with military honors. Visitation is from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday followed by a prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Springfield.

Edward E. "Buster" Babcock, son of Maurice P. and Blanche (DeMelt) Babcock, was born May 6, 1918, at Springfield. He completed grades one through eight in rural schools in Charles Mix County. He completed the ninth grade at Springfield High School and then joined his Dad on the family farm. Buster Joined the Army/Air Force in 1941 and served his country during World War II. He was a tech sergeant with an airplane maintenance company stationed in India. Before going overseas, Edward married Martha Lukkes on Dec. 31, 1942. After leaving the service in 1945, he returned to Springfield and worked as a mechanic at the Ford Garage. Shortly thereafter Buster went in business with Bob DeRoos repairing farm machinery and autos. In 1951, Buster returned to his first love, farming. He and Martha farmed until retirement in 1983. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling.

He was a life long member of the Springfield United Church of Christ, where he held various offices. He was also a member of the American Legion Dwight Wood Post No. 132 for 521/2 years.

Buster will be remembered for his enjoyment of hunting, traveling and mechanics. His grandchildren will especially remember all the bird houses he built for them.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Martha, Springfield; his children: Edward Jr. (Sharyn), Cold Spring, Minn.; Carlton (Betty), Ankeny, Iowa; Marilyn (Roy) Fuerst, Doland; Diane (Jay) Nagel, Sioux Falls; and 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Vera Tucker, Springfield; two brothers, Eugene of Georgia; and Donald of Arizona; and many relatives and friends.

He ws preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Martha Babcock, 1922-2007

Funeral services for Martha Babcock, 85, of Springfield will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield, SD. Visitation will be Friday from noon until 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield.

Martha Lukkes was born August 27, 1922 to Cornelius and Martha (DeLong) Lukkes on a farm southeast of Avon, SD. She died Thursday, October 18, 2007 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD.

Martha was the fifth born into a family of three brothers and two sisters. The oldest brother died as a young child and was buried in Holland. Later the family grew into five boys and four girls. Her parents came to the United States from Holland/Germany in 1913 and made their home in Bon Homme County in search of a better life.

Martha was brought up in the Baptist Church where she confessed her faith and was baptized at the Avon German Baptist Church with Rev. Slip at an early age and later joined her husband's church, the United Church of Christ at Springfield, SD.

Martha attended schools in the Avon area and worked in many homes caring for families until she married Edward E. Babcock on December 31,1942 at Melvindale, Ml where Edward was stationed in the Air Force at the time. To this union Martha and Edward had four children: Edward E., Carlton D., Marilyn J., and Diane K. She always encouraged them to do their best and that college was a must.

Martha and her husband farmed for 30 years, saw all their children married, then built a new home on property they had purchased after Edward returned from WWII. They traveled for 21 years before Edward's health no longer permitted them to travel and stayed home to enjoy their large family.

Martha loved to entertain family and friends and was very active in church work, taught Sunday school and Bible school, extension club, legion, leader of girl's 4H club and peer group for the blind.

She and Buster had a long marriage of 60 years and were six days short of 61 years when Buster passed away on December 24, 2003. She leaves to mourn her four children, 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren: son, Edward and wife Sharyn (Uken) Babcock of Cold Spring, MN, and their children: Bradley and Rebecca Babcock of Rockville, MN, and their children Swain and Phelysha; Kevin and Stacey Babcock of St. Cloud, MN and Riley; Darrin and Tessa Babcock of Forest Lake, MN and their children, Brendon and Haleea; son, Carlton and wife Betty (Waters) Babcock of Ankeny, IA and their children: Paul and Jennifer Babcock of North Liberty, IA and their children, Sarah and Michelle; Vickie and Scott Sovereign of Leawood, KS and their children, William and Nathan; Kimberly and DuWayne Dalen of Dallas Center, IA and their children, Kalie and Kelsey; daughter, Marilyn and husband LeRoy Fuerst of Doland, SD and their children: Dawn and Glen Rice of Sioux Falls, SD and their children, Matthew, Lanty, and Arianna; and Gregory and Emily Fuerst of Ames, IA; daughter, Diane and husband Jay Nagel of Sioux Falls, SD and their children: Travis and Mary Lou Nagel of Humboldt, SD and their son, Nicholas; and Traci and Donnie Walding of Rapid City, SD and their son, Harvey; a sister, Rose and husband Marlin Vilhauer of Avon, SD; brother, Jim and wife Carol Lukkes of Avon; sisters-in-law, Leola Lukkes of Tyndall, SD and Delores Lukkes of Avon; and many nieces and nephews and their families along with a host of friends.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters: Elizabeth and Kathryn; brothers: John, William, John II, and Cornelius; sister-in-law, Henrietta; and brothers-in-law, John A. Ludens and Willie Burma.

Harven Berndt, 1937-2010

Harven D. Berndt, 72 of Avon died Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Benedictine Health Center Dialysis Unit in Yankton. Harven attained the age of 72 years, 11 months and 11 days.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Monday, January 11, 2010 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church with the family present on Sunday from 2 to 3:30, followed by a prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials will be directed to the Diabetes or Heart Associations.

Harven Dwain Berndt, son of Robert and Minnie (Triebwasser) Berndt, was born January 26, 1937 on a farm near Avon.

Harven attended country school through the eighth grade and then moved to Tyndall, graduating from Tyndall High School in 1954. After high school, he returned to the farm, where he farmed, raised hogs, sheep and cattle and milked for 30 years. He also sold insurance and seed corn. Harven retired in August of 2004.

Harven married Ruth DeRoos on January 6, 1959 in Springfield. They lived northeast of Avon all of their married life where they worked side by side. Three children were blessed to this union.

Harven was baptized in December of 1949 by Rev. Itterman. He was a faithful member of Danzig Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and held other church offices. Harven was also a board member of R.E.A., Farm Bureau and Farmers’ Coop Elevator.

Harven will be remembered for his enjoyment of singing in the Men’s Chorus, love of music, going to auction sales, visiting with people at Terry’s shop and his herd of “oreo” cattle. He commented that this year’s crop was the best he had ever seen.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of 51 years, Ruth of Avon; children: Terry and wife Beth of Avon; Vicki Berndt-Odens and husband Brad of Springfield; and Kristi Desaulniers and husband Rob of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren: Landon, Riley and Callie Berndt and Aida and Dawson Desaulniers; two sisters-in-law: Velda Voigt of Avon and Arlene Berndt of Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Harven was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Jordan Berndt; three brothers: Waldo, Wilbert and Lavern; sister Bernice Janssen; and a niece and a nephew.

Verna Berndt, 1930-2008

Funeral services for Verna A. Berndt, 77, of Yankton and formerly of Tyndall and Avon, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon, followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Verna Amelia Berndt, daughter of Rudolph C. and Linda (Hinzman) Schaefer, was born November 17, 1930 on a farm near Avon, SD. She died Monday, April 7, 2008 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Verna attained the age of 77 years, four months and 21 days.

Verna was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Avon. She attended Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade. Verna later transferred her membership to the Danzig Baptist Church. Verna married LaVern E. Berndt on September 24, 1950. Two children were born to their union. They lived on the family farm until October of 1986, when they moved into Tyndall. Lavern died November 20, 1986. Verna moved to Yankton in 1999.

Verna was also a member of the Avon American Legion Auxiliary, Yankton Senior Citizens and the Yankton Single Circulators. She will be remembered for her enjoyment of cooking, canning, watching baseball and being a Husker fan. Verna especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Barbara Hebner and husband, Fred of Tyndall, and Robert and wife, Jolene of Yankton; four grandchildren: Jason and wife Jennifer Hebner and Ryan and wife Leah Hebner, all of Sioux Falls; Rylee Berndt and Caitlin Jo Berndt, both of Yankton, and an unborn child on the way; three brothers: Junior and wife, Lila of Custer, Nilus and wife, Margene of Scotland, and Larry and wife, Sharon of Ohio; two sisters: Shirley Jurrens and husband, Keith of Shelby, NE, and Betty Strofus of Yankton; sister-in-law, Eloise Schaefer of Georgia; special friend, Art Winckler of Yankton; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Ray; two infant brothers: Michael and Duane; two brothers-in-law: Darrel Goehring and Dick Strofus; and special friend, Wallace Vilhauer.

Delores Buchholz, 1934-2013

The funeral service for Delores Buchholz, 78 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.

Delores Buchholz, daughter of Daniel and Bertha (Buchholz) Buchholz, was born February 4, 1934 on a farm northeast of Avon. She died Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Delores attained the age of 78 years, 11 months and 10 days.

Delores attended the Vesper Country School through the eighth grade.

Delores was baptized May 1, 1948 by Rev. Albert Itterman and became a member of Danzig Baptist Church. She served as the Sunday School secretary for several years.

Delores moved into Avon in 1980. She worked at C.R. Industries in Springfield for 17 years. After retiring from C.R., she was janitor at the Avon Legion Hall and also a Bon Homme County volunteer driver for those with medical needs.

Delores will be remembered for her enjoyment of helping the elderly people and her love for her cat, Molly.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Elnora and Irene. She is survived by several cousins.

Milo "Mike" Bartunek, 1932-2013

The funeral service for Milo F. “Mike” Bartunek, 80 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial will be in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Milo Frank “Mike” Bartunek, son of Frank P. and Lillian J. (Bouska) Bartunek, was born May 26, 1932 at Wagner, SD. He died Friday, January 11, 2013 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg. Mike attained the age of 80 years, seven months and 17 days.

Mike attended country school in the Wagner area and graduated from Wagner High School.

Mike married Carol Rehurek on November 25, 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Three children were blessed to their union.

Mike farmed in the Avon area for 15 years, moving into Avon in 1975. He then worked for Ferrell Gas for 27 years. Mike also measured land for ASC, was a part-time police officer for the City of Avon, worked at the Avon Locker, drove truck for Jim Janssen and Ron Steckler, and worked at the Mike Durfee Prison in Springfield.

Mike was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Avon and the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post in Avon.

Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked reading sports magazines and watching the Twins. His family fondly remembers how he loved singing in Bohemian.

Due to failing health, Mike became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall in the winter of 2011 and then was transferred to the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home at Viborg in the spring of 2012.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Carole of Yankton; son Rodney of Bothell, WA; two daughters: Renee Knight of Salem, NC and Tammy Rella of Old Bridge, NJ; eight grandchildren: and many friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Adolph and Hattie Rehurek, infant grandson, Victor Rella, and brother-in-law, Danny Rehurek.

Reuben Buchholz, 1913-2009

Reuben Buchholz was born July 18, 1913 at Avon, SD to Emanuel and Ida (Schmidt) Buchholz. He received his schooling from the Giedd School at rural Avon. He was employed as parts manager at Rozum Motor Company in Mitchell for thirty-two years. On June 3, 1941 he married Hilda Oorlog. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and later the Northridge Baptist Church. He was involved in the church where he served as deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, trustee, treasurer and worked with AWANA. He was an avid New York Yankee fan and was a devoted Christian who loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.

He is survived by his wife Hilda; one son, Curtis Buchholz and wife, Carole of Soldotna, Alaska; a son-in-law, Fred Smith Jr. of Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Bill Smith, Dixie Beebe, Kristina Buchholz and Jon Buchholz; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Nathan Buchholz of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters, Iola Walkes of Sioux Falls, SD and Fern Burger of Lewiston, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Janice Smith, three brothers, Harry, Leonard and Edwin, five sisters, Mamie Christians, Dorothy Saylor, Minnie Hubner, Molly McGovern and Lorine Fischer.

Hilda Buchholz, 1917-2009

Hilda Ida Buchholz was born August 23, 1917 at Avon, SD to Herman and Hillie (Brandt) Oorlog. She was confirmed at the Avon Lutheran Church and received her schooling from the Giedd School at rural Avon. On June 3, 1941 she married Reuben Buchholz. After moving to Mitchell she became a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. She taught children Sunday School for over twenty years and then after that she joined the ladies circle where she helped make quilts and baby layettes to send to missions overseas. She had a beautiful soprano voice and loved to sing the many familiar hymns. For numerous years she was employed in the drapery and fine furnishing department at Johnson’s Furniture.

She is survived by one son, Curtis Buchholz and his wife, Carole of Soldotna, Alaska, and a son-in-law, Fred Smith Jr. of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Bill Smith, Dixie Beebe, Kristina Buchholz, and Jon Buchholz and four great-grandchildren: Zach, Jordan, Troy and Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Reuben, her daughter, Janice Smith and her sister, Iola Lauer.

Esther Buchholz, 1918-2009

Funeral services for Esther A. Buchholz, 91, of Avon, will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2009, at Danzig Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Esther Adella Buchholz, daughter of Adolph and Katie (Kappes) Miedinger, was born May 22, 1918, at Leola, S.D. She died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, S.D. Esther attained the age of 91 years, one month and 16 days.

Esther attended school through the eighth grade in the Leola area. She married Roy Buchholz at the Tyndall Baptist Church on October 4, 1937. Two children were blessed to their union. They farmed north of Avon for many years and moved into Avon in 1980. Roy died March 17, 1982. Esther worked at the Avon Enterprise for 20 years, retiring in 1999.

Esther was a member of the Danzig Baptist Church.

Esther will be remembered for her enjoyment of embroidery, raising flowers and working at the leather factory.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Merdith of Avon, Adella and husband Don Massey of Avon; five grandchildren, Lori and husband Terry Hofer, Lee and wife Julie, Marsha and husband Matt Steuerwald, Mark Mudder, and Mike and wife Jennifer Mudder; five great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Leonard and his wife Billy, son-in-law Roger Mudder, and daughter-in-law, Marjorie Buchholz.

Herbert Buchholz, 1920-2006

Services for Herbert Buchholz, 86 of Avon will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon Friday from 12 noon to 8:30 p.m., with the family present from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Herbert Buchholz, son of Ferdinand and Caroline (Neu) Buchholz was born March 30, 1920 on a farm north of Avon. He died Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Herb attained the age of 86 years, two months and 14 days.

Herb attended country school south of Tripp through the eighth grade. He married Margaret Engel on May 3, 1940, at the Lutheran Church parsonage in Avon. Herb was drafted into the US Army following his marriage and served during World War II. He was a POW in Germany for six months. Following the war, Herb was a mechanic on the trucks during the building of the dams in Pierre and Pickstown. He worked for International Harvester in Geddes from 1955 to 1956 and then returned to Avon. Herb worked for Pat Crosby and then started Herb's Repair in the 1960s.

Herb was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Avon and the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post #150 in Avon. Herb will be remembered for his "tinkering" in his garage and his love of airplanes.

Thankful for having shared his life are his children: JoAnn Houska and husband, George of Wagner; Arnold and Rodney and wife, Julie, all of Tyndall; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brother, Gilbert of San Jose, CA; sister, Elda Giedd of Lake Andes; step brother, Clarence Mudder of Yankton; and many nieces and nephews.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife on January 28, 1997; parents; step father, Ted Mudder; brother, Reinold; step brother, Helmuth Mudder; and step sister, Grace Stock.

Funeral services for Arnold Buchholz, 57, of Tyndall are 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon. Burial is in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is Monday from 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.

Arnold Gene Buchholz, son of Herbert and Margaret (Engel) Buchholz, was born April 29, 1951 at Tyndall, SD. He died unexpectedly Saturday, April 25, 2009 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Arnold attained the age of 57 years, 11 months and 28 days.

Arnold graduated from Avon High School in 1969. He married Pamela Tschetter on December 7, 1974 in Yankton. Two children were born to their union.

Arnold worked in the parts department at L&L in Yankton and later delivered beverages for Yankton Beverage. He then drove truck for many years for Abler in South Dakota and Wyoming until illness caused him to retire.

Arnold enjoyed all types of sports, especially baseball and college basketball. He loved to play baseball when he was young.

Thankful for having shared his life are his daughter, Margo and husband Mark Logue of Wakonda; son, Nicholas and wife Kimberly of Grand Forks, ND; five grandchildren: Dillon, Justin, Katelyn, LillyAnn and Emma Logue; brother Rodney and wife Julie of Tyndall; sister JoAnn and husband George Houska of Wagner; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Anna Bruna, age 95, of Scotland passed away Monday, October 3, 2005, at the Scotland Good Samaritan Center, Scotland, SD.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Chapel in Tabor, SD with Rev. Paul Opsahl officiating. Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery in Tabor. Visitations will be 3-9 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Chapel in Tabor with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Colleen Munkvold and Steve Nielson, Orlando and JoAnn Munkvold, Ordell and Paula Munkvold and Claudell and Susan Munkvold.

Anna was born July 6th, 1910, to Frank and Kathryn (Harrant) Beran in Yankton, County. Anna married Joseph F. Bruna on October 26, 1937, in Yankton, SD. They farmed in the Tyndall area until the death of her husband, when Anna moved to Scotland, SD. She entered the Scotland Good Samaritan Center in April of 2000. She was a 50-year member of the ZCBJ Lodge.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Helen (Edward) Munkvold of Menno, SD; her son, Joseph E. Bruna of Tyndall, SD; her grandchildren: Colleen Munkvold, Orlando (JoAnn) Munkvold, Ordell (Paula) Munkvold and Claudell (Susan) Munkvold; four great-grandchildren: Kordell, Jesse, Kyle and Cody Munkvold; two brothers: Emil (Evelyn) Beran of Tabor, SD and Edward (Faye) Beran of Yankton, SD; his sister, Hattie Vellek of Tabor, SD and special friends, Phyllis Bennett and Alma Kramer.

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; her brother, Frank; and brother-in-law, Ray Vellek.

Betty Jane Bush, age 79, of Miami, Arizona passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at her residence in Miami, AZ She was born in Scotland, South Dakota on August 14, 1931. Daughter of Harry and Flossie Bush She had worked as a registered nurse. Betty is survived by her brother Charles Bush of Dixon, Missouri and her niece Lisa Bush of Redondo Beach, CA.

Funeral Services will be in private.

Carl Bangert, 1919-2008

Carl W. Bangert, long-time Rapid City resident died on Dec. 19, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital at the age of 89.

Carl was born on Oct. 17, 1919, on a farm near Avon, S.D., to Walter C. and Nora (Hughes) Bangert. He was the oldest of five children. After he graduated from Avon High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1941 and served with the 147th Field Artillery in the South Pacific during World War II.

Shortly after returning home from his tour of duty, Carl took the position of County Veterans Service Officer for Bon Homme County, Tyndall, S.D. On Oct. 24, 1944, Carl married the love of his life, Leona Mae Jurrens, also of Avon. He began his career in banking as Assistant Cashier at the Security State Bank in Tyndall on Jan. 1, 1949. In July 1951, Carl and Leona moved to Rapid City where he joined the Rapid City National Bank (now US Bank). In June of 1969 they moved to Blue Earth where Carl was elected Executive Vice President of the First National Bank of Blue Earth and shortly after that President of the bank, a position he held until his retirement in March 1983. Following his retirement, Carol and Leona returned to Rapid City. Shortly after the death of Leona, his wife of 63 years on Dec. 24, 2007, Carl moved into Westhills Village where he renewed many old friendships and gained many new ones. One of his final comments was "I've had a good life."

Carl was an active member of the community and served numerous positions with the Red Cross, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, United Fund and Kiwanis Club. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Rapid City, he had served as treasurer and chair of the board and financial chair of the building fund at the time the current church was erected.

Carl is survived by three children and their families Byron (Hayden) of Bloomington, Ind., with sons Andrew and Nathan; Lila (Daniel) Paschke of Rapid City, with son David (Julie) Munstedt and their daughter Keira; Charles (Michele) of Richardson, Texas, with daughter Kelly. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, his two brothers, Warren and Walter Jr. (Bud), and his two sisters, Vera Grasso and Voreta Reinhold.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Rapid City on Dec. 23, 2008. Dr. Gregg Hemmen and Dr. Byron Bangert officiated. A committal service and burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City with military honors.

Leslie E. Bohlmann died on Monday, August 30, 2004 at the Morningside Care Center in Alcester, South Dakota, at the age of 74 years.

Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 2, 2004, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy is Pastor Dean Schroeder. Organist is Melissa Bruna and soloist is LeRoy Sorenson. Casketbearers are Carson Bohlmann, Alex Bohlmann, Noah Bohlmann, Michael Bohlmann, Ronald Bohlmann and Michael Grimme. Honorary casketbearers are all of Les' nieces and nephews. Interment is in Tyndall Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota, with Military Rites by Simek-Ptak V.F.W. Post No. 6895. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, South Dakota. A Prayer Service is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2004, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, South Dakota.

Leslie Emil Bohlmann was born on March 13, 1930, at Scotland Hospital to Richard and Magdalena (Zeeb) Bohlmann. He was baptized at Martinus Lutheran Church in Utica and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno. He attended Odeyssa Grade School. Leslie was in the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War from February of 1952 through February of 1954 and was honorably discharged as a corporal. He married Donna Grimme on November 25, 1955, at Tyndall. They farmed near Tyndall until 1998. He was an active member of the community, serving on many boards: Farmer's Union, Bon Homme School Board, FHA Board, Farm Credit Board, Farm Credit Advisory Board, 4-H Leader, St. Michael's Hospital Board, Bon Homme Irrigation Board, Rural Fire Board, Livestock Feeders and Pork Producers. He was also a DeKalb dealer and a member of the VFW. Les was also an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, serving on various boards and as a delegate to the Synodical Convention in St. Louis. He entered the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in December of 1998. In May of 2000, he became a resident of the Morningside Care Center in Alcester, South Dakota.

Les will be remembered for his love for his family, church and community.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; three children: Jerry (Linda) Bohlmann of Lincoln, Nebraska; Mary (Ben) Ambler of Bradenton, Florida; and Peg Bohlmann (and special friend, William George) of Chester, South Dakota; three grandsons: Carson, Alex and Noah Bohlmann of Lincoln, Nebraska; four brothers: Elmer Bohlmann of Wakonda, Rudy (Gloria) Bohlmann of Menno, Leo (Pat) Bohlmann of Menno, and Danny Bohlmann of Rapid City; four sisters: Lucille (Don) Musil of Mission Hill, Bernice Slupe of Brainerd, Minnesota, Mildred (Louie) Ruman of Tabor and Janice (Steve) Cahoy of Tabor; two sisters-in-law: Delores Bohlmann and Marcene Bohlmann, both of Yankton; and his mother-in-law, Marie Grimme of Tyndall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Magdalena Bohlmann; two brothers: Bobby Bohlmann and Melvin Bohlmann; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law; and his father-in-law, Art Grimme.

Edward Bame, 79, Ethan, SD, died Friday, September 22, 2006 at his home under hospice care. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ethan. Burial with military graveside rites will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Monday with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ethan. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Edward Joseph Bame was born March 30, 1927 at Tyndall to Emil and Anna (Kriz) Bame. He grew up and attended school in Tyndall, graduating in 1946. He served in the US Army. On January 2, 1960 he married Helen Reinartz at Yankton. He owned and operated Eddies Mobil in Yankton for several years and in 1963 moved to Santa Ana CA., where he worked for Standard Pressed Steel. In 1977 they moved to Ethan. He worked for Puetz Construction until retiring in 1982.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife Helen, 2 sons, Charles of Grand Rapids, MI; Jeffrey and wife Sue of Mitchell; daughters, Peggy Swift of Ethan; Janice and husband Don Loyd of Tabor; Valerie and husband Bill Miketta of Pinetop, AZ; Cheryl and husband Donnie Maeschen of Ethan; Lynette and husband Robert Knigge of Redfield; Dawn and husband John Schlaffman of Ethan; a brother, Robert and wife Maggie of Tyndall and sister, Delores (Frank) James of Lehigh Acres, FL; 28 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Darlene, a son, Daniel, a granddaughter, Vicky, his twin brother, Emil, brother, Stephen and a sister, Mary.

Ruby Bartikowsky, 1920-2011

Funeral services for Ruby V. Bartikowsky of Tyndall will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. Burial will follow in the Tyndall Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from noon until the time of service at the funeral home.

Ruby Viola Bartikowsky was born Friday, April 23, 1920 at Redfield, South Dakota to Harry H. and Bertha (Orth) Beard. Ruby was united in marriage to Emil Bartikowsky on June 20, 1936 at Yankton. They farmed north of Tyndall for many years. They moved into Tyndall and Ruby did painting, cleaning, and worked at the Corner Bar. Always good with her hands, Ruby was handy at fixing things, made beautiful crepe paper rose bouquets for Memorial Day, did wallpapering, gave haircuts and permanents, and sewed and crocheted. Her enjoyments in life included reading and music, and she was self-taught on the piano, organ and accordion. She became a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in 2007. She passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2011, having attained the age of 91 years, 4 months, and 23 days.

Grateful for sharing Ruby’s life are her children: a son, Ron (Norma) Bartikowsky of Yankton; five daughters: Arline (Robert) Sedlacek of Tyndall, Ruth Langley of Tyndall, Rita Bourret of Tyndall, Carol Reining of Denver, Colorado and Dorothy (John) Honomichl of Yankton; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; one brother, Norman Frank of Tucson, Arizona; and three sisters: Mildred Branaugh of Yankton, Eleanor Schuur of Sioux City, Iowa and Irene Nohava of Huron.

In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Emil, three brothers, a grandson, and four great-grandchildren.

Dorothy Brandt, 1927-2012

The funeral service for Dorothy D. Brandt, 85 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Friday from 5 to 7 with the family present, and followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy Darlene Brandt, daughter of Gotthold and Marie (Steinhauer) Schulz, was born December 4, 1927 on a farm near Hurley, SD in Turner County. She died Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Dorothy attained the age of 85 years.

Dorothy was baptized on December 11, 1927 and confirmed on August 10, 1941. Dorothy graduated from Parker High School in 1945. She attended Concordia Teachers’ College in Seward, NE for two years and earned her teaching certificate. Dorothy taught at the Zion Lutheran Parochial School in Avon and later taught kindergarten at Avon Public School. She also sold Avon products for many years and worked at the Community Action Program in Lake Andes for several years.

Dorothy married Alvin E. Brandt at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hurley on October 17, 1948. Together they farmed in the Avon area and raised three children. They moved into Avon in November of 2005. Alvin died November 27, 2011.

Dorothy was a faithful member of the Zion Lutheran Church and LWML in Avon. She taught Sunday School and served as the church organist for over 60 years. Dorothy also was a board member of Meadow View Manor in Avon.

Dorothy will be remembered for her love of spending time with her family, baking, cooking, doing crafts and making and sending cards.

Thankful for having shared her life are her daughter, Diane Boheman and husband John of Sioux Falls; son, Arlen and wife Sharon of Emery; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Betty Scherer of Sioux Falls; and many relatives and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; her son Ronald on December 20, 1979; parents; and her in-laws: Rosella and Lester Powers and Bertha and Homer Timmens.

Klint Bothwell, 1982-2009

Funeral services for Klint C. Bothwell, 27, of Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Fergus Falls, MN, will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield, with burial in the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield.

Klint Christopher Bothwell, son of Kent and Wilma (Kastein) Bothwell, was born April 14, 1982, in Tyndall, S.D. He died unexpectedly at his home in Sioux Falls on Thursday, June 11, 2009.

The family lived in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and California until 1995, when they moved to Fergus Falls, MN. Klint graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 2000.

Klint was employed by S&S Masonry in Wagner and later Williams Masonry of Avon. He presently was employed with Citibank in Sioux Falls since February 2009.

Klint received his associate degree in Business Administration on line from Colorado Technical University. He graduated in May of 2009 with highest honors.

Klint loved watching and participating in sports and was an avid Raider fan. He will be remembered for his kind, gentle and generous heart. His courageous efforts to improve himself and turn his life around were evident in the last two years of his life. They were spent in hours of hard work, improving all areas of his well-being: School, work, exercising, diet and mental attitude. Be assured his phenomenal inner strength was provided by God. In his 27 years of life, he had reached a peak, so to speak, and looking downward; he only wanted to be normal and knew he couldn’t stay at that peak level. ... So he rolled down into the arms of angels, or Jesus himself.

Thankful for having shared his life are his parents; sister Tera Robb and husband Dave, all of Fergus Falls, MN; brother Nick of Moorhead, MN; two nieces: Kaylee and Kate Robb; his grandmothers: Ann Bothwell of Orange, CA, and Winifred Kastein of Tyndall; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Klint was preceded in death by his grandfathers: Dewain Bothwell and Bernard Kastein.

Blessed be the name of Jesus for the gift of Klint Christopher Bothwell and thank You for his life story.

Funeral services for Maurice Putnam Babcock, 74, will be Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock in the United church of Christ with the Rev. Robert Owens officiating. The Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery.

He was born June 13, 1894 in Nebraska City, Neb. to Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Babcock and married Blanche De Melt.

Mr. Babcock was a member of the Masons and the Rotary. He farmed near Springfield but was also an inventor and a published poet.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. James (Vera) Tucker; three sons, Edward, Avon; Donald, Minneapolis and Eugene, New Lennow, Ill. He was preceded in death by one son and his wife.

Daily Republic (Mitchell, South Dakota) ~ July 9, 1968

Laura Betz, 94, Sioux Falls and formerly of Avon, died Monday (Sept. 2, 2002) at Covington Heights, Sioux Falls.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Avon. Burial is in the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is from 2-7 p.m. Friday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Avon.

She was born Aug. 5, 1909, at Avon, to Fred and Lydia (Fathke) Sattler. In 1922, she became a member of the First Baptist Church, Avon. She graduated from Avon High School in 1926. She married Chester J. Betz April 14, 1930, at Avon. She worked as a homemaker, bookkeeper and musician. She moved to Covington Heights, Sioux Falls, Jan. 19, 1998.

She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church, serving as pianist, organist, choir director, primary Sunday School teacher and a member of the WMF of the church. She was also director of the Bon Homme Community Easter Cantata.

She is survived by two sons: Verlyn (Alice), Lebanon, Ore.; Dennis (Sharon), Sioux Falls; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two sisters.

Chester Betz, 98, Avon, died Sunday (June 23, 2002) at Covington Heights in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial at the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m.-noon Monday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.

He was born April 12, 1904, at Kingfisher County, Okla., to John and Lizzie (Vilhauer) Betz. He attended rural schools in Oklahoma and graduated in 1922 from Avon High School in Avon. He also attended Nettleton College, Sioux Falls. He married Laura E. Sattler April 14, 1930, at Avon. He worked as a plumber, electrician and was an International Harvester dealer.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church since 1922, a charter member of the Lions Club, Avon Chamber of Commerce, Avon Fire Department and served as president of the Avon School Board. He will be remembered for his love of fishing and Avon High School sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, Sioux Falls; two sons: Verlyn (Alice), Lebanon, Ore.; Dennis (Sharon), Sioux Falls; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Sylvia Van Gerpen, Rapid City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

H. R. "Bud" Bertrand, 80, of Scotland, died Wednesday (March 6, 2002) at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. George's Catholic Church, Scotland, with Rev. David Stevens officiating. Burial will be in the Ebnezer Cemetery, rural Scotland. Pallbearers are Matthew Bertrand, Joshua Bertrand, Travis Pokorney, Steve Hoebelheinrich, Dennis Suess and Darryl Suess. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. Sunday with a 2 p.m. wake service at the church. Petrik-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.

He was born May 27, 1920, at Kirk, Colo., to Adelor and Mariam (Duchaine) Bertrand. He graduated from Jefferson High School. He served in the United States Navy. He married Ella Suess May 25, 1953, at Tabor. He worked for Conners Telephone for two years, R.E.A. for 15 years, N.W.P. for 15 years as a journey lineman and drove truck for Consumer Supply in Tyndall. He retired in 1982.

He was a member of St. George's Catholic Church, V.F.W. and American Legion, coached American Legion baseball in Tabor and played amateur baseball in both Tabor and Scotland for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Ella Suess, Scotland; four children: Ray (Dee) Bertrand, Yankton; Joe Bertrand, Scotland; LuAnn (John) Geiman, Scotland; Brian (Renda) Bertrand, Gayville; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Bernice LaFleur, Petersburg, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild and two infant sisters.

Arnold "Arnie" Bauder, 82, Scotland, died Thursday (Jan. 3, 2002) at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Scotland, with the Rev. John Sieverts officiating. Burial is in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Scotland. Pallbearers are Rodney Burke, Russell Ireland, Chad Herrboldt, Ralph Bauder, Jim Foley, Greg Grenz and George Holm. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Petrik-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland.

He was born Nov. 3, 1919, at Scotland to Philip and Elnora (Burke) Bauder. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended country school southwest of Scotland. He married Hilda Grenz Jan. 1, 1946. She died April 9, 1977. He married Shirley Herrboldt Feb. 14, 1990. He lived in the Scotland area all his life. He was a member of the Scotland Fire Department for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He was an accomplished carpenter and electrician.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Bauder, Scotland; and two step-children, Candi Sayler and Chad Herrboldt.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilda; his parents; three sisters (two grown and one infancy); his step-mother and one step-son.

Betty Brown, 1935-2012

Betty Jean Brown, age 77, of Springfield, SD, died Monday, November 12, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall, South Dakota.

Memorial services are 11 a.m., on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend David Gunderson officiating. Inurnment will be at the Lakeport Cemetery in rural Tabor, South Dakota. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Betty was born April 2, 1935 in Yankton, South Dakota to John and Elsie (Neuendorf) Medeck. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Yankton and then graduated from Yankton High School in 1953. On June 9, 1956, Betty married Duane Brown in Dearborn, Michigan. After their marriage, they lived in Dearborn where Betty worked as a secretary for Ford Motor Company for almost 10 years. After her daughter, Kimberly, was born, she stayed home to raise her family and became active in Atonement Lutheran School. Betty served as a substitute teacher and assisted with many school activities. After Duane retired in 1989, they moved west of Yankton. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Betty enjoyed listening to music, dancing, playing cards, and doing crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed the companionship of her many pets, but above all, she loved visiting with people.

Betty is survived by her husband, Duane Brown of Springfield, SD; daughter, Kimberly (Joel) Nelson of Elk Point, SD; and a close family friend, June Ruppelt of Springfield.

Marian Benesh was born on December 4, 1914 to Frank and Anna (Hahn) Benesh at Tyndall. She graduated from Tyndall High School and later attended Freeman Academy at Freeman, South Dakota. She taught rural school for three years. After deciding not to pursue a teaching career, she enrolled in business college at Grand Island, Nebraska. Her first job was in the office of the Marty Indian Mission in South Dakota. A year later, she was offered a job in Washington, D.C. She was assigned to the Bureau of Navigation in the Navy Department. She was later promoted to the Department of Naval Personnel where she was an employment and placement officer for the civil service employees of that bureau. After retirement, she volunteered for many hours at her church and the Meals on Wheels Program. Marian passed away at her home in Washington on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at the age of 92 years.

She is survived by a sister, Eleanor Ireland of Scotland, South Dakota; a niece and nephew, Cathy Canby and Richard (Stacie) Canby, all of Washington, D.C.; a niece, Luetta (Jerry) Roseth of Philip, South Dakota; and a nephew, Lyle (JoAnn) Ireland of Scotland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Anna Benesh and a sister, Luella Canby.

Duane Blachnik, 1944-2011

A memorial Mass for Duane C. Blachnik of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 19 at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland with Fr. Mathew Vazhappilly as Celebrant. Organist is Georgianne Pravecek and soloist is Kelli Mehlhaff. Inurnment will follow in St. George Catholic Cemetery, Scotland. Active and honorary urnbearers will be all of Duane’s children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of his pinochle playing friends, all of his many trucking friends, especially Harold, Leland, Joe and John. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the family present to greet visitors, at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland.

Duane Carl Blachnik was born Monday, April 17, 1944 on the family farm southwest of Scotland, South Dakota to Carl and Viola (Blaha) Blachnik. He attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Scotland High School in 1962. After high school, he served two years in the Army Reserves and nine years in the Springfield National Guard unit. Duane married Mary Ann Murray on September 24, 1983. Duane started his 40-plus year career in trucking as a truck driver for Ray Diede. He drove for many companies over the years: he drove flatbed for Joe Drotzmann, and for seven years, he and his wife, Mary Ann, drove as a team for All-American, Elton Wek, Alumax and last for Ron Schoellerman. He was an excellent driver and his logbooks were always in A1 shape. He always kept in contact with his driving buddies and some of them called him daily. He knew every mile marker, Interstate roadway and where all the truck stops were. For the past ten years, Duane was in failing health and on nice days he would head uptown in his chair to play pinochle at the Hide-Out and VFW. Duane passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2011 at the Avera Yankton Care Center at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 30 days.

Duane is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary Ann Blachnik of Scotland; his son Charles (Krickett) Blachnik and granddaughter Kady of Granite Falls, North Carolina; his daughter, Heather (Jay) Weeks and three grandchildren of Hickey, North Carolina; his stepchildren: Jeff, Scott, Julie and Mark; three step-granddaughters: Bridgett, Brianna, and Alexis; two step-grandsons: Teyton and Keatan; two sisters: Renae (Loren) Mehlhaff of Mitchell and Dianna (Roger) Van Ess of Parkston; three nieces and two nephews; his special “Auntie Dee”; many cousins; his best friends Harold (Delores) Barkl of Cle Elum, Washington and Leland (Barb) Papik of Mission Hill; and his pet, Emma Louise, whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Viola Blachnik.

Rita Bourret, 1944-2012

Funeral services for Rita Bourret of Tyndall will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23 at St. John Lutheran Church in Tyndall with Rev. Dean Schroeder officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Tyndall Cemetery.

Rita Kay Bourret was born Friday, September 29, 1944 to Emil and Ruby (Beard) Bartikowsky. She attended school in Tyndall. Rita married Don Bourret in 1962. From this marriage, she had two sons: Darwyn and Shawn. Rita moved to California with her two sons in 1977. She began working at NASA in February of 1987. She processed data on the tests of future astronauts. She worked directly with the astronauts and modeled space gear. While working, she attended DeAnza Community College in Cupertino, California where she received her degree in purchasing. She also worked as a senior counselor in a girl’s group home. Rita moved back to Yankton in 1997 to be close to her family. Her enjoyments in life included dancing, music (especially by Little Richard), playing cards, embroidery, being with family and reading her devotions and Bible. After a courageous battle with a long illness, Rita passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall at the age of 68 years and 20 days. She will be greatly missed in our hearts forever.

Grateful for sharing Rita’s life are her two sons: Darwyn (Michelle) Bourret of Aurora, Colorado and Shawn (Tammy) Bourret of Lakewood, Colorado; two cherished granddaughters: Tyanna and Tayria Bourret; four sisters: Arline (Robert) Sedlacek of Tyndall, Ruth Langley of Tyndall, Carol Reining of Denver, Colorado and Dorothy (John) Honomichl of Yankton; one brother, Ron (Norma) Bartikowsky of Yankton; and a very special friend, Ron (Fritz) Wyatt, who supported her throughout her long illness and was always a part of her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Ruby Bartikowsky; her paternal and maternal grandparents; one nephew, Jerry Langley; a cousin, and many aunts and uncles.

Agnes Brosz, age 92, of Yankton, passed away early Wednesday (September 2, 2009) morning at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton.

A Celebration of Prayer and Song for Agnes will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 6, 2009, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Rev. Steve Weispfennig officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, September 7, 2009, in the Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland, S.D., with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating.

Agnes Inez Brosz was born at home in rural Menno, South Dakota, on February 15, 1917, to Edward and Annette (Nettie Herrboldt) Hauck, and died at Sr. James Care Center on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at the age of 92. Agnes married Elton Brosz on June 1, 1936. They lived in Scotland, South Dakota, for a few years before moving to Wagner, South Dakota, where they managed the Rivin Brothers grocery store until their retirement in the 1970s. Agnes is remembered by her family and grandchildren for her cooking talents. She was known for her apricot, prune and cinnamon kuchen as well as her crescent rolls, her apricot filled bear claws, and her caramel and cinnamon rolls. Whatever the occasion Agnes always had something good to eat in her freezer. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wagner where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. In 2001, they moved to Yankton where they resided for the rest of their lives. Agnes will also always be remembered for her strong faith.

Agnes is survived by three sons, Gary Brosz (Shirley) of Tyler, Minnesota, Keith Brosz (Nelda) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Dan Brosz (Nancy) of Grand Island, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Jodi (Randy) Lichtsinn of Erie, Pennsylvania, Jeff (Jennifer) Brosz, Shakopee, Minnesota, Tammy Brosz, Duluth, Minnesota, Robyn (Tim) Koenig of Farr, Missouri, Michelle (Karl) Suhr of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Rachel Eades, Fallbrook, California, Adam (Shannon) Brosz, McCook, Nebraska, and Erin (Ryan) Byrd, Omaha, Nebraska, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Ervin (Arlene) Hauck of Denver, Colorado, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Viola (Brosz) and Aaron Konrad of Windom, Minnesota, six nephews and ten nieces.

Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Elton, two brothers, Elmer and Alvin Hauck, and three sisters, Vera Francis Kuchta, Mildred Zwemke, and Lucille Frye.

Gertrude Bowers, 1917-2012

Gertrude H. Bowers, age 94 of Menno, SD passed away January 1, 2012 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, with Rev. David Ellis officiating. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, at approximately 1:15 PM Thursday afternoon. Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Wednesday, at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, and then one hour prior to the service.

Gertrude was born September 18, 1917 in Menno, SD to Gottlob and Mamie (Eaton) Haar. Gertrude grew up in Olivet, SD. She was baptized October 14, 1917 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno, SD. She married Earl (Curly) Bowers in June of 1936. They resided on farms in the Olivet area until retiring in Olivet in 1970.

After the death of her husband in 1979, Gertrude moved to Yankton. While there, she was active with Senior Citizens; playing pinochle, clowning with a ladies group and whistling with her band. She loved children and they loved her, especially her nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

In 2009 she moved to the Menno-Olivet Care Center where she resided until her death. She was thought of fondly at the home, winking at the staff and calling everyone "kid".

She leaves to mourn, her sister, Marietta Rames of Menno, SD; nephews, Steve (Bev) Haar of Grand Junction, CO; Mark (Peg) Rames of Olivet, SD; Doug Michel of Devils Lake, ND and nieces, Trudi (Mark) Schaeffer of Olivet, SD, Glenda (Mike) Hood of Papallion, NE, Kandace (Mike) Spence of Dothan, AL, Sheila (Alan) Russell of Rockaway Beach, OR, and many great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; brothers, Harold and Howard Haar; sister, Ruth (Haar) Michel , two infant sisters, Irene and Dorthea, brothers-in-law, Earl Rames and Lynn Michel, sisters-in-law, Nellie and Gladys Haar, and two nieces, Myra Deters and Dorene Michel.

Orval Bohner, 1899-1986

Orval M. Bohner was born on January 16, 1899 in Hutchinson County near Parkston, South Dakota. His parents were Eli and Anna (Schultz) Bohner. He married Lena Davidson on December 19, 1920 at Olivet, South Dakota. They farmed in the Wittenberg area until his retirement in 1973, when they moved to Scotland. Orval was a member of the United Methodist Church and served in many church offices. He died unexpectedly at his home Sunday (December 7, 1986) morning at the age of 87 years.

Surviving are his wife, Lena, Scotland; one son, Dale and daughter-in-law, Maxine Bohner, Sioux City, Iowa; one daughter, Eva Ruth and son-in-law, Harold Grigg, Primghar, Iowa; six grandchildren, Barbara Clark, Sandra Lee Headrick, Denise Bohner, Jeremy Bohner, Dr. Rick Grigg and Cindy Grigg, six great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Myrtle Bochman, Menomoie, Wisconsin.

Orval was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Funeral services were held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 10, 1986 at the United Methodist Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergyman, Rev. John Maines. Interment was at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota.

Marilyn Behl, 1925-2012

Funeral services for Marilyn R. Behl, of Scotland, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 3, at United Methodist Church in Scotland with Pastor Tom Petersen officiating. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Active and honorary pallbearers will be Marilyn’s grandsons and granddaughters. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland. Following the visitation at 7:00 p.m., there will be a prayer service in the funeral home.

Marilyn R. Behl was born on Tuesday, June 30, 1925 near Scotland, South Dakota to Maynard and Minnie (Reiking) Brooks. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Scotland High School in 1942. After high school, she began working at Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Scotland and worked for the bank for 70 years. Marilyn was united in marriage to Darwin “Bud” Behl on Sunday, June 9, 1946 in a candlelight service at the Scotland Methodist Church. She loved camping with family and friends. In the winter, Marilyn and Bud would go dancing and in the summer they went fishing. Family was very important to Marilyn, and she treasured the gatherings that were spent celebrating holidays and birthdays. She was a wonderful cook and her specialties included lasagna, Hershey bar dessert and rhubarb bread. She enjoyed playing “500” with her friends. Marilyn surrounded herself with flowers, both around her house and in her garden. Marilyn served on the Board of Directors of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Scotland for 42 years. Marilyn served on the Board of Directors of the Scotland Holding Company for 29 years. Over her past 32 years of working for the bank, Marilyn sent hundreds of cards and flowers to people for every occasion. When her health allowed, she was very active in the Methodist Church, serving as Treasurer, on the Audit Committee, and the Ladies’ Guild. She was an active member of the Civic Club and the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital Auxillary. Marilyn passed away on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland at the age of 86 years and 7 months.

Grateful for having shared Marilyn’s life are her husband Bud, of Scotland; four children: Katherine “Kathy” (Leonard) Jerke of Madison, Donna (Victor) Bush of Olivet, Nancy (Larry) Auch of Scotland, and Dick (Peg) Behl of Scotland; eleven grandchildren: Brian, Melissa, Jason, Lisa, Jared, Stacy, Erin, Lindsay, Michelle, Jennifer, and Michael; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Maynard and Minnie Brooks, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Jerke; two sisters, Bernice Hesla and Betty Paulson; and one brother, Gerald Brooks.

Donald Behl, 1930-2012

Funeral services for Donald Behl of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 28 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Scotland with Pastor Daniel Flyger officiating. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Casketbearers will be Keith Behl, Kyle Behl, Scott Nielsen, Ryan Tonneson, Logan Berthelson, Joshua LaBrun and Jessie Lapsley. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with family present to greet visitors from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland. Online condolences may be sent at www.goglinfh.com. In lieu of flowers, Don requested that memorials be directed to the Gideons.

Donald Verne Behl was born Thursday, January 16, 1930, on a -20 degree day on his grandfather Jim Mitchell’s farm located two miles north of Scotland. His parents were Daniel Verne and Mary (Mitchell) Behl, and he grew up on their farm west of Scotland. He attended grade school at the Cass County School and graduated from Scotland High School in 1948. Donald was united in marriage to Idella Elsie Fuerst on September 3, 1950. Following a honeymoon trip to the Black Hills, they purchased the Tom Voy farm where they lived for 45 years. To this union, they were blessed with six children: Sherry Lynne, Deborah Ann, Pamela Elaine, Franklin Michael, David Allen and Amy Beth. He enjoyed the great outdoors, which included many hours spent farming, fishing and hunting. He served on the boards of the Scotland School, Scotland Co-op, and Scotland Creamery. Donald had a strong faith and served the Lord through teaching Sunday school, on the church council, and the Gideons. In his retirement years, he enjoyed watching football and baseball games on TV, playing games and cards, and visits with his grandchildren. Due to ill health, Don entered the Scotland Good Samaritan Center in June of 2011 and was grateful for the care he received there. Don died on Friday, January 20, 2012 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital following with pneumonia. He had achieved the age of 82 years and 4 days.

Don’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 61 years, Idella; six children: Sherry (Wayne) Petrik of Dell Rapids, Deborah Behl (Dr. Michael Staasen) of Sioux Falls, Pam (Jim) Tonneson of Sioux Falls, Frank (Linda) Behl of Scotland, David Behl of Scotland and Amy (Rob) Berthelson of Sioux Falls; twelve grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and eight step-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Louis Behl of Parkston and Lawrence (Joyce) Behl of Aurora, Colorado; and one sister: Lorene (Eugene) Weidenbach of Scotland.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Mary Behl.

Services were held for William J. Bauder, 79, of Scotland April 18 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland with Revs. Dani Jo Ninke-Greaver and Nathan Martin officiating. Music was provided by Jan Kocer and Anna Martin, organists and Nathan, Nathaniel and Timothy Martin, vocalists. Pallbearers were Edmund Bauder, Kenneth Bauder, Willie Friederich, LeRoy Jerke, Verlyn Jerke and Rudolph Ziegler. Burial was in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland.

William Jacob Bauder was born April 22, 1925 in rural Bon Homme County near Tyndall to Christian and Katherine (Neth) Bauder. He was married to Violet Florance Wudel January 2, 1949. Willie farmed all his life on his farm 8 1/2 miles southwest of Scotland. Willie also sold Patz Silage equipment. William died April 14, 2005 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

Willie is survived by two children, daughter Karen (Stanley) Schaeffer of Menno and son Chris Bauder of Wagner; six grandchildren: Renee (Dan) Harter and their children, Dalton and Daci, Robin (Clint) Nelson and their son, Cole, David Schaeffer; Sarah (Chance) Tucker, Richard Bauder and Michelle Bauder and her daughter, Sable; three sisters; Anna Friederich of Kaylor, South Dakota, and Martha Ziegler and Edna Ziegler, both of Tripp, South Dakota; and special friend, Martha Veldhizen of Sioux City, Ia.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet, February 7, 1996; his parents, his sister, Ella Jerke and his brothers, Richard, Charlie, Julius, Otto and John.

Terry W. Baltzer; 37, Scotland, died Wednesday (Sep. 18, 1988) at his home.

Born Sept 1, 1950, in Yankton he graduated from Scotland High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of South Dakota. Mr. Baltzer worked most of his life in Scotland as a carpenter.

He married Linda Raabe on May 24, 1974, in Sioux Falls.

Survivors; include his wife: two sons: Jason and Tony, both at home; his parents, Elmer and Lorraine Baltzer, Scotland; three brothers: Dale, Tripp, Jim; Madison; and Jerry, Yankton; and two sister; Kathy Kronaize, Scotland; and Peg, Sterling, Colo.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in United Church of Christ with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Petrik-Kelley Funeral Home.

Olive Baltzer, 1909-2007

Olive Elsa Baltzer was born on Friday, June 11, 1909 in Parkston, South Dakota to Jacob, Jr. and Louise (Kern) Mogck. She grew up on a farm near Tripp and attended country school.

Olive was united in marriage to Edgar John Baltzer on October 17, 1939. They farmed near Tripp, later building a house and moving to Scotland. Olive worked for many years at the Good Samaritan Home as a cook and in the laundry. Olive loved to cook and garden and she also enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Scotland. Olive became a resident of the Tripp Good Samaritan Center in September of 2001, and it is there that she died on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at the age of 98 years, 5 months and 20 days.

She is survived by two children: son Allen Baltzer of Sun City, Arizona and daughter Kathleen (Dennis) Maki of Centerville, Minnesota; and four grandchildren: Matthew Baltzer, Lindsay Baltzer, Nicole Anderson and Michael Maki.

Olive was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar in 1967, her parents, Jacob and Louise Mogck, a brother, Leonard Mogck, and a sister, Esther Tiede.

Nathalie S. Baltzer, 85, Scotland, died Saturday (Aug. 8, 1987) in McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls.

Nathalie Mogck was born March 30, 1902, in rural Parkston. She married John T. Baltzer Feb. 9, 1922, in rural Parkston.

The couple lived in The Scotland area all of their married lives, retiring in 1955, into Scotland. Her husband died in 1965.

Mrs. Baltzer was a member of First Presbyterian Church, VFW, Senior Citizens, Meals on Wheels, American Legion Auxiliary and a charter member of the Good Samaritan Auxiliary.

Survivors include four sons: Harvey, Garretson: Donald, Muncie, Ind.: Lawrence, Hospers,Iowa: and Delyle, VanMeter, Iowa: seven granddaughters: seven great-granddaughters: eight step-grandchildren: five step-great-grandchildren: and a sister, Mrs. Walter(Edna) Hoffmann, Beresford.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. today in the First Presbyterian church, Scotland. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Scotland. Petrik-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland, is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence Baltzer, 1932-2010

Lawrence J. Baltzer, 77, of Hospers passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, Iowa.

Services will be 10 a.m. today at First Reformed Church in Hospers, with the Rev. Milton Sikkema officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, S.D. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service today at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Oolman Funeral Home in Hospers.

Lawrence Jerome was born Sept. 19, 1932, in Kaylor, S.D., the son of John T. and Nathalie (Mogck) Baltzer. He was raised in South Dakota, where he graduated from the Scotland High School. He also attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, earning a master's degree in music. In addition, he served in the United States military from 1956 to 1958, after the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of specialist fourth class.

He started his teaching career at the Hospers Public Schools, then served as band instructor at the Floyd Valley High School in Alton, Iowa, for nine years. For the next 13 years, he was co-owner of De Vries Interiors in Orange City, Iowa. He then became a financial services specialist for the American State Bank. He worked in their Hospers office for four years and in their Sioux Center, Iowa, office for 10 years, retiring in 1993.

In May of 2008, "Larry" became a resident of Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon, Iowa, and in December 2009, he transferred to the Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, Iowa.

He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Hospers, where he served as a deacon on the consistory and sang in the choir. He also served on the board of directors of the Sioux County Arts Council.

Survivors include two brothers, Dr. Donald J. Baltzer and his wife, Claudine of Indianapolis, Ind., and Delyle Baltzer, of Alexandria, La.; a sister-in-law, Ella Baltzer, of Garretson, S.D.; and six nieces.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Baltzer; a nephew; and a niece.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

George B. Baltzer was born on January 17, 1916 at Tripp, South Dakota. His parents were Jacob and Christina (Friederich) Baltzer. George married Irene Leischner on November 12, 1939 at Parkston, South Dakota. They farmed in the area until 1971 when they moved to Scotland. He worked for the Kaylor Lumber Yard until his retirement. He was a member of the Scotland United Church of Christ. George died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday Morning, September 18, 1988 at the age of 72 years.

Surviving are his wife, Irene, Scotland: three daughters, Joyce, Mrs. Leonard Frey, Kaylor: Gloria, Mrs. Nelson Horstman, West Palm Beach, Florida: Beverly, Mrs. Marvin Boone, Aurora, Colorado: 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, two brothers, Edwin, Parkston: Reinhold, Tripp and three sisters, Mrs. Magdeline Fuerst, Kaylor: Mrs. Elsa Mogck: Parkston and Mrs. Helen Mettler, Menno, South Dakota.

August Wilhelm Baltzer, 93, Tripp, died Sunday (Oct. 5, 2003) at Tripp Good Samaritan Center.

Graveside service is 1 p.m. Friday at Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, with the Rev. Mary Lee Lint officiating. Visitation is from 9 a.m.-noon Friday at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland.

He was born Aug. 10, 1910, in a mud house built by his grandfather near Tripp, to Wilhelm J. and Maria (Weisz) Baltzer. He married Faye Arleen Wagner Dec. 18, 1931, at the home of W.F. Wagner, near Olivet. During their marriage, they lived in Kaylor and he worked trucking livestock to Sioux City, Iowa. They later moved their house in Kaylor to a farm north of Kaylor and began farming. He continued to farm until he retired. His wife died Oct. 9, 1999.

He is survived his daughter, Treva L. Oakland, Rapid City; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elta Walter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, one daughter, two sons-in-law, his parents and three brothers.

Last Friday a telegram was received from Running Water asking the immediate attendance of Dr. Keeling at the residence of Mr. Burggraff, who lives two or three miles north of that place, where it was stated that one boy was killed and another injured by a gun. On the arrival of the doctor at the place it was found that the affair was the result of the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of the oldest son of Mr. Burggraff, a boy named Peter, about 16 years of age. The piece was loaded with buckshot, for the purpose of goose hunting, and at the time of the discharge was pointed in the direction of the two younger brothers, Arrie and Willie, who stood in the doorway. The head of the former was nearly blown off and he was instantly killed, the blood and brains being scattered about the floor and on the screen. Willie, the younger child, received four shot and and was considerably injured, but is in a fair way to recover under the treatment of Dr. Keeling. The father was absent in Iowa at the time of the accident and was immediately telegraphed for.

A coroner's jury was impanelled Saturday, and brought in a verdict of accidental death. The family have but recently come to this county from Iowa. Mr. Burggraff having bargained for the I. W. Seaman place southwest of here, but the trade having been declared off, had moved to the location above described, being only a temporary residence, as it is said that he will move to Nebraska, where he has purchased a farm.

*Springfield, SD Newspaper ~ November 16, 1893

Mass of Christian Burial for William Billars Jr. will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, with the Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhappilly officiating. Music will be provided by organist Georgianne Pravecek and the St. George Church Choir. Interment is in Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery, Vodnany, South Dakota.

William Ray Billars Jr. was born on Monday, March 15, 1943, to William Sr. and Clara (Stulc) Billars and was raised in Kaylor, South Dakota. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1961. Bill moved to Minneapolis in 1967 and worked at the University of Minnesota until 1973. During that time, he attended the Minnesota School of Business. He returned to Kaylor and was employed by Farmer's State Bank of Kaylor from June of 1973 until April of 2000.

Bill loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles and attended the Black Hills Classic in Sturgis for many years. Bill also operated a small engine repair shop in Kaylor for several years. In his youth, he played bass guitar in his band, "Billy and the Blue Jays."

He was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Scotland and a former member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church at Vodnany, where he served as lector.

Bill died on Sunday, September 23, 2007, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 64 years, 6 months and 8 days.

Bill is survived by seven cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in infancy.

Due to weather conditions Tuesday, the Mass of Christian Burial for William Billars Sr. has been rescheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2005, at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhappilly. Honorary Casketbearers are All Staff and Employees, both past and present of the Farmer's State Bank in Kaylor, South Dakota. Casketbearers are Gary Hamberger, Lars Jezek, Steve Pechous, Greg Schneider, John Stekly Jr., Dr. John Stekly Sr. Interment is in Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery, Vodnany, South Dakota.

William Billars, Sr. was born on August 15, 1903, on the family farm near Vodnany, South Dakota to Frank and Antonnette (Kocourek) Billars. They moved to Kaylor in 1912, where he attended grade school. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1922 and college in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1924. William and his father, Frank, bought the bank in Kaylor in 1937. They moved to Yankton, South Dakota in 1937, and back to Kaylor in 1939. William was united in marriage to Clara Stulc on February 7, 1938, by Fr. Link at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton. Throughout his life, Bill was a very active businessman in his community and surrounding area. He was in the banking business for 75 years, and helped many other people get started in business and agriculture. He was a member of the Kaylor Athletic Association, the Kaylor Businessmen's Association, the South Dakota Bankers Association and the South Dakota Retailers Association. He retired from the banking business on March 1, 1999 at the age of 95. He loved yard work and gardening, especially planting flowers and fruit trees. He did his own yardwork until 1992, when hip surgery forced him to give up mowing. Bill also enjoyed travel, and enjoyed meeting and talking to people. He was very active in his church, and served in many capacities, acting as a trustee for over 20 years and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill and Clara lived in the same home in Kaylor from 1959 until September of this year, when Bill moved to the Scotland Good Samaritan Center, followed by Clara in October. Bill died on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland at the age of 102 years.

Bill's memory will be cherished by his wife, Clara, of Scotland; one son, William Billars, Jr. of Yankton and his fiance, Susan Steiner of Sioux Falls; and a brother, Louis G. Billars of San Jose, California.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; one sister, Helen Billars Stekly; and one brother, Robert F. Billars.