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Obituaries - Page 3

Garry Berndt, 1963-2016

Retired Major Garry Dean Berndt, age 53, of Eagle River, Alaska, formerly of Ellsworth, Minn., passed away in his home on May 20, 2016.

He was born on April 20, 1963, in Yankton, S.D., to parents, George Sr. and Barbara (Holiday) Berndt. He attended school at Ellsworth, Minn., and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1981. Garry received his Bachelor of Science at Dakota State College in 1985, his Master of Education at Southern Mississippi in 1889, and his Bachelor of Science as Physician Assistant from the University of Oklahoma in 1994.

Garry served all over the U.S. and in Germany during his military career and made many friends along the way. He served deployments in Kuwait, Bosnia, Djibuti (Horn of Africa) and Iraq. He retired in 2009, after 23 years in the U.S. Army.

He enjoyed cheering on his New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers every season as well as NASCAR. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved Alaska.

Garry is survived by his two daughters, Destiny and Aurora Berndt of Eagle River, Alaska; father, George Berndt Sr.; siblings, Brenda Berndt and Terry Berndt of Ellsworth, Minn.; nephew, Trevor; nieces, Barbara, Mya and Rayna; aunts, uncles and cousins; and best friends, James Larson and Hazen Baron.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara; and his brother, JR.

A time of fellowship will be from 4-8 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Adrian; and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Funeral will be Friday at 10 am at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Adrian. Burial will be at 2:00 pm Friday at the Tyndall Cemetery in Tyndall, SD, with full military honors.

A Memorial Service will be held at Eagle River Funeral Home, 16421 Brooks Loop in Eagle River, on Friday, June 3, 2016, at 2 p.m. Memory cards will be available on site to share any memories you would like to be read at the service. His daughters have asked that, in lieu of flowers, monetary donations be made to the Eagle River VFW Post 9785, 10527 VFW Road, Eagle River, AK 99577. Please join us in sharing fond memories of Garry. He will be missed by all. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.


Angela Benton, 1908-2004

Mr. & Mrs. Benton, newlyweds ~ 1939

Madras, Oregon resident Angela H. Benton died July 16, 2004, at the age of 96.

Mrs. Benton was born Jan. 28, 1908, in Tyndall, S.D., to Louis and Katherine (Welft) Krall. She graduated from Tyndall High School and attended Nettleton Commercial College. She moved to Portland in 1938, and in 1939 married S.A. "Scotty" Benton in Vancouver, Wash.

While living in Portland, she worked for the Meier and Frank Company for over 30 years. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, and also of St. Patrick's Catholic Church after moving to Madras in 1999.

Mrs. Benton was an accomplished artist in oil paints, and her hobbies included needlework and gardening. She enjoyed fishing, birdwatching, and all animals, especially cats and kittens.

Survivors include her sister, Vivian Dignan of Portland; nephew, Dennis Dignan of Arlington, Va.; and nieces, Phyllis Brewington of Gresham, Doris Jean Foruria of Emmitt, Idaho, and Diane West of Madras.

A burial service will be held at 11 a.m., July 27, at Gethsemani Cemetery in Portland. A friendship memorial mass will be held in Madras at a later date. Memorial contributions have been suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Madras, or to a charity of one's choice.


Kenneth Blaalid, 1952-2015

Kenneth Richard Blaalid, 63, Mitchell died Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, November 14 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Friday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Funeral arrangements are with the Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Kenneth Richard Blaalid was born on June 22, 1952 in Scotland, SD to Ed and Esther (Evenson) Blaalid. He spent his first five years on the family farm south of Menno, SD, after which the family moved to Yankton. Ken graduated from Yankton High School in 1970, thanks to the help from his sister-in-law, Marlys. The day after graduation, Ken was at Fort Ord, CA, for basic training. Ken had enlisted in the National Guard and served for six years in the Salem, SD Unit. After basic training, Ken started working at Yankton Auto Parts, and then worked at L&L Auto, this gave Ken his start in the auto-parts business. In 1974, he opened a CarQuest store in Bloomfield, NE. It was during this time that he met Jeanne. They were married on May 22, 1976 in Bellwood, NE. In 1977 Ken and Jeanne moved to Mitchell and opened a CarQuest Auto Parts with Ken's eldest brother, Art. In 1991 they purchased Leader Hardware and Sporting Goods. This began Ken's transition from the auto industry into the outdoor, hunting and fishing industry. After 25 years Ken sold CarQuest and began to run Leader full time. Ken never passed up an opportunity to brag about his sons, daughters, their spouses and grandchildren. Ken's pride in his grandkids was obvious to anyone who met him, because he was quick to show them pictures and tell them how his grandkids "warmed his heart".

Ken is survived by his wife, Jeanne, Mitchell, two sons; Rich (Angie), Roseville, MN. Mike (Libby Olson) Blaalid, Mitchell, two daughters; Anne (Ryan) Cross, Des Moines, IA. Liz Blaalid, Mitchell, five grandchildren; Benjamin, Oliver Blaalid, Maggie, Ellie, John Cross, two brothers; Norm (Joann), Yankton, Dennis (Sandy) Blaalid, Yankton, one sister, Elsie Metz, Brandon, one sister-in-law, Marlys Blaalid, Yankton, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends and hunting buddies.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Barbra Ann Blaalid, parents, Ed and Esther Blaalid, brother, Art Blaalid, brother-in-law, Mick Metz and nephews, Jeff Blaalid and Douglas Blaalid.


Josephine "Grandma Shorty" Barger, 1921-2016

Josephine “Grandma Shorty” Barger, age 95 of Yankton, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton with Rev. Dave Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be approximately at 2 p.m. at the Elm Grove Cemetery, rural Yankton. Visitations will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are: Rob Barger, Mike Dahlman, Rick Dahlman, Chad Madson, Sean Sundermann and Craig Hanson. Honorary pallbearers are her great-grandchildren.

Josephine was born on June 3, 1921 on the family farm near Tabor, SD to Mads and Mary (Roth) Smith. She grew up near Tabor, attended Breezy Hill Grade School and Elm Grove Sunday School. She graduated from Tabor High School, attended Mount Marty College and earned her teaching certificate, then went on to teach school for three years. Her teaching career ended when she married Norman Barger on March 9, 1943 in San Diego, CA. She worked in San Diego until Norman was discharged from the Navy in 1945, at which time they returned to the Tabor area to farm. Josephine and Norman moved to the Utica area in 1954 where they continued to farm until they moved to Yankton in 1990. Norman passed away in April 2005 and she continued to live in her own home until February 2016 when she moved to Avera Sister James Nursing Home.

Josephine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active in the Church Circle and was a member of the Tabor American Legion Auxiliary.

Josephine enjoyed helping on the farm, gardening and raising chickens. She loved to bake for her family. Everyone loved “Grandma Shorty’s” chocolate chip cookies. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards and games. Josephine had a zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. She was a great inspiration to not only her family, but all that knew her.

Josephine is survived by her son, James (Gloria) Barger of Utica, SD; daughter, Janice (Chuck) Dahlman of Westminster, CO; six grandchildren: Rob (Lisa) Barger, Julie (Sean) Sundermann, Kristen (Chad) Madson, Melissa Dahlman, Mike (Amanda) Dahlman and Rick (Logan) Dahlman and great-grandchildren: Tanner Slate, Walker Sundermann, Kayla, Austin & Dillon Barger, Brooke and Lexi Madson, Samantha and Lily Dahlman and Liam and Landry Dahlman.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; three brothers and two sisters.

Memorials may be directed to the Elm Grove Cemetery, 30277 436th Ave, Yankton, SD 57078.


Anna Brandt, 1886-1918

The Albion (Neb.) Argus reports the death of Miss Anna Brandt which occurred at Albion on Friday, Oct. 31st. Miss Brandt moved with her parents to Scotland about nine years ago and resided here until the death of her mother about a year ago when she moved back to the former home in Albion. In the notice of her death the Argus says: "One of the last acts of her life was to help nurse the sick. Soon after the patient died she was taken sick and passed away Friday evening. Be it said to her memory that she was a good faithful young woman and her death leaves sadness in many hearts. She leaves a father, a sister, Mrs. Ed. Barnhart, and a brother William."

The Albion Red Cross Chapter pays the following worthy tribute to the deceased:

The Albion Chapter of the American Red Cross, wishes to extend its sincere sympathy with the bereaved father, sister and brother of Anna Brandt. She has paid with her life for her ideal of duty and service. Before she was asked she offered her services and when she was asked she went at once without a falter. She did not think it necessary to seek duty afar off, but saw and accepted the call right here. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend." We feel that she has laid down her life for others she did not even know. What she has done speaks for itself, and no words of ours can add to her glory. The love of her father, brother and sister and their submission and fortitude are examples for all. We trust a fitting memorial of her may soon be established and maintained, that will bear testimony hereafter, to her supreme sacrifice to a call for help in a time of deep need.

Albion Chapter American Red Cross.
D. V. Blatter, Chairman
F. A. Pittenger, Secretary

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ November 14, 1918


Carol Burke, 1943-2016

Carol Jean Burke was born on April 2, 1943 to Marion Louis and Ida Lucille (Kocourek) DeJong in Yankton. She attended Utica Grade School and graduated from Yankton High School. Carol went on to attend Springfield USD where she met and fell in love with Bryant E. Burke. On November 21, 1962, Carol was united in marriage to Bryant in Yankton. In the same year, she earned her teacher’s certificate. For three years, Carol taught school until giving birth to her first son, Bryan, in 1965 and devoted herself as a stay at home mom. Throughout her life, she blessed her family with her talents in gardening, cooking, and baking.

In 1977, as her children got older, Carol began to work out of the home as a Conservation District Manager for the Soil Conservation Service. She truly enjoyed her job and would continue to serve in that position until her retirement in 2006.

At the age of 38, with three young children at home, Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. Upon hearing the diagnosis, she wasn’t concerned about herself, but rather worried over her children stating she still had so much she wanted to do for them. Bryant accompanied Carol to her radiation treatments in Sioux Falls until she requested for him to return to work to provide for their family during their difficult time. She went on to drive herself to and from radiation treatments early in the morning, returning home around noon, then heading straight into work for the rest of the day. Even though she was sick, weak, or in pain, family always came first to her. By the grace of God, she was healed of her cancer and she was able to continue in her calling as a wife and mother.

Carol was a doting, proud grandmother. She spent countless hours in her life watching, supporting, entertaining, and teaching her grandchildren. Every one of their visits, achievements, or events were worth celebrating. For them, she formed new and lasting family traditions for the holidays, such as the ever-increasing Easter egg hunt (this year’s haul numbering 250 eggs).

Carol loved her family above all else, and even when her health failed her, she was a loving, caring and faithful Christian woman. Her quiet strength and perseverance was a humbling illustration of Christian faith. From the time they were little to the present when they now have their own little ones, Carol’s children saw her life and actions as a testament of her faith.

On Monday, July 11, 2016 while surrounded by her family, Carol went home to be with her Lord and Savior having attained the age of 73 years, three months and nine days.

She is survived and loved by her husband of 53 years, Bryant Burke of Tyndall; children: Bryan Burke of Spokane, WA, Michael (wife Tammy) Burke of Rapid City, SD, and Amy (husband Dave) Burke Hertz of Vermillion, SD; grandchildren: Brandon Hertz, Emily Burke, Natalie Hertz, Alyssa Burke, and Ty Hertz; brother Robert (wife Janice) DeJong of Lesterville, SD; and sister Joyce (husband Jim) DeJong Crabtree of Humboldt, IA. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents and infant half-sister Elizabeth.

To God be the Glory.

Visitation was held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. A prayer service was held later that evening at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Tyndall. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 14 at the church with Rev. Dean Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow in the Tyndall Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.


Edward "Hampton" Brown, 1877-1886

A sad affair occurred at the residence of Alfred Brown, two miles north of Scotland, Tuesday morning. The adult members of the family came into town leaving their three boys and little girl at home. After departure of the family the children decided to play Indian for their diversion. To make the play seem real a shotgun was brought into requisition, but to make sure that the gun was not loaded the hammer was snapped several times before the play began, and as no report followed, they were assured that it was not loaded. The youngest boy, Hampton, aged 9 years and 2 months, impersonated the Indian, and Henry, aged 11 years, impersonated the farmer defending his home. Hampton appeared as the Indian, Henry raised the gun at him and without taking special aim, pulled the trigger. The gun discharged and the contents entered the boy's left side about two inches below the heart. The eldest - an adopted son - took a horse and hurried after help. Arriving in town he met Mrs. Brown, who was just starting for home and feeling uneasy about the children. When they arrived home Hampton was just breathing and soon died. The gun had been loaded a few days previous to shoot a chicken, and the same cartridge that killed the boy had been snapped at the chicken, and as it failed to ignite, it was considered worthless, and as it did not come out of the breech easily, it was left for the time being. Fatal as it proved to be there was no intention of wrong on the part of any concerned. Henry, who held the fatal weapon was so frightened and dazed by what he had done that he immediately fled, barefooted in the intense heat, and did not stop until caught twelves miles north of his home. He was nearly crazed by grief over the fatal termination of their play.

The funeral took place from the Methodist church in this city yesterday and was attended by a large concourse of sympathizing friends of the family.

Source: Press & Daily Dakotaian (Yankton, SD) ~ July 16, 1886


Sarah Bush, ?-1915

Mrs. Sarah Bush died at her home in Omaha Tuesday, from heart trouble, aged 73 years. Mrs. Bush and her husband were among the early settlers in this vicinity, and took as a homestead the Frank Colwell farm three miles north west of Scotland. Her husband died in 1881 and was buried in the Scotland cemetery. About twenty-five years ago Mrs. Bush and her children moved to Omaha where she has since resided. The remains will be brought here today and laid by the side of her husband. She leaves two sons and two daughters: Charles, living near Springfield; William living in Oregon; and Mrs. St. John and Mrs. Forly of Omaha. She also leaves two brothers and one sisters living: John Brown of Orchard, Neb., Patrick of Canada, and Mrs. Thyne of North West Canada. Four brothers are buried in the Scotland cemetery: Charles, Alfred, Zetus, and Thomas Brown.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ January 21, 1915


Johanna Bangert, 1872-1914

Mrs. Chris Bangert of Avon, died in the Samaritan hospital at Sioux City last Friday. She had been failing in health for some time, the cause being a growth on the glands of her throat. It gathered and broke, the discharge passing into the stomach, producing a poison in the system. She was taken to the hospital February 9th, but nothing could be done for her and she passed away Friday. The remains were brought to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Billigmeier, in Scotland Friday evening.

Miss Johanna Billigmeier was born in south Russia April 2, 1872 and in the following year came with her parents to this country. She was married June 22, 1904 to Mr. Chris Bangert of Avon. She leaves to mourn her departure a husband and two children, Elgin aged 5 yrs and Pearlinatta aged 3. She also leaves a father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Geo Billigmeier Sr., of Scotland; six brothers and four sisters - George Jr., Anton, and Mrs. Paulina Schroder of Harvey, N. D., Peter of Kulm, N. D., Mike of Goodrich, N. D., Henry and Jake of McClusky, N. D., and Amelia, Lizzie, and Emma of Scotland. All were present at the funeral except Jake and Mrs. Schroder.

The funeral services were held in the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Kramer, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Avon, who spoke in German, and Rev. Olthoff, pastor of the Avon Baptist church who spoke in English. A special train was run from Avon Tuesday to accommodate those who wished to attend the funeral, bringing nearly 200 people from Avon and Tyndall making with the friends here, a crowd that far exceeded the capacity of the church. The high regard in which the deceased was held was manifest by the large attendance of neighbors and friends who came to pay their last respects to a devoted wife and mother and a friend beloved by all. The family wish to extend thanks to the friends in Scotland for their kind assistance and sympathy during the hours of their bereavement.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ February 19, 1914


Lillian Brandt, 1920-2016

Lillian V. (Buchholz) Brandt, age 96, of Mitchell, formerly of Avon, SD, died Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon with burial at Danzig Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday at Danzig Baptist Church from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. with family present and a time of sharing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon is handling arrangements.

Lillian V. Fitch was born July 2, 1920 to Chester Arthur and Caroline (Peterson) Fitch in Perkins, SD. Lillian attended Perkins School from first through eighth grade and attended Springfield High School for one year. She was confirmed on January 1, 1940 by Rev. Lange. Lillian married Harry "Joe" Buchholz on March 8, 1938 in Lake Andes, SD. Three children were born to their union. Joe died on April 4, 1983 as a result of an accident. Lillian married John Brandt on March 19, 1988 in Avon, SD. John died on October 16, 1994. Lillian was a homemaker and worked at Northview Cafe and Rancho Cafe in Avon. She was a volunteer helper with Senior Meals at the Avon Manor. Lillian lived in Mitchell at the Rosewood Courts Assisted Living Center in Mitchell for the past five years. Lillian was a member of the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon.

Lillian will be remembered for embroidering, sewing and keeping a daily diary since 1966.

Thankful for having shared in Lillian’s life are her three children: Darlene (Willard) Goehring of Menno, R. Dennis (Zelma) Buchholz of Mitchell, Jerry (Joleen) Buchholz of Mitchell; eight grandchildren: Kimberlee (Keith) Frey, Brian (Jessica) Goehring, Terry (Tracy) Goehring, Julie Buchholz, Laurie Buchholz, Steven (Liz Rogers) Buchholz, Jay (Sheri) Buchholz and Jeannie (Derek) Dehne; 14 great-grandchildren; three stepchildren: LeRoy (Mary) Brandt of Avon, Byron (Goldie) Brandt of Ponca City, OK, Paul (Kathy) Brandt of Watertown; seven step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Helen Berndt of Springfield.

Lillian was preceded in death by her two husbands, Harry "Joe" Buchholz and John Brandt; parents; six brothers: Herbert, Walter "Mike", Clifton "Pat", Virgil, Norman and Harold Rockwell and three sisters: Mabel Rockwell, Ruth Lange and Florence Holmes.


Ampheous Brown, 1816-1906

Mrs. Ampheous Brown died in this city last Sunday October 7, at 12:30 a.m. at the advanced age of over ninety years. Funeral services were conducted at the house Monday afternoon, by Rev. Chas. Wilcox, and the remains buried in Rose Hill Cemetery. Miss Ampheous Ferrand was born in Ontario, Can. April 20, 1816. In 1834 she was married to Mr. Patrick Brown, and to this union eight children were born five of whom are now living - Charles, of Scotland, John of Harrison, Neb., Patrick B. of Ontario, Can., Mrs. Sarah Bush of Omaha, Neb., Mrs. Jennie Thyne of Manitoba. Another son, Alfred Brown, with whose family she lived during the last ten years of her life died during the past year.

Besides her children she leaves an aged sister living in Canada, 46 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She came to this country with her husband 31 years ago, and located on a homestead about two miles north of Scotland. Five years later her husband died, but she continued to reside alone on the farm until about ten years ago when, on account of the loss of her eye sight she went to live with her son Alfred. Although her health remained pretty good until a short time before her death, she was for several years practically helpless and spent much of her time in bed. The last time that she was out of the house she was taken to Mr. Goehring's photograph gallery where a picture was taken of a group of five generations including herself, her son Alfred Brown, his daughter Mrs. J. L. Hutchinson, her daughter Mrs. Moline of Sioux City and the infant daughter of the latter.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ October 11, 1906


Anna Becker, 1861-1906

Mrs. John Becker died very suddenly at her home in the south eastern part of Scotland last Sunday afternoon, of hemorrhage of the brain. Funeral services were held in the Evangelical church Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. C. Haag, and was attended by a large company of friends who came to pay their last respects to one who, during a long residence here had been held in high esteem.

Miss Anna Marie Pietz was born in Southern Russia in October, 1861. In 1873 she came to this country with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Pietz, and located near Scotland. She was married to Mr. John Becker in 1880 and to them were born twelve children, eight of whom are now living, and are still at the home of their parents.

Some time ago she had a stroke of paralysis which left her somewhat disabled, but her health the past summer had been better that usual and hopes were entertained that she would entirely recover. Last Sunday she was out riding and was in excellent spirits but about 3:30 p.m. she was taken with a pain in the head and two hours later she passed away. Besides her husband and eight children she leaves a father, five sisters and two brothers.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ October 11, 1906


Philipp Becker, 1824-1903

At 8 A.M. on 22 April, Philipp Becker passed away in Scotland, Hutchinson County at the age of 79 years, 2 months and 12 days. He was born on 10 Feb 1824 in the colony of Kassel, South Russia.

In 1844 he married Christina Stöbner who died seven years ago. Their 51 years of marriage produced 12 children, namely six sons and six daughters; seven have proceeded him in eternity and five mourn his death. Six years ago he married for the second time, this time to the widow of Jakob Redmann.

In 1873 he came from Russia to America, where he settled seven miles south of Scotland and there until the year 1890 he farmed with good results. Since 1890 he has lived in Scotland, S.D.

Last Friday, the 24 of April the well attended funeral service was conducted by Mr. Pastor Fritz of the Evangelical congregation. Aside from his wife and five remaining children, his leaves 35 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. May he rest in peace.


Clara Billars, 1906-2006

Clara R. Billars died Saturday, December 2, 2006, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton at the age of 100 years, 4 months and 5 days.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2006, at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, South Dakota, with Msgr. Carlton Hermann, Celebrant. Honorary Casketbearers will be all staff and employees, both past and present of Farmer's State Bank in Kaylor, South Dakota. Casketbearers will be Wayne Bartlett, Gary Hamberger, Lars Jezek, Steve Pechous, Louis Sedlacek and John Stekly Jr. Interment is in Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery, rural Scotland (Vodnany), South Dakota.

Clara Ruth Billars was born in Delmont, South Dakota on Friday, July 27, 1906, to Joseph and Mary (Hamberger) Stulc. She graduated from Tyndall High School and Dakota Weslyan College in Mitchell, South Dakota where she took business courses. Clara was united in marriage to William Billars, Sr. on February 7, 1938, by Fr. Link at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota. Bill and Clara lived in the same home in Kaylor, South Dakota from 1959 until October of 2005, when Clara moved to the Scotland Good Samaritan Center. She enjoyed bowling, and bowled in Tripp, Parkston and Mitchell. In 1988, she attended the National Bowling Tournament in Arlington, Texas. Clara was a very sociable woman and participated in many ladies' organizations. Her other pastimes included crafts, artwork and crochet, especially making afghans. She was Director of the Farmer's State Bank of Kaylor, South Dakota from 1992 until she retired in 1999.

Clara's memory will be cherished by one son, William Billars Jr. of Yankton and his fianc , Susan Steiner of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, William Sr. on November 12, 2005; an infant daughter; her parents, Joseph and Mary Stulc; a brother, Leo Stulc in 1917; and a brother, Clarence Stulc in 1992.


John "Jack" Bertus, 1909-2001

Jack John Bertus, 92, Avon, died Tuesday (Nov. 6, 2001) at the VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls.

Funeral service is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Avon. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation is from 1-6:30 p.m. Friday, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel, Avon.

He was born March 31, 1909, in rural Avon, to George and Anna (Brandt) Bertus. He attended Giedd Country School for five years. His family moved to Delmont for one year and then they returned to Avon. He graduated from Avon High School in 1929. He was employed by Bon Homme County for several years and also worked as a farm laborer in South Dakota and Nebraska. He opened the Omaha Cold Storage Store, Avon, where he bought and sold cream and poultry. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served for three years as a map reading instructor and platoon leader in combat. He served in the U.S. and European Theatres. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and was prisoner of war until being released by Russian soldiers. After leaving the service, he married Dorothy Rehwaldt July 27, 1946, at Wagner. He managed Gambles Store, Avon, for six years and then was employed by Crosby Gas Company. In 1974, he retired after working for the propane gas company as a gas maintenance man.

He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Avon. He was a 53-year member of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, of which 26 of those years he was the Fire Chief. He also was a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post. He served in various school and church offices throughout his life.

He will be remembered for his enjoyment and support of all sports and being a faithful fireman. He played independent basketball against the Globetrotters, the All-American Red Heads and professional women's teams.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, Avon; seven children: Sharon (Dennis) Betz, Sioux Falls; Jon (Cheri), Hartford, Conn.; Leanne (James) Ratzlaff, Sioux Falls; Charlaine (Robert) Sattler, Parker; Carla (Terry) Felumb, St. Louis, Mo.; Jerre (Kristan), Crooks; and Dr. James (Lori), Norfolk, Neb.; 13 grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren and three sisters.


Wallace Burfeindt, 1920-2003

Wallace James Burfeindt, 82, Avon, died Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2003) at the V.A. Hospital, Sioux Falls.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, Avon, with military honors by the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post No. 150. Committal services are 9 a.m. Monday in the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. Visitation is from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. today (Friday) at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel, Avon.

He was born Dec. 10, 1920, to Dick and Jennie (Johnson) Burfeindt in Avon. He was a lifelong resident of Avon. He attended Avon Public School and was a 1938 graduate of Avon High School. He worked for Schroeder Hatchery until 1942, when he entered the United States Army on Sept. 3, 1942. He served overseas during World War II, earning three battle stars for service in the European Theater with the Eighth Division. He was discharged Jan. 3, 1946, and returned to Avon. He married Lillian Hieb March 31, 1948, at Tripp. He worked for Ed Schuh as manager of Gamble Hardware and, later, Hardware Hank for 41 years. After retiring in 1988, he had his little fix-it shop at his home.

He was baptized and joined the First Presbyterian Church with his wife on April 10, 1949. He was a trustee and sang in the men's quartet for many years. He was a 59-year member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post No. 150; served more than 20 years in the Avon Fire Department; and was chairman of the building committee for the Avon Veteran's Memorial in 2000. He helped with all civic and community projects during his years as a businessman of Avon.

He loved music, hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, Avon; children: Elaine (Dennis) Vesely, Tabor; Ruth Ollila, Rapid City; and Roger (Jean) Morganfield Burfeindt, Chamberlain; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; one brother, Lawrence, Avon; two sisters: Joyce Wenzel, Sioux Falls, and Ruby Miller, Brandon; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and their husbands, and three brothers.


Laurence "Smokey" Burfeindt, 1923-2006

Funeral services for Laurence A. Burfeindt, 82 of Avon will be 10:30 am Friday, June 23, 2006 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, with Pastor Lorney Van Gerpen officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Laurence Albert "Smokey" Burfeindt, son of Richard and Jennie (Johnson) Burfeindt, was born July 7, 1923 in Avon. He died Monday, June 19, 2006 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall. Smokey attained the age of 82 years, 11 months and 12 days. Smokey graduated from Avon High School and then went into the US Navy in March of 1943. He later transferred into the Naval Air Corps and received his combat air crew wings. Smokey also flew air crew patrol and eventually worked with B24 bombers. He was discharged in 1947. Following his discharge, Smokey returned to Avon where he began working as an electrician for Schuh Electric Company. He retired in the fall of 1986. Smokey married Dorothy Giedd on October 1, 1949 at the Congregational Church in Yankton. Together they raised their children and did a little farming "on the side". Smokey became a baptized member of the Danzig Baptist Church on December 6, 1987. At the church, he served as janitor for many years, served on the cemetery board, and was an usher and a trustee. Smokey also was a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post 150 of Avon.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Dorothy of Avon; children: Julie Bame and husband, Mike of Tyndall; Candyce Burfeindt of Mitchell; and Joel and wife, Janel of Irene; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters: Joyce Wenzel and husband, Wally of Sioux Falls and Ruby Miller of Brandon; sister-in-law, Lillian Burfeindt of Avon; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Smokey was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela on July 23, 2005; parents; two sisters and their husbands: Hazel Winckler and Edwin and Margaret Kranz and Otto (Bud); and four brothers: Glen, Verdell, Wallace, and Albert, who died in infancy.


Andrew Becker, 1872-1947

Andrew B. Becker, son of Benjamin and Susanna P. Becker, was born Sept. 15, 1872, in the village of Carolswalde, Volhynia, Poland. He passed away July 2, 1947, only six days after his wife died, and only a little more than a day after her funeral.

On November 10, 1874 his parents and family sailed for the United States. On the way their ship was wrecked three times, so they were delayed for some time, and landed in Philadelphia, Penna., on one of the last days of January, 1875.

After a few months they moved to Yankton, South Dakota, where they lived for a very short while. Then they moved to their homestead near Marion, South Dakota, where he grew to manhood. His mother died the year they moved to their homestead. Mr. Becker was only three years old at that time.

He was baptized in June, 1888 by Elder Peter Becker, but he had a deeper conviction in 1895, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Personal Saviour.

On March 9, 1899 he was united in marriage to Katharine Schultz of Avon, South Dakota by Rev. Henry P. Unruh.

He joined the New Friedensberg Mennonite church near Vona (Colorado) as soon as it was established, and remained a faithful member until his death.

He is survived by ten children; five brothers; two sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Mennonite church near Vona, Sunday, July 6. Rev. Henry U. Schmidt and Brother Richard Tschetter were in charge of the service. Their messages were based on John 14:1-6, and on Psalm 30:5. A quartet, consisting of Mrs. Leslie Tanner, Mrs. Harold Pickard, Robert Harrison and Guy Harrison, accompanied by Mrs. Fred Swartz, sang Mother's favorite song "What a Friend we have in Jesus," Father's favorite song, "Going Down the Valley One by One," and the song the children remembered that Father used to sing for them when they were small children sitting on his lap, "In the Sweet By and By." At the cemetery they sang "Nearer My God to Thee." Rev. Virgil Horton sang "He Heals Every Heartache."


Arthur Boese, 1899-1982

Arthur Lewis Boese passed away on the morning of Jan. 26, 1982 in the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington (Colorado), after a lingering illness, at the age of 82 years, five months and six days. Arthur was one of three children of Benjamin H. and Mary (Dirks) Boese. He was born Aug. 20, 1899 near Avon, S.D. In 1907, with his parents, he moved to the community south of Vona, going through the pioneering experiences of the homestead days. He remained a farmer until retirement in later life. At an early age he accepted the Lord as his personal savior, and was baptized, placing his membership in the Mennonite church south of Vona.

On Sept. 3, 1922 he was married to Lydia Ann Becker, and to this union six children were born.

During his lifetime he was active in the community, working and serving the Lord in the church, working on the local school board, was among those on the reorganization board when the country schools were consolidated with the town schools in Kit Carson County, was among those on the board that helped develop Plains Telephone Co., served on the Stratton Co-op board, and also worked for the government as fieldman for the farm offices. In 1925 - 1927 he served as minister of the New Friedensberg Mennonite Church.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Lydia; Willis Wayne an infant son; his parents, sister (Mrs. Fred Swartz) and brother (Roy).

Surviving him are his five children: Elaine Harrison and husband, Guy; Pauline McCaffrey and husband, Darrell, of Vona; Charlotte Boese of Colorado Springs; Eldon and wife, Joanna, of Redding, Iowa; and Beverly Miller and husband, Charles, of Colorado Springs; also 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.


Roger Balvin, 1952-2010

Roger W. Balvin, 57, of Eugene, Oregon passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the VA Medical Center in Roseburg, Oregon. He passed peacefully in the arms of his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Tyndall, South Dakota with arrangements under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall. The family prefers that memorials be sent to the US Dept of Veterans Affairs Hospice, c/o Fran Smith, Community Living Center, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd., Bldg. 81, Roseburg, OR 97471.

Roger William Balvin was born on Tuesday, May 27, 1952 at Tyndall, South Dakota to Romain Joseph and Lillian Ann (Varilek) Balvin. His family moved to California in March of 1957. He was Valedictorian of the 1970 graduating class of St. Joseph’s High School in Alameda, California. His favorite sport was baseball and he played on the high school baseball team, the St. Joseph’s Pilots. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975 and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He married Marie Kizer in Oakland, California on September 29, 1973. They had two incredible boys, Matthew and Benjamin. Roger’s admiration and love for Marie and those two boys is greater than mere words can express. Following his military service, Roger worked as a landscaper in western Washington before moving across the state to attend Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. After he received his Bachelor’s degree, the family moved to Oroville, Washington where he taught Agricultural Science and Algebra at the local high school. He later returned to the Colfax area and worked for the Soil Conservation Service. He also hosted a popular noon radio show on agriculture where he would sign off every show with the memorable phrase, “Until next time, keep those combines cutting.” Roger's great love for farming and agriculture continued past his "Farm Report" days on the radio show. He partnered with James Boras, Sr. on an extensive hay producing operation in Elk Grove, California throughout the late 1990’s, and also managed and resided on the James Boras Farm.

Roger touched the hearts of everyone. He was a hard-working man who enjoyed camaraderie and laughter. He felt a strong love and loyalty towards his friends. One of his greatest assets was his ability to be a true friend. His thoughtful, caring manner in which he lived his life is a model for us all. The simple lessons we have learned from him will be remembered for a lifetime. His humanity towards everyone and everything will likely never be equaled. Roger was deeply spiritual and felt a close connection to God. He will be missed, but never forgotten. He will be buried in South Dakota, however, his final resting stop will be in our hearts. Until we meet again, Roger, we love you.

Roger is survived by two sons: Matthew David Balvin of Beaverton, Oregon and Benjamin Daniel Balvin of Tigard, Oregon; two grandchildren: Konrad Drake Balvin and Alexander Theron Balvin, both of Beaverton, Oregon; two brothers: Richard (Austa) Balvin of Aurora, Colorado and Bernard (Edrhys) Balvin of Bremerton, Washington; two sisters: Delores Luft of Moscow, Idaho and Denise (William) Cole of Crookston, Minnesota; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, and countless friends from Sacramento to Portland.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and a sister, Norma.


John "Jack" Balvin, 1928-2004

John A. Balvin was born November 9, 1928, in Tyndall, SD, to Joe and Jane Balvin. John entered into rest on March 25, 2004, in his Sacramento, CA, home at age 75.

John, a proud retired Air Force CWO, will be remembered for his humor and his love of family and friends.

John is survived by his sons: Michael J. Balvin, Bruce E. Balvin, Brian S. Balvin and his little girl, Karen E. Balvin. Grandfather to Matthew and Danielle. Sisters Jean Beringer and Janet Aldrich.

He was welcomed to Heaven by his beloved father Joe and mother Jane, brothers Bill, Romain and Jim, sisters Evelyn and Joan.

Memorial services will be held in Sacramento, CA.


Romain Balvin, 1913-2003

Romain J. Balvin, 89, Poway, Calif., died Thursday (Feb. 6, 2003) at Villa Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, Calif.

Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Peter Balvin, Barry Beringer, Michael Cole, Donald Sykora, Dan Varilek and William Varilek. Wake service is 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church. Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.

He was born Oct. 7, 1913, in Bon Homme County, to Joseph J. and Minnie (Jones) Balvin. He married Lillian A. Varilek on Oct. 18, 1932, at St. Leo's Church, Tyndall. They farmed in the Tyndall area until 1957. In 1957, they moved to Alameda, Calif. On Dec. 27, 1974, Lillian died. On May 28, 1980, Romain married Helen Carbiener at Redlands, Calif.

After retirement from the City of Alameda, he enjoyed gardening, playing cards, traveling and word games. He was very proud of many beautiful needlepoint scenes and rugs that he created and gave as gifts to family members and friends. He also enjoyed crafting beautiful "grandfather clocks."

He is survived by his wife, Helen, Poway; sons: Richard (Austa) Balvin, Aurora, Colo., Bernard (Edrhys) Balvin, Bremerton, Wash., Roger Balvin, Eugene, Ore.; his daughters: Delores (Bill) Luft, Colfax, Wash.; and Denise (Bill) Cole, Crookston, Minn.; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; two sisters: Jean Beringer, Tyndall; and Janet Aldrige, Santa Clara, Calif.; and one brother, John Balvin, Sacramento, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, one son, one daughter, his parents, two brothers and two sisters.


Doris Briscoe, 1913-2010

Funeral Services for Doris Halsey Briscoe, 96, of Springfield are 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield, with burial in the Springfield Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield.

Doris Halsey Briscoe, daughter of Alexander and Susan (Fender) Halsey was born August 4, 1913 on a farm near Springfield, SD. She died Sunday, June 13, 2010 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Doris attained the age of 96 years, ten months and ten days.

Doris attended Armstrong Country School and graduated from Springfield High School and Southern State Normal in Springfield. She also attended Dakota Wesleyan and the University of South Dakota. Doris was a devoted, professional school teacher. Her career started in rural schools in Bon Home County and then Olerichs, Wessington Springs, Brookings, Plano, Scotland and Mitchell. After her retirement, Doris tutored individuals and group needs.

Doris married Stanley Briscoe on December 31, 1984 at Mena, AR. He died March 1, 1994.

Doris was a member of the United Church of Christ in Springfield, 50 year member of Eastern Star and the Mitchell branch of AAUW.

Doris will be remembered for her enjoyment of reading, oil painting, china painting and gardening. She loved flowers, especially her African Violets.

Thankful for having shared her life are many nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by three brothers: Clarence, Platt and Armond; and two sisters: Gertrude Guptill and Nadine Wynia.


Hayes Balvin, 1923-2009

Hayes John Balvin was born on Sunday, July 22, 1923 on the family farm near Tyndall, South Dakota to Edward and Emiline (Kloucek) Balvin. He attended Armstrong Country School and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1941. He then went to Southern State Normal School at Springfield, South Dakota. He served in the United States Army Air Corps. Following his military service, Hayes lived and worked in Stockton California, returning to the family farm in 1949. He was united in marriage to Angeline Cimpl on September 4, 1950 and they farmed until 1994 when they retired and moved to Tyndall. After his retirement from the farm, Hayes worked at Cimpl Grain Company in Tabor. He later served as bailiff for the First Judicial Circuit in Bon Homme County. He also continued to do farm work during planting and harvest seasons. Hayes enjoyed his cars, John Deere tractors, golfing, and coffee with the Corral group. He was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where he had served as Grand Knight. He was also a member of the Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2 of Tyndall. Hayes passed away at his home on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 23 days.

Hayes’ memory will be cherished by his wife of 58 years, Angeline, of Tyndall; son Bill (Joanne) of Tyndall; daughter Mary (Joe) Vartigian of Albany, New York; four grandchildren: Matt Balvin, Emily (Scott) Weber, Michael Smith and Katie Smith; and his sister, Vera (Bill) Hoch of Tyndall.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Greg Hoch.


Judy Burgi, 1944-2009

Judy Burgi, age 64, of Yankton, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2009 at United Church of Christ (Congregational), Yankton, with Rev. Joe Schulte officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, Avon, SD at approximately 1:45 p.m. Visitations will be 3-9 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton with a 7 p.m. prayer service followed by memory sharing and a video tribute to Judi’s life. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Larry Kokesh, Allen Kokesh, Thomas Kokesh, Brian Wollman, A.J. Bierman, and John Weiland. Honorary pallbearers will be Roland & Judy Koldun, Gregg & Mary Lee Stewart, John & Nancy Sternquist, Doug & Trudi Dykstra, Larry & Charmaine Pelton, Linda Ekstrom, Pat Grant, Gladys List, Georgie Oorlog, Carol Draughon, Theresa Goeden, and Mick Hurley & Family.

Judy Carol (Mudder) Burgi passed away April 29, 2009 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Judy, age 64, died of natural causes with her family at her side. Judy was born September 13, 1944 at her home in Avon, South Dakota to Dick and Lillian (Owens) Mudder. Judy was baptized into the faith at Trinity Presbyterian Church in 1960 by Reverend Ray Williamson.

Judy attended Avon Public School and graduated in May of 1962. Judy moved to Yankton, SD after graduation, where she met the love of her life. Judy married Paul Joseph Burgi on December 29, 1963 and this union was blessed with five children. Robin Lynn was born at rest on December 6th, 1964. A son, Scott Carl was born on February 3rd 1966. A second daughter, Kristine Kay, arrived on October 29th, 1968. A second son, Chad Richard, was born on November 30th, 1972, and a daughter, Paula Lillian, was born on June 14th, 1977.

Judy had many different occupations and worked in a variety of places including Randall’s Super Value, Sacred Heart Hospital, M-tron, TG&Y, Montgomery Wards, and at the Save-U-More bakery. Judy always enjoyed working and did so until her health forced her to take another path.

After transferring her membership to the United Church of Christ Congregational in September of 1972, Judy was a very active member of her church, volunteering help in any way she was able. During her life Judy was the Church School Director, Assistant Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Board of Deacons, and Chairman of the Courtesy Committee for over 25 years. Judy also enjoyed sending cards, shopping, and spending time with her family. Judy could often be found doing word seek puzzles, talking on the phone, and eating lemon meringue pie. Judy will always be remembered as the Dollar Store Queen by her friends and family, as she shopped there for trinkets quite frequently.

Judy was survived by her husband Paul; two sons, Scott of Springfield, SD and wife Deb, Chad of Sioux Falls, SD ; two daughters, Kristine of Sutton, NE and husband Channon Crites , Paula of Hurley, SD and husband Shawn Oaks; her grandchildren Victoria, Natalie, Katrina, Samantha, Eddie, Kyle, Abby, Taryn, Julianna, Hunter, Carson, and Kaleb ; adopted family members, Theresa Goeden, Amy Brausey, and Brian Wollman, two sister-in-laws Carol Muell of Iowa and husband John, Brenda Burgi of Oregon; a brother-in-law John Burgi of Oregon and wife Dianne; her nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her infant daughter Robin Lynn; her parents Dick and Lillian Mudder; her sister Karen Kokesh; her brothers William (Bill) and Larry Mudder; her mother and father-in-law Carl and Helen Burgi; Carl Kamback; grandparents, Stephen and Grace (Oorlog) Mudder and William and Virginia (Babb) Owens; and her brother-in-law, Tom Burgi.


Cornelius "Casey" Boersma, 1915-2002

Cornelius "Casey" Boersma, 86, Springfield, died Tuesday (Jan. 1, 2002) at his home.

Funeral service is at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield. Burial will be in the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is from 1-6 p.m. today (Thursday) with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Springfield. Visitation will resume from 9 a.m.-noon Friday at the funeral home.

He was born Oct. 4, 1915, at his parents' home west of Springfield, to Bokke and Tryntje "Katie" (Westra) Boersma. He attended Quinn School for eight years. He worked as a hired man in Iowa for several years and in California for one year. He began farming with horses with his parents eight miles west of Springfield. He was very thankful for the invention of tractors.

He married Jessie Dykstra Sept. 21, 1943. Together they farmed on the home place, retiring and moving into Springfield in 1985.

He made confession of faith and became a communicant member of Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield, March 1, 1938, and was a faithful participant all of his life. He taught Sunday School for 57 years and catechism for several years. He served several terms as deacon, treasurer and elder. He helped with Prison Fellowship for 15 years. He also served on the Pastoral Relations Committee for six years.

He enjoyed singing of any type, including the church choir, the quartet and other singing groups. He also enjoyed visiting with neighbors, calling on the elderly and sick, taking long walks, traveling and sightseeing.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie, Springfield; six children: David (Marie), Baltimore, Md.; Carl (Amy), Sioux Center, Iowa; Jerry (Betty), Eagan, Minn.; Arden (Mary), Lindenhurst, Ill.; Donna (Cal) Ratzlaff, Avon; and Nancy (Dan) Ruppelt, Springfield; 13 grandchildren; one brother, Renze, Yankton; two sisters: Gertrude Tjeerdsma and Jessie Heusinkveld, both of Springfield; and many other relatives and friends.

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


Evelyn Beran, 1915-2014

Evelyn L. Beran, age 99 of Tabor, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2014 at her home. Funeral services will be held at the Opsahl Kostel Memorial Chapel in Tabor on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Visitations will be at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 7 pm prayer service. Burial will take place at the ZCBJ Cemetery south of Tabor after the funeral service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the memorial chapel.

Evelyn (Blachnik) Beran the only daughter of Emil and Minnie (Jancik) Blachnik was born March 18, 1915 at their newly constructed home in Tabor, and passed away in the same home on September 22, 2014.

As a young child she assisted her parents in their family Tabor Meat Market. She attended Tabor Public School and graduated from Tabor High School in 1933. After graduation she attended the Samuels Cosmetology School in Sioux Falls. In 1935 she owned and operated the Curly Beauty Shop in Tabor which was the first beauty shop in town.

On October 7, 1940 she was married to Emil Beran at the rural Presbyterian Church west of Tabor. Together they established their home on the farm in the Elm Grove area just southeast of Tabor along highway 50. Their two children, Darrell and Sherry, were born there.

For Evelyn, farm life was quite a change, but she loved it, where there was so much independence with gardening, pets, etc. When harvest was completed the family took auto trip vacations throughout the entire U.S. After the children grew up, Emil and Evelyn toured by bus and made four trips to Europe, including the home of their ancestors in the Czech Republic where they became acquainted with relatives and corresponded with them and now by computer.

After 68 years on the farm, the Beran’s retired to their home in Tabor in 2008 and were still active to enjoy the rest of their lives. Evelyn was called upon frequently to translate letters written in Czech and also to answer questions about where people and businesses were located in town. Evelyn compiled family histories on both sides of her family. The Beran’s maintained and gave tours of the Blachnik museum which was created by Evelyn’s father.

The Beran’s were selected as Czech Days parade marshals in 2010. Evelyn was a member of the Tabor Chamber of Commerce and Czech Heritage Preservation Society.

She is survived by Emil her husband of 73 years, son Darrell (Ann) Beran and daughter Sherry (Dennis) Povondra all of Tabor; grandchildren Brenda Beran of Sioux Falls, Brian (Amy) Beran now living on the family farm southeast of Tabor and Mark Povondra of Tabor; great grandchildren Braden and Maxwell Beran.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a great granddaughter, Ava Grace Underberg.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorials to be directed to the Czech Heritage Preservation Society, P.O. Box 3, Tabor, SD 57063.


Janice Buehner, 1932-2008

Janice Buehner, 76, Brandon, SD, formerly of the Emery, Clayton area, died Saturday (July 12, 2008) at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Clayton. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday with a prayer service at 8 p.m. at the Hettinger-Bittner Funeral Chapel in Emery.

She was born June 15, 1932, at Scotland, SD, to Walter and Louise (Huber) Knittel. She grew up near Menno, SD, and attended school in Menno. On October 4, 1949, she married Dennis Buehner. They resided in Emery until moving to the family farm near Clayton in 1957. She was involved in farming, raising Black Angus cattle, chickens, ducks, geese and a large garden. After her children were raised she worked at M-Tron in Salem and Parkston until it closed, then she worked for Raven Industries in Parkston. In November 2006, they moved to Brandon. She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where she was also involved in Sunday School. Janice was known for her big smile and hearty laugh. She loved animals, especially her dog Hunter and her two cats, Shaddow and Milo. She loved cooking and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra Buehner and special friend, Lloyd Petzoldt of Utica, her son, Brad Buehner of Garretson, six grandchildren, Tyler and Brendyn Buehner, Carie Sanow and special friend, Kevin Kopp and boys, Michelle and Derek Hunsley and family, Mike Petzoldt and family, two sisters, Alitha Pollman of Sioux Falls; Wilma Liebl of Menno; her in-laws, Lucille Franklin of Honolulu, Hawaii; Kenneth and wife Lois Buehner of Tripp; Ronald and wife Jean Buehner of Emery; Carol and husband Stan Hieb of Tripp; a special friend Mauretta “Skip” Chepa of Fulda, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Dennis in February 2007.


Willard Bryan, 1934-2011

Willard Bryan, 76 of Avon died Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Corsica.

Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am Thursday, February 3, 2011 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall, with burial at the Scotty Phillips Cemetery in Ft. Pierre at 4 pm Thursday. There will be a lunch at the Holiday Inn in Ft. Pierre following the burial. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 5 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by a 7:30 pm wake service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.

Willard Merle Bryan was born December 11, 1934 at home in Mellette County to Bud and Minnie (Brunson) Bryan. He was the fifth of 11 children.

He loved sports and was very active in them while attending school at White River. He became active in high school rodeo in 1950. He won the National High School saddle bronc trophy in 1952. He competed in South Dakota rodeos with the SDRA and was a member of the PRCA and competed throughout the Midwest for several years. He participated in and tried every rodeo event. He placed in most of the events he participated in, winning 3 saddles, numerous riggins and belt buckles. He then worked the rodeos as a judge, pick-up man, and flag man.

In 1953 he married his lifelong friend, companion, and love of his life, Cleota Stromer on November 7 at the White River Catholic Church and to this union five children were born: Deborah Carroll of Murdo, SD, Julie Mehrer of Avon, SD, Justin (Pam) Bryan of Oacoma, SD, Jason Bryan of Avon, SD, and Tessa (Cory) Myers of Avon SD. He was also blessed with fifteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Willard worked on several different ranches in central SD. He started working for West Central Electric as a lineman in 1978 and later retired in 1996. Then Willard and Cleota purchased and operated the North Vue Motel in Avon, SD until they sold it in 2006. Not being able to sit still and “Retire,” he decided he would start driving semi truck. He drove for local companies in the area until he decided to go to Wyoming and drive truck in the oil fields. He drove truck until the time of his illness.

Willard was an avid BASS fisherman and was a member of the SD BASS Federation, Lifetime member of National B.A.S.S and North American Fishing, while also being a member of Capitol City, Mid West, and Bon Homme BASS Clubs. He loved tournament fishing and qualified for several Regional Championships all over the country. In 2002, after spending countless hours searching for the one, he won the Worlds BIG BASS trophy for catching the largest largemouth bass in the country. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing and would be on the water for hours. Weekends in the spring and summer were usually focused on fishing tournaments while the anglers stuck around to discuss the days catch, drink coffee, and eat a good home cooked meal.

His Greatest love was for his children and grandchildren. He spent many hours teaching them how to fish, to flip correctly for youth casting contests, to hunt, and all about rodeo, while sharing lessons on life. He always had time for any type of game, mostly cards, and it seemed like he won most of the time. He never turned anyone away and lent a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He would never turn down an opportunity to watch one of his many favorite sports teams.

On February 2, 2010, Willard suffered a massive vascular stroke at his home in Avon, SD. After nearly a year long battle with vascular dementia, Willard passed away, with family by his side, at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in Corsica, SD.

He is survived by his wife Cleota of Avon, his children: Debbie; Julie; Justin (Pam); Jason; and Tessa (Cory); fifteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four brothers: Charles (JoAnn) of Avon, SD; Larry (Diane) of Tyndall, SD; Tony (Barb) of Edgemont, SD; and Wayne of Bakersfield, CA; three sisters: Patty Harris of Belle Fourche, SD; Carolyn (Dick) McKee of White River, SD; Sharon Litellier of Millers Creek, NC; one brother-in-law, John Herman of Pringle, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one bother, Donnie, two sisters: Lola Herman and Madelon White; and one grandson, Phillip Dobbin.


Eleanor Bartunek, 1928-2008

Eleanor Bartunek, 80, died March 10, 2008, at the Golden Living Center, Armour.

Funeral services will be Friday,March 14, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Delmont, with burial following in Wagner City Cemetery, Wagner. Visitation will be Thursday, March 13, 2008, from 5-8 p.m. at Koehn Bros. Funeral Home, Armour, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Eleanor Bartunek was born on January 4, 1928, to Fred and Elsie (Dunn) Ferguson in Tyndall, SD. She attended country school near Tyndall and later graduated from Tyndall High School. She married Oscar Bartunek on October 7, 1952, in Tyndall, SD. To this union 12 children were born. They farmed north of Avon, SD for many years. Then in 1974, they retired and moved to Delmont, SD. She later moved to Colonial Manor, Armour, SD. She enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles and beadwork. Eleanor was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Delmont. She died on March 10, 2008, at Golden Living Center, Armour, at the age of 80.

She is survived by 12 children: Alta Schelske and husband, Don, Delmont, SD; Gloria Weber and husband, Ed, Butte, NE; Mike Bartunek, Butte, NE; Sharon Bartunek, Mitchell, SD; Arlene Hietz and husband, Gary, Queen Creek, AZ; Linda Wood and husband, Rick, Stanwood, WA; David Bartunek and wife, Mary, Tripp, SD; Eugene Bartunek and wife, Marilyn, Armour, SD; Ronald (Bart) Bartunek and wife, Kathy, Armour, SD; Len Bartunek, Armour, SD; and Darryl Bartunek and wife, Toni, Armour, SD; sister, Susie Bartunek and husband, Alfred, Wagner, SD; brother, Chuck Ferguson and wife, Corene, Charter Oak, IA; sister-in-law, Carol Ferguson, Tyndall, SD; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers: Richard and Johnny; two sisters: Bettey and Dorothy Ferguson; and four grandchildren: Sabrina Bartunek, Charles Bartunek, Joey Bartunek and Calvin Sweet.


Helen Berndt, 1912-2006

Services for Helen Berndt, 93, of Avon are 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitation will be Monday from noon until 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.

Helen M. Berndt was born October 17, 1912 at Avon, South Dakota, the daughter of John and Lenore (Rauch) Bushman. She died Friday, May 26, 2006 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tripp, SD.

Helen graduated from high school and received her B.S. Degree at Springfield. She devoted her life to being an educator in the Rueb and James rural schools, Avon, Pickstown for 18 years and Platte for five years. She retired in 1974 after 40 years of teaching. She also taught piano lessons for many years. Helen married Leslie Berndt on June 29, 1986. He died October 7, 1993.

Helen was a member of the Danzig Baptist Church and a former member of the First Presbyterian and First Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Birthday Club, Avon Flower Club and the WCTU. Helen will be remembered for her love for children, her willingness to help others, teaching and her pet dogs and cats. She also enjoyed painting, needle work, flowers and gardening. She was a soft spoken lady who always watched her language to avoid hurting anyone's feelings.

Thankful for having shared her life are her five step-children: Leonard (LaVonne) Berndt, Renner; Gladys (John) Talsma, Running Water; Donna (Jim) Sattler, Menno; LeRoy Berndt, Sioux Falls; and Roger (Jo) Berndt, Sioux Falls; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; cousins: Harlan Salvatori, Sioux City, IA; Susan Handke Sioux City, IA; MaryAnn Johnson, South Sioux City, NE; and several other cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband and parents.


Duane Brown, 1933-2014

Duane C. Brown, age 81 of Springfield, South Dakota, died Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Springfield, South Dakota with Reverend Ken Johnson officiating and military honors provided by the Dwight Wood American Legion Post No. 132. Burial will be in the Lakeport Cemetery in Tabor, South Dakota at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton, South Dakota. Pallbearers are Gary Loukota, Lowell Christenson, David Ruppelt, and Pat DeBoer.

Duane C. Brown was born January 21, 1933, in Yankton, South Dakota to Leonard and Bessie (Taylor) Brown. He grew up in Yankton and attended school in Yankton graduating from Yankton High School in 1950. He enlisted into the United States Navy where he was stationed as an aircraft mechanic on Midway Island. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Yankton and married Betty Medeck on June 9, 1956 in Dearborn, Michigan. They lived in Dearborn, where Duane began working at Ford Motor Company starting out in the mailroom and working his way up to the purchasing department for new development. He retired after 35 years at Ford Motor Company and moved back to Yankton. They later moved to Springfield, South Dakota in 2007.

Duane was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Springfield where he was active as a chairman and elder. Duane was always seen wearing his cowboy hat and boots and enjoyed working on Ford cars, watching Michigan State and the Detroit Lions, reading Louis L’amour books, woodworking, painting, drinking coffee in Tabor with his friends and driving the ‘66 Fairlane in area parades.

Survivors include his daughter, Kimberly (Joel) Nelson of Elk Point, South Dakota; close family friend, June Ruppelt of Springfield, South Dakota; brother, Leon (Kay) Brown of Sun City, Arizona; sister Lavaune Brown of Norfolk, Nebraska; and his little dog, Kahli.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty on November 12, 2012; and three sisters: Hattie White, Phyllis Brown and Carol Rattray.


Mary Borin, 1920-2014

Mary E. Borin died peacefully on November 12, 2014, in Centennial, CO, with her family.

She was born on April 3, 1920, in Kingsburg, SD, to Tom and Lena Pier. Mary moved to Avon, SD, in 1933 and graduated from Avon High School in 1937. She attended Yankton College from 1937-1941, earning a bachelor's degree in Languages. Mary then went to Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, where she received a master's degree in French and Spanish. Mary taught home economics, Spanish, English, Latin and math at Avon High School before moving to Minneapolis, MN. In 1944 Mary was married and moved to California where she worked at the Army Air Base in Santa Ana and lived on Balboa Island. Her son, Jim, was born in Orange, CA in 1946. Mary moved to Park Ridge, IL in 1946 and daughter, Kristi, was born in Evanston, IL in 1947. Mary and her children moved to Avon, SD in 1952 where she did substitute teaching, was the bookkeeper at a furniture store and worked at the Community Bank where she also served on the Board of Directors. Mary was very involved in community endeavors, including the library board, Monday Reading Club and on the Meadow View Manor Board. She was a 50+ year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, serving as treasurer and singing in the choir. Mary moved to Centennial, CO in 2006 to be near family. She loved life, music, nature and learning, but most of all, her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 6 brothers: Max, Hugh, Neil, Ralph, Don, and Philip.

She is survived by her children, Jim (Diane) Borin and Kristi (Dale) Zimmerman; 6 grandchildren: Leah (Tom) Huxtable, Erika (Andrew) Henkart, Dedra (Joe) Merrill, Breanne (Doug) Wallaker, Samantha (Greg) McDaniel, Anita Newton; 12 great-grandchildren: Collin, Emily, Julia, Nathan, Tanner, Mallory, Lillian, Isaac, Lucy, Elle, Graeme and Garrett.

The family requests any memorial contributions be donated to the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, SD. Please send memorials to Dale & Kristi Zimmerman, 6997 E. Long Ave., Centennial, CO 80112.


Leona Barcus, 1931-2014

Leona C. Barcus, 83, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Banner Township Cemetery at Lawton, Iowa. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barcus was born on Oct. 10, 1931, in Colome, S.D., the daughter of Charles and Ida (VanOverschelde) DeSmet. She graduated from Colome High School and then graduated from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, S.D., with her teaching certificate.

She taught at country schools until she married Rex D. Barcus on June 3, 1950, at St. Isadora’s Catholic Church in Colome. During their marriage, her husband worked at Fullerton Lumber Co. and they lived in Colome, Winner, Wessington Springs, Corsica, and Kimball, S.D., as well as in Lohrville and Anthon, Iowa. Leona worked as a bookkeeper for Fullerton while living in Anthon.

In 1977 the couple moved to Tyndall, S.D., where they owned and operated the Coast to Coast Hardware Store until 1986, when they moved to Sioux City. In Sioux City, she worked at Mary Elizabeth Day Care Center for several years before she retired in 1996. After retirement, she babysat for several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and volunteered at the Bargain Center.

All of her life she was extremely active in the Catholic Church as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, serving as a sacristan, usher, hosting showers for members of the church, and CCD teacher. During her life she volunteered as a Boy Scout leader in Anthon and as an EMT in Anthon and Tyndall. When she was not working or volunteering, she enjoyed baking pies, collecting tea sets, dolls and plates, reading and collecting books of all kinds, listening to music, singing, playing piano, sewing, embroidering items such as dish towels and pillow cases that she could give to her family, shopping, rummage sales, writing letters, traveling, keeping a diary, watching "Days of Our Lives" and eating chocolate. She also enjoyed saying the rosary every day. She was extremely proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She always made sure that everyone got a birthday card on their birthdays and everyone got a special Christmas present from her every year.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry and his wife, Theresa (Putizer), of Sioux City, and John and his husband, Dr. William Crone, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; four daughters, Kay and her husband, Richard Sands, of Lawton, Iowa, Yvette and her husband, Jerry Stratton, of Moville, Iowa, Lori and her husband, Rick Diamond, of Warrenton, Va., and Tracy Barcus of Virginia, N.C.; 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Louis DeSmet and his wife, Valda, and Claire DeSmet and his wife, Modenna; one sister, Imogene DeSmet; a brother-in-law, Mark Huber; and three sisters-in-law, Loretta Stroud, Marylyn DeSmet and Margo DeSmet.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years; her parents; her parents-in-law; three brothers, Julius DeSmet, Charles DeSmet Jr. and Joe DeSmet; three sisters, Madeline Watzel, Sadie Krizan and baby Marie DeSmet; and several brothers and sisters in-law.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jarret Sands, TJ Statton, Adam Barcus, Anthony Diamond and Matthew Barcus; and her great-grandson, Blake Stratton.


Charles "Charlie" Bruna, 1918-2014

Funeral services for Charles “Charlie” Anton Bruna, 96, of Tyndall, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Tyndall with Rev. Tom Petersen officiating. Burial will follow in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall. Casketbearers will be Jeremy Bruna, Ross Hudson, Frank Bruna, Joey Bruna, Gene Melichar, and Jerry Kostal. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. Charlie died on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Charles A. Bruna was born near Tabor, SD on October 24, 1918 to Josef and Frances (Stybla) Bruna. Growing up, Charles worked on the family farm in addition to working for several neighboring farmers. He was also a member of a traveling custom corn picking group.

On February 11, 1947, Charles was united in marriage to Libby Pavlish in the Tyndall United Methodist Church. One son, Ron, was born to their union. Charles and his family spent their lives working diligently and taking pride in the family farm. Charles spent his free time enjoying his family – most often gathering around the kitchen table to play pinochle. He was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and pitching horse shoes. Charles took great pride in his Czech heritage and frequently honored it with the songs he played on the accordion or the harmonica. In his early years you could find him with drum sticks in hand behind the snare as a member of the Sejnoha Band.

Charles taught us all that work was truly a blessing from God. He lived his faith every day of his life as he tended to his crops and livestock. At the age of 95 he planted this spring’s fields of corn and beans and followed their progress through the harvest. He died peacefully at St. Michael’s Avera Hospital on December 20, 2014.

Charles is survived by his two sisters: Zdenka Pavlish and Vlasta Hajek; his son Ron Bruna and his wife Donna; his grandson Jeremy Bruna and wife Melissa; his granddaughter Miranda Hudson and her husband Ross; and three great grandchildren, Erika , Eagan, and Kalem.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Libby, his parents, three sisters, and two brothers.


Theron "Terry" Bochman, 1939-2014

Terry D. Bochman, age 75, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

A memorial service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Jon Cooke officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Honorary pallbearers are Terry’s six grandchildren: Nick Bochman, Jarrett Brenner, Travis Brenner, Justin Bochman, Derek Brenner and Kylie Bochman.

Terry was born April 15, 1939 in Tyndall, South Dakota to Thornton and Lucille (Thompson) Bochman. He grew up on a farm southwest of Tyndall and graduated from Avon High School in 1957. He then attended college at LeTourneau Tech in Longview, Texas. Terry joined the Army National Guard 149th of Texas and was activated during the Berlin Crisis. On August 25, 1959, Terry married Barbara Jurrens at Avon, South Dakota. After their marriage, they lived at Fort Polk, Louisiana where Terry was stationed for one year. Then they moved to Sioux City, Iowa before settling in Yankton in 1964. Terry first worked in Yankton as a salesman for O’Leary Chevrolet, then at Scoblic Stationers. He started his own business, Consolidated Business Products in 1972. He was a charter member of the Yankton Morning Optimist, former president of the Yankton JCs and Yankton Chamber Board Member. Terry was also involved in National Office Machine Dealer Association and various other organizations at the state and community level. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and season ticket holder for over 20 years. Terry enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and treasured the time spent with his family.

Terry is survived by his wife, Barbara Bochman of Yankton; two children: Jeff (Jane) Bochman of Yankton and Laurie (Warren) Brenner of Yankton; six grandchildren: Nick, Justin and Kylie Bochman, and Jarrett & Cassy and their daughter Amber, Travis and Derek Brenner; two brothers, Harlen (Carol) Bochman of Fargo, ND and Merlon (Kathy) Bochman of Hill City, SD; and one sister, Sharlyn (Veryl) Haynes of Bridgewater, SD.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Thornton and Lucille Bochman, and an infant sister, Sheila Bochman.


Charlotte Braaten, 1942-2014

Charlotte Braaten (Clark) passed away on December 21, 2014, one day before her birthday. She passed away at home in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

She will be missed by her husband Erl, son Russell (Laura), daughter Ana-Maria, grandchildren Tristan and Natasha, family and friends in USA and Canada and by her beloved dog Nikki.

Cremation has taken place and no service will be held as per her wishes.

In her memory donations could be made to one of her favorite charities — Animal rescue or cancer care.

Charlotte was born in 1942 in Tyndall, South Dakota, to Rena (Janssen) Clark.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father and two brothers, James and Myrl.


Leona Becvar, 1928-2015

Funeral mass for Leona May Becvar, 86, of Tyndall, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14 at the Goglin Funeral Home, Tyndall. A wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. later that evening at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall.

Leona passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall.

Leona May Becvar was born on Monday, May 14, 1928 to Carl Schmoll and Freda Rueb Schmoll Bren in Tyndall, South Dakota. She graduated Tyndall High School in 1947. In May of 1955, Leona and her sons, Larry and Michael, moved back to Tyndall from Washington. She then worked as a night cook for Basil in his café for a year and a half, which is where she met Laddie. They dated for a couple years, attending dances near Yankton. On August 10, 1959, Leona was united in marriage to Laddie Becvar at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Together, the family made their new home on a farm near Tyndall. Laddie built most of the farm buildings that went on to house their chickens, pigs, and cattle. Leona was a strong, Christian woman who loved her family. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and cherished the times she spent with them.

Leona passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall having attained the age of 86 years, 7 months, and 25 days.

She is survived and remembered by her husband, Laddie Becvar of Tyndall; sons: Larry (Cheryl) of Marysville, WA and Mike of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren: Sean, Scott, Ashleigh, Abbie, and Jessie; great-grandchildren: Brittany and Matthew; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, step-father Ed Bren, brother Elmer Schmoll, sister-in-law Georgia Schmoll, and sisters: Leona in infancy, Marcella Younger, Viola Stemper, and Beverly Ranek.

As Leona signed her letters, “God be with you and yours.”


Paul Bainbridge, 1926-2015

Funeral services for Paul Bainbridge, 89, of Scotland, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2015 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland. Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. prayer service there. Paul passed away on Saturday, January 24 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Paul Matthew Bainbridge was born on Sunday, January 10, 1926 to Matthew and Mary (Plattner) Bainbridge in Scotland, South Dakota. He graduated Scotland High School in 1943 where he was recognized as an “ideal student” and served as the band President as well as playing the French horn. On September 4, 1948, Paul was united in marriage to Eunice Nelson in Scotland.

Agriculture was Paul’s passion and heritage; he took pride in farming the land his ancestors homesteaded. At one point during Paul’s farming career, he and his late son Tom, who farmed with him, received a certificate recognizing the Bainbridge farm as a quasquicentennial family farm, or a farm that has been in the family 125 years. He was a DeKalb corn seed dealer and served on the Bon Homme Co. Soil Conservation board for 28 years. His love for the land was recognized by others and resulted in his being the recipient of the WNAX Farmer of the Day Award and the Bon Homme County Conservation District Endowment Award.

When not in the fields, Paul was active in the Independent order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF), a global benevolent fraternal service organization, served on the advisory board for he Scotland Living Center (now known as the Scotland Good Samaritan Society), and held a leadership position in the Scotland Historical Society. He was also very involved with the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and served in many positions throughout the years. Paul was a very easygoing man blessed with a sense of humor. He could be found playing practical jokes on his neighboring farmer friends or bowling team members, as he bowled at the Recreation Bar and Bowling Alley in Scotland for many years.

Paul passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland having attained the age of 89 years and 14 days.

He is survived and remembered by his three children: Bob (Roseann) Bainbridge of Grand Junction, CO, June Bainbridge of Flagstaff, AZ, and Kay (Mike) Smidt of Menno; grandchildren: Vanessa Jones, Logan Smidt, and Elisa Bainbridge; and great-grandson Izaac Richards.

He was preceded in death by his wife Eunice, his parents, son Tom, and sister Kathleen Nelson.


Eunice Bainbridge, 1927-2007

Eunice M. Bainbridge died Thursday, January 18, 2007, at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland at the age of 80 years and 13 days.

Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church, Scotland, South Dakota, with the Rev. Mark Werner officiating. Music will be providede by organist Emily Deutscher. Interment is in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota. Casketbearers are Wayne Nelson, Larry Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Dudley Nelson, Rick Lindberg and Don Wasmund. Visitation is from noon until service time Saturday at the church.

Eunice Mae Bainbridge was born near Scotland, South Dakota on Wednesday, January 5, 1927. She was the youngest of ten children born to George and Katie (Frederickson) Nelson. Eunice graduated from Scotland High School in 1944 and attended Southern Normal School in Springfield, South Dakota. She taught rural school for two years, then enrolled in business college in Mitchell, South Dakota for two years. Following her education, she became a bookkeeper for the Rivin Brothers stores. Eunice was united in marriage to Paul Bainbridge on September 4, 1948, in Scotland. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Scotland, where she taught Sunday school and bible school, served as church treasurer and was a member of the Ladies' Aid. She was also a member of the Rebeccah Lodge and the LJM Hospital Auxiliary. Eunice enjoyed softball and bowling, and served as secretary and treasurer of the women's bowling league. Her love of sports led to honors as Sports fan of the Year.

Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Paul Bainbridge of Scotland: four children: Bob Bainbridge of New Castle, Colorado, June Bainbridge of Flagstaff, Arizona, Kay (Mike) Smidt of Menno, South Dakota and Tom Bainbridge of Scotland; and three grandchildren: Vanessa, Logan and Elisa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Katie Nelson and nine brothers and sisters.


Susan "Sue" Beehler, 1958-2015

Memorial Mass for Susan “Sue” Ann Beehler, 57, of Delmont, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland. Inurnment will follow in the St. George Catholic Cemetery in Scotland. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland from 5:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service there.

Susan “Sue” Ann Beehler was born on Tuesday, January 14, 1958 to Harvey and Shirley (Dangel) Rokusek in Parkston, South Dakota. She graduated Scotland High School in 1976 and went on to attend 2 years of college at Mitchell VoTech where she earned her LPN degree. On July 31, 1981, Sue was united in marriage to Kevin Beehler at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland. Sue was a caring person, who served as a nurse most of her life, working at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall for 15 years and Avera-St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston for over 20 years. Together, Kevin and Sue loved participating in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, snowmobiling in the Black Hills, attending her two children’s sporting events, and walking the family pet, Demon. At times, she also liked to slow down and enjoy a good book.

Sue passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Avera-St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston having attained the age of 57 years and 28 days.

She is survived and remembered by her husband, Kevin Beehler of Delmont; two children: Scott Beehler of Iroquois, SD and Amanda Beehler of Rochester, MN; her beloved dog Demon; mother Shirley Rokusek of Tripp; three brothers: Richard Rokusek of Norfolk, NE, James (Jane) Rokusek of Watertown, and Paul (Barbara) Rokusek of Tripp; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Harvey Rokusek, father-in-law Eugene Beehler, and mother-in-law Leona Beehler.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all the Avera-St. Benedict’s Hospital Staff, Delmont and Parkston community members, Delmont Volunteer Fire Department, the many friends of the family, and all those who have touched the life of Sue in a special way over the years. Thank you for everything, it has all been greatly appreciated and certainly remembered.


Lloyd Butner, 1944-2015

Lloyd Dan Butner was born to Margaret Matilda Tomlinson and John Thomas Butner in Port Angeles, Washington on March 30, 1944. Lloyd served his country in the military. After his discharge, he worked as a truck driver for many years. He was married to Bonnie Davies and later married Marion Moody. Lloyd always had a gruff look on his face, but behind that look was a caring heart. He never hesitated to help a friend.

Lloyd passed away on February 8, 2015 at Firesteel Health Center in Mitchell having attained the age of 70 years. Funeral arrangements were handled by Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

He is survived by his children: Michael Butner and wife Angel of South Dakota, John Butner and fiancée Lori of Iowa City, IA, Tammy Zuniga and significant other Chris Vannausdle of Villisca, IA, Margaret Garden of Grand Island, NE, and Diene Enck of TX; grandchildren; nieces and nephews; cousins; and other family and friends.


Vesta Blachnik, 1918-2015

Funeral mass for Vesta Blachnik, 97, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and formerly of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015 at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland. Burial will follow in St. George Catholic Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8 at St. George Catholic Church from 5:30 p.m. until a 6:30 p.m. wake service there.

Vesta passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Vesta Marie Blachnik was born on Tuesday, January 22, 1918 to Charles and Anna (Dvorak) Placek in Tripp, South Dakota. For a time, she attended Tripp school until she began working at the Scotland Nursing Home as a Nurse’s Aid. Vesta went on to earn her GED and complete her MedAid certification in Yankton. For over 35 years, she worked at the Scotland Nursing Home caring for the residents. On January 17, 1944, Vesta was united in marriage to Ernest Blachnik. In May of 1998, Vesta retired yet she was as helpful as ever, willing to run errands or care for local people who needed it. In 2006, she moved to the Sioux Falls Assisted Living and later the Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls.

Vesta loved flowers, caring for her houseplants, dancing at local polka functions, and embroidery. She was a talented cook, preparing home-made dumplings, sauerkraut, and kolaches for her family. Vesta was sweet, loving, and always had a cup of coffee and cookies ready to share.

Vesta passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Sioux Falls having attained the age of 97 years, 1 month, and 6 days.

She is survived and remembered by her three daughters: Carol (Kenneth) Smithey of Sioux Falls, Bonita Blachnik of Omaha, NE, and Gloria Blachnik of Scottsdale, AZ; two grandchildren: Kimberly McCoy and Melissa Bissell; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Blachnik in 1964, her parents, brothers: Wesley and Steve Placek, and sister Adeline Cisar.


Opal Brenno, 1918-2002

Opal Alvina Brenno, 84, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.

She was born Oct. 1, 1918, in Scotland, S.D., to Louis and Sarah (Sherman) Standusky. She married Clifford Brenno. She helped her husband with their service station in Jenkins and with the family farm. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a sister, Margaret Larson, Farmington.

Her husband, and four sisters, Eva Cargel, Grace Lessila, Viola Jewell and Elnora Wadsworth Johnson, died earlier.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with the Rev. Frank Milo officiating. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd. Friends may call an hour before services Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with Willim-Northland Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes.


Lorraine Brattmiller, 1924-2015

Lorraine K. Brattmiller, age 91, of Yankton, South Dakota died Saturday, March 21, 2015 at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015 at St. Benedict Catholic Church with Reverend Ken Lulf officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Pallbearers are Anita Wootton, Robert Brattmiller, David Kotschegarow, Brigette Dangel, Lee Carda and Jessica Palmer.

Lorraine was born February 27, 1924 to William and Elizabeth (Goettertz) Schweitzer. She grew up on the family farm in rural Freeman. She completed her GED at Vermillion. On May 12, 1943, she married George Sigel. They farmed along the James River a mile south of Highway 46. Lorraine also worked as a switchboard operator, cook and babysitter in Yankton. Later in life, she became trained and licensed in the art of reflexology and helped many people with their ailments. Her husband, George, died on August 11, 1976.

On December 26, 1978, Lorraine married Rolland Brattmiller in Yankton. They lived in Tabor and later made their home in Yankton. They enjoyed fifth-wheeling throughout the United States and took many overseas trips. They enjoyed the winters in Arizona and Florida, deciding to make a winter home in Florida. Rollie passed away on June 6, 2005.

Lorraine loved gardening, baking/cooking, playing cards, fishing, spending time with friends and family, shopping and dancing, especially to polkas. She also loved music and taught herself the guitar and piano. Lorraine was a devout member of Sacred Heart Church and then St. Benedict’s. She faithfully attended daily mass and her Catholic faith was the center of her life.

Lorraine is survived by her sister, Agnes (Ray) Dangel of Freeman, SD; four step-children: Deanna (Gene) Bevers of Monticello, MN, Connie (Mike) Carda of Tea, SD, Karen (Chris) Jensen of Yankton and Robert Brattmiller of Tyndall, SD; seven step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, George Sigel and Rolland Brattmiller; step-grandson, Ryan Brattmiller; three brothers, William, Francis and Ralph; and sisters, Lena, Cecelia and Evelyn.


David Bentz, 1932-2014

David Bentz of Sun Lakes, AZ passed away on June 5, 2014. He was born in Scotland, SD in 1932. Parents were David and Anna and there were six siblings. He attended Scotland High, Southern State Teachers and U of SD receiving his Masters Degree. After his graduation, he finished his time in the Marines at OCS and receiving his commission as a 1st Lt. In 1954 David married Marlene Williamson in Scotland and they moved to Camp Pendleton, CA. He considered making the Marines his career, but wanted to coach and teach. David started in Plankinton, SD for 5 years, Lennox, SD for 2 years and then to Sheldon, IA as coach and counselor. Eventually he joined Northwest Iowa Community College as Dean of Student Services. During those years three children were born; Bradley, Marcia and Jeffrey. In 1987 he and Marlene moved to AZ and was a Dean at Central AZ College until retiring at 72. He loved his family who all live in AZ and enjoyed granddaughters Emily and Kady Bentz. He spent as much time as he could with all of them. David was a football player and enjoyed all sports. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed travelling. His wife and family mourn his passing. There will be a Memorial Service at Valley of the Sun Funeral Home & Cemetery in Chandler, AZ on June 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with interment in the military section. Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.


Mildred "Bea" Buettner, 1922-2005

Port Angeles resident Mildred ``Bea'' Buettner, 83, died November 12, 2005 in Olympic Medical Center of age-related causes.

She was born on January 18, 1922 in Scotland, S.D., to Michael and Elizabeth (Edwards) Keegan.

She married August John Buettner in Atkinson, Neb., on May 1, 1945.

Mrs. Buettner was a member of Moose, Rebekah's and the Mount Pleasant Homemaker's Club.

Survivors include sons, Tom Buettner and Walter Buettner and daughter, Joyce Bay, all of Port Angeles, and daughter Sande Strom of Forks; brother, Robert Keegan of Iowa; sister, Ruth Blocknic; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Walter and August Keegan; and sisters, Berniece Beavers, Agnes Gross, Grace Sullivan and Florence Houck.

Services: At her request, none. Drennan-Ford Funeral Home, Port Angeles, Washington is in charge of arrangements.


Michael Buchholz, 1941-2010

Micheal Buchholz, 68, died Monday, March 1, 2010 at the VA Hospice at Ft Meade Veterans Home in Sturgis, SD. The funeral service will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 5, 2010. The interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery with military Honors.

He was born in Avon, SD on March 22, 1941 to Albert and Opal (Brodkorb) Buchholz. He served in the army from 1958 to 1961. While in the army he spent most of his time stationed in Germany. He married Shirley Hein, daughter of Victor and Lucille Hein of Wessington Springs, SD, on December 5, 1962 in Huron, SD. During their life together they moved around eastern South Dakota until settling in Rapid City in 1978. He was a jack of all trades, including dairy farming, insurance sales, truck driving and most recently he was know as the pumpkin man while he ran a produce stand. He was always willing to help with whatever anyone needed. He enjoyed fishing. He and Shirley had three children of their own. They took care of a granddaughter for many years and they also adopted and raised a grandson. Their door was always open to anyone, family or not.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; children, Douglas Buchholz (Charity) of Corsica, Valarie Boal of Rapid City, Sheila Buchholz of Box Elder, and adopted grandson Damian Buchholz (Tanya) of Rapid City; nine grandchildren, Rhiannon (Travis), Destiny, Eric, Nicole, Payton, Ryan, Eric, Brett and David; and seven great grandchildren, Tori, Dakota, Owen, Logen, Dominic, Isiah, and Heaven; siblings include Jessie Speck (Vern) of Rapid City, Blanche Swenson (Roger) of Pahrump, NV, Marge Swenson (Forest) of Mitchell, Beverly Swenson (Bob) of Mitchell, Alta Butterfield (Lee) of Wessington Springs, Dareld Buchholz (Vi) of Wessington Springs and LaVonne DuFrain of Arcadia, OK; in laws include Rose Sagness (Daryl) of Sioux Falls, Betty Thompson (Larry) of Baltic, and Harold Hein of Baltic; and mother in law, Lucille Hein of Sioux Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and brothers-in-law Duane DuFrain and Rodney Hein.

Services from Edstrom & Rooks Funeral Services at Serenity Springs Tranquility Chapel Rapid City, South Dakota Thursday, March 4, 2010 ~ 10:30 AM. Officiating, Pastor Jim Sorum, Bethel Assembly of God Rapid City, South Dakota.


Darwin "Bud" Behl, 1921-2015

Funeral services for Darwin "Bud" Behl, 94, of Scotland, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Scotland. Burial will follow with military graveside rites in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at the Goglin Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. prayer service there; family will be present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Darwin "Bud" Behl was born on Tuesday, February 22, 1921 to George D. and Meredith (Carey) Behl in Scotland, South Dakota. He graduated from Scotland High School and went on to attend Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls. During WWII, Bud enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an Engineer. In his younger years, Bud gained invaluable experience in many trades as he worked for his father and grandfather. In 1945, he joined his father in community banking and worked for the past 70 years at Farmer’s and Merchants’ State Bank of Scotland. Bud was known for his generosity in banking, by helping financially-troubled families and farmers through his personal loan assistance. On June 9, 1946, Bud was united in marriage to Marilyn Brooks in a candlelight service at the United Methodist Church in Scotland. Bud loved his community and participated in several local organizations. He served on the Board of Directors for Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital for 30 years, was the last charter member of the V.F.W., and was the Commander of the American Legion for several years. Bud saw the world pragmatically; he wasn’t anxious about the what-ifs or maybes but acknowledged the true nature of what was there and faced things head-on. Outside of work, he loved fishing, camping, and traveling with Marilyn and to spoil his beloved dogs. Bud was very family oriented, instilling in his children the importance of a strong work ethic and caring for Marilyn for many years.

Bud passed away on Friday, May 8, 2015 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital Avera in Scotland having attained the age of 94 years, 2 months, and 16 days.

Grateful for having shared Bud’s life are his children: Katherine "Kathy" Leonard Jerke of Madison, Donna (Victor) Bush of Olivet, Nancy (Larry) Auch of Scotland, and Dick (Peg) Behl of Scotland; 11 grandchildren: Melissa, Jason, Brian, Lisa, Jared, Stacy, Erin, Lindsay, Michelle, Jennifer, and Michael; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Marilyn in 2012, his parents, grandson Brian Jerke, and sister Ina B. Johnson.


Esther Brandt, 1900-1994

Esther Brandt, 94, of Albany, Ore. died Wednesday (Dec. 21, 1994) at Albany Care Center.

She was born on Nov. 24, 1900 in Rushmore, Minn., the daughter of George and Kattie (Engel) Steinmeyer, and grew up near Avon, SD. She took nursing courses after graduating from high school.

She married John Brandt June 10, 1920, in Avon, SD. Her father was a minister, and he officiated at the ceremony.

The Brandts farmed near Avon before moving to the Price School area in 1935 an dto the Dever-Conner area in 1942. They moved into Albany in 1958. Mr. Brandt died in 1991.

Mrs. Brandt, a homemaker, was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and had belonged to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Albany since 1935. Her hobbies included crocheting, fishing, and camping.

Surviving are daughters Norma Messman of Albany, Bernice Engel of Vancouver, Wash., and Celia Marohn of Medford; sister Adella Rietz of Albany; and eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Brothers Joe, Herbert, Martin, and Rudolph died before her, as did sisters Lydia and Dorothy.

Viewing will be until 8 p.m. today at Aasum Funeral Home. Mrs. Brandt's funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Firday at Immanuel Luthearn Church with Pastor Robert Bjornstad officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.


Edward "Eddy" Brezina, 1930-2015

Funeral mass for Edward "Eddy" Frank Brezina, 85, of Tripp, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Kathy Koenig will be organist. Burial will be held later that day at 1:00 p.m. in Vodnany Cemetery in rural Tyndall with military graveside rites by Jelkin-Harms American Legion Post #142 and the South Dakota Army National Guard Military Funeral Honor Guard. Active casketbearers will be Robert Jerke, Glenne Bueber, Steve Fideler, Chris Fideler, Casey Fideler, and Sarah Fideler. Honorary casketbearers will be Norman Berndt, William Hoff, George Sandoff, Joe Rokusek, Greg Webber, and Dan Neugebauer. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tripp from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service there.

Eddy passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Goglin Funeral Home of Tripp.

Edward "Eddy" Frank Brezina was born on Tuesday, January 7, 1930 to Frank and Matilda (Sedlacek) Brezina in Tripp, South Dakota. He attended country school in the Lake Region District until the 8th grade. In January 1952, Eddy enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry. Upon his honorable discharge in January 1954, Eddy made his home on a farm 3 miles southeast of Tripp.

Throughout his life, he farmed crops and raised Black Angus cattle. Eddy loved animals, especially his beloved dog Jeff. He liked John Deere tractors, but nothing could compare to his love for his John Deere Gator. He was a free-spirit who truly enjoyed his agriculture-centered lifestyle. He was a member of the American Legion in Tripp and Twin Rivers Iron Club in Delmont. He was also very religious and a devote Catholic.

Eddy passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota having attained the age of 85 years, 4 months, and 23 days.

He is survived and remembered by his sister Ella Schmidt of Tripp, several nieces and nephews, and his special friends at North Point Apartments.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Emil Brezina, and sisters Helen Rokusek and Hattie Becvar.


Emil Brezina, 1918-2003

Emil William Brezina, 85, Tripp, died Sunday (Nov. 16, 2003) at Avera St. Benedict Health Center, Parkston.

His funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Tripp, with the Rev. Fr. Robert Krantz officiating. Burial is in Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Tripp, with military rites by Jelkin-Harms American Legion Post No. 142. Pallbearers are Matthew Ireland, Jonathan Ireland, Robert Jerke, Anne Jerke, David Schmidt and Todd Maag. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. Thursday, with a 7 p.m. rosary and Scripture service, at Goglin-Kelley Memorial Chapel, Tripp.

Emil was born on April 11, 1918, in Bon Homme County to Frank and Mathilda (Sedlacek) Brezina. He attended the Lake Region Country School. He was a World War II veteran, and had served in the Army in Africa and Italy (Sicily) from 1942-1945. He married Geraldine M. Schaefer Feb. 12, 1952, in Scotland. Emil farmed southwest of Tripp for more than 50 years and enjoyed raising cattle.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Catholic Workmen and Jelkin-Harms American Legion Post No. 142. He had served on the board for the Gramm Country School No. 66 for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine, Tripp; four children: Barbara (Russel) Ireland, Scotland; Mary (LeRoy) Jerke, Scotland; Michael Brezina, Hazen, N.D.; and Linda Brezina, Tripp; four grandchildren; three sisters: Helen Rokusek, Yankton; Hattie Becvar, Tyndall; and Ella (Albert) Schmidt, Tripp; one brother, Edward Brezina, Tripp; a sister-in-law, Frances Schaefer, Tripp; a brother-in-law, Alvin Rokusek, Scotland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son and a brother-in-law.


Charles Bauder, 1909-1971

Funeral services for Charles Bauder will be held Jan. 21 at the Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Glenn Isernhagen officiating. The body will lie in state at the Schmidt funeral home. Burial will be in the Rose Hill cemetery, Scotland.

He was born July 21, 1909 to Mr. and Mrs. Christian Bauder in Bon Homme County. He was a World War II Veteran. On May 19, 1946 he married Gertrude Wudel and they farmed near Kaylor.

Mr. Bauder died Jan. 17, 1971 at a Yankton hospital.

Survivors include his wife, five brothers Richard, Otto, John, Scotland; Julius and William, Tyndall; and four sisters Mrs. Oscar Frederick, Mrs. Hugo Jerke, Mrs. Emil Zeigler, and Mrs. Oscar Zeigler, Scotland.


Agnes "Bix" Bixby, 1922-2007

Agnes Mary Bixby or Bix as she was known, left us on Saturday, May 12, 2007. Bix was born in Tabor, SD, on September 3, 1922 and was one of eight children. She graduated from Nampa High School in Nampa, ID in 1942. In 1945, Bix came to San Diego, CA with the love of her life Harry Bixby. They were married soon after at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. During World War II, Bix worked as an assembler at Consolidated Voltee (Convair). Bix and Harry were charter members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and Bix was very involved with the Catholic Daughters, the Altar Society and many other Church organizations. Bix was a long time San Diego Padres fan, attending games for both the Pacific Coast and the National League franchises. Bix was preceded in death by Harry in 1996. She is survived by her sister Georgean (Doug) Tomlin; brothers Clarence (Faye) Hruska, and Laddie Hruska; by daughter Christina (Georg) Garrison; son Gregory (Lisa) Bixby; grandchildren Jeffery Bixby and Erica Bixby; step-grandchildren Tim and Janeen, Trevor and Troy Dawley, and great-grandson Logan Dawley. Memorial services Friday, May 18th, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Rosary at 10 a.m. followed by Mass. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the chapter of the Catholic Daughters at Holy Spirit Church.


Marilynn Bierle, 1937-2015

Marilynn (Orth) Bierle, 78, of Scotland, South Dakota passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral services for Marilynn will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8 at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7 from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Marilynn Mae (Orth) Bierle was born on Friday, January 8, 1937 to Jacob and Laura (Magstadt) Orth in her Uncle Pete’s home near Lesterville, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed in Petersburg Congregational Church. As a child, Marilynn rode her horse or the family buggy to attend Odessa Country School until she completed the 8th grade. On July 29, 1955, she was united in marriage to Larry Bierle in Scotland. Together they made their home on a farm southeast of Scotland. Marilynn was a caring mother and farmwife, doing what was necessary for her family. She milked cows, helped in the fields, and sewed holiday dresses for her daughters. In 1989, they moved into Scotland.

Marilynn loved baseball and especially enjoyed watching the games of her grandchildren, local teams, and her beloved Minnesota Twins. She also enjoyed bowling with the Thursday Ladies Group and pinochle with the Scotland Ladies.

Throughout her life she was helpful to anyone in need, from making abundant bowls of potato salad for funerals to recently sewing school bags for oversea missions. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland and served on many different church boards and ZLCW positions.

Marilynn passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls having attained the age of 78 years, five months and 27 days.

She is survived and remembered by her children and their families: Diane Ellefson of Sioux Falls and her children Paul, Laura (Matt) Arnett, Mark, Mike, and Sara; Nancy (Steve) Sternhagen of Scotland and their children Alicia (Brandon) Clocksene, Jeremiah (Ann) Varilek, Ashley (Dustin) Taylor, Kelley, and Timothy; Dennis (JoAnn) Bierle of Omaha, NE and their children Mike (Kate), Jeff, Allison, Eric, and Scott; Dawn (Brian) Vaith of Scotland and their children Jason and Josh. Marilynn is also survived by six great-grandchildren, sister Carol Bush, and brother Darrell Orth.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry in 1996, parents, son Dave in 2010, grandson Nick Vaith in 1992 and brother Allen Orth.


David Bierle, 1955-2010

Funeral services for David L. Bierle of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 27 at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland, with Rev. Jonathan Vehar and Rev. Leon Schulz officiating. Organist will be Dorothy Bietz with special music by the Zion Lutheran Men’s Choir. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Casketbearers are Paul Ellefson, Jeremiah “Jake” Varilek, Timothy Sternhagen, Mike Bierle, Jeff Bierle, Eric Bierle, Scott Bierle, Jason Vaith and Josh Vaith. Honorary casketbearers are Laura Arnett, Mark Ellefson, Mike Ellefson, Sara Ellefson, Alicia Clocksene, Ashley Sternhagen, Kelley Sternhagen and Allison Bierle. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be directed to the Scotland Track Fund.

David Larry Bierle was born on Sunday, August 7, 1955 at Yankton, South Dakota to Larry and Marilynn (Orth) Bierle. He was baptized on October 2, 1955 and confirmed on November 15, 1970, both at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. Dave was the eldest of five children raised on the family farm southeast of Scotland and his boyhood was spent playing on the farm with his brother and sisters and his favorite dog, Tippy. He attended Plugraph Country School through the 8th grade, and graduated from Scotland High School in 1973. During high school, Dave competed in track, cross-country, football, basketball and baseball. He attended USD at Springfield and later began farming, taking over his grandfather’s farm near Scotland. His love of sports continued throughout his life as he coached the Scotland baseball team for several years and later enjoyed following all of his niece’s and nephew’s sporting events. He kept a large garden on his farm and many of his family and friends enjoyed the sweet corn that he shared with them every summer. He was known as a good cook and enjoyed canning his own produce. Dave also enjoyed playing on a pool league and helping each year with the Scotland Rodeo. He will be remembered lovingly by his friends and family for his generosity and big heart. Dave died on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in an accident near Scotland at the age of 54 years, 6 months, and 18 days.

Dave will be remembered forever by his mother, Marilynn Bierle of Scotland; three sisters: Diane Ellefson of Tea, Nancy (Steve) Sternhagen of Scotland, and Dawn (Brian) Vaith of Scotland; a brother, Dennis (JoAnn) Bierle of Omaha, Nebraska; seventeen nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In addition to his grandparents, Dave was preceded in death by his father, Larry Bierle, in 1996, and a nephew, Nick Vaith, in 1992.


William "Bill" Berndt, 1941-2014

William John ‘Bill’ Berndt, 73, passed away on Dec. 2, 2014 at Mansfield, Georgia. He was born on January 22, 1941in Tyndall, South Dakota to Arthur and Louise (Grimme) Berndt.

In his Last Will and Testament, Bill expressed the following: “I now make this last statement which serves as my account of “me.” If I should die and leave my heirs all the riches the world has to offer they would experience no lasting increase. But if those who have known me have observed the love of Jesus Christ in me then God is glorified. That love came only through recognition of my sinful state, repenting of that sin, and receiving God’s free gift of forgiveness and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I sought to obey the Lord Jesus Christ (although I failed in my own strength many times). When we repent and receive Christ as Lord and Savior then God graciously grants us the power and the desire to do His will. God shows us the way to repentance and shows us the truth of His Word. I have prayed that each one who reads this will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have also reduced my thoughts to writing in my books and encourage everyone to explore those for further insights as to God’s work in this world.”

Bill grew up in Tyndall, South Dakota. He graduated from Tyndall High School in 1959. After high school he attended college at Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. After college he worked for Ambassador College for several years. Bill moved his family to the Pacific Northwest where he continued his education earning a Master’s and a Doctor of Education degrees at the University of Idaho. He was employed at Lewis-Clark State College for several years before joining the staff at Walla Walla Community College, Clarkston Campus as the Coordinator of Student Services and Counselor. He first began work at the college in 1985 and retired in 2003. Bill was instrumental in forming the Associated Student Body, establishing the library, and creating a fitness center for students and staff, volunteering many hours of his own time to help build the center. He will be remembered as a strong student advocate.

Bill dearly loved his family. Bill married Diana Dick in 1966 in Los Angeles, CA. He was proud of his sons and enjoyed his grandchildren only as a proud and happy Grandpa can. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, entertaining friends, fishing, camping and travel. He was firmly convinced that “the message that we have heard from the beginning is to love one another” through the power of agape Spirit love as published in his MegaMeaning trilogy in July 2014.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Berndt and Louise Grimme Berndt; 3 brothers, Roger Berndt, Arthur Berndt, Jr, and Myron Berndt; a sister, Alice Reit and ex-wife Diana Berndt.

Bill is survived by son William Berndt of Mansfield, Georgia; son, Andrew Berndt of Council, Idaho; brother, Loren Berndt of Harrisburg, South Dakota; sister, Arliss Hellman of Tabor, South Dakota; sister, Sharon Olsen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 8 grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other relatives.

A graveside service was held on Dec. 8, 2014 at the Madison City Cemetery, Madison, Georgia. A Life Celebration service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Walla Walla Community College, Clarkston, Washington. Rev. Robert Gentet and Mr. Robert Nation will officiate.

Memorial donations are welcomed to cover the costs of the service and establish a scholarship at Walla Walla Community College, Clarkston Center in Bill’s name.


Wallace Beedle, 1927-2007

Wallace Beedle, 80, of Grand Junction, Colorado , died December 6, 2007 at La Villa Grande of complications of COPD. Wallace was born on July 9, 1927 in Tyndall, South Dakota, the son of the late Russell and Amanda Beedle. He grew up in Tyndall, South Dakota and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in China during the end of World War II. After the war Wallace moved to Rapid City where he attended the South Dakota School of Mines and received a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He had many varied interests, including hunting, fishing, muzzle loaders, and airplanes. Wally was a pilot and owned two small airplanes in the 1950's. In 1975 he married Marianne Beck of Rapid City, South Dakota. Wally became a father when he was 50 years old, and he was a GREAT one! Wally, Marianne, Elizabeth and Jacob moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1981. He worked as a Civil Engineer for Banner Associates for approximately 30 years.

Wallace is survived by his wife, Marianne, of Grand Junction; son, Jacob Beedle of Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Elizabeth Mueller of Atlanta, GA and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Crossroads United Methodist Church on Monday December 10 at 1:00 p.m. He will be inurned at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Rapid City, South Dakota. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado.


Joy Baker, 1931-2004

Joy A. Baker, 73, of Scotland died Wednesday (Dec. 15, 2004) at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Scotland.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church, Scotland. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Honorary casketbearers are granddaughters Kelly Jo Dreke-Betsworth and Billie LeAnn Schanbeck-Welch and the ladies of the Red Hat Society. Casketbearers are grandsons Michael Baker, Damon Magstadt, Carson Magstadt, Matt Betsworth, Nick Dreke and Jesse Schanbeck. Visitation will be on Friday, December 17, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel in Scotland.

Joy Ann Baker was born on April 19, 1931, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was adopted at the age of three weeks by John and Gladys (Retzer) Kurvink of Martin, South Dakota. She was baptized in the Zion Lutheran Church. Joy grew up in rural Martin and moved to Scotland, South Dakota, with her mother in 1941 following the death of her father. She graduated from Scotland High School and was a member of the United Methodist Church. Joy married Glen V. Baker, Jr. on August 28, 1948, in the United Methodist Church in Scotland. They are the parents of four daughters: Kathryn (Ray) Magstadt of Elk Point, South Dakota; Beverly Baker of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Karen (Steve) Dreke and Kaye Schanbeck, both of State Center, Iowa. They have seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Glen was employed with Cargill, Inc. for 38 years and they resided in several places in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Following Glen's retirement in 1988, they returned to Scotland to make their home.

During her lifetime, Joy worked as an Activity Director for the Good Samaritan Center and was employed with several newspapers and served as a bookkeeper for Cargill. Joy was active in her church and served as a member and officer on the church board and with the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Scotland Civic Club, the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Ladies of the Red Hat Society. Joy enjoyed her computer, quilting and sharing coffee with her friends.

Joy died on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland at the age of 73 years.

Left to cherish Joy's memory will be her husband, Glen; four daughters; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Joy's parents preceded her in death.


R. Dean Barickman, 1922-2011

R. Dean Barickman, 88, of Streator, Illinois passed away Thursday March 3, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital, Streator.

Funeral services will be at 11 A.M. Monday March 7, 2011 at the Elias Funeral Home, Streator. Pastor Jane Esterline of Park Presbyterian Church will officiate and conduct graveside services at Riverview Cemetery, Streator. Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Holland, Rusty Roudebush, Jim Barickman, Don Salisbury, Dave Frickey and Jeff Schultz. Full Military Rites including Honor Guard, Taps, and Flag Folding will be provided by members of Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post # 217 and the Veterans of Foreign War Post # 1492. Visitation will be Monday March 7, 2011 from 10 - 11 A.M. Monday at the Elias Funeral Home.

Born April 26, 1922 in Scotland, S.D., he was the son of Ralph Elvan and Ada Esther (Defenbaugh) Barickman.

He is survived by several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Douglas Barickman.

He was a sergeant in the United States Army serving under General George S. Patton. He owned and operated the family ranch in South Dakota. He was a member of Park Presbyterian Church the Masonic Lodge and was a master clocksman and craftsman and drove a school bus for Woodland High School and is in the Hall of Fame in Chicago for being a Drummer. He attended local grade schools in Scotland S.D. and graduated from Scotland High School in S.D.

Memorials may be directed to the Woodland Education Fund.


David Boska, 1943-2015

Funeral mass for David Boska, 72, of Tyndall, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, July 27 from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service there. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

David J. Boska was born on January 10th, 1943 to Joseph and Anna (Bystricky) Boska. He was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Stoebner on April 25, 1964 in Tyndall, SD. David and Ruth Ann farmed east of Tyndall for 51 years.

David farmed, custom combined, managed M & J service station, and worked at Lesterville Feed & Grain as a trucker for the past several years. David was very handy and could fix about anything. He had an infectious laugh and great sense of humor, which made him a favorite among anyone who met him. David enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. His favorite vehicles were his red pickup and of course his golf cart, as he and Chester couldn’t do any task without it! David was a member of the Knights of Columbus and supported 4-H for many years.

David passed away on Thursday, July 23rd, 2015 near Pickstown while fishing, SD having attained the age of 72 years, 6 months and 13 days.

Greatly shared his life with Ruth Ann of Tyndall; daughter Gloriann (Tim) Hovorka of Tyndall; daughter Linda (Steve) Keszler of Sturgis; son Scott Boska of Tyndall; daughter Amanda (Clint) Willuweit of Gregory; 14 grandchildren, Kyndra, Chantelle and Travis Hovorka; Josh, Jocelyn and Jamison Keszler; Slaton, Ty, Paxton and Braven Boska; Atlas, Achilles, Athena and Apollo Willuweit; and two great grandchildren Taylee Ruth and Ryken Richard.

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A Tyndall man has drowned after falling out of a boat on Lake Francis Case near Pickstown Thursday afternoon.

According to a press release from the Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement was summoned at approximately 3:15 p.m. Thursday when it was reported that a 72-year-old man had fallen out of a boat on the lake.

After approximately an hour of searching, the man was recovered by a dive team. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the county coroner.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Agencies that responded and assisted with the recovery included: Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office Charles Mix County Emergency Management, South Dakota Park Rangers and Conservation Officers, US Corps of Engineers, Lake Andes Fire and Ambulance, Yankton Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement and Wagner Police Department. Divers on scene were Tyler Robinson, Sam Schuman and Delta Anderson.

Source: Press & Dakotan ~ July 23, 2015


Myrtle Bjorum, 1913-2003

Myrtle Bjorum, 90, Scotland, died Thursday (Dec. 18, 2003) at her residence.

Funeral service are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, Scotland, with the Revs. Mark Werner and Donald Geiman officiating. Burial is in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Pallbearers are Brian Bjorum, Cory Bjorum, David Fischer, Brian Goehring, Travis Hauger, Tate McCann Visitation is from 3-8 p.m. today (Monday) at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland.

Myrtle Catherine Elizabeth Bjorum was born Aug. 4, 1913, in Scotland to Fred and Bessie (Hart) Stevenson. She married Lawrence W. Bjorum Nov. 28, 1934, in Menno. They farmed south of Menno for seven years before moving to a farm near Scotland where they farmed for 45 years. In 1986, they moved into Scotland and Myrtle worked at the Good Samaritan Center for many years. Her husband died in 1992.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she belonged to the Ladies' Aid and served as a Sunday School teacher. She loved working in her vegetable garden, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons: Elden (Patricia) Bjorum and Lynn (Nancy) Bjorum, all of Scotland; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Frieda Stevenson and Marguerite Stevenson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter in infancy, one great-grandchild, her parents and four brothers.


Adolph Buechler, 1903-1983

Funeral services were held in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Tuesday, for Adolph Buechler. Pastor Gene Peterson officiated and burial was in the Highmore City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Richard Kusser, Elmer Lusk, Dale Kutz, LeRoy Newton, Ray Crane, and Arthur Ingle.

Adolph Buechler was born August 9, 1903 in Bon Homme County, South Dakota, to George and Christina Frey Buechler and died Sept. 30, 1983, at the Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller, at the age of 80 years, one month, and 21 days.

He lived near Tripp until 1920 when he moved with his parents to Hyde County.

He was united in marriage to Hilda McTague on July 27, 1930, at Gann Valley. To this union one daughter was born.

He and his family farmed and ranched in Hyde County for several years. He loved hunting, fishing, and bowling with his friends.

Survivors include his wife, Hilda; one daughter, Wanita Joyce Kenyon, Sioux Falls; two grandsons: Jerry Torgerson, Toledo, Ohio; and Larry Torgerson, Sioux Falls; one grand-daughter, Sherry Kenyon, Sioux Falls; two great-grandsons, Chris and Brian; one brother, Emanual Buechler, Mitchell; two sisters: Karry Bechtold, Ellendale, N. Dak.; and Mrs. Herb (Katie) Auch, Harrold; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, six brothers and one grandson.


Mary Boese, 1839-1926

Mrs. Mary Boese, aged 87 years, 1 month and 5 days, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Buller, at 5 p.m. Sunday (December 5, 1926), as a result of pneumonia.

She is survived by the daughter above mentioned, a son, Ben Boese, of Goltry, OK and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Mennonite church. Addresses were made by John P. Unruh and Rev. J.B. Epp. Burial was made in the cemetery beside the church.


Donald Boese, 1925-2012

Donald W. Boese, U.S. Veteran, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 26, 2012. Born June 26, 1925, in Springfield, S. Dakota, he was the son of the late Peter M. and Anna (Schultz) Boese.

Donald proudly served his country as an Engineer in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, he spent many hours working on his farm and later on was a dedicated and hard-working employee for Saginaw General Hospital as a plumber. During the years, Immanuel Bible Church was very important to him. He spent time as Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, deacon, along with numerous other activities within the church. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed camping up north with his family and relaxing when he had the opportunity. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family especially his three granddaughters who were the lights of his life.

Besides his loving wife, Rose, who has shared 63 years of marriage, he leaves four children Darrel (Cheryl) Boese of Melbourne, Australia; Darlene Grunow of Saginaw; Steve (Christine) Boese of Dearborn; Calvin Boese of Saginaw; three granddaughters Angela (Steve) Bekkala; Rachel Boese; Jillian Boese; a great-grandchild Sabine Bekkala; his siblings Holda Gerard; Norma Warner; and Evelyn Ewert. Donald was preceded in death by a son-in-law Timothy Grunow; and his sibilings Ralph Boese, Milton Boese, Artis Wolfe, and Phylis Boltman. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., (between Shattuck and McCarty). Pastor Mark R. Hazen will officiate. Burial will follow with military honors at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home where the family will be present on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials in Donald's name to the Immanuel Bible Church Building Fund.


Burnell Bodenbender, 1928-2015

Burnell G. Bodenbender, age 87 of Boscobel, WI passed away on Sunday June 21, 2015 at Gundersen Boscobel Area Health Care in Boscobel. He was born on April 25, 1928 in Avon, South Dakota to Henry and Anna (Reider) Bodenbender. He married Bonnie Adkins on February 14, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boscobel.

Burnell moved to Marion Township in rural Boscobel from Avon, SD in 1936 with his parents and brother. He farmed on their family farm for many years and later worked as a custodian for Boscobel Area Schools and St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burnell loved the outdoors including gardening, hunting and fishing plus driving his Farmall tractors. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was a devoted fan of the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. He was well known for his quick wit and enjoyed a good laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Bonnie Bodenbender of Boscobel, a son Brad (Laura) Bodenbender of Boscobel, a daughter Beverly (Bret) Hoesly of New Glarus, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harry Bodenbender, a sister in law Betty Bodenbender, and a brother in law Ivan Adkins.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boscobel with Pastor Charles Koester officiating. Burial in the Boscobel Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday June 23, 2015 from 5:00 -8:00 P.M. at the Kendall Funeral Home in Boscobel and also at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Memorials can be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boscobel or the Boscobel Rescue Squad.


Elton Brosz, 1909-2003

Elton Curtis Brosz, age 94, of Yankton and formerly of Wagner, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2003, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2003, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating. Burial will be approximately 1 p.m. in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitations will be from 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2003, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton with a prayer service at 2:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Adam Brosz, Jeff Brosz, Bob Kuchta, Lee Bridge, Burtie Schultz, Larry Zwemke, Randy Lichtsinn and Glen Mickelson.

Elton C. Brosz was born on August 1, 1909, to Daniel and Christine (Weidenbach) Brosz in Parkston, S.D. He was confirmed at the St. Petersburg Congregational Church, southeast of Scotland. He attended and graduated from Scotland High School in 1928. On June 1, 1936, he married Agnes Hauck at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Menno and from this union three children were born Gary, Keith, and Dan. In 1940 they moved to Wagner, S.D., where he managed the Rivin Bros. Grocery until he retired in 1976.

They were members of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Wagner where Elton served as an Elder, Treasurer and an Usher. Elton was very active in the community of Wagner where he belonged to the Chamber of Commerce serving as President for two years, the Rotary, and the Wagner Public School Board. He was also a baseball announcer and scorekeeper for the Little Missouri Valley League Wagner Rockets.

He moved to Yankton in November 2000 and entered the Avera Sister James Care Center in August 2001.

Those who will cherish his memory are his wife Agnes of Yankton, S.D.; three sons; Gary (Shirley) of Tyler, Minn., Keith (Nelda) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Dan (Nancy) of Grand Island, Neb.; a sister, Viola Konrad of Windom, Minn.; 8 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Elsie.


John Brown, 1842-1917

John Brown, was born at Ottawa, Canada, 1842. Moved to Clinton, Ontario, at the age of nine years. Was married to Sarah Hebert in 1867, moved to South Dakota in 1872, and filed on a homestead near Scotland where he engaged in farming and stock raising. After living there for 28 years they moved to Harrison, Nebraska, and engaged in ranching. On account of failing health moved to Orchard, Nebraska, in 1906, where Mr. Brown joined the Presbyterian Church of which he was a consistent member until death.

Mr. Brown has been a great sufferer for the last six years. During this time he displayed unfailing patience. To know him was to be his friend. He had often expressed his readiness to go. Mr. Brown was confined to his bed for about 5 days during his last illness. Partial paralysis attended by intense pain took place five days before the end. This was followed by another stroke on Tuesday. Peace of mind remained throughout this trying ordeal. The end came about 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 7.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and six daughters, James A., George E., Margaret V., Mandea, Winnie M., Edna M. Pearl B., Anna C., Perry T., and six grandchildren. Two of the children having gone before, also one brother and one sister are still living. All the children living were present at the last. A large circle of friends join with the relatives in expressing their sorrow at his departure.

The remains were brought to Scotland Friday night and the funeral services took place at 10 o'clock Saturday forenoon. A large congregation gathered an elegant discourse was delivered by Rev. C. W. Langdon, pastor of the local M. E. Church. Burial took place in Rose Hill Cemetery.


Sarah Brown, 1845-1939

The remains of Mrs. John Brown, of Orchard, Nebraska were brought to Scotland last Thursday . The funeral services were held in the Methodist church at 3 PM conducted by the pastor, Rev. CF Wantz and the soloist, was Mr. EC Hogg, who is accompanied by Mrs. Wantz of Orchard, Nebraska. The services were very impressive and beautiful, largely attended by old-time transit also relatives from out of town and of this community. The large floral offering testified to this esteem to which this aged lady was held.

Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery, – the plot of ground in which was donated to Scotland by Mr. John Brown more than 50 years ago. He also is at rest in Rose Hill.

Sarah Hebbert Brown was born at Coburg, Ontario, Canada July 13, 1845. There she lived with her parents until in young womanhood. She was united in marriage to John Brown, on January 20, 1869, at Brussels, Ontario, Canada. There they made their home until 1874, when they moved to Scotland, South Dakota, were they homesteaded, the plot that Homestead is now the cemetery of Scotland.

In 1902 they left the old Homestead and moved to Harrison, Nebraska, and in 1907 two Orchard, the Brassica, which was their home until the time of their deaths. Mr. Brown passed away on February 7, 1917.

To this union, 11 children were born: Mrs. Mert Childs and Mrs. Clarence Zimmerman, of Harrison, Nebraska; Mrs. Hugo Payne and Mrs. Harry Vickorey of Lusk, Wyoming; Perry T Brown, Sioux City, Iowa; James A Brown, Mrs. Maud A Goldsmith, and Mrs. George Johnson, of Orchard, Nebraska; William E, John T, and George E, who preceded her mother in death. She was a charter member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Scotland, South Dakota, and later life was transferred by letter to United brethren church, of Orchard, Nebraska. She was a devout Christian, and many hours of pleasure and comfort were spent with her Bible.

She was a loving mother, as well as a loved mother. She was a member of Sun Set chapter, No.300 order of the Eastern Star, of Orchard Nebraska. All for let it be said "she grew beautiful growing old."

She peacefully fell asleep on Tuesday morning, October 3, 1939 at her home in Orchard, Nebraska, at the age of 94 years, two months and 19 days. Funeral services were held from the United brethren Church of Orchard, Thursday morning October 5 at 9 AM, with the final services and interment at Scotland, South Dakota, at 3 PM.


Brant Blaha, 1995-2015

Brant Joseph Blaha, son of Frank Blaha, was born October 10, 1995 at Tyndall, SD. He died unexpectedly from a drowning accident near Burbank, SD on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Brant attained the age of 19 years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2015 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, with a Rosary at 9:30 AM. Father John Helmueller will be the celebrant and Father Richard Baumberger assisting. Private burial service will be held prior to the services. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Brant received his elementary education at the Lead/Deadwood School District and graduated from Avon High School in 2014. He was ready to begin his second year at USD, pursuing his major in History Education and his minor in Archeology. In high school, Brant was active in chorus, football and excelled in cross country. He also was very active with the Science Fair, receiving honors in Arizona. Brant was an honor student at Avon High School and USD.

Brant did construction work, helped on the family farm and currently was employed with the Vermillion Hy-Vee Store.

Brant was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante.

Brant loved to have fun. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, swimming and traveling. He traveled to Australia, Costa Rica and Hawaii. His life was brief, but his light was very bright....

Thankful for having shared his life are his Dad, Frank; siblings: Evianna, Kainen and Ila, all of Dante; paternal grandparents John and Jane Blaha of Dante; great grandmother, Marcine Blaha of Dante; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Brant was preceded in death by his paternal great grandfather, Frank Blaha, and his maternal great grandparents Wes and Lila Zacharias.

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VERMILLION – Authorities have confirmed the body found in the Missouri River near Elk Point is the 19-year-old swimmer missing since last Sunday.

The victim was identified Thursday as Brant Joseph Blaha of Dante. He would have been a sophomore at the University of South Dakota. He was a member of the Honors Program, majoring in history education and minoring in archaeology.

Blaha’s body was found around 3 p.m. Wednesday after an intense four-day search effort by crews from South Dakota and Nebraska. The body was found about 2 ½ miles south of where Blaha was last seen.

Blaha’s death has hit hard the USD community, which is moving onto campus today (Friday) for the start of next week’s classes, said USD Vice President Kim Grieve.

"Brant will be remembered as an intelligent, fun and caring person who loved his family and USD," said Grieve, who serves as dean of students.

Blaha graduated from Avon High School in 2014. He was active in chorus, football and excelled in cross country. He also was very active with the Science Fair, receiving honors in Arizona. He was an honor student at Avon High School.

Blaha’s death has been a shock to the school and community, said Avon superintendent Tom Culver.

"Brant was a great kid. He always had a smile on his face and loved to joke around," Culver said. "Everyone in the community will really miss him."

The Avon schools are not in session this morning (Friday) so students and staff can attend the funeral, Culver said. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. preceded by a 9:30 a.m. Rosary, at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante.

Plans are already under way to honor Blaha, Culver said. "His classmates are going to plant a tree at our football field complex in his memory," the superintendent said.

Blaha was part of a group of five swimmers who decided Sunday afternoon to cross the Missouri River at a popular spot west of Elk Point. The other four siwmmers safely made it across the river, but Blaha became separated from them and was apparently swept downstream. He wasn’t wearing a lifejacket.

The search effort was launched immediately and included sonar devices, search dogs and an airplane. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers voluntarily lowered the river levels about one foot to aid the search.

The rescue crews battled inclement weather that included unseasonably cool temperatures, rainfall, overcast skies and strong winds which gusted to 40 miles per hour.

In addition, authorities were faced with covering a large search area and the possibility of rugged and unpredictable waters.

Blaha’s body was located Wednesday, but authorities continued to withhold the teenager’s name. On Thursday, the Sanford Health Pathology’s office confirmed the young man’s identity.

Grieve sent a notice to the USD community upon confirmation of Blaha’s death.

"It is with great sadness, I am informing you that Brant Blaha, a USD Honors student studying History Education, passed away this week," she wrote. "Brant’s father wanted to thank all of the students and staff who have offered their support and prayers during this time. A memorial service will be planned on campus to honor Brant’s life soon."

As a member of the Honors Program, Blaha was part of a living learning community that took courses together, Grieve said.

However, the young man was known in the larger campus community, Grieve said. USD students contacted university officials immediately after Blaha became missing.

"We’ve offered counseling to students both as a group and individually since last Sunday," Grieve said. "Vermillion is a small community, and (his death) is devastating to us."

Blaha’s death provides a tragic and powerful learning lesson for other USD students, Grieve said. The tragedy will be incorporated in USD’s safety discussions for its students.

"We’ll discuss the Missouri River because a lot of our students go to the beach, and (the river) can be so dangerous," she said.

During media interviews, Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges said this week wasn’t the first time his office has needed to search for missing persons in the Missouri River.

The sheriff urged the public to show extreme caution – including the wearing of a life jacket -- when going on or near the river.

The Missouri River can exhibit treacherous conditions, particularly during poor weather conditions, Limoges said.

"The river is relentless, and it’s not always very giving," he told one media outlet.

Assisting in this week’s search were South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks; Nebraska Game and Parks; Ponca (Nebraska) Fire and Rescue; Yankton County Search and Rescue; the Union County sheriff’s personnel and Union County emergency management.

Source: Yankton Press & Dakotan ~ (by Randy Dockendorf) ~ August 21, 2015


Emma Brown, 1922-2015

Emma Aileen Prickett Brown , went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 15, 2015, the birthday of her "beloved" son-in-law's mother, Verla Simmonds.

A celebration of life will be 1:30 PM, Saturday, August 22, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, with Rev. Steve Weispfennig officiating. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, SD at approximately 3:45 PM Saturday afternoon. Visitations will begin at 4:00 PM, Friday, August 21, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, with a Scripture service at 7:30 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are: Wendell Simmonds, Scott Prickett, Randy Johnson, Terry Simantel, Gale Conrad and Duane Dean.

Emma Aileen Prickett Brown, age 93, was born May 6, 1922 on a farm near Olivet, SD, the daughter of Grover and Emma (Zanter) Prickett. She was received into the Kingdom of God's grace though the Sacrament of Holy Baptism as an infant at St Peter's Lutheran Church in Clayton, SD. At the age of thirteen, Emma renewed her baptismal vows also in St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

Emma grew up in the Milltown-Parkston, South Dakota area. She attended elementary school at District #78 and graduated from Parkston High School in 1939. The years following, she worked in Denver, CO, Portland, OR and Newark, NJ. She married Alfred D. Brown on September 19, 1946 and moved on a farm near Scotland, SD where they resided for forty-five years. The union was blessed with a daughter and son.

Alfred passed away in 1990 and in 1991, Emma moved to Yankton, SD where she helped elderly people so they could stay in their own homes.

Emma was active in St. Paul's Lutheran Church and later in St. John's Lutheran Church in Yankton. She loved to sing in the choir and was an accomplished soloist. She really enjoyed her years singing with a group named the "Balladeers". She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Scotland, SD and the "Civic Club". Her next love was traveling, having been in all fifty states and also making many trips to Europe, United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

In thanksgiving for her life is her daughter, Suzanne (Wendell) Simmonds of Sioux City, IA; grandson, Keevan (Tanya) Simmonds; great-grandsons, Tommy, Ty, Blake and Beckham Simmonds of Marian, IA; granddaughter, Jessica (Mason) Lavaway; great-granddaughter, Morgan; great-grandsons, Orrin and Jesson Lavaway of Akron, IA; one sister, Lila Thorp of Sioux City, IA; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Prickett of Yankton, SD, Marian Prickett of Mitchell, SD; best friend, Vi Ranney; caregiver who was like her second daughter, Carla Maibaum of Yankton, SD and senior companion, Nona Bitsos of Yankton, SD.

Those going ahead to greet her were her husband, Alfred Brown; her son, Michael K. Brown; four sisters: Vera Prickett, Eva Michaelsen, Helen Zomer and Wilma Stainbrook and five brothers: Andrew, Virgil, Leland, Vernon and Joe Prickett (who gave his life in WW2).

Please take time on Friday to visit Emma's family and help celebrate her life. She would love a reunion of her, Alfred's, Mike's and Suzi's friends. We will be serving homemade pies in Emma's honor. Feel free to stop in the chapel for special music and reflection. Drop in any time and stay as long as you like. Emma would expect everyone to have a good time.

Anyone who is reading this is genuinely encouraged to come to Emma's funeral on Saturday to hear a special sermon on "Heaven". It does not matter if you know her and her family. We would love to have you.


Daniel Behl, 1901-1966

Funeral services will be held here Wednesday for Daniel Vern Behl, 64, who died Sunday as the result of an accident on his farm north east of Scotland.

Rites are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Methodist Church with the Rev. Louis Cowherd officiating. Burial will be made in the Rosehill Cemetery with the Schmidt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Behl, who was born Sept. 27, 1901 on a farm three miles northwest of Scotland, was killed Sunday evening (February 20, 1966) as he was doing chores and fell from the hayloft in the barn.

Survivors include the widow; three sons, Donald and Louis of Scotland and Lawrence of Sioux Falls; one daughter, Mrs. Eugene Wiedenbach of Lesterville; 12 grandchildren; two brothers, Auburn of Gordon, N. Y., and Glenn of Salem.

Pallbearers will be Ray Engelhorn, Fred Kayser, Elgin Eggleston, Roger Cass, John Haase and Darwin Behl.


Neil Bjorum, 1926-2015

Neil Bjorum, age 88, born September 27, 1926, went home to his Lord on September 4, 2015.

Neil is survived by loving wife of 68 years, Adeline; his children, Reverend James Bjorum, David (Karel) Bjorum, Laurie Ann (Greg) Kimball, and John (Sandy) Bjorum; five grandchildren, Amy and Justin Bjorum; and Jessica, Cory, and Melissa Kimball; and seven great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Gannon, Gemma, Porter, Illyana, Jalyn, and Mariiah. He is also survived by his brother, Elmer Bjorum, and sister, Eleanor Langfeldt.

Neil and Adeline were world travelers, visiting all fifty state capitals and traveling across the sea. Neil was an active member of the Striders, walking all the time. After retiring from 33 years at General Electric, Neil took up the hobbies of woodworking and photography. He made eleven mission trips to Alaska, serving the Lord and spreading His Word.

A visitation will take place Monday, September 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel; 295 Douglas Avenue. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, September 8 at 11:00 am at Intersection Ministries (formerly Grace Reformed), with one hour of visitation prior. An entombment will take place at 1:00 pm at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s memory to InterAct Ministries to support Doug and Marlin Prins.


Laverne Berndt, 1925-2015

Funeral services for Laverne Berndt will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Avon with Rev. Mike Boyle and Rev. Bill Van Gerpen officiating. Burial will follow in First Baptist Cemetery, Avon. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall.

Laverne Berndt was born on Thursday, April 2, 1925 to Jacob and Paulene (Hoffman) Fischer in Delmont, South Dakota. She attended Delmont country school through the 8th grade. On February 4, 1944, Laverne was united in marriage to Arnold Berndt at Danzig Baptist Church in Avon. Together they made their home near Avon on a farm where Arnold farmed and Laverne helped him as a caring farmwife. Throughout the years, Laverne also helped cleaning for St. Michael’s Hospital and the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall. In 1998, they retired and made their new home in Tyndall. Laverne loved baking, cooking, gardening, quilting, and playing games and cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved dearly.

Laverne passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at St. Michael’s Hospital Avera in Tyndall having attained the age of 90 years, 5 months, and 18 days.

Laverne is survived and remembered by her son Gregory (Kim) Berndt of Tyndall; daughter Beth Fender of Tyndall; grandchildren: Casey (Erin) Berndt of Winner, Travis Berndt of Tyndall, and Brian (Katy) Cihak of Tyndall; great-grandchildren: Brody Cihak, Jacob Cihak, Sam Cihak, and Teegan Berndt; and step-great-grandchild Autumn Harris.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arnold Berndt in 2011, her parents, two sisters, and three brothers.


Elizabeth Becker, 1884-1959

Mrs. Elizabeth Becker, daughter of Tobias and Kathryn Buller Schultz, was born October 11, 1884 at Avon, S. Dak., and passed away February 16, 1959 at 7 o'clock p.m. at Davis, S. Dak., having reached the age of 74 years, three months, and five days. She had suffered a stroke three years ago, and never fully recovered since that time. On Saturday, February 14, she suffered another stroke going into a deep coma that same evening, remaining in that condition until her death.

On the 21st day of June, 1905 she was united in holy bonds of matrimony to Bernard B. Becker of Marion. They homesteaded on a farm near Marion. To this union ten children were born, five of whom preceded them in death. Her husband passed away in 1930. She remained on the home place with her daughters Matilda and Gusta, for a number of years. She later made her home in Sioux Falls. In 1952 she went to make her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harm Bartels, where she remained until her death. Shortly after her marriage she accepted Christ as her own personal Savior. In 1939 she became a member of the Silver Lake M. B. Church.

She leaves to mourn her passing, three sons, Paul, Joel, and Carl, all of Marion; two daughters, Matilda, Mrs. Harm Bartels of Davis, and Gusta, Mrs. Theodore A. Schroeder, of Long Beach, Calif.; eight grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 3 brothers and 4 sisters; one aunt, Mrs. Jacob Schmidt, of Freeman; and a host of friends.

Rev. John Regehr and Rev. Arthur Brust were the officiating clergymen. Music was furnished by Mrs. Ed Becker, organist, and quartet, Jake Becker, Ed. F. Tieszen, Wm. Becker, and E. E. Smith.

Pallbearers were Dwaine Becker, Clellan Becker, Willie Koehn, Harlan Becker, Eddie Ortman, and Herbert Schmidt. Interment was in the Mennonite (Schartner) Cemetery, Marion. Arrangements by Tschetter Funeral Home.


Melvern "Bee" Bastemeyer, 1922-1970

Funeral services for Melvern L. Bastemeyer, 47, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Crosby Funeral Home with the Rev. William Fillingim officiating. Burial will be in the Wagner cemetery with rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7319.

Mr. Bastemeyer was born April 15, 1922 at Avon to Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Bastemeyer and died April 14, 1970. He served in World War II.

Survivors include nine children: Mrs. Joe (Dana) Groom, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Mrs. Don (Sandra) Fechner, Wagner; Mrs. Michael (Debra) Abdouch, Sioux City, and Mark, Richard, DeElla, Paula, Carla and Craig, at home; a grandson; his mother, Wagner; three brothers, Wendell, Oregon; Donald, Omaha; and LaVoyd, Wagner; and one sister, Mrs. Arthur Robertson, Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his father and a son.


Nicholas Beringer, 1845-1883

Scotland Citizen, 13th: On Sunday night last, at Tyndall, during an altercation on the streets between a number of men, the difficulty growing out of a dispute about some land, Ed Berringer was stabbed in the back the knife penetrating the left lung. Edward McKenna was arrested charged with the crime and his examination commenced before Justice Weist, O. Richmond appearing for the prosecution and A. B. Hammer for the defense. Before concluding the examination it was adjourned to receive the statement of the wounded man and to await the result of his injury. Yesterday morning Berringer died, and under direction of District Attorney Smith, McKenna has been held without bail to answer the charge that had been preferred against him.

The unfortunate affair has created great excitement at Tyndall and the surrounding country. The deceased was a middle aged man, a farmer, and leaves a wife and six children. McKenna is a young unmarried man and has always borne the reputation of a quiet, peaceable man. There is a growing sentiment that the cutting was done by some other person, and this theory is strengthened by the verdict of the coroner's jury which was that Berringer came to his death from a knife wound but did not charge the offense upon any particular person. In the absence of full particulars we will abstain from further comments at this time.

Source: Press & Daily Dakotaian (Yankton, SD) ~ Saturday, December 15, 1883

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THE TYNDALL MURDER.
Particulars of the Killing of Berringer by McKenna
Tyndall Tribune, 15th.


Last Saturday evening between the hours of eight and nine o'clock a night a fight occurred between Peter Ulrich's saloon and John Bouza's store which terminated in the death of a German farmer, whose farm lies a short distance north of Tyndall. It appears at the evidence brought forth at the preliminary examination and before the coroner's jury that Barney McEIroy, Chris Vielhauer, Adam Vielhauer, Chris Weisser and Ed McKenna stopped at Bouza'a store on the way home for a jug of syrup, but before entering the store they went into Ulrich's saloon. They were all more or less intoxicated and indulged in conversation with everyone they met. Outside the saloon were some Germans and as Chris Vielhaur stepped off the sidewalk he called Adam Kirsch a son of a b—h. He was promptly knocked down by Adam Kirsch. The balance of the crowd got into the buggy, but when Vielhauer was knocked down Barney McEIroy jumped out, picked up a club and advanced towards Kirsch. Nicholas Berringer struck Barney, knocked him down, and held him in that position until Ed McKenna came up into the crowd.

The balance of the story is told in the following testimony given by Ben Loesal before the coroner's jury:

Adam Kirsch hit Chris Vielhauer. Berringer was behind Adam Kirsch. Barney McElroy jumped out of the buggy, picked up a piece of board and raised it as if he was going to hit somebody. Berringer saw it and hit McElroy and got on top of him. By that time Ed McKenna jumped out of the buggy, took out his knife, opened it and went up to Berringer and McEIroy and struck at Berringer with the open knife. He then went away and told us boys to stay away and let them fight it out. As soon as I saw Berringer hit with the knife he got away from McEIroy, and acted as though he was badly hurt. He did not speak any more unless we asked him a question. McKenna and McEIroy then got into the buggy and McKenna seemed in an awful hurry to go off. The Russians and McKenna coaxed McElroy to get in the buggy and go home. They then went off and we watched them go toward the lumber yard. I went back to see where the rest of the boys were. Then I heard that Mr. Houska took Nick Berringer over in his saloon. He was not able to walk there himself, went up to Berringer and found him laying with his head on the table. I sat down at the table and looked at Berringer and could see a hole in the jacket on his back. I put my finger in that hole in the jacket and through the shirt, pulled out my finger and saw blood on it. I told the boys he must be hurt pretty bad. Dr. Dean was there and pulled the jacket down so as he could see the wound, and after that he went to his store. Nick Berringer told me to get his wife and children as he did not think he was going to live very long, and to get his cattle at Pete Hahn's. When I got back Berringer was up stairs over Houska's saloon in bed.

At 11 o'clock Tuesday night Nicholas Berringer breathed his last. A new warrant was immediately sworn out before Judge Bradford and McKenna was again arrested. This time however he was taken to Bon Homme and lodged in jail.

Source: Daily Press & Dakotaian (Yankton, SD) ~ Friday, December 21, 1883


Eileen Bardahl, 1925-2012

Eileen Bardahl, age 86, of Titusville, Florida passed away May 23, 2012. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold. Eileen is survived by three brothers, one sister, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Titusville on Wednesday, June 6th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church.


Alice Biesma, 1922-2015

Services for Pearl Giedd-Hepler, 101, of Avon are 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 7, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Burial is in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Pearl Giedd-Hepler was born August 18, 1913 to Charles and Ida (Voigt) Bochman at Tyndall, SD. She died Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Pearl attained the age of 101 years, two months and 15 days.

Pearl attended school through the eighth grade at Fair View School #32, southwest of Tyndall. She worked as a hired girl and on the farm until she married Vincent Giedd of Tripp, SD on February 17, 1938. To this union three children were born. They farmed together north of Avon and moved to the family farm southwest of Tyndall. Vincent passed away June 5, 1973 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton. After Vincent’s passing she sold the farm and moved to Avon.

On April 16, 1977, she married Roy Hepler and moved to Loveland, CO. Roy passed away in 1994 and Pearl moved into the Avon Manor, where she lived for over 13 years. She then moved to Springfield Assisted Living and soon after moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall in 2007.

Pearl was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Avon. She also belonged to the WMF and Bethel Sunday School Class. Pearl loved to visit and kept busy over the years by baking, canning, gardening, sewing, crocheting and her many farm duties. She did beautiful embroidery work until the very end.

Pearl is survived by her three children: Ellen and husband Garth Corey, Albuquerque, NM; Earl J Giedd and friend Connie, Mitchell; Eva Johnson, Mitchell; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; one great-great grandchild; and one sister, Alice Biesma of Avon. Also surviving Pearl are her five step children: Fred (Rachel) Hepler, Barling AR; Evelyn (Preston) Guthrie, Joplin, MO; Edie Greenfield, Luther, OK; Don Hepler, CO; Philip (Janet) Loveland, CO; along with several step grand and great grand children; also many relatives and friends.

Pearl is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, an infant brother, Paul; three sisters: Golda Sell, Edith Jensen and Sylvia Mudder; also two nieces and two nephews.


Benjamin Boese, 1878-1944

Benjamin M. Boese, son of Martin and Katharina Boese, was born near Avon, S. Dak., March 1, 1878 near Avon, S.D. and died in the Denver hospital Sept. 18, 1944, at the age of 66 years. He was taken to the hospital with pneumonia. He grew to manhood at Avon, was a faithful member of the Friedensberg church where he was baptized, Nov. 3, 1899 he was married to Mary Ann Buller. Two children were born to this union, Wm. J. of Panama Canal and Ida, Mrs. Henry Pankratz of Kingsburg, California. In 1907 they moved to Vona, Colo. on a farm where they lived for 17 years, then moved to Denver where he had done carpenter work. Funeral services were held at the church south of Vona and was in charge of Rev. McGlothlen. He leaves to mourn his death 2 children Wm. and Ida, 4 brothers: Tobias of Tampa, Florida, Jacob of Springfield, S.D., David and Peter of Sagina, Mich. and 2 sisters, Mrs. Katie McNeely of Northfield, Minn. and Mrs. Emma S. Ewert of Russel, Minn.


Norman Berndt, 1934-2016

Norman W. Berndt, 81, of Tripp, South Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Visitation will be held at Goglin Funeral Home in Tripp on Friday, January 22 from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. prayer service there. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 23 at Danzig Baptist Church in rural Avon with Rev. Aaron Rush officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tripp.

Norman Walter Berndt was born on November 26, 1934 to Walter and Martha (Hauck) Berndt on the family farm in rural Avon, South Dakota. As a young man, he helped on the farm with his family, which became his life-long career. On November 29, 1963, Norman was united in marriage to Eunice Namminga at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Together they made their home on the Berndt homestead in rural Avon. Throughout his life, Norman was a diligent and successful farmer. He planted and harvested countless crops of beans, corn, and wheat with his CASE-International tractors. Through the years, the hard-working couple raised Angus cattle, pigs, chickens, geese, and ducks for butcher as well as milking their Holstein cows.

Even if he had no immediate reason to go, Norman could find an excuse to attend the local auctions or spend time at the Avon sale barn. His day wasn’t complete unless he was able to make his visiting rounds. Through the years, he became a regular at the Tyndall Barber Shop, Avon salebarn, Tripp Lunchbox, Tripp Bowling Alley, and basically anywhere within the general area that could serve a good cup of coffee and held the potential for conversation. Doesn’t matter where he was or what was going on, but Norman could initiate a conversation and make friends out of strangers within a few minutes of chatting. Even though Norman wasn’t always able to attend his 4+ coffee stops a day, he still remained one of the most well-informed on local happenings and going-ons thanks to his active watch of the Highway 37-46 intersection. Quite often, he not only was aware of the news, but even part of it. Norman opened his home so often to the individuals whose cars broke down, got stuck in the snow, fell empty on gas, etc. that the family set out a guestbook for newcomers to sign.

Norman took most things in stride with his good humor and a strong opinion. He loved fishing, but was blessed with only the knack to catch bullheads and carp. Norman was generally in a good mood, and never passed up the opportunity to jokingly tease. Much to his daughters’ dismay, Norman passed down his skills and taught his grandchildren his tricks.

He was also a strong Christian. It was very important to him that upon their marriage, Eunice and him attend the same church and raise their children in the Christian faith. Even as adults, rarely would a Sunday go by that Norman didn’t call his children up and check on their attendance. Norman was a dedicated member of the Danzig Baptist Cemetery Committee for several years. He regularly helped out with the ground’s maintenance and kept a vigilant eye on the cemetery’s condition.

Norman passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 81.

Grateful for the assurance of seeing him again one day are his wife Eunice Berndt of rural Avon; daughters: Marcia (James) Schultz of Chillicothe, IL, Ruth Ann (Hector) Curriel of Sioux Falls, Janice (Harold) Hokenstad of Sioux Falls, and Nancy (Nathan) Terveen of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Allison, Evan, Seth, Luke, Micah, and Laura Schultz, Audrey, Cora, and Kyle Hokenstad, Kalin, Blake, and Layton Terveen, MiyaJae Dubs, and another little boy on the way; and sister Clara (Don) Bitterman.

He was preceded into Heaven by his parents, sister Lorraine and brother-in-law Willie Schempp, and granddaughter Emily Schultz.


Henry Berndt, 1913-2001

Henry R. Berndt, 87, of Lodi died Saturday, May 19, 2001, in a hospital. Mr. Berndt was born in Avon, S.D., and lived in Lodi for 63 years. He retired in 1974 after working for Acampo Winery as a distiller. Mr. Berndt also owned and operated a motel. He was a guard at Stockton Army depot during World War II. Mr. Berndt was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was married for 63 years.

Survivors: wife, Lola M. Berndt of Lodi; son, Duane Berndt of Aptos; siblings, Clarence Berndt of Michigan, Iris Fitch of Redding and Alice Verzani of Minnesota; and two grandchildren.

Services: graveside, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Lodi Memorial Cemetery, 5750 E. Pine St. Visitation: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today, Rocha's Mortuary, 215 S. School St.


Shirley Bruns, 1933-2013

Shirley Bruns, 80, of Cedar Falls, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the Windhaven Assisted Living Center in Cedar Falls.

Shirley Marie Bruns was born on April 15, 1933, the daughter, of Ernest and Louise (Zink) Mueller in Scotland, South Dakota. She was baptized on May 7, 1933 in Scotland at the Evangelical Church. Shirley graduated from Waverly high school and then attended Wartburg College in Waverly. On March 15, 1953, Shirley was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" A. Bruns in Waverly, Iowa.

She was employed as a Chaplain Assistant in Fort Sill, Oklahoma while her husband was in the military service. Following her husband's discharge, the couple moved to Cedar Falls where Shirley was employed at Midway Bank as a bookkeeper.

She was a faithful member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls where she gave of her time and talents. She enjoyed playing bridge, count stitching, camping trips with her grandchildren and doing genealogy.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeff (DeAnne) Bruns of Cedar Falls, Joe (Lisa) Bruns of Cedar Falls; one daughter, Julie Bruns of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Chris Bruns, Tracy Bruns, Jennifer Bruns, Katie Bruns, Melissa Dean; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Betty (Jim) Borgen of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard "Dick" Bruns on February 24, 2013; two sisters, Corrine Pankow and Marilyn Winkey; by two infant brothers and a niece and nephew.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:00 am at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, with Pastor Dennis Dickman officiating. Burial will be held in Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls. Public visitation will be held on Sunday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and also for an hour prior to services on Monday at the church.


Marie Baker, 1917-2003

Marie C. Baker, 86, of 500 Centennial Drive died at 8:05 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2003, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Born April 11, 1917, in Scotland, S.D., to Carl Sr. and Clara Schneider Schaidle, she married Edward Kinsella in 1937 in Peoria. He died April 13, 1948. She married Roy V. Baker on Feb. 4, 1949, in Peoria. He died Feb. 7, 1983. She also was preceded in death by one son, Lawrence Baker , on Oct. 6, 2002; one brother; and two sisters.

Surviving are two sons, Edward (and Wanda) Kinsella of East Peoria and Raymond (and Margaret) Baker of Germantown Hills; two daughters, Ellen (and Richard) Pokorny of Englewood, Fla., and Connie (and Charles) Kakuska of Temperance, Mich.; six brothers, Ernest (and Esther) Schaidle, Carl (and Iona) Schaidle Jr., Joseph (and Bonnie) Schaidle, Walter (and Patricia) Schaidle, Donald Schaidle and Gerald (and Judith) Schaidle, all of Metamora; three sisters, Margaret Schertz and Esther (and Donald) Miller, both of Metamora, and Hildagard (and Gerald) Haedicke of East Peoria; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.


Arlene Begeman, 1926-2008

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10, for Arlene Joyce Begeman, 82, Parker, who died on Oct. 7, 2008, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The services will be held in First Presbyterian Church at Parker, with burial at Rosehill Cemetery there.

Arlene Slade was born on Sept. 16, 1926, at Springfield to W.R. and Sylvia (Crow) Slade. After graduating from Tyndall High School in 1944, she worked in the Selective Service Office in Tyndall for the summer before attending Yankton College. While in college, she worked part-time at a building & loan. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught fourth grade in Parker. She married Edward Begeman on Aug. 8, 1948, at Springfield.

She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and First Presbyterian Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher, deacon and Ruth Circle member.

Survivors include a son Tim (Cindy) of Madison; four granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Candice Begeman of Lexington, Ky.; and a brother, Jim (Lorraine) Slade of Yankton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Edward in 1995; a son Don; and two brothers Bob and Floyd (in infancy).

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church in Parker or Sanford Oncology in Sioux Falls.

The Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home of Parker is in charge of arrangements.


Ronnie Buchholz, 1944-2015

Ronnie R. Buchholz, 70 a native of Tripp, SD died Monday, September 7, 2015 at Dow Rummel Village Assisted Living. Memorial services will be at 3:00pm Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Halladay-Peterson Chapel at Dow Rummel Assisted Living, Sioux Falls. Burial will be at Danzig Cemetery, rural Avon, SD the following Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 1:00pm with Military Honors.

Ronnie Roger Buchholz was born on December 9, 1944 at Parkston, SD to Albert and Sarola (Giedd) Buchholz. He grew up in Tripp where he graduated from Tripp High School in 1964. He served in the US Navy for 4 years having served on the USS Fletcher DDE-445, a Naval Destroyer, as a radar operator in the South Pacific. Upon his discharge from the service, he moved to Boise, ID where he owned and operated Ron's Cabinet Shop for over 25 years. His business focused on commercial cabinet making in the upper Northwest Region. He was master craftsman at making furniture for family and friends before opening his own cabinet shop in Boise. He lived in Las Vegas, NV and Long Beach, CA before retiring and moving back to South Dakota in 2008.

Grateful for having shared his life are his sister Carol (Buchholz) Slack, Viborg; niece Kristi (Jerry) Leisinger, great nieces Lauren and Haley of Sioux Falls; a nephew Jeff (Donna) Slack, great niece Lexi and great nephews Logan and Wyatt of Viborg; cousin Morris (Tammy) Giedd and daughters Kendra and Kera of Marsing, ID; and special friends Jack and Noma Sayler and family of Rapid City, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in infancy.


Charles Broz, 1919-2009

Charles E. Broz, age 89, of St. Helena, Nebraska, died on Sunday, December 27, 2009.

Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota with his son, Ron Broz presiding. Inurnment will be at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton at a later date. A gathering of family and friends is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a video tribute and a time of sharing at 7:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren.

Charles was born December 29, 1919 in Tyndall, South Dakota to Alois and Amelia (Plihal) Broz. He grew up on a farm outside of Tyndall and attended country school. In 1944, Charles entered the United States Army and served during World War II. He was in the Engineering Department and stationed primarily in Germany. After his discharge in 1946, he continued farming in Tyndall until 1957. On January 4, 1957, Charles married Shirley Layne in Yankton, South Dakota. They farmed in Yankton until 1965 and moved to a farm in Scotland. Charles retired from farming in 1970 and a year later moved to Centerville, South Dakota and worked as a construction maintenance operator and mechanic. In 1976, he moved to Sioux Falls where he worked as a diesel mechanic. Charles and Shirley moved to St. Helena, Nebraska in 1979 and lived along the Missouri River. He worked as a mechanic at Groseth Motors until he retired in 1984.

Charles was a lifetime member of the VFW and recently received his 60-year pin. He was also a charter member of the Tri-State Old Iron Tractor Club. Charles taught all of his grandchildren how to drive a tractor. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid fisherman.

Charles is survived by his wife, Shirley Broz of St. Helena, Nebraska; 4 children: Michael (Katie) Broz of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Ron (Dory) Broz of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Lori Straatmeyer of Yankton and Steven Broz of St. Helena; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a brother, George (Dolores) Broz of Tyndall, South Dakota; and a sister, Rose Cap of Yankton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Edward Broz; 2 brothers, Emil and Louis Broz; and a sister, Mary Cap.


Sidney Bierema, 1929-2016

Funeral services for Sidney J. Bierema, 86, of Springfield are 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is Tuesday from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Sidney James Bierema, son of Peter and Sadie (Schotanus) Bierema, was born July 18, 1929 in the Springfield area. He passed away Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Sid attained the age of 86 years and eight months.

As a young boy, Sid attended Trumbo and Quinn Country Schools and graduated from the eighth grade. He was active in the community through his service as a Quinn School board member, 4-H leader and as a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church Consistory.

On July 7, 1949, Sid was united in marriage to Arlene Cornelia Tjeerdsma, the daughter of Peter and Annie (Odens) Tjeerdsma. Their union was blessed with five sons and six daughters: Allen, Charlene, Harvey, Myron, Aletha, Ivan, Vera, Miriam, Arlis, Amy and Theran.

Sid loved reading anything related to farming and livestock. He was not one to sit around, as he always found something to do.

Sid entered the Good Samaritan Care Center on September 18, 2008.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Arlene of Springfield; children: Allen and wife Jeryln of Tyndall; Charlene Bierema of Spearfish; Harvey and wife Brenda of White River; Myron and wife Kim of Springfield; Aletha and husband Hal Whitethorn of Madison; Ivan and wife Cindy of St. Onge; Vera and husband Joe Hall of Wagner; Miriam and husband Bill Leibel of Tyndall; Arlis and husband Dan Kafka of Wagner; Amy and husband Randy Thum of Scotland; and Theran and special friend Heidi of Sioux Falls; 33 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 53 great grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; sister Marjorie Tjeerdsma of Springfield; his in-laws: Bernice (Elmer) Tolsma of Avon and Gerald (Betty) Tjeerdsma of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Sid was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; and in-laws: Donald Tjeerdsma, Oscar Tjeerdsma, Leila Tjeerdsma and Ilena Tjeerdsma.


Edith Berndt, 1901-2003

Edith Berndt, 101, Tyndall, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.

Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, with the Revs. Harry Johnson and Bill VanGerpen officiating. Burial is in the parish cemetery, rural Avon. Pallbearers are Wayne Winckler, Jerry Berndt, Perry Lind, Gregory Berndt, Dennis Streyle and George Berndt. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. Monday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall.

She was born April 6, 1901, in Bon Homme County near Avon to Willie and Amelia (Quartier) Pritzkau. She married John Berndt Aug. 1, 1922, at Tripp. They farmed north of Avon. Her husband died Oct. 18, 1952. She spent the last few years of her life at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.

She loved her family very much. She also loved to sing German songs and did all kinds of fancy work. She was very active in her church and was very active in the Ladies Missionary Society.

She is survived by five children: Mary Ann (Clem) Kloucek, Scotland; Arnold (LaVern) Berndt, Tyndall; Sophia (Berhard) Winckler, Tyndall; Clifton (Verna) Berndt, Avon; and Thelma (Richard) Lind, Vermillion; 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her stepfather, three sisters, three brothers, three grandsons and one great-great-granddaughter.


Duane Bierle, 1940-2016

Duane Bierle, 75, of Creston, died Thursday April 7, 2016, at Greater Regional Medical Center, in Creston.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. Pastor Dwayne Henrichs will officiate. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery at a later date. Open visitation will be from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday April 11, 2016 with family receiving friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Creston.

Duane Harold Bierle was born June 28, 1940 in Lesterville, S.D. to Albina (Peterka) and Lloyd A. Bierle. He graduated from Scotland High School in Scotland, S.D. in 1958. He continued his education at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, S.D. where he earned his B.A. in education and psychology. He later earned his Master's Degree and Specialist Degree in education administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

On June 11, 1961 Duane was united in marriage to Cheryl June Nelles in Scotland, S.D. They settled in Riverton, Neb., where he began his teaching career as an Industrial Arts Instructor. Duane and his family moved to Sloan, Ia. where he continued his career teaching in a junior high setting and began coaching, later moving to Whiting, Ia.

After receiving his administration degree Duane began working in the Manilla School System as the High School Principal and later moving to Princeton, Mo. where he continued teaching and also owned and operated a dairy farm.

In 1985, Duane and his family move to the Creston area, where he has raised sheep and worked as a District salesman for SuCrosCo Seed Company later becoming AgVenture selling seed corn and soybeans. Duane was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Iowa Suffolk Sheep Assoc., Iowa Club Lamb Assoc., Iowa High School Athletic Assoc. and United Suffolk Sheep Assoc. Duane's major accomplishments in life is raising three successful sons and raising a Grand National Champion Suffolk Sheep in 2003. In his spare time he love to fish, hunt, motorcycle riding, where he had made trips to 26 different states and Canada, camping and spend time with his grandchildren including attending different 4-H shows, Horse, Sheep and Dog shows on both the County and State level.

Survivors include his wife Cheryl; two sons, Steven Bierle of Liberty, Mo. and Douglas (wife Nichole) Bierle of Creston; a brother, LuVerne (wife Verna) Bierle of Webster City, Ia.; brother-in-law Donald (wife Arlene) Nelles of Scotland, S.D.; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Ralph (wife Elnora) Nelles, son Jeffrey Bierle in 2015 and a sister Alice Sorenson.


Robert "Bob" Baker, 1938-2016

Robert “Bob” Lee Baker was born on September 12, 1938 to George and Hilda (Dawson) Baker on the family homestead in rural Scotland, South Dakota. He attended Nelles Country Grade School and Scotland High School. Bob worked at Cargill for several years as well as farmed with his family. He loved baseball and was the catcher for the Scotland team for several years.

Bob entered in the U.S. Army in 1961. While stationed in the United States, he played on the Ft. Sill and Ft. Riley baseball teams. He served six months in Germany. He also served at the newly constructed Berlin Wall. In 1963, he was honorably discharged and returned home.

On January 26, 1963, Bob was united in marriage to Sally Heffernan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rock Valley, Iowa. Together, they made their home on the Baker homestead. As a third-generation Baker, Bob was proud of the family’s century farm and heritage. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to raising quality Angus cattle. Later in life, he collected treasured antique Oliver tractors.

Bob was an active member of St. George Catholic Church in Scotland. Through the years, he served in various positions including church council member and usher. He was a member of the Paul Grosshuesch VFW Post #2966 in Scotland.

Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. It was a priority for Bob to be a good neighbor.

Bob passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in his home at the age of 77 years.

He is survived and remembered by his wife of 53 years, Sally Baker of rural Scotland; children: Carol (Dave) Girodat of Hannah, ND, Barbara Goldammer of Sioux Falls, Bruce Baker of Scotland, and Dave (Janine) Baker of Scotland; nine grandchildren; and his sister Donna (John) Rothschadl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Donald Baker, and son-in-law Kevin Goldammer.


Gertrude Buchholz, 1923-2016

Funeral services for Gertrude L. Buchholz, 92, of Avon will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, SD, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church with family present. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the Sunset Manor.

Gertrude Lydia Buchholz, daughter of John and Rosa (Koschel) Hornbacher, was born May 8, 1923 at Yale, Idaho. The angels came for Gertrude on Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Sunset Manor in Irene, SD. Gertrude attained the age of 92 years, 11 months and eight days.

Gertrude attended grade and high school in American Falls, Idaho. She married Edward Buchholz on April 24, 1946 at American Falls. Together they farmed north of Avon, until Edward’s death on March 20, 1990.

Gertrude was a member of the Danzig Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for a number of years. She enjoyed singing with her friends and family.

Gertrude will be remembered for her enjoyment of flower gardening, quilting, sewing and collecting dolls.

Gertrude entered the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society in April of 2008 and then moved to the Sunset Manor in Irene in 2014.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; daughter Cathy Brinkmeyer in 2009; parents; brothers Erwin and Ernest; and sister Silvia in 2015.

Thankful for having shared her life are her daughter Linda Walters and husband Harry of Wagner; son Mark Buchholz of Avon; son-in-law Robert Brinkmeyer of Gilman, WI; two grandchildren: Wayne and wife Faith of Avon and Lisa Yager and husband Wyatt of Yankton; three great grandchildren: Eden and Hannah Walters and Oliver Yager; and several nieces and nephews.


Clara Bittner, 1916-2016

Clara Annette Bittner, age 99, of Menno, SD passed away early Sunday, May 8, 2016 at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 11 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, SD. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. The Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel is assisting with the service details. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of the Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall, SD.

Clara was born December 24, 1916 in rural Menno, SD to Henry and Elizabeth (Schempp) Sayler. Clara was baptized on April 6, 1917 by Rev. Ritterhouse and was confirmed June 28, 1931 by Rev. Bodenman at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD. Her scripture verse was Matthew 10; verses 32-33. She attended country school through the eighth grade at Klaudt District #14. She was united in marriage to Emil Bittner on January 20, 1938, by Rev. John Bodenman at Salem Reformed Church in Menno, SD.

She is survived by two sons, Kenneth (Ramona) Bittner of Menno, SD and Alvin (Joyce) Bittner of Tyndall, SD; one daughter, Norma (Ken) Wittmeier of Tyndall, SD; five grandchildren: Kay Wittmeier of Sioux Fall, SD, Lee & (Cheri) Wittmeier of Tyndall, SD, Kelly & (Tami) Bittner of Chancellor, SD, Keith (Michelle) Bittner of Worthing, SD and Amy (Curt) Turnipseed of Bellevue, NE; nine great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Ida Sayler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Emil; grandson, Ryan; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.


Matt Yule, 1992-2012

Funeral services for Matt A. Yule, 19 of Springfield will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with Pastor Ken Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 Sunday with the family present, followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Springfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Matt Addam Yule, son of Jerry and Roylene (Jelsma) Yule, was born September 16, 1992 at Yankton, SD. He died Thursday, May 17, 2012 at St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston.

Matt lived his short 19 years around the Springfield community. He attended Springfield Elementary School, with his summers filled with swimming and baseball. Matt graduated from Avon High School in May of 2011. He had planned to attend Mitchell Technical Institute in the Fall of 2011 and major in telecommunications.

Matt loved to work. He was always willing to help his family and friends with odd jobs and helping in the community with public gatherings. Matt was an honorary fireman for the Springfield Fire Department.

Matt’s favorite pastimes were spring golfing with his brothers and friends, summer stock car races, hunting pheasants and deer in the fall and snowmobiling in the winter.

Thankful and happy to have shared his life are Jerry and Wanda Yule, Springfield; Roylene and Jerry Kneen, Mitchell; Reed and Will Yule, Springfield; Allen and Sadie Schauer, Rapid City; Ken and LaVonne Yule, Springfield; Roy and Jana Jelsma, Springfield; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Matt was preceded in death by his great grandparents; and Uncle Paul Hemiller.


Dorisa Young, 1975-2013

Dorisa Young was a very spirited young lady. She was diagnosed with Nuerofibramatosis Type II at the age of 11. She has been through 55 surgeries/procedures. Does she ask God, “Why me, God?” ... NO. Instead she said, “Why not”. Doesn’t want anyone else to go thru what she has. She has not had a day without pain.

Stubborn — YES! She turned 37. When we first started with all these surgeries the doctor said she wouldn’t see her 18th birthday. Guess what! She always said, “Somebody forgot to tell God!” (Or maybe He just isn’t ready for her yet.) We always say she is a cross between Great-grandma Rueb (who lived to be 101, and a very strong 100% German) and Grandma Young (a Norwegian). Enough said.

In 1993 Make-A-Wish granted her wish to go to Disney World. With the help of Make-A-wish she got to meet a lot of people that she probably wouldn’t have met just because of her disease. I think all the cowboys in South Dakota know who she is. She definitely was our “cowgirl”. She always waited for the Finals in September to see all her fans at the rodeo.

She had met George Blanda-Football Hall of Famer (who she wrote back and forth with until his death), Vince Gill (who she sat on his lap while he sang to her — and bought her a very pretty outfit/jewelry), Amy Grant, Charles Barkley (who she kissed the top of his bald head), Kris Tschetter, Mike Miller, and the list goes on.

Dorisa had been a living-walking-talking testimony all of her life. She was baptized in the church’s swimming pool! Fun, huh! She had been an inspiration to a lot of people. She had her up and down days but they are few and far between.

She had been described as the Energizer Bunny — she just kept going, and going, and going. And that was her :-) Did not feel sorry for herself. Needed to be on the go and involved, especially with kids. She absolutely loved the kids at Awana. God had a special plan for you.

Dorisa Marie Young was born on November 26, 1975 in the Gregory Hospital, Gregory, SD. She lived in Burke, Gregory, Mitchell, Sioux Falls and Brandon. She attended school in Mitchell, and Sioux Falls. Later completing her school education in SD School for the Deaf. Later getting her Associate Degree in Graphics Communication at SETI.

Dorisa is survived by her parents Doyle and Barbara, brother Darin (Marcia) and sister Cassandra (Todd) Gardner, and nieces and nephews Brooke and Ian Gardner, and Alaina, Gavin and Hailey Young, and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Harven and Florance Rueb and Darrel and Helen Young.

Funeral services will be held at Faith United Presbyterian Church in Brandon at 10:00 a.m. Friday with family visitation at Brandon Valley Baptist Church, Brandon from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, and formal prayer service at 7 p.m. Interment will be 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Tyndall Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota. Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls is assisting with the arrangements.


Charles Young, 1887-1968

Funeral services for Charles Young, 81, will be at 1:30 pm Friday at the Crosby Funeral Home here with the Rev. Robert Owens officiating. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery.

Mr. Young was born Feb. 23, 1887 at Springfield to Mr. and Mrs. Martin L. Young and died Dec. 30, 1968 at a Yankton Hospital.

He served during World War I, worked a light plant at Armour and was employed at lumber yard at Springfield for many years. In 1958 he married Florence Breightenbach.

Survivors include his widow and three sisters, Lottie Jackson, Hayti; Nellie Macey, Calif., and Mrs. Mary Shaw, Cannon City, Colo.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.


Sandra Yackley, 1953-2005

Sandra died on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at her home in Canby, following a long struggle with cancer. Sandy was a strong woman whose unwavering positive attitude throughout life's challenges will always be remembered.

Sandra was born on October 23, 1953 in Parkston, S.D., to parents Eugene and Ella Bartel Bietz. She graduated from high school in Scotland, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

In 1975 she moved to Sioux Falls, where she worked at several jobs. She was married to Larry Ireland in 1979, and they moved to Brookings in 1981. While in Brookings, Sandy worked for the Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and for Daktronics. She and Larry were divorced in 2000.

In 2002, Sandy was married to Gene Yackley, and they made their home in Canby. Some of her enjoyments in life included her two cats, spending time with family and friends, and being a great mother.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Yackley of Canby; her daughter, Jill Ireland of Vermillion, S.D.; her sons: Jacob and Joshua Ireland of Brookings, S.D.; her parents: Eugene and Ella Bietz of Scotland, S.D.; her step-daughters: Allyson Yackley of Canby, and Jacki Ireland of Phoenix, Ariz.; her step-sons: Daniel Yackley of Canby, and Jay Ireland of Prescott, Ariz.,; her brother, Dennis (and Dorothy) Bietz of Olivet, S.D.; her sister, Donna (and Ron) Nelson of Wausa, NE; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.


Vera Young, 1915-2010

Vera Walker-Young, 94, of Tabor, SD, formerly of Belle Fourche.

Services will be 1 PM, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Union Center Community Center in Union Center, SD. Burial is in the Elm Springs Cemetery in Elm Springs, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the Community Center. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield, SD is in charge of arrangements.

Vera Elaine Walker-Young was born March 5, 1915 at Delzell, SD, the daughter of David and Lucinda (Miner) Hopkins. She died Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Vera attained the age of 94 years, 10 months and 15 days.

Vera graduated from high school in Rapid City.

Vera married Chester Edward Walker on April 29, 1933 at Rapid City, SD. Together they ranched in western South Dakota for 50 years. They moved to the ranch south of Plainview in 1951. They retired and moved to Belle Fourche in 1982. Chester died December 6, 1991. Vera later married Charles Young of Belle Fourche on February 14, 1995.

Vera was a member of the Plainview Womens Extension Club, the Senior Citizens in Belle Fourche and was a 4H leader for over 20 years.

Vera will be remembered for her love of gardening.

Thankful for sharing her life are her husband, Charles Young of Belle Fourche; four children: Jack (Sharon) Walker of Tabor, SD; David Walker of Tracy, CA; Carol (Roy) Morris of Greenfield, CA; and Larry (Judy) Walker of Hill City, SD; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Chester; daughter, Linda Giese; parents; brother, Boyd Hopkins; sister, Evelyn Brugger; and daughter-in-law, Yvette Walker.


Sharon Yost, 1937-2015

Sharon Lee Yost, 78 of Avon, SD, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, in Dante, SD. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, September 7 at the Church, with a wake service and rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Sharon Lee Yost, daughter of Ben and Jessie (Tschetter) Bessel, was born on June 25, 1937 in Freeman, SD. She attended grade school and high school in Freemen and graduated in 1955. She was united in marriage to Herbert J. Yost on November 21, 1956, in Marion, SD. They made their home in Mitchell, SD, Wolsey, SD, Chamberlain, SD, and spent the last 49 years in Avon, SD. They were blessed with seven children.

Sharon was a member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, in Dante, SD. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, friend to all, and somewhat of a card shark. She especially enjoyed playing pinochle and rummy with family and her special card friends. She spent many years as a homemaker. She also worked at the Leather Factory and the Avon School. Sharon was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post #150, Avon, SD.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 58 years, Herbert Yost of Avon; seven children: Michael (Leda) Yost of Redfield, SD, Michele (Scott) Knickman of Sikeston, MO, Mark Yost, of Sioux Falls, SD, Marvin (Kris) Yost, of Chesterfield Township, MI, Monica VonSeggern, of Elk Point, SD, Melonie (Jeff) Juffer, of Wagner, SD, Martin Yost of Sioux Falls, SD; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Geneva Hauck, of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in law: Sr. Miriam Teresa Yost, of Jefferson, WI, Veronica (Don) Hicks, of Rapid City, SD, and LaVerne Yost, of Salem, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, Kate and Nick Yost, brothers-in-law, Sonny Yost and Bernard Hauck.


Evelyn Mabie, 1929-2011

Evelyn Marie Mach Mabie, age 81, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2011, in Winter Haven, Florida.

She was born August 7, 1929, in Yankton, South Dakota, the ninth of 10 children born to Bohemian and Moravian parents, John Mach and Anna Hamberger Mach of Scotland, South Dakota. She was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith in Sts.Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Vodnany, South Dakota, on August 10, 1929, and she was confirmed in the same church on May 5, 1941.

After graduation from Scotland High School in Scotland, South Dakota, Evelyn attended nursing school at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, earned a nursing degree and became a registered nurse. Her first nursing positionwas in Kansas City, Missouri, before moving to Miami, Florida, where she worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

While in Miami, she met Charles Glendon Mabie. The two were married on September 11, 1954, in Fardale, New Jersey. She gave birth to their daughter, Brenda Sue, on July 20, 1956. Evelyn continued her nursing career in New Jersey and inSarasota, Florida, until her retirement.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Louis, John, Norbert, Ladislav, Edward and Thomas, and her sisters, Helen, Louise and Marcella.

She is survived by her husband of almost 57 years, her daughter and son-in-law, John Randolph Bibb, Jr., of Nashville, Tennessee, one granddaughter, Jean-Marie Elizabeth Clark, and her husband, Ryan Nelson Clark, and one greatgranddaughter, Marjorie Bibb Clark, all of Franklin, Tennessee.