search engine by freefind






Obituaries - Page 12

Johanna Jerke, 1922-2010

On September 27, 2010, Johanna Jerke lost a courageous battle with heart disease at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD. She reached the age of 87 years, 11 months and 7 days. Funeral services will be 1:30 PM, Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Scotland, SD, with Rev. David Ellis officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, SD. Visitations will be 5 to 8 PM, Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral and Crematory, Yankton, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the services at the church.

She was born to Henry and Elizabeth Schempp on October 20, 1922. She grew up on a farm west of Freeman, SD. She went to country school and completed the 8th grade. She was baptized and confirmed in Bethlehem Reformed Church in Freeman. Before being married, she worked for various farm families as hired help. She married Melbert Jerke March 24, 1946. They made their home on a farm west of Scotland in 1947. In 1969 the family moved to a farm near Tabor, SD where she made her home for many years. Two children were born to this union, a son Dennis and a daughter Donna.

She made her life as a homemaker and farm wife, loving her children. She made it a point to spoil her 2 grandsons because she loved them so. She enjoyed going to rummage sales, looking at the crops as the seasons changed, going to the yearly state fair, having good food and visiting with family and friends. She will be dearly missed at the holidays because she made the best pumpkin pie.

She is survived by her children, son, Dennis Jerke Tabor, daughter Donna Knodel, Yankton, grandsons Jeremy Knodel, Sitka Alaska, Cory Knodel of Yankton, a sister, Talitha Kirschemann, Menno, brother-in-law David Kost of Viborg and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Melbert Jerke in 2000, along with one brother Rhinhold Schempp and 6 sisters, Carries Kost, Martha Shortzmann, Regin (Jean) Wuerffel, Hulda Boegler, Rost Kost and Clara Kost.


Eldon Jurrens, 1928-2010

Funeral services for Eldon Jurrens will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with family present from 4 to 6 p.m. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Eldon George Jurrens was born June 7, 1928 at Tyndall, South Dakota, the son of Tim and Lena (Roll) Jurrens. He died Sunday March 7, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Eldon attained the age of 81 years and nine months.

Eldon served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Eldon married Carol Tjeerdsma on September 14, 1951 at Springfield, SD. He was a self employed mechanic and owner of Jurrens Repair from 1957 until he retired in 1990.

Eldon was a member of the Avon Lions Club, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and was a city councilman for twelve years. He was also a member of Gideons, Bon Homme Co. Mens Chorus and was active in the First Baptist Church, serving as a trustee and a deacon for many years.

Eldon will be remembered for his love of singing, bowling and camping at Hart Ranch. He also enjoyed his four lovely granddaughters, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Carol Mae Jurrens of Avon; three children: Dennis and wife Dixie Jurrens of Avon, Jolene and husband Edd Conner of Norfolk, VA and Loren and wife Laurie Jurrens of Avon; four grandchildren: Nicole Jurrens, Henrietta Ratzlaff, Alexis Jurrens and Olivia Jurrens; one brother, Virgil and wife Maxine Jurrens of Madison, WI; and two sisters: Leatta and husband Palmer Schortzmann of Merced, CA and Erma Dykstra of Avon.

Eldon was preceded in death by his only grandson, Timothy Joseph Jurrens; three brothers: Chester, LeRoy and Raymond Jurrens; a sister, Viola Voigt; his parents; and a brother-in-law, David Dykstra.


Zella Mae Jurrens, 1920-2008

ZellaMae Jurrens, 87 of Avon ~ Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm, with the family present.

ZellaMae Jurrens, daughter of John and Mabel (Lorenz) Fathke, was born April 21, 1920 at Avon, SD. She died Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Avera St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall. ZellaMae attained the age of 87 years, nine months and 27 days.

ZellaMae attended Rueb Country School and graduated from Avon High School in 1937.

ZellaMae married LeRoy Edward Jurrens on February 23, 1940. Together they farmed in the Avon area. They retired in May of 1982 and moved into Avon in August of 1982. LeRoy died January 2, 1989. ZellaMae became a resident of the Springfield Assisted Living Center in October of 2005 and the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in November of 2007.

ZellaMae was a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon and attended Bible Study. She also was a member of the Avon Senior Citizens. ZellaMae enjoyed fancy work, especially making quilts for her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her sense of humor.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Karen and husband, Arnie Lubbers of Rockport, TX, Sherryl and husband, Andy McComb of Altoona, IA, Bruce and wife, Peggy of Mason City, IA, and Charlene and husband, Richard Adams of Indianola, IA; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Helen Fathke of Tyndall GSC; and many relatives and friends.

ZellaMae was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy; grandson, Chad Jurrens; parents; two brothers: Lawrence and Chester; and son-in-law, Bernie Colwill.


Greeta Jurrens, 1930-2007

Greeta Jurrens, 77, of Avon and recently of Yankton ~ Her service will be 10:00 am Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.

Greeta Rose Jurrens, daughter of Sam and Ella (Brown) Dungan, was born April 8, 1930 at Lucedale, MS. She died unexpectedly Saturday, November 3 2007 at her home in Yankton. Greeta attained the age of 77 years, six months and 27 days.

Greeta graduated from Lucedale High School in 1947 and then worked in the Mobile, AL area.

Greeta married Russell R. Jurrens on January 6, 1952 at Lucedale, MS. They moved back to Avon in 1955 and farmed together for many years. Two sons were born to their union. Russell died October 20, 2003.

Greeta was a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon and a faithful reader of her Bible.

Greeta will be remembered for her love of her cats, especially Tommy Lee and Eddy. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning and music. She loved the serenity of farm life, the outdoors and animals.

Thankful for having shared her life are her sons: Chris and wife, Jeanne and Scott and wife, Marilyn, all of Yankton; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild on the way; and one sister, Lois DeWitt of Dothan, AL.

Greeta was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers: Martin and Bill; and one sister, Laura Jones.


Elsie Jilek, 1910-1967

Funeral Mass for Mrs. Emil (Elsie) Jilek, 56, Tyndall, will be Thursday at 9:30 am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor with the Rev. Robert Herman, a nephew, officiating. The Rosary will be recited at 8:45 p.m. at the church Wednesday. Friends may call at the Kostel McLeod Funeral Home chapel in Tabor Wednesday. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

She was born Aug. 29, 1910 at Lake Andes to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Petrik and died Monday morning at the Tyndall hospital.

She was a 1931 graduate of Presentation School of Nursing, St. Joseph Hospital, Mitchell, and was active in her profession.

On Jan. 14, 1936 she married Emil Jilek at Tabor.

Survivors include her widower; two sons, Jerome, Columbus, New., and Dr. Dennis, Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren.

Also four sisters, Mrs. Emil Herman and Mrs. James C. Kocer, Rochester, Minn., and Mrs. George Koupal and Mrs. Laddie E, Kostel, Tabor, and two brothers, Joseph S. Petrik, Scotland, and Edward Petrik, Tabor. She was preceded in death by two brothers.


Francis Judy, 1926-1996

Funeral services for Francis Joseph Judy, age 70, were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 1996 at Bader Funeral Home in Lusk, Wyoming with Rev. Mark Lohr officiating. Burial followed in the Dellview Cemetery at Manville.

Mr. Judy died Friday, April 5, 1996, at the Niobrara County Hospital in Lusk. He was born February 18, 1926, near Springfield, S.D., the son of Joe and Cynthia Judy. When Francis was a young boy, the family moved to Nebraska and farmed there for years. Francis spent time in the U.S. Army and then lived and farmed in Minnesota. He moved to Casper in 1956 where he owned and operated Judies Overhead Door Service. He married Lois Shirley Overman Walking in Casper in 1958.

Francis always had a smile for everyone.

Survivors include: two sons, Guy Judy of Mule Creek and Scott Judy of Manville; one stepson, Bob Walking of Ajia, Calif., one stepdaughter, Mary Ann Fredericks also of California; three sisters, Bertha Wesseling of Lime Springs, Iowa; Florence De Groot of Springfield, S.D. and Fern Overman of Casper; three brothers, George Judy of Rushford, Minn., Norman Judy of Winona, Minn. and Charles Judy of Minnesota City, Minn.; and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, a brother John Judy, a sister, Laura Tallmage and a stepdaughter Luan Safe.

For those who wish, memorials to the Lusk/Niobrara Ambulance Service will be appreciated by the family. Bader Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.


Helen Jorgensen, 1921-2010

Helen A. Jorgensen, 88, of Vermillion, SD died Monday, March 15, 2010 at the Sanford Vermillion Care Center.

Helen Newell, the youngest of Maude (Gano) and George Newell’s six children was born on their family farm in Hutchinson County, near Scotland, SD, November 11, 1921, the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Helen grew up on the farm loving the animals and making pets out of several of them. Helen’s older brother, Ken, gave her the nickname ‘Sol’ because of her sunny disposition. She attended teacher’s college and then taught in rural schools for two years before being employed in the first self-service grocery store in Yankton, SD. She married Roy Jorgensen on February 6, 1943. Shortly after their marriage, Roy departed to the South Pacific, serving in the Second World War. On Christmas Eve, 1945, Helen opened the door of her apartment to find Roy standing on the step to greet her, home safely at last from his military service. Overwhelmed with joy, she introduced him to their first-child, 21 month old Bernice Ann. In the years that followed they had two more children; James Roy was born February 14, 1948, and Steven Mark followed on January 6, 1957. In 1968, Helen, Roy, and Steve moved to Vermillion, SD. Helen was a familiar face at Tom and Bud’s Super Valu where she worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. Helen was instrumental in starting the Food Pantry at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she continued to volunteer for many years. Helen and Roy enjoyed many years of fellowship at Trinity and also at the Vermillion Senior Center.

Helen always closed her day with this prayer of thanksgiving: “Thank you for the 65 years of marriage Roy and I had together. What a blessing! Thank you for our children, Ann, Jim and Steve. Thank you for their spouses, Ken, Kim and Ginny. And thank you for their children, our grandchildren, Scott (and Sheryl), Lori, Michael, Matthew (and Misty), Joel (and Bethiee), Chad (and Jenny), Bethany (and Will), Janelle (and Brian), Mark (and Hilary). And for those three little great-grandaughters, Aspen, Ashley and Maria. They’ve brought so much joy to our lives! Let there be peace”.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Roy Jorgensen, two sisters: Bernice Newell and Beulah (Glen) Collinge, and by her three brothers: Gerald (Elma, Nell), Ray (Elsie), and Ken (Rose) Newell.

And finally, “Write this down.” Mom said “Thank you to everybody. I’ll miss you all!”

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion, with burial of ashes at a later date. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at the church.


Arlan Jerke, 1954-2009

The funeral service for Arlan Glen Jerke, 54, of Aberdeen, will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Deb Grismer officiating. A funeral service will then be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 28 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wagner, SD, with Pastor Gene Haug officiating. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of services in Wagner. Burial will be at ZCBJ Cemetery in Wagner, SD. Arlan died Friday, January 23, at Aberdeen Health and Rehab after a valiant fight against cancer. Visitation is 1-7 p.m. Monday with family present from 5-7 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen.

Arlan Glen Jerke was born March 12, 1954 in Tyndall, SD to Glen and Verna (Gibson) Jerke. He attended country school South of Avon, SD. Arlan graduated from Avon High School in 1972. After graduation he joined the Army National Guard and served for 15 years.

Arlan married Carol Petrik on September 27, 1980 at Dante, SD. Arlan worked for the US Department of Agriculture in the Natural Resources Conservation Service for 34 years in Tyndall, Phillip, Parker and Aberdeen.

Arlan was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. He was very active in the church. Arlan loved being outside working with nature. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his family and friends.

Grateful for having shared Arlan’s life are his wife of 28 years, Carol (Petrik) Jerke, and children Sarah (Terry) Brockel, Aberdeen, Nick Jerke, and Rachel Jerke; his parents, Glen and Verna Jerke, Avon; brothers, Doug (Theresa) Jerke, Watertown; Dan (Lisa) Jerke, Dante, SD, Michael (Patrice) Jerke, Brandon, SD and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Arlan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Otto and Pearl Jerke and Ernst and Jannatta Gibson, and Carol’s parents, Robert and Anna Petrik of Wagner, and her grandparents, Jim and Pauline Petrik, of Wagner.


Tracy Jonas, 1967-2013

Funeral services for Tracy Ann Jonas, 46, of Avon, will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the family present from 6 to 7. A Scripture Service will begin at 7 p.m.

Tracy Ann Jonas (Talsma) was born December 8, 1967 in Yankton, SD at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was born to Jack and Annetta (Orr) Talsma, the eldest of 3 children. Tracy died unexpectedly Sunday, December 22, 2013 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall.

Tracy attended Kindergarten thru 2nd grade at Dahlenburg country school, 3rd grade thru 12th grade in Avon. She attended college courses at SDSU, Mount Marty, and Northeast Technical in Norfolk. She enjoyed her time spent in New York City being a nanny. Tracy loved her adventure to Alberta working as a ranch hand.

On May 27, 1995, Tracy married Jon Jonas at Trails End Ranch. She automatically became a Mom to 2 wonderful girls, Cassandra and Kimberly. Soon after another bundle of joy named Ryan joined the family. In 2000, Tracy's last bundle of joy, Josephine was born.

Tracy was active with her horses in 4-H and loved working with the cattle on the ranch. She developed a passion for coffee early on in life which continued throughout the years. She had a love for all animals, which could range from her pet box elder bugs, her pet mouse Jimmie to her newest love, yorkie poo Molly. She could be caught crocheting and cross stiching in her idle time. Most recently she enjoyed attending her children's school activities and sporting events. One of Tracy's greatest joys was spending time with her 4 grand babies.

Tracy enjoyed helping people which showed through her employment choices. She loved to work with the residents at Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall and the Assisted Living Center in Springfield. She was currently employed with CBM food service at the Mike Durfee State Prison where she met her dear friend, Tiffany (Tif) Kyte.

Tracy is survived by her husband Jon of Avon; 4 children: daughter Cassandra Medricky (Jonas) and husband Roger with 3 children, Peytn, Bradyn and Preslyn of Dante , SD; daughter Kimberly Jonas and Travis Balvin, with one child, Kason of Tyndall, SD; son Ryan Jonas and daughter Josephine Jonas both of Avon; mother Annetta (Orr) Talsma of Springfield, SD; sister Corrie (Talsma) and husband Rich Trujillo with 2 boys, Nathan and Jacob of Sioux Falls; brother Jerry Talsma and wife Tina with 2 children, Hayden and Hensley of Avon.

Tracy was preceded in death her father Jack Talsma; grandparents Clifford and Elizabeth Talsma, Burdette and Marion Orr; and great uncle Bud and many other aunts and uncles.


Helena Jessen, 1908-1996

Helena (Hieb) Jessen was born January 18, 1908 in Bon Homme County, Tripp, SD to parents Adolph and Eva (Kaul) Hieb. Helena was baptized into the Church of God on September 18, 1966.

Helena married Henry Martin Jessen on December 24, 1929. They spent their entire life farming.

Helena moved to the Hilltop Apartments in Madison, MN on October 15, 1990. Her health began to fail in September of 1996 and she entered the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital. She passed away peacefully at the hospital on Tuesday evening, October 22, 1996 at the age of 88 years, 9 months, and 5 days.

Helena is survived by five children: Irvin (and Marlys) Jessen, Veryl, Alfred (and Deanna) Jessen, Eleanor (and Kenneth) Block, and Herb (and Cynthia) Jessen. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Inez Jessen, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and seven brothers and sisters: Ida Erp, Emma Behrman, Leo Hieb, Herman Hieb, Alma Mascher, Ruth Winter and Herbert Hieb.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry, daughter-in-law, Bernetta Jessen, granddaughter Kay Jessen, grandson Jerrold Jessen, an infant grandson, and five brothers and sisters: Pauline Jessen, Bertha Schmitgen, Samuel Hieb, Alvin Hieb. and Rueben Hieb.

Helena was a caring, loving wife, mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, sister and friend She enjoyed homemaking, gardening, and especially her family. She will be greatly missed.


Duane Jurczewsky, 1937-2014

Memorial Service for Duane Jurczewsky will be 11:00a.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Jared Tucher officiating. American Legion Post 42 Honor Guard to provide military honors.

Duane Roy Jurczewsky, age 77, passed away at his home on January 30, 2014.

Duane Roy Jurczewsky, son of Leopold and Alice (Gramkow) Jurczewsky was born January 17, 1937 in Avon, South Dakota. Duane attended grade school in Avon, SD and Junior and Senior High School in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated in 1955. Duane then joined the United States Army in 1955 and served until 1957, after he went on to serve in the National Honor Guard until 1962.

Duane was united in marriage with Phyllis Jean Larsen on March 24, 1960 at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. They made their home in Sioux Falls until moving to the Gillette, WY in 1976. Duane worked in the Auto Part Industry and retired from Wolff Auto Parts in 1992. After retiring Duane held numerous part time jobs, with the last one being Walmart, where he worked for five years.

Duane was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Duane loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling.

He touched so many lives, he was a caring, gracious, warmhearted, easy going, friendly, sociable, and always had a smile on his face. Duane had a great way of making other smile as they passed his way.

Duane is survived by his wife Phyllis Jurczewsky; son Todd A. Jurczewsky of Gillette, Wy, daughters Beth (Timothy) L. Green –Svalina of Topeka, KS; Sonia (Gary) Goehmann of Gillette, WY; eight grandchildren Brandon A. Jurczewsky of Gillette, Wy; Dustin G. Green of Gillette, WY, Zachary T. Green of Phoenix, AZ, Alex J. Green of Twenty nine Palms, CA, Timothy Svalina Jr of Gillette, WY, Joshua A. Goehmann of Gillette, WY, Tracy Svalina of Gillette, WY , Breanna M. Goehmann of Gillette, WY, sisters Bernice Yeazell, Mildred (William) Garner both of Sioux Falls, SD; brother Eugene Jurczewsky of Sioux Falls, SD and a host of other relatives and friends.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Elmer Jurczewsky, Rueben Jurczewsky, LeRoy Jurczewksy; sisters Leona Ensenbach, Lavanda Hanson.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Duane's name to benefit his grandchildren's college fund. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716.


Shirley Jelsma, 1930-2014

Funeral services for Shirley Jelsma are 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2014 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial is in the church cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. Prayer Service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Lucile Jelsma, the third child of Jess and Johanna (Odens) Tjeerdsma, was born October 18, 1930, on a farm northwest of Springfield. She died Monday, February 3, 2014 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Shirley attended Kingsburg, Hitt and Drake Country schools. She also attended Springfield High and graduated from Avon High School in 1948. She attended the summer session at Southern State Teacher’s College and earned a two year teaching certificate. Shirley taught at the Rouse South Country School in southern Charles Mix County for one year.

Shirley married Donald Jelsma on June 8, 1949 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church parsonage, rural Springfield, by the Rev. John W. Hoksbergen. Together they farmed for 47.5 years on a farm west of Springfield. 12 children were born to their union.

Shirley made confession of faith in the Lord as her Savior on April 10, 1949 at Emmanuel Reformed Church. She was an active member there all of her life, having taught Catechism and being a member of Willing Workers and Guild.

Shirley will be remembered for many things, some of which are her love of baking, gardening, canning and embroidery work. Shirley especially loved spending time with her family and was a faithful listener of Twins baseball.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: JoAnn (Steve) Rohrs of Summerfield, KS; Erma (Conrad) Meyer of Avon; Barbara (Ronald) Fuoss of Armour; Verlyn (Royleen) Jelsma, Sheryl (Leon) Vanderlei and Ivan (Deborah) Jelsma, all of Springfield; Douglas (Melissa) Jelsma of Tyndall; Ronald (Carla) Jelsma of Armour; Diane (Douglas) Bochman and Carol (Edward) Radack of Tyndall; and Vicki (David) Hovorka of Tabor; 37 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; one great grandchild; a brother, Calvin (Vicki) Tjeerdsma of Brandon; two sisters: Phyllis Romkema of Springfield Joyce (Larry) Svanda of Tyndall; sisters-in-law: Cornelia Tjeerdsma of Avon; Jerralynne Tjeerdsma of Sioux Falls; Beverly Jelsma of Springfield; Betty Herrick of Grand Rapids, MI; and brother-in-law, Roy (Jana) Jelsma of Springfield.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald on Nov. 22, 1996; infant son Norman Lee on Oct. 18, 1951; grandson Dustin Jelsma on Jan. 2, 2005; great grandson Kobe Jelsma on June 26, 2004; 3 brothers: Orvan, James and Leslie Tjeerdsma; parents-in-law, Nick (Agnes) Jelsma; step mother-in-law, Nell Jelsma; sisters-in-law: Gertrude Tjeerdsma, Gertrude Palsma; brothers-in-law: Raymond Romkema; Andrew and Robert Jelsma; Bert Palsma and George Herrick.


George Johnson, 1921-2007

George C. Johnson, age 86, of Yankton SD died Friday November 2, 2007 at the Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton, SD.

A Funeral Service will be at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at Christ Church Episcopal in Yankton, SD with Rev. Jim Pearson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial of the cremated remains will take place at a later date in Westminister, CA. Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, is in charge of the arrangements.

George Calder Johnson was born January 28, 1921 in Avon, South Dakota. The second in a family of six children, he was the son of Dr. George E. and Eleanor (Elliot) Johnson. The family lived in Avon and then Yankton while the kids grew up. George graduated from Yankton High School and went on to Yankton College. He then moved to Los Angeles and attended Aeroindustries Tech, but quit to enlist in the Navy in August of 1942.

He served in the Pacific on the USS Casablanca. People still remember him fondly as the skinny blond sailor known as "Bud." He was an aircraft mechanic and operated the catapult off of the aircraft carrier. He also taught other sailors. Thus, began his life-long love of teaching. One of his favorite memories was at the end of the war, when the ship transported thousands of servicemen from Hawaii back to U.S. soil and home.

After the war, George returned to Yankton and worked in a powdered egg factory for 55 cents an hour before venturing out into the world, becoming an instructor at Spartan Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK. In 1948, he married Margaret "Molly" Hicks, of Kansas City and they settled in Lubbock, Texas, where he worked for General Motors. Here began his lifelong love affair with everything automotive.

George and Molly were married 34 years, and gave birth to Terry a daughter and Dan a son. Living first in Los Angeles, then Long Beach California, he went to work for the Automobile Club of Southern California, where he was a claims adjuster. For over 30 years, he pursued his career doing what he loved. He became a teacher and taught new claims adjusters their trade. He taught Car Care Clinics all over California, teaching the general public. He never missed an opportunity to check your oil or tire pressure when you came to visit his home, lecturing you on how you're going to burn up that engine or blow out those tires, or that so many keys on your key chain will break the ignition switch.

George was a loyal dad, attending every piano recital, Girl Scout camp, baseball game and gymnastics meet. He also supported Molly's art career, helping her set up and work at many art shows around Southern California. In later years, he was a dedicated caregiver for his parents. He never met a stranger. George could walk into a restaurant, and by the time he left, he knew the waitress's name, hometown, and what her husband did for a living, and usually even how much money he made. George often stopped and helped stranded motorists on the freeway, and received several commendations from the California Highway Patrol for his generosity.

He gave generously to his friends and many charitable causes throughout his life. For over 20 years, he and his Auto Club friends made an annual pilgrimage to an orphanage in Mexico, taking medical supplies, clothing and toys. They often stopped along the road and outfitted an entire family before heading down to Ensenada.

In 1982, Molly passed away, and George returned to Yankton for a college reunion. He met up with a childhood friend, Irene Cihak, who had been widowed for several years. Love bloomed, and in 1983 they were married and settled permanently in Yankton shortly after. They were married for 22 years until Irene's death.

George is survived by his children, daughter, Terry Albert of Poway, CA and son Dan, his wife, Robin and two grandchildren, Kirra and Ember Johnson, of Huntington Beach, CA. He is also survived by his brothers Gordon Johnson of Spring, TX, Elliot Johnson of Chico, CA, and sisters Charlotte Hagen of Oceanside, CA. Virginia Dolman of Portland, OR and Muriel Roget of Lodi, CA and 36 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Tom Cihak of Yankton, Richard Cihak of Chaska, MN, Cathy Cihak of Lake Geneva, WI, and Robert Cihak of Brier, WA and their families.


Elda "Stosh" Jorgensen, 1917-2011

Elda Elizabeth Stoller Jorgensen passed away in Logan Utah, on April 10, 2011, at the age of 93, from TMB (too many birthdays). She was born on Aug. 3, 1917 in Scotland, So. Dakota. She was the first of four daughters born to John F. W. and Madge Lane Stoller. She spent her youth in Leola, So. Dakota, and graduated from Leola High School. She also got a three year college degree there and completed her Bachelor's degree at USU. In 1943 the family moved to Brigham City, Utah. She met Max Jorgensen in 1945, from the time they met he called her Stosh, and she was called Stosh by all her friends from then on. They were married on May 11, 1946, their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple on June 28, 1997.

Max had been in the Air Force and was called back during the Korean War. They lived in Spokane, Washington; Fairbanks, Alaska; and Roswell, New Mexico, after which he retired from the service and they moved to Logan, Utah where they lived the remainder of their lives.

They had four children. Judy, Mike, Jeff, and David. Mom loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything.

Music was a very important part of her life. She taught music as well as elementary school for many years. She also saw to it that all her children had piano lessons. She played the piano by ear and was amazing. People loved to sing along as she played.

Elda was a very optimistic person. She always saw the good in people and all situations. Even in the last years of her life, though she struggled with health problems, she was always kind and pleasant. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to have fun. She had many good friends because of it.

She was an excellent cook and homemaker, she loved to do needlepoint and crocheting. She made all of her children afghans and all the grandchildren got afghans when they got married.

She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving as chorister, organist, and pianist, also visiting teacher.

She is survived by her children, Judy Lane Jorgensen Hansen (Marvin), Michael John Jorgensen, (Elaine), Jeffrey Max Jorgensen (Bonnie) and David Andrew Jorgensen (Kristine); nineteen grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and two sisters, Nancy Jane Bales and Ruth Elmer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Max, and sister Doris Jean Hess.

The family wants to give a special thanks to the staff of Terrace Grove Assisted Living for their loving care and friendship. Also thanks to Access Hospice, Diane Crockett, for her knowledge and compassion.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 15, 2011, at noon, at the Nelson Funeral Home at 162 East 400 North, Logan. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Hyrum Cemetery.


Gordon Johnson, 1926-2009

GORDON GRANT JOHNSON (25 FEB 1926 - 13 JUN 2009) of Spring, Texas, beloved husband, father, patriarch, age 83, passed away Saturday, 13 June at Tomball Regional Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; sons, Gordon, Scott and Steven; daughters, Debra Schaub and Andrea Cook; 24 grand-children and 28 great-grandchildren; and brother, Elliott; and sisters, Charlotte and Virginia.

Gordon was born in Avon, South Dakota to George & Eleanor Johnson, the youngest of six children. His family moved to Yankton, where his father was the town doctor. After graduating from high school in Yankton, he entered the Navy and served in WW II. After the war, he graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings with a degree in Engineering Physics. He enjoyed a distinguished career as an engineer for the US Navy, Boeing and Westinghouse Electric. Gordon was a high school track star, and an accomplished violinist and loved playing the harmonica. He enjoyed the outdoors, including hiking and camping. He was a devoted husband and father, and his greatest joy was spending time with his family, and especially family reunions. He gave lifelong service to his church, including a full-time Family History mission, and was an avid scouter, serving as scoutmaster and explorer leader. Author of Lakeview Legends and co-creator of a popular board game.

Funeral services will be held Friday, 19 June at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 16535 Kleinwood Dr, Spring, 77379. Services will be preceded by a viewing from 09:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church missionary fund: checks can be made out to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and sent to Bishop Chris Merrell, 9611 Oxted Lane, Spring, 77379.


Gertrude Johnston, 1915-2009

Gertrude E. Johnston, 94, of Bloomfield, Iowa died December 10, 2009 at the Bloomfield Care Center.

She was born August 6, 1915 in Scotland, South Dakota to Emil and Emma Gall Wiedenbach. She married Verle E. Johnston January 25, 1941 in Bloomfield, Iowa. He preceded her in death March 12, 1985. She worked in the dietary department at the Davis County Hospital. She was a member of the Bloomfield United Methodist Church and the Tuesday Club.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Barbara Cole and Judy Howk both of Bloomfield, Iowa; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Henry Wiedenbach of Scotland, South Dakota; and 2 half-sisters, Johanna Peterson of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Charlotte Beuchler of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Barbara Wiedenbach; husband; and 6 sisters, Olive, Ella, Frances, Lorraine, Esther, and Violet.

Graveside services will be at 1pm on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield, Iowa with Pastor Kevin Gingerich officiating. Open visitation will be from 9am until 12pm on Sunday at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. A memorial has been established to the Bloomfield United Methodist Church.


Ina Johnston, 1915-2006

Ina Behl Johnston, 91, of Scotland died Saturday, September 16, 2006, at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Scotland.

Funeral service is 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2006, at United Presbyterian Church, Scotland, South Dakota with Rev. Mark Werner officiating. Music is by organist Emily Deutscher. Casketbearers are Dick Behl, Mike Behl, Victor Busch, Larry Auch, Marvin Baltzer and Kent Johnston. Interment is in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota.

Ina Behl Johnston was born July 13, 1915, at Scotland, South Dakota to Meredith Carey Behl and George D. Behl. She married Loren Johnston on June 18, 1937, at Scotland. They raised two children: Gordon and Bonitta. Ina was a loving mother and grandmother and an active member of the Scotland community. She belonged to the Scotland Civic Club, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women's Group. Ina was interested in many types of craft and art work. She painted in oil and on china, quilted and did embroidery work. She was a member of the South Dakota World Organization of China Painters, and a member of the Highland Stitchers Quilt Club of Scotland.

Ina is survived by her daughter, Bonitta Johnston of Scotland; her son, Gordon Johnston and wife, Jean of Carson City, Nevada; two grandchildren: Kent and Kendra Johnston of Carson City, Nevada; and a brother, D.D. "Bud" Behl of Scotland.

Ina was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Johnston; her mother, Meredith Behl and her father, George Behl.


Emma Jones, 1931-2013

Emma C. Jones, age 81, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Jenkins Living Center in Watertown. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Watertown with the Reverends Sara Nelson and Don Reynen officiating. Music will be furnished by Dale McElhany as soloist and Blair Titze as organist. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Wight, Comes & Sogn Funeral Chapel in Watertown and on Friday prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. on Friday in the Czech National Cemetery, rural Tyndall, SD. Pallbearers will be Troy LaFramboise, Tom Linngren, Mike Madsen, Doug Wishard, Don Fox and Adam Fox.

Emma Christine Sejnoha Jones was born on December 10, 1931 to Rudolph and Emma (Pavlish) Sejnoha in Tyndall, SD. She grew up on a farm in rural Tyndall, SD and attended school at Buechler Dist. 83. While in high school, Emma played the trombone, and was encouraged by her music instructor to perform a trombone solo at the regional music concert in Yankton. It was there that she had won a superior rating and was invited to participate in the All State Band at Brookings, SD.

Prior to and following her graduation from Tyndall High School in 1949, Emma worked at Rivens Grocery Store in Tyndall. She also worked as her father's hired hand and was capable of doing most if not all farm work.

While Emma and her sister were working in Tyndall and living at a boarding house, she met and fell in love with Roger M. Jones. They were married on June 9, 1953 in Tyndall and then moved to Britton, SD. Emma worked as a secretary/bookkeeper in various communities, but she felt her most important job was to take care of her family and being a homemaker. Her love for her husband and children were overflowing. After her husband was transferred to Mitchell, SD, Emma worked as a bookkeeper for Miller I-90 trucking and Maybee Eye Clinic in Mitchell.

In October of 1978, Emma and Roger moved to Watertown where Emma was employed at Loken Tax Service and then at Wight & Fox Funeral Chapel for seven years. She had been a resident at Jenkins Living Center since April of 2008.

Emma is survived by her husband, Roger; her sons, Marvin R. (Karen) Jones of Salt Lake City, UT, Wayne A. (Marcy) Jones of Mitchell, SD, and Randy L. Jones of Sioux Falls, SD; her daughter, Kristine (Mark) Hall of Dakota Dunes, SD; her siblings, Adolph (Enid) Sejnoha of Yankton, SD, Helen Hovorka and Rose Novak of Tyndall, SD and Evelyn (Joe) Schuch of Sisseton; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Libby Hamberger.


Robert Jelsma, 1929-2013

The funeral service for Robert M. Jelsma, 84, of Springfield will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be at the church Monday from 4 to 7, followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Springfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Maynard Jelsma, son of Nick and Agnes (Shaver) Jelsma, was born July 9, 1929 on the family farm near Springfield, SD. He died Friday, September 6, 2013 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall. Robert attained the age of 84 years, one month and 29 days.

Robert attended Equal Rights Country School and graduated from Springfield High School in 1947. He joined the U.S. Marines in 1951 and served until 1953.

Robert married Beverly Odens on June 12, 1953 at Oceanside, CA. After his discharge, they returned to South Dakota where he farmed, sold feed and owned a gravel pit. Eight children were blessed to their union.

Robert joined the Emmanuel Reformed Church on March 13, 1950 and remained a member all of his life. He also was a member of Farmers’ Union and the Farm Bureau.

Robert worked hard all of his life without complaint. His children and grandchildren will remember his unique laugh and genuine smile. He found great enjoyment in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He looked forward to coffee time with his many friends in his later years and tried to be first one there.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of 60 years, Beverly of Springfield; his children: Norman and wife Mel, Angie and husband Jim Martin, Donna and husband Tony Tennant, Russell and wife Beth, Darrell, Cal and wife Sherry, all of Springfield; Mary and husband Nick Vlasman of Vermillion; and NIna and husband Richard Reiff of Avon; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one brother Roy and wife Jana of Springfield; one sister Betty Herrick of Grand Rapids, MI; sister-in-law Shirley Jelsma of Springfield; in laws; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his step mother Auntie Nell, two brothers: Andy and Don, one sister Gert Palsma and her husband Bert; and one niece.


Beatrice Johnson, 1923-2012

Beatrice T. “Bea” Johnson, age 89 of Yankton passed away Monday, May 28, 2012 at the Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, SD.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Rev. Ken Lulf officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the chapel. The burial of her cremated remains to take place in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Tabor, SD. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton is in charge of the arrangements.

Bea grew up in Tabor and attended country school. On June 19, 1940, she married Charles Lane and together they had a trucking business. Charles passed away on December 1, 1963. On February 17, 1967, she married Roger Johnson and together they farmed rural Volin until Roger passed away on October 13, 1989. She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton.

Those who will cherish her memory are her daughter, LaLonnie (Dwain) Kline of Hancock, WI; five grandchildren: Dean (Jeri) Kline, Tod Kline, Sue Martin, Julie (Mike) Dinger and JoAnne (Dale) McPherson; nine great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; four sisters; a brother and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, her parents, one son, Chuck who was MIA in Vietnam, two sisters, and a brother.


Joan Johnson, 1929-2006

Funeral services for Joan Johnson, 77 of Avon will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon, followed by a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Joan Joyce Johnson, daughter of David and Lena (Giedd) Radack, was born January 31, 1929 at Avon, SD. She died Friday, December 15, 2006 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Joan attained the age of 77 years, ten months and 15 days.

Joan received her education at Avon Schools and Yankton College. She taught school at Sioux City, IA for three years, a rural school in Charles Mix County, SD for eight years and 19 years at Yankton Public Schools. During her years of teaching, Joan obtained her Bachelor degree at USD/Springfield and later earned her Masters degree at USD. She retired in 1984, after 30 years of teaching.

Joan married Roy Johnson in 1951 at Avon. They enjoyed each other's company, eating out, going for rides, listening to Guy Lombardo's music, decorating for Christmas and entertaining when their health was good. Roy died November 27, 1998.

In 1988, as Alpha Pi State Expansion Chairman, Joan organized Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. This is an international organization for Outstanding Women Educators. She served as President of Tau Chapter for four years and also in many other capacities. In 2004, Joan received the State Order of the Rose Award for all her work.

Joan was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Avon, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, superintendent of the primary department, choir director, served on the church music committee and a member of the Maranatha Women's Group. As co-chairman of the the Church Centennial Committee, she spent many hours preparing history of the church for publication. Joan also was a member of the Avon Flower Club, Monday Reading Club and the Yankton Area Retired Teachers. Joan served as a parole officer in Yankton, where she supervised troubled children for the courts. She was very generous in helping youth, donating her time, finances and advice.

Joan will be remembered for her devotion to her Mother and maintaining many things which were dear to her Mother's heart. She loved her nieces and nephews dearly and prayed for them daily. Joan was a life long learner and her favorite pastimes were reading her Bible and magazines and listening to the History Channel. She loved shopping, pretty things and new clothes. Joan enjoyed being with people, but also treasured her time alone.

Thankful for having shared her life are her brother, Dr. Morris Radack and wife, Marcene of Yankton; brother-in-law, Jim Johnson and wife, Jean of Avon; one nephew, David Radack of Cedar Rapids, IA; five nieces: Kirn Johnson of Avon; Deborah Sage of Yankton; Dr. Karen Harmon of Cedar Rapids, IA; Diane Johnson of Yankton; and Jill Todd of Culver City, CA; and many friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Roy and parents.


Betty Jespersen, 1968-2007

Betty Jo Jespersen, 38, of Sioux Falls died Thursday, July 5, 2007, at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date at Friedensberg Bible Church, rural Avon. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jo Jespersen was born September 12, 1968, at Armour, SD, the daughter of Elmer and Sharon (Ratzlaff) Jespersen. She died Thursday, July 5, 2007 at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo, ND. Betty attained the age of 38 years, nine months and 23 days.

Betty graduated from Armour High School. She took care of various elderly people in their homes but because of ill health the past 12 years was mainly confined to home with her significant other, Ward Ross, who lovingly took care of her.

Betty will be remembered for her enjoyment of Nascar, reading, watching movies and working on the computer.

Thankful for having shared her life are her parents, Elmer and Sharon Jespersen of Marion, SD; significant other, Ward Ross of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters: Mary Brattmiller of Yankton, SD and her children, Andrea and Ryland; and Cheryl (Shawn) Lindemann of Columbus, OH and their children, Brady, Alex, Logan and Joey; grandmother, Opal Ratzlaff of Tyndall Good Samaritan Center; three uncles: Roland (Norma) Jespersen of Pickstown, SD; Ron (Judy) Ratzlaff and Cal (Donna) Ratzlaff, all of Avon, SD; and several cousins.

Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Eric Jespersen; grandparents, Albert and Bernice Ratzlaff and Elmer and Helen Jespersen; and nephew, Ryan Brattmiller.


Iola Jonkers, 1916-2003

Iola Jonkers, 86, Avon, died Wednesday (March 12, 2003) at the Good Samaritan Center, Scotland.

Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, Avon. Burial is in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is from noon-7 p.m. today (Friday) followed by a prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Avon. Visitation continues from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the funeral home.

She was born April 25, 1916, on a farm southwest of Avon, to Fred and Jennie (Dykstra) Koehn. She attended Trumbo Country School. She married William "Bill" Jonkers March 28, 1936, at the Bon Homme County Courthouse in Tyndall. They lived on a farm south of Avon for four years and then lived in Avon in 1940 and 1941. They then bought and moved to the Getting farm southeast of Avon, and in 1947, they bought and moved to the Vesper farm southwest of Avon. They lived there until retiring and moving into Avon in 1971. She worked for the hot lunch program at the Avon Public School for 21 years. They entered the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland in October 1999. Her husband died Nov. 4, 2000.

She was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church on Dec. 6, 1959, and remained a faithful member all of her life. She was also a member of Senior Citizens of Avon. She enjoyed going out to the farm to visit and be with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her home-canned dill pickles and home-baked goodies and she enjoyed playing cards.

She is survived by her children: Joan (Jake) Hento, Hot Springs, and Alvin (Linda), Avon; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

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


Irene Johnson, 1913-2005

Irene Cihak-Johnson, age 91, of Yankton passed away Monday, May 30, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. John Fischer officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitations will be from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory with the family present from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and a 7:30 rosary followed by a 8:00 Scripture service. Pallbearers will be Michael Cihak, Erin Cihak, Carrie Cihak, Stephen Cihak, Peter Cihak, Kaleb Fisher and Ruth Cihak.

Irene was born August 4, 1913, on the family farm near Tabor, South Dakota to Thomas J. and Sylvia T. (Hamberger) Binder. She graduated from Tabor High School. In her youth, she was active in the Sokol Club and received awards in gymnastics.

She married Robert Cihak on November 8, 1937, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, South Dakota. They made their home in Yankton, South Dakota. She was a member of the Czech Heritage Preservation Society of Tabor, Catholic Daughters of America, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Altar Society and Ladies Choir. For two years she served as chairman for the Hillcrest Golf and Country Club, Ladies Auxiliary and was an avid bridge player. She served on the Yankton Library Board. She also was a member of the St. Maria Goretti Ladies Choir in Long Beach, California.

Her husband, Robert Cihak, died April 16, 1978. She married George Johnson November 25, 1983, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, SD.

She is survived by her husband, George Johnson of Yankton, SD; her four sons: Dr. Robert (Mary Lynn) Cihak of Kirkland, WA, James L. Cihak and Thomas J. Cihak both of Yankton, SD, and Richard A. (Ann) Cihak of Chaska, MN; one daughter, Kathy Cihak of Lake Geneva, WI; her sister, Edith Trantina of Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert; and her brother, Tom Binder.


Jimmy Jibben, 1938-2010

Jim passed away at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, South Dakota on March 7th, 2010 of natural causes at the age of 72. He was born on January 25th, 1938 to Emery and Matilda Jibben, in Estelline, South Dakota.

Jim grew up near Nemo, South Dakota and graduated from Rapid City Central High School. Jim also served in the Army. He enjoyed working as an outside salesman.

Jim was united in marriage to Nancy Plucker on September 3, 1986. They lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and later resided on a small farm near Dolton, South Dakota. Jim and Nancy recently resided in Tyndall, South Dakota.

Jim had nine children: sons Jimmy (Patti) Jibben, John Jibben, Joseph (Autum) Jibben and Jay (Mitch) Jibben, and daughters Judy (Barry) Beringer, Cheryl Jibben, Janelle Torres and Jennifer Jibben. Upon marriage to Nancy, he adopted Shara (Mike) Johnson and Dusti (Kelvin) Egan. Jim had 36 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Siblings of Jim are Emery "Butch" (Inez) Jibben, Jennell Wilson, Joann (Mike) Copas and Butch Loger.

He was proceeded in death by a daughter Jennette Jibben, and also a half sister.

Dad's loving pet, Shekela, was a great part of dad's every day life. She would make him laugh until he cried.

Dad was nothing but a barrel of fun with so much laughter and a great sense of humor. Stubborness often kicked in, with no other intention than to "drive us nuts." Dad had charm and charisma to go along with his handsome good looks. Dad will be missed by all the friends and family who were blessed to know him.


Elmer Johnson, 1930-2013

Elmer H. Johnson, age 83, of Yankton, passed away Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2012 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton. Burial of the cremated remains will be approximately 1:15 PM in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, SD. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Elmer Humphrey Johnson was born January 24, 1930 in Freeman, South Dakota to Hans and Emma (Eimerson) Johnson. Elmer went to grade school until the eighth grade where he went to Pleasant Hill School. He left school to help on the farm until his being drafted into the Army in 1952. Elmer started his training at Fort Knox where he also served guard duty at night. Elmer, along with hundreds of others, were shipped to South Korea as an Intelligence Specialist, Jeep Driver and Armed Recon Crewman with the rank of Corporal in the 2nd Recon Company APO 248. He returned to the States with an honorable discharge in 1953. Over the years, after his discharge, Elmer continued farming until he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where he was an auto mechanic for 11 years. Elmer moved back to South Dakota to help others farm until his marriage to Janis (Kolp) Johnson on December 7th, 1979. Elmer worked at Kolbergs for a couple years as a custodian until his being laid off. Elmer became a father for the first time on November 14th, 1983 when his first son Carl was born. He became father again on June 16th, 1985 when his second son Samuel was born to him. Elmer worked for Ray Hackett cleaning the bar Ray owned and landscaping the Hacketts home on Pearl Street in Yankton. Elmer and his wife Janis lived with their sons in Black Burn Apartments on Douglas until 1988 when they moved to 317 Pearl Street where they lived until he was put in the Menno-Olivet Care Center until his death on March 1 2013. He enjoyed helping others which was apparent when he befriended Albert Brue. They worked together for at least two decades tearing apart machines, appliances, and cars for scrap until Al’s Death on December 6th, 2012. He loved listening and watching westerns. Elmer’s favorite movie was Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. His favorite singer was Hank Williams. He loved the Songs “Waltz Across Texas” by Ernest Tubb, “There’s A Tear In My Beer” by Hank Williams, and “Day-O” By Harry Belafonte. His favorite sayings were “That Was A Goat Snort” or “Ufta-naa.” when he heard a fart, “Cheese And Crackers” when he swore politely, and he loved building things from wood, metal, especially scrap in which he made toys, and hand built a very fast go-kart, a whirly gig, and foot stool along with other items over the years. Elmer loved animals and hated it when they were mistreated.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Janis Johnson; his sons, Carl Johnson and Samuel Johnson; his sisters: Lou, Alice (LaVern), Mavis (Orv), and Faye and numbers of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Emma Johnson, his sisters, Elsie and Alida, and older brother, George.

He will be remembered and missed dearly by friends and family.


James Johnson, 1928-2007

Funeral services for Jim D. Johnson, 79 of Avon will be 1:30 pm Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon Tuesday from 2 pm to 7 pm. Memorials will be directed to the Yankton Avera Hospice Program.

James Delaine Johnson, son of Jim and Rosa (Burma) Johnson, was born October 1, 1928 at the Hollingsworth Hospital in Avon, SD. He died at his home in rural Avon on Saturday, October 13, 2007. Jim attained the age of 79 years and 13 days.

Jim attended the Avon School all 12 years, then Yankton College and Southern State Teachers College at Springfield, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education.

Jim married Jean Listen at the Methodist Church in Plankinton, SD on June 26, 1955. Two daughters, Diane and Jill, were born to this union. They were the light of his life.

Jim was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Avon, where in his youth he directed the men's chorus. He also directed the men's chorus at Turkey Valley Baptist while teaching at Irene.

Jim was in the SD National Guard, 147th Army Band of Mitchell from 1950 to 1962.

As a music educator in SD public schools for over 30 years, his whole life was dedicated to making music and teaching young people to enjoy and create music.

Jim played with numerous dance bands in the area, with a special highlight being a tour with the Jan Garber Band the winter of 1982. He contributed to Tabor's Czech Days for 52 years with the "1890 Band" and-St. Wenceslaus Polka Mass. Jim was a dedicated member of the Yankton Area Summer Band and guest conducted in 1998. He was a member of the Yankton Union Band while it existed. Jim's most recent and very satisfying work was his weekly lessons taught to trumpet student and young friend, Sean Bauder. Jim worked with him from the time Sean was five years old until his graduation in 2007, achieving many honors.

In 1977, Jim and Jean moved to the "home place," a farm north of Avon, where they cherished its' solitude. Jim loved his John Deere tractor and Ford pickup, the Vikings and Twins, bull-head fishing, pheasant hunting, listening to and playing "Old Time" polkas, waltzes and a good military march, flannel sheets in winter and the SD Black Hills.

So very proud of sharing his life are his wife, Jean and daughters: Diane Johnson of Yankton, and Jill Todd and husband, Daris of Pomona, CA. Survivors also include sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Jim Slade of Yankton and their family; two cousins: Shirley Armagost of Whitewood and Burnes Masden of Sturgis.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother and wife, Roy and Joan Johnson; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and parents-in-law, Wilbur and Winifred Listen of Plankinton.


Violet Jenkinson, 1904-2001

Violet E. Jenkinson, 96, Tyndall, died Thursday (Feb. 22, 2001) at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.

Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Joseph Howlett officiating. Interment is at noon Monday in the Green Wood Cemetery, Creighton, Neb. Visitation is from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday with the family present from 7-9 p.m. at the Petrik-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall.

She was born Dec. 21, 1904, at Walnut, Neb., to Earl and Anna (Bolter) Mc Elhose. She attended Orchard High School and then two years at Wayne (Neb.) State Teachers College. She taught country school for three years. She married William J. Jenkinson Aug. 25, 1925, at O'Neill, Neb. They farmed northeast of Creighton, Neb., for 14 years, then southeast of town for another 14 years before retiring and moving to Norfolk, Neb., in 1969. Her husband died in 1977. She moved to the North Point Apartments in Tyndall in October 2000.

She is survived by her two sons: Dale (Doris) Jenkinson, Bella Vista, Ark., and Robert (Ellen) Jenkinson, Tyndall; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren; one brother: Gordon Mc Elhose, Verdigre, Neb.; and one sister, Martha Simons, Sioux City, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, her parents, two infant sisters and two brothers.


Bernice Janssen, 1928-2005

Bernice Janssen, 76, of Avon, died Sunday, March 20, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Tripp, SD after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2005, at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Bernice was born August 6, 1928, to Robert and Minnie (Triebwasser) Berndt in Avon, SD. She attended rural school and after graduating from Avon High School, she went to work at the hospital in Mitchell.

Bernice was united in marriage on September 13, 1950, at Tyndall, to Glen Janssen. They made their home north of Avon until 1965, when they moved to Sioux Falls. After moving to Sioux Falls, Bernice was an active member of Hillcrest (Northside) Baptist Church. She worked at Kerslaks for a short time. On December 5, 1966, she went to work for Raven Industries as a sewer of snowmobile suits. In 1970, she transferred to Raven's Applied Technology Division (ATD). In 1975, she became a balloon assembler in ATD. In 1982, Bernice was part of the start-up for the Ballute Line (parachutes) as Production Assembler. In 1987, Bernice became a Floor Supervisor in this department. In 1989, she was part of the ChemSuit project. Bernice continued to work in the Special Products Department of ATD as a supervisor and retired in 1990.

After her retirement, Bernice and Glen moved back to Avon, where she was an active member at the Danzig Baptist Church. She sang in the choir and was active in the Ladies Aid until her illness would no longer allow her to participate. She enjoyed her flower club, Saturday morning coffee and quilting with the ladies from Avon. Her hobbies included her vegetable and flower gardens and quilting. Bernice was a very special person. She touched many lives and will be truly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know and love her.

In her 76 years, Bernice was blessed with two children, four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Glen, of Avon; her son, Ernie (Vicky) Janssen, of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jessica (Jay), Typhinie, Courtland and Mikayla Johnson, of Brandon; Janell (Keith) Brouwer, Skylar Mork, Robbie Mork, Jaecie and Tony Brouwer of Valley Springs; Jacob (Shiela) Alexandria, Samantha and Matthew Janssen, of Brandon; a brother, Harvin (Ruth) Berndt of Avon; and numerous relatives and friends.

Sadly, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Eloise; a grandson, Jeromy; her parents and three brothers: Waldo, Wilbert and Luvern.


Joseph "Joe" John, 1892-1970

Funeral services for Joseph F. John, 77, were to be Monday afternoon at Schmidt Funeral Home with burial in Rosehill Cemetery.

Mr. John was born Oct. 5, 1892 at Decator, Iowa, to Mr. and Mrs. Edmund John and died Sept. 19, 1970. On Oct. 6, 1915 he married Elizabeth Buedefeldt.

Survivors include his widow; three daughters, Mrs. R. L. (Joyce) Hosterman, Scotland; Mrs. William (Vera) Gunter, Minneapolis, and Mrs. C. D. (Shirlee) Phillips, Duton, Mont., six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two sisters and a brother.


Anna Jerke, 1910-2010

Anna Magdalena Jerke was born September 19, 1910 to Edward and Magdalena (Neth) Freier. She grew up near Delmont and attended the Freier Rural School. On June 9, 1935, she was united in marriage to Bernard Jerke at the Hoffnunsberg Congregational Church near Delmont. They farmed west of Scotland for 30 years. She was active as an organist, Sunday school teacher, and in the choir at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kaylor. After Bernard’s death, she moved to Scotland and worked at the Good Samaritan Home for 13 ½ years. Family was always very important to Anna as well as her religious beliefs. After her retirement, she enjoyed crocheting, making quilts and playing cards. In 2001, she moved to Dell Rapids. Anna lived to celebrate her 100th birthday in September. She passed away peacefully on Friday, October 8, 2010 at the Terrace Manor in Dell Rapids.

Grateful to have shared her life are a daughter, Kathy (Kevin) Bremer of Colton; a son, Wayne Jerke, of Dell Rapids; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a brother, Herbert (Marilyn) Freier of St. Paul, Minnesota; two sisters: Lora Wenzel of Sioux City, Iowa and Esther Conrad of Yankton; two sisters-in-law: Laura Freier of Yankton and Sadie Freier of Scotland; and many nieces and nephews.

Anna preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, grandson Shawn Rembold, daughter-in-law Connie Jerke, four brothers: Ruben E. in infancy, Arthur C., Ruben P., and Rudolph E., and one sister, Johanna Wenzel.


Leah Jenner, 1905-2003

Leah Geraldine Jenner, 97, Scotland, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Bethany Nursing Home, Sioux Falls.

Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, Scotland. Burial is in the Rosehill Mausoleum, Scotland. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. today (Monday) and 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland.

She was born Jan. 28, 1905, on a farm near Scotland to Folkert and Gepka (Tiddens) Huisman. She attended Scotland High School and Southern State Teachers College, Springfield. She taught school for several years in the Scotland area. She married Ted Jenner March 5, 1933. They farmed southeast of Scotland for many years before retiring into Scotland.

She was active in church and several social and women's clubs. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Scotland.

She is survived by one son, Dale (Ruth) Jenner, Scotland; one daughter, Joyce (LaMont) Gall, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; one step-great-great-grandchild; and one brother, John Huisman, Scotland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant daughter, three brothers and two sisters.


Emil Jerke, 1922-2003

Emil O. Jerke, 80, Tripp, died Tuesday (Oct. 7, 2003) at Avera St. Benedict Hospital, Parkston.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Zion Lutheran Church, Scotland, with the Rev. Leon Schulz officiating. Burial is in Gracehill Cemetery, Tripp. Pallbearers are Rudolph Jerke, Larry Jerke, Leroy Jerke, Clinton Jerke, Norman Jerke, Bob Weissers, Ron Dahme and Jeff Ducheneaux. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. today (Friday) with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland.

He was born Dec. 8, 1922, near Kaylor, to Henry and Christina (Geiszler) Jerke. He married Velda Dobler Feb. 18, 1945, at Dennewitz Lutheran Church, north of Kaylor. They farmed eight miles southeast of Tripp.

His hobby was woodworking and he enjoyed creating dollhouses and furnishing them. He was a past member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School there. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and was church custodian. He loved to visit and could talk to anyone and everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Velda Jerke, Tripp; two sons: Gary (Janice) Jerke, Tripp; and Greg Jerke, Muskegon, Mich.; four grandchildren; one brother, Richard Jerke, Parkston; one sister, Erna Ziegler, Kaylor; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter-in-law, five brothers and one sister.


Ella Jerke, 1920-2003

Services were held for Ella Jerke, 83, of Scotland November 19 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Scotland with Rev. David Ellis officiating. Music was provided by Donna Knodel, organist and a duet by Eric and Nina Jerke. Honorary pallbearers were Paige Beck, Anna Jerke, MaryAnn Dingman, Cheryl Ziegler, Clinton Jerke and Rodney Jerke. Active pallbearers were Travis Jerke, Chad Jerke, Eric Jerke, Robert Jerke, Jared Beck, Adam Jerke and Seth Jerke. Burial was in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland.

Ella Barbara Bauder Jerke was born August 26, 1920 about eight miles southwest of Scotland in Bon Homme County near Tyndall. Her parents were Christian and Katherina (Neth) Bauder. She was baptized by Rev. George Zink September 19, 1920 and also confirmed by Rev. Zink June 16, 1935 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. Ella was united in marriage to Hugo Jerke March 23, 1941 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland by Rev. Emanuel Fuchs. They farmed west of Kaylor for over 40 years, retiring to Scotland in 1982. Ella was an active church member all her life and also an L.W.M.L. member. During many of their later years, she and Hugo were caretakers of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She volunteered with activities at the Scotland Good Samaritan Center and helped deliver Meals on Wheels for many years with Hugo. Ella died November 14, 2003 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Survivors are her four children, Harlen (Lois) Jerke of Great Bend, Kans., LeRoy (Mary) Jerke of Scotland, Verlyn (Colleen) Jerke of Tripp and Patricia (Steve) Beck of Sioux Falls; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Anna Friederich and Edna Ziegler, both of Kaylor and Martha Ziegler of Tripp; one brother, William Bauder of Tyndall; in-laws, Edwin (Erna) Ziegler, Richard (Lu) Jerke, Anna Jerke, Lorinda Jerke and Velda Jerke and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Hugo, in 1992; her parents and brothers Charles, Julius, Richard, John and Otto.


Lorinda Jerke, 1913-2006

Lorinda Adina Jerke was born on November 23, 1913 to John and Helen (Tiede) Stelzer. She was confirmed on June 24, 1928 at Parkston by Rev. J. Rathenberger. Lorinda was united in marriage to Alfred Jerke on March 2, 1938 at Zion Congregational Church in Parkston. She lived on their farm 2 ½ miles southwest of Kaylor for most of her life. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a past member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kaylor where she sang in the choir for many years. Lorinda was a devoted farm wife and enjoyed quilting, cooking, baking and gardening. She loved to spend time with her family and adored her great-grandchildren. Lorinda recently suffered a stroke and died on Friday, September 15, 2006 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton at the age of 92 years.

Lorinda is survived by two sons: Randolph Jerke and Clinton Jerke of Tripp; two daughters: Joan (Harlin) Neuharth of Freeman and Carol (Roger) Hakl of Yankton; seven grandchildren: Lori Johannsen, Darla Harris, Kevin Hakl, Brian Hakl, Allen Neuharth, Glen Neuharth, and James Neuharth; six great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; a sister, Leona Mayer; and two brothers: Garfield Stelzer and Ervin Stelzer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, her parents, one brother in infancy, and several in-laws.

Funeral services for Lorinda Jerke were held Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006, at Zion Lutheran Church, Scotland. Interment was made in the Gracehill Cemetery, Tripp. Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland, in charge of arrangements.


Harold Johnson, 1921-2003

Harold Johnson, 82, Tyndall, died Friday (Aug. 22, 2003) at the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital, Wagner.

Funeral service is 2 p.m. today (Monday) at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, with Vicar Dean Schroeder officiating. Pallbearers are Ray Johnson, Todd Christensen, Gary Johnson, Kurt Johnson, Dennis Johnson and Martin Johnson. Visitation is from 10 a.m. today until service time at the church. The Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.

He was born March 22, 1921, to Martin and Lillian (Meyer) Johnson. He was raised on the family farm west of Tyndall. He was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church, Avon. He attended country school and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1939. He married Carol Berndt on Sept. 3, 1942. They farmed southwest of Tyndall for 47 years, later retiring and moving into Tyndall.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. He enjoyed farming, traveling and playing cards. Harold enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them grow.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Johnson, Tyndall; a daughter, Shirley (Vance) Masteller, Glenham; a son, Douglas (Gail) Johnson, Tyndall; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mabel Smith, Plymouth, Minn., and Marjorie Christensen, Vermillion; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association.


Carol Johnson, 1921-2005

Carol Johnson, 84, of Tyndall died Friday, September 2, 2005, at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. today (Tuesday, September 6, 2005) at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, South Dakota, with the Rev. Dean Schroeder officiating. Music will be provided by organist Donna Bohlmann and soloist LeRoy Sorenson. Casketbearers are William Masteller, Gary Johnson, Steven Johnson, Kurt Johnson, Curtis VanAsperer and Ray Johnson. Interment is in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Avon, South Dakota.

Carol Johnson was born near Avon, South Dakota on June 10, 1921, to Ephraim and Lydia (Hubner) Berndt. She graduated from Avon High School in 1941. On September 3, 1942, she married Harold Johnson. They farmed near Tyndall where they raised their two children. Carol was an active farm partner and was involved with community life in Avon. Crafts and socializing as well as a good game of pinochle with her friends were her favorite pastimes. She belonged to the Jolly Neighbors Club for over 50 years, was a member of St. Michael's Hospital Auxiliary and Thursday Circle. Carol volunteered at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center as a hairdresser for the residents. Faith was central in Carol's life. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Avon until her retirement to Tyndall in 1989 when she transferred her membership to St. John's Lutheran Church. She also belonged to the Lutheran Women's Mission League of each church.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Vance) Masteller of Glenham, South Dakota; and her son, Douglas (Gail) Johnson of Tyndall; a sister, Magdelene (Oscar) Van Asperen; and a brother, Donald (Ethel) Berndt. A very special grandmother and great-grandmother known for her affection and stashes of candy, she will be missed by Cary Masteller Gries and daughters, Amanda and Julia; William (Tiffany) Masteller and children Tanner and Macy; Steven (Missy) Johnson and children Alec and Avery; and Nicholas (Jennifer) Johnson and sons Gabriel and Jedidiah.

Her husband, Harold; her parents; and two brothers: Michael and Frederick (Freddie), preceded Carol in death.


Douglas Jensen, 1932-2009

Douglas D. Jensen, 77, of Springfield, SD, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009, at the Hansen Funeral Home in Irene. Burial will follow in Turkey Valley Lutheran Cemetery, rural Irene. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, at the Hansen Funeral Home.

Douglas was born March 5, 1932, in Viborg, SD, to Arlo and Daisy (Andersen) Jensen. He was raised in Irene by Nels and Agnes Sorensen and attended Smith School in Irene. He was confirmed at the Maple Grove Lutheran Church rural Irene.

He married Elizabeth Rigby on August 23, 1958. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls, SD, where he worked as a welder.

Douglas served in the United States Navy for four years and the United States Air Force for four years. Receiving seven battle stars during his service in the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife Elizabeth of Springfield, three children: Susan (Jensen) Weber of Springfield, SD, Wayne Jensen and wife Valerie of Roy, UT, and Jennifer (Jensen) Libis and husband Chris of Springfield, SD, four grandchildren; Tony Weber, Carter, Zoe and Rayne Libis, also one brothe,r Richard (Florence) Jensen, of Irene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Keith Jensen and Merl Jensen, and one grandson, Daniel Weber.


Chester "Chet" Johnson, 1927-2007

Chester R. "Chet" Johnson, age 80, formerly of Avon and Yankton, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007, at his home in Canton.

Chet was born March 9, 1927, to David and Helen (Ackerman) Johnson in rural Avon, SD. He attended schools in Avon. Chet was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he served as a cook on a ship. He married Arliss Fees on January 6, 1956. He worked most all of his career life at the Sacred Heart Monastery working in maintenance, which he loved to do.

He is survived by his wife, Arliss, Canton; daughters: JoAnn Steffen, Colorado Springs, CO, and Denise (Jon) Hanson, Worthing, SD; three grandchildren: Jenae Pitts, Jordyn Hanson and Lauren Hanson; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at First Baptist Church in Canton. Inurnment with military rites will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery in Avon, SD. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Anderson Funeral Home in Canton is assisting with arrangements.


Arliss Johnson, 1932-2011

Services were held Monday, Mar. 28 at the Dindot-Klusmann Chapel for Arliss Johnson, 78, who died Friday morning, Mar. 25, 2011 at the Lennox Good Samaritan Center following a short illness. Honorary pallbearers were Jordyn Hanson and Lauren Hanson. Pallbearers were Craig Hanson, Ray Hanson, Greg Dangel, Jeff Dangel, Matt Hanson, and Lucas Hanson. Interment was in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery in Avon, SD.

Arliss Elaine Fees was born on a farm near Dante, South Dakota on May 25, 1932, the daughter of O.D. and Marian (Oliver) Fees.

She grew up in the Dante/Avon area and graduated from Avon High School. She received her degree as a Registered Nurse from Sacred Heart School of Nursing and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree at Mount Marty College in Yankton.

On January 6, 1956 Arliss was united in marriage to Chester R. Johnson at Avon.

They farmed for a short time near Avon and then moved to Yankton where she was Health Nurse at Mount Marty College for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2003. She and her husband then moved to Canton where they lived until his death on September 18, 2007. She then moved to the Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls in May of 2008. In May of 2010 she became a resident of Lennox Good Samaritan Center.

Arliss was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton. She loved music and was a pianist and organist at church. She also played the accordion and enjoyed going to the theatre. She loved animals, especially her cats and also, Finn, the dog at the Good Samaritan Center.

Besides her parents and her husband, Chester, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Robert, Chester and Virgil Fees; three sisters: Odessa Sattler, Lucille Sattler and Virginia Fees.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter and son-in-law: Denise and Jon Hanson of Worthing, SD; her foster-daughter: JoAnn Steffen of Colorado Springs, CO; three grandchildren: Jenae Pitts of Colorado Springs and Jordyn and Lauren Hanson of Worthing and one brother: Clayton Fees of Wendell, Idaho; plus other relatives and friends.


Dale Jacobs, 1957-2004

Dale Jacobs, 46, Parkston, formerly of Avon, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2004) at St. Michael's Hospital Nursing Home, Tyndall.

Memorial services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Avon. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, with the family present, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Avon, followed by a prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel, Avon, is in charge of arrangements.

Dale was born Feb. 18, 1957, at Tyndall to Laurence and Carrie (Murra) Jacobs. He graduated from Avon High School in 1975 and later graduated from DWU in Mitchell. Dale was an all-conference football player and an all-state basketball player while in high school. He was selected to the SDIC all-conference team and was honored as the Most Valuable Player in the SDIC while playing basketball at DWU. Dale was inducted into the DWU Hall of Fame in October 2003. Dale married Carla Bastemeyer Jan. 15, 1988. He worked for the Department of Corrections, Springfield, and later as a youth counselor at Our Home, Parkston.

He enjoyed participating in and watching sports, especially basketball and golf. He also enjoyed music and family gatherings.

He is survived by a son, Andy Jacobs, Springfield; a daughter, Ashlea Bastemeyer, Sioux Falls; one brother, Robert (Sue) Jacobs, Springfield; four sisters: Lois (Dick) Weidenbach, Parkston; Arlene (Jerry) Munighan, Moorhead, Minn.; Lorraine (David) Roth, Avon; and Carol (Dennis) Deurmier, Avon; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded by his parents, a brother and a niece.


Denise Jensen, 1960-2012

Denise Jensen, age 52, of Springfield, SD passed away at her residence Wednesday afternoon, August 22, 2012.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 25, 2012 at St. George’s Catholic Church, Scotland, SD with Rev. Matthew Vazhappilly officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery at approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Visitations will begin at 5 p.m., Friday afternoon at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tyndall, SD. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church in Scotland, SD. Pallbearers will be Michael Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Cory Haisch, and Tyler Haisch.

Denise was born on April 23, 1960 to Athniel and Marjorie (Daub) Haisch in Freeman, SD. She married Mike Hento and to this union a son was born, Tanner. For over 20 years, Denise taught in the Avon School District as an English teacher in both the Junior High and High School. She was a member of Assumption BVM Parish in Dante, SD. In 2009, she married Randy Jensen and they moved to Pierre, SD where she was a special education tutor at Buchanan Elementary School. She belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Ann’s in Pierre. On May 20, 2012, Denise moved to Springfield, SD where she lived until the time of her death. Denise loved the farm, being outdoors, and cats.

Those who will cherish her memory are her son, Tanner Hento and his girlfriend, Sara Boyum, both of Vermillion, SD; her husband, Randy Jensen of Pierre, SD; her two brothers, Patrick Haisch of Gayville, SD and Scott and Denise Haisch of Tea, SD; brother-in-law, Michael Murphy of Watertown, SD; nieces and nephews: Ryan, Kelsey, Cory, Tyler, and Katelyn, and great nephew, Liam Haisch.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and sister, Valerie Murphy in January 2008.


Lois "Jeannie" Jones, 1947-2008

Lois "Jeannie" Jones, 61 of rural Springfield ~ Funeral services will be 1:30 pm Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield, with burial in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield from 12 noon to 7 pm Tuesday, followed by a prayer service.

Lois "Jeannie" Jones, daughter of Lloyd C. and Joyce Mae (Balvin) Halsey, was born March 19, 1947 at Yankton, SO. She died Sunday, May 25, 2008 at her home under hospice care. Jeannie attained the age of 61 years, two months and seven days.

Jeannie attended country school in the Springfield area and graduated from Springfield High School in 1965. She received a one year secretarial degree from Southern State College in Springfield. Jeannie worked over 20 years at a gas station in Springfield and for Halsey Construction Company for over 14 years.

Jeannie married Elmer C. Jones on June 23, 1991.

Jeannie was a member of the United Church of Christ in Springfield. She will be remembered for her enjoyment of crocheting, reading, gardening and fishing. Jeannie was always happy and displayed a positive attitude on life.

Thankful for having shared her life are her husband, Elmer; three step children: Brad and wife, Becky Jones, Brian Jones; Shelly Hegge and husband, Jason; six granddaughters: Shaden, Jenna, Bree and Madison Jones and Courtney and Jordan Hegge; brother, James and wife, Cheryl; sister, Shirley "Skip" Bochman and husband, Jim; mother-in-law, Dorothy Jones, all of Springfield; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sheran Bochman; and father-in-law, Elmer A. Jones.


Marlo Jones, 1933-2009

Marlo Jones, 75, died Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be at 10:00am Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the First Baptist Church, Parker with military rites with burial to follow at 2:00pm at the Emanuel Cemetery, Springfield.

Marlo was born on December 7, 1933 at Springfield, SD to George and Anna (Wynia) Jones.

On June 16, 1953 he was united in marriage to Marjorie Gossel at Spencer, SD. They were the parents of a son, Marlon.

He married Shirley Vanderberg on October 9, 1999.

In 1956 he was drafted into the Army where he was stationed in Germany, being discharged in 1958. He owned a trucking business in Madison and Sioux Falls for several years. He was an avid race car owner and driver, racing at Husets Speedway and Interlakes Speedway in Madison. He moved to Mesa, AZ in 1985 and returned to South Dakota in 2000 where he lived in Parker. He worked for the last 3 years for Rechnagel Construction as a truck driver.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Shirley, Parker; his son Marlon and wife Kristi, Harrisburg; 3 grandchildren, Taylor, Ryan, and Kyle; a sister Georgia (Doug) Richardson, Gold Canyon, AZ; a brother Don (Betty) Jones, Sioux Falls; and a half sister, Marian (David) Black, Sioux Falls. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Marjorie, half sisters Dorothy Miller, Murial Allen, and Helen Magstedt, and a half brother Thorvald Jones.


Muriel Jonas, 1918-2008

Muriel Vivian Jonas was born Tuesday, November 5, 1918 to Wilbur and Cathryn (Baker) Davis. She went to Cass Country School and graduated from Scotland High School. She married Victor Jonas on November 5, 1941. They lived on the family farm for 58 years and enjoyed many good years farming together. Muriel enjoyed gardening, raising ducks, geese and chickens as well as milking her cows for fresh milk and cream.

In September of 1999, Muriel and Victor moved east of Menno to live on the same farm as their son and daughter-in-law. Muriel enjoyed spending more time with her grandchildren and great-great-grandson during these three years. Victor passed away in March of 2002. Muriel remained in her home until October 2002 when she moved into the Salem Home for the Aged. She enjoyed painting towels, pillowslips, woodcrafts and quilting blocks. Muriel moved to Oak View Terrace where she lived for the remainder of her life. She passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at the Freeman Medical Center at the age of 89 years, 11 months and 27 days.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her son Duane Jonas and his wife Karon of Freeman; two grandchildren: Lynette Hauck and her husband Terry of Freeman and Steven Jonas and his wife Janel of Scotland; three great-grand children, Jordan and Mackenzie Hauck and Katelyn Jonas; one sister, Loraine Heckenlaible; and a host of friends and family.

Preceding her in death were her husband, infant son Lyle Wayne, and her parents.


Glen Janssen, 1927-2008

Glen George Janssen, 81, of Avon Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon, SD with Pastor Aaron Rush officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.Visitation is Monday from 2 PM until 7 PM with the family present from 5-7 PM at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Glen George Janssen, 81, passed away quietly Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Ernie & Vicky’s home in Sioux Falls, SD, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Glen was born February 15, 1927 to Jasper & Lizzie (Engel) Janssen in Avon, SD. He attained the age of 81 years, nine months and 13 days.

Glen attended country school through the eighth grade. He was united in marriage on September 13, 1950, at Tyndall, to Bernice Berndt. They made their home north of Avon until 1965, when they moved to Sioux Falls. After moving to Sioux Falls, Glen was an active member of Hillcrest (Northside) Baptist Church. He worked for the state highway dept, then went to work for the Sioux Falls Schools as a custodian until he retired in 1990.

After his retirement, Glen and Bernice moved back to Avon, where he was an active member at the Danzig Baptist Church. He enjoyed having the neighbors visit, going to men’s church breakfast, camping, fishing and hunting. He really enjoyed the last few years when the hunters from Illinois came to SD to go hunting and everyone going out to eat and have an enjoyable evening of talking about what everyone had done the past year.

After moving in with Ernie & Vicky on November 16 his favorite thing was having the great grandchildren visit him, we could see his face light up whenever they came to see him. Even though he passed away on Thanksgiving day he had a wonderful Thanksgiving with his family the Sunday before. The first thing he asked us when we got him settled was when do we roast the turkey, so we went to work and made sure he had a Thanksgiving with his family. The whole weekend with him was great.

In his 81 years, Glen was blessed with two children, four grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Ernie (Vicky) Janssen of Sioux Falls; his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jessica (Jay), Typhinie, Courtland and Mikayla Johnson of Brandon; Janell (Keith) Brouwer, Skylar Mork, Robbie Mork, Jaecie and Tony Brouwer of Valley Springs: Jacob (Sheila), Alexandria, Samantha and Matthew of Brandon; two sisters: Gladys Haskers of Yankton and Shirley Branaugh of Atascadara, CA; brother, Don (Betty) Janssen of Avon; sister-in-law, Joyce Janssen of Avon; and numerous relatives and friends.

Sadly, he was preceded in death by his wife Bernice on March 20, 2005; his daughter, Eloise in 1966; his grandson, Jeromy; his parents; and his brother, James.

MUSIC: Male Quartet of Loren Jurrens, Tony Eben, Verlin Buchholz and Jerry Finck will sing Farther Along and Victory in Jesus. There will be a congregational hymn of Amazing Grace. Julie Jaeger will be playing the piano.

CASKET BEARERS: Terry Berndt, Randy Berndt, Keith Janssen, Doug Janssen, Brian Janssen and Fred Hebner. HONORARY BEARERS: All of Glen's nieces and nephews.


Robert "Jake" Jacobs, 1951-2010

Robert “Jake” Jacobs, 59, Springfield, South Dakota, died Friday, November 12, 2010, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield, South Dakota. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, November 15, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service with Father Thury officiating. Burial will be held at the Bon Homme County Cemetery in Springfield, South Dakota. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Jake was born on April 19, 1951, in Tyndall, South Dakota, to Laurence and Carrie (Murra) Jacobs. He married Susan Uecker on December 16, 1977, in Wagner, South Dakota.

He graduated from Avon High School in Avon, South Dakota in 1969. He later attended The University of South Dakota-Springfield in Springfield, SD.

Jake began working at the Avon Locker in the 4th grade. He later owned and operated the locker for several years. In 1990, Jake began working for the State of South Dakota as a Correctional Officer at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, South Dakota. He was promoted to the position of Training Specialist and later held positions as Unit Coordinator and most recently a Case Manager at both the Trustee Unit in Yankton and Springfield. November, 2010 marked Jake’s twenty-year anniversary of working for the State of South Dakota.

Jake will be remembered for many things. Among them is his love of sports as both a fan and athlete. He golfed until his last day, he pitched fast-pitch softball, coached basketball, and was an avid Twins and Vikings fan (although there wasn’t a football game ever played that he didn’t enjoy watching). He loved doing yard work and Do It Yourself (with help) projects. Jake was an outdoorsman. You could often find him sitting on his deck, overlooking the Missouri River with a Diet Coke in his hand, starting a fire in his fire pit, or sitting at his homemade bar. He was incredibly family-oriented. He loved his children and grandchildren more than anything and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Jake is survived by his wife, Susan, children: Jennifer (Brandon Bruder) Jacobs of Yankton; Ben (Laura) Jacobs of Sioux Falls; and Sam (Ashlie) Jacobs of Hartford; his grandchildren: Reggie, Grayson, and Ari Jacobs; and siblings: Lois (Dick) Weidenbach; Arlene (Jerry) Munighan; and Carol (Dennis) Deurmier; as well as a host of extended family, in-laws and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Carrie (Murra) Jacobs; parents-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Uecker; brothers: Roland Jacobs and Dale Jacobs; sister, Lorraine Roth; nephew, Jeff Munighan; and niece, Melissa Roth.


Gladys Jochim, 1919-2014

Gladys Ganje Jochim, 95, of Ft. Pierre and formerly of Eagle Butte, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Kelly’s Retirement Home, Pierre.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. MST, Monday, December 8, 2014 at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Eagle Butte Cemetery. A wake service will be held at 4:00 p.m. CST, Sunday, December 7, 2014 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ft. Pierre, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Gladys Eunice (Janssen) Jochim was born in Kingsburg, SD September 14, 1919 to Matilda (Ottum) and Carson Janssen. She attended school in Kingsburg for eight years, and she attended high school in Tyndall, SD for two years. Gladys finished her last two years of school in Springfield, SD and also attended her first year of college at Southern there.

She started teaching at the age of 17 with a permit from the state. She taught country school for four years at the Grimme School south of Tyndall. Then she went back to school to get her State Certificate. Gladys spent the next 37 years teaching in Eagle Butte. Gladys loved teaching and the children she taught. She kept in contact with many of her students throughout the years. During this period of time, she married Joe Ganje on September 21, 1943. They spent 28 years together until his death on February 1, 1972.

She married Andy Jochim on July 30, 1976. They spent 38 years together at the ranch north of Eagle Butte and later at Marion’s Garden in Ft. Pierre. They had a very happy life together. When they decided to retire they found a very nice place in Fort Pierre where they built a beautiful home near water where they could fish and boat. In September of 2014, Gladys moved to Kelly’s Retirement Home where she lived until her passing.

Gladys enjoyed cooking and baking. She was constantly preparing a meal or sending goodies home with any guests that would visit. She would even try to sweeten up her doctors by bringing goodies along to her appointments. Gladys loved to garden and raise flowers. She loved a good game of cards, and she enjoyed riling up her opponents. Gladys spent numerous hours crocheting doilies, afghans, and dolls which she would give to family and friends.

Gladys is survived by her husband, Andy Jochim; her precious dog, Tootsie; numerous nieces and nephews; and her many “adopted children”.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Joe Ganje; and her siblings: John “Bud” Janssen, Marie Grimme, Nina Finck, Rena Clark, Jim Janssen, and one infant sibling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota are preferred.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Gladys’ arrangements.


Velma Janssen, 1913-2004

Funeral services for Velma E. Janssen, 91, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at Tyndall United Methodist Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy is Rev. Mary-Lee Lint. Organist is Florene Dobesh, and duet is by Donna Bohlmann and LeRoy Sorenson. Casketbearers are Doug Johnson, Ray Johnson, Bill Minow, Greg Panka, Jeff Tiahrt and Richard Tiahrt. Interment is in Tyndall Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota. A Prayer Service is at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, South Dakota.

Velma E. Janssen was born on September 13, 1913 in Bon Homme County near Tyndall, South Dakota to Andy and Lena (Johnson) Panka. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1933. On September 13, 1935, she married John (Bud) Janssen in Huron, South Dakota. They farmed near Tyndall until 1956, when they moved into Tyndall. Velma belonged to the Methodist Ladies' Aid, the Jolly Neighbors Extension Club, and the Thursday Circle II Club. She also bowled for 25 years with Andy's Bowling Team. Velma had been a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center for the past 2 1/2 years, where she died on Sunday, October 17, 2004, at the age of 91 years.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Charleen (Don) Vacknitz of Florida, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

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


Miriam Johnson, 1926-2011

Miriam Johnson, 85, died Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the Lennox Good Samaritan Center.

Miriam Rose Mudder was born was born at Tripp, South Dakota on June 7, 1926, the daughter of George and Elsie (Lippert) Mudder. She grew up at Avon where she attended Avon Public School.

On September 27, 1946 she was united in marriage to Arnold B. Johnson at Avon.

Following their marriage they lived in Avon until November of 1960 when they moved to Lennox. Arnold died on August 22, 2008. His death ended a marriage of nearly 62 years.

She was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church where she served as a liturgist,sang in the choir and was active in Presbyterian Women. She was a life member of the Avon American Legion Auxiliary and the Lennox American Legion Auxiliary where she served as President and Membership Chairwoman. Miriam had also held the office of District Legion Auxiliary Secretary. With Arnold, she faithfully attended the SD State Fair in Huron for over 50 years. Miriam collected a variety of things, but primarily dishes and dolls. She loved to travel.

Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by siblings: Marvin Mudder, Roger Mudder, Velda Olsen and Shirley Pudwill.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter Charlotte Hoverstadt and her husband, Bernard, of Webster, SD; two grandchildren: Adrienne McKeown and her husband, Todd, of Harrisburg, SD and Ben Hoverstadt of Watertown, SD and two great-grandchildren: Maggie and Ryan McKeown; two brothers: Alvin Mudder and Jerry Mudder both of Avon, SD as well as other relatives and a host of friends.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at Faith Presbyterian Church, Lennox with burial to follow in the Lennox Cemetery.


Arnold Johnson, 1921-2008

Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Lennox for Arnold B. Johnson, 86, who died Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 at the Lennox Good Samaritan Center. Officiating during the service was the Rev. Sarah Hagena and Rev. Eugene DeHoogh. Sophie Miller was organist. Alvin Mudder sang "One Day At A Time" and Betty Mudder was accompanist. Special music was provided by Adrienne McKeown. Honorary pallbearers were Arland Abbas, Myron Kuper, Msg. George Mudder, Orville Wiebers, Lennox Good Samaritan Staff, and Lennox Home Federal Bank Staff. Casketbearers were Jay Borah, Gary Gramkow, Alan Mudder, Jay Mudder, Mark Mudder, and Paul Pudwill. Military rites were performed by Sioux Falls V.F.W. Post #628 and the Sioux Falls Honor Guard.

Arnold Burnell Johnson was born at Avon, SD on Nov. 18, 1921, the son of Dick and Jennie (Cobic) Johnson. He grew up at Avon and attended public school there. Arnold served in the US Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946. He served overseas in England, France and Germany.

On Sept. 27, 1946 he was united in marriage to Miriam Mudder at Avon. Following their marriage they lived in Avon until November of 1960 when they moved to Lennox where they had since lived. Arnold was a Surge Dairy Farm Equipment dealer until his retirement. He then worked for the City of Lennox for the past 25 years until illness forced his retirement earlier this year. His death ended a marriage of nearly 62 years.

He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He also was a life member of the American Legion, first in Avon where he served as Commander and then in Lennox, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 628 and Disabled Veterans of America of Sioux Falls. Arnold proudly attended the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. He was a collector of toy tractors. He also faithfully attended the South Dakota State Fair in Huron for over 50 years. He loved to travel worldwide.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Richard Johnson and Chris Johnson.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Miriam; his daughter Charlotte Hoverstadt and her husband, Bernard, of Webster; two grandchildren: Adrienne McKeown and her husband, Todd, of Harrisburg and Ben Hoverstadt of Watertown and two great-grandchildren: Maggie and Ryan McKeown.


Carl Johnson, 1925-2014

Carl A. Johnson, age 89, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

A joint funeral service for Carl and his wife, Vanice, who passed away on November 2, 2013, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Yankton with Reverend Ron Johnson officiating. Visitation is 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial for Carl and Vanice with military honors will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota in late spring 2015. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Yankton Lions Club.

Carl was born March 7, 1925 in Springfield, South Dakota to Alfred and Elizabeth (Lang) Johnson. He grew up in Springfield where he graduated high school. Carl achieved his dream of joining the Army Air Corp, in which he served as a navigator in England during World War II. After the war, he attended Yankton College on the GI Bill, where he met Vanice Lorene Jones. They married in Yankton on November 30, 1947 and were blessed with their first son, Carl Jr., the following year. Carl returned to military service in the newly formed Air Force and served as a pilot in Japan during the Korean War. Vanice left Japan in 1950 to give birth to Barbara Jo in Yankton. The family then relocated to bases in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Nevada, where Donn Charles was born in 1953. Carl continued his service in Arizona, Florida, and Bermuda, where he and Vanice welcomed their fourth and final child, Steven Curtis, in 1957. Relocating nearer his extended family, Carl served with the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE for six years. The whole family then moved to Okinawa for two years, but Vanice and the kids returned to the US for Carl’s tour in Taiwan during the Vietnam War. Carl’s final assignment was at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD. Carl’s military career spanned nearly 27 years, and he retired a highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel in March 1970. After retirement, Carl continued to serve his community as a Boy Scout Executive in Huron, SD and Bismarck, ND; his sons joined the Scouts, and Vanice and Barb helped with summer camps at Big Stone Lake, SD. In 1976, Carl and Vanice returned to Yankton, where Carl worked at the Fish Hatchery for several years. Carl fulfilled his love of service with the Emergency Management Program, including Search and Rescue, Civil Defense, storm watching, and EMT training. Carl was a member of VFW Post 791, the Lewis and Clark Shrine Club and Elks Lodge in Yankton, but his devotion lay with the Yankton Lions Club. He served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Club, dedicated 25 years to the Flag Project and 20 years to the Vision Committee, and was chosen Lion of the Year in 2009. Carl also enjoyed marksmanship and hunting with his family and friends, especially fellow Lion Frank Arnesen.

Carl and Vanice are survived by four children: Carl Jr. (married to Val) Johnson of Plattsmouth, NE, Barbara (married to Gary) Coles of Williamston, MI, Donn Johnson of Superior, CO, and Steven Johnson of Marietta, GA; nine grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren, and Vanice’s brother, Fred Jones of Tuscon, AZ. They were preceded in death by their parents; Carl’s brothers, John and Charles Johnson, and sister Mary Lou Nelson; and Vanice’s sisters, Arlys Jones and Carol Williams.


Arlys Jost, 1925-2013

Arlys Marie (nee: Giedd) Jost, 88 of Lebanon, Ohio died Tuesday September 3, 2013 at the Otterbein Lebanon Retirement Community. Born to Rusty and Mary Giedd on May 8, 1925 in Avon, SD. Arlys graduated with her Masters degree in Education and taught for over 25 years as an Elementary School teacher. She was an active member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church, Otterbein choir, the mailroom and a member of the Willow Laners for 13yrs. Arlys enjoyed quilting and spending time with her family, but one of her real talents was baking. She enjoyed baking and was known for her pie crust and especially blueberry pie.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Jost.

Arlys is survived by her two sons, Steven (Lorraine) Jost and Mark (Linda Marie Zaerr) Jost, one daughter, Linda (Ron Miller) Jost , one sister, Marilyn Schultz and five grandchildren, Emily, Evan, Kelsey, Kim and Laura.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday September 11th at 4:00PM at the Otterbein Lebanon Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arlys Jost’s name to the Otterbein Benevolent Care Fund. Arrangements were made by Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home.


Victor Jonas, 1915-2002

Victor Jonas, 86, Menno, died Saturday (March 30, 2002) at the Freeman Care Center.

Funeral service is at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the United Methodist Church, Scotland, with Rev. John Katter officiating. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Pallbearers are Daryl Heckenlaible, John Jonas, Roger Rueb, Troy Furney, George Bauder and Mel Schortzman.

He was born on June 16, 1915, on the family farm in Bon Homme County, to John and Josephine (Hladky) Jonas. He was baptized on the family farm of rural Scotland by Rev. A.J. Holland. He attended Oschner Country School. He married Muriel Vivian Davis on Nov. 5, 1941. They lived on the family farm southwest of Scotland for 58 years. They enjoyed many good years farming together. He especially enjoyed working in his shop building and repairing machinery with his son, Duane. His idea was "If you can't buy it, you build it." He also enjoyed many years working for the John Deere dealer and best friend Clarence Ewing. In September of 1999, they moved east of Menno in a home on the same farm as his son and daughter-in-law. He enjoyed many good years with his grandchildren and great-grandson. He is survived by his wife, Muriel (Davis) Jonas, Menno; one son, Duane (Karon Rueb) Jonas, Menno; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, four sisters and an infant son.


Donald Jurrens, 1931-2006

Donald B. Jurrens the son of William and Martha (Giedd) Jurrens was born November 29, 1931 in Avon, South Dakota and departed this life on February 27, 2006 at Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, Iowa at the age of 74.

He received his education and graduated from Avon High School.

On January 10, 1951, Donald was united in marriage to Joyce Lucille Blaha in Yankton, South Dakota. Joyce died on September 26, 1981. On July 14, 1996 he then married Diane Bohall. Don enjoyed finding bargains at the many auctions he attended and he also enjoyed woodworking and repairing the many antiques he collected.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Diane; eight children, Jean Schubert and her husband, Dwight; Joan Anderson and her husband, George Jr.; Joel Jurrens and his wife, Vickie; June Spoo and her husband, Kevin; Jan Jurrens and his wife, Jeanette; Jay Jurrens and his wife, Deb; Julie Schmitt and her husband, Alan; Jill Fredrickson and her husband, Randy; three step-children, Lenny Waters and his wife, Carol; Brenda Thompson and her husband, Robert; Dawn Drake and her husband, Chuck; 20 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marlene Cleveland and her husband, Gary.

He has been preceded in death by his first wife, one granddaughter, parents, and one brother, James.


James "Doc" Jurrens, 1926-2005

Funeral services for Dr. James William Jurrens, 78 year-old Weatherford resident, will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. in the First Baptist Church with Earl Stephensen and Scott Page officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

James ("Doc Jurrens") was born to William and Martha (Giedd) Jurrens on September 2, 1926 in Avon, South Dakota and left this earth to join his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 28, 2005 at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

James was raised and attended school in Avon, South Dakota, graduating from Avon High School in 1944. He received his Bachelors degree from Dakota Wesleyan University, his Masters degree from the University of South Dakota, and PhD in music from the University of Northern Colorado.

He married Alice Goehring in Delmont, South Dakota on May 25, 1952.

They have resided in Scotland and Springfield, South Dakota, Minot, North Dakota, and settled in Weatherford, Oklahoma in 1970 where James was the Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands at Southwestern Oklahoma State University until retiring from teaching in 1987. James opened Midwest Music in 1991 located in Weatherford, Oklahoma where he was actively involved. James enjoyed teaching, writing music, directing his marching bands, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He would always go the extra mile to help everyone that sought his assistance or advice, and touched the lives of so many people around the world over his 78 years on this earth. He supported many charitable causes, especially his church, and was active in his community. James was affectionately know as "Doc to his students over the years, and for his sense of humor and jokes. One of his main concerns during his final weeks in the hospital was to be sure everyone he came in contact with had accepted Christ as their personal savior.

James was a member of the Oklahoma Music Education Association, National Band Association, and active with the International Music Camps. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Educators Hall of Fame, the National Band Hall of Fame, the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame, South Dakota Music Hall of Fame, and the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame. He has had many music compositions and arrangements published, and his dissertation on American Sioux Indian Music for his PhD is on display in the Smithsonian Institute. Memorials may be made to either the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Foundation in James and Alice Jurrens Scholorship Fund, the First Baptist Church of Weatherford, or Servant's Heart Church in Weatherford.

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice of their home in Weatherford, Oklahoma; one son, Rick Jurrens and his wife Jeanita, of Edmond, Oklahoma; two daughters, Christy Sauer and her husband Jeff, and Tammy Perkins and her husband Trent, all of Weatherford, Oklahoma; one brother, Don Jurrens and his wife, Diane of Estherville, Iowa; one sister, Marlene Cleveland of Washington State; and seven grandchildren, Christopher, Delanya, Samuel, and Kelsie Jurrens, Cortney Bell and her husband Cody, Jason Sauer, and Blain Perkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.


Cynthia "Cindy" Johnson, 1954-2015

Cindy K. Johnson, 61, Valley Springs, died Saturday, November 21, 2015, at home, surrounded by her family.

Family Visitation will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short Prayer Service at 7pm. Funeral Services will be 10:30am, Wednesday, November 25, at Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church, Brandon. Interment will follow at Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls.

Cynthia Kay Kriz was born on May 15, 1954 in Tyndall, SD, to Roy Harvey Kriz and Helen Luella (Hahn) Kriz. She entered the Kingdom of God through Holy Baptism on May 30, 1954, at St John’s Lutheran Church in Tyndall, SD. She was confirmed at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD, on June 9, 1968. Her Confirmation Bible verse was 1 John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

Cindy attended both Bumbas Elementary and Vellek Elementary in rural Bon Homme County in South Dakota. She attended Edison Middle School in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated from Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1972. She graduated from Nettleton College, in Sioux Falls, SD.

On April 12, 1980, Cindy was united in marriage to Rick Eugene Johnson at Memorial Lutheran Church, in Sioux Falls, SD. This union was blessed with 4 children; Cody Jerome, Sarah Kay, Tyler Jerome and Alex Jerome.

She worked for over 30 years at Thurman, Comes, Foley & Co. LLP as a book keeper. During her career, she also worked at the Holiday Inn City Centre, an Answering Service, Pollard International and Crystal Ice Concessions.

In her spare time, Cindy enjoyed working with ceramics, bowling, riding horses and fishing. She participated in the Bridles N Britches 4-H club. Cindy joined Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD in November, 1997.

Cindy will be deeply missed by her husband, Rick; three children, Sarah (Jake Wheeler) Johnson, Valley Springs, Tyler and Alex Johnson, Valley Springs; granddaughter, Lexie; parents, Roy and Helen Kriz ,Sioux Falls; two siblings, Roger (Leanne) Kriz, Sioux Falls and Karen (Michael) Beyer, Valley Springs; mother-in-law, Jan Johnson, Garretson; sisters-in-law, Darcia (Dan) Hansen, Jasper, MN, Laurie (Glen) Johnson-Newell, Lincoln, NE, Jodie (Mark Dorn) Ahlers, Luverne, MN, Jennifer (Ron) Rouse, Lincoln, NE, Amie (Randy) Hemmer, Dell Rapids, SD, and many extended family.

She was preceded by her son, Cody Johnson; father-in-law, Donald Johnson; grandparents, Helen and Henry Hahn and Emma and Albert Kriz; aunt and uncle, Ruby and Donald Kriz; and great nephew, Tayden Grohs.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorials be made to any breast cancer research association.


Roy Jelsma, 1927-2016

Funeral services for Roy Jelsma, 88, of Springfield, are 1PM, Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield. Burial is in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield, with Military Honors. Visitation will be an hour prior to services on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Roy Jelsma was born to Nick and Agnes (Shaver) Jelsma on July 15, 1927 on a farm west of Springfield. He died Sunday, January 17, 2016 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall.

Roy attended Equal Rights rural school for 8 years, then graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. Roy was sworn in to the US Army on February 6, 1946 and served until being discharged in 1947. His time was spent in Japan. When he returned, he taught at a country school in Charles Mix Co. from 1947 to 1948.

Roy married Jana Warrington on May 19, 1948 in the old country Emmanuel Reformed Church. He lived on the same farm for 67 years milking cows, raising hogs and doing general farming. His sideline was doing carpentry.

Roy enjoyed the American Legion Post 132 in Springfield where he served as County Commander, Post Commander, Chaplin and Historian.

Roy loved country western music, old country gospel hymns, and playing pinochle and horseshoes.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Jana of Springfield; three daughters: Judy and husband Bob Knoll of Avon, Nancy and husband Gary Konrad of O’Neill, NE, and Roylene and husband Jerry Kneen of Mitchell; sister Betty Herrick of Grand Rapids, MI; six grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother Agnes; father Nick; grandson Matt yule; brothers Andy, Don and Robert; sister Gert Palsma; multiple brothers and sisters-in-law; and niece Verna Palsma.

Roy will be laid to rest in the Emmanuel Cemetery, where he spent many hours working to make it a beautiful place to spend eternity.


Helen Jacobi, 1904-2008

JACOBI- Helen M. (Pekas), 103 of Omaha, NE died Sat. March 22, 2008 at the Millard Good Samaritan Center in Omaha. Helen was born Nov 27, 1904 in Tabor, SD to Frank and Mary (Vlasak) Pekas. The family moved to Scotland and she lived with her parents while working as a legal secretary and later at the Farmers and Merchants Bank. Her parents passed away in the early 1950s after which she moved to Omaha. She was employed at the 1st National Bank of Omaha and married George Jacobi. After his death, she moved to the New Cassel Retirement Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers and seven sisters.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law.

A prayer service will be held Wed. Mar. 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral will be held Thur. Mar. 27th 11:00 a.m. at the New Cassel Retirement Center. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of KREMER FUNERAL HOME.


Cindy Jensen, 1954-2016

Cindy Jensen, 61, of Dawsonville passed away Friday February 12, 2016 at Gwinnett Medical Center.

Born September 12, 1954 in Scotland, South Dakota to the late Rev. Andrew B. and Bertha C. Meyer, she lived in Dawson County since 2002 having moved from Duluth, GA. A devoted Christian who possessed a strong love of the Lord, Cindy was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, was involved in Walk to Emmaus, was a member of the choir, and was active in UMW. She served as president of the Dawson County Women’s Club for 2 years and was a member of the Red Hats. She was formerly employed as Director of Human Resources for Schwan Food Company. Someone who never met a stranger and was a very giving person, she loved to cook for her family and friends. Cindy was an avid gardener, she loved to read, was an expert knitter, a superb Scrabble player, a gifted seamstress and an extremely avid NASCAR fan. She was a loving supporter of the military, veteran’s organizations and all public servants. With countless nieces and nephews, she was a supportive role model in many of their lives. On Friday, February 12, 2016, she not only received her Heavenly reward, she was also reunited with three sisters.

Surviving are her husband of 42 years, Bruce N. Jensen, Dawsonville; children, Natalie Jensen, Duluth, GA, Michael and Dorian Jensen, Charlotte, NC; six sisters, two brothers, and was a loving grandmother to her grand puppies and grand kitties.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday February 16, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church. Dr. Orin Sampson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to your favorite charity. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.


James "Jim" Johnson, 1946-2008

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 29, for Jim Johnson, 62, Madison, who died of natural causes on Nov. 23, 2008, at his residence. The Rev. Terry Knudson will officiate in the Randall Funeral Home, and burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Wentworth. Military honors will be performed by the American Legion Post 23, respectively. Honorary casketbearers will be members of Lake County law enforcement. Visitation will begin at noon Friday with the family present at 5 p.m. at the Randall Funeral Home.

Johnson was born on Aug. 22, 1946, at Wentworth to Vada and Emma (Draper) Johnson. He grew up in Wentworth and Junius, where he attended school. He graduated from Beadle High School in Madison in 1965. He served in the South Dakota National Guard. He married Evelyn Schaefers on July 12, 1969, at Utica. He lived and worked in Springfield and Tyndall, serving with the Springfield city police. He also lived in Yankton.

He moved to Madison in 1978 and worked at Gehl. Later he began employment with the city of Madison, where he was a patrolman. He later retired from law enforcement and went to work as a dispatcher for Lake County 911 Communications until his death.

He was a member of Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion Post 23, Lake County REACT (founder), Ducks Unlimited, Lake County Pro Pheasants, NRA, Peace Officers Association, Blue Angels, Izaak Walton League of America and NWTF.

Survivors include a daughter, Jean (Joe) Gumm of Sioux Falls; a son, Tyler of Sioux Falls; and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn in 2004; his parents; two sisters; and a brother.


Lorraine Johnson, 1937-2016

Lorraine Johnson, 78, of Yankton, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Avera-Sister James Care Center in Yankton following a courageous battle with cancer.

A wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, February 10 at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall with Fr. Gerald Thury officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 11 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Lorraine R. Johnson was born on September 9, 1937 to Louis and Rose (Kubal) Stluka in Yankton, South Dakota. She graduated from high school in 1957. Following her graduation, Lorraine worked for Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator. Upon the closure of the office in 1964, she transferred to AT&T in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she once again worked as a telephone operator. In 1970, Lorraine was united in marriage to Glen Johnson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After working for AT&T for 43 years, Lorraine retired. For a time, she worked part-time at Eagles in Minneapolis as a secretarial assistant. In 2004, she moved back to Yankton. For a few years, she worked part-time for Sherry Soukup Cleaning Service. Lorraine loved life and kept herself busy. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and going to parties. She also spent many hours at the senior citizen center, chatting and playing bingo. While Lorraine loved many things, her cats were her pride and joy. Her feline themed attire and countless figurines spoke volumes of her deep affection for her little ones.

Lorraine passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Avera-Sister James Care Center in Yankton following her courageous battle with cancer. She had attained the age of 78 years, four months and 29 days.

She is survived and remembered by her sisters: Margie Heisinger of Tyndall, Delores Fossum of Coon Rapids, MN, and Alverna Kubal of Emigrant, MT; step-daughter Monica (Art) Simens of Coon Rapids, MN; step-son Wayne (Shandra) Johnson of Mesquite, NV; two step-grandchildren; brother-in-law Duane (Marie) Johnson of St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law Ann Edworthy of Danbury, WI; several nieces and nephews; special friend Robert Hlavac; and her beloved cats Rocky and Lucky.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1988, parents, brothers John and Donald, infant sister Shirlene, and her beloved cats: Mitten, Twiggy, Tiger and Tamera.


Violet Jenison, 1918-2014

Violet (Kocmick) Jenison, 95 of Rapid City, South Dakota, died peacefully, with her daughter Cathy by her side, on Monday, April 7, 2014 at Golden Living Center - Meadowbrook in Rapid City. Memorial services are planned for a later date. Violet was born May 8, 1918 to John and Mary (Placek) Kocmick at Dante, South Dakota.

She was the oldest of 5 children. Violet's sister Sylvia Meiers of Avon, South Dakota, and brother Bob Kocmick of Dante, South Dakota survived her. Sister Janis Schumacher and brother Jim Kocmick preceded her in death.

Violet grew up on the family farm in Dante, helping her dad in the fields and her mom in the kitchen. She moved to Avon in her teens and worked at Widenbachs grocery store where she met the love of her life, Clarence Jenison, who she married at Tyndall, South Dakota in 1941.

They immediately moved to California where she worked as a riveter in the airline factories. Later they moved to Oklahoma and then, in 1946, back to Wagner, South Dakota, where she raised her children, Carol (Tim) Murphy of Rapid City, John (Kate) Jenison of Sioux Falls and Cathy(Jerry) Bernal of Rapid City.

During that time she also worked as a clerk in the Buches Store. In 1965, Clarence became the manager of the Farmers Coop in Ravenna, Nebraska. So they moved to Ravenna and Violet worked in the local dry goods store where she clerked and did alterations as she was a talented seamstress.

She was also a wonderful mother who loved her children and took great care of them and her husband.

When Clarence retired in 1984, they moved to Rapid City to be closer to Carol and Cathy. They spent many winters in Arizona enjoying the warm weather.

Some of Violets hobbies were sewing, painting and baking. After Clarence died in 2008, Violet moved to Sommerset Court where she enjoyed games, playing cards (especially pinochle), pool and all the great people there.

Violet is survived by her children, two siblings, five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, two siblings, one grandchild and one great-grandchild. A memorial has been established to the Club for Boys in Rapid City and the Canyon Lake Senior Center.


Clarence Jenison, 1920-2008

Clarence L. Jenison, 88, passed away Friday, July 18, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice of the Hills. His wife of 67 years, Violet, along with his son, John, and two daughters, Carol and Kathy, were lovingly at his side at this time.

He was born April 4, 1920 at Springfield, SD to Merritt and Winifred (Talsma) Jenison. He attended elementary and high school at Avon, SD. After high school he assisted his father with the family farm implement business. He married Violet Kocmich at Tyndall, SD in 1941 and shortly thereafter he and Violet relocated to Los Angeles, CA where he was employed with McDonnell Douglas Air Craft Co. After a transfer to Tulsa, OK for a short while, he and Violet moved back to South Dakota and settled in Wagner, SD. While here he again resumed work with farm machinery and became co-owner of an International Harvester Implement dealership. In 1966 he moved the family to Ravenna, NE where he was the manager of the Farmers CO-OP. He continued in this management position until his retirement in 1982. He and Violet then moved to Rapid City to be with their daughters.

Clarence recently celebrated his 60 year membership in the Masonic Lodge. He was very active in the Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center, and especially enjoyed playing pool with his fellow members. He was fascinated with the stock market and was a very adept investor.

He is survived by his wife, Violet, of Rapid City; son, John (Kate) Jenison of Northfield, MN; daughters, Carol (Tim) Murphy and Cathy (Jerry) Bernal both of Rapid City. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jenny, Paula, Lance, Brent and Brandon along with 8 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will begin at 1:00 pm, Monday, July 21 at the Tranquility Chapel at Serenity Springs Funeral Home. The Masonic Service Association will be in attendance to provide the Masonic Tribute. A luncheon will follow at the funeral chapel.

Memorials may be made to the Canyon Lake Senior Citizens or the Rapid City Regional Hospice of the Hills.

Funeral arrangements have placed in the care of Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel.


Arlie Jones, 1888-1917

Arlie Fremont Jones, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Jones, was born in Cedar Co., Neb., in 1888. In 1893 with his parents he moved to Manilla, Ia., where they lived till coming to Scotland, S.D., in 1898. He grew to manhood in Scotland, graduating from its public schools.

When he came of age he went to Perkins county and filed on a homestead, and when he proved up he disposed of his property there, but has resided near by most of the time since.

On October 19 he was riding a horse into Canning, S.D., for the mail for the ranch on which he was staying and was thrown from the horse and sustained fatal injuries, and died without recovering consciousness.

Arlie was, as a boy and young man, well liked in this vicinity. His many friends speak of him with tenderness. His life was clean and all who knew him respected and liked him. His friends and the friends of the family deeply deplore his untimely death, and their sympathy and condolence goes out to the bereaved family. He is survived by his father and mother, residing at Wall, S.D., and four brothers, Ray of Scotland, Elmer of New Underwood, Clifford and Howard and their sister Iva living with the parents.

The funeral took place at Wall on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ November 1, 1917


Ray Jones, 1890-1972

Funeral services for Ray Erwin Jones, 81, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Community United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ronald Rice officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Lawn Cemetery with the Cool Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jones was born May 8, 1890 at Scotland to Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln Jones and died Jan. 19, 1972 at the home of his daughter. On Feb. 5, 1913 he married Rebekah Colwell, who died in 1955.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. John (Donna) Sylvia, Geddes; five grandchildren; three brothers, Elmer, Rapid City; Clifford, Rolfe, Iowa, and Howard, Garden Prairie. Ill., and a sister, Vera Davis, Illinois.


Cecilia Johnson, 1877-1957

Funeral services for Mrs. Nels B. Johnson, 80, at Crosby Funeral Home were Monday at 2 p.m. Mrs. Johnson passed away in Yankton on Thursday May 9th. Burial was in Springfield Cemetery beside the grave of her late husband. Pallbearers were E.B. Dwight, Sam Henderson, Mike Henderson, Hugh Bauer, Harley Ketchum and Archie Midkiff.

Celia Charlotte Jacobson was born April 21, 1877 in Sweden and came to Connecticut with her parents at the age of two. After 3 years the family came to Nebraska where they lived on a claim near Atchinson for the next six years, later moving to Wausa. Celia Jacobson married Bur Wright in Wausa in 1894 and the couple moved to Iowa where Mr. Wright passed away. Mrs. Wright returned to Nebraska with her two children, Mary, Mrs. J.J. Johnson and Carl, deceased and lived at the home of her parents. In 1897 she was united in marriage to Nels B. Johnson and to this union six children were born; Alfred of Yankton; Irene (Mrs. R. A. Freidel) of Utica; Celia (Mrs. William Hennies) of Springfield; Amanda (Mrs. Ivan McCollum) of Springfield; Alice (Mrs. Frank Miner) of L.A., Calif.; Agnes (Mrs. J.M. McCollum) of Salem, Oregon.

Mr. & Mrs. Nels B. Johnson came to South Dakota in 1904 and settled on a farm near Springfield. Later they moved to town where Mr. Johnson passed away in 1944. Mrs. Johnson passed away in Yankton at the age of 80 years on Thursday, May 9, 1957. She is survived by six daughters and one son; 2 sisters, Mrs. Anna Crosley of Springfield and Mrs. Amanda Halleen of Belden, Neb.; two brothers, Frank Jacobson of Wausa and Andrew Jacobson of Maring, Idaho.

Source: Springfield (South Dakota) Times ~ Thursday, May 15, 1957


Betty Janssen, 1931-2016

Betty M. Janssen, age 85, of Avon, died Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 6 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Avon with burial at First Baptist Cemetery in rural Avon. Visitation will begin Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. with family present at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Marie (Berndt) Janssen was born April 21, 1931 on a farm near Avon, to Helmuth and Mary (Hieb) Berndt. She was baptized by Albert Ittermann on January 2, 1944 at the Tyndall Baptist Church. Betty was a member at Danzig Baptist Church in rural Avon. After her marriage, she transferred her membership to First Baptist Church in Avon.

Betty had attended Vesper Country School and graduated from Avon High School in 1949. She started working at Weidenbach Grocery Store in Avon. Betty married Don Janssen on January 3, 1954 in Tyndall at the Tyndall Baptist Church Parsonage. Three sons were born to this union. Don and Betty moved into Avon during the summer of 1973. Betty also worked for Mensch’s Greenhouse where she enjoyed her time there. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Avon since 1954, the Avon Fireman’s Auxiliary and was currently President of the adult Sunday School Class.

Betty will be remembered for her love of quilting, embroidering and crocheting.

Thankful for having shared in her life are her husband, Don of Avon; three sons: Doug (Mary) of Tripp, Keith (Jean) of Yankton and Brian of Avon; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends and neighbors.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother and wife, Stanley and Marjorie Berndt and infant sister, Barbara.


Melissa Jennings, 1856-1944

Melissa Rachel Jennings, 87, passed away at the family home Sunday morning, March 12, 1944 from a slight attack of influenza.

She was born in Wisconsin, October 4, 1856, and came to Bandon, Oregon in 1915 with her husband, the late Rev. N. E. Jennings, and their family. Rev. Jennings died January 7, 1939. Mrs. Jennings lived with her son, Paul, at their home between Bandon and Prosper.

The deceased was the mother of 12 children, six of whom are living: Mrs. May Durphey, in Elkpoint, South Dakota; Frank, in Bremerton, Washington; C. O. in Seaside; N. A. in Napa, California; Mrs. Bertha Thomas in Seattle; and Paul, in Bandon.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, March 16, at 11 o'clock at the Church of God in Bandon with the Rev. Hans Nelson of North Bend officiating. He will be assisted by the Rev. Christian, former pastor of the local church. Interment under the direction of Schroeder Brothers will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Mrs. Jennings was beloved by all who knew her. She was a typical old-fashioned Christian mother, whose sole aim in life was to extend her guidance and help to those who came within her sphere of society. Her departure removes a pioneer whose influence will be felt in generations to follow.


Rev. Nelson Jennings, 1853-1939

Funeral services were held at the Church of God in Bandon Saturday afternoon for the Rev. N. E. Jennings, 86 years, one month, seven day of age, who died at his home in the Prosper district on Friday, January 6. Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery with Schroeder Brothers Mortuary in charge.

Deceased had been a resident here for many years, retiring from the ministry some years ago. He is survived by his widow and son Paul of Bandon, Oregon, and a son, C. O. Jennings of Portland, Oregon.

Source: Western World ~ January 12, 1939


Louis Vellek, 1924-2016

Louis “Louie” Vellek, 91, of rural Scotland, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in his home on his beloved farm.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15 at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16 at St. Leo Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow in Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery (Vodnany), rural Scotland. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Louis Vellek was born on August 16, 1924 to Adolph and Christina (Podzimek) Vellek eight miles north of Tyndall on the family farm that he would continue to live on for his whole life. He attended Buechler grade school until he began farming with his father full-time. When his brothers were drafted into service for their country, Louis was deferred so that he could continue to farm and support the family at home. On June 30, 1953, Louie was united in marriage to Nyla Jezek in Scotland. To this union, seven children were born.

Louie farmed for his entire life as well as raising livestock, mainly hogs, and mechanical work. He truly loved farming and took pride in keeping a tidy farm. He always worked hard and weeds could never win against him. For a time, he was also an Arbie Scooter and Standard Feed dealer. He was a member of the National Farmers’ Organization (NFO).

He enjoyed many hobbies, such as driving around the neighborhood, watching boxing, playing Euchre, and visiting with people. The conversations were never quick or boring. Louie had an opinion and question about everything and loved debating. His children also fondly remember his love of watermelons, cucumbers, mashed potatoes with gravy, and good soup. He was a good man with wisdom beyond his years.

Louie passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in his home on his beloved farm having attained the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 28 days.

He is survived, loved, and missed by his children: Marlowe Vellek of rural Scotland, Kevin Vellek of rural Scotland, Cathy Vellek of Huron, Marlene Vellek of Sioux Falls, Laurie Vellek of rural Scotland, and Marcia Vellek of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nyla, his parents, brothers: Robert, Raymond, and Ernest, sisters: Louise, Alice, and Helen, and son Michael in 2009.

Louie quoted once that
“God must have liked the color green,
Because of the crops, grass, and trees.”


Rosina Voll, 1854-1930

Mrs. Rose Voll Dies After Long Illness

Following a long illness, Mrs. Rose Voll passed away yesterday morning at the family home, 405 East Locust Street. She was a native of Russia aged 75 years. She had resided in Lodi for the past ten years.

She was the wife of William Voll of Lodi and mother of George Voll, Elgin, N.D.; William Voll, Heil, North Dakota; Mrs. Elizabeth Kuhlman, Menno, S.D.; Theodore Voll, Heil, N.D.; Mrs. Anna Rademacher, Sacramento; Mrs. Christine Winter, Lodi; Fred Voll, Elgin, N.D.; Emiel Voll, Elgin, N.D.; Andrew Voll, Lodi; E.E. Voll, Stockton; Jacob Voll, Menno, S.D.; Henry Voll, San Francisco.

The body is at the undertaking parlors of Hale & Bawden. Notice of funeral later.

Source: The Lodi (California) Sentinel ~ Feb 18, 1930


William Voll, 1852-1933

Father of 12 Answers Call
William Voll, Here for 14 Years, Dead At Age of 80 Years


William Voll, 80, passed away at his home on East Locust street Thursday following a short illness. He had resided in the Lodi district for 14 years, and was a native of Russia.

Deceased was the husband of the late Rosina Voll and father of the following children: George, William, Fred, Emil and Theodore of North Dakota; Jake and Lizzie Kolman of South Dakota; Mrs. Anna Radmacher of Sacramento, Henry of San Francisco, Emanuel of Stockton and Mrs. Christina Winter and Andrew Voll of Lodi.

Remains are at the undertaking establishment of Hale & Bawden. Date of funeral services will be announced later.

Source: The Lodi (California) Sentinel ~ Feb 11, 1933


William "Bill" Voracek, 1923-2010

William "Bill" Voracek, age 87, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Friday, August 20, 2010 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Leonard Kayser officiating. Burial will be in the Yankton Cemetery. Visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Josh Westergaard, Jim Williams, Murray Westergaard, David Stockman, Kenny Ranek and Kevin Ranek.

Bill was born May 10, 1923 on the farm near Tyndall, South Dakota to Joseph and Matilda (Simek) Voracek. He grew up in the Tyndall area and helped his parents on the farm. On July 20, 1955, Bill married Gladys Johnson in Plankinton, South Dakota. In the early 1950s, Bill moved to Yankton and worked at Gurney Seed and Nursery until he retired in 1985. Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his three children, Rita (Gayle) Westergaard of Viborg, SD, Alan Voracek (Tammy Craig) of Yankton and Linda Jansen (Curt Howard) of Paradise, TX; seven grandchildren: Kari, Shalon, Amber, Josh, Adam, Kayla Jean and Dalton; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Ranek of Tyndall; brother, Roy Voracek of Yankton; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Gladys Voracek on April 13, 2007.


Margaret Vondracek, 1919-2016

Margaret (Bosteder) Vondracek, age 97, of Scotland, South Dakota, died Monday, April 25, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society in Scotland.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30 at First United Methodist Church in Yankton with Reverend Ron Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Pallbearers are Deb Ripperger, Alan Ripperger, Alan Bosteder, Travis Morey, Elissa Barrick and Chase Barrick.

Margaret Clementine Robinson was born February 11, 1919 in Mission Hill, South Dakota to Virgil and Nellie (Flick) Robinson. She graduated from Yankton High School and then on June 1, 1937, she married Arthur "Tiny Bosteder. To this union, one son was born, Vernon "Butch" Bosteder. They lived their entire married life of 61 years in the same house on Whiting Drive. Margaret worked as a secretary for Stuelpnagel’s and Montgomery Ward. Her favorite job was working at the Medicine Shop for 11 years, retiring at the age of 80. Margaret loved people so to her, it was never about the work but the people she worked with and met. Margaret was a self-taught piano player and also played the organ, guitar and fiddle. She and Tiny played with the South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers. Margaret also loved riding the motorcycle with Tiny and they enjoyed many trips together. After Tiny passed away in 1998, a former high school friend contacted her and they became reacquainted. After 11 months of courtship, Margaret married Joseph Vondracek on November 11, 2000 in Big Rapids, Michigan. Joe was in charge of the Salvation Army Church and Margaret played the piano for church services. After Joe passed away, Margaret lived with her granddaughter in Rolfe, Iowa for a year and then moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Scotland, where she spent the last five years.

Left to cherish her memory are her granddaughter, Deb (Alan) Ripperger of Rolfe, IA; grandson, Alan (Diane) Bosteder of Wenatchee, WA; four great grandchildren: Katherine (Travis) Morey, Elissa (Chase) Barrick, Matthew Ripperger, and Christina Eberle; two great-great grandchildren, Lillian and Madilyn; and step-daughter, Judy (David) Payton of Big Rapids, MI.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Arthur "Tiny" Bosteder and Joseph Vondracek; son, Vernon "Butch" Bosteder; two sisters, Grace Brewer and Dorothy Crawford; brother, Donald Robinson; step-son, Joseph Vondracek Jr.; and grandson-in-law, Tom Church.


Alvin Vanecek, 1927-2016

Alvin J. Vanecek, age 89, of Tabor, SD passed away Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 2 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, SD with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery, Tabor, SD at a later date. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 1 with a Wake service at 7:00 p.m. at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Pallbearers are members of his family.

Alvin was born January 7, 1927 in rural Tabor, SD to James and Lillian (Hlavac) Vanecek. He attended Elm View School, then assisted his father on the farm. He married Mary Ann Barger on April 11, 1950 at St. Wenceslaus Church, Tabor, SD. Alvin farmed all his life. He enjoyed raising cattle, listening to Czech music and belonged to ZCBJ Lodge for over 50 years.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of 65 years, of Tabor, SD; children: Jeannette (Dennis) Hisek of Odessa, MO, Dianne Vanecek of Lakeland, FL, James (Wendy) Vanecek of Navarre, FL and Kenneth Vanecek (Ev Kloucek) of Tabor, SD; grandchildren: Rose (Terry) Robinson, Jennifer (Eric) Butler, Brad (Roseanne) Hisek, Angy (Jim) Vanson, Douglas and Blasé Vanecek, Greg (Bonnie) Vanecek, Alex Vanecek, Leah (Chris) Foster; great-grandchildren: Lilly, Brooke, Noah, Ryann, Jacob, Domonic, Salvator, Desia, Araia, Bradley Jr., Angelina, Jaxon, Colton and Dakota.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Donald and granddaughter Cheryl Westbrook. Memorials are directed to the Tabor Elementary School, 227 N. Lidice, Tabor, SD 57073.


Valdis "Val" Velitis, ?-2016

Valdis 'Val' Velitis, 85, of Scotland, SD, passed away Tuesday, January 26th, 2016, at the Avera St Marys Hospital, Pierre.

Val was born in Madona Latvia, arriving in the US in 1948, before settling in Scotland, SD in 1987. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict during which he was awarded a Purple Heart.

A lover of art, he obtained his BA in Fine Art at the University of California, Riverside in the late 1970s as a mature student. He enjoyed photography, sculpture and painting.

He had three children, two surviving: Mike (California) and Mara (England), and a granddaughter, Lydia (daughter of Mike and Diana).

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, 6th February at the Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.


Alice Verzani, 1918-2011

Alice Florence Verzani, 92, Armour, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Mitchell.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Armour. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Armour. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the church with a 7 p.m. wake service. Arrangements are under the direction of Koehn Brothers Funeral Home, Armour.

She was born on Nov. 12, 1918, in Avon to Rudolph and Emma (Pritzkau) Berndt.

She attended country school near Avon and graduated from Avon High School.

She worked at a café in Avon.

On June 13, 1938, she married Joseph "Fred" Verzani in Yankton.

They farmed on the Verzani homestead until 1968, when they retired and moved in to Armour.

Her husband died on May 19, 1988.

She worked at the Armour School as a cook for many years.

She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and Altar Society.

She is survived by six children: Ronald, Rochester, Minn.; Kay Folden and husband Ben; and Duane and wife Mary, all of Mitchell; Mary Gorsz and husband Don, Germany; Carol Ceaman and husband John, Rose Creek, Minn.; and Jody Verzani, Austin, Minn.; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two children: Jerome and Jean Ann; three grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, her parents and 11 siblings.


George Voigt, 1924-2016

Funeral services for George A. Voigt, 91 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the First Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Monday from 5 to 6 p.m., with the family present. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

George A. Voigt, son of E.O.F. and Katie (TerVeer) Voigt, was born March 3, 1924 on a farm near Avon, SD. He died peacefully Friday, January 22, 2016 at the age of 91 year, 10 months and 20 days.

George attended Mawhinney Country School where he completed the eighth grade. He returned to the family farm where his eyesight began to diminish before becoming completely blind by his 20’s. George remained on the farm, often with a dog alongside, until he moved to the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society following their house fire in October of 2010.

George was a very gentle and quiet man who rarely left the farm. Family members have always been amazed at his accomplishments despite his lack of sight. George was always adept at fixing things, repairing machinery and even overhauling tractors with some help from brother John. On the farm George raised cattle most of his life, getting most of them to go wherever he needed with a shake of the pail. When hauling bales, George would stack the bales on the flatbed and unload the bales into the hay mound to be re-stacked again almost always perfectly straight. George also built a granary, machine shed and garage. In addition to the farm work, he kept the corn cob stove stocked with corn cobs and firewood, created some of the best coon traps, and planted and maintained an immaculate garden. When he wasn’t outside, you were likely to find George listening to a Twins game or the Radio Bible Hour.

Thankful for having shared his life are brother Vert and his wife Doris of Avon, sister Carrie of the GSS in Tyndall, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Abe and John and wife Luella; four sisters: Clara and husband Peter DeBoer, Johanna and husband Emil Weber, Margaret and husband Russell Hubner, and Esther Voigt; half brother Eldon Voigt; half sister Goldie Lubbers; and niece Delilia Weber.


Louise Van Gerpen, 1926-2015

Louise Van Gerpen, 89, of Tyndall and formerly of Avon, died Friday, November 13, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Louise attained the age of 89 years, nine months and five days.

Her funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 17 at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Committal services will be held at the First Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, with the family present. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon is in charge of the arrangements.

Louise Irene Van Gerpen, daughter of Louis J. and Ida M. (Oorlog) Dykstra was born February 9, 1926 at Tyndall. Louise attended grade school in the Avon area and was a 1944 graduate of Avon High School. As a young lady, she worked in Avon at the K & K Store and BJ’s.

Louise married Roland Van Gerpen on March 26, 1947 at the Avon Baptist Church. Three sons were blessed to their union. Together they farmed northeast of Avon. She loved raising her chickens. Louise loved to cook for her family. She will especially be remembered for her pies, popcorn balls, cinnamon rolls and pfeffnasse. Every Sunday night after church, she made cherry malts and hamburgers. Louise loved singing hymns and singing with her grandchildren. She deeply loved her grandchildren and they deeply loved her.

Louise was raised in the Trinity Presbyterian Church. After her marriage, she transferred her membership to the First Baptist Church and was baptized on May 27, 1951. Here she sang in the church choir, served as Sunday School teacher and a Jr. CBY leader. Louise was an avid supporter of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxillary.

After her husband’s sudden death on July 13, 1983, she was appointed by Governor William Janklow to fill his vacancy as State Representative on October 4, 1983. She served in this capacity from 1983 to 1984. Louise always had a high regard for her country’s flag and enjoyed giving them to people.

Due to failing health, Louise became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on October 14, 2011.

Thankful for having shared her life are her sons: Bill and wife Karen of Tyndall; Danny and wife Arlis of Tripp; and Lorney and wife Barbara of Avon; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband; parents; five brothers: Dick, John, Garrett, David and Louis; and two sisters: Henrietta Vilhauer and Annie Hiedemann.


Donald Nellis, 1918-1997

Funeral services for Donald E. Nellis, 79, of Killeen, Texas will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home Chapel in Killeen with the Revs. Raymond Young, Maurice Self and Bob Haynes officiating. Burial will follow at Killeen City Cemetery.

Nellis died Saturday at a Temple hospital.

He was born Jan. 10, 1918, in Avon, S.D., and he attended the University of South Dakota.

Nellis had lived in the Killeen area since 1951 and was a retired postal carrier. He had also worked for Lockheed Aircraft in California.

He married the former Lenner Hair on July 4, 1943. Nellis served in the US Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

Survivors include his wife of Killeen; four sons, David D. Nellis and Leroy W. Nellis, both of Austin, Dean Nellis of Avon, and Glenn F. Nellis of Killeen; one daughter, Linda A. Nellis of Edmond, Okla.; three brothers, Merlyn Nellis of Moscow Mills, Mo., Lowell Nellis of Maryland, Ind., and Elwood Nellis of Temple; 17 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Nellis was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.


Steven Neth, 1952-2016

Steven John Neth, 63, of Scotland, South Dakota, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 25 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there that evening at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 26 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland with Rev. Ron Shifley officiating. Burial will follow in the Ebenezer Cemetery, rural Scotland with military graveside rites. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Steven John Neth was born on July 28, 1952 to Elmer and Dorothy (Mogck) Neth in Parkston, South Dakota. In 1966, Steve was confirmed in the Christian faith. Steve early enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and actively served in the Springfield Unit. On April 8, 1972, Steve was united in marriage to Sharon Breaw at the United Church of Christ in Scotland.

From the time he was young on the family farm to the years he shared with his wife on their own homestead, Steve was a hard-worker who lived an agricultural, outdoorsmen life-style. He farmed numerous crops and for over 20 years raised and milked Holstein dairy cattle. Throughout the years, Steve also worked as a road maintainer for Zeeb Construction Co. and other local construction companies. When he wasn’t working, he was hunting with his sons and grandsons, optimistically fishing on his pontoon boat, camping with his family and friends on his bluff lot in Springfield, spending time with his grandchildren and watching their activities, or taking a joy ride in his prized automobiles or motorcycles.

Steve loved motorcycles, especially his ’03 Harley-Davidson Anniversary Model. He and the motorcycle visited many locations over the years, such as Rapid City, Yellowstone, Minnesota, Kool Deadwood Nites and more. When the crops were in and the weather warm, he would also bring out his treasured ’61 Impala bubble top. These drives and time together were a joy and a love that Steve happily shared with his wife throughout their marriage.

Steve unexpectedly passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland having attained the age of 63 years, six months and 25 days.

He is loved, remembered, and survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon Neth of Scotland; daughter Tina (Terry) Rueb of Yankton and their children: Trevor, Tristan, Taylor and great-granddaughter, Paisley; son Kevin (Holly) Neth of Scotland and their children: Tyler, Steven and Trey; son Craig (Kristal) Neth of Sioux Falls and their children: Braden, Bryantt, Breaw and Brody; brothers Mike (Sandy) Neth of Yankton and Roger (Robin) Neth of Scotland; his parents; and mother-in-law LaVerne Breaw.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father-in-law, Merton Breaw.


John & Ann Novak, deaths in 1885

THE TABOR TRAGEDY
Details of the Murder and Suicide
by which John Novak and His Wife Encountered Death.
Scotland Citizen.

Last Thursday a quiet farming section near Tabor, in the southeastern part of this county, was the scene of one those terrible domestic tragedies which are enacted to blot out a disappointed life.

John Novak, a Bohemian, with his wife and two children arrived in this country about a year ago. Soon after his arrival his wife died, and after remaining a widower for a short time he married Ann Votroba, a young and handsome girl who had worked as a servant in Scotland. The second marriage took place about four months ago, and the newly wedded couple immediately removed to the husband's farm six miles south of Tabor, where last Thursday's tragedy occurred. Here they lived alone, the children by the former marriage having been adopted by neighboring farmers. The new wife is said to have been a woman of violent temper and quarrelsome disposition, and also that she held views and indulged in practices that did not comport with the duties of a pure and virtuous wife. These causes led to frequent quarrels between the illy-mated couple, to threats of desertion on the part of the woman, and finally to the tragedy.

The particulars, given us by a correspondent at Tabor, are as follows: Shortly after noon on the 23rd, as Mr. Wagner was going to the house of a neighbor, he discovered a man, whom he did not recognize, Standing some distance from the road, who called Mr. Wagner and bid him farewell, After passing on a short distance he heard a gunshot, and looking back he saw smoke rise from the place where he had seen the man, but the man had disappeared. Going on to his neighbor's house he informed him of what he had seen and heard, and together they went to the spot where the man had been seen and the shot fired. Here they found a man lying dead with his face on the ground. Without ascertaining who the dead man was they went to Tabor, reporting what they had seen and Coroner Melvin was sent for, who did not arrive until the following morning. Impanelling a jury consisting of Messrs. Blacknik, Janda and Hajek, they went to the spot where the man was lying and found the corpse to be that of John Novak, that he had removed all his outer clothing, which were in a pile near his body, and shot himself in the breast with a double-barrelled shot gun, producing a wound which must have resulted in instant death. Several witnesses were examined. Mr. Lupinek, who had adopted Novak's little boy, testified that on the day of the murder and suicide Novak called at his house and said he was going to Tabor. He gave his pocket knife to the little boy, kissing him and saying, "good bye, dear Joseph," and then left. The jury rendered a verdict that Novak came to his death by big own hands.

Near the body was found a letter spotted with blood. This letter had been written by Novak a short time before he destroyed his life. The letter started out by asking the forgiveness of all; that he had no peace in this world and desired, to leave it. He then says: "I shot my wife this morning in my house near Mr. Kortan's house." Then follows a list of all his debts and the amounts due him from different parties, our condolences by bidding all farewell, especially his children, Mary and Joseph. The coroner and his jury then repaired to Novak's house, and upon opening it a horrible sight met their gaze. Upon the floor lay the young wife with a large gunshot wound in her breast, evidently made with the same gun with which her husband subsequently took his own life. One of her hands was resting upon her face and the other lay by her side. Her face was calm , and placid, displaying the beauty it had possessed in life, and also that her death was instantaneous. On the stove was the breakfast as it had been prepared, showing that the murder had been committed early in the morning. The verdict of the jury was in accordance with the above facts. The body' of the husband was buried on the evening of the 24th, and that of the wife on the morning of the 25th.

Our Tabor correspondent writes: "Ann Votraba was known to many in Scotland. She was rather quick tempered. John Novak was a very good man, and it is difficult to assign a cause for this terrible tragedy. It is explained by some that the man's reason had left him and by others that they lived unhappily, that be was jealous of her, and that she threatened to leave him. Novak was thirty years old, his wife twenty."

Source: Press and Daily Dakotaian (Yankton, South Dakota) ~ July 31, 1885


Rev. Walter Nieuwenhuis, 1908-1995

Service for the Rev. Walter Herman Nieuwenhuis, 87, is today at 1 p.m. at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Service for the Rev. Walter Herman Nieuwenhuis, 87, is today at 1 p.m. at the Bonners Ferry.

Mr. Nieuwenhuis, who was born in Avon, S.D., died Saturday.

He received his education in South Dakota and married Leona Ladely in 1936. He later attended the Faith Home Bible School in Mitchell, S.D.

Mr. Nieuwenhuis farmed and worked part time as a minister until becoming a Nazarene minister in 1947. He served Nazarene churches in South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota and Idaho.

He moved to Bonners Ferry in 1967 and served as the pastor of the Free Methodist Church until retiring in 1975.

He moved to Kootenai County, where he lived until his wife died in 1983.

He married Muriel Anderson in Montana in 1985. He moved to North Dakota in 1991 and to Sandpoint in 1992.

His second wife died in 1993.

He returned to Bonners Ferry in 1995 and lived in the E.F.C. wing of Community Hospital.

Mr. Nieuwenhuis enjoyed gardening, fishing and his ministry.

Survivors include a son, Myron Nieuwenhuis of Deer Park; a brother, Burnell of Nebraska; four sisters, Margaret Hubner and Evelyn Utterbeck, both of South Dakota, Nellie McIntyre of British Columbia, and Florence McIntyre of Kansas; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Source: Idaho Spokesman-Review (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) - January 5, 1996


Ida Novotny, 1917-2015

Ida Marie Novotny, 98 of Lake Andes, daughter of Walter and Cornelia (Fenenga) Harrison, was born May 30, 1917 at Tabor, SD. She died peacefully Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at the Maryhouse in Pierre, SD. Ida attained the age of 98 years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Lake Andes, with burial in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the church, with the family present. There will be a 7:00 p.m. Rosary, followed by a time of sharing. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Wagner is in charge of the arrangements.

Ida was raised in her early years in Bon Homme County on the homestead awarded to her grandfather at the end of the Civil War. He served with the Wisconsin Infantry during that conflict. When she was just a little girl, the family moved for a brief time to Denver, where her father looked for work. But soon they returned to South Dakota where her dad resumed farming near Bonesteel. Her mother passed away when Ida was 9, and her older sisters stepped in to help raise her. They all pitched in to help on the farm during those difficult dust bowl years.

Ida graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1935, and attended Springfield Normal College for one year to obtain her teaching certificate. Her first teaching job was in a one-room school several miles south of Bonesteel teaching grades 1-8. She later took a teaching position in Lake Andes where she met her future husband, A.M. (Pete) Novotny. They married in 1940 (a marriage that would last 66 years), and during the war years lived in Long Beach, CA, where they both worked in the busy shipyards. Two of Ida's older siblings also moved there to work in the shipyards during the war.

In 1945, after the war ended, they returned to Lake Andes where they purchased a small, shuttered gas station. After many months of refurbishing and remodeling with the help of friends and family, they opened a small combination café/service station called "Pete's Service and Café." Ida cooked hamburgers and Pete pumped and delivered gasoline - they made a wonderful team, both with hard work running through their veins. In later years, as the successful business expanded, Ida handled the bookkeeping duties, and like many other moms in the fifties, she assumed most of the household chores, and rode herd on three young boys.

After her three sons completed high school, Ida fulfilled an unmet need to continue her education; which she did at Southern State College in 1971. One of her proudest moments was when she received her diploma at the age of 54, coincidentally, on the same day as her son Roger, received his diploma from Northern State in Aberdeen. Ida wasn't able to attend her own graduation ceremony, choosing rather to celebrate together with her family in Aberdeen at her son's graduation.

Ida taught for many years in Armour, commuting each day for 13 years. Many of her students still remember her fondly with birthday cards or Christmas greetings.

Ida and Pete spent many years enjoying their friends and family gathered around the kitchen table, whether it was playing cards or enjoying a good meal and sharing stories. They cherished their time in Mesa in the winter, the summer in Lake Andes, South Dakota and many years of fun at the cabin on the Lake. The last three years Ida and son Gene moved to Parkwood Apartments in Pierre to be closer to family and to enjoy the vibrancy and energy of her great grandchildren.

Thankful for having shared her life are her sons: Jerry (Mary) of Portland, OR; Roger (Nila) of Fort Pierre and Gene of Pierre; three grandchildren: Steven (Britanny) Novotny and Jill (Tom) Hart, all of Pierre and Cary (Nita) Novotny of Portland; seven great grandchildren: Ellen and Hadley Hart and Addison and Gavin Novotny of Pierre, and Tess and Neve Novotny and Makenna Carroll of Portland.

Ida was preceded in death by her husband in 2007; parents; and her siblings: Mable Lloyd, Lola Strait, Fran Harrison and Lloyd Harrison.

Memorials may be directed to the Pete and Ida Novotny Scholarship Fund at the Northern State University Foundation or the Lake Andes Cemetery Association.


Milo Novak, 1921-2007

The angels came for Milo Novak early Saturday morning on July 21, 2007.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2007 at the Tyndall Presbyterian Church in Tyndall, SD with Rev. Bill L. VanGerpen officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the Kostel Funeral Home in Tabor, SD.

Milo was born September 5, 1921, in Tyndall, SD, to Joseph and Josephine (Jilek) Novak. He graduated from Avon High School in 1939. After graduation Milo worked on the Orman Dam Project in Belle Fourche SD.

Milo then moved to Sioux City, IA, and began boxing in the Golden Gloves circuit. There he won the light-heavyweight Golden Gloves Boxing Championship, and then began boxing out of Chicago, IL.

Milo drafted into the Army and volunteered for the 4th Air Borne Paratroopers out of Fort Benning, GA. He was educated in telegraphy and was a brakeman for the Milwaukee Railroad in Casper, WY, working throughout Montana. Milo loved Montana.

Returning to Tyndall, SD, he met Rose Mary Sejnoha. They were married November 23, 1949. They have six children: Dorothy, Carol, Edward (Patty Jo), Joni, Peggy, and Rick (Pam), 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.

Milo took loving care of his family and enjoyed being with them. He loved the outdoors and traveling. He dabbled in some farming, telegraphy, TV repair, remodeling houses, and gardening. He operated the Coast to Coast store until he gained full-time employment as a rural mail carrier from which he retired at 70 years of age.

Milo's surviving brothers are Charlie and Jim; sisters are Gladys Pechous, Sylvia Corcoran, Mildred Hovorka. He was preceded in death by his sister Irene Ruman and Joseph Novak, Jr.

Milo was adored by his very devoted wife, children, and grandchildren. We all pray that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


Paul Neth, 1965-2012

Paul Marvin Neth was born on Thursday, December 9, 1965 to Marvin and Lois (Blaufuss) Neth at Tyndall, South Dakota. Paul graduated from Scotland High School in 1984 and was active at Scotland United Church of Christ and in 4H. He graduated from SDSU in 1988 with degrees in Engineering Physics and Computer Science. Paul married Laura Buckwalter on June 23, 1989. They moved from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990. In 1992, they moved to the Denver, Colorado area, living for seven years in Aurora, Colorado. In 2000, they moved from Aurora to Eagan, Minnesota where Paul worked for NACR (North American Communications Resource) and Univita, where he was a Database Administrator. He left there in August of 2010 due to his disability. He was active in the Huntington's Disease Society of America's local chapter and support group and assisted in the planning of the Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) national convention in Bloomington, Minnesota in 2011. He was an avid golfer and woodworker. Paul was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and was especially happy to live in Colorado when the Broncos won back-to-back Superbowls. Paul passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at his residence in Minneapolis at the age of 46 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Paul is survived by his son, Michael Paul Neth of Eagan, Minnesota; his mother and stepfather, Lois (Gerard) Hehn of Sioux Falls; sister Janelle (Wayne) Hesman of Doniphan, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Kim Neth of Scotland; three nieces: Jenna Neth of Watertown, and Megan and Kaitlyn Hesman of Doniphan, Nebraska; and his former wife, Laura Neth of Eagan, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Neth, and his brother, Richard Neth.

Paul’s family prefers memorials to HDSA, the Huntington’s Society of America.


Richard Neth, 1959-2009

Funeral services for Richard T. Neth of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 28 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland with Pastor Gordon Harris officiating. Organist will be Shirley Orth and soloist is Linda Kronaizl. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Honorary casketbears are Armin Blaufuss, Karl Blaufuss, Mark Blaufuss, Kevin Carda, Darrell Dingman, Brian Goehring, Micah Goehring, Terry Goehring, Tyler Goehring, Wayne Hesman, Derek Mueller, Michael Neth, Paul Neth, Mick Rowe and Floyd Snoozy. Active casketbearers are Kerry Frey, Richard Kloucek, Michael Neth, Roger Neth, Steven Neth and David Walloch. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Richard Todd Neth was born Monday, October 19, 1959 at Yankton, South Dakota to Marvin and Lois (Blaufuss) Neth. He was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. Theo Blaufuss on December 5, 1959. He was raised on the family farm south of Scotland. Richard was a 1977 graduate of Scotland High School where he was very active in FFA, football, and swing choir. He graduated from Mitchell VoTech in 1979 with a degree in Agricultural Management. Richard was united in marriage to Kim Goehring on June 6, 1981 at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno. They made their home on the farm where he grew up, and had just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed being outdoors on the farm and raised pigs, cattle, dairy cattle and farm crops. He was very good at mechanical work and fixing things. Richard was a life-long member of the United Church of Christ in Scotland where he sang in the Men’s Choir and served as an usher. He also sang in the Community Choir. He was very active with 4-H for 10 years. His other pastimes included golfing, camping, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, playing cards and shooting pool. Richard was a devoted husband and father, and took special joy in his daughter, Jenna, who was “the apple of his eye.” Richard died suddenly on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Irene, South Dakota at the age of 50 years, 1 month and 5 days.

Richard’s memory will be cherished by his wife Kim and daughter Jenna of rural Scotland; his parents, Lois and Gerard Hehn of Scotland; sister Janelle (Wayne) Hesman of Doniphan, Nebraska; brother Paul Neth of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; father- and mother-in-law Willard and Darlene Goehring of Menno; brothers-in-law Brian (Jessica) Goehring of Lesterville and Terry (Tracy) Goehring of Menno; nieces Megan, Kaitlyn, Stephanie, Tessa and Halle; and nephews Tyler, Michael and Micah.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Neth; paternal grandparents, Richard and Lorna Neth; maternal grandparents, Theo and Margaret Blaufuss; and aunt, Margaret Johanna Blaufuss.


David Nelson, 1949-2003

David Mathew Nelson, 54, Scotland, died Tuesday (July 15, 2003) at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Scotland.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at the United Church of Christ, Scotland, with the Rev. Mark E. Werner officiating. Burial is in the Ebenezer Reformed Cemetery, Scotland. Pallbearers are Ken Travnicek, Dennis Groen, Scott Pedersen, Mike Mehrer, Mike Smidt and Gene Schneider. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. today (Thursday) with the family present from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland.

He was born on Feb. 2, 1949, in Scotland to Maynard and Kathleen (Bainbridge) Nelson. He attended schools in Scotland and graduated from Scotland High School in 1967. He attended and graduated from South Dakota State University at Brookings in 1972, with a degree in plant science. He married Karen Mack Pierce on Aug. 18, 1977, at Carthage. He worked in grain elevators for many years and from 1978 to 1991 he worked at the Cargill elevator in Scotland. He was the farm management instructor in Scotland from 1991-93. He purchased and became the owner and operator of the Coast To Coast Hardware Store in Scotland, now called the True Value Hardware. He farmed the family farm south of Scotland from 1978-2002.

He loved fishing and hunting with his family and friends, NASCAR and any type of outdoor activity.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, Scotland; threechildren: Jeff, (fiance Stella), Yankton; Julie, Scotland; and Matthew, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren: one brother, Jerry Nelson, Sioux Falls,; three sisters: Jeanette Lisbeth, Viera, Fla.; Marlys (Don) Wasmund, Worthington, Minn.; and Mary (Rick) Lingberg, Sioux Falls; and his mother, Kathleen Nelson, Scotland.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorials may be made to the Lake Henry Association.


Hendrika "Hattie" Namminga, 1913-2008

Andrew & Hattie Namminga

Hattie Namminga, 94 of Avon ~ Funeral services will be 10:30 am Friday, February 15, 2008 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial in the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 AM until 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield.

Hattie Namminga was born May 7, 1913 near Armour, SD, the daughter of Lambertus and Susie (Poll) Wieten. She entered into eternal life on February 11, 2008 at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD.

Hattie's family moved to Michigan shortly after her birth, then after a few years, moved back to South Dakota. She attended country schools in Douglas County. As a young girl, she did housework for families in northwest Iowa, Zeeland, Ml, and the Corsica, SD area.

Hattie made profession of faith at the Harrison church. Her family moved to Springfield when she was a young adult, where she transferred membership to Emmanuel Reformed Church, and met Andrew.

Andrew and Hattie were married February 20, 1940, at her parent's home in rural Springfield. They had three sons: Lambert, Donald and Allen. They raised their family and farmed in rural Avon. When they reached retirement age, they enjoyed spending the winter months in Mission, TX. They had many dear friends and relatives there and looked forward to this each year. As her health declined, she lived in the Assisted Living Center in Springfield, then moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall in 2006.

Hattie was a faithful member of the Guild and Ladies Aid at church. She taught Sunday School for over 30 years. She was a member of WCTU and Extension Homemakers.

Hattie will be remembered for her strong faith in her Savior and her love for her family. She was always a willing friend and neighbor. She loved to be part of the grandchildren's events. Hattie loved entertaining, flowers, gardening and working on her scrapbooks. She loved to quilt and made sure the grandchildren received a baby quilt and graduation quilt. She continued this tradition with her great grandchildren until her health didn't allow it.

Thankful for having shared her life are her three sons: Lambert and wife Mary of Muskegon, Ml; Donald and wife Beth of Avon; and Allen and wife June of Avon; 14 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brother-in-law, James and wife Susie Namminga of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Hattie was preceded in death by her parents; five day old infant brother, Herman John Wieten; step-mother, Alida (Van Zanten); two year old infant granddaughter; and her husband, Andrew on May 13, 1993.


James Namminga, 1915-2010

James Namminga, 95 of Springfield, died Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland. His funeral service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial in the Emanuel Cemetery in rural Springfield. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield from 1 pm to 7 pm Tuesday, followed by a 7 pm prayer service.

James Namminga, son of Nammen and Elizabeth (Struiving) Namminga, was born on a farm near Springfield on January 29, 1915. He went to be with Our Lord and Savior on December 4, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland, SD. Jim attained the age of 95 years, ten months and six days.

Jim was the youngest of seven children born to his family. He received his grade school education at various country schools in the area. His first grade teacher was his sister Ann.

Jim made his profession of faith in his very early years, always wanting to serve the Lord. He was a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, serving as a deacon, elder and Sunday School teacher.

Jim married Susan E. Heusinkveld on March 9, 1939 at the Garret and Edith Heusinkveld home. Three sons were blessed to their union. Together they farmed west of Springfield, retiring in 1984 and moving into Springfield. Jim and Suzie moved into the Springfield Assisted Living Center in February of 2005. Jim became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland on August 4, 2010.

Jim always had a devotion to reading the Bible every day and was something he instilled in his children. He will be remembered for his loving heart, always willing to help everybody. In his final day, Jim wanted to help the nurses at the Good Samaritan Center.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Susan of Springfield; his sons: Dennis and wife Maxine of Springfield; Harold and wife Barbara of Albuquerque, NM; and Willard and wife Kristen of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren: Mark Namminga and wife Kelly of Springfield; Julie Mott and husband Derin of Oklahoma City, OK; Johanna Namminga of Denver, Co; and Grace Namminga of Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren: Riley and Kristen Namminga and Harrison Mott; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Sam, Hezekiah, John and Andrew; and two sisters: Ann Biesma and Edith Heusinkveld.


Susan Namminga, 1918-2011

Susan E. Namminga, 92 of Springfield, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Yankton Care Center in Yankton. Her funeral service will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield with burial in the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be 1 to 7 pm Tuesday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield, followed by a prayer service.

Susan E. Namminga, daughter of Dick and Johanna (Wynia) Heusinkveld, was born April 7, 1918 on the family farm west of Springfield. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Yankton Care Center in Yankton. Susie attained the age of 92 years, 11 months and five days.

Susie attended country school through the eighth grade. She married James Namminga at the home of Garret and Edith Heusinkveld on March 9, 1939. Three sons were blessed to their union. Together they farmed west of Springfield, retiring in 1984 and moving into Springfield. Jim and Susie moved into the Springfield Assisted Living Center in February of 2005. Jim died December 4, 2010. Due to failing health, she moved to the Yankton Care Center on March 7, 2011.

Susie made her profession of faith at the Emmanuel Reformed Church. She was a faithful member of the church, where she was active in the Guild, Ladies Aid, the church choir and assisted with Vacation Bible School.

Susie loved to have her family over for coffee and cookies. She will also be remembered for her enjoyment of doing fancy work, especially crocheting.

Thankful for having shared her life are her sons: Dennis and wife Maxine of Springfield, Harold and wife Barbara of Albuquerque, NM, and Willard and wife Kristen of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren: Mark Namminga and wife Kelly of Springfield, Julie Mott and husband Derin of Oklahoma City, OK, Johanna Namminga of Denver, CO and Grace Namminga of Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren: Riley and Kristen Namminga and Harrison Mott; three brothers: Delbert and wife Bernice of Sioux Center, IA, Glen and wife Jessie, and Marion, all of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Susie was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and one brother Garret and his wife Edith.


Henry Namminga, 1914-2001

Henry Namminga, 87, Springfield, died Thursday (Nov. 22, 2001) at the Good Samaritan Center, Tripp.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield, with burial in the Emmanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday followed by a prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Springfield.

He was born April 22, 1914, at Springfield to Jacob and Rena (Bruinsma) Namminga. He attended rural school at Dahlenburg Country School. His family later moved to the Zuidema Farm six miles west of Springfield, and he finished his schooling at Kirkwood Country School. He helped his parents on the farm and also worked as a hired man. He married Theresa H. Rienstra on April 22, 1937, at the Emmanuel Reformed Church parsonage, rural Springfield. Together they farmed for 47 years three-fourths of a mile south of Perkins. They retired March 19, 1984, and moved into Springfield. He became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center, Wagner, on March 14, 1994. He transferred to Kingsbury Memorial Manor, Lake Preston, on Nov. 22, 1994. On April 25, 1996, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center, Tripp. His wife died March 8, 1997.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church where he served as an elder and a deacon. He will be remembered for being an easy-going person. He loved to wear his dark blue bib overalls, took excellent care of his animals and loved to kid around with other people.

Survivors include his children: Ruth (Peter) Waldner, Sioux Falls; Larry (Muriel) Namminga, rural Tyndall; Della (Wilmer) Van Beek, Rock Valley, Iowa; and Elaine (Terry) Poelstra, Yankton; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother: Jacob, Springfield; two sisters: Florence Peterson, Greenville, S.C., and Edith Kuiper, Hesperia, Calif.; one sister-in-law: Elsie Namminga, Springfield; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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


Blanche Nelson, 1922-2012

Blanche Gladys Nelson, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland.

Mrs. Nelson was born at home in Scotland, South Dakota on January 18, 1922. She was the second daughter of Albert and Mary (Kozel) Drinovsky. Her older sister, Alma, predeceased her. Blanche married Harry Leroy Nelson on July 12, 1941 in the rectory of St. George Catholic Church. Harry was leaving for the military and she wanted to go with him. She followed Harry during military training to Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Georgia. When Harry left to fight in WWII, she returned to Scotland. They were married for 48 years before his death in 1989. They both loved Scotland and remained there for their entire lives. Blanche had a unique sense of humor and mischievous spirit that will be remembered by all those who knew her.

Survivors include her two daughters: Marilyn Barclay of Denver, Colorado and Sandra Walloch and husband Don of The Villages, Florida. Mrs. Nelson’s five grandchildren are: Troy Barclay and wife Caitlin of Denver, Andrea (Walloch) and husband Tim Messer of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Donny, Justin and wife Jamie, and Nick Walloch of the Atlanta, Georgia area. Her great-grandchildren are Casey Barclay, and Malia and Maile Messer.

At the request of the deceased, no funeral Mass was held. She requested a private graveside service instead. In her memory, please buy a friend a candy bar or a red rose, since she loved both. Those wishing to make a donation in Blanche’s name may do so to either St. George Catholic Church or the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland.


George Nohava, 1931-2005

Funeral service for George M. Nohava will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at United Methodist Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy will be Pastors Phil and Mary-Lee Lint. Organist will be Diane Bryan, and soloist will be Pastor DeAnn Eidem.

Honorary Casketbearers are all of George's friends. Casketbearers are George's grandchildren: Tyler Hajek, Katie Nohava, Jennifer Kisch, Ryan Hajek, Nicholas Kisch, Douglas G. Nohava, Kelli Jobman, Michael Kisch. Interment will be in Country Presbyterian Cemetery Rural Tabor, South Dakota. Graveside Military rites will be by Simek-Ptak V.F.W. Post #6895.

George M. Nohava was born on October 31, 1931 at Tabor, South Dakota to George and Agnes (Rehurek) Nohava. He attended Daisy Valley and Cottonwood Rural Schools, and graduated from Tyndall High School. George was united in marriage to Evelyn Pechous on July 11, 1951 at Tyndall. He served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict from January of 1951 to September of 1953 as a boilerman on the U.S.S. Marshall. After his military service, George returned to the area and farmed until retirement, for a total of 42 years. George was also a seed salesman and sold for the Golden Harvest Seed Company for 40 years, and also sold Archer Oil. George also worked for the ASCS in Tyndall as a crop adjuster. He was very active as a member of the United Methodist Church in Tyndall. He served on many committees, was head usher for many years, and was Chairman of the P.P.R. George served with the Boy Scouts, as a leader and as Secretary. He served on the advisory board for the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center for 10 years.

George loved politics and pinochle and was Chairman of the Bon Homme County Republican Party. He was an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1988. George had 20 years of perfect attendance as a Rotarian and was a 2-time President of the Tyndall Rotary Club. He was a Life Member of the V.F.W. George died on Friday, December 23, 2005 at his residence near Tyndall surrounded by his family.

George is survived by his wife, Evelyn Nohava of Tyndall; his son, Myron (Diana) Nohava of Baltic, South Dakota; two daughters: Jean (Tom) Hajek of Huron, South Dakota and Diane (Dennis) Kisch of Yankton, South Dakota; eight grandchildren: Michael Kisch and fiance Kay, Kelli (Mark) Jobman, Douglas G. Nohava, Nicholas (Tracy) Kisch, Ryan Hajek, Jennifer Kisch, Katie Nohava and Tyler Hajek; and one great-grandson, Caleb Kisch.

His parents, George and Agnes Nohava, one brother, Harvey Nohava, and a stillborn sister preceded George in death.


James Nelles, 1922-2007

Graveside services for James R. Nelles, 84 of Scotland, South Dakota will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland. Pastor Brad Daniels will officiate, with military graveside rites by the Scotland American Legion and VFW posts. Honorary casketbearers will be David Nelles, Douglas Fiscel, Dennis Shulz and Bud Behl. Arrangments are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

James Robert Nelles was born on Saturday, July 1, 1922 in Scotland, South Dakota to Floyd and Agnes (Larson) Nelles. In 1942, he entered the Army Air Force. He served as a Sergeant with the 870th Bombardment Squadron in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater until 1945. James was united in marriage to Marian Elizabeth Macintosh in 1944 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They were married for 48 years, until her death on November 22, 1992 at the age of 69. He was Treasurer of Montgomery County, Maryland from 1948 until his retirement at age 50 in 1973. They lived in Biglerville, Pennsylvania until 1990, when they moved to Scotland for the remainder of their years. In his earlier years, Jim enjoyed vacationing with his family and he loved to camp and fish until he was no longer able. He loved to read, especially Western novels and biographies about people that made history. He considered himself "Mr. Fix-It" and spent many hours tinkering in his garage and woodworking. Most of all, he treasured the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim died on Friday, May 18, 2007 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland.

He is survived by three children: David (Nancy) Nelles of Delaware, Janet (Douglas) Fiscel of Scotland, and Donna (Dennis) Shultz of Madeira Beach, Florida; a daughter-in-law, Virginia Nelles of Chicago, Illinois; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his loving dog, Shadow.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Nelles, his son, James R. Nelles, Jr., and his parents, Floyd and Agnes Nelles.


Alton Nieman, 1919-2012

Alton Nieman, age 93, of Yankton, SD, passed away Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Peace Presbyterian Church, Yankton, with Rev. Marilyn Stone officiating. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, SD with Military Graveside Rites by the Paul Grosshuesch VFW Post #2966 and the SDARNG Honor Guard of Sioux Falls, SD at approximately 1:15 p.m. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with the family present at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Carol Richelieu, Sharon Richelieu, John Richelieu, Alan Richelieu, Nathan Nieman and Joshua Nieman.

Alton was born on May 31, 1919 at Olivet, SD to Steve and Fannie (Dean) Nieman. He graduated from Olivet High School and joined the Army in 1942. He was with the 90th Division Field Artillery in the Normandy Invasion. He was awarded a Bronze Service Arrowhead and 5 battle stars. He married Alma Neuharth in Menno, SD on November 18, 1945. They farmed in the Olivet area until 1957 when they moved to the Scotland area until 1968, when they quit farming and moved to Yankton. Alton worked for Freeman Company for 12 years when he retired. He and his wife enjoyed playing pinochle with many other couples, gardening, and crafts. His wife died in 2007, and in October of 2009, he entered the Avera Sister James Care Center.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Don) Richelieu of Irene, SD; son, Roger (Monica) Nieman of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Carol Richelieu of Sioux Falls, SD, Sharon Richelieu of Sioux Falls, SD, John Richelieu, of Irene, Alan (Cassie) Richelieu of Irene, SD, Nathan Nieman, of Omaha, NE Joshua Nieman of Omaha, NE; his brother, Chester Nieman of Long Beach, CA; sisters-in-law, Verlinda Huber of Corvallis, OR, Erna (LaVern of Decker, Hartford, SD; Alice Neuharth of Lubbock, TX, Viona (Luverne) Buehner of Canistota, SD, Betty Neuharth of Menno, SD; Virginia (Phillip) Neuharth of Menno, SD, Arlene Walz of Menno, SD, Jean Stevenson of Omaha, NE; brothers-in-law, Victor Schneider of Huron, SD, Gideon Schultz of Yankton, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Marvin Nieman, sister, Amelia Engel, sisters-in-law, Eileen Binder, Eleanor Neuharth, Beatha Stevenson, Gertie Neuharth, Ida Schneider, Elda Schultz, Norma Neuharth, brothers-in-law, Art Engel, Leon Neuharth, Lloyd Stevenson, Ray Neuharth, Harvey Huber, Elmer Neuharth, Marvin Neuharth, Walter Walz, and one nephew, Donald Engel.


Doris Novak, 1942-2006

Doris Ann (Heckenlaible) Novak, age 63, of Scotland, SD passed away suddenly in her home on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 in Scotland, SD.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Scotland, SD with Rev. Kathy Kluis officiating. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, SD. Visitation will be 1-9 p.m. Sunday, July 16, 2006 at the Aisenbrey-Kostel Funeral Home in Menno with the family present from 5-7 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Ray Woehl, Paul Mehrer, Erwin Kirkvold, Rudy Bitterman, Russell Ireland and Larry Mueller.

Doris was born July 16, 1942 in Scotland to Rueben and Adeline (Herr) Heckenlaible. She graduated from Scotland High School in 1962 and then moved to Yankton where she worked for local electronic corporations.

Doris married Edward Novak on May 10, 1967. They made their home for many years in rural Scotland and were blessed with a son, Steven. After moving to town in the early '80's, she enjoyed working outside the home for Coyote Sports in Tabor and Baldwin Filters in Yankton.

Her past time was spent gardening and fishing. Although she had no grandchildren of her own, she enjoyed being a grandmother to her dear neighbor and friend, Collette Kline's grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Edward; her son, Steven; her siblings: Darlene (Heckenlaible) Kirkvold of Lincoln, NE; Paul Mehrer of Sioux Falls, SD; Paulette (Mehrer) Wipf of Vermillion, SD, 6 nieces and one nephew, and family friend, Collette Kline.

She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather Ervin Mehrer.


Doris Novak, 1928-2011

Funeral services for Doris Novak of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland with Rev. Jonathan Vehar officiating. Organist will be Jan Kocer. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, with committal rites by the Paul Grosshuesch V.F.W. Post #2966 Auxiliary of Scotland. Honorary casketbearers will be Doris’ co-workers and friends from the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland. Active casketbearers are James Gunn, Bryan Nohava, Jeff Nohava, Paul Stevenson, Russell Stevenson and Keith Thranum. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland. Memorials may be directed to the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland or the Zion Lutheran Church of Scotland.

Doris Novak was born on Monday, October 22, 1928 at Scotland, South Dakota to Frank and Emma (Grosz) Gunn. She graduated from Scotland High School in 1946. Doris was united in marriage to George Novak on March 29, 1948 at the Lutheran parsonage in Scotland. Together they owned and operated the Scotland Café and later she cooked for her brother, Don, at the new Scotland Café. After Doris’ children were born she stayed home to care for them. Doris and George moved to Menno in 1964. After George retired from the Postal Service in 1989, they moved back to Scotland. Later, she began working at the Scotland Good Samaritan Society and was a dedicated employee there for nineteen years. Doris also provided child care for several families in the Menno area. She enjoyed flower gardening, doing embroidery, and working on puzzle books. She loved to cook and hosted many family gatherings. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the Scotland VFW Auxiliary. Doris passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland, having attained the age of 82 years, 6 months and 9 days.

Grateful for having shared Doris’ life are her husband, George, of Scotland; two daughters: Linda (Guy) Wold of Cass Lake, Minnesota and Sharon (Brian) Maas of Salem; three grandchildren: Kendra Detweiler, Tonia Karbowski and Ben Brown; one great-granddaughter, Leah Karbowski; three brothers: Maynard Gunn, Gerald Gunn and Donald Gunn, all of Scotland; and two sisters: Violet Sabatka of Daytona Beach, Florida and Eileen Bardahl of Titusville, Florida.

In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by an infant son in 1949; two brothers: Howard and Finley; two sisters: Marilyn Dutcher and Marguerite Stevenson; four sisters-in-law: Marilyn, Dawn, Mary and Beulah; and four brothers-in-law: Harold Bardahl, Gerald Dutcher, Glen Stevenson and John Sabatka.


George Novak, 1925-2011

Memorial services for George E. Novak of Scotland will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland with Rev. Jonathan Vehar officiating. Organist will be Dorothy Bietz. Inurnment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, with military graveside rites by the Paul Grossheusch VFW Post #2966 of Scotland, the Joseph Verm American Legion Post #155 of Scotland, and the South Dakota Army National Guard Military Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

George Edward Novak was born on Saturday, December 19, 1925 at Scotland, South Dakota to Frank and Mary (Varilek) Novak. He grew up on a farm west of Scotland and worked for room and board to go to high school. He served in the US Army during World War II, from December 1, 1945 through January 1, 1947. Following his military service, George was united in marriage to Doris Darlene Gunn on March 29, 1948 at the Lutheran Parsonage in Scotland. Together, they owned and operated the Scotland Café and later the Rec Bar and Bowling Alley. He also worked for Allied Feeds and the SD Department of Weights and Measures. George and his family moved to Menno in 1964 when he became a rural mail carrier. He delivered mail in the Menno area for over 20 years. After George retired from the Postal Service in 1989, he and Doris moved back to Scotland. George loved music, especially polka music, and played drums with a few local groups. He was a great dancer. He enjoyed keeping up a nice looking yard and helped his wife with her many flowers. George was always proud of his Scotland Community and promoted it every chance he could. He was Mayor of Scotland, a Bon Homme County Commissioner, and first President of the Scotland All-School Reunion. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Disabled American Veterans, the V.F.W. and the El Riad Shrine. George passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Royal C. Johnson Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center in Sioux Falls, having attained the age of 85 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two daughters: Linda (Guy) Wold of Cass Lake, Minnesota and Sharon (Brian) Maas of Salem; three grandchildren: Kendra Lyn Wold (Jim) Detwiler of Cass Lake, Minnesota, Tonia Marie (Tim) Karbowski of Buffalo, Minnesota and William “Ben” Brown, currently with the US Army and in transit from Afghanistan; one great-granddaughter, Leah Raye Karbowski; a brother, Edward Novak; nieces Agnes, Margene, Joyce, Betty, Judy, and Jeanette; and nephews Larry, Allan, and Steven.

Preceding George in death were his wife, Doris, on May 1, 2011; an infant son; his parents, Frank and Mary Novak; three brothers and their wives: Louis (Evangeline) Novak, Harry (Helen) Novak, and Milo (Signe) Novak; a sister, Violet Eichner; a niece, Shirley; and a special cousin, Buddy Dufek.