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A memorial service for Barbara Ellen Voigt of Tyndall will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27 at the House of Mary Shrine. The Shrine is located 5 miles west of Yankton at 142 Drees Drive. Following the memorial service, a time of sharing, food and fellowship will be held at the Lewis & Clark Resort Lodge. The route to the lodge will be marked with white balloons. There will be visitation on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall.
Barbara Ellen “Barb” Voigt was born on Sunday, January 2, 1955, at Yankton, South Dakota to Joseph and Margie (Kreber) Zilla. She graduated from Yankton High School in 1973 and received her nursing degree from Dakota Wesleyan University. Barb married Bruce Voigt on July 1, 1987 at Yankton, South Dakota. She worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, serving as both a traveling nurse for several years and in Tyndall for many of those years.
Barb passed away on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House following a five-year battle with cancer. She was 57 years, 3 months and 21 days old.
Barb is survived by her husband, Bruce Voigt of Tyndall; three children: Joseph Voigt and Joshua Voigt, both of Tyndall, and Kari Voigt of Brookings; two brothers: Joseph (Joan) Zilla of Mitchell and John Zilla of Scott City, Kansas; and three sisters: Bernie (Ron) Riley of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mary Kay Zilla of Hill City, and Gerri Sufficool of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Margie Zilla.
Joseph “Joe” Vlcek, age 73, of Tabor, SD, passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, June 16, 2012 after a battle with cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Rev. Joe Puthenkulathil and Msgr. Carlton Hermann co-celebrating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, with a wake service and rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel. The Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD in charge of arrangements.
Joe was born to James and Albina Vlcek on January 30, 1939 on the Rezac farm east of Tabor, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus church in Tabor, SD. He had to give up high school to take over the family farm due to his father’s poor health. While farming, he served in the Army National Guard. Joe married the love of his life, Betty Soukup, on August 29, 1959 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Dante, SD. They were blessed with three children Teresa, Marie and John. He lived his entire life on the same family farm where he made a good life for his family. Joe was always active in the community and St. Wenceslaus parish. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Joe particularly liked traveling and going for long drives with the people he loved. He has a passion for his vehicles, farm equipment, polka music and good food. His vehicles were kept spotless and so was his dinner plate. Joe will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild to whom he showed his love for by his constant teasing and joking.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Betty, of Tabor, SD; daughters, Teresa (Scott) Winckler of Yankton, SD and Marie (Tim) Foxhoven of Yankton, SD; son, John (Lisa) Vlcek of Tabor, SD; eleven grandchildren: Brandon (Leah) Winckler, Audrey Winckler, Logan, Brady, Tanner, Weston, Tucker, Parker Foxhoven, Jessi, Ali and Kolton Vlcek; one great grandchild, London Winckler; Ann (Greg) Kronaizl and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Albina Vlcek, sister, Violet Zdenek-Povandra and brothers-in-law, Gust Zdenek and Steve Povandra.
Clarence J. Vlasak passed away suddenly May 31, 2008.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 5, 2008 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor with Msgr. Hermann officiating. Burial to follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with military graveside rites provided by Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post 183 of Tabor. Visitations will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2008, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a prayer service and rosary at 7:00 PM at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Tabor. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Ervin Ptak, Thomas Noll, Donald Fejfar, Ron Hovorka, Richard Honner, and Robert Kortan. Honorary Pallbearers are Dean Vlasak, Pamela Tvaroh, Timaree Murphy, Michael Vlasak, and Andrea Steyskal.
Clarence was born on the homestead farm west of Tabor to Joseph J. and Clara (Carda) Vlasak on November 17, 1916. He attended the Tabor parochial school and graduated from Tabor High School.
As a young boy he helped in the Vlasak hardware store and the department store. After his brother’s death he operated Joe’s Inn in Tabor until he was drafted into the US Army during World War II where he served overseas for a year and a half in the Pacific theater.
Clarence and Helen (Noll) were married on June 6, 1939. They lived in Tabor all their lives where he worked for the Tabor banks as teller and manager for forty years. He was a member of the Tabor Chamber of Commerce and served as president. He was a member of the St. Wenceslaus church, Catholic Workman Lodge #93, the Catholic Sokol Social club, participating in many of the plays. A charter and life member of the Czech Heritage Society, and the VFW of Yankton. Clarence was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Yankton and Tabor Senior Citizen Center. Clarence was a life member of the American Legion and served as commander for a year. He was a Go-Getter of the Post for 55 years and received a state citation for his work.
Clarence and Helen traveled extensively throughout the USA and Europe especially to Czechoslovakia where they made many friends and continue to correspond in the Czech language. Their first trip to Europe was to visit his son David and wife Rosie while he was in the service stationed in Germany.
Clarence is survived by wife Helen and sons Richard (Carole Hlavac) and David (Rosie Borszich), a sister, Florence Koupal, five grandchildren Dean, Pamela, Andrea, Michael and Timaree and eight great grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Joseph Clarence in 1963, one brother and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorials to be directed to Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post 183 and Czech Heritage Preservation Memorial Fund, both in care of Leonard and Mildred Cimpl, 330 Yankton Street, Tabor, SD 57063-2037.
Dorothy died Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Mass will be 1:30 PM, Monday, October 4, 2010 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Lake Andes. Burial will be in St. Mark’s Catholic Cemetery, Lake Andes. Visitation will be Sunday from 10 AM until 4 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services will be 7 PM, Sunday at the church.
Dorothy Jane Vacek was born September 1, 1928 on a farm near Tyndall, SD, the daughter of William and Lillian (Rothschadl) Bambas. She died September 29, 2010 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Dorothy attained the age of 82 years and 28 days.
Dorothy graduated from Tyndall High School. She married Edward Vacek on June 10, 1947 at Tyndall, SD. Six children were blessed to their union. Dorothy worked as a nutrition site manager in Lake Andes, providing meals for the elderly.
Dorothy was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, St. Mark’s Women’s Altar Society, Women’s Catholic Order of Forresters, Pickstown Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.
Dorothy will be remembered for her love of giving “gag” gifts, playing cards with the Dante Women’s Card Club and others, making caramel rolls and having coffee with friends. She enjoyed attending Lake Andes sporting events, especially the volleyball matches.
Thankful for having shared her life are her husband, Edward Vacek of Pickstown; six children and five grandchildren: Robert and wife Jana Vacek of Sioux Falls and their children, Travis and Tyler Vacek; Patty and husband Mark Arneson of Arlington, TX and their daughter, Stephanie Decker; Linda Vacek of Memphis, TN; Rita Vacek of Spanway, WA and her children, J.R. and Auston Parker; Richard Vacek of Yankton; and Sherrie Vacek of Prescott, AZ; two great grandchildren; and a sister, Helen and husband Steve Koupal of Wagner.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Ray and Leo Bambas.
Richard H. Voigt, 87, of Avon, died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall. His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2009, at the Danzig Baptist Church in rural Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service at the church.
Richard Harry Voigt, son of George and Nellie (Verdos) Voigt, was born March 20, 1922, on a farm southeast of Avon. He died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall. Richard attained the age of 87 years, two months and 12 days.
Richard attended the Voigt Country School and then graduated from Avon High School in 1940.
Richard married Ruth Mattis on June 31, 1942. Two children were born to this union: Larry and Loxie. Ruth died June 17, 1971. Richard married Velda Berndt in 1979. They farmed in the Avon area until they retired and moved into Avon in 1987.
Richard was baptized and a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon and later transferred to the Danzig Baptist Church. He served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, and an active member of the Men’s Brotherhood.
Richard will be remembered for his enjoyment of making woodwork projects.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Velda of Avon; son Larry of Las Vegas, NV; daughter Loxie and husband Duane Murra of Sioux Falls; step-son Randy Berndt and wife Karen; step-daughter Cheryl and husband Roger Odegaard of Rapid City; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Margaret Voigt of Sioux Falls; a brother-in-law, Herman Kaul of Tyndall; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth, parents, a brother, Matthew and an infant brother, Keneth, three sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, March 19, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 8 pm Thursday, with the family present.
Charles Edmond Voigt was born near Avon, SD on February 24, 1912 to Gustav and Marie (Reder) Voigt. He died Friday March 12, 2010 a the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall, SD. Charles attained the age of 98 years and 17 days.
At an early age, Charles accepted Christ as his Savior. upon confession of his faith, he was baptized by immersion February 26, 1933 by Rev. Benjamin Schlipf and became a member of the First Baptist Church.
Charles spent most of his young life in the eastern part of the United States. Following graduation from high school in Monongahela, PA, her returned to South Dakota, living and working with the Arthur Voigt family.
Charles married Mildred Hebner on October 10, 1947, with Rev. Peter Geissler officiating. Together they farmed until retirement in 1984, when they moved into Avon. Mildred died January 25, 2008.
Besides farming, Charles enjoyed sports, music, history, gardening and church activities. He was a youth leader, Sunday School Superintendent, choir member, Deacon and a contributor to the Centennial History of the First Baptist Church.
Thankful for having shared his life are his son Philip and wife Louella of Luverne, MN; two grandchildren: Leah and husband Leland Potter of Madison, WI; and Daniel and wife Blair of Pittsburg, PA; a half-sister Theresa Crookham and husband Norman; a step brother Thomas Leach; and nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife; an infant son, Mark; his parents; a sister Marie; and two nephews.
Harlen A. “Bud” Voigt, 86 of Avon ~ His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2011, at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., with the family present from 7 to 9 and a time of sharing. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Harlen A. “Bud” Voigt, son of Ralph and Katie (Fisher) Voigt, was born May 11, 1925 on a farm near Avon, SD. He died Monday, August 29, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Bud attained the age of 86 years, three months and 19 days.
Bud attended James Country School and graduated from Avon High School in 1945. He served in the United States Army during and after World War II from April 5, 1945 to December 6, 1946 in Japan.
Bud married Marian Siewert on May 25, 1950 at her parents’ home in rural Avon. Nine children were blessed to their union. Bud was a farmer and also was the business manager of the Avon Meadow View Manor for 30 years. He was a member of the Avon School Board for 12 years and also a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post #150 in Avon.
Bud was a faithful member of the Danzig Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and deacon. He always had a sense of humor and a positive attitude. Bud accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at age nine and studied the scriptures consistently. He lived out what he believed and was a strong man of faith. Bud loved his family and it was important to him that they follow Christ.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Marian of Avon; nine children: Dave and Jan of Avon, Ramona Bloodgood and Dan of Mitchell, Barb Van Gerpen and Lorney, June Finck and Jerry, Laurie Jurrens and Loren, all of Avon, Tom and Jane of Brandon Valley, Tim and Jennifer of Gregory, Don and Robin of Moorcroft, WY, and Christy Becker and Les of White Bluff, TN; 32 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; two sisters: Irene Eben and husband Andy of Avon and Ruth Krull of Sibley, IA; sister-in-law Vernice Voigt of Coumbus, NE; brother and sister-in-law Dwane and Betty Siewert of Avon; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Edwin; a sister Evelyn Rueb and husband Rayburn; parents-in-law, Gus and Linda Siewert, and brothers-in-law: Jake Krull and Marv Siewert.
Joyce A. Verba of Fort Collins, CO - formerly of Tabor, SD passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 with her family present from kidney failure. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, Tabor, SD. Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Monday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, with a wake service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the services at the chapel.
Joyce was born on June 23 1928 in Midland, SD to Albert & Emma (Weisser) Miller. Joyce was the youngest of four children - Virginia, Minor and Daryl. As a young girl Joyce lived in Eastern Iowa on a farm outside Calamas, IA. In 1939 the family moved to a farm outside of Tyndall, SD where Joyce attended school graduating in 1946. Joyce married Romaine Verba of Dante, SD in 1948 and they lived in Dante until 1967. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2011. They had two children, Dennis and Wayne. Joyce worked for Dale Electronics from 1967 - 1986 when a car accident left her unable to work. Joyce was well known for being a great baker and a good cook.
Joyce will be missed by her surviving family - son Dennis (Kerrie), Ft Collins, CO, granddaughter Jaslynne (Patrick Rivera), great granddaughter Mariah Rivera, Ft. Collins, grandson Jason (Leslie), Indianola, IA, great granddaughter Libbie, Indianola, IA. Son Wayne (Jackie) of CA, granddaughter Whitney and great grandkids Sam, Emerson, Axl, William and Hannah of OH, sister Virginia Nepadal, Yankton, SD, sister-in-law Lita Miller, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband Romaine, brothers Daryl and Minor.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Thursday, October 7, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church from 3 to 7 Wednesday, followed by a 7 pm prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.
Olive C. Voigt was born at Wagner, SD on July 31, 1924, the daughter of Charles O. and Myrtle (Kelley) Ridgway. She died Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Olive attained the age of 86 years, two months and four days.
Olive attended country school. She married Fred Voigt in Hartington, NE on October 9, 1941. Together they farmed southwest of Avon for many years. In 1968 they left the farm and moved into Avon. They moved to Nebraska for a few years and then returned to Avon. Olive babysat for many years, washed dishes at the cafe in Avon and helped Fred with lawn work.
Olive was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the United Presbyterian Women.
Olive will be remembered for her love of embroidery work.
Thankful for having shared her life are her three children: Ray and wife Audrey Voigt of Avon; Donna Draskovic of Truth or Consequences, NM; and Kathy and husband Gary Frank of Avon; 15 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sister, Alberta and husband Chris Hargens of Sioux Falls; and many relatives and friends.
Olive was preceded in death by her husband, Fred on July 23, 2009; her son Richard in 2004; great grandson Jayden Jager; parents; five sisters: Mamie Dunsmore; Byrdie Walker; Hazel Dunsmore; Lula Ridgway; and Lola Stack; and five brothers: Arthur “Buck”; Albert; Richard “Dick”; Earl; and Charles “Charley” Ridgway.
John P. Varilek, age 99, of Menno, SD and formerly of Tyndall, SD died Thursday, September 13, 2007 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Monday, September 17, 2007 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Tyndall, with Rev. Gerald Thury officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, Tyndall, SD. Visitations will be 7 to 9 PM, Sunday, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Tyndall, with a scripture service and rosary at 8:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Soukup, Janette Block, Matthew Soukup, Ann Marie Lutz, Francis Varilek and, Dan Varilek. Honorary pallbearers will be all of John’s nieces and nephews.
John was born November 19, 1907 to Francis and Josephine(Petrik) Varilek in Tyndall, SD. He married Rose Souhrada in 1929. They farmed NE of Tyndall and raised two children, Leonard and Florence. Leonard died in a farm accident in 1953. Upon his passing they moved into Tyndall. Rose passed away in 1960 leaving only John and his daughter, Florence. In 1964 John married Mary Souhrada Cameron and moved to Omaha. They resided there for 34 years. Mary and John moved to Yankton in 1998 to be closer to family and friends. Mary passed away January 2006.
John will be remembered best for his love of life , family, friends, and good Czech music. He is survived by his daughter Florence (Fred) Soukup; four grandchildren-Janette, Patrick, Ann marie, and Matthew; and six great-grandchildren- Keegan, Kaden, Gavin, Abbey, Alec, and Aaron. He is also survived by one brother James of Byron Ill, sister in-law, Tillie Varilek, brother in-law Franklin Chaldek both of Tyndall, SD as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Leonard, first wife Rose, second Wife Mary, brothers Peter Paul, Bill, Joe, and Frank and sisters Pauline Cuka, Lillian Balvin, Hattie Chaldek and Julia Sykora.
Joseph L. Varilek Sr., 87, Kaylor, died Friday (Oct. 12, 2001) at St. Michael's Nursing Home, Tyndall.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Roger Kubal, Wayne Kniffen, Frank Varilek, Jeff Wold, Jay Bauder, Le Bender and Kevin Varilek. Visitation will be from noon-6 p.m. today (Monday) at the Petrik-Kelley Funeral Home, Tyndall. A wake service will be 7:30 p.m. tonight at St. Leo Catholic Church.
He was born July 26, 1914, near Tyndall to Frank J. and Josephine (Petrik) Varilek. He married Lillian Plavec Sept. 21, 1937, at Tabor. He was a lifetime farmer and raised livestock. He enjoyed horses and took pride in his farming and building up his farm.
He was a 4-H leader for a number of years, a member of St. Leo Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Foresters, Czech Heritage and the Farmers Union.
He is survived by two sons: W.F. "Jim" Varilek, Trinity, Texas; and Joseph J. (Teri) Varilek Jr., Scotland; five daughters: Georgine (Hank) Suing, St. Helena, Neb.; Margaret (Jim) Kniffen, Tyndall; Marcella (Steve) Wold, Burnsville, Minn.; Mary Jo (Edmund) Bauder, Tyndall; and Rosemary (LeRoy) Bender, Scotland; two brothers: John Varilek, Yankton; and Jim Varilek, Byron, Ill.; two sisters: Hattie Cladek, Tyndall, and Julia Sykora, Springfield; 21 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 37 step-great-grandchildren, and 15-step-great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, in February 2000; five brothers; three sisters; one grandson and one son-in-law.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Saturday, April 12, 2008 at First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon Friday from 12 noon to 6 pm.
Ida Voigt, daughter of Jacob and Carolina (Rueb) Finck, was born December 11, 1913 on a farm near Tyndall, SD. She died Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Avera St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall. Ida attained the age of 94 years, three months and 28 days.
Ida attended a country school near rural Tyndall through the eighth grade.
Ida professed her faith in Jesus Christ at a young age. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Avon and joined the Women's Missionary Fellowship in 1955. She remained a faithful member and became an honorary member in 1998.
Ida married Eldon Voigt on June 5, 1932 at her parent's home. They farmed by George, IA, Adrian, MN and in 1945, they moved back to the Tyndall area and farmed until the death of her husband in 1979. Ida moved to Avon in 1981, to the Meadow View Manor in 1989, and to the Springfield Assisted Living Center in 2001.
Ida will be remembered for her love of baking, sewing, mending and crocheting.
Thankful for having shared her life are her five children: Lorraine Haugen and husband, Paul of Nashville, TN, Bettie Schuler and husband, Jim of West Bend, Wl, Mae Dvorak and husband, Vern of Tabor, Norman of Pine Bluff, AR, and Leatta Pudwill and husband, Larry of Tyndall; 20 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; one brother, Calvin Finck and wife, Faye of Tabor; and many relatives.
Ida was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon in 1979; a great-great grandson; two sisters: Irene Sheffield and Elenora Bitterman; and brother, Irvin Finck.
Funeral services will be 1:30 PM, Monday, July 27, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in the Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 3 PM until 7 PM, followed by a prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.
Fred Milton Voigt was born at Avon, SD on November 26, 1915, the son of Fred C. and Frances (Glassner) Voigt. He died Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall, SD. Fred attained the age of 93 years, seven months and 27 days.
Fred attended school through the eighth grade at Mawhinney Country School.
Fred married Olive Ridgway at Hartington, NE in 1941. He worked for Steckler Trucking for 30 years and also farmed southwest of Avon for 19 years. In 1968 they left the farm and moved into Avon. He spent eight years working at a feed lot in Nebraska before returning to Avon. He then worked for many years for the City of Avon and mowed lawns. Fred entered the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society on April 2, 2008. Fred was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a trustee and he also served on the Rouse Country School Board.
Fred will be remembered for his love of music, playing the guitar and harmonica, working and mowing lawns.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Olive of Tyndall; three children: Ray and wife Audrey Voigt, of Avon; Donna Draskovic of Truth or Consequences, NM; and Kathy and husband Gary Frank of Avon; 15 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and many relatives and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his son Richard in 2004, great grandson Jaden Jager, two brothers: Herbert and William “Vernie”; and three sisters: Corrine Ray, Dorothy Olson and Helen Ridgway.
Lowell Edward Van Gerpen was born March 23, 1926 in Avon, South Dakota and went home to be with his savior August 4, 2011 at the age of 85. After moving to Seattle in 1935 he served two years in the Navy and then met his surviving wife of 63 years Carol Holm.They had five children: Edward (Pam), Kenneth (Marie), Richard (Mary), Jon (Darbi), and Loreene (Robert Romano). He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and his sisters Lylah Campbell and Lois Cooke. Lowell proudly served his community as a member of Evangel Temple in Ballard where he taught Sunday school for 25 years and was also a Royal Ranger Commander for 10 years. A gifted craftsman, Lowell built the family home in Seattle, worked as a roofer for thirty years, and taught all of his sons the trade. He also served as the Financial Secretary of the Roofers Union 1195 for 10 years. Lowell was an avid gardener whose green efforts marked him as a recycling pioneer.He loved to go on nature walks, read history books, and tell stories of the good old days. We will miss you Gerpy!
Mildred died Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD. Services are 11 AM, Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Burial is in the First Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4 PM until 8 PM with the family present. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred L. Voigt, daughter of Fred and Emma (Schmidt) Hebner, was born on a farm northeast of Avon, SD on September 27, 1915. It was on this farm that she spent a good deal of her life. Mildred died Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD.
In January of 1926, Mildred accepted Christ as her Saviour. In May of the same year she was baptized by Rev. A. Lang and joined the Danzig Baptist Church in Avon. Later, she transferred her membership to the First Baptist Church in Avon.
Mildred graduated from Avon High School in 1933. She attended Wheaton College in Chicago, IL and earned her Bachelors Degree from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD.
Mildred married Charles Voigt in 1947. Together they farmed until retirement in 1984, when they moved into Avon.
Mildred will be remembered for her love of music, art and reading. She taught for 20 years in high school and several rural schools . She also taught piano and was both church pianist and organist.
Mildred was a member of the W.M.F. and the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband Charles Voigt of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD; son, Philip and wife Louella Voigt of Luverne, MN; two grandchildren: Leah and husband Leland Potter of Madison, Wl; and Daniel and wife Blair Voigt of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law, Delores Hebner of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Mark; and three brothers: Albert, Howard and Sidney Hebner.
The funeral for James A. Vold of Tyndall, a longtime Cuba City, WI resident, will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2011, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Langford. Reverend Charlie Bunk will officiate. Visitation will be one hour preceding the service.
James passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at the Veterans Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Burial with Military Honors will be in the Trondhjem Cemetery, rural Veblen, under the direction of the Price Funeral Chapel of Britton.
James Allen Vold was born June 12, 1947, in Britton, SD to Evelyn (Nelson) and Leland R. Vold, Sr. He lived in and around Britton where he attended first grade. In the summer of 1954, the family moved into Claremont, SD where he attended second and third grades. The family moved to a farm near Amherst, SD in the fall of 1957 and he attended school there until graduating in 1965.
After receiving his education, James joined the United States Air Force and did his basic training in Texas. He was stationed in Rapid City, SD, Anchorage, AK, and Grand Forks, ND. He worked in Communications.
James later attended Vocational School in Canby, MN on the GI Bill and became a mechanic. He worked for a time in Onida and Groton, South Dakota.
He married Charlene Scotting on February 24, 1974, in Langford, SD. Later they moved to Cuba City, WI where their daughter Alicia was born. They later divorced. Jim was a member of the Legion & VFW in Cuba City, WI. He worked in Cuba City for 30 years as a mechanic. When his health started failing, Jim moved to Tyndall, SD in May of 2005, where he resided until his death.
James' favorite past times were hunting and fishing. He was looking forward to a summer of fishing enjoyment.
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Alicia (Steve) Cleven of Fenimore, WI; one grandson and namesake, Jordan James; two step-grandchildren Jackie and Alex all of Fennimore, WI; a sister, Sharon Young of Groton, SD; a brother Leland (Deb) Vold, Jr. of Tyndall, SD; one nephew, seven nieces and 18 cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents and 1 cousin.
Mass of Christian Burial for Tillie M. Varilek of Tyndall will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joseph Forcelle as Celebrant. Organist is Marcene Kniffen. Interment will follow in St. Leo Cemetery, Tyndall. Casketbearers will be Tillie’s sons, and honorary casketbearers will be Tillie’s daughters and the members of the Czech Heritage Preservation Society. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. There will be a rosary at 7:00 p.m. and a wake service at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening at the church.
Tillie Mary Varilek was born on Sunday, December 2, 1917 in Bon Homme County near Tyndall, South Dakota to Vaclav and Anastasia (Blaha) Plavec. She attended the Steckly School through the 8th grade. Tillie was united in marriage to Frank H. Varilek on June 21, 1938 at Tabor, South Dakota. They farmed until 1964 when they moved to Tyndall. Tillie worked at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center for one year as a cook, then worked at various jobs at St. Michael’s Hospital for 8 1/2 years. She worked in the cafeteria at the Tyndall School for 9 years and also part-time at the Tyndall Bakery. She was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church and the St. Leo Altar Society, the National Catholic Society of Foresters, the Czech Heritage Preservation Society and the Tyndall Senior Citizens. Tillie was devoted to her faith and participated in the St. John Bosco Study Group and the de Colores Cursillo group. She was also a member of the T.O.P.S. Club (later named “Yes, Yes I Can”), St. Michael’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Good Samaritan Guild, and served on the Site Council for the local senior nutrition program. She loved to play cards and enjoyed playing Pinochle with her card club. In her retirement, she was an active senior citizen and loved to take trips and visit family. She had been recognized during Older Americans Month as an “Outstanding Senior Achiever” by the South Dakota Department of Adult Services and Aging.
Tillie passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at St. Michael’s Hospital Avera at the age of 94 years, 3 months and 8 days. She will live on in the hearts of her six sons and two daughters: Francis Varilek and Sally Boyd of Mission Hill, Daniel Varilek of Tyndall, JoAnn (John) Jonas of Yankton, Irene Koranda of Tabor, Thomas (Dina) Varilek of Ankeny, Iowa, David Varilek of Tabor, Charles (Julie) Varilek of Estes Park, Colorado, and Kenneth (Jeanne) Varilek of Springfield; 20 grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren; and 3 great- great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her parents, Vaclav and Anastasia Plavec, Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in August of 1985; a daughter, Henrietta, in 1942; a son-in-law, Donald Koranda, in 2008; a brother and sister-in -law, Frank (Anna) Plavec; and three sisters and brothers-in-law: Lillian (Joseph) Varilek, Rose (Henry) Teply, and Helen (Roy) Bower.
The funeral service for Marian R. Voigt, 83 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday from 5 to 7 with the family present and followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.
Marian Ruby Voigt, daughter of Gus and Linda (Buchholz) Siewert, was born January 8, 1929 at Naper, NE. She died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her home in rural Avon on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Marian attained the age of 83 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Marian was a graduate of Avon High School. She received her teaching degree from Southern State College in Springfield and then taught at the James and Mawhinney Country Schools.
Marian married Harlen A. “Bud” Voigt at her parents’ home in rural Avon on May 25, 1950. Nine children were blessed to their union.
Marian was a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.
As a son puts it: “Mom provided a daily example of what it means to believe in Jesus Christ and to follow Him with all your heart.
She had unwavering faith no matter the circumstances and would remind her children time after time that ‘God is in control!’These words were lived out in every situation, and brought such a sense of God’s safety and security to her family. Mom’s tender heart expressed itself in 61 years of marriage to Dad and in her love for her children and grandchildren. She also loved growing roses and watching and feeding birds in her backyard. She spent many precious moments caring for her beloved dog, Rex.
Paging through Mom’s Bible, one discovered how great a passion she had for teaching children God’s Word. She was also very sure that her students wrote outtheir Bible verse so that it would stick in their minds!
Mom’s faith, her marriage, and her family were of greatest importance to her. She left us with her footprints, side by side with Jesus.”
Marian was a member of the Danzig Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and played the piano and organ. She also was a member of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship and the American Legion Auxillary.
Thankful for having shared her life are her children and their spouses: Dave and Jan of Avon, Ramona Bloodgood and Dan of Mitchell, Barb Van Gerpen and Lorney, June Finck and Jerry, Laurie Jurrens and Loren, all of Avon, Tom and Jane of Brandon Valley, Tim and Jennifer of Gregory, Don and Robin of Moorcroft, WY and Christy Becker and Les of White Bluff, TN; 32 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; brother, Dwane Siewert and wife Betty of Avon; three sisters-in-law: Irene Eben and husband Andy of Avon, Ruth Krull of Sibley, IA and Vernice Voigt of Columbus, NE; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband Harlen on August 29, 2011; parents; parents-in-law, Ralph and Katie Voigt; brother Marv Siewert; sister-in-law, Evelyn Rueb and husband Rayburn; and brothers-in-law: Edwin Voigt and Jake Krull.
Funeral service Doris J. Voigt, 92 of Avon, will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. followed by a prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.
Doris Jeannette Voigt, daughter of Merton and Grace (Crittenden) Hinckley, was born August 3, 1920 at Armour. She died Saturday, July 6, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Doris attained the age of 92 years, 11 months and four days.
Doris joined a family of five brothers. At a young age, due to the illness of her mother, she went to live with her Uncle and Aunt Elmer and Charlotte Edwards in rural Armour. Doris graduated in 1938 and attended SDSU where she received her degree in Home Economics. After graduation, she taught in Delmont and Avon. While teaching in Avon, she met a young farmer named Milton Voigt. They were married May 26, 1944. Doris took a break from teaching while raising her seven children. After her youngest was in grade school, Doris taught for one year at Lake Point 92 Country School, two years at Springfield High School and Tripp High School for 17 years.
Milton and Doris farmed in the Avon area and moved into town in the fall of 1997. Due to failing health, both of them became residents of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Milton died December 19, 2005.
Doris was a member of the First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for many years and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship. Doris also was a member of the Nova Neighbors, Reading Club and Extension Club.
Doris loved gardening and flowers, selling Avon products, reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Kenneth of Armour; Janice Wagner of Hot Springs: Wallace and wife Deb of Avon; Bruce of Tyndall; Bev Archambeau of Ft. Meade; and Brenda Tappendorf of Box Elder; 17 grandchildren: Monica Rotert, Dean Voigt, Robert Wagner, Janelle Dorr, Jolene Yasar, Amy Yost, Nikki McMillin, Steven Ferwerda, Trisha Ferwerda, Joe Voigt, Josh Voigt, Kari Voigt, Jennifer Brennan, Jessica Carda, Jillian Cordova, Christina Voigt, Ryan Voigt; 14 great grandchildren: a sister-in-law Alida Hinckley of Armour; and many nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband Milton; parents; two daughters: Belinda who died in infancy and Barbara in 2011; daughter-in-law Barb (Zilla) Voigt in 2012; grandson Levi Voigt died in 2007; and her five brothers: Allen, James, Everett, Donald and Wayne.
Funeral mass for Delores Vellek, 93, of Yankton, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Organist will be Marcene Kniffen. Burial will follow at St. Leo Catholic Cemetery. Honorary casketbearers are Delores’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Active casketbearers are Mike Oien, Troy Hauglin, Chris Bye, Nick Knutson, Mark Gustad, and Nick Sayler. Arrangements are being handled by Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.
Delores Ellen Vellek was born on Wednesday, August 17, 1921 on a farm south of Wagner, Charles Mix County, South Dakota to Severin and Tillie (Giedd) Peterson. She attended school in Charles Mix County. In 1938 at Lake Andes, she was united in marriage to Theo Stock and four children were born to this union: Robert Stock, Norma (Robert) Oien, Yankton, SD, Betty Hauglin, Sioux Falls, SD, and Bonnie (Dick) Sejba, Apple Valley, MN. In 1959, she married William Vellek at Yankton, SD. Together they moved to Chamberlain, following William’s transfer, where Delores worked 3 years at St. Joseph Indian School until William got transferred once more to Pierre where Delores worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for 16 years. After working 32 years, William retired and they moved to Tyndall to care for his mother. In 1980, Delores began working at the Good Samaritan Center of Tyndall. Following William’s passing in 1992, she moved to Yankton to be closer to her family. Delores was a hard worker. She loved doing yard work, keeping up beautiful flowers, and much more. She was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall and of the St. Leo Altar Society. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Delores died on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Yankton Care Center in Yankton having attained the age of 93 years and 27 days.
She is survived by her four children: Bob, Norma, Betty, & Bonnie; one brother, John Peterson of Tripp, SD; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband William Vellek, brother James Peterson, sister Christine Steffen, and half-sister Mae Engel.
Funeral services for Robert “Bob” Vellek, 80, of Tyndall will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church in Tyndall, SD with Rev. Dean Schroeder officiating. Melissa Bruna will the be organist. Casketbearers will be Michael Hauck, Christopher Hauck, David Vellek, Steven Vellek, Benjamin Vellek, and Matt Hopkins. Burial will follow in the Czech National Cemetery in Tyndall with military graveside rites provided by Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2, Simek-Ptak VFW Post #6895, and the South Dakota Army National Guard Military Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall on Thursday, August 7 from 3 p.m. until a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Bob died on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Menno Olivet Care Center in Menno.
Robert “Bob” Stanley Vellek was born on Tuesday, January 2, 1934 to William and Bessie Vellek in Springfield, South Dakota. He attended Highland School in rural Springfield until the 8th grade. From 1955 to 1957, Bob was enlisted in the US Army in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery. Following his service, he worked as a miner at the Lead Homestead Mine for two years then left to farm at the family farm six miles north of Tyndall. On November 23, 1977, Bob was united in marriage to Maureen Hauck in Menno. Bob was always a farmer at heart, working the family farm for several years until his retirement in 2011. He raised and farrowed hogs as well as growing and harvesting corn and beans with his trusty John Deere 730 diesel tractor.
Bob was an honest man who tried to do what was right. He and Maureen greatly enjoyed spending Saturday nights uptown socializing with friends. He loved his family, and his fondness was obvious in the compassion and generosity he always showed towards his grandchildren.
Bob died on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center in Menno having attained the age of 80 years, 6 months, and 28 days.
He is remembered and survived by his wife of 36 years, Maureen Vellek of Menno; son Robert (Patricia) Hauck of NE; daughter Kathryn (Derek) Kothe of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren: Michael (Mandi), Christopher, Emily, Chelsea, Makala, and Allison.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Bessie Vellek, five brothers and two sisters.
Helen Vlasak, age 97 of Tabor, SD passed away early Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Avera St. Michael’s Hospital, Tyndall, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2013 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, SD with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor with a wake service at 7:00 p.m.. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Helen Noll Vlasak was born on the homestead farm south of Tabor to Joseph J. and Sylvia (Ptak) Noll on June 18, 1916. She attended Tabor grade school, high school, and later attended business courses in night school while she worked in Omaha. She was employed as a housekeeper, a bookkeeper in the Tabor Bank, and was a group leader for Gurney Seed and Nursery Co. for fourteen seasons.
She married Clarence Vlasak on June 6, 1939 and to this union, three sons were born: Richard, Joseph and David.
Helen was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary serving as president or chairman for forty years. Her elective offices were Unit, District, Department President and National Vice President of the Northwest Division. She was a National Committee Woman, an Area “D” National Rehabilitation Chairman, Area Communications Chairman, and Junior Activities Chairman, and also a life member of the Czech Heritage Preservation Society.
Helen wrote an essay for the “Make A Difference Day” and won a monetary award for the Legion Auxiliary. Those funds are being used for the display of the casket flags of our veterans at her request. Helen wrote many, many poems for almost any occasion. She wrote four pageants for Tabor, the largest of which was the Bi-Centennial Pageant with over two hundred people in the cast. She was a memorial speaker for Legion and Auxiliary memorials, as well as a memorial speaker for the Czech days opening for the Czech Heritage Society. Her latest writings were that of humorous musical plays for the Czech Heritage Society in the Czech language.
Travel played a very important part of their lives as she traveled to twenty national conventions of the Legion Auxiliary. Clarence and Helen took many trips throughout the United States and many trips to Europe, Germany, Italy, Australia and most of them to the Czech Republic. Helen served as a counselor for Girls State of the American Legion Auxiliary. She also taught classes in the Czech language, both in school and as a part of the Czech Heritage Program. Her ambition was to see Tabor have a museum and that mission was accomplished.
Helen was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and a member of the church choir for over fifty years. She was the coordinator of the Polka Mass for many years and sang in the National Auxiliary chorus at two conventions. She took part in many plays, both in English and in the Czech language, both as a Sokol and for the Czech Heritage Club.
Helen is survived by her sons, Richard (Carole) Vlasak and David (Rosemary) Vlasak; five grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, son, Joe (age 20), parents, three brothers, and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to a charity or organization of your choice.
Bessie A. Vellek, age 89, of Tabor passed away Thursday morning, October 28, 2004, at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall, SD.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 1, 2004, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor with Rev. Joe Puthenkulathil and Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will begin at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 31, 2004, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Tabor with a 7:00 p.m. Scripture service and rosary. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Brian Andera, Jason Andera, Bruce Andera, Matthew Langle, Drew McPherson and Sean McPherson.
Bessie was born on November 23, 1914, to Adolph and Anna (Zitka) Novotny in Tabor, SD. She was united in marriage with Edward Vellek on May 12, 1947. She enjoyed doing embroidering especially pillowcases and t-towels. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Altar and Rosary Society, Sokol Club, American Legion Auxiliary and the Scotland Square Dance Club.
Those who will cherish her memory are her daughters: Carol (Gail) Andera of Sioux Falls, Norma (Arlen) Langle of Tabor, SD and Ann (Larry) McPherson of Denver, CO; nine grandchildren: Scott, Brian, Jason (Sarah), Bruce and Mindy Andera, Nicholas and Matthew Langle and Drew and Sean McPherson and a great granddaughter Rose Andera.
Those who preceded her in death are her husband, Edward, her parents and a brother, Joseph.
Viola "Vi" Voigt, age 88, of Greeley, Colorado and formerly of Huron, died Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Greeley, Colorado.
Viola Mae Jurrens was born April 6, 1920, to Tim and Lena (Roll) Jurrens in Bon Homme County, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm near Avon and attended school there. Vi received her G.E.D. from Huron College.
On September 9, 1939, Vi married Herman Voigt at Worthington, Minnesota. They lived there until 1947, when they moved to Tyndall, South Dakota. Vi and Herman spent one year at Tyndall and then moved to Huron in 1948. Vi worked for Randall's Foods for 15 1/2 years, retiring in 1984. She later returned to work for Coborn's Foods as a food demonstrator.
She accepted the Lord as her Savior and faithfully served Him. Vi was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church of Huron and at the time of her death, was a member of the Huron Mission Church. She was a charter member of the Lioness Club and a member of the Huron Area Senior Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herman on September 26, 1981; one son, Harland on September 27, 1999; three brothers, Chester, Raymond and Leroy Jurrens; one brother-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.
Grateful for having shared her life are her two children and their spouses, Dianne and Wally Decker of Greeley, Colorado and Kevin and Debbie Voigt of Springfield, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Tammy and Neil Coyle of Cambridge, Minnesota, Cindy and Bucky Schumacher of Sioux Falls, Corbin and Tammy Voigt of Portland, Oregon, Kristin and Richard Delp of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, Ryan and Jessica Voigt of Anchorage, Alaska, Cory Voigt and Kendele Johnson of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Adam Voigt and Ashley Voigt of Springfield, Illinois; twelve great-grandchildren, Megan and Josh Coyle, Jerrod, Tory and Alyssa Schumacher, Zachary, Parker and Cameron Voigt, Abigail and Allison Delp, and Ruger and Caiden Voigt; two brothers and their wives, Eldon and Carol Jurrens of Avon and Virgil and Maxine Jurrens of Madison, Wisconsin; and two sisters, Leatta and Palmer Schortzmann of Merced, California and Erma Dykstra of Avon.
Her funeral service will be Wednesday, July 9th at the Huron Mission Church with the Rev. Richard Birr officiating. Burial will be in the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements by Kuhler Funeral Home.
Edward Dale Vogt was born to Claus and Daisy (Graves) Vogt on December 5, 1927 at O'Kreek, South Dakota and passed away quietly on July 3, 2014 at the Butte Healthcare Center. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Naper and was baptized on March 27, 1968.
Ed was a farmer at heart and was content to just be there. He graduated from the 8th grade and worked on his parents farm until he married Dolores Thiessen on June 2, 1956. To this union three children were born, Beverly, Dale, and Kent. Two years after the marriage they bought their own farm, where they lived and raised cattle, hogs, corn, oats, and alfalfa until retiring in 2001. In 2008, they decided to move to Tyndall, South Dakota to be close to the grandkids. In 2011, they moved to the Springfield Assisted Living where they resided until moving to the Butte Healthcare Center in April of 2014.
Ed enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing with the grandchildren, and collecting all kinds of different items. His son, Dale and he cut up old iron and sold it for several years.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Julius (Fritz), sisters: Lucille and husband John Sieh and Fern and husband Ken Barringer, and his son, Kent.
Ed is survived by his wife, Dolores of the Butte Healthcare Center; his daughter, Beverly (Glenn) Zink of Naper, NE; his son, Dale (Jean) Vogt of Tabor, SD; and daughter-in-law, Mary of Omaha, NE; 3 grandchildren: Ashley, Cody, and Breena Vogt; his brother, Don (Gloria) Vogt of Burke, SD; and his sisters: Shirley (Paul) Neumiller of Bonesteel SD; Darlene (Marlo) Sieh of Creston, IA; and Sharon (Eugene) Robinson of Sioux Falls, SD and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the UCC Church in Naper, Nebraska. Burial will be in the Knollcrest Cemetery, Naper. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.
Marie A. Varilek, 94, Tyndall, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003) at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.
Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. today (Saturday) at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Wayne Varilek, Ronald Horacek, Michael Hasek, Brian Smith, David McKittrick and Paul Harris. Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born on July 15, 1908, at Horni Bucice, Czechoslovakia, to Anton and Bozena (Vancura) Bares. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1911. She married Paul J. Varilek Nov. 21, 1927, at Tabor. They farmed in the Tyndall area until they retired in 1968 and moved into Tyndall.
She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, St. Leo's Altar Society, St. Leo's Choir and the Catholic Foresters.
In her active years, she enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening and cooking and baking meals for her family and friends. Her specialties were kolaches and also dumplings and sauerkraut.
She is survived by her son, Stanley (Rita) Varilek, Tabor; five daughters: Agnes (George) Horacek, Yankton; Ann (Harry) Hasek, Pierre; Dorothy (Craig) Smith, Pierre; Evelyn (Loren) McKittrick, Tyndall; and Adeline (James) Harris, Oakville, Conn.; 27 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Emma Renner, Tabor; and Helen Schuch, Tyndall.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four brothers, one sister and one great-grandson.
Harlan Welbert Van Gerpen, 88, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 21, 2012, at the Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls.
He was born June 18, 1924, in Avon, South Dakota, the son of William R. and Johanna (DeRoos) Van Gerpen. On August 20, 1950, he married Betty Jean Reynolds in Carrollton, Illinois. She died October 9, 2012.
Harlan served three years in WWII as a meteorologist in Europe and 16 months in the Korean conflict as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He earned a B.S. in 1949 from South Dakota School of Mines and received a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1950. He joined the John Deere Product Engineering Center in 1953 where he worked for 28 years, retiring as Manager of Technical Services in 1982. At Deere, he pioneered the first-known use of computers to design gears -- reducing a labor-intensive process requiring a week of manual calculations to 15 minutes.
In 1966, he was elected to the first Board of Directors for Hawkeye Community College where he served for sixteen years, including two years as Chairman of the Board. He also represented Deere for seven years on the Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce, and he co-chaired the first Cedar Valley Economic Development Committee. He played a leadership role in the founding of Valley View Baptist Church and held virtually every office over the 50-year life of the church.
Following retirement, he was elected to the Iowa State Legislature for two years and was a partner in Van Gerpen-Reece Engineering for 23 years. He served on the Iowa State Board of Education for three years and was a volunteer executive for the International Executive Service Corps in Albania and India.
He and his wife enjoyed travelling to many countries around the world in their retirement years. Until his death, he remained actively involved with Hawkeye Community College (HCC) serving as a life-time member of the HCC Foundation Board. He was a member of Waterloo First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his three daughters, JoAnna Van Gerpen of Cedar Falls, Sara (Dave) Bolender of Chewelah, WA, Mary (John) Smith of Wilmette, IL; two sons, Tom (Connie) of Davenport, and Jon (Mary Jo) of Moscow, ID; twelve grandchildren: Megan, Kathleen, Grace, Mary Faith and Elizabeth Smith, Katy (Eli) Bolender Gurash, Kristen (John) Bolender Robbins, and Kelsy Bolender, Stephen and Jay Van Gerpen, Jamie (Jason) Herring and Abby Van Gerpen; three great-grandchildren, Xander and Oliver Gurash and Sydney Robbins; a sister, Lucille (Jule) Waterman of Corsicana, TX, a brother, Edward (Sharon) Van Gerpen of Avon, SD, a sister-in-law, Louise Van Gerpen of Tyndall, SD, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Roland Van Gerpen.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 25, at First Baptist Church in Waterloo with burial in Fairview Cemetery, Cedar Falls, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Richardson Funeral Service.
Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church in Waterloo, the Hawkeye Community College Van Gerpen Endowment for Gerontology, or Western Home Foundation.
The funeral service for Esther Voigt, 88 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Sunday from 5 to 7, with the family present from 6 to 7. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Avon is in charge of the arrangements.
Esther Voigt, daughter of E.O.F. and Katie (TerVeer) Voigt, was born August 28, 1926 on a farm near Avon, SD. She died peacefully Thursday, September 25, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Esther attained the age of 88 years and 29 days.
Esther attended Mawhinney Country School through the second grade. As young girl, she lost her eye sight and finished her third grade through high school education at the School for the Blind in Gary, SD.
Esther returned to Avon where she lived with her brothers and sisters. She helped with the farm chores, milked the cows, cooked and cleaned the house and cleaned chickens. Esther never let her lack of sight keep her from “seeing” what needed to be done. She remained on the farm until she suffered a stroke in 2007, and entered the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on May 17, 2007.
Esther was a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon.
Esther will be remembered for her enjoyment of playing the piano. She often read in Braille to her nieces and nephews and gave programs to young children about being blind and how she learned to read in Braille.
Thankful for having shared her life are two brothers: George of GSS in Tyndall and Vert and wife Doris of Avon; one sister, Carrie of GSS in Tyndall; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; half brother, Eldon Voigt; half sister, Goldie Lubbers; two brothers: Abe and John and wife, Luella; three sisters: Clara and husband Peter DeBoer, Johanna and husband Emil Weber, and Margaret and husband Russell Hubner; and niece Delilia Weber.
Funeral services for Hazel E. Vesely, age 90, of Scotland will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland, with Rev. Ron Shifley officiating. Casketbearers will be Jim Beecher, Ray Beecher, Davie Vesely, Gary Vesely, Lawrence Vesely and Verlyn Vanorny. Music will be provided by Shirley Orth as organist. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland. Visitation was held on Thursday at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland.
Hazel Emily (Beecher) Vesely was born July 25, 1924 on the family farm near Loyalton, Edmunds County, South Dakota to Ira C. and Marguerite J. (Gunn) Beecher. She attended rural school, Rosette #3 in Edmunds County, north of Ipswich, SD. At the age of twelve she was baptized in the Baptist Church of Ipswich. In 1939, the family moved to the Beecher homestead west of Scotland, SD. She graduated from Scotland High School in 1941 and then received her elementary teacher’s certificate from Southern State College in Springfield, SD. On August 16, 1942 she married Curtiss J. Hirsch in Sioux Falls, SD and lived there and in Norman, Oklahoma, returning to Scotland in 1945. To the union were born two daughters, Sharon Kaye and Judith Ann. They were divorced in 1949.
She taught Plugraph School #79 in Bon Homme County for three years and Odessa #24 in Yankton County for seven years. She worked as bookkeeper/receptionist/administrator at Jungman Clinic and Hospital in downtown Scotland for ten years. She served briefly as Administrator at the newly opened Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland and then as Assistant Administrator and Supervisor of Medical Records for fifteen years. She retired in 1984.
In 1962, she married Frank A. Vesely of Tabor, SD at the Little Brown Church near Nashua, IA and they made their home in Scotland. She thus gained a stepdaughter, Cynthia Ann.
In 1939, her church membership was transferred to the First Presbyterian Church in Scotland where she was active in several capacities in Church School as student, teacher and officer. For several years she was church financial secretary, was ordained as Elder in 1973, served on various committees of the Presbyterian Women’s organization. She participated in 4-H activities as a young girl and continued her interest in 4-H through two of her granddaughters. She was a member of the Scotland Good Samaritan Center Advisory Board for six years and did volunteer work at the Center. She had a keen interest in expanding the records of the family histories and keeping in contact with extended family members.
Hazel passed away on Monday, October 13, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland at the age of 90 years.
She is survived by three daughters: Sharon (Darrell) Orth of Lesterville, Judy (Tony) Rokusek of Olivet, and Cindy (Craig) Dempsey of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren: Danielle (Wesley) Schaeffer of Utica, Rochelle Adam of Yankton, Jim (Darcy) Rokusek of Sioux Falls, Chris (Justin) Mayfield and Cara (Steven) Koller of Omaha; 12 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law: Carol Beecher, Mary Lou Beecher, Florence Vesely and Lena Vesely and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Frank in 2012, brothers (Chester, Allen and Warren) and a great-grandson.
Funeral services for Frank A. Vesely of Scotland will be held on Thursday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church in Scotland with Pastor Mark Werner officiating. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, with military rites by Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183 of Tabor. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with family present to greet visitors from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland.
Frank Anton Vesely was born November 15, 1917 on the family homestead near Pischelville, Knox County, Nebraska to Matej (Mike) and Katie (Lanc) Vesely who had come to the area from Czechoslovakia in 1878 and 1911 respectively. Frank was the third of five sons. He attended elementary school in Knox County District #7. After his school days he hired out as a farmhand on various farms in Nebraska and South Dakota. In 1941, prior to declaration of World War II, he enlisted in the Army for a one-year tour of duty and was assigned to the 27th and later to the 91st Field Artillery. He was also, briefly, in the Infantry. Three months prior to the end of his enlistment, his discharge was cancelled and he served until October 24, 1945. He served stateside as well as two tours of duty overseas in Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, Algiers and Austria. He had sailed from New York with 16,000 other servicemen on the Queen Mary. On December 4, 1944 while home on furlough he married Barbara Ann (Betty) Suchy at O’Neill, Nebraska. To the union was born one daughter, Cynthia Ann. They made their home in Tabor, South Dakota. Betty died after an extended illness on February 6, 1958. After his discharge from the Army as a PFC in 1945 he worked at the South Dakota State Hospital Farm near Yankton, then for Koranda Well Drilling Co. of Tabor, and finally, for the Bon Homme County Highway Department for 30 years as a truck driver and patrol operator. On September 1, 1962 he married Hazel (Beecher) Hirsch at the Little Brown Church near Nashua, Iowa. He thus gained two stepdaughters, Sharon Kaye and Judith Ann. They made their home in Scotland, South Dakota. He retired in 1982. He then took a serious interest in garden and yard work and in recycling metals. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing and traveling. He was baptized and became a member of the Scotland Presbyterian Church in 1964 where he served briefly on the Board of Trustees. He was a member of American Legion Post #183 of Tabor, SD since 1945 and a member of a bowling team from 1965 until 2000. Frank passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland at the age of 95 years and 25 days.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel, of Scotland; three daughters: Cindy (Craig) Dempsey of Omaha, Nebraska, Sharon (Darrell) Orth of Lesterville, and Judy (Tony) Rokusek of Olivet; five grandchildren: Chris (Justin) Mayfield and Cara Dempsey of Omaha, Danielle (Wesley) Schaeffer of Utica, Rochelle (Kevin) Adam Olson of Yankton and Jim (Darcy) Rokusek of Sioux Falls; 10 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Florence Vesely, Lena Vesely and Leona Vesely and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his first wife, parents, brothers and a great-grandson.
Sylvia Nancy (Betz) Van Gerpen, 96, Rapid City died Saturday Feb. 26, 2011 at Westhills Village Healthcare Center. She was born in Avon, SD on Sept 17, 1914 to John and Elizabeth (Vilhauer) Betz.
Sylvia graduated from Avon High School in 1932 and attended Sioux Falls College and Northern State College in Aberdeen. She taught in a rural school at Marvin, SD in 1937 and was employed by Gelfand Stores from 1938 to 1940.
Sylvia married Ernest Van Gerpen June 7, 1940 in Avon.
She was employed by Ben Franklin and Donaldson’s department stores in Rapid City and taught in a preschool provided for Ellsworth Air Force Base Woman’s Missionary Circle at First Baptist Church. She gave book reviews for various organizations in the community and worked as a volunteer in offices issuing ration cards during World War II.
Sylvia is survived by two sons, James (Sandra) of Sioux Falls and Donald (Linda) of Rapid City and one granddaughter, Danielle, Denver, CO.
She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-nine years, Ernest, her parents, one brother, Chester J. Betz of Sioux Falls, two sisters, Lucille Bangert of Waco, TX and Estie Betz of Avon and an infant daughter, Mary Lynn.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday March 9, 2011 at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Preston Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday March 8th at the funeral home.
Ernest D. Van Gerpen, 96, Rapid City, died Friday, May 21, 2010, at Westhills Village Health Care. He was born August 28, 1913, in Avon to Herman and Maggie (Brandt) Van Gerpen. He attended rural school south of Avon and graduated from Avon High School in 1931. He attended Springfield State Normal for one year and taught in a rural school near Avon for three years. He graduated from Sioux Falls College in 1938. He was employed by the Rapid City School System in 1938 and served as a teacher and counselor for 41 years, retiring in 1979.
On June 7, 1940, he married Sylvia N. Betz in Avon.
In 1940 he organized the Rapid City Teachers Federal Credit Union and served as its treasurer and manager for 40 years. In 1965 he received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado in Biology. He served as a Church School Superintendent at First Baptist Church for 14 years.
The senior clan of Rapid City High School in 1949 dedicated its yearbook, The Pine Cone, to Mr. Van Gerpen in appreciation of the things they had gained as a result of their close and pleasant association. He was named Teacher of the Year by the Rapid City Rotary Club in 1960. In 1968 he received the Certificate of Meritorious Achievement in the field of education at the 17th Annual Honors Convocation of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. In 1971, he was selected as a Leader of American Secondary Education in recognition of contributions to the advancement of secondary education and service to community. He received the Outstanding Service Award from the Rapid City Education Association in 1973. Ernest was a member of Rapid City Statutory Planning Commission from 1974 to 1979, serving as secretary one year and vice president two years. He received the Walt Flannery Award for serving 15 or more years as a high school counselor in 1978. He was treasurer of Downtown Kiwanis Club of Rapid City from 1982 to 1987. He became a Fellow of Kiwanis Educational Foundation, Inc. in 1983, was a member of Black Hills Area Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Committee from 1983 to 1990, chairman from 1986 to 1990, lobbyist for South Dakota Retired Teachers Association from 1986 to 1992, President of Black Hills Retired Teachers Association from 1989 to 1990, President of South Dakota Retired Teachers Association from 1990 to 1992, Vice President of Downtown Kiwanis Club from 1992 to 1993, and Charter Fellow of Joseph S. Nesser Fellowship providing scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors in 1987. He received a special citation from the American Association of Retired Persons for outstanding service to community in 1988. He was an agent for Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, President of Black Hills Life Underwriters Association, AARP speaker for Health Care America Reform Program and Volunteer Counselor for Senior Health Information and Insurance Education Program. In 1995, he received the Distinguished Presidents Award. Van Gerpen was one of 19 Kiwanis Club Presidents to receive the award. Over 200 presidents were vying for the honor in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota District of Kiwanis International. For the Kiwanis Club year 1997-1998, Van Gerpen was presented the George F. Hixon Award for his outstanding service to the Downtown Rapid City Kiwanis Club. The Club contributed $1000 to Kiwanis International Foundation in his honor. The award is the Tablet of Honor, one of Kiwanis International Foundation's highest honors.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Sylvia Van Gerpen; two sons, James (Sandra) Van Gerpen, Sioux Falls, and Don (Linda) Van Gerpen, Rapid City; granddaughter, Danielle; and 15 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Maggie Van Gerpen; five brothers, William, John, Edward, Martin, and Louis; and a daughter, Mary Lynn.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, at South Canyon Baptist Church.
Wallace Vilhauer, 73, Avon, died unexpectedly Sunday (Dec. 9, 2001) at his home in rural Avon.
Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church, Avon. Burial with military honors is in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m. today (Wednesday) with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Chapel, Avon. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m.- noon Thursday at the funeral chapel.
He was born Dec. 1, 1928, to John P. and Emma (Raabe) Vilhauer in rural Avon. He received an eighth grade education at Rouse Rural School and parochial school in the Avon area. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from May 16, 1951, to June 13, 1951. He married Vivian Berndt on June 1, 1952, in Avon. Together they farmed and ranched in the Avon area. She died Dec. 5, 1984.
He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, where he held various offices within the church. He will be remembered for his enjoyment of playing pinochle and fishing.
Survivors include his daughter, Kathy (Dan) Anderberg, Denver; a son Tim and special friend Jen, Humbolt; three grandchildren; one brother, Marlin, Avon; and a sister, Helen Kopps.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one brother and one sister.
Florence Marie Van Noy, born October 20, 1918 in Tyndall S.D. died April 10, 2012 in Tumwater WA. She was the oldest child born to Joseph and Frances Szymanski. Following graduation from High School Florence moved to Tacoma and worked as a secretary in a local mill. It was there she met and later married Jack Van Noy on September 5, 1940. They were married for 54 years before his death in October of 1994.
Florence and Jack were longtime members of St. Patrick Catholic Church where they were active volunteers. Florence also enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts, the beach house on Murray Island and trips back to South Dakota. Her sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.
Florence is survived by 2 daughters and their husbands, Anita and Jerry Coonc, Olympia, Nancy and Rick Heath, Puyallup, 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter as well as her brother Pete Szymanski, Tyndall, S.D.
Graveside services will be held Monday, April 16, 2012, 11:00 am Calvary Cemetery.
Duane Thomas Vitek, age 79, of Scotland, South Dakota, died Monday, April 21, 2014 at Avera St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston, South Dakota.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014 at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland with Reverend Randy Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the Vodnany Cemetery in rural Scotland, South Dakota with military honors provided by the Scotland VFW, American Legion and SDARNG. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue 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 Chase Ellis, J.T. Kass, Josh Kass, Cody Vitek, Jacob Vitek, Garret Vitek, Christen Culbert and Brad Vitek. Honorary pallbearers are all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Duane was born November 30, 1934 in Wagner, South Dakota to Joseph and Gladys (Mach) Vitek. He attended country school and graduated from Wagner High School in 1954. Duane then attended Southern State College in Springfield, SD and later joined his dad in farming. In 1957, he entered the National Guard in Wagner and served for nine years. On June 15, 1963, Duane married Marie Ann Bouska at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, SD. After their marriage, they lived on a farm southwest of Dante, SD for three years and then moved to a farm southeast of Tyndall, SD and finally in 1973, they purchased a farm near Scotland where they have lived ever since. Duane began working as a welder at Kolberg-Pioneer in 1971. He later became a welding instructor and would travel across the country to administer welding classes and tests. Also if there was ever a difficult job, Duane could figure how to get it done. He retired in 1997 after 26 years at Kolberg’s. After retirement, Duane loved helping his sons and especially loved mowing hay. Due to declining health, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Tripp, SD on November 29, 2012. On June 15, 2013, the entire family was able to gather and celebrate Duane and Marie Ann’s 50th wedding anniversary. Duane was a member of St. George Catholic Church and the Old Iron Tractor Club. He will be remembered most for his love of family, dancing, sense of humor, auction sales and old tractors.
Duane is survived by his wife, Marie Ann of Scotland; six children: DuAnne (Chuck) Hoaglin of Scotland, Kristie Ellis of Hartford, SD, Thomas (Tanya) Vitek of Scotland, Michelle Kass of Scotland, Barbara Vitek of Blair, NE and Andrew (Becca) Vitek of Scotland; 21 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; two sisters, Jeannette Vitek and Carolyn (Dan) Kocer, both of Wagner; brother, Don Vitek of Egan, SD; sisters-in-law, Frances Honner of Tabor and Kay Bouska of Austin, TX; brother-in-law, George (Kathy) Bouska of Oregon, IL; aunt, Evelyn Kostal of Yankton; uncle, Ivan Vitek of Tabor; and many nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Vitek; brother-in-law, Roman Honner; and father and mother-in-law, George and Frances Bouska.
Funeral mass for Evelyn Vacknitz will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 4 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle as Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall with a wake service following at 7 p.m. at St. Leo Catholic Church.
Evelyn Grace Vacknitz was born on May 12, 1936 to Frank and Helen (Herman) Schneider in Dante, South Dakota. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1954. Evelyn then attended nursing school at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD. After graduating she went to Denver, CO and worked one year at the VA Hospital. Evelyn returned to Tyndall where she worked for 49 years as a registered nurse at the Tyndall Clinic.
On December 27, 1961, Evelyn married Allen Vacknitz at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Tyndall. They made their home on a farm 3 miles west of Tyndall for 51 years. Together they raised four daughters. In July they moved into the Avon Manor.
Evelyn was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church and St. Leo’s Alter Society in Tyndall. Evelyn was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a great cook. She loved to attend her daughters sporting events and all of her grandchildren’s activities. She and Al loved to go fishing together.
Evelyn passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on October 31, 2013 at the age of 77.
Evelyn is survived by her husband Allen Vacknitz; four daughters: Connie (Rodney) Van Gerpen of Avon, Kay (Glenn) Wright of Sioux Falls, LuAnn (Gary) Wright of Sioux Falls, and Rachel (Loren) Bertus of Avon; ten grandchildren: Paul and wife Jimmi Van Gerpen, Hilary Van Gerpen, Michael and wife Brittany Wright, Elizabeth Wright, Rebecca, Amanda, and Sarah Wright, Jeff, Joe, and Jill Bertus; one brother: Bud Schneider and wife Mary Jo of Yankton; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Evelyn in death are her parents, Frank and Helen Schneider, her sister, Marlene Hoch and brother-in-law Bob Hoch, brother-in-law Corky Vacknitz, sister-in-law Ruby Goering and husband Harry, and their son Kevin.
Joseph F. Vyborny, age 81 of Utica passed away Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton with Msgr. Carlton Hermann celebrating and Rev. Ken Lulf concelebrating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery with military rites by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard, Yankton and the SDARNG Honor Guard, Sioux Falls. Visitations will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton with a 7 PM rosary followed by a video tribute and a 7:30 PM Scripture service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are: Danny Grosz, David Grosz, Kenny Kaiser, Terry Manas, Ron Pesek and Jim Sedlacek. Honorary pallbearers are: Bob & Janice Dejong, Harold & Clarine Fejar, Dennis & Kris Hacecky, Joe & Dorothy Hejl, Eugene & Maryann Jambor, Bob & Darleen Kolda, Jim & Janet Stark, Jim & Margie Swain, and John & Jean Vavra.
Joseph was born April 10, 1932 in Tabor, SD to Joseph and Emma (Sedlacek) Vyborny. They moved to Utica, SD when he was very young. He attended Wilson Country School and Tabor High School. He farmed with his father until 1953 when he went into the service. He was given an Honorable Discharge in 1955. He married Janet Hausman in Yankton, SD on November 22, 1955. They moved to Utica, SD where they were blessed with five children and later moved to the home farm after his father retired. Joe was a farmer up until he handed the reins to his son, Joseph C. He was active working on lawn mowers and helping out on the farm when needed.
He always enjoyed his family, friends, traveling to Illinois to see his Army buddy, family vacations, which included many camping trips, and watching Polka shows on T.V.
He is survived by his wife, Janet of Utica, SD; sons, Joseph C. (Cindy) Vyborny of Lesterville, SD and Michael J. Vyborny (Ronnell Jonas) of Utica, SD; daughters, Sharon (Steven) Kotalik of Utica, SD, and Jennifer A. Vyborny (Greg Goeden) of Colton, SD; sister, Jean K. Vyborny of Omaha, NE; five grandchildren: Steven J. Kotalik, Stacy M. Kotalik, Eric D. Vyborny, Katrina A. Vyborny, and Sophia E. Vyborny; two great-grandchildren, Reece W. Kotalik and Peyton J. Kotalik.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph E. & Emma A. Vyborny, daughter, Mary B. Vyborny, granddaughter, Marissa M. Vyborny, and many aunts and uncles.
Beloved husband and father passed away Friday, February 13, 2009. George was born in Tabor, SD, to Mike and Stella (Plavec) Vanecek on July 7, 1920. George was the youngest son of seven children. When he was 17 the Vanecek Family moved to McMinnville, OR. In 1942 the Marines came calling and that brought him to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA where he became a sergeant in the Marine Corps. After his tour in Guam he found himself stationed in Santa Barbara, CA where he was a flight mechanic for the Marines. The Veterans Memorial Hall would have dances and it was there he would meet Inez Pereda, and in 1947 George and Inez became husband and wife.
George was a skilled craftsman working as a Tile Setter in the construction field. In 1960 he opened his own business Check-O-Tile Company. His motto was quality workmanship. For many years Sears hired George to be the tile contractor for all their kitchen and bath remodeling.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Inez P. Vanecek; his two sons, Dean Vanecek and Michael Vanecek; two sisters, Della Deraeve (Al) and Elsie Seifried (Clayton) of McMinnville, OR; three grandchildren Lisa Ortega (Lonnie), Victoria Ramirez (Freddy), and Danny Sepulveda. He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren Diego Ortega, Olivia Ortega, Gabriel Ramirez, Isaiah Ramirez, and Isabella Ramirez. George was preceded in death by his siblings Adolph Vanecek, Joe Vanecek, Hattie (Vanecek) Varney and Helen (Vanecek) McCarty.
The Vanecek Family would like to thank Dr. Gilbert and the Visiting Nurse / Hospice for their care and compassion during George's life. In lieu of flowers, donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, 222 E. Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 would be appreciated. Visitation at Welch-Ryce-Haider (Downtown Chapel) Thursday, February 19, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Located at 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Funeral and mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Friday, February 20, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. located at 21 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Robert D. Vesper, age 76, of Mission Hill, SD passed away early Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at the Avera Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Wakonda, SD. Memorial services will be 3:00 pm, Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Rev. Paul M. Opsahl officiating. Military Rites by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard, the South Dakota Army Reserve National Guard Honor Guard, and the Patriot Guard standing a flag line during the visitation and service. Burial of the cremated remains will be at the Vesper Cemetery, rural Avon, SD immediately following refreshments. Visitations will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Robert was born July 27, 1937 in rural Avon on the farm to John and Marie (Ehresmann) Vesper. He married Eva Dean Justice on May 4, 1957 in Angola, IN. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1964. He worked as an over the road truck driver until he retired in 1998. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the DAV. Robert enjoyed camping, playing cards, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed his endless pursuit of that sack of $100.00 bills.
Robert is survived by his wife, Eva Dean of Mission Hill, SD; four sons: Jim (Debbie) Vesper of Audubon, IA, Bobby Vesper of Council Bluffs, IA, John Vesper (Todd Sorenson) of Sioux City, IA, and Josh Vesper of Yankton, SD; two daughters, Linda Hansen of Sioux City, IA, and Susie (Jeff) Hoagland of Missouri Valley, IA; one brother, Don (DeeAnn) of Hill City, SD; aunt, Ella Bartunek of Sioux Falls, SD; ten grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Vesper, two brothers, Earl and Maynard Vesper.
The family request that memorials to be directed to Yankton County EMS, 805 Capital Street, Yankton, SD 57078.
Romaine J. Verba, age 76, of Tabor died early Monday (May 27, 2002) at his residence in Tabor.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 30, 2002, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Rev. William Osborn officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183. Visitations will be 2 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, at St. Wenceslaus Church with a scripture service followed by a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Kostel Funeral Home, Tabor is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers will be Larry Kozel, David Kloucek, Jim Kloucek, Frank Kloucek, Richard Kloucek, and Clark Mola.
Romaine was born on August 30, 1925, in Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, to Joe and Hattie (Kloucek) Verba. He attended grade school in Dante, and went to Wagner High School and graduated from Wagner. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He served on the U.S.S. Lindsey as a signalman. On July 5, 1948, he married Joyce Ann Miller at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tyndall. He worked with his father from the age of 12, where they owned and operated the Standard Station. While he was Mayor of Dante from 1953-1956, he flipped the switch for the first electric streetlights in town. In 1966, he worked at Tabor COOP Petroleum Department as a manager and was also employed at Kolberg-Pioneer and Dale Electronics in Yankton. He was an avid pheasant hunter. He was never without a joke and had a great sense of humor. Romaine was a devoted family man.
He was a member of Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183 and Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 in Yankton. He also was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, of Tabor; two sons Dennis (Kerrie) Verba, Fort Collins, Colo.; and Wayne Verba, Corona, Calif.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
After a short illness of only three days, Andreas Van Asperen aged 61, passed away at his home 3 miles southwest of Avon, January 8, 1912. Pneumonia accompanied by heart failure was the cause of death. He was born in Franeker, Holland, in the year 1850, and immigrated to the United States eleven years ago with his wife and sons John and Peter. Abe, Nick, and Oscar had preceded their father and the rest of the family to this land of "good living" and "good business" by several years. Andreas Van Asperen in a financial way succeeded in the short eleven years in Bon Homme County. On his arrival here he was almost penniless, at his death he owned a quarter of land 3 miles southwest of this city. He was honest, gentle, kind, and a practical Christian. He belonged to the Presbyterian church in Holland and has lead a life among neighbors and family that is undefiable from an accelesiastical view. He leaves a wife and six children, Saakje Norder - Van Asperen; his sons, Abe, Nick, Oscar, John and Peter; and daughter, Mrs. F Schotanus, all living around Avon with the exception of the latter who receives her mail on a rural route from Tyndall. The funeral services were held at the house and burial took place in the Presbyterian cemetery.
Pearl Van Asperen, 90, formerly of Avon, died Saturday, March 25, 2000, at the Winner Nursing Home in Winner. Pearl Anna Pfaltzgraff was born Nov. 18, 1909, on a farm south of Avon. She attended rural Avon schools, then worked with her family and in the area as a hired girl.
She married Andy Van Asperen on March 9, 1938. They lived in Wagner and Austin, MN., before settling in Avon. They lived in the same house in the town for 52 years. She kept books for her husband's business, the Avon Well Company. Her husband died in 1984. She lived in Avon until becoming a resident at Winner Nursing Home in 1998.
She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, the Women's Organization and the Avon Flower Club.
Survivors include a son Gary of South Bend, Ind.; a daughter, Kay Berg of Winner; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; four sisters-in-law: Sarah Raabe, Mag Van Asperen, Virginia Kodes, and Sally Van Asperen; two brothers-in-law: Buster and Abe; and many nieces and nephews. Services begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon with burial in the Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.
Funeral services for Charles W. Vellek are at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2005, at Tyndall Presbyterian Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy is Rev. Marilyn Stone. Organist is Becky Tycz, and vocalists are Joyce Svanda and Bob Rueb. Honorary Casketbearers are Courtney Drenth, Stephanie Brock, Daniel Vellek, Caitlin Drenth and Paige Drenth. Casketbearers are Benjamin Vellek, Joseph Brock, Steven Vellek, Dennis Vellek, Roger Kostel and Terry Vellek. Interment is in Country Presbyterian Cemetery, Tabor, South Dakota with Military Rites by Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183.
Charles Wilmer Vellek was born on May 14, 1928, on a farm near Tyndall, South Dakota to William and Bessie (Bambas) Vellek. In 1930, his parents bought a farm near Springfield, South Dakota. He attended Highland Grade School and then helped his father farm. Charles served in the Air Force from January 6, 1951 to January 5, 1955. He then returned and farmed with his father until 1958, when William and Bessie retired to Tyndall and Charles took over the farming. Charles and Ruth Rehurek were married on April 22, 1958 in Tyndall. Charles and Ruth farmed together and raised many hogs. Charles and son David farmed together until 1990, when Charles retired. He continued to live on the farm until 1997 when he entered the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center due to his struggle with Parkinson's Disease.
Charles was a 50-year member of the Kortan-Hatwan Legion Post of Tabor, South Dakota. He was a member of the Tyndall Presbyterian Church and served in several offices. He was also a member of the Farmer's Union and the Co-op. Charles died on Thursday, September 8, 2005 at the Good Samaritan Center at the age of 77 years.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Vellek of Tyndall; one son, David (Denise) Vellek of Springfield; two daughters: Lisa (Layne) Drenth of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Monica (John) Brock of Huron, South Dakota; eight grandchildren: Benjamin, Steven and Daniel Vellek, Courtney, Caitlin and Paige Drenth, and Joseph and Stephanie Brock; two brothers: Emil Vellek of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Robert Vellek of Scotland, South Dakota; one sister, Della Kostel of Yankton; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, three brothers, Edward, Raymond and Leo, and a sister, Helen Bame, preceded Charles in death.
Dorothy V. Van Gerpen, 92, of Avon died Wednesday, September 13, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner. Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2006, at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Burial is in the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.
Dorothy Vivian Van Gerpen was born March 7, 1914, at Avon, South Dakota, the daughter of Fred and Amelia (Giedd) Quartier. Dorothy attained the age of 92 years, six months and six days.
Dorothy graduated from Avon High School in 1932. She married Clarence Van Gerpen at Avon, SD on February 12, 1937. Together they farmed east of Avon until retiring in 1978 and moving into Avon. Dorothy also worked at the North View Cafe for several years. Dorothy has been a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner for the past 10 years.
Dorothy was a member of the Avon Baptist Church.
Dorothy will be especially remembered for her love for her family, her grandchildren: Kim, Lori, Brian and Julie; and her great-grandchildren: Paige and Jack. Dorothy also loved to bake, especially pies and rolls.
Thankful for having shared her life are her son, Larry and wife Barbara Van Gerpen of Valdese, NC and their children: Kim Gergen, and her daughter, Paige of Remsen, IA and son, Brian Van Gerpen of Valdese, NC; daughter, Judy and husband Loren Winckler of Lincoln, CA and their children: Lori Lasater of Sparta, NJ and Julie Winckler of Livermore, CA; and a sister, Esther Thomas of Sioux City, IA.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence on July 21, 1997; parents; sister, Lorene Panka; and two brothers: Richard Quartier, who died in childhood and Roland Quartier.
Funeral services for Jimmi Rose (Cable) Van Gerpen, 27, of Avon, formerly of Pukwana, SD will be Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 10:30 am at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain with burial in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the United Church of Christ.
Jimmi Rose was born on December 16, 1987 to Harley and Dawn (Gilman) Cable. She graduated from Kimball High School in 2006 and attended Northwestern College in Powell, WY, until 2008, on a livestock judging scholarship. Following her passion of working with cattle, Jimmi ventured to Texas and worked closely with an embryologist, under the guidance of a special cousin, Russell Cable. Jimmi returned to South Dakota in 2010, and attended Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD, for cosmetology. Jimmi Rose was united in marriage to Paul Van Gerpen, on September 28, 2013, and successfully opened her own business, No Limits Salon and Spa, in Avon, SD.
Jimmi Rose’s passion for animals was obvious and her daddy said it best, “She just loved animals from her horses, to show cattle, to Doctor Watson, her favorite Basset Hound.” Jimmi’s eidetic memory when judging livestock served her well, earning her many awards, including All-American status at the high school and collegiate levels. Additionally, this passion fostered her abilities to be extremely successful when showing cattle, which she also won many awards.
From the time Jimmi Rose could walk, she loved her horses. With her jeans tucked in the top of her boots, she was either on top of a big horse, or was leading one behind her. She was a young victor at many local Play Days, and qualified for the state 4-H finals at the early age of nine. She and her special horse, Joe, made quite a duo, in both the barrels and pole bending.
Undeniably, Jimmi Rose was a “daddy’s girl”; however, her sister Kari Ann and Momma were her besties. Her unique ability to make everyone around her more beautiful, coupled with her education, made her a very successful beautician and cosmetologist. With a flare and style all of her own, Jimmi’s beauty was apparent, even when she was doing what she loved most, just going out for a ride on one of her favorite horses, Ruthie or Foxie.
While Jimmi’s time on this earth was cut short, the special relationships she established, the memories she created with her family and friends, and the little cowgirls she mentored, and the smiles she brought to all who knew and loved her, will foster peace in our hearts and patience in our minds until we see Jimmi Rose again. For now, Jimmi will serve as a guardian angel, to those who knew and loved her.
Jimmi passed away at Avera St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD as the result of a car accident on December 21, 2014 at the age of 27 years.
Gratefully sharing in her life are her husband Paul Van Gerpen of Avon; her parents Harley and Dawn Cable of Pukwana; sister Kari Ann Cable of Pukwana; maternal grandparents Jim and Karen Gilman of Kennebec; father and mother-in-law Rodney and Connie Van Gerpen of Avon; sister-in-law Hilary Van Gerpen of Avon; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceding her in death were her paternal grandparents Frank Cable, Sr. and Rose Cable.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.
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TYNDALL — An Avon woman died Sunday in a two-vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 37, six miles south of Tyndall, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Jimmi Rose Van Gerpen, 27, of Avon, was driving a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix east on 309th Ave. around 7:30 a.m., approaching the intersection of S.D. Highway 37. She failed to stop at the stop sign and was struck by a southbound 2002 Ford Ranger driven by Oscar Torres, 44, of Tripp.
Both vehicles slid off the roadway and onto the southeast shoulder of the intersection. The crash caused Van Gerpen’s vehicle to roll through a barbed wire fence and into a field. She sustained fatal injuries in the crash. She was not wearing a seat belt.
Torres received minor injuries in the crash. He was wearing a seatbelt.
No further information is immediately available.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating. The Bon Homme County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department and Tyndall.
Source: Yankton (South Dakota) Press & Dakotan ~ December 22, 2014
Private family committal services for Rachel Van Duysen, 76, of rural Wagner will be held at the Emmanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner.
Rachel Van Duysen, daughter of Cornelius “Casey” and Bessie (Boschma) Van Duysen, was born June 25, 1936 at her grandmother’s home in Avon. As a newborn, her older siblings kept her cool by fanning her with a blanket. Rachel went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, after a long illness. She attained the age of 76 years, 11 months and 19 days.
Rachel grew up in the rural Dante area and received her eighth grade education at country schools near Avon and Dante. She and her sister Jose helped to care for their Mother for many years. Rachel also worked outdoors helping with chores and field work with her brother and his family.
Rachel was a member of the Friedensberg Bible Church where she served on the service committee for many years. She also provided music on the piano and accordian for many years.
Rachel was an outdoor person. She loved horses, chickens and to garden. She and her sister Jose loved music, especially Country Gospel and Western Cowboy songs. Together they sang and played at many different places and occasions all over the area. Rachel could sit down at a piano and play most anything. She blessed many others through the gifts God gave her ... and her music will live in the hearts of many for years to come.
Thankful for having shared her life are her brother Frances “Fritz and wife Danelda; nephews: Mark and wife Joanie; Murlen and wife Sandy; Michael (died November 15, 2002) and wife Lori, all of rural Wagner; many great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews; special friends: Rita Archambeau and Marlis Eben; and many other relatives and friends.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; brother John; sister Josephine; nephew Mike; and great nephew Casey.
Clara Vilhauer, 90, of Salem passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Golden Living in Salem.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, May 13 at Salem United Church in Salem. Visitation will begin on Sunday at 12 pm with family present from 6-8 pm at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem.
Clara Kaul was born on December 15, 1922 to Christian and Christina (Hieb) Kaul near Tyndall, SD. Following school she baked pies at the Corner Café, waitressed at Hinks Café and worked at the Tripp Hatchery. On May 23, 1954 she married Reinhold Vilhauer in Menno, SD. They lived in Tripp for 7 years and then moved to farm north of Olivet until 1968 and east of Menno until 1975. They then moved to farm near Montrose and retired to Salem in 1990, where they lived together until Reinhold’s passing in 2003. Before retiring, Clara also worked at the Menno Care Center, Raven Industries in Canistota and the school kitchen in Montrose. Clara stayed in Salem until the time of her passing. Clara was a member of the Salem United Church where she was active in the Ladies Circle, served as custodian with Reinhold and was most comfortable serving in the kitchen. She was also an active member of the Salem Senior Citizens. Among the things she will be remembered for is her love for gardening, sewing and baking.
Clara is survived by her son David (Evonne) of Sioux Falls, one granddaughter Kimberly Vilhauer, a son-in-law Dean Degner of Omaha, NE, one grandson Paul Degner, one brother Herman Kaul, and one sister Esther Weisser. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Reinhold, daughter Christine Degner, five brothers, and three sisters.
Lois Mildred Vogel was born on Thursday, July 13, 1916 in LeMars, Iowa to Erwin C. and Laura (Swain) Kilker. The family moved to a farm south of Tyndall in 1917, and she attended District #30 rural school in Bon Homme County through the 8th grade. Lois graduated from Tyndall High School in 1933. She attended Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield for two years and taught school for 11 years. Lois was united in marriage to Herbert Vogel in 1946. They moved to Mobridge where they started a business. He died in 1989 and Lois continued to live in Mobridge until the summer of 1996, when she moved to Springfield. Lois was a 45-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as president of the Mobridge chapter for two years. She became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall in May of 2007 and it is there that she passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013, having attained the age of 96 years, 10 months and 11 days.
Lois is survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Erwin and Laura Kilker, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herb, two brothers: Ronald and Robert, and a sister, Marjorie Kilker.
Laddie J. Vacek, age 84 years, Bellevue, Neb., born in Avon, SD; died September10, 2006, in Omaha, NE. Veteran of WWII. Preceded in death by wife, Gladys (Brandenburg) Vacek.
Survived by sons and daughters-in-law: James and Cathi Vacek of Olathe, KS, Steven E. and Marti Vacek of East Moline, IL, Gregory J. and Diane Vacek of Omaha; daughters and sons-in-law: Jane Ann and Doug Carter of Omaha, Mary Ellen and Drew Reckmeyer of Frankfurt, Germany; brother, Ed Vacek and wife Dorothy of Pickstown, SD; 13 grandchildren; nieces and nephews; dear friend, Freda Harris of Omaha.
Services Friday, 10:00 a.m. St. Mary Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford, Bellevue, NE. Interment, Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503. Memorials to the Vacek Memorial Fund at Creighton Prep; Daniel J. Gross HS Memorial Fund; or to St. Mary Catholic Church, Bellevue.
Mass for Edward L. Vacek, 88 of Lake Andes, will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Lake Andes. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, rural Lake Andes, with military honors. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner Saturday from 3-5 and Sunday from 9-11. Visitation will continue at the church from 5-7, followed by a rosary/wake service.
Edward Louis Vacek, son of James and Mary (Sternhagen) Vacek, was born March 29, 1924 on a farm near Avon, SD. He died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.
Ed graduated from Avon High School. He entered the Army Air Force on April 27, 1943 and served during World War II in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Czechoslovakia. Ed was honorably discharged on September 4, 1945.
After Ed’s discharge, he attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. He worked as a surveyor at the Corps of Engineers for the Fort Randall Project. Ed later worked as a power house shift operator for the Corps of Engineers Power Plant for many years.
Ed married Dorothy Bambas on June 10, 1947 at Tyndall. Six children were blessed to their union. Ed and Dorothy enjoyed many things in their life together. In 1977, they purchased an acreage one mile east of Pickstown and built their home. Dorothy died September 29, 2010.
Ed was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as financial secretary for 24 years. He also had life time memberships in the Ft. Randall Castle American Legion Post #282 and the VFW Post #3239 in Lake Andes.
Ed will be remembered for his love of Lawrence Welk and polka music, caring for his trees and lawn and his involvement with the American Legion Baseball - both as coach and an umpire. He enjoyed collecting coins and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Ed’s greatest joy was time spent with this children and grandchildren.
Thankful for having shared his life are his six children and five grandchildren: Robert and wife Jana of Sioux Falls and their children Travis and Tyler Vacek; Patty Arneson and husband Mark of Arlington, TX and their daughter Stephanie Decker; Linda Vacek of Memphis, TN; Rita Vacek of Lake Andes and her sons: JR and Auston Parker; Richard of Lake Andes; and Sherrie Vacek of Prescott, AZ; two great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents; a brother Laddie; and two sisters: Mary Ann Zacharias and Kathy Vacek.
Teresa M. Vonnahme, 46, of Le Mars passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2007 surrounded by her family at home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 9, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars, Iowa. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Carlsen Funeral Home of Le Mars. Casket bearers will be Mark Pishek, Paul Pishek, John Pishek, Richard Seivert, Brandon Bauer, and Sean Dailey. Honorary casket bearers will be doctors, nurses, and staff of Medical Associates. An honor guard will be provided at the church by fellow nursing professionals.
Teresa Marie Pishek was born May 27, 1960 to Eugene and Donna (Pechous) Pishek at Tyndall, South Dakota. Teresa began her education at a country school at Aten, Nebraska and later moved with her family to Storm Lake, Iowa at the age of 7. In Storm Lake, Teresa attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from Storm Lake Community High School in 1978. Following high school Teresa attended Briar Cliff University. Teresa was united in marriage to Alan Vonnahme on July 18, 1981 at Storm Lake, Iowa. Teresa and Al lived in Oklahoma for the next 10 years. While living in Oklahoma, Teresa continued her education at the University of Oklahoma graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
In 1990, the family moved back to Iowa and Teresa worked at the Storm Lake Regional Hospital, St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, and most recently at Medical Associates in Le Mars.
Teresa loved being a wife and mother. Her children thought she was the "ultimate mother." Teresa was always the caregiver; she often put others' needs before her own. She enjoyed the opportunities to volunteer at Gehlen Catholic School. Her daughters were her pride and joy. Teresa loved to read and cherished her Catholic faith. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars.
Survivors include her husband of 25 years, Alan of Le Mars; her daughters: Molly Vonnahme and her fiance Brandon Bauer of Iowa City, IA, Jill Vonnahme of Omaha, NE, and Becca Vonnahme at home; her mother, Donna Pishek of Storm Lake, IA; 3 brothers: Mark Pishek and his wife Lisa of Sergeant Bluff, IA, John Pishek of Lincoln, NE, and Paul Pishek of Ogden, UT; a sister, Mary Dailey and her husband Sean of Tucson, AZ; maternal grandparents, Emil and Marcella Pechous of Yankton, SD; mother and father-in-law, Alice and Luverne Vonnahme of Storm Lake, IA; in-laws: Mark and Rosie Vonnahme of Le Mars, Tim and Barb Vonnahme of Henderson, NV, Neil and Denise Vonnahme of Falls City, WA, and Sue Ann and Tom Lastuvka of Clive, IA; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Pishek; a sister in infancy, Mary Lauren Pishek; and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Marie Pishek.
Elsie E. Vitek, 85, of Yankton, passed away early Friday morning, March 29, 2002, at Pine Lane West, Yankton.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2002, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Rev. William Osborn officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, Tabor. Pallbearers will be Mark Walker, Doug and Teresa Brookbank, Lee and Mary Orth, Kathy Kapitan and Carolyn Kapitan-Launier. Visitations will be 3 to 7 p.m., today (Monday) at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, and then one hour prior to the service at the church.
Elsie was born April 27, 1916 at Tabor, S.D., to Charles and Tillie (Jilek) Dvoracek. She was educated Bryne Grammar School. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1934 with honors. She then attended and graduated from Springfield Normal Teachers College. She married Daniel Vitek April 8, 1940, at St. Wenceslaus Church, Tabor, S.D. Elsie taught school for many years, was one of the first drivers for Head Start, and also worked at Marek Consignment. She was a former member of the St. Leo's Altar Society in Tyndall, S.D. She retired and moved to Yankton 14 years ago. She enjoyed sewing and was a devoted mother and grandmother.
She is survived by one daughter, Diane Kapitan of Yankton, S.D.; 2 brothers: Leonard Dvoracek of Tyndall, S.D., and Donnley Dvoracek of Tabor, S.D.; one sister, Madeline (Dvoracek) Schneider of Tyndall, S.D., four grandchildren and one great-grandson, and special caregivers Dorothy Honomichl and Kristi Ainsworth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers.
Memorials are directed to the Parkinson's Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Mass of Christian Burial for Tom Varilek of Ankeny, Iowa and originally of Tyndall will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2 at St. Leo Catholic Church with Fr. Joe Forcelle as Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. There will be a wake service on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate to NAMI Greater Des Moines, PO Box 12174, Des Moines, IA 50312 in Tom’s name.
Thomas Varilek was born to Frank H. and Tillie (Plavec) Varilek on October 25, 1949, in Tyndall, SD. His schooling began in a one-room schoolhouse, Dunwoody District #23. He graduated Tyndall High School in the class of ‘67. In 1971, he achieved his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Tom began his professional career at Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco, CA where he met the love of his life, Dina (Albon). They married on December 2, 1972. Tom was an unselfish and devoted family man. In 1974, they moved to Duluth, MN, where Tom worked at Minnesota Power & Light. In 1987, Tom, his wife and their three daughters moved to Ankeny, IA where he worked for Iowa Power and, eventually, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation until his retirement in 2010.
Tom had diverse hobbies which included singing, ballroom dancing, Huna healing and hypnotherapy. Tom was driven to help and heal all he could in the world. He served as President of St. Vincent de Paul – Des Moines diocese from 2008 until his untimely death. Tom’s other community involvements included Physics Society, Engineers Club, Kirkendall Public Library Foundation, Social Concern Committee – St. Luke’s, National Guild of Hypnotists, and being an officer for ballroom dance clubs: Red Friars, Castle Club and Dance Club 76.
Tom passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnstown, Iowa on Monday, February 25, 2013 at the age of 63.
Tom is survived by his wife, Dina, of Ankeny, Iowa and his three daughters, Tara of Ankeny, Tanya of Ankeny and Tylia of Phoenix, Arizona; his siblings Francis Varilek and Sally Boyd of Mission Hill, Daniel Varilek of Tyndall, JoAnn (John) Jonas of Yankton, Irene Koranda of Tabor, David Varilek of Tabor, Charles (Julie) Varilek of Estes Park, Colorado, and Kenneth (Jeanne) Varilek of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Tillie Varilek, and an infant sister, Henrietta.
Funeral services for Raymond Voigt, 67 of Avon, are 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.
Raymond Voigt was born April 19, 1945 in Avon, SD, the son of Fred and Olive (Ridgway) Voigt. He died Monday, February 18, 2013, surrounded by his family and dog, Minnie on his lap at his home in Avon.
Ray attended grade school at the Rouse School west of Avon and then graduated from Avon High School in 1963. After high school, Ray worked at the Wickens Ranch south of Avon for several years. Ray married Audrey Raysby on June 6, 1970 at Avon. They farmed and milked north of Avon until 1979, when he went to work for CR Industries. He worked there until he and Audrey opened the North Vue Cafe and Quickstop, which they enjoyed and operated for eight years. For the past 15 years he had worked for Walmart in Yankton.
Ray enjoyed many things. He loved to hunt, trap and fish. If he wasn’t at work or mowing you could be sure he was fishing or getting ready to go fishing.
Ray loved his family very much and could usually be found with at least one of them with him or very close behind.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Audrey of Avon; daughter, Mellissa and husband Mike Petrik of Avon; three sons: Brian and wife Jessica of Avon; Bryce and wife Charleen of Avon; and Bradley and wife Tiffany of Avon. He will also be deeply missed by his fifteen grandchildren and his one great grandson. He loved them all and would do just about anything for them. Ray is also survived by his sister, Kathy and husband Gary Frank of Avon; sister Donna Draskovic of Truth or Consequences, NM; and mother-in-law, Cora Raysby of Avon.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Shorty Raysby; and his brother, Richard.
Funeral services for Melvin L. Voy will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2005, at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy is Rev. Bradley Danielson. Casketbearers are Ken Buhl, Scott Burgi, Tim Cokley, Dave Eggers, Tim Furney and Mark Raker. Honorary Casketbearers are members of the Scotland V.F.W. and Melvin's co-workers at Buhl's Dry Cleaner. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday, January 6, 2005, at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel Scotland, South Dakota. Interment is in Rosehill Mausoleum, Scotland, South Dakota, with Military Rites by Paul Grossheusch V.F.W. Post #2966 of Scotland.
Melvin LeRoy Ross Voy was born on March 10, 1932, to Herman and Leona (Burke) Voy in Scotland, South Dakota. He attended country school in the Scotland area. He attended Scotland High School until his enlistment in the U.S. Army. Melvin served overseas during Korean Conflict. He married Viona Thum on December 21, 1954. A son, Mark Lynell Voy, was born on January 24, 1963. Melvin drove a milk truck for Lakeside Dairy and drove mail trucks between Sioux Falls and Scotland. He also worked for Gemar's Market in Scotland. He owned and operated Mel's Hideaway in Scotland for many years. Currently, Melvin had been working at Buhl's Dry Cleaners in Yankton and delivering a country route for the Missouri Valley Shopper and the Yankton Press and Dakotan.
He was a member of the Paul Grossheusch V.F.W. Post #2966 of Scotland.
Melvin died on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland at the age of 72 years.
Melvin is survived by his friend, Scott (Tammy) Rueb of Scotland, and their children, Katelynn, Kourtney and Peyton; friend Cory Bjorum of Scotland; niece LeAnn Gerlach; son Mark Lynell Voy of Sheldon, Iowa; brother Harold (Helen) Voy of Costa Mesa, California; sister Virginia (Philip) Neuharth of Menno, South Dakota; ten additional nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law Myrna Voy of Holland, Michigan, and Tillie Voy of York, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald Voy and Gerald Voy; and a nephew, Lonnie Joe Neuharth.
Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Monday, June 14, 2010 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Avon for Rose Vilhauer, 85, of Avon. Burial is in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., followed by a 7 PM Prayer service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.
Rose Vilhauer, daughter of Cornelius and Martha (DeLong) Lukkes, was born January 16, 1925 on a farm southeast of Avon, SD. She died Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Yankton Care Center in Yankton, SD. Rose attained the age of 85 years, four months and 26 days.
Rose attended country school through the eighth grade.
Rose was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Avon on October 13, 1949. She married Marlin Vilhauer on October 21, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon. Five children were blessed to their union. After their marriage, Marlin and Rose moved onto the family farm where they farmed and did dairy for 49 years. They retired in 1998, bought a home and moved into Avon.
Prior to and after her marriage, Rose took care of her ill mother. She was a hardworking farm wife and homemaker and a loving mother.
Rose was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Ladies Altar Guild. She also was a member of American Legion Auxiliary. She will be remembered for her enjoyment of playing card games and her love of crocheting and sewing.
Thankful for having shared her life are her husband Marlin of Avon; her children: Elaine and husband Jim Johnson of Dallas, TX; Loren of Pierre; Clayton and wife Jean of Ft. Collins, CO and their children Dawn, Jared, Jason and Jeremy; Glen and wife Brenda of Mitchell and their children Stacy Haiar and husband Josh, Brian and wife Megan, and Brent; and Charlene and husband Kevin Tjeerdsma of Avon and their son Tyler and wife Jenny; one great grandchild, Zayden Tjeerdsma; brother Jim and wife, Carol of Avon; sister-in-law Leola Lukkes of Tyndall; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and their husbands: Elizabeth and William “Willie” Burma, Regina “Kathryn” and John Albert Ludens, and Martha and Edward “Buster” Babcock; and four brothers and their wives: an infant brother John in Germany, William and wife Henrietta, John and wife DeLores, and Cornelius, Jr.
The funeral service for Marlin J. Vilhauer, 90 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Avon. Burial will be the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 7 Monday, followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service.
Marlin J. Vilhauer, son of John J.P. and Emma (Raabe) Vilhauer, was born June 23, 1921 on the home farm near Avon in Charles Mix County. He died Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Marlin attained the age of 90 years, five months and 18 days.
Marlin was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon on July 11, 1921 and confirmed there on May 24, 1936.
Marlin served in the U.S. Navy. He was on the Honor Flight in November of 2010 with his grandson, Tyler.
Marlin married Rose Lukkes on October 21, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church. Five children were blessed to their union. After their marriage, Marlin and Rose moved onto the family farm where they farmed, did dairy and raised hogs for 49 years. They retired in February of 1998, bought a home and moved into Avon. They moved to the Meadow View Manor in January of 2009 and then to Autumn Winds in Yankton in May of 2010. Rose died June 10, 2010. Marlin became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on February 28, 2011.
Marlin was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder, Trustee and Sunday School teacher. He also was a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post 150, Rouse Country School board member, and the Charles Mix Election Board.
After his retirement, Marlin helped farmer haul their crops and butcher, worked for the City of Avon mowing and working at the dump. He will be remembered for his enjoyment of woodworking, fixing clocks, fishing and play cards.
Thankful for having shared his life are his children and their families: Elaine (Jim) Johnson, Dallas, TX; Loren, Pierre; Clayton (Jean), Ft. Collins, CO and their children Dawn (Jason) Ranz, Jared, Jason and Jeremy; Glen (Brenda), Mitchell and their children Stacy (Josh) Haiar, Brian (Megan) and Brent; and Charlene (Kevin) Tjeerdsma, Avon and their son Tyler (Jenny); five great grandchildren: Zayden and Kinley Tjeerdsma, Emilee and Lindsey Ranz, and Evelyn Vilhauer; one sister, Helen (Leland “Bud”) Kopps, Highland , WI; sister-in-law, Choyce Vilhauer, Yankton; and many nieces, nephews,relatives and friends.
Marlin was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Mildred Haenfler (Joe); and two brothers: Clarence and Wallace (Vivian).
Clara Vyborny, age 98, of Tabor, South Dakota, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2004, at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall, SD.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2004, at the Kostel Funeral Chapel, Tabor, SD, with Rev. Joe Puthenkwathil officiating. Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery, Tabor, SD. Visitations will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, February 15, 2004, at the Kostel Funeral Chapel in Tabor, and will resume one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Pallbearers will be Joseph Klemiseh, James Souhrada, Ron Pesek, Allen Sternhagen, Douglas Sternhagen and Jon J. Sternhagen.
Clara was born July 31, 1905 to John and Pauline (Walloch) Mudloff. She attended Cedar Grove School District #37, then worked with her parents on the farm. She married George Vyborny on November 5, 1935, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Lesterville, SD. They lived on the Vyborny home place until 1983 when they retired and moved to Tabor. George passed away May 10, 1990.
Clara will always be remembered by family and friends for her love of gardening, flowers, quilting, crocheting, and her wonderful kolaches.
She is survived by one sister Elizabeth Sternhagen of Tabor, SD, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, and one brother.
Funeral services for Michael Lee Vellek, 46, of Tyndall will be held at 1:30 p.m. today (Friday, July 3) at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall, with Fr. Gerald Thury officiating. Organist will be Kathy Koenig. Interment will follow in Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Cemetery, rural Vodnany. Honorary casketbearers are the Tyndall-Tabor High School Class of 1981 and Mike’s friends John Cap, Rich Fryda , Rich Honner, Robbie Keppen , Bruce Kortan, Ryan Kronaizl , Dave Sutera, Eric Tycz and Wayne Winckler. Active casketbearers are Marlowe Vellek, Laurie Vellek, Marcia Skipper, Kevin Vellek, Dave Buchmann and Doug Kokesh. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.
Michael Lee Vellek was born on Wednesday, October 17, 1962, in Tyndall, South Dakota to Louis and Nyla (Jezek) Vellek. Mike lived his life on the farm near Scotland and Tyndall and worked hard on the farm. He didn’t mind doing just about anything, as long as he was busy and working. He loved life on the farm and especially cherished his cats. Mike’s enjoyment in life centered around people and spending time with his family and friends. For that reason, he especially enjoyed Czech Days and Hot Dog Night each year. He was proud to have won the Polka Dance-Off at Czech Days two years ago. Mike spent many hours reading and thoroughly read the local phone books. He was widely known for having almost everyone’s phone number committed to memory. Other pastimes included singing karaoke and playing cards, and he also enjoyed watching game shows on television. After a courageous battle with throat cancer, Mike passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, on the family farm near Scotland at the age of 46 years, 8 months and 14 days.
Grateful for having shared Mike’s life are his father, Louis Vellek of Scotland; two brothers, Marlowe Vellek and Kevin Vellek, both of Scotland; four sisters,, Cathy Vellek of Huron, Marlene Vellek of Sioux Falls, Laurie Vellek of Scotland, and Marcia Skipper of Huron; and seven nieces and nephews, Cody Crockett of Tyndall, Sam Crockett of Sioux Falls, Jamie Fender of Sioux Falls, Isaiah Hoop of Sioux Falls, and Crosby Skipper, Nyla Skipper and Charity Skipper, all of Huron.
His mother, Nyla Vellek, and his paternal and maternal grandparents preceded him in death.
A memorial service for Ervin Vellek of Tyndall will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30 at St. John Lutheran Church in Tyndall with Rev. Dean Schroeder officiating. Organist will be Donna Bohlman and soloist will be Leroy Sorenson. Inurnment will follow in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall.
Ervin Vellek, loved father, died on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 82. Ervin was born on January 10, 1928 on the family homestead outside of Tyndall, South Dakota. He was the only son of Hattie (Bambas) and Frank Vellek in a family of four sisters: Mildred Smith (deceased); Violet Watkins (deceased), Josephine Dvorak and Bonnie Rinesch. As a young man, he attended high school and worked on the family farm as well as other local jobs. He enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1949-1952. He had many memories from his tour of duty in Alaska and was very proud to serve his county. He later became an active member and is a past Post Commander of the American Legion in Tyndall. He worked for Northern Propane for much of his career, and then ran his own business, Vellek Plumbing and Heating. He retired after working many years servicing the public with praised results.
Ervin is father and grandfather to his children and their families: Lynne (Vellek) and Terry Hoffman, Gig Harbor, Washington; Craig Vellek, Tyndall, S.D.; Evan and Carol (Vellek) Borchard, Black Hawk, S.D.; and Kelly (Vellek) Krier, Kearney, Nebraska; Grandchildren Katie and Scott Hoffman and Connor and Carmen Krier. Among the life lessons he taught his kids were loyalty to family and to have a sense of humor.
He was called Uncle ‘Erv’ not only to his own nieces and nephews but to many others. Some jokingly referred to Ervin as an honorary mayor of Kaylor. He also claimed he was allowed to drive through stop signs knowing he would stop twice as long at the next one. He loved being outdoors, taking care of the yard, catching a baseball, and making converstations with friends and those that would soon be friends. When working on the farm, he would tell his kids, “Let’s go outside and do something, even if its wrong.”
Memorials may be directed to the Tyndall Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2.
Geraldine May (Silvernail) Vellek, 75, of Rapid City, South Dakota and formerly of Tyndall, South Dakota, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Fountain Springs Health Care in Rapid City with her children at her bedside.
Geraldine was born August 12, 1934, the only child of Gerald and Louise (Evers) Silvernail. She graduated Scotland High School and was Valedictorian of her senior class. In 1952, she married and raised four children. After her children were grown, she returned to school to earn a nursing degree. She helped many people as a caring nurse and nurse’s aide for many years. She also worked on the family farm, was a bookkeeper and volunteered teaching Sunday school. Geraldine returned to Tyndall to care for her aging parents until their death.
Geraldine was never happier than when she was with her children and grandchildren who will miss her. Geraldine is survived by her children: Lynne (Vellek) Hoffman and husband Terry, Gig Harbor, Washington, Craig Vellek, Tyndall, South Dakota, Carol (Vellek) Borchard and husband Evan, Black Hawk, South Dakota and Kelly (Vellek) Krier, Kearney, Nebraska; and four grandchildren: Conner Krier, Carmen Krier, Katie Hoffman and Scott Hoffman.
Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall. No public memorial service is planned; a private family service will be held at a later date.
Marcella “Marci” Christena Voigt, formerly of Miller, died on her 85th birthday, Tuesday, December 14 at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.
Visitation with the family present will be Friday, December 17 at the Rembold Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 18 at the First United Methodist Church in Miller with Rev. Mary Ann Sheldon officiating. Burial will be at the G.A.R. Cemetery.
Marcella Christena Lippert was born December 14, 1925, at Parkston, SD to Edward and Christene (Mudder) Lippert. Marci graduated from Avon High School and later Southern State College in Springfield, SD.
On October 7, 1943, Marcella married Newton D. Voigt. To this union two children were born.
Marci taught school in Parkston for 6 years and later in Miller for 30 years until her retirement in 1992. She had a passion for teaching and thoroughly enjoyed all her students. She was also known for being a beautiful seamstress. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were very important to her and always made her smile.
Survivors include her daughter, LaDonna (Steve) Speirs of Yankton, SD; four grandchildren, Christena (Scott) Schultz of Emery, SD, Scott Voigt of Huron, SD, Brooks Speirs of Denver, CO, Sondra (David) Naber of Wessington, SD; 9 great grandchildren; 6 siblings, Leola Lukkes of Tyndall, SD, Darlene Baumiller-Zangle of Mitchell, SD, Elroy (Ruth) Lippert of Parkston, SD, Elwood (Janet) Lippert of Yankton, SD, Danelda (Francis) VanDuysen of Wagner, SD, and Eldean (Gloria) Lippert of Yankton, SD; Sisters-in-law, Amelia (Bill) Rattray of Centralia, WA and Shirley Voigt of Clearbrook, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Newton D. Voigt, son Lewyln Voigt, brothers-in-law, Lewis Baumiller, Harvey Zangle, Cornelius Lukkes, and Dwight Voigt.
Rembold Funeral Home of St. Lawrence has been entrusted with Marci’s arrangements.
JoAnn Marie Vesely, age 68, of Denver, CO, formerly of Tabor, SD passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at her residence.
Private family memorial services are pending. Burial of JoAnn’s cremated remains will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor is in charge of arrangements.
JoAnn Marie Vesely was born on May 19, 1944 to Arthur and Florence (Hale) Vesely in Yankton, SD. She graduated from Tabor High School in 1962 and sometime later moved to Denver, CO and resided there until the time of her death.
She is survived by her mother, Florence Vesely of Tabor, SD; brother, Dennis Vesely of Tabor, SD; sister, Jeani (Steve) Zavadil of Fordyce, NE; three nieces, one nephew, and one great niece.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur, her brother, Donald, and her grandparents.
Vincent Fredrick Varilek, age 19, of Volin, South Dakota died Monday, May 17, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Mass of Christian Burial is 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2010 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield, South Dakota with Reverend Gerald Thury officiating. Burial will be in the St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation is from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota with a video tribute and time of sharing at 7:00 p.m. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Pallbearers are Keith Allen, Matt Allen, Tayler Boeckmen, Jesse Gullikson, Arron Ness and Nick Wuebben. Honorary pallbearers are Corey Allen, Kayci Allen, Karl Fiedler, Danae, Darci, Devin and Drew Aslesen.
Vincent was born August 20, 1990 in Yankton, South Dakota to Kathleen Fiedler and Rick Hanson. He grew up in the Yankton and Volin area and attended schools in Yankton, Wakonda, and Gayville before graduating from Yankton High School in 2009. As a teenager, his first job was for E Circle E Hunting Lodge located east of Gayville and then he worked at Tractor Supply Company in Yankton. Vincent was always interested in cooking so he took a job as a cook at CJ’s at the Lake and then Tony’s Steakhouse near Norfolk, NE. He was planning to attend the Culinary Art Institute in Los Angeles, California. Besides cooking, Vincent also enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting pheasant, deer, and mushrooms, playing video games with his friends and fixing up old cars.
Vincent will be missed by his mother and stepfather, Kathleen and James Haines of Volin; father, Rick Hanson of Pierre, SD; step sisters: Hope, Brandy, Robin and Ruth; maternal grandparents, Fred and Doris Fiedler of Springfield; paternal grandmother, Sylvia Hanson of Dawson, MN; adoptive grandmother, Wilma Haugen of Brandon, SD; step grandparents, Jim and Rosalie Haines of Sioux City, IA; a niece and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Vincent was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Harold Hanson, adoptive father, Frank J. Varilek and an uncle, Marc Carl Fiedler.
Funeral Services for Richard "Rick" Van Winkle are at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 15, 2007 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy are Pastor Marilyn Stone and Pastor John McNeill. Organist is Marcene Kniffen and soloist is Joe Sokolowski. Honorary Casketbearers are Rick's Grandchildren, his Co-Workers at the Bon Homme County Highway Department, and Team Penners of the MRP and SDRA. Casketbearers are Bob Knoll, Bill Knoll, Tyler Van Winkle, Lance Ryken, Andy Vitek, Don Sykora, Bill Raabe and Wayne Winckler. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date. Visitation is Monday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Goglin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Richard James "Rick" Van Winkle was born on Wednesday, May 4, 1949 in Tyndall to Romain and Alice (Simon) Van Winkle. Rick graduated from Tyndall High School in 1967. He married Sheryl Dvoracek on June 8, 1968. To this union, three sons were born: Scott, Jeff and Justin. He worked for Schultz Construction for a couple of years until they moved to Wood, South Dakota where he worked on the Edwards Ranch. They returned to Tyndall and Rick started his own family farm. In addition to farming, Rick enjoyed helping neighbors with various livestock needs and working the Friday cattle sales at Yankton Livestock. He started working for the Bon Homme County Highway Department in 2002. Rick's love and passion was farming, working cattle and horseback riding. He was a competitive team penner and also enjoyed attending livestock and farm auctions. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Rick passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at his home near Tyndall surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer. He was 58 years, 5 months and 7 days old.
Rick's memory will be cherished by his wife, Sheryl, of Tyndall; two sons: Jeff of Sioux Falls and Justin (Lisa) of Tyndall; a daughter-in-law, Lisa (Randy) Weier of Tyndall; five grandchildren: Tyler, Jared, Scott, Tanner and Allisan, all of Tyndall; two brothers: Ken (Carol) Van Winkle of Gig Harbor, Washington and Gary Van Winkle of Ft. Collins, Colorado; two sisters: Zoa (James) Libis of Springfield, South Dakota and Peg (Wayne) Winckler of Scotland, South Dakota; father-in-law Leonard Dvoracek of Tyndall; brother-in-law Gary (Michelle) Dvoracek and sister-in-law Debbie Einrem, all of Springfield; many nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Van Winkle, parents Romain and Alice Van Winkle, mother-in-law Belle Dvoracek and brother-in-law Jerry Einrem.
Mass of Christian Burial for Alice J. Van Winkle is at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 4, 2006 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury is the Celebrant. Organist is Marcene Kniffen. Vocal music is by the St. Leo Choir, with a solo by Pam Novak. Pall Attendants are Kim Samsel, Shannon O'Rear, Shelly Scieszinski, Lanna Taylor and Ashley Winckler. Casketbearers are Michael Van Winkle, Kevin Van Winkle, Keith Van Winkle, Jeff Van Winkle, Craig Libis, Cory Libis, Justin Van Winkle, Chris Libis and Tyler Van Winkle. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, South Dakota. Visitation will resume at noon on Friday until time of service at the church. Wake Service with Rev. Fr. Richard Baumberger, Celebrant is at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2006 at St. Leo Catholic Church. Interment is in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota.
Alice Jane Van Winkle was born on August 11, 1917 on the family farm north of Tyndall, South Dakota to Joseph and Louise (Bambas) Simon. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1935. She worked for Triple A until her marriage to Romain Van Winkle on February 16, 1943 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Together, they farmed their entire lives until retiring. She had served as a 4-H Leader for many years and was a member of St. Leo Altar Society. Alice moved to the Springfield Assisted Living Center in 2000. She became a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center in 2004, where she passed away on August 1, 2006 at the age of 88 years, 11 months.
Alice's memory will be cherished by her five children: Ken (Carol) Van Winkle of Gig Harbor, Washington, Gary Van Winkle of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Rick (Sheryl) Van Winkle of Tyndall, South Dakota, Zoa (James) Libis of Springfield, South Dakota and Peg (Wayne) Winckler of Scotland, South Dakota; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Romain, a grandson, Scott Van Winkle, her parents, two brothers, Joe and Jim Simon, and one sister, Louise Kucera.
Tillie Esther (Serr) Voy age 82, of Kearney, NE. died Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. Tillie was born May 20, 1930 to Philip and Anna (Neth) Serr at Scotland, S.D.
Tillie was baptized on July 20, 1930 at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland, S.D.. Tillie grew up on the family farm in Bon Homme County, S.D. Tillie married Gerald Voy on March 1, 1953 and they were blessed with a daughter, Kathleen. Following their marriage, Tillie and Gerald made their home in Chicago, IL. while Gerald attended college. In 1968, they moved to Seward, NE. where Tillie began an in-home day care. She continued her day care business following their move to York, NE. in 1974. In 1990, Tillie closed her day care in order to care for her husband. Following his death, she worked at the Hearthstone Nursing Home and most recently at Grand Central Grocery Store until moving to Kearney, NE. this past June.
Tillie was devoted to her family and took great joy in her grandsons. She was an avid gardener and a faithful friend taking neighbors regularly to shop and appointments. She was a long standing member of Faith Lutheran Church in York, NE.
Tillie is survived by: daughter, Kathleen Nickman of Riverdale, NE.; grandsons, Rob Nickman and wife Jessica of Grand Island, NE., Aaron Nickman and wife Laura of Neola, IA., Michael, Terence, and Brandon Nickman of Riverdale, NE.; great-grandson, Leo Bahrke of Neola, IA.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Virginia & Phillip Neuharth of Meno, S.D., Harold Voy of California, Myrna Voy of Holland MI. and many nieces and nephews.
Tillie was preceded in death by: parents, husband, Gerald Voy, son-in-law Ronald Nickman, and sister, Laura Kort.
Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, York, NE.
Evelyn Van De Car, 88, of Scotland, SD died Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland. A Time of Remembrance and visitation will be held on Monday, June 28, 2010, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland followed by a 6:30 p.m prayer service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Evelyn Laverne (Hamberger) Van De Car was born Thursday, November 10, 1921 on the family farm near Scotland, South Dakota to Robert and Pauline (Vilhauer) Hamberger. She married George Alger Van De Car on August 19, 1959, in Honolulu Hawaii.
After Evelyn graduated from Scotland High School, she worked at numerous businesses in Scotland including the Scotland Clinic. Evelyn then moved to Yankton in 1950 and worked at the Firestone Store until 1956 when she moved to Honolulu HI where she worked in jewelry sales and designing, a job she enjoyed very much. Evelyn loved Hawaii and talked of it often when she moved back to Scotland after her husband’s death in 1984. She was very active with the Senior Citizens in Scotland; she also bowled on the Thursday Afternoon League in Scotland as long as her health permitted. In 1998 Evelyn moved to the Springfield Assisted Living Center where she continued to work with the crafts she loved and in 2006 moved to the Scotland Good Samaritan Society where she spent her remaining years with loving care from the staff. Evelyn had a deep love of cats two of which were her long time companions, Shadow and Pa Oni.
Evelyn passed away Wednesday June 23, 2010 at the Scotland Good Samaritan Society having attained the age of 88 years, 7 months and 15 days.
Evelyn will be missed by her stepsister and friend Donna (Junior) Meiers, her half brother Thomas (Hanhee) Hamberger and three nieces — Carol Merrill, Fairfield CA; Dianne (Terry) Simantel and Linda Fuerst of Scotland, SD.
She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, and brother and sister-in-law Leonard and Elsa Hamberger.
Verda Mae Voigt, 85, died Sept. 20, 2011, in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
She was born March 31, 1926, at Avon, S. D., a daughter of Edward and Lena Weidenbach. Verda was raised and attended grade school and high school in Avon. She attended Huron College at Huron, S.D. for one year.
Verda married Calvin H. Voigt on Nov. 2, 1945. They made their first home at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where Calvin was serving in the Marine Corps. After his discharge, they returned to Avon, where they lived until 1958. Verda was active in numerous local clubs and the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as the First Baptist Church.
She moved to Thermopolis in 1958 with her husband and five children. While in Thermopolis, she was the bookkeeper and public relations director for Chief Washakie Network television and radio stations.
She hosted a radio program for women and children, and a television public relations show. Later, Verda became bookkeeper, and eventually manager, of the Town and Country Department Store. In 1973, she returned to bookkeeping, with the Coast-to-Coast hardware store, Fair Deal Furniture, and A & W Bowling Lanes, all simultaneously. She retired in 1980.
Verda was active in the First Baptist Church in many capacities, including nursery school, Sunday school and youth groups. She was head of the church historical committee and the "away from home" committee. Verda and her husband sang many duets during church services.
She is survived by her husband, of Thermopolis; four sons, Colin, of Littlefield, Ariz., Gregg, of Holdenville, Okla., Barton, of Cheyenne and Darry, of Casper; a daughter, Melanie Blynn, of North Fryeburg, Maine; and a sister, Leatta Weidenbach, of Duarte, Calif.
Verda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother; and a sister.
Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 26, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Thermopolis, with burial at Monument Hill Cemetery.
Richard M. Voigt, 62, of Yankton, S.D., died Friday, April 30, 2004, at Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus, NE. Richard had attained the age of 62 years and 19 days.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial will be in the Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be Monday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., with the family present from 5-7 p.m., and will continue Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.
Richard Melvin Voigt, son of Fred and Olive (Ridgway) Voigt, was born April 11, 1942, at Avon, SD. Richard graduated from Avon High School in 1960. He entered the United States Air Force in August of 1961 and was honorably discharged on June 12, 1967. After his discharge, Richard worked as a manager of a farm/feed lot in Clarks, NE, for 22 years. He then worked at Cimpl Meats in Yankton, SD, for eight years.
Richard married Mary C. Hevlin on September 2, 1962, in Fremont, NE. Two children were born to their union.
Richard was a member of the VFW. He will be remembered for his love of nature and watching animals.
Thankful for having shared his life are his daughter, Terri Kassing of Columbus, NE; son, Kerry and wife, Michelle, of Osceola, NE; three grandchildren: Travis and Jennifer Kassing, and Derek Voigt; his parents, Fred and Olive Voigt of Avon; brother, Ray and wife, Audrey, of Avon; two sisters: Kathy Frank and husband, Gary, of Avon; and Donna Draskovic of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents and one great-nephew.
Michael Jay Van Duysen, 36, of rural Wagner died Friday (Nov. 15, 2002) in a ranching accident south of Wagner.
Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m. today (Monday) at Friedensburg Bible Church, with burial in the Friedensburg Mennonite Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation continues at the church today from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Wagner, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born May 8, 1966, at Wagner to Francis "Fritz" and Danelda (Lippert) Van Duysen. He attended country schools in the Avon area. He married Lori Bertus on April 26, 1986, at the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield. Together they ranched south of Dante with Mike's brothers and father. For the past four years, he also worked at Wagner Livestock.
He was a member of the Friedensburg Bible Church where he served as the church board chairman for six years, Sunday School teacher and superintendent. Mike and Lori were presently serving as the Wednesday Youth Group leaders. Mike will be remembered for his love of the Lord, his wife and his kids. He enjoyed hunting and working with horses and Hereford cattle.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Lori; five children: Sharla, Michael II "Mikey", Melissa Jo, Marshall and Morgan John; his parents; two brothers: Mark (Joannie) and Murlen (Sandy), all of rural Wagner; his parents-in-law: Don and Arlene Bertus, Avon; one sister-in-law: Mary (Tom) Manning, Morril, Kan.; one brother-in-law: Loren (Rachel) Bertus, Avon; six nephews; five nieces; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Casey, in 1994 and his grandparents.
Luella Voigt, 78, Avon, died Saturday (Feb. 22, 2003) at the Community Memorial Hospital, Wagner.
Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church, Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today (Monday) at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Wagner, and from 2-7 p.m. today (Monday) at the church.
She was born Feb. 27, 1924, on a farm near Avon, to Andrew and Lydia (Hinzman) Pudwill. She received her eighth grade education at the Myrtle Country School. She worked at Dave's Cafe and Holleman Drug Store in Avon prior to marrying John Voigt April 23, 1948, at the First Baptist Church Parsonage in Avon.
She was baptized at Danzig Baptist Church in 1941 and transferred her membership to First Baptist Church in 1948. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, sang in the choir and church trio, and served as pianist. She was a member of the Women's Missionary Fellowship since 1952 and served as the White Cross chairman for many years. She also delivered meals on wheels in the Avon area.
She will be remembered for her enjoyment of quilting, crocheting, embroidering, gardening and reading. She also loved cats, but will be remembered most for her love and devotion to her family.
She is survived by her husband, John, Good Samaritan Center in Wagner; four children: Arlis (Danny) Van Gerpen, Sioux Falls; Jan (Monte) Bertsch, Spearfish; Lois Voigt, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and John David (Myrna) Voigt, Avon; eight grandchildren; three sisters: Johanna Pudwill, Avon; Rose Conklin, Blue Earth, Minn.; and Alma Hoff, Mitchell; two sisters-in-law; and many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers.
John T. Voigt, 83, of Avon, died Saturday, July 9, 2005, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. His funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2005, at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday and continue from 3 to 7 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with family present from 5 to 7.
John Theodore Voigt was born December 14, 1921, a Avon, SD, the son of E.O.F. and Katie (TerVeer) Voigt. He died Saturday, July 9, 2005 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. John attained the age of 83 years, six months and 25 days.
John attended Mawhinney Country School through the eighth grade. He married Luella Pudwill on April 23, 1948, in Avon. Together they farmed and raised their four children on a farm near Avon. John also did custom combining and corn shelling for many years in the surrounding area. He was known for his ability to repair and modify farm machinery.
John became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner on November 22, 1999.
John was a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon, where he served many years as a trustee and was a member of the Bethel Sunday School Class and sang in the church's Men's Chorus.
John enjoyed spending time around the coffee table with friends from Dyke's Station and Jurrens Repair.
Thankful for his influence in their lives are his daughters: Arlis VanGerpen and husband, Danny of Sioux Falls, Jane Bertsch and husband, Monte of Spearfish, Lois Voigt of Mechanicsburg, PA; his son, John and wife, Myrna of Avon; eight grandchildren: Danae VanGerpen of El Paso, TX, Daniel VanGerpen of Salinas, CA, Joshua Bertsch of Seattle, WA, Matthew Bertsch of Aberdeen, Bethany Mueller of Indianapolis, IN, Sara Klaahsen of Sioux Falls, Terry Voigt of Rapid City, and Katie Voigt of Avon; two sisters: Carrie Engle and Esther Voigt; two brothers: George and Vert, all of Avon; and many relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Luella on February 22, 2003; parents; three sisters: Clara DeBoer, Margaret Hubner and Joanna Weber; brother, Adolf (Abe) Voigt; step-sister, Goldie Lubbers; and step-brother, Eldon Voigt.
Milton L. Voigt, 85, of Avon died Monday, December 19, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall. Milton attained the age of 85 years, 10 months and 10 days. His funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2005, at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a prayer service at the church in the fellowship hall at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Milton Leslie Voigt, son of Albert and Emma (Jucht) Voigt, was born February 9, 1920, on a farm near Avon, SD. Milton attended country school in the Avon area and was a 1938 Avon High School graduate. He married Doris Hinckley on May 26, 1944, at the Congregational Church in Armour. Eight children were born to their union.
Milton farmed in the Avon area. He and Doris moved into Avon in the fall of 1997, but he continued to work on the farm. Due to failing health, he entered the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner in December of 1999. Milton became a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center on May 25, 2000.
Milton was a member of the First Baptist Church in Avon, where he served on the cemetery committee. He sang in the Voigt Quartet and played baritone in the church orchestra.
Milton will be remembered for his love of music, reading, Studebakers and playing church softball, which he played well into his fifties.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Doris of Avon; seven children: Ken and wife, Sharon of Armour, Janice Wagner of Hot Springs, Wallace and wife, Deb of Avon, Barb Ferwerda of Sioux Falls, Bruce and wife, Barb of Tyndall, Bev Archambeau of Black Hawk, and Brenda Voigt of Sturgis; 18 grandchildren: Dean Voigt, Robert Wagner, Steven Ferwerda, Joe Voigt, Josh Voigt, Ryan Voigt, Levi Voigt, Monica Rotert, Janelle Dorr, Jolene Yasar, Amy Yost, Nikki McMillin, Trisha Gill, Kari Voigt, Jennifer Brennan, Jessica Carda, Jillian Cordova, and Christina Voigt; 10 great grandchildren; one brother, Stanley and wife, Mary of Avon; two sisters: Ethel Cato of Aurora, CO and Althea Siverson and husband, Art of Ft. Collins, CO; and many relatives and friends.
Milton was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Belinda who died in infancy.
Services for Milford Van Gerpen, 60, of Yankton will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, SD with Pastor Mike Boyle and Pastor Jon Cooke officiating. Burial is in the First Baptist Cemetery in rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 21, 2005 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. with family present from 4-7 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. Prayer Service at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.
Milford LeRoy Van Gerpen was born January 3, 1945 at Avon, South Dakota, the son of Simon and Lena (Buseman) Van Gerpen. He died Monday, September 19, 2005 at the Avera Yankton Care Center in Yankton, South Dakota. Milford had attained the age of 60 years, eight months and 16 days.
Milford grew up in the Avon area and graduated from Avon High School in 1963. He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He married Melva J. Bolt on June 2, 1970 at New Holland, SD. After their marriage they moved to Yankton. Milford worked at UBC and then at Alumax/Alcoa for many years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Yankton.
Milford enjoyed Harley-Davidson motorcycles and listening and going to gospel music performances.
Thankful for having shared his life are three sons: Shannon and wife Anne Van Gerpen, Omaha, NE, twin sons, Wade and wife Sherry Van Gerpen, Sioux Falls, SD, Todd Van Gerpen, Omaha, NE and a daughter, Megan Van Gerpen, Yankton, SD; three grandchildren: Natalie, Alex and Nathanael Van Gerpen; two sisters: Anneatta and husband Jim Knoll, Avon, SD, Marj and husband Merdith Buchholz, Avon, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Milford was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dervent Van Gerpen.
Funeral services for Clarence VanBeek of Scotland will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9 at the Trondjheim Free Lutheran Church, rural Irene, with Rev. Mark Ostrem officiating. Organist is Jeannie Gustad, with special music by Matt Kiger and Mark and Sharyn Ostrem. Burial will follow in the Trondjheim Cemetery. Casketbearers are Hugh Healy, Marvin Hinseth, Larry Hoff, Joe Mutschelknaus, Ron Pietz and Ralph Riggert. Visitation will be held on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.
Clarence Van Beek was born Sunday, June 23, 1940 in Hawarden, Iowa to Mease and Grace (Meerbeek) Van Beek. Clarence was united in marriage to Rachel VandenBosch on October 28, 1963 at Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout his working years, Clarence held a variety of positions. He worked in a sandpit, then farmed and worked at Alkota Manufacturing in Alcester. They moved to Washington state, where he and Rachel ran a successful lawncare business. They moved back to South Dakota and ran Mayfield Store, Cottonwood Corral, then Tony’s Lounge in Kaylor with their son, Anthony. Being a very social person who loved to meet and visit with people, Clarence enjoyed the restaurant business. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Clarence enjoyed living on his acreage, which allowed him to keep a variety of animals, which he loved. He also enjoyed fishing and traveling. Clarence passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland at the age of 70 years, 4 months, 12 days.
Grateful for having shared Clarence’s life are his wife of 47 years, Rachel Van Beek of Scotland; eight children: Carla (Curtis) States of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, Lavonne (Daryl) Sobek of Anchorage, Alaska, Clarence (Becky) Van Beek of Granite Falls, Washington, Tom (Tracy) Van Beek of Arlington, Washington, Brian Van Beek who passed away on March 30, 2009, Sarah (Duane) Hochstein of Scotland, Carolyn (Matt) Dennis of Scotland, and Anthony (Candace) Van Beek of Scotland; twenty-six grandchildren; one brother: John (Phyllis) Van Beek of Volin; four sisters: Everdeen Zwak, Geraldine (John) Zwak, Kathy Van Zee and MaryAnn (Ken) Zhart; a sister-in-law, Ann (Pete) Van Beek; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mease and Grace Van Beek, his son, Brian Van Beek, two brothers and two brothers-in-law.
Funeral services for Brian Mark Van Beek, 34, of Scotland will be held 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the Trondhjem Free Lutheran Church in rural Irene, with Pastor Mark Ostrem officiating. Organist will be Jeannie Gustad, with soloist Matt Kiger and congregational hymns. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Casketbearers are Mike McKee, Bobby Vanden Bosch, Jason Vanden Bosch, Dean Breuer, Seth Zwak and Gary Brummel. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland.
Brian died on Monday, March 30, 2009, in Kaylor.
Brian Mark Van Beek was born on Tuesday, May 7, 1974, at Hawarden, Iowa, to Clarence and Rachel (Vanden Bosch) Van Beek. He was home-schooled with his brothers and sisters. With his brother Clarence, Brian started and owned Van Beek Landscaping in Washington. He loved to hunt and also enjoyed going out on the boat to go "crabbing." He married Rebecca Smith on November 6, 1993. They lived in the Lake Stevens, Washington area for 10 years with their three sons and stepdaughter. He remained in the Lake Stevens area with his sons until November of 2008, when he came to Scotland to spend time with his parents, sisters and brother. Brian passed away on Monday, March 30, 2009, at Kaylor, South Dakota, at the age of 34 years, 10 months and 23 days.
Brian will be forever remembered by his three sons: Jake, Cody and Wesley, and a step-daughter, Erika, all of Mill Creek, Washington; his parents, Clarence and Rachel Van Beek of Scotland; seven brothers and sisters: Carla (Curtis) States of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, Lavonne (Daryl) Sobek of Anchorage, Alaska, Clarence (Becky) Van Beek of Granite Falls, Washington, Tom (Tracy) Van Beek of Arlington, Washington, Sara (Duane) Hochstein of Scotland, Carolyn (Matt) Dennis of Scotland, and Anthony (Candance) Van Beek of Scotland; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Lewis Ven Osdel, 45, Springfield, SD, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, S.D. Lewis attained the age of 45 years, four months and 15 days.
Lewis Loren Ven Osdel, son of Dean and Mildred (Hafner) Ven Osdel, was born May 3, 1962 at Freeman, S.D. Lewis graduated from Freeman High School in 1980.
He married Donna Wiebenga on April 16,1982 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. They made their home in Springfield and raised their three children there.
Lewis worked at Chicago Rawhide in Springfield for 23 years. He then started his own heating and cooling service business called Custom Fabrications. Lewis enjoyed helping his community and helping the people in it.
Lewis was a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Lewis loved the Missouri River and farming. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and just being outdoors. Lewis loved watching his children in their activities, especially Cavalier football and Springfield girls' softball.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Donna of Springfield; sons: Luke and wife Ann, Springfield, and Jeremy, Yankton, S.D.; daughter, Mackenzie at home; his mother of Yankton; four brothers: Ivan, Hill City, S.D., Danny and wife, Lisa, Gayville, S.D., Wade, Yankton, and Clay and wife Bridgette, Willmar, Minn.; one sister, Jan Johnson and husband, Steve, Hill City; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Lewis was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and his parents-in-law, Ben and Gert Wiebenga.
The funeral service was held Friday, Sept. 21 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial at the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield.
Josephine Van Duysen, 92 of rural Wagner ~ Visitation is at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner from 1 to 3 Monday, followed by a private committal service at the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield, with Pastor Dave Reck officiating.
Josephine “Jose” Van Duysen, daughter of Cornelius “Casey” and Bessie (Boschma) Van Duysen, was born March 28, 1919 on a farm north of Avon, SD. Jose’s family moved to the Dante area in 1931. She lived on this place all of her life and peacefully died there Saturday, June11, 2011. Jose attained the age of 92 years, two months and 15 days.
Jose received an eighth grade education at country schools near Avon and Dante. She had great sorrow in her early life, as her older brother, John died unexpectedly when he was 14 and she was 12. Jose helped to care for her Mother for many years.
Jose was a member of the Friedensberg Bible Church where she served on the service committee for many years and also played her guitar.
Jose was an outdoor person. She loved her horses, chickens and to garden. Jose also loved music, especially Country Gospel and Western cowboy songs. She and her sister, Rachel sang at many different places and occasions all over the area. Days before she went to be with her Lord, she sang some of her favorite songs: The Way of the Cross Leads Home, Soon and Very Soon, and No Not One.
Thankful for having shared her life are her brother Frances “Fritz” and wife Danelda and her sister Rachel, all of rural Wagner; nephews: Murlen and wife Sandy, and Mark and wife Joanie, niece -in-law, Lori, all of rural Wagner; great nieces and nephews: Travis and wife Jen, Tyler, Jackie Beeson and husband Travis, Jody Foxhoven and husband Brock, and Jason and wife Jackie, Sharla, Mike and wife Brianna, Melissa, Marshall and Morgan; great-great nieces and nephews: Tayler and Dodge Van Duysen, Summer, Shada and Jaylen Beeson, Tuff, Ellie and Maci Foxhoven, and Casey and Kendra Van Duysen; and relatives and friends.
Jose was preceded in death by her parents; brother John, nephew Mike, and great nephew Casey.
Ernest A. Vellek, 75, Tyndall, died Tuesday (Oct. 30, 2001) at Ft. Meade Veteran's Hospital, Sturgis.
Funeral services are 1 p.m. today (Friday) at Petrik-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, with the Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until service time Friday.
He was born on Oct. 26, 1926, in rural Tyndall to Adolph and Christina (Podzmiek) Vellek. He grew up on the family farm where he farmed until he entered the service. He served in the United States Army from March 28, 1944 to Jan. 5, 1945. He was stationed in Texas and received an honorable discharge after he was diagnosed with spinal meningitis. He was a resident of Ft. Meade Veteran's Hospital until his death.
Survivors include two sisters: Alice Gasteaur, Minneapolis, Minn., and Helen Ryken, Alameda, Calif.; two brothers: Louis Vellek, Scotland, and Robert Vellek, Tyndall; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.
Raymond J. Vellek, 85, Tabor, died Wednesday (May 9, 2001) of an apparent heart attack at his residence.
Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be at the ZCBJ Cemetery, Tabor. Pallbearers will be David Vellek, Roger Kostel, Darrell Beran, Helen Munkvold, Terry Vellek, Mary Kay Law, Carol Andera and Shirley Weisler. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. today (Friday) at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, with the family present at 7 p.m. in the fellowship room.
He was born April 6, 1916, on a farm near Tyndall to William and Bessie (Bambas) Vellek. He attended the Vellek Country School. He worked on the family farm and then served in the CC camp during 1938-39. He married Hattie Beran on Oct. 7, 1941, in Hartington, Neb. They moved to a farmstead near Tabor where they farmed for several years. In 1951, they purchased a farm south of Tabor where they have lived ever since. He retired from farming in 1999.
He enjoyed farming alongside his wife and working on motorcycles. His most important accomplishment was his love for his family.
He was on the ASC Board in Bon Homme County for several years. He was a life member of the Czech Heritage Society of Tabor.
He is survived by his wife, Hattie, Tabor; one son, Dennis (Betty) Vellek, Lincoln, Neb.; three granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; three brothers: Emil, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Charlie, Tyndall; and Robert, Scotland; and one sister, Della Kostel, Yankton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Joan Masie Vellek, 74, Tyndall, died Thursday (May 24, 2001) at the St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.
Funeral services are at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday) at the Tyndall Presbyterian Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Fred Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Tyndall Cemetery. Pallbearers are Kevin Vellek, Marlow Vellek, Bart Beringer, Barry Beringer, Mike Soukup and Larry Vellek. Petrik-Kelly Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born July 12, 1926, in Barry, Glamorgan, South Wales, England, to Thomas and Gladys (Davis) Williams. She married Raymond Vellek on June 21, 1949, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They farmed north of Tyndall until 1983 when they moved into Tyndall.
She loved listening to opera music. She also enjoyed sewing, antiques and collecting dolls.
She is survived by her two sons: David Vellek and Dean Vellek, both of Tyndall; one daughter, Denise (Tom) Beringer, Tyndall; two granddaughters; and one brother, Raymond Williams.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother.
Laverna Vogt was born on Thursday, March 14, 1935 to Daniel and Bertha Stoebner. She was born and raised on their farm near Tripp, South Dakota, where she spent her early years in the sodhouse on the farmstead. Growing up, Laverna and MaeDora helped with the housework while Gladys helped with the farmwork. Laverna attended grade school with her sister, MaeDora, and graduated from Tripp High School. She attended college for two years and became a schoolteacher. Laverna married Clarence Vogt on June 6, 1956. She was a homemaker, and later worked outside the home as a prep cook. Laverna took pleasure in all of God’s creations, from the blooming of flowers in the spring to the turning of leaves in the fall, and her special love was for all animals. German food and fresh garden produce were two of her favorite things. She had an appreciation for words and music and will be remembered for the thought she put into selecting just the right greeting card for her friends and family’s occasions. Laverna valued education and supported her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. Laverna died on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at the Sherman County Good Samaritan Society in Goodland, Kansas, having attained the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 26 days.
Laverna was a devoted mother and grandmother to her two daughters and their families: Cheryl and Rob Cotter, and their children Tom, Katrina, and Jay, all of Goodland, Kansas and Darcy and John Kleinschmit, and their children Jessica, Darek, and Karissa, all of Norfolk, Nebraska. She is also survived by two sisters: Gladys Buechler of Scotland, South Dakota and Mae Dora and Norman Larson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and her former husband, Clarence Vogt of Yankton, South Dakota.
Her two sons, Lyle Vogt and David Vogt, and her parents preceded Laverna in death.
Robert Vellek was born near Tyndall, South Dakota on Saturday, November 22, 1919 to Adolph and Christina (Podzimek) Vellek. Bob went to country school through the 8th grade. He served in the Army during World War II, from October, 1942 through February, 1946. He was stationed in Hawaii and overseas. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, Bob farmed north of Tyndall until 1973 when he moved into Tyndall. While in Tyndall, he built garages and bought several houses, which he remodeled and then rented or sold. Bob was a hard worker – it was once said that he could have a day’s work done before breakfast. He became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall in 2005. It is there that he died on Friday, June 27, 2008 at the age of 88 years, 7 months and 5 days.
Bob is survived by a brother, Louis Vellek, of Tyndall; a sister, Helen Ryken of Huron, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Christina Vellek; two sisters, Alice and Louise; two brothers, Ray and Ernest; and his special friend, Betty Svanda.
Mary L. Varilek, age 92, of Menno, and formerly of Omaha, NE, passed away Friday, January 27, 2006, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD.
Memorial Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, SD with Rev. Gerald Thury officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will be laid to rest with her first husband, Eddie Cameron, approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at Calvary Cemetery, Omaha, NE. Visitations will begin at 6 p.m. Monday evening at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall with a rosary at 7:15 p.m. followed by a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, is in charge of arrangements. Urn bearers will be Howard, James, Allen and Wayne Souhrada.
Mary L. Varilek, born August 8, 1913, passed away peacefully January 27, 2006 at the Menno-Olivet Nursing home. She was born of parents Martin and Mary (Rokusek) Souhrada. Mary lived on the family farm SW of Lesterville until the age of 18. She then moved to Omaha, NE and began working as a housekeeper. There, she met her first husband, Eddie Cameron. They married and moved to Colorado Springs, CO for a time before returning to Omaha. She then began working at Swift's Packing plant for some 20-plus years.
Eddie passed on in 1959. After being widowed, she married John P. Varilek in 1964 and resided in Omaha with him until 1998. John and Mary returned to SD in order to be closer to family and friends.
Mary is survived by one brother, James Souhrada of Lesterville, several nieces and nephews, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her beloved husband, John.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Mary, first husband, Eddie Cameron, sisters Rose Varilek, Pauline Becvar, Anna Vitek, and brothers Peter, John, and Steven Souhrada.
Emil Vellek, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Keystone Cedars in Cedar Rapids following a long illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, January 12 at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens.
Emil was born in Tyndall, SD on November 27, 1914 the son of William and Bessie (Bambas) Vellek. He came to Iowa in search of work, staying with the Pazour and George Savatos families in the Cedar Rapids/Solon area. Emil worked in the heat treat department at Link Belt Speeder until his retirement in 1978.
Emil married Hazel Stimmel on December 22, 1951 in Johnson County. Hazel died February 3, 1986 from complications of a stroke. Emil later married Ann Kopp, who died April 27, 2001. He lived in SW Cedar Rapids before moving to Keystone Cedars in April of 2005.
Emil was proud of his Czech heritage and was a generous supporter of the Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids. Over the years he attended Czech language classes and sang with a group of Czech singers at area events. Emil returned to South Dakota every year his health permitted to attend the annual Czech Days in Tabor. He was an avid collector of Bohemian music and loved the Sunday Morning Czech Party on the radio. As a young adult, Emil managed and played for a traveling baseball team. After 75 years, letters were found from surrounding South Dakota towns requesting to play against his team. He also enjoyed watching his nephews play high school football in West Branch during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. Emil was the person many of us can remember as the host of family vacations, a day at the All Iowa Fair every year, teaching us the game of baseball and the infamous camel rides on his back. He never missed a parade, or turned down a piece of pie or a game of euchre. Emil was an every Sunday dinner guest at the Earl Campion family home north of West Branch, always arriving at noon sharp – not one minute before or after!
Emil is survived by his brother Robert (Maureen) Vellek of Scottland, SD, his sister Della and his sister-in-law Hattie both of Tabor, SD, his step-son Gilbert (Becky) Kopp of Cedar Rapids, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Hazel and his second wife Ann, his brothers Charlie, Ed, Ray, Leo and a sister Helen.
Emil’s family would like to thank Iowa Hospice of Cedar Rapids and Keystone Cedars Memory Care Unit for their care and kindness.
Oscar “Buster” Van Asperen, 92, of Avon - Buster died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Funeral services are 2 PM, Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is Friday from 2 PM until 6 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.
Oscar “Buster” Van Asperen was born March 15, 1917 to Oscar and Sara (Lako) Van Asperen at rural Springfield, SD. He died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner, SD.
Buster attended grade school at Hitt Country School near Perkins, SD and moved to Charles Mix County in 1932. He was a farmer for 55 years near Dante, SD. He worked at the Dante, Wagner and Avon Livestock Markets for many years as a weigh master. He retired from farming in 1987 and moved to Avon in 1989.
Buster was married to Magdalene Berndt on June 26, 1941 at Danzig Baptist Church of rural Avon.
He was baptized at the Kingsburg Congregational Church and was member of the First Presbyterian Church in Avon since 1935. He served as Sunday school superintendent two years and as an elder for over 50 years. Buster was on the Meadowview Manor board for many years and a Bon Homme County volunteer driver for 15 years. He belonged to the Bon Homme Masonic Lodge 101 for more than 60 years.
Buster is survived by his son, Curtis and Marilee Van Asperen of Custer and a daughter, Carol Lynn and Bill Lingemann of Ethan, four grandchildren, two great granddaughters, a great grandson, brother-in-law, Donald and Ethel Berndt, of Canby, MN and a sister-in-law, Helen Berndt of Avon, SD.
Buster was preceded in death by his wife, Magdalene on May 25, 2009, parents, three brothers: Andrew, Samuel, and Abe and a sister, Sarah Raabe.
Magdalene M. Van Asperen, 91 of Avon - Maggie died Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Her funeral service will be 1:30 pm Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon from 12 noon to 7 pm Wednesday.
Magdalene “Mag” Marie Van Asperen was born March 9, 1918 near Eagle Butte ,SD to Ephriam and Lydia (Hubner) Berndt. She died Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Magdalene attained the age of 91 years, two months and 17 days.
Mag’s family moved to Avon in 1921. She attended school at the Giedd and Myrtle Country Schools and Avon High School.
Magdalene was baptized at Danzig Baptist church of rural Avon in 1931. She later joined the First Presbyterian Church.
Magdalene married Oscar (Buster) Van Asperen on June 26, 1941 at the Danzig Baptist Church. Two children were blessed to their union.
Mag was a homemaker and partner in farming with her husband near Dante, until retiring in 1989 and moving into Avon. She was active in her church and was a member of Nova Neighbors Home Extension Club for over 50 years.
Mag enjoyed researching and writing family genealogy and histories. She will especially be remembered for her love of sewing for her family.
Thankful for having shared her life are her husband Buster of Avon; son, Curtis and wife Marilee Van Asperen of Custer; daughter, Carol Lynn and husband Bill Lingemann of Ethan; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Donald wife Ethel Berndt of Canby, MN; sister-in-law, Helen Berndt of Avon; and many relatives and friends.
Magdalene was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Johnson; two brothers: Freddie and Michael Berndt; sister-in-law, Sarah Raabe; and brothers-in-law: Andrew, Samuel and Abe Van Asperen.
Howard J. Vankirk, 79, of Stockton, California, died Friday (March 2, 2001) in a hospital. Mr. Vankirk was born in Tyndall, S.D. He lived in Lodi for many years before moving to Stockton 24 years ago. Mr. Vankirk retired after working 27 years for Tri Valley Growers. He was a maintenance mechanic. He served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific during World War II.
Survivors: wife, June Vankirk of Stockton; son, David Vankirk of Vacaville; sister, Iona Riley of Gualala; and two grandchildren.
Services: graveside, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Lodi Memorial Cemetery, 5750 E. Pine St., Lodi. Visitation: none. Mortuary: Gierhart-Wells Donahue Funeral Home. Memorials: American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, CA 94010; or Alzheimer's Aid Society of Northern California, 105 S. Washington St., Lodi, CA 95240.
Nathan Vilhauer, 86, of Parkston, died Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Avera St. Benedict Health Center, Parkston.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Friedens Reformed Church, Tripp. Burial will be in the Parkston Protestant Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell.
Nathan Christ Vilhauer was born July 19, 1925 at Tyndall to Christian and Magdalena (Bechtold) Vilhauer. On July 28 1946 he married Minnie Marie Batterman at Tripp. They later moved to Parkston and were married sixty-five years. They farmed the family homestead near Parkston, he also worked at the Parkston Produce for thirty-five years and was a truck driver for AMPI out of Freeman until retiring in 1991. Nathan was an avid wood worker, enjoyed making yard ornaments, being with family and going on bus tours.
He is survived by three sons: David Vilhauer and wife, Carol, Mitchell, Duane Vilhauer, Parkston, Dean Vilhauer, Sturgis; six grandchildren: Michelle Vilhauer, Sioux Falls, Jennifer Lees and husband, Steve, Jamestown, PA, Brandon Vilhauer and wife, Kristin, Mitchell, Cody Vilhauer and wife, Angie, Mitchell, Breanna McPherson and husband, Grahm, Sturgis, Tony Tigges, Sioux Falls; eleven great-grandchildren: Erica, Taryn, Dawson, Hunter, Brooke, Tucker, Tanner, Kennedy, Kalista, Paxton and Kale; one great-great-granddaughter, Madisyn; sister, Viola Padgalskas, Viejo, CA, sister-in-law, Marjo Vilhauer, Parkston and daughter-in-law, Candi Vilhauer.
He was preceded in death by his wife; Minnie, May 23, 2012, grandson, Michael Vilhauer and brother, Stanley.
Ivan J. Vitek, age 97, of Tabor, SD, passed away late Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Ken Lulf officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD with Military graveside rites by Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard, Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, and the SDARNG Honor Guard. Visitations will begin at 4:00 p.m. May 19, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. and Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church Pallbearers will be Kevin Hynes, Bryan Fuks, Dan Guthmiller, Doug Holland, Jeff Fuks, Travis Vitek, and Dennis Walloch. Honorary pallbearers will be Shane Stredde, Brett Stredde, Forest Stredde, Richard Walloch, Roger Marek, Deb MacDonald, and Jean Peitz.
Ivan was born on February 18, 1918 to John and Anna (Hale) Vitek on the family farm in rural Tabor, SD, and the 10th of 10 children. He attended grade school at St. Wenceslaus Grade School and Blachnik School #26 and continued his education to Tabor High School. From 1944-1946, Ivan served his country during WWII in the United States Army spending time in Kodiak, Alaska. He was united in marriage to Albina Walloch at St. George’s Catholic Church on May 6, 1947 and from this union two daughters were born: Patricia and Charlotte. He enjoyed Sunday drives at any time and watching grandkids in their activities. Ivan also enjoyed playing softball with the Tabor Jets and was a Minnesota Twins fan. In 2012, he and Deon Stredde took an Alaskan Cruise and in 2013, he took his last trip to Idaho. Ivan was a lifetime member of the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183 of Tabor and the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 of Yankton. Ivan was very honored and excited to be on the very first honor flight to Washington DC from South Dakota. This was Ivan’s first time in an airplane.
Those who will cherish his memory are his two daughters, Patricia Fuks of Tabor, SD and Charlotte Vitek of Yankton, SD; 6 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren: Lisa (Kevin) Hynes and children: Patrick, Thomas, Michael, and Erin all of Murdock, NE; Michelle Wriedt and children, Tyler and Josiah of Norfolk, NE; Bryan (Christy) Fuks and granddaughter, Avery of Scotland, SD; Jeff (Mindy) Fuks and children: Chesney and Bailee Fuks and Gabriel Turpin of Arlington, SD; Jessica (Dan) Guthmiller and children: Lane, Eric, and Abby of Menno, SD; Tara (Doug) Holland and children: Devin Golden and Brody and Rylie Holland all of Yankton, SD; great granddaughter, Courtney (Cody) Shaeffer of Fairbanks, AK; and many nieces and nephews.
Ivan was preceded in death by his wife, Albina on May 22, 2004, his parents, sisters: Pauline Houpt, Anna Van Beek, Mary Dvoracek, and Marcella Pechous, brothers: Daniel, James, Joseph, William and John, son-in-law, John Fuks and in-laws: James and Della Walloch, Lawrence Walloch, and Marcella Marek.
Albina Vitek, age 78, of Yankton, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 22, 2004, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Rod Farke officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton. Visitations will be 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Scripture service at 8:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Bryan Fuks, Jeffrey Fuks, James Wriedt, Kevin Hynes, Dennis Walloch and Tom Vitek.
Albina was born on May 29, 1925, in Olivet, SD, to James and Della (Pravecek) Walloch. She married Ivan Vitek on May 6, 1947, at St. George's Catholic Church in Scotland, SD. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Altar Society of Tabor until 1991, when she moved to Yankton and became a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.
She cooked for many hired hands during her marriage. Many times you would come over and find her going through one of her cookbooks "just looking for something different to try." On weekends, many friends and relatives were able to sample these endeavors. She was known for cooking and baking, especially her kolaches.
Albina enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She entered Avera Yankton Care Center in March 2003.
Albina is survived by her husband, Ivan Vitek, of Yankton; daughters: Pat (John) Fuks, of Tabor, Charlotte Vitek, of Yankton; grandchildren: Lisa (Kevin) Hynes, Michelle (James) Wriedt, Bryan Fuks, Jeffrey Fuks, Jessica Fuks, Tara Vitek; six great-grandchildren; brother, Stephen Walloch, of Scotland; and sister, Marcella Marek, of Yankton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lawrence, in 2002; and brother, Leonard, in infancy.
Darla Rae Van Asselt (44) passed away on September 25, 2012 at the Dougherty Hospice House after a battle with cancer. She was surrounded every minute by family and friends.
Darla was born on December 26, 1967 to Clement and Mary Ann (Berndt) Kloucek. She was raised on a farm south of Scotland. She graduated from Scotland High School in 1986. She loved the farm and playing basketball and running track. Darla attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a double major in microbiology and medical technology. She finished her medical technology certification in Sioux City, Iowa. Darla began her career with Aberdeen Family Physicians in 1992 and then moved on to Avera Health Systems in Sioux Falls, SD. In 2009, she completed a degree in Histology and was then promoted to her current position as Supervisor of the Histology department at Avera McKennan. She touched many lives in her medical career.
Darla married Tom Van Asselt on October 10, 1992. They lived in the Aberdeen area for 10 years where they started their family of boys. Austin was born in 1995 and Alex in 1997. In 2002, the family moved to Colton, SD and was blessed with the addition of Tanner and Derek in 2004. Darla loved attending and following her boys’ activities especially the Tri-Valley High School football team. She took great pride in her garden, sharing the produce with family and friends. Her most recent love was the family cabin on Brandt Lake. Darla loved all outside activities from helping Tom and the boys on the farm with the animals to water and snow skiing.
Darla was a spunky, spirited young woman who gained everyone’s love and respect through her straight forward approach to life. She will be missed by many, but her spirit will live on in everyone she touched.
Grateful for having shared Darla’s life are her husband Tom and children Austin, Alex, Tanner and Derek. Her mother Mary Ann Kloucek, and 2 sisters Carol (Dennis) Streyle, and Ann (Peter) Kinney. Her father and mother in-law, William and Ramona Van Asselt, and in-laws Rhonda (Dave) Anderson, Mark (Peg) Van Asselt, and Mary (Mike) Will along with many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
She was preceded in death by her father Clement Joseph Kloucek and infant great niece Carolyn.
Visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD on Friday September 28, 2012 beginning at 5 PM with family present at 6:30 and prayer service at 7 PM. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD.
The family has established a memorial fund in Darla's name.
Mark Lynnell Voy, age 54, (son of Dr. Brooks and Vi Ranney) of Yankton, SD passed away Monday, July 27, 2015 at the Alcester Care and Rehab Center, Alcester, SD. A celebration of Mark's life will be 7:30 PM, Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), Yankton, SD with Rev. Molly Carlson officiating and special music by the church choir and the Kratz cousins. Burial of his cremated remains will be in the Yankton Cemetery, Yankton, SD at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 31, 2015. Mark's family will greet friends after the service in the Pilgrim Hall while we share Mark's favorite dish, ice cream and chocolate syrup. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with service details.
Mark was born on January 24, 1961 the only child of Melvin and Viona (Thum) Voy of Scotland. It was apparent at birth that something was wrong with this baby. At the age of three months, with death eminent, his life was saved by a doctor who had just come from Germany to begin practicing medicine in Tripp, SD. Dr. Eric Mueller performed the surgery for pyloric stenosis which enabled food to finally leave Mark's stomach and be absorbed into his digestive system... and thus Mark lived. Mark's early childhood was filled with many medical problems. At the age of 18 months he had eye surgery and began wearing glass. Before the age of eight he had four ear surgeries which eventually caused him to lose his hearing in the right ear. He went thru a grueling three years of being on the Dolman Delacato Program for Brain Damaged Children, where he learned the alphabet, the names of all fruits, vegetables, animals, counting and numbers and simple reading.
As school age approached, his home school district felt they couldn't serve him and a friend of the family suggested Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa. He was there for six years when the State of South Dakota brought him back to SD and he was assigned to Sioux Vocational School in Sioux Falls. After three years he was brought to the newly opened Yankton Area Adjustment Training Center where he spent the next 13 years. Upon visiting Village Northwest in Sheldon, Iowa, he liked what he saw there, especially the puppy farm, and wanted to move there. He was finally granted legal permission and spent the next 16 years there. But Mark always wanted to go back to Sioux Falls, and finally that dream came thru on August 1, 2013. He was very comfortable in his home on Silver Valley Road as a client of the Volunteers of America. Until his health began to fail, Mark loved to go bowling, loved to travel, attend family reunions and do the things most young men like to do.
When Dr. Ranney became Mark's father, he was anxious to know what Mark's actual diagnosis was. Dr. Virginia Johnson, a geneticist with the U of SD Medical School, determined Mark had been born with Smith, Lemli, Opitz Syndrome. This birth defect takes place in the first seven days of a pregnancy when mutations of the DHCR 7th gene take place. This prevents the last step in the synthesizing of cholesterol to take place. Cholesterol is necessary for normal embryonic development to take place both before and after birth. Characteristics of the syndrome are minor physical defects, retardation, and as the individual grows older, behavioral difficulties become more pronounced. Like most families with a handicapped child born, this family too has searched the world over for help. Perhaps the most difficult part, is finally 'acceptance' that this life will forever be impaired.
Mark had a cancer of the lung already noted when he moved to Sioux Falls in 2013. This was successfully treated, but a reoccurrence was found March 3 of 2015. Mark was diagnosed with a broken hip due to the cancer which had spread to the bones and had surgery on March 18th. The surgery was not successful and infection set in and the cancer in his body also became rampant. He spent most of the last four months either just staying at the group home or in the hospital with Colleen at his side.
Mark was finally released from the earthly imprisonment of his own body on July 27, 2015 about 7:00 a.m. in the Hospice Room at the Alcester, SD nursing home surrounded by his mother, Aunt Donna and a wonderful nurse named Rhode. The tears we shed today are first of all, tears of joy for the release of pain and suffering bore by Mark, and tears of sorrow, for we shall miss him so.
Vi wants you all to know, she couldn't have carried this burden without each and every one of you. First of all, to all the special care givers in Mark's life over in Iowa, Yankton Ability Building Services, and Volunteers of America in Sioux Falls, Mark's grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Thum (deceased) of Scotland, SD who did absolutely everything and then much much more to help care for Mark. Mark loved his step-father, Dr. Brooks Ranney who provided stability, love and support and also the financial means for Mark's move to Sheldon.
Vi wishes to thank her siblings, Marvin (Agnes) Thum, Marilyn (Bud) Kratz, Donna Mouser for all their support and love and Mark's cousins, whom he loved so dearly: David Thum, Steven Thum, Lori (Rob) Evans, Lisa Kratz, Greg (Stacey) Kratz & family, Randy (Lisa) Ulmer, Michael (Rosie) and Matt Ulmer, Darren & Justin Gerlach, step-sister Carol Hesla, and step-brothers Dr. David Ranney, Robert (Pat) Ranney, special friends, Evelyn Haynes, Emma & Suzanne Brown and Mary Jacobs. Vi was often comforted by the words of Mary who always reminded her, "Mark is being just as good a boy as he can be!"
Everyone who knew Mark loved him. And he taught us all
Patience...beyond measure
Love...unimaginable and unconditional
Gratitude...for healthy bodies, minds and souls
Endurance...To the point of breaking
Kindness...beyond limit
Mark was preceded in death by his favorite cousin, LeAnne Ulmer Gerlach; grandma and grandpa Thum; grandma and grandpa Voy; his dad, Melvin Voy and many others.
Memorials will be divided among the homes for the handicapped where Mark lived.
Frieda VanDeursen, 77, of Shelbyville, died at 3:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2005 in St. Mary s Hospital, Decatur.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the First United Methodist Church of Shel-byville with Frieda VanDeursen Rev. Michael Pringle officiating. Visitation from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville. Burial will be in Glen-wood Cemetery, Shelbyville. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Youth Group or WJLY Christian Radio of Ramsey, Illinois.
Mrs. VanDeursen was born on February 25, 1928 in Avon, South Dakota, the daughter of Deddo and Theressa Rienstra Gelling. She graduated from Springfield High School, Springfield, SD in 1945 and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. She married Kenneth VanDeursen on July 29, 1949 in South Holland, Illinois. They moved to Shelbyville in 1968 and opened the Coast to Coast Store. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville and a charter member of the Gourmet "Grub" Club of Shelbyville.
Surviving are her husband, Ken; three sons, David VanDeursen and wife Colleen of Sullivan, Kurt VanDeursen and wife Mara of Sullivan and Paul VanDeursen and wife Teresa of Shelbyville; four sisters, Minnie Wittmeier of Avon, SD, Tiena Zondervan of Raymond, MN, Willma Wissink of Canton, SD and Annie Peterka of Sioux Falls, SD; and six grandchildren, Mary, Ben, Jay, Molly, Michael and Timothy VanDeursen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jeanette VandenBerg; and one granddaughter, Rachel Marie VanDeursen in infancy.
Arnold J. Vitek, age 80, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, SD.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 1 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Visitations will begin one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers are: Tyler Novak, Katie Novak, Jordan Vitek, Carrie Vitek, Derek Vitek, Nichole Vitek and Laci Nettleton. Honorary pallbearers are: Nick Gaden, Colin & Amanda Reisner, Andrea Reisner, Royce Reisner, Billy Zeigler, Michael Martinez and Kyle Anderson.
Arnold J. Vitek was born July 18, 1935 in Lesterville, SD to Emil and Caroline (Hlavak) Vitek. He attended country school in Lesterville until eighth grade. He was confirmed and baptized at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lesterville. He served a short time in the Army. Arnold married Dolores Shaw on February 11, 1958 in Tabor, SD and to this union until her untimely death in 1981. To this union, three children were born. In 1982, he met his special friend, Sonja Reisner and her four children and lived together until her death in 1998. Arnold farmed in Lesterville, SD until 1975 when they moved to Yankton, SD. He worked at the South Dakota Human Services from 1974 until his retired in 1997. Arnold then did lawn care, snow removal and some painting for several years until his health no longer allowed him to. He went to Avera Yankton Care Center on July 28, 2015 until his death as he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Arnold is survived by his sons: Douglas Vitek of Lexington, NE, Darrell (Fay) Vitek of Yankton, SD and Dale (Denise) Reisner of Yankton, SD; daughters: Valerie (Allen) Novak of Yankton, SD, Debbie Reisner of Sioux Falls, SD, Vicky Zeigler of Yankton, SD and Sandy (Dan) Anderson of Yankton, SD; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and sister, Mavis Koch of Wynot, NE.
Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Vitek, parents, grandparents, special friend of 16 years, Sonja Reisner and brother-in-law, Donald Koch.
Ruth Vellek, 85, of Tyndall, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall.
Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8 at the Presbyterian Church in Tyndall. Burial will follow in the Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Tabor. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 7 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.
Ruth Albina Vellek was born on Wednesday, May 28, 1930 to Joseph R. and Anna (Dvoracek) Rehurek on a farm near Tabor, South Dakota. As a child, she attended Koupal Rural School #24. Following her graduation from Tyndall High School in 1948, Ruth attended Southern Normal College in Springfield and earned her teacher’s certificate. Except for in 1952 when she was stricken with polio, from 1948 to 1958 Ruth taught in rural schools in Bon Homme county. On April 22, 1958, Ruth was united in marriage to Charles Vellek. Together they made their home in the country, where they farmed and raised many pigs and other livestock. After her children entered school, Ruth worked as a teacher’s aide until the rural schools were closed.
Ruth always loved working with youth, such as the school children, Jr. Auxiliary girls, 4-H, Sunday school, and especially her children and grandchildren. She was a 64 year member of the Kortan-Hatwan Legion Auxiliary of Tabor and served in various offices. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Tyndall and its Presbyterian Women’s group. Ruth served in many positions in the church as well as singing in the choir for over 50 years with Lillian Herman and the church mixed quartet. She was also a member of the Highland Pinochle Club and the Good Samaritan Guild, helping with projects and activities.
Ruth passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall having attained the age of 85 years, 3 months and 5 days.
She is survived and remembered by her son, David (Denise) Vellek of Springfield; daughters: Lisa (Layne) Drenth of Sioux Falls and Monica (John) Brock of Huron; grandchildren: Benjamin (Jodi) Vellek, Steven (Alexis) Vellek, Daniel Vellek, Courtney Drenth, Caitlin (fiancée William Jonescheit) Drenth, Paige Drenth, Joseph (Christina) Brock, and Stephanie Brock; great-grandchildren: Dakota Vellek and Charles Brock; sisters: Irene Kreber of Springfield and Dorothy Sattler of Mitchell; and brother Lawrence Rehurek of Sparks, NV.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 2005, parents Joseph and Anna Rehurek, brothers: Alvin in infancy, Calvin, Raymond, and LeRoy, and sisters: Vi Kostlan and Marcella Kortan.
Emanuel Vilhauer, 72, of Huron, S.D. died Sunday (Feb. 20, 1966) afternoon at his home.
The funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Albert W. Peters officiating.
Vilhauer was born Jan. 26, 1894, in Hutchinson County, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Vilhauer. In 1908 he moved with his parents to Avon. He served in World War I. He married Bertha Guthmiller, Nov. 27, 1919, at Tripp. They farmed near Tyndall, moved to Highmore in 1927 and to Sand Creek in 1939. In 1940 the family moved to a farm three miles west of Huron and since 1944 resided in Huron.
Survivors include his widow, Bertha; six sons, Robert, and Jake, Huron; August and Edmund, Eugene, Ore.; Alvin, Rainier, Ore.; Richard, Cushing, Okla.; four daughters, Eileen, Mrs. Vernon Haase, Hebron, Neb.; Olinda, Mrs. Vernon Fuller, Eugene, Ore.; Leona, Mrs. Jerald Mattke, Huron; Caroline, Mrs. Hames Shambram, Sioux Falls; 22 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four brothers, Jacob, Highmore; Emil, Tyndall; Edwin, Avon; Adam, Lodi, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Fred Fink, Mrs. Adam Meyer, Mrs. Andrew Stobner, all of Tripp; Mrs. William Fiedler, Delmont.
Marie Vander Veen, 91, of Wakefield, NE died on Monday, October 5, 2015 at the Wakefield Health Care Center.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield; Pastor Kelly Johnston will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Wakefield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Bressler-Munderloh-Smith of Wakefield is in charge of the arrangements.
Marie was born on July 18, 1924 on the family farm near Running Water, SD, the daughter of Peter and Dora (Vander Lei) Dykstra. She attended country school near Running Water and helped her family with the farm. Marie worked at Luekens Bakery in Springfield, SD and Mitchell, SD. She was united in marriage to Pier Vander Veen in March 23, 1954 at the Reformed Church in Springfield, SD. The couple later moved to Nebraska settling in Wakefield. Pier died on April 5, 1980.
She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and collecting stamps. She was a member of the church ladies aid and was well known for her pies, cinnamon rolls, and caramel bars. Most of all she loved the time she was able to spend with her family and attending their events.
Marie is survived by her six sons: Calvin (Kathy) Vander Veen of Wakefield, NE, Bob (Sue) Vander Veen of Wakefield, NE, Lynden Vander Veen of Lincoln, NE, Darrel Vander Veen, Dwight (Pam) Vander Veen and Brent (Val) Vander Veen all of Wakefield. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren and her sisters Jessie Boersma of Springfield, SD and Mabel Luedens of Sioux Falls, SD and brothers Jayson and Darwin Dykstra of Avon, SD.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pier, brothers: Andrew, Raymond and Donald and sisters: Annie Odens and Ruth Olivier.
Henry Vander Veen, 87, of Orange City died Thursday, Dec. 9, 1999, at the Long Term Care Facility of the Orange City Hospital.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Dec,13 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev Timothy Ouwinga officiated. Burial followed at West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City under the direction of the Oolman Funeral Home, Orange City.
Henry was born Dec. 25, 1911, at Springfield, S.D., the son of Cornelius and Janke (Brandsma) Vander Veen. He was raised in South Dakota and came to the Orange City area as a young adult.
On March 3, 1940, he married Nellie De Jager in Orange City. They farmed in Sioux County until 1953, when they moved into Orange City.
Henry was employed at the Alton Farmers Elevator and Orange City Builders Supply.
Nellie died May 1,1979, in Orange City.
On March 28,1982, he married Grace Dragstra Mesaros in Orange City where they continued to make their home.
In the spring of 1995, he became a resident of the Long Term Care Facility.
Mr. Vander Veen was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church where he had served on the consistory and participated in the Mens Society.
He enjoyed woodworking, especially making toys for his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter-in-law, Karen Vander Veen of Orange City; two sons and their wives, Harvey and Karen Vander Veen of Spencer and Marvin and Beth Vander Veen of Orange City; a daughter and her husband, Betty and Arlin Kiel of Thompson; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Minnie Odens of Springfield, S.D.
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Clarence; a stillborn son also named Marvin; a greatgranddaughter, April Louwerse; three brothers and four sisters.
Memorials are being directed to the Orange City Christian School.