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S. Virginia Kopp OSB, 101, died on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. A wake service will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, May 2, 2016 and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 3, at 10:00 AM, both in Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel in Yankton, South Dakota. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.
Eugenia Olivia Kopp was born July 9, 1914, the third of thirteen children of Melchior and Margaret (Hegel) Kopp of Richardton, North Dakota. She attended St. Mary's elementary school in Richardton and was greatly influenced by the sisters and monks. She graduated from Mount Marty High School in Yankton, South Dakota in 1932. Eugenia entered Sacred Heart Monastery September 2, 1929. She was invested as a novice on August 15, 1932 and received the name Virginia. She made first profession on August 16, 1933 and final profession on June 26, 1939.
S. Virginia taught first grade for one year at Stephan, South Dakota and then was asked to go into nursing. She graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1937. She was a nurse at Yankton, South Dakota; Pueblo and Cañon City, Colorado from 1937-1952. From 1952-1978, she was asked to work in hospital administration in Tyndall and Parkston, South Dakota. She received a Credential in Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1972. She received a degree from Mount Marty College, Yankton, South Dakota, and became certified in Pastoral Care in 1979. Thus, she began her Pastoral Care Ministry in Cañon City, Colorado. She served in this ministry from 1979 until her retirement to the monastery in 2001. She always considered the physical and spiritual care of God's people as a treasured privilege.
S. Virginia was a kind and gentle woman who had a giving heart and welcoming smile. She often felt the responsibility to offer care to those in need, and was always willing to lend a helping hand at a moment's notice especially with tasks around the monastery.
S. Virginia is survived by her Benedictine community, her sisters Phyllis Viglione, Alma Bray, and Agnes Hill, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and nine siblings.
Terry Kluthe died in Sioux Falls, S.D. on May 6, 2016 after a courageous 22 day battle with human metapneumovirus. He had been successfully undergoing chemotherapy for multiple myeloma since July of 2015. Terry died surrounded by the love and prayers of his wife and children.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 11, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland. A wake service will follow at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland that evening at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 12, at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland. Burial is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. that afternoon in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Parkston, SD. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.
Terry was born on October 27, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Robert and Shirley Kluthe. His first seven years of life were spent in Portland, Oregon. His parents returned to Plankinton, S.D., where he graduated from Plankinton High School in 1960. He was involved in many activities, esp. basketball, track, and plays. His team won 4th place in 1959 in the state B basketball tournament, and he medaled in several state and local track meet events.
He attended Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, S.D., where he majored in education and physical education with minors in social studies and speech; he earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern in 1964. He was a member of the Neuman Club, young Democrats, and Sigma Delta Nu, a campus fraternity for education majors. After graduation, Terry taught high school in Presho and Parkston, S.D. and coached basketball, football, track, & golf, directed plays, and judged speech activities. He also actively refereed area high school basketball games for many years. He taught elementary physical education in Orange Park, Florida, for one year.
In 1972, Terry earned a Master of Education degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. He embarked upon a 20 year career as a school administrator in Hartington, NE, Bedford, IA, Scotland, SD, and Marcus-Meriden, IA. At each school, he organized a spring track meet for the elementary children where his goal was for each child to earn at least one ribbon. He retired to Scotland, SD in 1992.
Terry married Linda Kurtenbach of Parkston, SD on August 7, 1969. To this union, a daughter and son were born. The couple had been married for 46 years, 9 months at the time of his death. He was a life-long Catholic, member of St. George Catholic Church, third degree in the Knights of Columbus, and had served as a lector while a member of Sacred Heart Church in Bedford, IA.
Terry enjoyed golfing and for many years was a zero handicap golfer. He enjoyed many sporting events and was a devoted Twins,Vikings, and Duke fan. For many years, he spent hours metal detecting. Before he became ill, his goal was a daily walk of two miles. He enjoyed playing a variety of card games, putting together puzzles, listening to classical music, and watching TV. He enjoyed travel with his wife and children. He had been to all 50 states, on several Caribbean cruises, to Canada, Mexico, Europe and England. On a simpler side, he often accompanied his son on road trips to recover items his son had purchased for his business; it was one of their many father-son bonding times!
Terry was a very social guy and loved to tell stories about his life and funny incidents. He definitely had a sense of humor; where he was, laughter reigned. In the most normal situations, he could come up with funny scenerios that he carried off with a straight face. He could pull off pranks by speaking Esperanto, French, Italian, and Russian, none of which he had studied. He loved young people and easily established a rapport with them; he loved to sing opera for them, and make Daffy duck, elephant,cattle, and other animal noises. Most of all, he loved his family, holiday dinners, and spending time visiting with them. He cherished his role as Papa to his three grandchildren. His favorite holiday was Christmas. He shopped for months, wrapped presents for hours, and loved the decorations, cookies, and candy making. In his retirement, he often baked cookies and the best raspberry pies, complete with a homemade crust. For his children and grandchildren, he created stories about Lollipop Land. He lived to show his love for them, and he leaves a great void in their hearts.
Terry is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Lindsay (Mike) Dummer of Lennox, SD and their children, Allison, Matthew, and Ashley; son Troy of Scotland; sister and brother-in-law, Kathie and Neil Weight of Brookings, nephew Tim Weight of Brookings, and nephew Pat and Amy Weight of Flandreau, SD, his aunt, Joyce Brotherston of Philadelphia, and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom, grandparents, and many other relatives.
Funeral mass for Shirley Kluthe, 96, of Scotland, South Dakota and formerly of Plankinton, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014 at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland. Burial will follow later that day at 3:00 p.m. in St. John’s Cemetery in Plankinton. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 21 at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland with a wake service held later that evening at 7:30 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland.
Shirley Gertrude Mortimore was born to Arthur and Flena (Brisbine) Mortimore on June 29, 1918, on a farm east of Plankinton. The family lived in South Dakota and Wyoming while Shirley was growing up, so she attended Hopper School east of Plankinton and graduated from high school in Gillette, Wyoming, in 1936. She was a talented athlete on the girls basketball, track and kittenball (softball) teams. She attended basic teacher training that summer and began teaching in rural country schools. Eventually, she earned her bachelor’s degree at Dakota Wesleyan University.
While teaching at the Kluthe School south of White Lake, she met Robert Kluthe, whom she married in 1941. During World War II, Bob served for a time in the Army, and Shirley joined him in at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Upon his discharge, they moved to Portland, Oregon, where she worked in a ship building plant as a “Rosie the Riveter.” Bob and she worked in factories until 1949, when they moved back to Plankinton with their two young sons, Terry and Tom. Shirley continued her work as a rural school teacher until she began teaching at the State Training School near Plankinton, where she taught for 17 years. In retirement, she served as the senior citizens center nutrition coordinator for a few years. She loved cooking, bowling, playing bingo, pinochle, Yahtzee and other card games, and putting together puzzles. They always had house pets, and she was very kind to their pet cats and dogs. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and adored her great grandbabies.
Shirley continued to live in her home in Plankinton until August of 2011, when she moved to the Good Samaritan Center, Scotland, SD, to be near her son, Terry. She died on November 13, 2014 at the Avera Landmann Jungman Hospital in Scotland.
She is survived by her son, Terrance (Terry) Kluthe and his wife, Linda, two grandchildren, Lindsay (Mike) Dummer of Lennox, SD, Troy Kluthe of Scotland, SD, three great grandchildren, Allison, Matthew, and Ashley Dummer of Lennox, SD, and one sister, Joyce Brotherston of Philadelphia, Pa., and one sister-in-law, Maureen Mortimore, of Mitchell, SD and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1970, her son, Thomas, in 2011, three brothers, Charles (Bud), Jack, and Robert and four sisters, Beryl, Verena, Venus and Hazel.
Mary A. Kaiser, 95, of Yankton, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 24, 2002) at Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with the Rev. Gregg Frankman officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton. Visitations will be 2-9 p.m. Sunday, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, with a rosary at 7 p.m. followed by a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Larry Kocer, James Kocer, Ken Kocer, Kristi Kocer, Reuben Gall and Don Munkvold.
Mary A Kocer was born December 7, 1907, to Joseph and Catherine (Plavec) Kocer in rural Tabor. She attended school through the eighth grade. On May 8, 1945, she married Francis S. Kaiser at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor. The couple farmed several years in areas near and around Tabor, Scotland, Lesterville and Yankton. In 1965, they retired from farming and moved into Yankton.
Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of America, The Legion of Mary, and Ladies VFW Auxiliary of Yankton. She was a dedicated and devoted member to her church and her societies. Mary enjoyed caring for her garden and especially her flowers. She enjoyed visiting with friends, family and sharing a special relationship with her nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for the countless hours she spent praying for others.
Her memory will be cherished by two brothers, George (Agnes) Kocer and Raymond (Irene) Kocer, all of Tabor; one sister, Helen Hale of the Avera Yankton Care Center; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers: Mike and Joe; and four sisters: Anna Stepka, Stella Merkwan, Hattie Horacek and Adeline Swertzic.
Mary E. Kniffen, 94, of Vermillion, SD, died Monday (May 30, 2005) at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Lennox, SD. She was born June 25, 1910, at Honnor Farmstead, Tabor, SD, to Martin F. Honnor and Mary E. Rada. She graduated from Tabor High School in 1930 and from Southern State Teacher's College in 1932. She taught in rural schools in 1932-35 and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Agnes Altar Society and a 28-year member of the Martha Society. She was also a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Vermillion. She married Clarence H. Kniffen June 24, 1935, at Tyndall, SD. He died July 25, 1968. The couple moved to the Vermillion area farm in 1942, from Running Water. They moved into Vermillion in 1958.
She is survived by her sons: Dennis of Vermillion, Gene of Sturgis, SD, Don and his wife, Donna, of Lennox, SD; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2005, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Vermillion, with Fr. Rodney Farke officiating. Visitation is from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2005, at the Iverson-Siecke Funeral Home. Prayer service is 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Margery; six brothers and five sisters.
Dennis Andrew Kniffen, age 71, of Vermillion, SD died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at Sanford Vermillion Hospital.
He was born January 16, 1936 in Tyndall, SD, to Clarence Kniffen and Mary E. Honner. He worked as a groundskeeper at the University of South Dakota. He received an award for 40 years of service.
Dennis was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and belonged to St. Agnes Catholic Church.
He is survived by brothers Donald (Donna) of Lennox, SD and Gene of Sturgis, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Kniffen.
Services are at 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2007 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Vermillion, with Fr. Rodney Farke officiating. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery, Vermillion. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Iverson-Siecke Funeral Home, Vermillion. There is a wake service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Margery C. Kniffen, 64, Aztec, N.M., and formerly of Vermillion, died Nov. 7, 2002, at the San Juan Regional Hospital, Farmington, N.M., of lung cancer.
There will be a private burial service with Rev. Imming officiating.
She was born Aug. 25, 1938, at Tyndall, to Clarence and Mary (Honner) Kniffen. She attended rural Bruyer School in Clay County and graudated from Vermillion High School in 1956. She enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1956, and served for five years. She lived in California after her service years and in 1970 moved to Aztec where she lived until her death. She retired in December 2001 from the Waste Land Management where she was a supervisor.
She is survived by her mother, Mary Kniffen, Vermillion; three brothers: Dennis Kniffen, Vermillion; Don Kniffen, LeMars, Iowa; Gene Kniffen, Sturgis; two nieces; three nephews and long-time friend, Pat Melton.
Leo Joseph Kocmich, son of Joseph and Josephine (Cahoy) Kocmich, was born February 24, 1938 on a farm near Dante, SD. He died peacefully at his home in Avon surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 under hospice care. Leo attained the age of 78 years, three months and 22 days.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 17 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, with burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, rural Dante, with Father John Helmueller officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with the family present. A 7:00 p.m. rosary/wake will follow. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Wagner is in charge of the arrangements.
Leo graduated from Avon High School and then served in the U.S. National Guard from September 24, 1956 to March 8, 1963.
Leo married Irene Uhing on September 13, 1960 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bow Valley, NE. Six children were blessed to their union.
Leo drove truck for Jim Janssen, farmed, worked for Avon Livestock and D & L Oil. He then worked for Schultz Ready Mix from 1986 until he retired in 2015.
Leo was a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post #150, National Guard and the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, where he served on the CCD Board.
Leo enjoyed wood working, traveling, fishing, being on his computer and Czech music. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Irene of Avon; children: Kevin (Joy) of Litchfield, MN, Connie (Norman) Deal of Tyndall, Allen (Linda) of Avon, Kristi (Jeff) Johnson of Bancroft, IA, Leann (Jim) Bicknell of Yankton and Don (Dawn) of Avon; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Leona Kotab of Wagner and Patty (Steve) Kohnen of Brandon; one brother, Joe of Yankton; and many relatives and friends.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Joe and Ida Uhing; and brother-in-law, Mike Kotab.
Sylvia Krcil, 74, died Thursday, Oct 21, 1999, at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall.
Sylvia Carda was born May 23, 1925 at Tyndall. She attended Geishart Country School. She worked at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center as a nurses aide, med aide and ward clerk from October, 1968, until 1990.
She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, the Alter Society and the Good Samaritan Guild.
Funeral mass begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Interment will be at Assumption Catholic Cemetery at Dante.
Mass of Christian Burial for Robert L. Kocmick, 86, of Dante will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Dante, with Father Robert Wullweber serving as celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, rural Dante with military honors. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Thursday at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. A 6:30 p.m. rosary/wake will be held Thursday at the church.
Robert Louis Kocmick was born in the family home, September 19, 1930, to John F. and Mary (Placek) Kocmick. He died on July 17, 2016, after 18 months of fighting leukemia. He attained the age of 85 years and 10 months. He grew up and attended Rural Elementary School near Dante, SD, and graduated from Avon High School in 1948. He worked with his father on the farm until enlisting in the US Air Force in January 1951. He was trained in Jet Engine Mechanics at various air bases in Texas, Illinois, Alaska, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
He married Elizabeth Joan Ruhl on June 17, 1952 at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. After his discharge in 1955 they returned to the family farm near Dante, SD. He served on the Avon School Board of Education from 1970-1981. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW Post in Wagner, SD. Robert retired from farming in 1995.
Robert was a hard worker and very resourceful on the farm. He was a good mechanic and welder and fixed most of his own machinery. He produced a variety of crops, along with hogs and cattle. Robert also loved horses. In recent years, he loved to garden and was proud of it. He also enjoyed over the years, hunting deer with family members and friends, reading and keeping up with local and world events and politics, watching old western movies, playing cards, traveling many trips around the US and Canada, and visiting with most anyone he would meet. He loved driving around in the country and discovering the goings-on with neighbors and local communities. Robert loved and participated in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in any way he could.
Surviving family members who are thankful for sharing his life are his wife, Elizabeth Joan Kocmick, Dante, SD; children, Robert & Debbie Kocmick, Sioux Falls, SD, Kimberly & Danny Burden, Sioux Falls, SD, Debra Kocmick, Dante, SD, Julie & Jay Mudder, Avon, SD, James & Jane Kocmick, Brandon, SD, David & Mette Kocmick, Copenhagen, Denmark; grandchildren, Erica & Ben Stone, Michael & Amanda Kocmick, Daniel Kocmick & Tori Cain, Sioux Falls, SD, Lissa & Bo Wittern, Nola Kocmick & Dare Kocmick, Sioux City, IA, Emily Mudder & Lukkes Mudder, Avon, SD, Cole, Calista & Nathan Kocmick, Brandon, SD, Louis & Mila Kocmick, Copenhagen, Denmark; great grandchildren, Lane & Dalton Stone, Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Sylvia & Lauren Meiers, Avon, SD; sister-in-law, Emma Kocmick, Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Earl Schumacher, Monticello, MN; brother-in-law, William Ruhl, Bettendorf, IA, sister-in-law, Ruth La Musga, Chico, CA, & many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John F. & Mary (Placek) Kocmick; granddaughter, Stephanie Kocmick; son, Bruce Kocmick; sister & brother-in-law, Violet & Clarence Jenison; brother, James E. Kocmick; sister, Janice Schumacher.
Eunice Ellen Eggleston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ora Eggleston, was born March 18, 1916, on a farm near Olivet, S. D., and passed away in the Scotland clinic at 1:30 in the afternoon of June 29th. Age 18 years, 3 months, 11 days. At the age of five years, she moved with her parents to Lewiston, Montana. After residing on a ranch for four years, they returned to South Dakota where she grew to womanhood.
After completing her common education in the rural schools, she attended Scotland High School for a little better than a year, when she decided to discontinue her school work and stay at home with her parents, assisting with the work in the home.
On August 18th, 1933, she was united in marriage to Arthur Kellogg of Sioux City, Iowa, at Dakota City, Nebraska. They resided in Sioux City since that time.
On May 29th, 1934, together with her husband she arrived for an extended visit with her parents. Sunday, June 24th, she contracted pneumonia. Monday afternoon she was taken to the Scotland clinic and here later in the same afternoon she gave birth to a stillborn son. Early Wednesday morning, her condition became critical and her husband and immediate relatives were called. She continued in the condition most of the time until her death, Friday afternoon.
Mrs. Kellogg had a sunny affectionate disposition and nothing gave her greater happiness than to perform some act of service and love for those who came in contact with her. She was a loving wife and a dutiful daughter. Her presence will be sadly missed, not only in the home circle, but among a host of friends as well to whom her loving deeds have endeared her.
She leaves to mourn her departure: her beloved husband; her parents, two brother, Elgin and Walter; and three sisters, Cora, Dorothy, and Joan, all of whom reside at home; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Weiters; her aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. John Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Will Eggleston, and Mrs. Osa Lovell, and other relatives. One brother, Harold, preceded her in death, less than two months ago.
Funeral services were held in the Methodist church, Sunday afternoon in Scotland, conducted by Rev. Lane. Burial was in Rose HIll cemetery beside her brother, Harold.
Source: Hutchinson Herald (Menno, South Dakota) ~ Thursday, July 12, 1934
Laureen E. (Schubert) Kelley passed away August 7, 2016. She was born in rural Scotland, SD, July 21, 1927 to Henry and Alvina Schubert. She attended the one-room school house in Lesterville (Odessa #41) until the family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1936. Laureen was graduated from Venice (California) High School in 1945. She resided in California until 1961 when she moved her family back to the Scotland area. She worked for Gemar's Grocery Store. in 1967, the family returned to California, settling in Redlands, a small orange growing community about halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. She earned her certification as a Medical Records technician while working at Redlands Community Hospital. She worked there for 25 years until her retirement in 1992. Laureen loved to travel: she and her sister Eileen made many trips to South Dakota, North Dakota, New York state, Washington state, Texas, Arizon, and Hawaii to visit family and friends.
Laureen is survived by her six children Rick (Trish), Austin, TX; Randy; Robin Ikeda, Hilo, HI; Karen (Mike) Whipple, Spokane, WA; Paul, Mentone, CA; Allison Kelley (David Schaubert) Flagstaff, AZ, twelve grandchildren Brian Kelley, Laura (Ari) Kuchinsky, Karol Ikeda (Fiance Alden Kina), Jeffrey Ikeda, Christopher Whipple, Lynnette Baligad, Mandy (Carlos) Simmons, Shawna Bruins (Fiance Donte Jefferson), Laura (Scott) Massingale, Christopher Almaraz, Aaron Kelley, and Michelle Schaubert, eight great-grandchildren, former daughters-in-law Lynne and Carla, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, twelve siblings, and their spouses, Elsie (Anton) Strouckel, Olga (Adolph) Diede, Eileen (Lee) Petersen, Fred (Yolanda), Charlie (Rose), Walter (Mary), Bob, Danny, Emma, Freda, Sarah, and Lois Schubert.
A memorial service will take place in Redlands at a later date.
Mayme "Mae" Kadlec, 86, Brookfield, Ill., died Aug. 29, 2000 at La Grange Hospital, La Grange, Ill.
Services were held Sept 1, 2000 at First United Methodist Church, Brookfield, with Rev. Kermit Krueger officiating.
She was born Jan. 11, 1914, to Charles and Mary (Karl) Stibral, at Tabor.
She married Joseph Kadlec, of Chicago, Ill., Oct. 30, 1938. They made their home in Brookfield.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph; three children: Marion (Edward) Garrett, Springfield, Va.; Raymond (Fran), Burr Ridge, Ill.; and Joan (Bob) Buck, Ballwin, Mo.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Adeline Stephan, Omaha, Neb.; two brothers: Edwin Stibral, Yankton; and Archie Stibral, Tabor.
Paul “Pete” Klemme was born on December 10, 1918 to Arthur & Ida (Treick) Klemme in Scotland, South Dakota. His religious journey began with his baptism at Bethany Reformed Church, where he was also confirmed. He attended Nelles Country School and Scotland High School. He grew up on the family farm near Kaylor, South Dakota. On September 6, 1941 Pete was united in marriage to Esther Bietz at Parker, South Dakota. They proudly raised shorthorn cattle which they truly spoiled. Never was there a stray dog that was not taken in at the Klemme farm. Having lived thru the hard times of the 30’s, weather was always a main concern. All of his life he looked to the west to see if the rain clouds would reach us in time. After a storm we knew the phone would ring, and Grandpa Pete would be checking on the rain totals. He was often found with friends and neighbors playing card games, especially Whist. Even at the age of 94, he still took part in Bible study and bingo.
He loved being a part of his grandchildren’s lives. Grandma and Grandpa Pete would always take them fishing at the river, and he offered his advice while waiting for the big one. He enjoyed seeing his great grandchildren.
Pete passed away on January 28, 2013 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Pete is survived by his two daughters: Gay Lynn (Ken) Konrad of Kaylor and Paula (George) Bauder of Scotland; three grandchildren: Chris (Kristi) Konrad of Mitchell, Cheri (Lee) Wittmeier of Tyndall, and Ryan (Kelli) Bauder of Scotland; and four great grandchildren: Clay and Lacey Wittmeier; Morgan and Marty Bauder.
In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his wife Esther, in October 2011, brother Elmer (Ella) Klemme, sisters Ruth Klemme, Lola (Otto) Jenner, Alice Klemme, and nephew Allen Klemme.
Ronald Edward Koupal age 69, of Tabor, SD passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 with his family by his side following a courageous 5-year battle with lung cancer at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Msgr. Carlton Hermann and Rev. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will begin at 4:00 PM, Friday, February 1, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, with a wake service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the memorial chapel. Pallbearers are Ron’s nephews: Bob Zavadil, Jim Zavadil, Jim Koupal, John Ptak, Kevin Ptak, Gary Ptak, and Dan Ptak. Honorary pall bearers are 1961 classmates of Tabor High School and co-workers of Bon Homme Yankton Electric.
Ron was born March 10, 1943, in Rochester, Minnesota, to George and Anna (Petrik) Koupal. He attended St. Wenceslaus/ Tabor Elementary School and graduated from Tabor High School in 1961. Ron graduated from the University of South Dakota-Springfield in 1967. He married Barbara Christman on September 12, 1986.
Ron spent his 34-year professional career at Bon Homme Yankton Electric in Tabor, SD, retiring as manager in 1998.
Ron served as a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Catholic Workman, Tabor Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Tabor Volunteer Fire Department, Bon Homme School Board, Boy Scout Leader, and Secretary of C.R.A.P. (Czechs Revolting Against Persecution).
Ron was an avid golfer, a Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, supporter of Bon Homme School activities, and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending their various events.
Those who will share his memory include his wife Barbara; son, Jeff Koupal of Tabor; daughters, Becky Koupal of Tabor, Nicolle (Shane) Samuels of Harrisburg, Michelle Millen of Tabor, and Mandy (Neal) Petersen of Harrisburg; sisters, Jean Ptak of Sioux Falls, and Nancy (Mel) Ptak of Marion; brother, Rick (Jean) Koupal of Yankton; seven grandchildren: Tajia, Devin, Jordan, Kayden, Morissen, Josalyn, and Lawson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Ron in death were his parents, George and Anna Koupal; sister, Connie; and brother-in-law, Marvin Zavadil; and brother-in-law, Ervin Ptak.
Funeral services for Gladys Kramar, 87, of Springfield are 2 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is Friday with the family present from 5 pm until 7 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield.
Gladys G. Kramar was born February 6, 1925 at Rush Springs, OK, the daughter of Thomas H. and Nellie Ruth (Owen) Taylor. She died Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. She attained the age of 87 years, 11 months and 24 days.
Gladys attended kindergarten in Oklahoma City, OK. They then moved to Colorado due to her father’s job when she was in the first grade. She graduated high school in 1942 in Manitou Springs, CO.
She moved to South Dakota where her father was the Superintendent of construction of the Ft. Randall and Gavins Point Dam in 1954. She worked for Sears and this is where she met O.F. (Frank) Kramar.
Gladys married Frank Kramar on May 31, 1956. Together they farmed on the farm on Hwy #52 until August of 1979, when they moved into Springfield.
Gladys typed Bon Homme County history for the Bon Homme County Pioneer Association from 1965 to 1993. She was a member of the Springfield Historical Society since 1979, where she also had served on the board and as president for two years. She was a member of the Tabor ZCBJ Lodge #41 for over 50 years and served as secretary for many years. Gladys was the Fraternalist of the Year in 1990 and was chairperson for the ZCBJ National Convention in Rapid City in 1995. She also was a board member of the Springfield Assisted Living Center. Gladys was also a member of the UCC Church in Springfield where she had served as secretary and Diaconate for two years.
Thankful for having shared her life are her three daughters: Cheryl Sensing of Springfield; Lori and husband Roger of Springfield; and Blanche and husband Dennis of Avon; 10 grandchildren: Lana, Shawna, Cathy, John M., Jess, Travis, Blair, Amanda, Nicole, and DJ; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband on July 19, 1993; parents; sister, Geneva Williams and a great-great granddaughter.
Rueben Kaul, 89, of Tyndall, died Tuesday (May 14, 2002) at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.
Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. today (Friday) at the United Methodist Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Bill Van Gerpen officiating. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery. Pallbearers are Billy Kaul, Dean Kaul, Danny Kaul, Vicki Kaul, Brad Palsma and Kimberly Palsma. Goglin-Kelley Funeral Homes, Inc., Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born April 5, 1913, on the home farm eight miles northeast of Tyndall to Christian and Christina (Hieb) Kaul. He married Mae Mattis on May 3, 1941, at rural Avon. They farmed northwest of Tyndall until 1980 when they retired and moved into Tyndall. His wife died in 1996.
He was a member of the Tyndall Methodist Church and had been their janitor for many years. He loved to fish, spend time in his garden and could fix anything.
He is survived by one son, Vernon (Donna) Kaul, Scotland; one son-in-law, Alan Palsma, Stockbridge, Ga.; six grandchildren; four great-grandsons; one brother, Herman Kaul, Tyndall; and three sisters, Ruth Breitkreutz, Mitchell; Esther Weisser, Tripp; and Clara Vilhauer, Salem.
He was preceded in death by his wife, one daughter, his parents, four brothers (two in infancy) and two sisters.
Funeral services for Louise H. Koopman, 81 of Avon will 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., with the family present. It will continue on Thursday from 10 a.m. to the time of service.
Louise Hildegard Koopman, daughter of Henry and Janna (Brandt) Rosebrock, was born August 20, 1929 in Avon, SD. She died Monday, October 18, 2010 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Louise attained the age of 81 years, one month and 29 days.
Louise was baptized into the Christian faith on September 8, 1929. The family later moved to Sioux Falls where she was confirmed on December 14, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church.
Louise attended school in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1947.
Louise worked at Sunshine grocery store as a check out clerk for several years. She also worked at Reinhart’s while living in Sioux Falls.
On September 21, 1952, Louise married Ronald Alvin Koopman of Montevideo, MN, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Three children were born and raised in their 22 years of marriage. In 1975, she moved into Montevideo where she sold Avon and Tupperware products. Louise later was employed at the Luther Haven Nursing Home as a cook and dietary aide for a few years. She then worked as the lunch room operator at the Chippewa County Courthouse for several years. While living in Montevideo, she was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Sparta Township and also of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo.
In 1994, Louise moved to Avon, SD and became a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She moved to the Springfield Assisted Living Center in Springfield, SD in March of 2010.
Louise enjoyed having a garden and flowers around her home. She also enjoyed sewing. She made several articles of clothing and quilts for church missions and lap robes for nursing homes. Louise also took delight in doing embroidery work and crocheting.
Thankful for having shared her life are her son, Richard Koopman of Montevideo, MN; daughter Joyce Segebart and husband, Steven of Sioux City, IA; one grandson, Jason Koopman and fiance’, Melissa Buseman of Montevideo; two granddaughters: Melissa and Amanda Segebart of Sioux City, IA; and one sister, Frieda Javers and husband, Don of Harrisburg, SD.
Louise was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Milburn; her parents; one brother, Martin Rosebrock; and an infant sister.
Judith K. (List) Knodel, age 67, of Lenexa, KS passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 5, 2013 at her residence.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating. Burial will be in the Gayville Cemetery, Gayville, SD. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2013 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with a Scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are Eugene List Jr., Donavon List, Darwin List, Cory Knodel, Rick Werkmeister, Christopher List, Michael List and John Knodel. Honorary pallbearers are her God children, nieces and nephews.
Judith was born July 4, 1944 in Yankton, SD to Edwin Wilson and Mercedes Helen (Lee) List. She was baptized in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Scotland. She graduated from Scotland High School in Scotland, SD in 1962 and graduated from Springfield College and Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, SD. She married Kenneth H. Knodel on July 23, 1966 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Scotland, SD. She worked at the State Hospital in Yankton, a lawyer’s firm in Yankton as an Administrator, and was in charge of the Press Department at the Sun Publications Newspaper in Overland Park, KS from 1972 to 1982. She was a school teacher for the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas from 1986 to 1994, and Johnson County Community College as an Administrative Assistant from 1994 to 2013.
Judith loved spending time with her husband and her two sons. She was very involved with her sons’ sports activities, such as softball, soccer, and basketball. She also served on the committee for the Boy Scouts as a recorder and was known as “The Eagle Lady” for helping the children through the many courses of the rank of Eagle Scout. She was active in many church activities, such as assisting her sons in ushering and other youth group activities.
Judith will be remembered for her devotion and love to her family.
She is survived by her two sons, Jeffery Harold and Robert Alan, both of Lenexa, KS; brother, Gary Edwin (Tina) List of Lawler, IA; sister, Lynnette Ann (David) Bue of Yankton, SD and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Wilson and Mercedes Helen List, and husband, Kenneth.
Judith was a kind and loving wife and mother and will be cherished by her two sons for evermore.
Dorance F. "Bud" Kortan, age 79 of Tabor passed away early Sunday morning at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at Tyndall Presbyterian Church in Tyndall, SD, with Rev. Marilyn Stone officiating. Burial will be in the Tyndall Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Tabor, SD with military graveside rites by Hatwan-Kortan American Legion #183, Tabor. Visitations will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Tabor, with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Bob Kortan, Roger Dvoracek, Jim Christopher, Roger Kortan, Don Kortan, and Dennis Herman. Honorary pallbearers will be Alfred Souhrada, Rodney Pechous, Ed Melichar, Dennis Duffek and Jim Carda.
"Bud" was born April 10, 1925, to Frank and Kathrine (Hale) Kortan on the family farm near Tabor, SD. He grew up in Tabor and attended parochial school in Tabor. He has been a resident of Tabor, SD, his entire life. On June 25, 1943, Bud entered military service where he was in the 150th Infantry. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on February 7, 1945. He married Marcella Rehurek on April 22, 1948, at the Presbyterian Church at rural Tabor, SD. In 1952, Bud started at B-Y Electric and worked as a lineman and retired as a foreman in 1984. He was a 25-year member of the Tabor Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Tabor Public School Board for 12 years, 60-year/lifetime member of the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion #183 of Tabor, member of the Tyndall Presbyterian Church, Tyndall, where is was an elder. Bud helped with the Tabor Veterans Monument and kept the Straka Monument mowed and maintained.
Bud's memory is cherished by his wife Marcella of Tabor, SD; daughter, Valerie (Ronald) Herman of Springfield, SD; one granddaughter, Ashley of Springfield, SD; one brother, Adoph (Angie) Kortan of Tabor, SD; four sisters: Clara Hlavac of Tabor, SD; Anna Dvoracek of Tyndall, SD; Adeline (Leo) Pechous of Tabor, SD; and Martha (George) Melichar of Tabor, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Ludmilla Kortan, Mary Souhrada and Albina Wurtz; three brothers: Joe, Albert and John Kortan; and two brothers-in-law: Joe C. Dvoracek and Edward Hlavac.
Donald J. Koranda, age 58, of Tabor, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at his home.
Memorial Services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2008 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Tyndall, with Father Gerald Thury officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation is from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Tabor, with family present. Visitation will continue at 6 p.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Tyndall, until the rosary service at 7:15 p.m. followed by the prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Donald James Koranda was born on July 26, 1949 in Scotland, SD to Kenneth and Marie (Mae Chadim) Koranda. He grew up and lived in Tabor were he attended Tabor Elementary School. He graduated from Tabor High School in 1967. He then attended Universal Trade School, Omaha, NE where he studied Auto Body Repair and received his Associates Degree. He then opened Don’s Body Shop, Tabor. He also farmed with his grandfather, Jim Koranda, and helped his father in the well drilling business.
He married Irene Varilek, May 6, 1972. Don worked for the Bon Homme School District for one year. In 1974, he purchased the repair part of Koranda Well Company. Ten years later, he purchased the drilling part of Koranda Well Company continuing as Third Generation in drilling and repair in Tabor for over 85 years.
Don served on the Tabor Town Board for several years. He was a member of the Tabor Fire Department for more than 20 years. He also served on the St. Leo’s Parish Council.
Don was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing until his later years. He took pride in creating animated floats for Czech Days. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people, which sometimes earned him a slap on the arm or a kiss on the cheek. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also took great joy in observing wildlife in his daily travels.
Don was a colorful character who enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and socializing with friends.
Don is survived by his wife, Irene; son Michael Koranda, Tracy, MN, daughters, Karen (Russell) Bisson, Yankton, SD, and Kay Koranda (Eric Woodbeck), Tabor, SD, three grandchildren, Laura, Evan and “Suzi” and sister, Donna (Edward) Melichar, Omaha, NE, niece, Pam (Mike) Mason of Omaha, NE and their daughter, Claire, nephew, Ken (Cameo) Melichar of Hewitt, TX and their children, Ashlyn and Nathan; his aunts, Evelyn Sorensen of Yankton, SD, Ardith Howard of Graham, NC, and Rose Lyons of Yankton, SD.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and infant brother.
One of Don’s requests was to not mourn his death but celebrate his life, so the family requests that joyful attire be worn.
Ladislow 'Laddie' Kozak, Sr., 91, Estherville, and formerly of Tabor, died Tuesday (June 19, 2001) at Estherville.
Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Steve Iverson officiating. Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery, Tabor. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m. today (Friday) at the Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, with the family present at 7 p.m. in the fellowship room. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
He was born March 18, 1910, at Yankton to Aloysius and Maria (Sedina) Kozak. He grew up in the Yankton area and attended Peterka School District No. 46 through the eighth grade. He married Rose Melichar Feb. 12, 1934, at Yankton. They lived in Wagner from 1935 until 1937, when they moved to Tabor. In 1956, they moved to Vermillion where he worked at USD as a maintenance engineer until his retirement. In 1978, they moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they spent their time baby-sitting grandchildren. In the early 1980s, they moved to Estherville, Iowa, where he remained until his death. His wife died Dec. 5, 2000.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, Estherville, Iowa.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, sharing produce, helping others, fishing, his dog, bowling and playing ball with the kids.
He is survived by two sons: DeWayne (Nyla) Kozak, LeMars, Iowa; and Laddie (Zoe Ann) Kozak, Estherville, Iowa; one daughter, Judeen (Gene) Petersen, Spirit Lake, Iowa; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Agnes Strotvedt, Centerville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter, five brothers and one sister.
Funeral services for William Kreeger, 66, will be held at the Tyndall Methodist Church Thursday at 1:30 pm with the Rev. Levi Louderback officiating. Burial will be in the Tyndall Cemetery with the Petrik Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Kreeger died of a heart attack at his home Monday night.
He was born in Russia June 26, 1895 and came to the United States in 1916.
Deceased was married to Anna Bame at Yankton in 1929. They farmed near Tyndall until seven years ago, then moved to Tyndall.
Survivors are his widow, two sons, Roy of Bridgewater and Willie of Tyndall, two daughters, Mrs. Marion O'Grady of Freeport, Ill, and Mrs. Shirley Einrem of Springfield and 13 grandchildren.
Brianna Marie Knoll, age 25, of Yankton, South Dakota died Saturday, April 9, 2011.
Funeral services are 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with her aunt, Delight Paulson officiating. Visitation is from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service, video tribute and time of sharing at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Sam Knoll, Dan Knoll, Tim Paulson, Matt Evans, Spencer Bose and Jake Stanage. Honorary pallbearers are everyone who loved and cared for her.
Brianna was born August 22, 1985, on her mother’s 30th birthday, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota to Jeff and Bonnie (Janda) Knoll. She attended Webster School, Yankton Middle School and graduated from Yankton High School in 2003. While attending school, Brianna also worked at Yesterday’s Café and then later the Lighthouse Café. She always enjoyed talking to “the regular” coffee drinkers. Brianna moved to Vermillion and after the Lighthouse closed, she became a waitress at Raziel’s in Vermillion. She attended National American University in Sioux Falls and online. She graduated as a Pharmacy Tech and received her certification a few months later. In November of 2009, Brianna started working at Roger’s Pharmacy in Yankton which was a wonderful and challenging job for her. In August of 2010, she bought her own house in Yankton. She was so proud of that house and spent many hours painting and cleaning to make it as nice as she could. She felt that all of her hard work was finally paying off. In 2009, Brianna and her dad went to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and saw Devil’s Tower. After that experience, Brianna wanted to take motorcycle safety training class, so someday she could have her own Harley and go to Sturgis with her parents. Brianna loved shopping with her mom and one or two of her friends. She was mechanically savvy and told her dad many times what was wrong with her car. He always disagreed, but Brianna was usually right. He encouraged her to be a mechanic, but she didn’t want to get so dirty! She also loved her dogs, Indie and Buddy. Brianna was a beautiful, intelligent, ambitious girl and she will be dearly, dearly missed.
Brianna is survived by her parents, Jeff and Bonnie Knoll of Yankton; sister, Carly Margaret Knoll of Sioux Falls; uncles, Curtis Knoll of Yankton and Aaron Janda of Yankton; aunts: Delight Paulson of Yankton, Crystal (Charles) Archer of San Diego, CA, Amber (Mark) Johnson of Menominee, NE and Kimberly Dingman of Scotland; and many cousins and her dogs, Indie and Buddy.
Brianna was preceded in death by her grandparents: Emil and Leona Janda and Peter and Murl Knoll; and an uncle, Eldean Paulson.
Memorials will be used for the education and support of domestic violence victims.
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Hines Gets 100 Years
Yankton Man Sentenced For Shooting Death Of Brianna Knoll
By Nathan Johnson
A Yankton man who pleaded guilty in March to killing his girlfriend in 2011 received a 200-year sentence to a state penitentiary Thursday with 100 years suspended.
Nicholas Stewart Hines, 30, had pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection with the April 9, 2011, shooting death of 25-year-old Brianna Marie Knoll.
First-degree manslaughter is a Class C felony punishable by up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine. According to South Dakota state statute, a homicide is classified as manslaughter if it was done without any design to cause death.
When issuing the sentence, Circuit Judge Glen Eng said that if Hines complies with the rules of the penitentiary, he will be eligible for parole in 50 years from the time he went to jail.
The judge noted that the defendant would be 78 years old at that time. Suggesting it was essentially a sentence to life in prison, Eng added that the current average lifespan of American males is the late 70s.
During an emotional sentencing that lasted more than four hours, Hines was alternately described as a gentle, generous man who suffers from bipolar disorder and alcoholism; and as a selfish, manipulative and jealous boyfriend who killed the woman who cared for him. Hines also testified in his own defense.
Witnesses for the prosecution and defense did agree on one thing: Knoll was a kind, compassionate and generous woman who died before her time.
Her presence loomed over the proceedings at the Yankton County Courthouse and Safety Center. A poster-size black-and-white photograph of Knoll hung near the prosecution, facing the man who had admitted to killing her.
Two slideshows containing photos of Knoll during various stages of her life were shown during the sentencing.
However, it was a third slideshow that opened the prosecution’s testimony that drew the most audible response. It featured photos from the crime scene. Images included the door of Knoll’s home that Hines kicked in the morning of April 9 after a night of heavy drinking, the SKS Chinese assault rifle that was used to commit the crime and Knoll’s car crashed into an apartment building after the fatal shooting. Sobs could be heard when photos showing Knoll lying dead inside the car were projected on the large screen.
Much of the hearing consisted of witnesses testifying to the characters of both Hines and Knoll, who by all accounts had a stormy relationship for more than five years prior to the shooting.
The prosecution called more than a dozen witnesses to the stand. They included Knoll’s parents, sister and various other family members and friends.
Jeff Knoll, Brianna’s father, recalled that the last words he heard from his daughter came during a phone call just moments before her death: “Dad, I really need your help.”
“Those are the 12 words that ring in my head every day, over and over,” Jeff said. “... My life has no normal anymore.”
Bonnie Knoll, Brianna’s mother, recalled how her daughter had helped care for her grandmother in her final days. Bonnie said she had hoped Brianna would be able to do the same for her in her old age.
Hines had been a pallbearer at the funeral of Bonnie’s mother.
“We feel so betrayed by him,” she said.
Bonnie said Brianna cared for Hines emotionally and, at times, financially as he struggled with his mental illness and alcoholism.
After Hines kicked in Brianna’s bedroom door in February 2011, she ordered him out of the house she had bought but they both shared, according to Bonnie. However, he was soon allowed to live in the basement, and eventually the two resumed their relationship. Bonnie said Brianna was worried about what Hines would do to himself if she left him.
Bonnie recalled the voice messages Hines left on Brianna’s phone the night he shot her, wherein he threatened to drive his van into her home and said he wasn’t sure if she would “make it.”
Right up until the end, Bonnie said her daughter looked after Hines.
“He shot her, and she still wouldn’t call the police,” she stated. “She called (her father and I).
“Nick has no idea what he has done to us,” Bonnie continued. “He has ruined everything.”
Many of the witnesses for the prosecution asked that Eng sentence Hines to life in prison.
“I think the only justice would be to have Nick Hines spend the rest of his life behind bars,” said Carly Knoll, Brianna’s older sister, adding that she thought Hines would kill another girl if released from prison.
Contrasting with the dark picture painted of Hines by many of the prosecution’s witnesses were the descriptions of his character by his family members and a friend.
Although largely motionless and staring at the floor during the first round of testimony on Knoll’s behalf, Hines began to cry as his father, Stewart Hines, took the stand.
Stewart acknowledged the suffering of those who loved Knoll. He said his family has suffered, too.
“This tragedy was the biggest tragedy that hit the Hines family, too,” he said. “Brianna was so pretty, bright, dependable and motivated.”
Stewart said his son began acting up as a young teen shortly before his mother died. They didn’t know then that their son had a bipolar disorder.
Nicholas would join the U.S. Navy, but the service eventually put him in a mental hospital and dismissed him, according to Stewart.
His son began to self-medicate his illness with alcohol. When Nicholas got a job, he would go from telling the boss how to run his or her company one day to not being able to get out of bed the next day, Stewart said.
Shortly before the shooting, Stewart said his son was doing well. He had a job at L&M Radiator and planned to pay off the money he owed Brianna with a paycheck he was about to receive that Friday.
However, Nicholas joined his co-workers in drinking alcohol at the end of his shift, and it continued until the bars closed. It was on that Saturday morning that he shot Brianna before he turned the gun on himself, doing permanent damage to his face.
Stewart said that, since being in the Yankton County jail, his son has shown remorse for his crime, become more mentally stable than he has been in 15 years and has turned to religion for solace.
“Nick has had an incredible spiritual rebirth,” Stewart said.
Roberta Hines, Nicholas’s younger sister, recited portions of letters she had received from her brother where he wrote of missing Brianna.
“His heart is so broken,” she said. “Nick would do anything to get her back.”
Roberta asked that her brother be given a sentence that would allow him some time with her and her father.
During closing arguments, Yankton County State’s Attorney Rob Klimisch asked that Hines be given a life sentence.
Klimisch said Hines lacks remorse for his crime, evidenced in part by his claim that the gun had discharged accidentally. Klimisch said Hines had not been truthful with the court about the incidents that occurred April 9. Hines told investigators that he had grabbed the gun only to “psychologically intimidate” Brianna after she refused to leave him in peace.
Finally, Klimisch stated that Hines had killed Brianna in cold blood. The evidence showed that Hines would have had to circle around the vehicle after Brianna backed away in order to shoot into the driver’s side window and pierce the upper left corner of her back. Bullet fragments then hit her heart, and she died instantly, Klimisch said.
Defense attorney Dan Fox saw the events differently.
“I really do not believe that Nick had any intention of harming Brianna that day,” he said.
Although Hines and Knoll had a “stormy relationship,” Fox said the pre-sentence investigation found no evidence that Hines had ever been physically abusive to Knoll. Despite his verbal threats the night of the crime, the autopsy showed no marks or bruises.
When Knoll did not back down from arguing with Hines, it was evidence that she was not scared of him, according to Fox.
Backing up the assertion that Hines grabbed the gun only to scare Knoll, Fox said, “If he wanted to harm her, he didn’t have to grab a weapon.”
When Hines underwent a blood test after the shooting, he had a blood-alcohol level three times above the legal limit.
Fox said neither he nor Hines knows how the gun went off accidentally, but it did.
At that point, the car kept driving away and Hines would have had no reason to believe that Knoll was dead, he continued.
Still, Fox said Hines believed he would lose Knoll and his job, and face criminal charges, so he turned the gun on himself.
When Hines told authorities he had killed Knoll later that night, it was the result of his drunkenness, head trauma and overhearing people talk about Knoll being dead, Fox argued.
Since that time, Fox said he believes Hines has changed considerably. He has realized the only way to honor Knoll’s memory is to become the person she always knew he could be.
Fox requested that Eng suspend a large enough portion of Hines’ sentence so that he could make a positive contribution to society.
While giving his testimony to the court, Hines said he would gladly change places with Knoll. He stated that he is truly sorry and ashamed of his actions.
“I am so far beyond sorry, I don’t know what to say,” Hines said. “This was an accident. No matter what, I claim all the responsibility and consequences. I will always live with this. It will always be fresh.”
Having expressed his feelings of remorse, Hines said he was ready for his sentence.
Before handing down his sentence, Eng acknowledged Hines’ bipolar disorder and alcoholism. He said some people might say that he is not fully responsible for his actions because of those factors.
“It may be a reason why a person is led to a certain point in their life, but it cannot be an excuse for the behavior,” the judge stated. “If we excuse the behavior, it means that we let people go and hold them to no account. I don’t think anyone in this room truly believes that Mr. Hines will not be held to account at some level. The question is, what level?”
Along with the 100-year sentence, Eng agreed to credit Hines for 408 days spent in the county jail.
“If you do what is required while you are in the penitentiary ... it means that in 50 years (from the time you entered the county jail), you would be eligible for parole. This court takes notice that the average lifespan of a man at this point is in the late 70s.”
Hines was transported to the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls following the sentencing, according to Klimisch.
Source: Yankton Press & Dakotan ~ June 8, 2012
Carl Frank Klima was born on November 1, 1922 and deceased on July 10, 2012 at 90 years Young.
He was born in Tyndall South Dakota to Dr. Herm Klima and Libusa Klima. He had a Brother, Milo Klima and a Sister, Olga Kolbeck. All of the above listed preceded him in death.
Carl attended one through twelfth grade in Tyndall, attending college at The University of Iowa at Ames graduating with a Double "E" degree and a Minor in Geology. He also pledged Kappi Phi there.
Immediately after graduation Carl joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and taught Radar School at Jupiter Island in Florida and Ft. Mammoth in New Jersey.
At the end of WW2, he worked for Brown and Root, he was responsible for planning the heating and cooling systems at The New Primate House in the Houston, Texas City Zoo. He then worked for Schlumber Well Services as a Field Representative in Oklahoma, Texas and the Louisiana Gulf Coast. He was invited to transfer to the Home office and there he design instruments for oil field testing. After 22 years with Schlumberger and retired once, he went to work for Dresser-Atlas to design and build an environmental lab where many prototype oil field instrument were designed and built. After retiring from Dresser, he was a certified Professional Engineer operating his own Engineering firm for 5 years. He attended the school of hotel and restaurant management at the University of Houston. He owned and operated the Le Petite Apartments and Ferris Wheel Restaurant.
Carl met and married Nancy Klima his wife of 58 years in New Orleans Louisiana. They had one daughter, the late Sally Byrne of Roswell, New Mexico. He is survived by one son, Warren Klima of California, a Son-In-Law, George Byrne of Roswell, and a Granddaughter, Kimberly Byrne of Roswell. His wife still lives in the family home in Roswell.
Carl was a member of the V.F.W and a member of the Restaurant Association of Houston. They were members of the Orchid Society after retiring to Roswell in 2000.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodges {Hondo #74} of Roswell and The Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple in Albuquerque. He enjoyed riding his "Little Red Fire truck" in local Shrine parades in New Mexico. He was a hunter, a fisherman, and enjoyed camping with his family.
There will be no formal services as per his wishes, he will be cremated and a Masonic Ritual will be conducted at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his name to The Shriners Hospitals at Shriners Hospitals for Children {L.A.}, 3160 Geneva, Los Angeles. California 90020.
Richard Jerome Karolevitz, age 76, of Tabor passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2007, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, SD with Rev. Joe Puthenkulathil and Monsignor Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with military graveside rites by Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, Tabor. Visitations will be from 3-9 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2007, at the Kostel Funeral Home, Tabor with a 7:00 p.m. scripture service followed by a rosary. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jamie, Justin and Jesse Hajek, Jennifer Blalark, and Ryan, Angela, Amanda and Andrea Iwansky.
Richard was born November 12, 1930, to Leo and Lorraine (Gardner) Karolevitz in Tabor, SD. He graduated from Tabor High School. He served in the United States Army in the Korean War from 1952-1954. After his honorable discharge, he farmed with his father in the Tabor area. On May 17, 1954, he was united in marriage to Ione Sternhagen at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tyndall, SD. Together they farmed and operated a livestock and grain farm until retiring and moving into Tabor in 1999. He served on the Rural Fire District Board, was a member of the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, and was a lifetime member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor where he served as an usher. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his children and grandchildren's activities. He also enjoyed his collection of toy tractors.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Ione of Tabor, SD; daughters: Kris (Wayne) Hajek of Tyndall, SD and Karen (Roger) Iwansky of Columbus, NE; sons; Jim (Lori) and Jeff all of Tabor, SD; 8 grandchildren: Jamie Hajek and special friend Nikki Evenson, Jennifer and Cory Blalark, Justin Hajek, Jesse Hajek, and Ryan, Angela, Amanda, and Andrea Iwansky; his siblings: Carmen (Romaine) Pesicka of Shelby, NE, Shirley (Lee) Hroza of Columbus, NE, Maxine Karolevitz of Rapid City, SD, Allen (Agnes) Karolevitz of Lesterville, SD, and Leona Taylor of Mt. Clemens, MI and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James, and a nephew, Michael Hroza.
Funeral Mass for Napoleon A. Kreber, 66, Yankton, formally of Tyndall, will be at 11:30 am Saturday at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Friends may call at the Petrik Funeral Home all day Friday with scripture service at 7pm. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Mr. Kreber was born July 7, 1902 at Springfield to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kreber and died Jan. 1, 1969 at a Yankton Hospital. On May 8, 1920 he married Madge Phoenix at Tyndall and they farmed in the Tyndall and Springfield area until moving to Yankton in 1952.
Survivors include his widow; a son, Wallace, Springfield; one brother, George, Springfield, and two sisters, Mrs. Walter Bardwell, Springfield, and Mrs. Paul Crotty, Havelock, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial for Lydia M. Kreber is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2007 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury. Organist is Kathy Koenig and soloist is Pam Novak. Casketbearers are Nick Mansour, Michael Mansour, Thomas Kreber, Paul Kreber, Jared Schuurmans and Gerrit Schuurmans. Interment is in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota. Wake Service is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota.
Lydia M. (Jilek) Kreber was born Saturday, March 4, 1905 in Bon Homme County, South Dakota to Joseph and Josephine (Slama) Jilek. She graduated from the 8th grade at Cottonwood School. Lydia married Louis M. Kreber on February 25, 1930 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tyndall. To this union seven children were born: Audrey, William, Mary Ellen, Harold, Sharon, Edward and Lois Ann. They lived on the Kreber Farm until 1971 when they retired and moved to Tyndall. Lydia spent her days gardening and tending the roses she loved. She took great joy in time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. She enjoyed crocheting baby afghans and playing pinochle. She was founding member of the Highland Pinochle Club. She was a past member of St. Leo's Altar Society, the Catholic Order of Foresters and St. John Bosco Bible Study Group. Lydia passed away at the home of her daughter in Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, April 4, 2007. She was cared for by her two daughters until her death at the age of 102 years and 1 month.
She is survived by her children: Audrey (Darrel) Schuurmans, Tyndall, South Dakota, Mary Ellen (Michael) Penessa, Green Valley, Arizona, Sharon (Nick) Mansour, Tucson, Arizona, and Edward (Mary) Kreber, Springfield, South Dakota; 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.
Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, sons William and Harold, daughter Lois Ann, granddaughter Susan, her parents, 4 sisters and 1 brother.
Memorials may be sent to St. Leo's Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society.
Phyllis Krcil, age 74, of Yankton, SD and formerly of Tyndall, SD, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. John Fischer officiating. Burial will be in St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, SD, at approximately 12:15 PM Thursday afternoon. Visitations will be 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. followed by Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Lawrence Furney, Terry Krcil, Dennis Krcil, Don Krcil, Brian Slama and Ed Recker. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren Dani Krcil, Kaitlin Petri, Alex Krcil, Collin Petri and Mikala Krcil.
Phyllis Pauline Krcil was born April 25, 1930, in Tyndall, SD, to Herman and Catherine (Hoff) Raabe. Phyllis graduated from Tyndall High School in 1948. While in high school she worked as a waitress at Marek's Cafe in Tyndall. Upon graduating she moved to Mitchell, SD, where she worked at an egg plant. Phyllis moved back to Tyndall and resumed working at Marek's Cafe.
On November 14, 1950, she married Adolf Krcil. They lived by Dante, SD, for two years until purchasing a farm by Avon, SD. While on the farm she helped her husband farm and also worked at the Avon Leather Factory and CR Industries in Springfield, SD. In 1984 they moved to Yankton, SD, where they managed apartments and she worked at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Phyllis was a 4-H leader for a number of years. She was also very active in her children's school and outside activities. Phyllis was a member of the Yankton Ladies Auxiliary and Senior Citizens.
Phyllis greatly valued her family, friends, and faith in God. Her love and concern for her family and friends was evident in everything she did. She loved being a "Grandma" and spent much time with her grandchildren, attending their events, playing games, sewing, and giving them that "Special love" that only she could. Phyllis and her husband attended many Polka dances and festivals. Her hobby of collecting clowns now stands at 35.
Those grateful for having shared her life included her husband Adolf of Yankton; son Al (Dorothy) of Yankton; daughter Kathy (Rick) Petri of Kearney, NE. Grandchildren Dani, Alex, Mikala Krcil, Kaitlin and Collin Petri and Brian Slama of Rolfe, IA. One brother and two sisters.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ed, Walter, and Harold; and one sister, Esther Furney.
Kardena M. Krall, 94, died Friday, Feb 13, 1998, at the Brady Memorial Home.
Kardena Gilbertson was born March 12,1903, in Hudson. She attended country school and graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton. In 1922 she received her teaching certificate from Springfield Normal and then taught grade school in Winner from 1923 to 1926.
On Aug. 15, 1923, she married Leonard Krall in Tyndall. They lived in Yankton until 1942, when they moved to Mitchell. They started the Kar-Len Optical Company, where she was the bookkeeper for both the optical company and her son's optometric practice before retiring in 1980. She was an active member of the Holy Spirit Altar Society and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She served as Grand Counselor of United Commercial Travelers and was also a member of the Sons of Norway.
Survivors include one son, Dr. Charles of Mitchell; one daughter, Dr. Marilyn Allen of Gardner, Mass.; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren: and one sister, Eleanor Cable of Beresford. She was preceded in death by her husband.
Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 7 to 9 this evening at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, with a Scripture service at 8. A memorial fund has been established.
"He practiced with me for 40 years," said Krall's son, Charles. "It was wonderful. We never had a cross word - we were a good team." Krall's job consisted of grinding lenses, making frames and adjusting them.
"He did a lot of little specialty things with patients making them comfortable with their adjustments," Dr. Charles Krall said. "He was an innovator with customizing glasses." Retirement wasn't something that crossed Krall's mind. "He said that work gave him something to do," Dr. Krall said. Patients appreciated Krall's abilities, his son said. "They'd always come in and ask for him," Dr. Krall said. Krall attended optometry school in Chicago. His father, brother and sister were all optometrists.
In 1928, he joined his brother, Dr. William Krall, in a Yankton clinic. In 1942, he moved to Mitchell and started working with his sister, Dr. Barbara Krall Schaer. In 1955, his son joined him in practice and they established the Kar-Len Optical Co.
Krall was born Sept. 17, 1902, in Tyndall. He married Kardena Gilbertson on Aug. 15, 1923, in Tyndall. They lived in Winner and later moved to Mitchell. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, the Elks Lodge, the Rotary and United Commercial Travelers. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his wife and son, survivors include one daughter, Dr. Marilyn Allen of Margate, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two sisters; Mary Renfro of Light House Point, Fla.; and Barbara Schaer of Albert Lea, Minn.
Services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday in Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, with a Scripture service at 8 p.m.
Source: Denise Tucker in Argus Leader, 17 Feb 1995
Funeral mass for Mrs. James P. (Anna) Krall, 93, Mitchell, will be Monday at St. Leo's Catholic Church with the Msgr. L.S. Zwinger officiating. The service will be at 10 am. The scripture service will be at 8pm Sunday at the church. Friends may call at the Petrik Funeral Home Sunday afternoon and evening. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.
Anna Houdek was born Aug. 26, 1878 and died Jan. 20, 1972 while on a visit to Portage, Wis. On May 15, 1899 she married James P. Krall in Tyndall. They moved to Mitchell in 1946.
Survivors include two sons, Dr. Leonard J, Mitchell; and James, Edina, Minn.; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Renfro, Luverne, Minn., and Dr. Barbara Schaer. Portage, 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Her husband died in 1962.
Funeral Mass for Lyle Koupal, 82, of Dante will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Dante. Burial is in St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, with military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until 5 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Lyle Joseph Koupal was born May 18, 1929 at Dante, SD, the son of Anton C. and Stella (Valenta) Koupal. He died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Lyle attained the age of 82 years, five months and four days.
Lyle attended Rouse Country School south of Dante and graduated from Avon High School in 1947. He served in the US Air Force and was stationed in Anchorage, AK during the Koran War.
Lyle was united in marriage to Helen Marie Bartekoske on October 24, 1955 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Together they farmed on the family farm until retiring in 2002 due to failing health. Lyle and Helen remained living on the homestead until October 3, 2011, when they became residents of the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner.
Lyle was a life long member of the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, Knights of Columbus and a 70 year member of Catholic Workman Branch 109. He was also a member of the Rouse rural school board and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Lyle will be remembered for his love of fishing, playing cards, puzzles, polka music and dancing.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Helen of Wagner; three children: Cynthia and husband Richard Ludens of Springfield; Ronald D. Koupal of Dante; and Julie and husband Randy Rysavy of Wagner; five grandsons: Kyle Schnider and fiancée Sarah Monen of Sioux Falls; John and Monte Rysavy, both of Wagner and Michael and David Ludens, both of Springfield; two great granddaughters: Eleanor (Monen) and Elsie Schnider of Sioux Falls; a sister, Lavina (Bill) Ruhl of Davenport, IA; sister-in-law, Helen Koupal of Davenport, IA; four nephews and a niece.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Nilus and half brother, Lambert.
Helen M. Koupal, 76, of Wagner died Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante. Burial is in St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery in Tyndall. Visitation is Monday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services are 7:30 p.m. Monday, at the church.
Helen Marie Koupal was born January 10, 1936 at Tyndall, SD, the daughter of John and Frances (Zapletal) Bartekoske. She died Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner, SD. Helen attained the age of 76 years, two months and six days.
Helen attended Steckly Country School east of Tyndall and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1954. Following high school, she worked in Tyndall at the Bon Homme County Courthouse in the Register of Deeds office.
Helen was united in marriage to Lyle Joseph Koupal on October 24, 1955 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Together they farmed on the family farm south of Dante until retiring in 2002 due to Lyle’s failing health. Lyle and Helen remained living on the homestead until October 3, 2011, when they became residents of the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. She also worked part-time in the office at the Wagner Livestock Sales in Wagner.
Helen was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, St. Mary’s Altar Society, St. Mary’s Altar Society officer, CCD Religious Board, CCD Religious Board officer, CCD Religious Coordinator, CCD Religious Instructor, Catholic Daughters of America, National Catholic Society of Foresters and Dante Card Club.
Helen will be remembered for her love of birds, polka music, dancing and her large frog collection. She loved baking and making kolaches for her grandsons. Her two large gardens on the farm and her flowers were her pride and joy.
Thankful for having shared her life are her three children: Cynthia and husband Richard Ludens of Springfield; Ronald D. Koupal of Dante; and Julie and husband Randy Rysavy of Wagner; five grandsons: Kyle Schnider and fiancée Sarah Monen of Sioux Falls; John and Monte Rysavy, both of Wagner and Michael and David Ludens, both of Springfield; two great granddaughters: Eleanor (Monen) and Elsie Schnider of Sioux Falls; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lavina (Koupal) and Bill Ruhl of Davenport, IA; sister-in-law, Helen Koupal (Mrs. Nilus) of Davenport, IA; four nephews and a niece.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle on October 22, 2011; her parents; and brothers-in-law: Nilus and Lambert Koupal.
Mass of Christian Burial for Marjorie Kilker of Tyndall will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle as Celebrant. Organist is Marcene Kniffen. Visitation will be held on Monday at 3:00 p.m. until a Scriptural wake service at 7:00 p.m., all at the church. Burial will be on Wednesday at noon in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.
Marjorie Kilker was born Saturday, October 22, 1921 at Tyndall, South Dakota to Erwin C. and Laura (Swain) Kilker. She graduated from Tyndall High School. After graduating from Southern State College in Springfield, she taught rural school in Bon Homme County for several years. She taught high school in Gregory, South Dakota for four years. She later taught English and Public Speaking at Luverne High School in Luverne, Minnesota. Marjorie returned to Tyndall in 1975 to care for her mother. During that time, she did substitute teaching and tutoring for the Tyndall School. Marjorie was a member of the National Education Association and the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. She passed away on Friday, July 15, 2011 at St. Michael’s Hospital Avera in Tyndall, having attained the age of 89 years, 8 months and 23 days.
Marjorie is survived by a sister, Lois Vogel of Tyndall, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Erwin and Laura Kilker, two brothers, Robert Kilker and Ronald Kilker, and an infant sister.
Mrs. Laura Kilker, 86, died Tuesday (July 8, 1980) at Sacred Heart hospital in Yankton, S.D.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Leo Catholic church at Tyndall, where a Christian wake service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Petrik-Kelley funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Kilker was born March 28, 1894, in Merrill. She married Erwin Kilker on April 8,1915 in Le Mars. The Kilkers farmed in the Tyndall area. Mr. Kilker died in 1964.
Survivors are two sons, Robert of Sioux City and Ronald of Omaha; two daughters, Mrs. Herb (Lois) Vogel of Mobridge, S.D. and Marjorie Kilker, Tyndall; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Duggan of Sioux City and Mrs. Nelson Hart of Sheldon.
Funeral services for William K. "Kenny" Kelley will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2005, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, South Dakota. Clergy will be Pastor David Gunderson. Organist will be Phyllis Nielsen, and soloist will be Tara Kinsley. Casketbearers are Bryant Burke, Vince Efta, Fred Frank, Jimmy Goglin, John Slama and Ron Wagner. Honorary Casketbearers are Jaime Muller and Glen Tycz. Interment is in St. Leo's Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2005, at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, South Dakota.
William Kenneth "Kenny" Kelley, 58, of Tyndall, South Dakota, died March 5, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was born February 12, 1947, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to William J. and Alverna B. (Lathrop) Kelley. He developed a life-long love of animals from helping on the family ranch at Gann Valley, South Dakota. Later the family moved to Kaylor, South Dakota, where his family operated Kelley's Bar. He attended Scotland High School in Scotland, South Dakota. As a youth, Kenny did various jobs including roustabout with a carnival, working with a harvesting crew and working as a ranch hand. He enjoyed seeing new places and meeting people.
In 1973, Kenny married Helen Magoon in Aurora, Colorado. While living in Colorado, he graduated from Denver Automotive and Diesel, drove truck, worked as a machine maintenance man, and owned his own handmade jewelry business. He returned to South Dakota with his family in 1981, moving first to Kaylor then to Tyndall 1983. Kenny was affectionately known to many area residents as "Griswold" because of his elaborate Christmas displays. He loved to see the joy in children's eyes when they saw his "Christmas Wonderland." He was devoted to his daughters Lara Colleen and Krista Marie and found his greatest joy in being "Papa" to his two grandchildren.
Kenny's memory will be cherished by his wife Helen, Tyndall; daughters Lara Kelley, Tabor, and Krista (Curtis) Roth, Yankton; grandchildren Case and Kylie Roth, Yankton; mother Alverna Auch, Sioux Falls; two brothers: Mark (Jacquie) Kelley, Tucson, Arizona, and Mike Kelley, Houston, Texas; three sisters: Mary (Troy) Jones, Sioux Falls; Pat (Steve) Flett, Scotland; and Cathy (Tom) Winckler, Jackson Hole, Wyoming; two aunts: Vi and Audrey of Sioux Falls; a step-sister, Debb Davis, Yankton, and step-brother, Dan Auch, Sioux Falls; and several nieces and nephews, including a "special" niece, Pam Wright, Greenwood Village, Colorado.
Kenny was preceded in death by his father, William J. Kelley.
Emil Kaftan, 104, passed away peacefully at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2006, at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota with the Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury as celebrant. Music will be provided by organist Kathy Koenig and St. Leo's Choir. Casketbearers are Mark Mikolash, John Wiebelhaus, Ken Ranek, Dale Ranek, Kevin Ranek and Bob Schmidt. Interment will be in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota.
Emil Kaftan was born on a farm southeast of Tyndall, South Dakota on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1901. His parents were Frank and Mary (Kreycik) Kaftan. He was united in marriage to Mamie Ranek on October 14, 1924, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Tyndall. Emil was a farmer all of his life, and enjoyed planting and harvesting crops and raising livestock. He was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau, Co-op, and the Farmer's Union. He served on the McCrea School Board for many years. Being an avid sportsfan, Emil enjoyed watching football, baseball and basketball.
Visiting with family and friends, doing crafts and listening to Czech music were also among his favorite pastimes. Emil passed away peacefully at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at the age of 104 years, 11 months.
Emil's memory will be cherished by his two daughters: Eleanor Mikolash and Patsy Kaftan, both of Tyndall; four grandchildren: Jean Beringer, Terri (Sean) Cassidy, Mark Mikolash and Lenee (Roger) Short; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mamie Kaftan; a son-in-law, Norman Mikolash; his parents, Frank and Mary Kaftan; and a sister, Elsie (Kaftan) Pavel.
Funeral mass for Mrs. Louis (Katie) Kocourek, 87, will be at 10:30 am Wednesday at St. George's Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Duman officiating. The rosary will be at 7pm Thursday at the church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with the Petrik Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
She was born Nov. 2, 1885 at Avon to Mr. and Mrs. Anton Billars and died Nov. 10, 1972 at a local nursing home. On Oct. 12, 1908 she married Louis Kocourek at Vodnany.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. John (Magdalene) Mach, Scotland; one son, Emil, Tripp; a brother, Frank Billars, Scotland; one sister, Fannie Cihak, Valentine, Neb.; a grand child and a great grandchild.
Laura Kort, age 91 of Fremont, NE (formerly of North Bend, NE) died Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Nye Legacy in Fremont.
She was born December 31, 1918 at Scotland, South Dakota to Philip R. and Anna (Neth) Serr. Laura grew up at Scotland, South Dakota and moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1937 where she attended business school and worked for IBM.
Laura married Edgar M. Kort December 4, 1948 in Omaha. Edgar died August 11, 2009.
In 1950 she moved to Schuyler, NE until 1955 when she moved to North Bend, NE. She worked with her husband at Kort Amusement Company as a bookkeeper and office manager in North Bend for 43 years, retiring in 1993. She moved to Fremont in 2006.
Laura was a former member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend. She was also a former Girl Scout Leader and a member of the Christian Women's Club in Fremont.
Survivors include: Son – Thomas (and wife Diane) Kort of St. Petersburg, FL; Daughters - Patricia Kort of Omaha, NE and Cheryl (and husband Curt) Peterson of Fremont; Sister - Tillie Voy of York, NE; and 5 Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: Parents; and husband, Edgar.
The funeral will be held 10:30 A.M. Thursday, November 11, 2010 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont with Rev. Timothy P. Anderson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 10, 2010 from 2-8 P.M. with the family receiving friends from 6:30-8 P.M. at Moser Memorial Chapel, Fremont. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service Thursday at church. Burial will be at Memorial Cemetery, Fremont.
Memorials are suggested to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Helen (Zitka) Kaiser, age 89, of Yankton, South Dakota and formerly of Tabor, South Dakota, died, Thursday, October 18, 2012, at Avera Yankton Care Center in Yankton.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, South Dakota with Reverend Joe Forcelle presiding and Monsignor Carlton Hermann concelebrating. Burial will be in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Tabor. Visitation is from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2012, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota, with a rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a vigil service/rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the Mass at church on Tuesday. Pallbearers are Helen’s grandsons: James Schwarz, John Schwarz, Daniel Nesheim, Jeffrey Nesheim, Jerome Nesheim, Michael Lange, Terry Lange, and Doug Lange. Honorary pallbearers are Helen’s granddaughters: Paula Pospichal, Jackie Lanning, Julie Eickhoff, Crystal Johnson, Karen Lange, and Lisa Olnes.
Helen was born November 26, 1922, in Utica, South Dakota to John and O’Tillia (Hladky) Scherschligt. Helen grew up in the Utica/Lesterville area and attended school in Utica, graduating from Lesterville High School. During World War II, she moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she worked in a rubber plant. She moved back to Lesterville and married Bernard Zitka on November 16, 1943. They lived on the Zitka family farm for over 40 years until they moved into Tabor. Bernard died on May 30, 1987. Helen later married Henry Kaiser and she moved to the Yankton area. Henry died on November 14, 1999. Helen then moved back to Tabor and in 2009 became a resident of the Avera Yankton Care Center in Yankton.
Helen was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor where she was active in the Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Catholic Sokol Social Club and Czech Heritage Club in Tabor. She was a Farmers Union Youth Leader for over 25 years and also a 4-H leader. She volunteered at the Nutrition Center in Tabor and managed the Beseda Hall with her husband, Bernard for many years. Helen and Bernard were also very active in the Czech Days celebration in Tabor.
Helen enjoyed sewing, making all of the bridesmaid dresses for her daughters’ weddings, and baking kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and potato dumplings for her family reunions. Helen never forgot a birthday for any of her children and grandchildren and you could always count on a card. At the nursing home she enjoyed playing Bingo, Wii Bowling, attending Mass and praying the rosary.
She is survived by her four daughters: Mary (Richard) Potts of Monroe, NE; Rose Ann Schwarz of Yankton; Bernadette Nesheim of Viborg, SD; and Evelyn (Marvin) Lange of Fordyce, NE; three step-children: Jerry (Connie) Kaiser, Gloria Kaiser, and Gaye Kaiser; 14 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; seven step-great grandchildren three brothers: Raymond (Mary Jane) Scherschligt of Alpena, SD; Lester Scherschligt of Lesterville; and Arthur (Erla) Scherschligt of Olathe, KS; two sisters-in-law: Margie Scherschligt of Lesterville and Viola Scherschligt of Wessington Springs, SD. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Bernard Zitka and Henry Kaiser; son, Daniel Zitka; two sons-in-law: Donald Schwarz and Dennis Nesheim; two brothers: John and Fred Scherschligt; and two sisters-in-law: JoAnn Scherschligt and Agnes (Zitka) Crandall.
Funeral service for Douglas C. Kremer is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy is Rev. David Ellis. Organist is Harriet Schaeffer and soloist is Joan Mercer accompanied by Gaylyn Konrad. Honorary Casketbearers are all of Doug's Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Casketbearers are Tim Freier, Beau Philips, Mike Petzoldt, Tom Vitek, Casey Anderson, Jason Tschetter, Zane Kremer and Derek Hunsley. Visitation is Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., at Goglin Funeral Chapel, Scotland, South Dakota.
Douglas Charles Kremer was born on Tuesday, August 1, 1922 on the family farm near Delmont, South Dakota where he was raised. His parents were Peter and Anna (Reinfeld) Kremer. He went to welding school in Sioux City and taught welding classes for several years. He returned to Delmont and worked in the Chevrolet garage in Delmont and Tripp. On October 5, 1951 he married Esther Konrad in Kaylor, South Dakota. They continued on the family farm until 1955 when they moved to Killeen, Texas. In Texas, Doug, along with his brother Curtis and sister LaVerne, owned and operated a full service car wash. The family moved back to Kaylor in 1969. Doug and Esther purchased the Mobil gas station and bulk plant from King Ziegler, which they operated for three years and later sold to Scotland Farmer's Coop. After the sale of the station, he was employed by Beck Implement of Tripp and Scotland Farmer's Coop until his retirement in 1983 due to health problems. Doug was a past member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Kaylor for many years and served as an elder and trustee. He was also a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Scotland. Doug enjoyed helping family and friends with small and large projects and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed something fixed. He spent many hours doing wood working. Some of Doug's brightest moments during the years were spent visiting with family and friends. He died on Friday, August 24, 2007 at the Mickelson Center in Yankton at the age of 85 years and 23 days.
Those grateful for sharing his life are his wife Esther of Kaylor; two daughters: Sandy (Jim) Freier of Scotland and Gayle (Jeff) Anderson of Arlington; daughter-in-law Sheila Kremer of Tyndall; his brother, Curtis (Marlene) Kremer of Killeen, Texas and sister, Faith (Ted) Gunnare of Yankton; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his son, Dick Kremer, and his sister, LaVerne Kahler.
Funeral services for Francis L. Kozel are at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at United Methodist Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy is Pastor Kathy Kluis. Organist is Glee Deutscher. Honorary Casketbearers are Dean Vlasak, Jim Pajl, Dennis Bloch and Larry Kozel. Casketbearers are Greg Ellinger, Richard Kloucek, Richard Vlasak, Larry Skorepa, Greg Zweifel and Carole Vlasak. Interment is in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at Goglin Funeral Chapel, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy is Pastor Kathy Kluis and Pastor Del Neumeister.
Francis Kozel was born on Thursday, March 29, 1923 on the family farm near Scotland, South Dakota to Frank and Annie (Pajl) Kozel. He attended rural grade school and graduated from Scotland High School in 1941. Francis farmed for many years. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Scotland, serving on various committees and the church board. He was an avid bowler, participating in many area tournaments. Francis enjoyed sports and attended many Scotland Highlander games and activities. He was a generous and kind friend to many. Francis had been a resident of the Scotland Good Samaritan Center since 2002, and it is there that he died on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at the age of 84 years, 7 months, 23 days.
Francis is survived by a niece, Carole (Richard) Vlasak of Midlothian, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Loretta Hlavac and Lillian Krovoza.
August V. Kowalski, 90, of Sioux City died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, at a Sioux City hospital.
Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Lawrence McCarty of St. Michael's Catholic Church officiating. Graveside services will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, S.D., with the Rev. John Maliyekal of St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, officiating. Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home.
Mr. Kowalski was born Feb. 14, 1908, in Scotland, the son of August and Emilia (Lembeke) Kowalski. He farmed near Scotland briefly, then moved to Detroit, MIch., where he was employed as a carpenter for many years. Upon retirement, he moved to Sioux City, where he was a part-time carpenter.
He married Lois C. Cuthrell on Jan. 6, 1981, in Elk Point, S.D.
He was a member of Carpenter Union 998, Eagles Lodge in Detroit, and Moose Lodge in Yankton, S.D. He built a stagecoach, which he entered in parades.
Survivors include two sons and their wives, Bill and Rita of Boise, Idaho, and John and Pamela of Trenton, Texas; a stepson and his wife, Eldon and Nancy Cuthrell of Early, Iowa; three stepdaughters, Colleen Steele of Houston, Texas, Jean and her husband, Danny Smith, of Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Connie K. and her husband, John Anderson, of Omaha, Neb.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Chris, Bernard and Antoine; and a sister, Ann Dawson.
Pallbearers will be Dean, Dan and David Cuthrell, Roger and Bob Anderson and Randy Carlson.
Elsie May Kowalski, 87, of Scotland, died Saturday (Jan. 26, 2002) at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Scotland.
Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Scotland, with the Rev. John Katter and the Rev. Don Geiman officiating. Interment is in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Pallbearers are Steven Novak, Dan Groetken, Eugene Kokesh, Edward Novak, Richard Luebbert and Tom Herrboldt. Visitation if from 3-9 p.m. today (Monday), with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the Petrik-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland.
She was born May 23, 1914, in Van Tassel, Wyo., to Leonard and Nettie (Ashdown) Kellogg. In 1920, Elsie moved with her parents to the Highmore area. She graduated from Highmore High School in 1933. In 1933, she and her parents moved to Tyndall where she worked as a housekeeper for several years. She married Christian Kowalski July 17, 1938, in Mitchell. They farmed on the Kowalski family farm until July 1983. Her husband died 1983. She moved to Scotland and operated a gift shop in her home, where she sold handmade items that she made.
She was a member of the Methodist Church since 1928. She taught Sunday school for 30 years and held other various offices in the church.
Survivors include her daughter, Norma Ray (Richard) Luebbert, Yankton; one granddaughter, Lisa Groetken, Yankton; two great-grandsons and a special friend, Steven Novak, Scotland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, her parents and one brother.
Funeral services for John J. Kost will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2006 at United Church of Christ Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy is Rev. Paul Opsahl. Organist is Lois Hehn, and soloist is Rhonda Brech. Casketbearers are Leon Brech, David Kost, Bob Reimann, Wilfred Schaeffer, Llewellyn Wormsbecker and Terry Wormsbecker. Interment is in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota. Prayer Service is at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2006 at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland, South Dakota.
John Jacob Kost was born on December 11, 1915 in rural Yankton County near Lesterville, South Dakota to Wilhelm and Kathrine (Neth) Kost. He was baptized and confirmed in the Petersburg Congregational Church by Rev. John Meer. John lost his father at an early age in a farm accident, and the family experienced many hardships. John attended Rockland Country School in Yankton County through the 8th grade. He worked on the family farm until June 1, 1947, when he was united in marriage to Mabel A. Wormsbecker in the Danzig Baptist Church near Avon, South Dakota. Following their marriage, they moved to Jackson, Minnesota, where he worked for the Jepsen Cement Plant and later went to work for the Federated Co-Op Service Station. John and Mabel returned to Scotland where John went to work at the John Weidenbach service station. He later became the owner and operator of this station and operated it for over 25 years before semi-retiring. He kept busy doing maintenance work for people in Scotland - cutting trees, doing yard work and helping with farm work. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Scotland where he held various offices in the church.
John died on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota at the age of 90 years.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Mabel Kost of Scotland; two sons: Wallace Kost and wife Marion of New Baden, Illinois and Del Ray Kost and wife Irene of Colorado Springs, Colorado; six grandchildren: Melissa and husband Mike Daughters, Karen Nauslar, Rebecca Kost, Amanda Kost, Crystal Kost and Daniel Kost and one great-grandson Alijah. He is also survived by one brother, Ted Kost of Aurora, Nebraska and three sisters: Anna Weltz, Frieda Thum and Lorine Mettler, all of Scotland; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelm and Kathrine Kost; four brothers: William, Otto and Richard and an infant brother also named Otto.
Louis Albert Kocourek was born on the family farm in Hutchinson County near Olivet, South Dakota on Wednesday, March 31, 1926. He was the oldest of five children both to Albert Joseph and Anna Clara (Zweifel) Kocourek. He attended country school in Hutchinson County until he began working full-time on the farm. In addition to working on the family farm, he also worked shelling corn and driving truck for his uncle, Don Zweifel. He served in the Army from February until December of 1946. Louis was united in marriage to Renae Braun on July 24, 1949 in Olivet. He worked as a truck driver and hauled milk for the Scotland Creamery for over 25 years. Louis loved gardening and also liked to go fishing in his spare time. After moving to Sioux Falls several years ago, he worked as a delivery driver and did other jobs at the Food Pantry. Due to failing health, he became a resident of Southridge Healthcare Center in Sioux Falls. Louis passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the Royal C. Johnson Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, having attained the age of 86 years, 6 months and 6 days.
Louis is survived by three children: a son, Arne (Marie) Kocourek of Scotland, daughters Rhonda Lupton and Patty (Paul) Schmitt, all of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Jeremy McKee, Jason McKee, Anita Kocourek and Joshua Kocourek; and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Albert and Anna Kocourek, Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Renae on October 25, 1981; his four siblings: Dorothy Maruska, Frances Kocourek, Shirley Ulmer and Diane Vollmer; and one great-grandchild.
Esther M. Kocmich, 85, Scotland, died Monday (Oct. 22, 2001) at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Scotland.
Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, with Revs. David Stevens and John Rasmussen and Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Petrik-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland, is handling the arrangements.
She was born May 2, 1916, near LeMars, Iowa, to Joseph and Kathryn (Groon) Pollock. She married Edward J. Kocmich on April 26, 1943, at St. Joseph Hospital Chapel in Sioux City, Iowa. They farmed near Lesterville for many years prior to retiring to Scotland in 1982. They also farmed near Hurley and Yankton.
She was a member of St. George's Catholic Church and Altar Society, Catholic Daughters and Catholic Foresters.
She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She especially enjoyed her flower garden, along with calls and visits from her grandchildren, family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Edward Kocmich, Scotland; three sons: Gene (Jeanine) Kocmich, Hampton, Va.; Jerry (Fran) Kocmich, Omaha, Neb.; and Chuck (Karen) Kocmich, Phoenix, Ariz.; one daughter, Peg (Dick) Behl, Scotland; nine grandchildren; and three sisters: Ella O'Hara, Sioux City; Eveyln Dreckman and Josephine Kluemper, both of LeMars.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.
Esther Theresa Klemme was born to Gotthilf and Louise (Jerke) Bietz on May 29, 1922 in Kaylor, South Dakota. Growing up she lived in Kaylor and graduated from Menno High School in 1940. On Saturday, September 6, 1941, Esther and Paul Klemme were married in Parker, South Dakota. Esther loved baking and cooking for her family. Her grandchildren knew how loved they were when she would make each of them their own breakfasts when they stayed at her house. It was not uncommon for her to leave a warm loaf of bread in their vehicle. Church and family were very important to her. Esther worked hard both on the farm and at various jobs including the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland and Schmidt’s Furniture in Scotland. In 2008, Esther became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society in Scotland. Esther passed away there on Sunday, October 2, 2011 having attained the age of 89 years.
Esther is survived by her husband of 70 years, Paul “Pete” Klemme of Scotland; children Gay Lynn (Ken) Konrad of Kaylor and Paula (George) Bauder of Scotland; grandchildren Chris (Kristi) Konrad of Mitchell, Cheri (Lee) Wittmeier of Tyndall, and Ryan (Kelli) Bauder of Scotland; great-grandchildren Clay and Lacey Wittmeier and Morgan Bauder; sister Francis Metz of St. Charles, Missouri; and sister-in-law Alice Klemme of Scotland.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Gotthilf and Louise Bietz, and one brother, Floyd “Buddy” Bietz.
Esther was the kindest person any of us have ever known. We love you and will miss you always.
Dorothy Frances Kile was born on Friday, January 4, 1924 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Olie and Leva (Nitz) Sealander. She attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota and Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Dorothy was united in marriage to Noble "Nobby" Kile on March 5, 1944 in Norfolk, Virginia. As a pastor's wife, Dorothy was active in the parishes that they served. She shared her gift of music by playing the organ and directing the choir. She loved to play the piano and also taught piano lessons. Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer, South Dakota was a parish dear to Dorothy's heart, and her family plans to hold a memorial service there in her honor at a later date. Dorothy also enjoyed planting flowers and playing golf. She died on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 23 days.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Pastor Noble "Nobby" Kile of Scotland; two daughters: Elizabeth Kile of Greeley, Colorado and Barbara (Paul) Rokusek of rural Tripp; five grandchildren: Travis (Sue) Mosebar of Custer, Danielle (Andrew) Balliet of Loveland, Colorado, Dione (Eric) Luark of Greeley, Colorado, Andrew (Katie) Rokusek of Sioux Falls, and Mark Rokusek of New York, New York; six great-grandchildren; cousins Marjorie Sealander of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Bernice Beckman of Bloomfield, Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Michael Steven Kile and a brother, Donald Sealander.
Raymond Rueben Kautz, 94, Scotland, died Sunday (Jan. 25, 2004).
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, Scotland, with the Rev. William Greaver III officiating. Burial is in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Pallbearers are David Eberhardt, Tom Kautz, Deono Miller, Dave Tschetter, Dennis Tschetter and Robert Reimann. Visitation is from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, with family present from 3-7 p.m., at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland.
Ray was born March 13, 1909, in Freeman to Abraham and Fredericka (Zeeb) Kautz. He was a baptized and confirmed member of the Reformed Church. He began his teaching career in one-room public schools in the fall of 1929 and retired in 1970, having spent 39 years in education in 13 different school districts. On June 7, 1936, he married Edwina Eberhardt They lived and farmed northwest of Olivet until the death of his wife in October 1975. He then retired from farming. He married Leona Walters Dec. 28, 1976 and they lived in Scotland. After Leona's death in October 1996, he made his home in the Scotland Good Samaritan Center until his death.
Ray was first and foremost committed to the teaching and education of children. His second most important passion was to be involved in politics, having registered as a Democrat at age 21 and adhering to those party principles without waiver. He was active in leadership roles in Zion Lutheran Church, served on community boards and appreciated being called upon to be a "Mr. Fix-It." Socializing with friends, playing cards, dancing, "acting the clown," singing in a choir, making doll furniture, gardening, and being Grandpa to the people around him made his life fulfilling and complete.
Survivors include three sons: James (Darleen), Paul (Nancy) and John D. (Lynn); nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a step-daughter, Beatrice Schelske; four step-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Elizabeth Foss and Frieda (Wilbur) Tschetter; and a host of caring nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wives, his parents and two brothers.
Mass of Christian Burial for Robert J. Kreber is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2005 at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury. Honorary Casketbearers are Jimmy & Pat Carda, Les & Karen Kalda, Dave & JoAnne Dvoracek. Casketbearers are John Kreber, Mike Kreber, Cody LaCompte, Ron Broz, Keith Dvoracek, Todd Dvoracek. Interment is in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota with Military Rites by Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183 and Simek-Ptak VFW Post #6895.
Robert J. Kreber was born on January 2, 1932 near Springfield, South Dakota to Albert and Lillian (McCann) Kreber. He married Arla Pechous on November 26, 1956 at Tabor, South Dakota. They farmed five miles east of Springfield. He loved going to cattle sales and looking at crops and was named the South Dakota Cattlemen's Livestock Association Feeder of the Year for 2002. He also enjoyed attending the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robert served in the Korean War and was a lifetime member of both the Simek-Ptak V.F.W. Post #6895 of Tyndall and the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183 of Tabor, to which he belonged for 51 years. Robert died on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 at his residence near Springfield at the age of 73 years.
Robert is survived by two children: Denise of Rapid City, South Dakota and Rick of rural Springfield; sister, Marge Zilla of Yankton; brother Ronnie (Virginia) Kreber of Laguna Beach, California; father-in-law, Leo Pechous of Tabor; brother-in-law, Rodney Pechous, of Tabor; sister-in-law, Leona Kreber of Tyndall; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Cindy and Marlene.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Arla in November of 1979, his parents, one sister, Delores, two brothers, Levoyd and Franklin, mother-in-law, Adeline Pechous, stepmother, Anna Kreber, and brother-in-law, Joseph Zilla.
Gene Kocmick, 72, of Avon ~ Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Monday, November 16, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery, rural Tyndall. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 PM until 6 PM with the family present from 5-6 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.
Gene Ronald Kocmick was born July 6, 1937 at Wagner, South Dakota to Martin and Zella (Dwyer) Kocmick. He died Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Gene attained the age of 72 years, four months and six days.
Gene attended rural school. Growing up he enjoyed farming. Gene farmed the family farm until 1974. He then moved to Rapid City and worked at Robbin and Sterns Lumberyard for years. After the lumberyard closed, he worked at the School of Mines as a custodian. After retiring, he moved to Black Hawk. In 2002, Gene moved back to Avon. Gene enjoyed playing cards and socializing with his buddies.
Thankful for sharing his life are his son, Brian of Sioux Falls, two daughters: Carla (Warren) Satter of Sioux Falls and Lori (Dave) Souter of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Ryan and Todd Souter and Amber and Lisa Satter, all of Sioux Falls; a brother, Gary (Yvonne) Kocmick of Renner; two sisters: Gayle Frey of California, Goldie (Byron) Brandt of Oklahoma; and special care givers, Rachel and her daughter Jill Bertus.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gloria.
Margaret Kranz, 85, Avon, died Friday (Aug. 9, 2002) at the Good Samaritan Home, Tyndall.
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, Avon. Burial is in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Monday at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel, Avon.
She was born March 24, 1917, on a farm near Avon to Dick and Jennie (Johnson) Burfeindt. She married Otto "Bud" Kranz on April 16, 1943, in Hartington, Neb. They farmed and retired in 1980, when they moved into Avon. After her husband's death, she moved into the Meadowview Manor for one year. Her health required her to move to the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall in June 1999.
She was baptized on Oct. 19, 1948 in the First Presbyterian Church, and she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women's Organization in December 1952.
She loved being with her husband, enjoyed her church work, collected birds and enjoyed her vegetable and flower garden.
She is survived by two sisters: Joyce Wenzel, Sioux Falls, and Ruby Miller, Brandon; two brothers: Wallace Burfeindt, and Laurence Burfeindt, all of Avon; a sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; one sister, and three brothers.
Funeral service for Robert D. Kozel, 40 of Yankton and formerly of Avon will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present from 4 to 5. There will be a prayer service 7 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church.
Robert Dean (Bob) Kozel was born January 18, 1965, in Tyndall, SD, to Eugene and Genevieve (Wittmeier) Kozel. He died unexpectedly Saturday, April 30, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Bob attained the age of 40 years, three months and 12 days.
Bob was baptized during the early days of infancy at St. Michael's Hospital by Rev. Fred Beving. He was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Avon.
Bob grew up on his parents' farm in rural Dante. He attended Special Education classes at Avon Public School. In 1982, Bob moved to the Yankton Area Adjustment Training Center, where he received further training and job skills. He worked at a number of different food service establishments in Yankton. Bob learned to be self-sufficient which enabled him to live independently in his own apartment in Yankton.
In January of 1994, Bob began his employment with Wal-Mart in Yankton. He received his 10-Year Recognition Award from Wal-Mart in January 2004, and continued to work there until his death. Bob loved his job and work and Wal-Mart, and enjoyed the people he worked with and all the people he met.
Bob loved sports. Over the years, he attended as many Avon Pirate games as he could. He participated in Special Olympics for many years, winning many awards and medals. Bob played on a Special Olympics Softball team that went to the Special Olympics World Series at Indianapolis, IN.
Bob also loved music, dancing and being with friends. He went on many tours, including trips to Branson, MO; Memphis, TN; and Hawaii. He always spoke of visiting Elvis Presley's home in Graceland. Bob was planning to travel to Disneyland and Hollywood, CA, in August of 2005.
Bob will always be remembered for his friendliness. He would never forget you and whenever you would meet him, he would greet you with a smile. Bob lived by the motto, "love your neighbor as you would love yourself." He treated people with gentleness and kindness. If you were friendly to Bob, you would always be his friend. He will be missed by his many, many friends.
Thankful for having shared his life are his parents of Avon; two brothers: Larry and wife, Sharon of Wagner; Douglas and wife, Colleen of Pierre; two nephews and two nieces: Steve (Beth) Kozel of Spearfish; Julie (Mark ) Frier of Pickstown; Lane and Lindsey Kozel of Pierre; two great nephews and two great nieces: Zack and Megan Kozel and Abby and Simon Frier; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and two special friends: Bonnie Schnabel and Shirley Mines.
Bob was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Kozel; his maternal grandparents, Chris and Rosella Wittmeier; and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services for Eugene J. Kozel, 89 of Avon will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., with the family present. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Eugene J. Kozel, son of Joseph F. and Mary (Kloucek) Kozel, was born October 11, 1921 on a farm near Scotland, SD. He died Monday, August 29, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Eugene attained the age of 89 years, 10 months and 19 days.
In 1925, the family moved to a farmstead near Dante, SD. In 1929, Eugene and his parents moved into the town of Dante, where Eugene attended grade school. In 1936, he and his parents moved back to the farmstead. Eugene graduated from Avon High School in 1940 and he began his life-long career in farming.
Eugene married Genevieve F. Wittmeier on September 6, 1942 at Dante and together they lived on the family farm for 56 years. They would have celebrated 69 years together this September. Their union was blessed with three sons. In 1998, they moved to a home in Avon. Eugene continued to farm his entire life, working with his son Larry, until health issues kept him from getting on the tractor.
Eugene served on the Lone Tree 54 School Board for many years and on the Lone Tree Township Board. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially catching bluegills on area lakes or ice fishing on a warm winter’s day. Eugene shot many a pheasant with the ole’ Browning.
Eugene will be remembered for his love for his family, his love for farming and his kindness and generosity. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Genevieve of Avon; sons: Larry and wife Sharon of Wagner and Douglas and wife Colleen of Pierre; four grandchildren: Steve and wife Beth Kozel of Spearfish, Julie Freier and husband Mark of Pickstown, Lane Kozel of Bismark, ND and Lindsey Kozel of Pierre; four great grandchildren: Zachary and Megan Kozel and Abigail and Simon Freier; seven sisters-in-law: Eileen Skelton of Avon, Lorine Gandolfi of Burlingame, CA, Kalma Koening of San Mateo, CA, Gudrun Schoenrogge of St. Francis, KS, Sheila Idlewine and husband Norman of Newport, IN, Verletta Wittmeier of Tripp, and Marlene Wittmeier of Avon; brother-in-law Clayton Wittmeier and wife Minnie of Avon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Eugene was preceded in death by his son Robert on April 30, 2005; parents; sister Hedvicka “Hattie” Kozel; his parents-in-law Chris and Rosella Wittmeier; eight brothers-in-law; and numerous cousins and friends.
Vivian M. Koehn, 78, Avon, died Tuesday (July 30, 2002) at St. Michael's Hospital, Tyndall.
Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Friedensberg Bible Church, rural Avon. Burial is in the Friedensberg Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today (Friday) at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel, Avon, followed by a prayer service.
She was born Oct. 18, 1923, in rural Dante, to Dewey and Cora (French) Vinson. She graduated from Avon High School in 1942 and then received her bachelor's degree in education in 1969 at Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield. She taught school for 35 years in rural schools in the Avon area and at Avon Public, where she taught junior high and grade four. She married Theodore Koehn May 24, 1944, at Avon. She was baptized in 1944, and became a member of the Friedensberg Bible Church. She taught Sunday School and was the Junior Superintendent of the Sunday School.
She was a member and secretary of WIM. She also was a member of TAU Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, where she served as corresponding secretary.
She will be remembered for her enjoyment of quilting, reading and walking. She loved working with children and always had a great love and concern for her family. She also enjoyed playing piano and keeping a daily journal.
She is survived by her husband, Theodore, Avon; her children: Theran (Linda), Blair, Neb.; Linda (Craig) Zachariasen, Lincoln, Neb.; Curt (Bette), Avon; Merritt (Amy), Wisner, Neb.; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Herbert Vinson, Ruthton, Minn.; five sisters: Wilma Terpening, Wagner; Mary Petrik, Lebanon, Ore.; Lucille Montgomery, Baton Rouge, La.; Violet Grimme, Peoria, Ariz.; Alice Betz, Lebanon; and many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by an infant son and infant granddaughter, her parents and three sisters.
Theodore Koehn, 90, of Avon died Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 at the Friedensburg Bible Church, rural Avon. Burial is in the Friedensburg Mennonite Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon. There will be a 7 p.m. Prayer Service Friday at the church. Visitation will resume Saturday from noon until service time at the church.
Theodore Franklin Koehn, son of Jacob and Lula (Lidtke) Koehn, was born August 22, 1916 on a farm south of Avon, SD. He died Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD. Theodore attained the age of 90 years, eight months and two days.
Theodore attended Trumble County School south of Avon and also Avon High School for one year. He then helped at the family farm.
Theodore married Vivian Mae Vinson May 24,1944 at Avon. Five children were born to their union. He semi retired in 1980, just keeping the pasture and hay for his cattle. Ted later rented his land to Leonard Ratzlaff and helped him with his farming for a few years. He also helped at the Avon Sale Barn for several years and then worked for Schultz Building Center for a number of years.
In 1988, Theodore and Vivian moved into Avon. Vivian died July 30, 2002. He remained at his home except for the past few weeks.
Theodore put his trust in the Lord in 1932. He was baptized and became a member of the Friedensburg Bible Church. Here Ted served as secretary and treasurer for the Sunday School and the Christian Endeavor and also served as an usher for many years. He loved his church and the church family and friends there. The last few years, Ted could no longer go to church, but he always cherished their friendships and he loved them all.
Theodore will be remembered for his listening to church services on TV and radio, his love of baking and sharing his goods, his enjoyment of going to A-1 in the morning to visit and have coffee, having dinner at the Avon Manor with his friends, and volunteering so that he could help someone.
Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Theran and wife, Linda of Blair, NE; Linda Zachariasen and husband, Craig of Lincoln, NE; Curt and wife, Bette of Avon; and Merritt and wife, Amy of Hastings, NE; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a brother, LeRoy and wife, Brenda of Thornton, CO; and many relatives and friends.
Theodore was preceded in death by his wife; infant son, Larry Gene; parents; two sisters: Berniece Ratzlaff and Gladys Koehn; and two brothers: Maynard and Melvin.
Charles F. "Chuck" Kvasnicka, 61, of Chubbuck, Idaho, died Aug. 30, 2002.
Funeral services were Sept. 6, 2002, at the Henderson-Cornelison Funeral Chapel, 431 North 15th Ave., Pocatello, Idaho. Interment was in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
He was born on Jan. 15, 1941, at Tripp, S.D., to Frank and Evelyn Wagner Kvasnicka. Chuck graduated from high school in Tyndall, S.D., and attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, S.D.
Chuck married Donna Cowman in 1966, at Wakonda, S.D.
He was an instructor at the School of Applied Technology (Vo-Tech) in the automotive department at Idaho State University for 28 years. Chuck enjoyed radio-controlled model airplanes, flying the blimp for the Simplot Games and other ISU games and activities. He was very active in the Model Airplane Groups in Pocatello and Idaho Falls. He was also an avid automobile, motorcycle and photography enthusiast.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Donna, of Chubbuck, Idaho; a son, David Kvasnicka, and a daughter, Laurie Kvasnicka, both of Pocatello, Idaho; two grandchildren, Tony and Dayna; his parents, Frank and Evelyn Kvasnicka, Tyndall, S.D.; a brother, Eugene Kvasnicka and his longtime companion, Mary Kay Rokusek, of Yankton, S.D.; a sister, Elaine (Pat) Soukup, Phoenix, Ariz.; and a nephew, Bernie Wagner, Tyndall.
Frank Peter Kvasnicka, Jr., age 93 years, died peacefully on the 6th of June, 2009, at Sister James Care Center in Yankton.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland. Interment will follow in St. George Catholic Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland, with a wake service on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the church.
Frank was born October 4, 1915, to Frank and Christina (Jezek) Kvasnicka, Sr., at McKlusky, North Dakota. At a very young age, Frank and his parents moved to South Dakota and purchased a farm south of Tripp. Frank married Evelyn Wagner at Yankton on June 26, 1939. They lived and raised their family on the family farm retiring from farming in the 70s. Their son, Eugene, helped them through those years so they could remain on the family farm until the fall of 1997. They then lived in Tyndall until October 2003, when Frank and Evelyn moved to Sister James Care Center in Yankton. Frank received excellent, loving care and friendship from the wonderful, dedicated staff of St. James Care Center.
Frank was a very proud first-generation American citizen of Czechoslovakian heritage. Frank spoke fluent Bohemian and was very proud of his Czech heritage. He was a life-long member of Sts. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church in Vodnany.
Frank not only was a farmer for over 50 years, but had a very eventful life. Frank was a Flying Farmer after he became a pilot in the early 40's. Frank's first plane was a Fairchild bi-wing that he learned to fly. Following that was his love for Piper Cubs, which he flew until the late 80's. Late in the afternoon after a hot, hard day of farming, you would catch Frank cooling off in the sky in his J3 Piper, checking out the farm crops from the air or looking for neighbors’ lost livestock. His daughter, Elaine, was always ready to go flying with her Dad. Frank also went to blacksmith school and set up a blacksmith shop on the farm, using those skills for the rest of his time on the farm. Many, many times Frank would leave his own crops waiting to be harvested in the fields and leave to weld the breakdowns of the neighbors. Those events always came first and he never refused anyone because he was too busy. Frank was an excellent mechanic and he passed on those skills - and many other talents - to his sons, Charlie and Eugene. His family and friends enjoyed many fish dinners from the fish that Frank caught. He trapped fur-bearing animals that were causing a problem, and he even hunted coyotes with the airplane during the time it was legal. Frank had a license for using explosives and he would dynamite any neighbor’s big boulders that needed breaking up to clear the fields. He also wired the firework displays for the local towns' annual celebrations and loved to entertain his family and friends with his own fireworks displays. Frank had a love for “junk” that he started hauling home from sales in the 50's – what we would call antiques today. Frank displayed and loved showing his treasures in many buildings on the farm and enjoyed trading with many antique dealers through the years. Frank loved all kinds of guns, some dating back to the Civil War, and he enjoyed collecting them and shooting them. Frank loved coin collecting and was always showing his coin collections to everyone that would listen and he loved making friends with the coin collectors with whom he traded. Frank was an artist when it came to welding and building “things.” He re-built several Model-A and Model-T vehicles. Frank built a helicopter and snowmobile along with replicas of a stagecoach and a buckboard. His children, grandchildren and friends got many rides on them through the years and he would enter them in the local celebration parades. Frank built replicas of machine guns and many, many cannons, which he loved to load with M80's and cherry bombs. Frank built a replica of the Vodnany Catholic Church for the 100-year celebration of the founding of the church, which was a part of many parades. The Vodnany Church replica, along with others, is in the museum at Scotland. Frank was also a gifted musician. He played all kinds of accordions by “ear” and sang and he shared this gift of Bohemian music with his family and friends. Frank played in Kaylor at the local bars for entertainment and at dances. Everyone knew of Frank's love to eat, not only Evelyn's good cooking and baking but also anyone else's. He especially loved all the homemade ethnic foods of the family’s Bohemian and German friends that lived in the neighborhood. Once Ft. Randall Casino opened, it became a frequent trip for Frank and Evelyn. At “the Hill,” they visited with their old friends and made many new ones. During Frank's free time, you would find him reading. He was an avid reader right up to the end, and he never lost his excellent memory of his life. Frank and Evelyn enjoyed many trips with Eugene through the years touring South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. They also enjoyed traveling to many states and sight-seeing as they visited with their son, Charlie, and his family in Pocatello, Idaho and their daughter, Elaine, and her family in Chicago, Illinois, Jackson, Michigan, and Winona, Minnesota. Unfortunately, they were unable to visit the Southwest where Elaine now lives.
Frank and Evelyn farmed during one of the best times in the 20th century. There would be four beautiful, well-kept farms to almost every square mile. On their small farms, all the farmers and their families were able to raise good, healthy food and even have some extra money left at the end of the year. The farmers of that time all traveled and farmed with horses and then along came the automobiles and tractors to replace them. They all helped each other when one of them needed help. Frank always had a bottle of Peppermint Schnapps under the front seat of his pickup through the years to share with his friends. This is a small highlight of the colorful, extraordinary life Frank P. Kvasnicka, Jr. lived.
Eternally blessed for sharing his life with his love, smile, music, laughter and many wonderful memories are his wife, Evelyn; his children: Charles P. Kvasnicka (deceased), Pocatello, Idaho, Eugene F. Kvasnicka and Mary Kay Rokusek, Yankton, South Dakota, and Elaine (Patrick) Soukup, Gilbert, Arizona; four grandchildren: John (Amy) Soukup, Peoria, Arizona, Paul Soukup, Winona, Minnesota, David Kvasnicka, Pocatello, Idaho, Laurie (Brett) Struchen, Chubbic, Idaho; and two great-grandchildren: Tony Kvasnicka and Dayna Kvasnicka, Pocatello, Idaho. His sister, Lorraine (Frank) Martz, Wakonda, brother-in-law, Bernie Wagner, Yankton, and eight nieces and nephews also survive Frank.
Frank was preceded in death by his son, Charlie P. Kvasnicka, August 2001, his parents, Frank and Christina, and his infant sister, Josephine.
Frank died very peacefully with his family surrounding him as he flew his J3 Cub into the Big Sky and into the arms of Our Heavenly Father.
Emilie Kusler, died on Tuesday, July 20, 2004, at the Tripp Good Samaritan Center, at the age of 98 years.
Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday (July 22, 2004) at the Goglin-Kelley Memorial Chapel, Tripp, South Dakota. Visitation will resume on Friday at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2004, at Emmaus Lutheran Church, Tripp, South Dakota, with the Rev. Richard Weeman officiating. Interment is in the Gracehill Cemetery, Tripp, South Dakota. Casketbearers are Helmuth Batterman, Jayson Hepner, Mick Lawrence, Taylor Lawrence, George Kirchhevel and Donald Frey.
Emilie Kusler was born January 14, 1906, to Ludwig and and Caroline (Klink) Gimbel in Charles Mix County southwest of Armour, South Dakota. Emilie married Alvin Kusler on November 29, 1925, at Scotland, South Dakota.
Following their marriage, they lived in Scotland and later moved to Delmont, South Dakota. In 1941, they moved to Tripp. She worked in Mitchell, South Dakota at Mitchell Produce for five years. Emilie enjoyed the winters she spent quilting with her husband, Alvin. She will be remembered for her wonderful vegetable garden and her many flowers. Emilie was especially proud of her blue and silver 1975 Chevy Nova that she owned until the time of her death. She entered the Tripp Good Samaritan Center in September of 2001, where she died on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at the age of 98 years.
Emilie's memory will be cherished by her son, Layton Kusler of Tripp; seven grandchildren: Paula, Jim, Kelly, Lisa, Pam, Terri, and Mark; 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Sandy Kusler of Trevor City, Michigan.
Emilie was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin in 1972; her son, Verlyn in 1992; one granddaughter, Lana in 1968; one daughter-in-law, Norma Kusler in 2002; her parents; two sisters and six brothers.
Layton Alvin “Lee” Kusler was born on Saturday, March 17, 1928 in Scotland, South Dakota to Alvin and Emilie (Gimbel) Kusler. He graduated from Tripp High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from October of 1950 through August of 1952. Layton worked for many years as a telegrapher for the railroad and traveled extensively, especially in the state of California. He also worked as a commercial and residential painter throughout the Midwest. Layton and his wife Norma owned the This and That Antique Shop in Canton, South Dakota. They doted on their beloved pug dog, Co-co. He enjoyed collecting and repairing antiques, especially phonographs and cuckoo clocks and he fixed many clocks for his neighbors and friends. Layton was a devoted son and took faithful care of his mother from the time of his father’s death in 1972 until her passing in 2004. He and his mother shared a love for her 1975 Chevy Nova. Following his wife Norma’s death in 2002, he closed their antique shop and retired to Tripp. He was a member of the V.F.W. Corn Palace City Post #2750 of Mitchell, South Dakota and Jelkin-Harms American Legion Post #142 of Tripp. Layton died on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at his residence in Tripp at the age of 81 years.
Layton is survived by seven children: Paula Lynch of Woonsocket, South Dakota, Jim Schmoll of Uehling, Nebraska, Kelly Schoenfelder of Aurora, Nebraska, Lisa (Jason) Hepner of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Terri Lawrence of Omaha, Nebraska, Jim D. Lawrence of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Mike (Lisa) Lawrence of Mitchell, South Dakota; 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, in 2002, an infant daughter, Lana in 1968, his parents, Alvin and Emilie Kusler, a brother, Verlyn Kusler and one grandson.
Funeral services for Kerrie L. Knakmuhs will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 13 at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland with Rev. Jonathan Vehar officiating. Organist is Jan Kocer. There will be visitation one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Honorary casketbearers will be all of Kerrie’s nieces and nephews and City of Scotland employees Larry Auch, Ray Beecher, Bob Green and Brian Humphrey. Active casketbearers will be Scotland Mayor Ron Orth and Scotland City Council members Dick Behl, Joe Bouza, Ron Dvorak, Jerry Neugebauer, Victor Settje and Amy Thum. Inurnment will take place on Tuesday, August 14 at 10:30 a.m. in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland.
Kerrie Lynn (Bjorum) Knakmuhs was born on Saturday, November 1, 1969 at Tyndall, South Dakota to Elden and Patricia (Engel) Bjorum. She was baptized in the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. She was raised on the family farm one half mile west of Scotland, and graduated from Scotland High School in 1988. Kerrie married Brian Goehring on September 10, 1988 at the Salem Reformed Church in Menno and two children were born to this union. She worked at Steven Ellis Auto in Yankton, the Cargill Elevator in Scotland, the Scotland Good Samaritan Center, the Menno-Olivet Care Center, the Hutchinson County Conservation District, the South Dakota Human Services Center in Yankton, and later became City Finance Officer for the City of Scotland. Kerrie married Steve Knakmuhs on March 31, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. She loved to vacation in northern Minnesota and the Black Hills. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and making “Stamping Up” cards to give to her friends and family. Kerrie especially treasured the time spent with her family. She died on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at her residence in Scotland at the age of 42 years, 9 months, and 7 days.
Kerrie will be remembered always by her husband, Steve Knakmuhs of Scotland; a son, Tyler Goehring of Lesterville; a daughter, Stephanie Goehring of Lesterville; three stepdaughters: Joy (David) Rueb of Tyndall, Stephanie (Dan) Cain of Viborg, and Candy Knakmuhs and friend Cory Bjorum of Scotland; four grandchildren: Jordan Rueb, D.J. “Donald” Rueb, Alexys Rueb and Britney Rueb; her father, Elden Bjorum of Scotland; four siblings: Kristine McCann of Vermillion, Brian (Brenda) Bjorum of Valley Springs, Jodi (David) Fischer of Menno, and Cory Bjorum and friend Candy Knakmuhs of Scotland; three brothers-in-law: Mike (Annie) Knakmuhs of Brainerd, Minnesota, Paul (Nancy) Knakmuhs of Lamberton, Minnesota, and Mark Knakmuhs of Rapid City; two sisters-in-law: Bernice Batalden of Mesa, Arizona and Julia (Roger) Paluch of Sioux Falls; an uncle, Lynn (Nancy) Bjorum of Scotland; an aunt, Darlene Slowey of Yankton; eleven nieces and nephews: Hillary McCann, Sarah McCann, Andrew McCann, Courtney Sirvoy, Krista Bjorum, Brady Bjorum, Benjamin Fischer, Nicole Fischer, Kyliah Knakmuhs, Skylor Knakmuhs and Jaymison Knakmuhs; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her maternal and paternal grandparents, she was preceded in death by her mother, Pat Bjorum, in 2010, a niece, Brianna Bjorum, her parents-in-law, Edward and Dorothy Knakmuhs, and a brother-in-law, Todd Knakmuhs.
Funeral services for Winifred Kastein, 88, of Springfield are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial in the Emmanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall and then from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with family present. A time of sharing will follow at 7 p.m.. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.
Winifred Cornelia Kastein, oldest daughter of Boldewyn and Anthonetta (Risseeuw) Odens, was born May 23, 1923 on a farm in rural Springfield, SD. She went home to be with the Lord and her loved ones there on March 13, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Winifred attained the age of 88 years, nine months and 20 days.
Winifred received her eighth grade education at Hitt Country School. She helped her parents on the farm, but became her Dad’s right-hand gal while her two older brothers served in WWII. Winifred also worked as a nurse maid/midwife for many relatives, neighbors and family friends as children were born into their families. She also helped raise her brother Alvin while her mother was busy with the youngest of the seven children born into their family.
Winifred was engaged to the love of her life for four years, as she waited for Bernard Kastein to return from WWII. They were married on December 21, 1945 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church parsonage in rural Springfield. Four children were blessed to their union. They farmed west of Springfield until 1961, when they moved into town. Winifred worked for Midkiff Hardware, Velzey Hardware, Al Gimbel Hardware, Norm Kibble Grocery Store and CR Industries. She also helped raise four of her grandchildren. Bernard died January 29, 2000. Due to failing health, Winifred became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on June 14, 2007. Here she learned that she still had lots to give to the residents and staff, as well as for them to give to her.
Winifred made confession of faith at the Emmanuel Reformed Church on March 17, 1942 and also was a member of its Willing Workers and Ladies Aid Circles. She also was a member of the Dwight Wood American Legion Auxiliary.
Winifred enjoyed bowling, singing with wrens and sewing. She adored her grandchildren and loved playing with them when they were young. She made them play dough, baked goodies for them and played dolls with them. Winifred, also lovingly known as “Aunt Feddie” was famous for making up words; but the word she will never be forgotten for is “Remember”, which means “remember I love you”.
Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Bernard Jr. and wife Carolyn; Harvey; all of Springfield; Julia Jaeger and husband Jim, Wagner; and Wilma Bothwell and husband Kent, Fergus Falls, MN; 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; one brother, Gary and wife Sandy, Avon; two sisters: Marjorie Ludens and husband Harold and Beverly Jelsma and husband Robert, all of Springfield; four sisters-in-law: Evelyn Odens, Springfield, Alice Odens, Chamberlain, Gertrude Wesseling, Sioux Falls, and Ruth Tolsma, Springfield; many dear nieces and nephews, relatives, friends; and roommate, Lassie Miller.
Winifred was preceded in death by her husband; parents; grandson, Klint Bothwell; three brothers: Philip and wife Eva (Kastein), Isaac and Alvin; and two brothers-in-law: Harold “Bud” Wesseling and Jim Tolsma.
Edward J. Kocmich was born to John and Caroline (Binder) Kocmich on February 28, 1915 near Avon, South Dakota. He died November 16, 2008 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls after a brief illness.
Ed graduated from Lone Tree No.1 in Charles Mix County near Dante, South Dakota. He worked on the family farm in the 1930’s and was in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in Custer, South Dakota. Ed worked different jobs in Sioux City, Iowa from 1939 until 1943. On April 26, 1943, he married Esther M. Pollock. He served in the United States Navy as a gunner’s mate on the Stvank Wellington, a gasoline tanker in the Pacific Theater, from 1943 until December 1945. Ed started farming in 1948 and farmed near Hurley, Yankton, and Lesterville until retirement in 1982. Ed and Esther moved to Scotland, South Dakota, where he was a substitute mail carrier for Scotland and Lesterville for 20 years. He served on the Scotland City Council. He was a member of St. George Catholic Church. Ed was a life member of the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus of Tyndall, South Dakota. Ed loved playing cards, watching the local baseball team and being with his family.
Ed is survived by his three sons: Eugene (Gene) and wife Jeanine of Hampton, Virginia, Gerald (Jerry) and wife Fran of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles (Chuck) and Lisa Lavoie of Phoenix, Arizona; a daughter, Margaret (Peg) and husband Dick Behl of Scotland, South Dakota; five granddaughters, four grandsons, and six great-grandchildren; his sisters: Alvina Krcil, Hattie Pudwill, Dorothy Pudwill, and Mildred Roth; and three sisters-in-law: Leona Kocmich, Ella O’Hara, and Josephine Kluemper.
He was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his parents, two brothers, two sisters, ten brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
Funeral service for Shirley C. Krieger are at 10:30 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2008 at United Methodist Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy is Pastor Russell Peirce. Organist is Glee Deutscher. Interment is in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Goglin Funeral Home, Scotland, South Dakota. There is a prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Shirley C. Krieger was born on Saturday, September 28, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edwin and Viola (Sunderman) Krieger. In August of 1944, the family moved to Scotland, South Dakota. Over the years, Shirley cared for many children in the Scotland area and will be remembered as a kind and loving babysitter. She filled her home with the fruits of her many talents and her handiwork included countless knitted and crocheted items, centerpieces and doilies. Shirley made all of her own clothes and sewed many matching outfits for herself and her mother. She was also a wonderful cook and baker. Shirley was a faithful daughter and companion to her mother and they spent many happy hours together. Due to failing health, Shirley became a resident of the Avera Yankton Care Center in November of 2007, and it was there that she passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the age of 67 years, 11 months and 18 days.
Shirley is survived by her beloved mother, Viola Auch of Scotland; two nephews: Michael (Paula) Krieger and family of Columbus, Nebraska and Chad (Tonia) Krieger and family of Yankton, South Dakota; a sister-in-law, Velma (Gary) Kuchta and family of Yankton, South Dakota; and other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her father, Edwin Krieger, her stepfather, Allo Auch, a brother, Allen Krieger, an infant sister, Eileen Krieger, and an infant brother, Dennis Krieger.
Adolf Krcil, age 80, of Yankton,and formerly of Avon, passed away Friday, July 27, 2012 at his daughter’s home in Kearney, NE.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton with the Rev. Mark Lichter officiating. Burial will be in St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall, SD, at approximately 12:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Visitations will be 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Collin Petri, Luke Krcil, Don Krcil, Terry Krcil, Tim Krcil and Lawrence Furney.
Adolf Rudolf Krcil was born August 5, 1931 near Dante, SD to Adolph and Pauline (Cahoy) Krcil. Adolf attended school through the 8th grade and then worked on the family farm. On November 14, 1950 he married the love of his life, Phyllis Raabe. They lived by Dante, SD for 2 years until purchasing a farm near Avon, SD. Adolf and Phyllis farmed from 1950 to 1984. In addition Adolf worked part time doing construction work in Wagner, SD and the night shift at C.R. Industries, Springfield, SD running a forklift. In 1984 they moved to Yankton, SD where they managed the Village Green Apartments. In addition he worked delivering donuts for Jim Putz (1985); cleaned at Alumax (1985) and in 1987 starting working at the State Hospital in Yankton as a painter. He retired from there in 2004. Also, in 1990 Adolf and Phyllis began managing the Carriage House Apartments where he remained until his death.
Adolf greatly valued his family friends and faith in God. His love and concern for his family and his tenants was evident in everything he did. He loved being a “Grandpa” and spent time with his grandchildren attending their events, playing games (especially cards), fishing and giving them that special “Grandpa love” that only he could give. Adolf and Phyllis attended many Polka dances and festivals and loved traveling throughout the country. He was also a skilled handyman who enjoyed fixing things.
Those grateful for having shared his life include his son, Al of Yankton; daughter Kathy (Rick) Petri of Kearney, NE and Grandchildren Kaitlin and Collin Petri; Dani, Mikayla and Alex Krcil.
Adolf was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brothers, Henry and Joe; and daughter-in-law Dorothy (Slama) Krcil.
Ed & Viola Kostlan
Viola Adeline Kostlan was born on Thursday, December 27, 1923 at Tabor, South Dakota to Joseph R. and Anna (Dvoracek) Rehurek. She attended Koupal District 24 Elementary School, and was a member of the 1941 graduating class of Tyndall High School. She worked in the Tyndall AAA office from 1941 to 1943. Vi was united in marriage to Edward S. Kostlan on February 6, 1943 in Atlanta, Georgia. She worked in the County Auditor’s office from 1944 to 1946 as 2nd Deputy. Vi farmed alongside Edward until his death in 1995, and there wasn’t anything on the farm that he did that she couldn’t do as well. Vi was a devoted mother and passed along her strong values to her family. In 1998, she moved from the family farm to her home at 1710 Fir St. in Tyndall. Vi was a member of the Tyndall Presbyterian Church and a charter member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #2966 Auxiliary of Scotland. She was also a member of the Scotland Saddle Club and the Red Hat Society. Vi was always willing to help, and her community service included work at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society and the Senior Nutrition Center in Tyndall. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and she especially enjoyed collecting Fenton Glass and knick-knacks. She had a large collection of Boyd’s Bears, and wanted to be able to see them from any room in her house. Vi became a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society in April of this year. She passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, having attained the age of 84 years, 6 months and 18 days.
Vi’s memory will be cherished by her son, Keith and wife Teresa Kostlan of Artesia, New Mexico; a granddaughter, Kristin Kostlan and husband Ernest Rowland of Olathe, Kansas; two grandsons: Kent, stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Mark, along with his friend Jenny Emmons, of Wichita, Kansas; four sisters: Irene Kreber and Marcella Kortan, both of Springfield, South Dakota, Ruth Vellek of Tyndall and Dorothy Sattler of Mitchell, South Dakota; two brothers: LeRoy Rehurek of Escondido, California and Lawrence (Joyce) Rehurek of Sparks, Nevada; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, in 1995; her parents, Joseph and Anna Rehurek; three brothers: Alvin, Calvin and Raymond Rehurek; four brothers-in-law: Wallace Kreber, Dorance Kortan, Charles W. Vellek, and Wesley Sattler; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy (Rehurek) Sanders.
Alma Johanna (Klink) Kremer was born on Monday, January 18, 1915 to Daniel and Christina (Magstadt) Klink. She was raised in the Scotland area and schooled in the rural community of Plum. She enjoyed reading books while herding cattle and loved farm life. Alma was united in marriage to Lloyd Lawrence Kremer in 1935 at the Petersburg Church in Yankton County near Lesterville. They moved to Lesterville where they raised their family of three children. She was very active in the Word Congregational Church and Ladies’ Aid. Alma was a very family-oriented person who lived for her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was noted for her wit and sense of humor. Alma wrote news articles for the Scotland and Yankton newspapers for many years. Later in life, she enjoyed playing cards and camping. She moved to the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland in 1999 where she made many friends and lived life to the fullest. Alma died on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland at the age of 93 years, 1 month and 1 day.
Alma is survived by a son, Don (Shirley) Kremer of Emery, South Dakota; two daughters: Twila Fowler of Fountain, Colorado and Marcene (Patrick) Campbell of Jerome, Idaho; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd in 2000, her parents, Daniel and Christina Klink, a sister, two brothers and a grandchild.
Henry Joseph Krcil was born on Thursday, September 20, 1923 near Dante, South Dakota to Adolph and Pauline (Cahoy) Krcil. He attended country school in the Dante area. He served with the US Army in France during World War II. Henry married Adeline Krcil in York, Nebraska. He farmed until 1969, when he went to work at Morgan Manufacturing in Yankton. In his younger years Henry enjoyed collecting coins, woodworking and camping. He was a member of the Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2. Following Adeline’s death Henry moved to Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, Iowa to be near his family. In recent years he was able to spend time with his grandchildren and enjoyed it greatly. Henry died on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Arbor Springs at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 29 days.
Henry is survived by three sons: Dennis Krcil of Grimes, Iowa; Terry (Marcie) Krcil of Des Moines, Iowa; and Timothy (Liane) Krcil of Alamogordo, New Mexico; seven grandchildren: Trahnee Krcil, Melinda Krcil, Shawn Krcil, Jason Krcil, Caleb Krcil, Jes Krcil and Ella Krcil; one great-grandchild, Mila Krcil; and a brother, Adolph Krcil of Yankton.
Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Adeline, in 2004, his first wife Sylvia, a son, Ron Krcil, a daughter, Diane Krcil, and his parents.
Funeral services for George Kost, 83, will be at 1:30 pm Thursday at the Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert Larson officiating. Friends may call at the Petrik Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon and evening. Internment will be in the Ebeenzer Reformed Cemetery.
Mr. Kost was born July 30, 1889 in Yankton County to Mr. and Mrs. John Kost and died Dec. 11, 1972 at the local hospital. For 30 years he lived in Oregon before moving to Scotland a year ago.
Survivors include a foster son, Ralph Cobb, Eugene, Ore.; a stepbrother, Alven Kost, Scotland, and a stepsister, Mrs. Hiram Goeken, Scotland. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.
Services will be held for Frances Kotalik, 81, of Yankton today (June 8) at 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor with Rev. Joe Puthenkulathil, and Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating with the burial in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jeff Kotalik, Justin Kotalik, Jason Kotalik, Aaron Kotalik, Dean Schulz, Brandon Souhrada, Shawn Giedd and Mathew Souhrada. Honorary pallbearers are the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Frances was born November 1, 1923, in Yankton to Martin and Frances (Pesicka) Kubal. She grew up on the family farm southwest of Tabor and attended Wilson School District 59 until the eighth grade. She married William Joseph Kotalik May 14, 1944 at St. Wenceslaus Church in Tabor. They farmed all their life southwest of Tabor and when they retired they moved into Tabor. In December of 2003 she moved to Yankton. Frances was known for her love of cooking, baking, canning and gardening for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her Czech heritage was an important part of her life. The family particularly loved her kolaches and her homemade Christmas candy. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor and it's altar and rosary society. Frances died June 3, 2005 at her residence in Yankton.
Survivors are her five sons and ten daughters, Bernard (Rose) Kotalik of Highlands, Tex., Joyce Kotalik of Yankton, Marvin Kotalik of Arcola, Mo., Jerome Kotalik of Menno, Victoria Giedd of Yankton, Rita (John) Breckenridge of Yankton, Teresa (Bruce) Pieper of Yankton, Pamela (Rick) Stilwell of Weirton, WV, Mark (Fran) Kotalik of Loveland, Colo., Holly (Tony) Schulz of Wall, Mary (Tony) Lonigro of Panama City Beach, Calif., Priscilla (Scott) Souhrada of Tabor, Christen (Nathan) Hamvas of Princeton, Minn., Lisa (John) Brock of Bothell, Wash. and Kevin (Carol) Kotalik of Tripp; two brothers, Martin (Corrine) Kubal, Scotland and Bernard (Phyllis) Kubal of Yankton, SD; three sisters, Agnes Krcil, Avon, SD, Patty (Tony) Cacek, Yankton and Marcy (John) Kudrna of Yankton; 32 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Her husband, parents, one sister, one infant sister, one brother, one niece and two nephews preceded her in death.
Mass of Christian Burial for Fred Koupal is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury. Music is by Kathy Koenig, Florence Sutera, Veryl Hohn, Leroy Hollmann, Stanley Swatek and Marlene Kostal. Honorary casketbearers are Harvey Fridrich, Leland Papik, Ken Wittmeier, Dennis Koupal, Paul Stogsdill, Tyndall Accordion Club and Fellow Musicians, and Members of the Czech Heritage Society. Casketbearers are Brian Sadler, Lowell Christenson, Gary Gibson, Dick Rezac, Randy Rezac and John Hauck. Interment is in Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2008 at Goglin Funeral Home, Tyndall, South Dakota. Wake service is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall, South Dakota.
Fredrick David Koupal was born on August 23, 1941 to Laddie L. and Rose (Rezac) Koupal in Wagner, South Dakota. He graduated from Wagner High School in 1959 and earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1965 from Southern State College. He was a member of the Wagner National Guard unit from 1960 to 1966. Fred was united in marriage to Thelma Cudley on August 21, 1965 in Dante. Fred taught Industrial Arts in Howard for two years and in White for one year, then moved his family to Tyndall where he sold Moorman's Feed. In 1983, Fred started The Ole Bull Shed, which he owned and operated until 2004. Fred loved music and played in several bands, including his own "Freddie's Combo." He was a member of the Tyndall Accordion Club and was the proud "senior" member of the Bon Homme High School Bohemian Band. He and Thelma taught dance lessons for many years, and he also enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle. Fred could fix anything, and enjoyed restoring antique Model A cars, which they took on trips across the U.S. with other Model A enthusiasts. He had served on the Tyndall City Council and was a member of the Czech Heritage Society. Fred's final evening was spent playing his accordion at a polka mass at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and also at Beseda Hall in Tabor - doing his favorite thing in the company of family and friends. He died on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton at the age of 66 years, 5 months and 9 days.
Grateful to have shared Fred's life are his wife, Thelma, of Tyndall; daughter Sandy (Mike) Slama of Tabor; son Keith (Tammy) Koupal of Kearney, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Ashley, Mallory, Laura, Joey, Dante and Medora; one sister, Edie (Joe) Sadler of Brandon; and mother-in-law Rose Cudley of Tyndall.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Laddie L. and Rose Koupal, and his father-in-law, Adolph Cudley.
The family would like memorials to be directed to the Bon Homme High School Bohemian Band for the promotion of the accordion and our Czech music.
Don & Ruby Kriz with children, Gary & Debra
Funeral services for Donald A. Kriz will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy is Rev. Dean Schroeder. Organist is Donna Bohlmann and soloist is LeRoy Sorenson. Honorary Casketbearers are members of the Czech Heritage Society and the Tyndall Accordion Club, Bob Bame, Edward Bame, Adolph Carda, Gilfred Colgan and Lumir Ruman. Casketbearers are Mike Bame, George Broz, Duane Rothschadl, Alois Ruman, LeRoy Sorenson and John Wentworth. Interment is in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall, South Dakota.
Donald Albert Kriz was born on June 18, 1926, in Bon Homme County, near Tyndall, South Dakota. His parents were Albert and Emma (Kucera) Kriz. He graduated from Tyndall High School. Donald married Ruby Hahn on June 26, 1952, in Tripp, South Dakota. He farmed his entire life on the family farm five miles north of Tyndall, until retirement in 1985 when he and Ruby moved to Tyndall. Don was active in his community and served on the boards of Bohemian Farm Mutual, the Czech Cemetery Board, the Country School Board and the ZCBJ Western Fraternal Life Association. He was a member of the Tyndall Accordion Club, the Isaac Walton League, the Tabor Czech Heritage Society and was a driver for the Bon Homme Volunteer Network. His enjoyments in life included hunting and fishing, playing the accordion and games of pinochle with family and friends. Donald died on Saturday, March 26, 2005, at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center at the age of 78 years.
Grateful for having shared Don's life are his wife, Ruby, of Tyndall; his son, Gary (Diane) Kriz of Tyndall and their children Ryan, Jay and Jody; his daughter, Debra (Calvin) Buchholz of Springfield, South Dakota and their children Hannah and Jared; one brother, Roy (Helen) Kriz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; niece Cynthia (Rick) Johnson and their children, Sarah, Tyler and Alex; nephew Roger (Leanne) Kriz and their children, Nick and Stacey; and niece Karen (Mike) Beyer and their children, Keaton and Karson.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Marvin; and a great-nephew, Cody.
Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.
Services were held for Fae Marie Kaul, 87, of Tyndall February 20 at Danzig Baptist Church, rural Avon with Pastor Aaron Rush and Pastor Bill Van Gerpen officiating. Music was provided by June Finck, pianist and Verlin Buchholz, soloist as well as the congregation. Pallbearers were Jeff White, Mark White, Matt Kaul, Jeremy Bruna, Clint Lewis and Matt Weerheim. Burial was in the Tyndall Cemetery.
Fae Marie Kaul was born July 18, 1920 in Avon to William and Amelia (Lippert) Mattis. She attended Dewald School and also the Smith District 81 School through the eighth grade. Fae was united in marriage to Herman Kaul March 18, 1943 at the Danzig Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. The homemade cakes that she baked and decorated are a treasured remembrance for her family. She loved gardening and growing flowers, baking, quilting and embroidery. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fae died February 17, 2008 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall.
Survivors are her husband, Herman of Tyndall; three children, Barb (Ralph) Bauder of Scotland, Terry (Jonna) Kaul of Avon and Diane (Dave) Hohn of Plymouth, Minn.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Amelia Mattis; two brothers, Albert Mattis and Rueben Mattis and three sisters, Fern Schroeder, Mae Kaul (Fae's twin) and Ruth Voigt.
Michael (Mike/Mikey) Emanuel Kubal passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2015 surrounded by family.
Family visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27th at St. Wenceslaus Church in Tabor, SD, with a Wake service following at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Father Steven Jones and Msgr. Carlton Hermann will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at St. Wenceslaus Church in Tabor, SD. Burial will follow at the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, Tabor and the South Dakota Army National Guard, Sioux Falls. The Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mike was born on a farm near Tabor SD on July 20, 1933 to Mathias and Pauline (Sternhagen) Kubal, and he was baptized at St. Wenceslaus Church in Tabor on August 1, 1933.
In 1953, he entered the United States Armed Forces. He served his country during the Korean War as an Armored Division Specialist and was among the infantry men assigned to defend the hostile area known as the DMZ Zone. He was honorably discharged from active duty with a National Defense Service Medal in June of 1955.
On June 18, 1957, he married the love of his life Gladys Walloch, at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Lesterville, SD. They had four children. Judy (Pat) Carroll of Tabor, SD; Laurie (Mike) Becvar of Rapid City, SD; Nancy (Robert) Pechous of Tabor, SD; and Dan (Jodi) Kubal of Lesterville, SD.
Mike’s passion was his work in farming and his family and friends. He raised cattle and crops and at one time; he was endearingly known as the “Oats King” for his ability to grow an excellent crop of oats. John Deere was clearly his tractor of choice and to this day, John Deere green continues to dominate the color of equipment on the Kubal farms. Mike and Gladys operated a dairy farm for thirty years. Mike Kubal had a strong work ethic and work always came before leisure, but he did take time to have fun, and many memories were made. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mike and Gladys traveled with friends to Alaska twice and to other scenic areas throughout the country. Mike loved music, especially Czech music; he often played his accordion for family and friends. He loved to dance and play cards, and he enjoyed spending time with his special dog Shep.
Mike will forever be remembered as a kind, caring, and generous husband, father, and friend. He was a teacher, a role model, a steward of the land, the rock of the family, a keen intellectual, a man of integrity, honesty, wit, and humor. He was a visionary, a historian, and a progressive and successful business man.
Mike loved and respected the Lord, and the Lord walked with him all the days of his life. Family and friends will miss him dearly. The legacy of Michael Kubal will be carried forward, impacting the world, through the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.
He held lifetime memberships in the Yankton, SD VFW, and Tabor SD American Legion. He was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Church in Tabor, SD.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gladys, his four children named above, and his sister Magdeline Bame of Tyndall, SD. Survivors also include thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Travis Dangel, Nathan Becvar, Justin, Kyle and Jennifer Pechous, Dana, Elizabeth, Kohl, John, and Kaleb Kubal, Sara Carroll, and Sydney and Brock Goeden. Great Grandchildren: Mason Wozniak, Gracie and Georja Pechous, and Blake and Olivia Pechous.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Pauline Kubal, his brother Joseph Kubal, his sister Mildred Kubal, and a daughter-in-law Rita Kubal.
Rose Kocmick, 88, Tyndall, died Sunday (July 20, 2003) at St. Michael's Nursing Home, Tyndall.
Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Gerald Thury officiating. Burial is in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Wagner. Pallbearers are Dan Rothschadl, Michael Rothschadl, Rodney Rothschadl, Dennis Rothschadl, Michael Matuska, Todd Rothschadl, Pat Rothschadl and Garrett Matuska. Visitation is from 2-5 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall. Wake services are 7 p.m. tonight at the church.
She was born Aug. 1, 1914, at Wagner to John and Elizabeth (Soukup) Slaba. She married Adolph Kocmick on Feb. 3, 1936. She farmed with her husband near Wagner until January 1955 when they moved to Tyndall. In January 1961, they moved to Omaha, Neb. She was employed at St. Joseph School of Nursing. Her husband passed away in November of 1967. Rose then moved back to Tyndall and was employed at St. Michael's Hospital until she retired.
She is survived by four children: Betty (Leonard) Matuska, Yankton; Marilyn (Kenneth) Rothschadl, Tyndall; Norman (Susan) Kocmick, Grand Island, Neb.; and Jolene (Kevin) Dutcher, Yankton; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Annie Koupal, Wagner; and two sisters-in-law: Irene Slaba and Katherine Slaba, both of Wagner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one granddaughter, four brothers and two sisters.
Funeral Services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Helen M. Koupal, 84, a resident of Bettendorf, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 4105 N. Division Street, Davenport with Monsignor James Parizek officiating. Interment will be at Davenport Memorial Park. The family will greet friends Friday, February 13th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, downtown Davenport. There will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation. There will be an additional visitation at church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the start of the service.
Mrs. Koupal passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Kahl Home in Davenport.
Helen Marie Stepka was born October 14, 1930 in Scotland, South Dakota the daughter of James and Anna (Kocer) Stepka. She was united in marriage to Nilus Anton Koupal on September 14, 1948 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, South Dakota. Helen and Nilus farmed and owned a small business in Dante, South Dakota prior to moving to Davenport in 1960. Nilus preceded her in death on June 17, 2001.
A loving mother and wife, gentle advisor, and mother to all of her children's friends, Helen was known for her organization, avid reading, and her daily diary entries. She valued an orderly home and loved music and to dance (Jitterbug Queen). She was proud of her Czech heritage and the value system she inherited from her parents.
Her strong faith (two rosaries a day!) proved to be the strength and support she needed to conquer the trials and tribulations of her life which included an early diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy (age 23). Throughout her life Helen strived to not let her disability define her but rather to live her life normally, with grace and perseverance. With no medical cure for Muscular Dystrophy, Helen embraced a holistic approach to health care, which included chiropractic care, a contributing factor in the family's decision to move to Davenport.
Helen is survived by her five children; Kenneth Koupal (Thomas Kersting), Rapids City, Illinois; Robert Koupal, Davenport; Renee Koupal, Davenport; David Koupal (Agusto Sumulong), Chicago; and Steven (Robin) Koupal, Davenport; grandchildren, Kimberly Koupal-Hamid, Kristen Rose, and Karli Graves; step-grandchildren, Tiffanie Lira, Jayson Hanssen, and Brianna Murillo; fifteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Ray (Marlene) Stepka; a sister Betty (Dwayne) Siewert, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters, Dorothy Walloch and Ann Johnson. The family would like to especially thank Family Care Solution and her niece, Lori Black, who assisted with personal care for Helen over the last several years. The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff at the Kahl Home, and special family friends, Monsignor Parizek and Monsignor Mottet for their many prayers and spiritual guidance.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Davenport Public Library.
Agnes Kinsley, 69, of Springfield died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 1998, in McAllen, Texas.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at United Church of Christ in Springfield, with the Rev. Howard Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Springfield cemetery. The Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield in handling local arrangements.
Mrs. Kinsley was born Dec. 28, 1928, in Union County near Alcester, S.D., the daughter of Emil and Anna Klemme. She received a baccalaureate degree from Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield and taught for several years in the local rural schools.
She married Berdell Kinsley of Mission, S.D., on May 28, 1949. The couple taught in the Dallas and Gregory schools and spent eight years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs teaching in Lower Brule, HeDog and Alaska. She received a master's degree from the University of South Dakota and served as clinical psychologist for the Todd County Schools.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters and their husbands, Lesley and Ron Gebhart of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Deborah and Jim Lauer of Ainsworth, Neb; a son and his wife, Kermit and Virginia of Orange, Texas; eight grandchildren, Libby and Nicolas Gebhart, Megan, Aaron, Alissa and Jason Lauer and Melissa and Justin Kinsley; a brother and his wife, Leverne and LaVonne Klemme of West Akron, S.D; and two sisters, Lulda Abrahamson of Akron, Iowa, and Marjorie and her husband, Norman Flados, of Harlingen, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Nilus Anton Koupal, Bettendorf, died Sunday, June 17, 2001 at Genesis Medical Center-West Campus, Davenport, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 74.
A funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Davenport. Monsignor James Parizek and the Rev. David Steinle will con-celebrate. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation is today at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home from 4 until 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m.
Nilus Anton Koupal was born May 30, 1927, in Dante, S.D., the son of Anton C. and Stella (Valenta) Koupal. He married Helen Marie Stepka on Sept. 14, 1948, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, S.D. Mr. Koupal farmed and owned a business in South Dakota before moving to Davenport. He retired from Royal Machine & Foundries in 1992. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cards, puzzles, the Cubs and, most of all, his family and friends.
Memorials may be made to St. Alphonsus Church or the American Cancer Society.
Survivors include his wife, Helen: sons, Kenneth, Bettendorf, Robert, Bettendorf, David, Chicago, and Steve and his spouse, Robin, Davenport; a daughter, Renee, Davenport; and grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristen and Karli Koupal and Jayson, Brianna and Tiffanie Hanssen and four great-grandchildren. His sister and brother-in-law, Lavina and William Ruhl, and brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Helen Koupal, also survive him.
His parents and his brother, Lambert, and twin brothers, who died in infancy, preceded him in death.
James Wallace "Bud" Knoll, age 83 of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away Monday, January 20, 2013. He was born on March 7, 1930 in Dante, South Dakota to the late Carl and Bertha Knoll. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines and was a member of American Legion Post 502. James worked as an Ironworker and retired from Local 395. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Portage. James enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling and most of all he enjoyed being with his family.
He is survived by 3 sons, Gregory Knoll of York, PA; Gary (Deborah) Knoll of Nazareth, PA; Daniel (Lisa) Knoll of Avon, SD; 1 daughter, Linda Culp of Valparaiso, IN; 1 sister, Violet Waters of Yankton, SD; 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Delia Ann Knoll, and 1 brother, Peter Knoll.
Funeral services are Friday, January 24, 2014 at 11 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church of Portage, 2637 McCool Red., Portage with Rev. Dennis Ticen officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. American Legion service 6 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage.
Ralph H. Kishbaugh, 83, of Scotland, South Dakota died on Tuesday, August 23, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, at the United Methodist Church in Scotland with Pastor Mary Lee Lint officiating. Burial will be in Clarksfield, Ohio. Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home of Scotland.
Ralph was born on March 15, 1922, to Joseph and Esther Kishbaugh in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He served over three years in the U.S. Army Aircorps and was discharged on December 24, 1945. Ralph married Margaret Jones on August 18, 1950.
He is survived by his wife, Marge; five children: a son, Ralph Kishbaugh, Jr. of Wakeman, Ohio; a daughter, Pat Garska of Wellington, Ohio; a son, Garry Kishbaugh of Fairview Park, Ohio; a son, Larry Kishbaugh of Scotland, South Dakota; and a daughter, Peggy Jakopak of Avon, South Dakota; nine grandchildren: Larry Kishbaugh, Jr. of Huntington, West Virginia, Nicholas Garska, serving with the U.S. Army in Germany, Sara Garska of Wellington, Ohio, Jacob and Erika Kishbaugh of Scotland, Rhiannon, Kyle and Kody Jakopak of Avon and Courtney Kishbaugh of Fairview Park, Ohio. He is also survived by two brothers: David Kishbaugh of Maine and Ray Kishbaugh of Berwick, Pennsylvnia; a sister, Charlene Daly, also of Berwick, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the United Methodist Church in Scotland.
Serapina Gabriella (Sara) Kalberer, of Swartz Creek, Michigan, age 76, died Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at her residence. Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held 11AM Monday, March 3, 2014 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4413 Morrish Rd., Swartz Creek, Rev. Fr. Nate Sokol officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Prayer Shawl Ministries of St. Mary Queen of Angels Church or a charity of your choice.
Sara was born in Avon, South Dakota, March 23, 1937, the daughter of Fred and Della (Stefek) Bartunek. She came to Flint with her family in 1944, and was graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1955. She married Peter Guerra, who died shortly before the birth of their daughter, Mary. Later she (and Mary) married Walter Kalberer. She and Walter had two sons, Kurt and Eric. Sara was not just a loving mother and talented homemaker, she also enjoyed her career. Early in life she worked with Dr. Mathas and with the Flint Board of Education. She left work to spend her time raising her family. As her kids got older she returned to the workforce with J.C. Penney. In her retirement she enjoyed traveling with her husband. She enjoyed reading, knitting, fishing, and watching the Detroit Tigers. She was a devout Roman Catholic and a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Church. She dedicated much of her free time to parish activities. Sara was a friend to many and always appreciated the closeness the shared with those who knew her. She will be missed, but do not mourn for long, because, as she would say, “It’s in God’s hands,” and so is she.
Surviving are: daughter, Mary and husband Charles Headrick of Flint; 2 sons, Kurt and wife Marie of Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Eric and wife Lindsay of Westland, Michigan; grandchildren, Carmen Headrick, Charles Headrick, Arianna Kalberer, Emily Kalberer, Samuel Kalberer, Matthew Kalberer, Gabriella, Henry, and one player to be named later; great grandchild, Christiana; bother, Steven Bartunek; sister, Eva (Jim) Graham.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Peter Guerra, her second husband, Walter Kalberer, and brother, Lawrence Bartunek.
Dr. William Kirby, UW Professor, Dies At 82
By Carole Beers
Nothing held more allure for William M.M. Kirby than tracing infectious diseases and finding the perfect antibiotic to treat them.
For five decades, he shared his passion with students at University of Washington Medical School. He also shared it with his children: All three became physicians.
"He would come home every day from work when we were 6, 7, 8 years old and at dinner describe actual cases in which we would have to diagnose the ailment from the symptoms he told us," said his son, Richard Kirby, of Seattle. "It taught us how to think, keep an open mind and love medicine. He approached it like a great mystery to be solved."
Dr. Kirby died of unknown natural causes at his Seattle home last Sunday (Aug. 31). He was 82. He pioneered the early study of how antibiotics affect bacteria, and, even after retiring in 1985, continued to follow research and go to UW labs to check test results.
Dr. Kirby began his medical career soon after the discovery of penicillin in the late 1930s. He was known for his work on the team that developed a fast, efficient way to detect which antibiotic to use for a specific infection.
In 1977 he earned the Bristol Award from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the most prestigious award in that field.
"The important thing about Bill was not so much his great talent, but that he did everything with such enthusiasm," said Henry Rosen, acting chairman of the UW Department of Medicine.
Born in Springfield, S.D., Dr. Kirby earned a bachelor of science degree at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from Cornell University in 1940 and did residency work at Stanford University, then served as an Army medic, contributing to many early studies of penicillin from 1944 to 1947.
After leaving the service he taught at Stanford, then was recruited by the new Department of Medicine in the UW School of Medicine.
"Bill Kirby was a vital, living link to some of the earliest days of our school," said Paul Ramsey, UW vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Medical School.
Other survivors include his sister, Alice Dixon of Orlando, Fla.; children Barbara Kirby of Edmonds and Philip Kirby of Seattle; and two grandchildren. His wife of 34 years, Georgiana Kirby, died in 1978.
A memorial gathering is scheduled at 4 p.m. Sept. 22 in Hogness Auditorium at the UW Health Sciences Center.
Remembrances may be sent to the William Kirby Visiting Professorship in Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine, Box 358220, Seattle, WA 98195.
Source: The Seattle (Washington) Times ~ September 7, 1997
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Dr. William M. M. Kirby, long-time medical school faculty member, dies in Seattle
by L. G. Blanchard
Dr. William M. M. Kirby, one of the longest-serving faculty members of the University of Washington School of Medicine and a pioneer in the field of infectious diseases, died at his home in Seattle on Sunday, Aug. 31, of natural causes. He was 82.
During World War II, Kirby contributed to some of the earliest studies of penicillin. Later, while he was an instructor in medicine at Stanford University, he was among a handful of promising young academic physicians recruited from around the country to establish the UW School of Medicine. He came to Seattle in 1949 when the UW medical school was only three years old.
At the UW, Kirby quickly rose through the academic ranks while establishing himself as a distinguished teacher and researcher. Although he became an emeritus faculty member in 1985, he remained highly active in infectious disease research, clinical and teaching activities. He was a daily presence at the school right up until the day he died.
Among his many professional accomplishments at the UW, Kirby led the team that invented a standardized technique, still in use worldwide, that revolutionized the ability of physicians to determine relatively rapidly whether patients’ infections would respond to a specific antibiotic. Among a number of other honors and awards, in 1977 he received the Bristol Award from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, given in recognition of major accomplishments in the study and treatment of infectious diseases and considered the most prestigious honor in the field. During his career, he authored more than 215 articles on infectious diseases and antibiotics in medical journals and textbooks.
“Bill Kirby was a vital, living link to some of the earliest days of our school,” said Dr. Paul G. Ramsey, UW vice president for medical affairs and dean of the medical school. “Few people have had such a sustained personal connection to helping establish the University of Washington as one of the world’s leading centers for academic medicine. We will miss him terribly.”
Born in Springfield, S.D. in 1914, Kirby earned a B.S. at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and an M.D. from Cornell University Medical College. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947 after having been chief resident in medicine at Stanford University Hospital.
Kirby is survived by his sister, Alice Dixon of Orlando, Fla.; three children (all of whom are physicians), Barbara Kirby of Edmonds and Philip Kirby and Richard Kirby, both of Seattle; and two grandchildren. His wife, the former Georgiana Dole, and an identical twin brother, Charles, died in 1978 and 1963, respectively.
A memorial service will be held at the medical school later this month. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the William Kirby Visiting Professorship in Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine, Box 358220, Seattle, WA 98195.
Source: University of Washington ~ September 2, 1997
Cora Kvanli, 96, of Avon died Friday, September 23, 2005, at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Cora attained the age of 96 years, three months and 18 days.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2005, at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon, with burial in the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avon. Pastor Kne Johnson is officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church in Avon. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Avon, is in charge of arrangements.
Cora Kvanli, daughter of Edward T. and Emma Regina (Eckley) Johnson, was born June 5, 1909, at Kennebec, SD. Cora was baptized and confirmed at the Earling Church west of Kennebec. She attended country school and graduated from Kennebec High School. Cora attended Southern Normal for one year and then taught in rural schools in Lyman County.
Cora married Oliver Kvanli on April 19, 1937, at Kennebec. They moved to a farm south of Dante and farmed there for two years. They then moved to Oliver's father's farm south of Avon and continued farming until they moved into Avon in March of 1982. After suffering a debilitating stroke, Cora became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall on August 15, 1997. Oliver died May 6, 2001.
Cora was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Avon.
Thankful for having shared her life are her brother, Elven Johnson of Rapid City; four nieces: Rosalie Hehn and husband, Ken of San Angelo, CA, Susan Monson and husband, Ron of Omaha, NE, Mary Ann Ellis and husband, Steve of Cheyenne, WY, and Sandra Johnson of Florida; one nephew, Richard Boese and wife, Marilyn; and several great-nieces and great-nephews and other relatives.
Cora was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Thelma Boese; brothers: Bernard and Leonard Johnson; and a nephew, David Boese.
Oliver B. Kvanli, 94, Avon, died Sunday (May 6, 2001) at his home.
Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Avon. Burial will be in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is from 1-6 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel, Avon, and resume from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday.
He was born March 5, 1907, on a farm in rural Springfield to Erick B. and Mary (Nelson) Kvanli. He attended the Perkins Country School through the eighth grade. He married Cora Johnson April 19, 1937, at Kennebec. They moved to a farm south of Dante and farmed there for two years. They then moved to his dad's farm south of Avon and continued farming until they moved into Avon in March of 1982. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Avon.
He is survived by his wife, Cora, of the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, and relatives and friends.
Stella Kalda, age 83, of Tyndall, S.D., passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002, at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002, at the Tyndall Presbyterian Church with Chaplain Willard Stone officiating. Burial will be in the Presbyt-erian Cemetery, rural Tyndall, S.D. Pallbearers will be Bob Kalda, John Kalda, Dave Staten, Ernest Merkwan, Larry Cap and Clarence Bartunek. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alice Rehurek, Amanda Rehurek, Judy Jensen, Anthony Jensen, Lillian Bartunek, Patty Eggers and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitations will begin at 3 p.m. Tuesday, with a scripture service at 7 p.m. at the Tyndall Presbyterian Church, Tyndall, S.D. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, is in charge of arrangements.
Stella was born on March 16, 1919, to Joseph and Jennie (Herman) Grail on the family farm near Tabor, S.D. She was baptized at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, and attended Grail Country School. On Jan. 27, 1944, she married Theodore Kalda. They lived and farmed east of Tyndall. After her husband death in 1968 she moved to Tyndall and did housekeeping for several homes and also for the Tyndall Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches. In 1980 she moved to Tabor and lived in the Czech Point Apartments until 1995 when she entered the Scotland Good Samaritan Center where she was a resident until May of 2000. She then transferred to the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, S.D.
She was a member of the Tyndall Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Ladies Circle. Stella enjoyed embroidering, baking, gardening and growing flowers, and socializing.
She is survived by two sons: Dennis of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Lester (Karen) of Tabor, S.D.; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; three sisters: Lillian Cap and Joanna Merkwan of Tabor, S.D., and Rose Kocer of Scotland, S.D.; two brothers: Emil and Edward Grail of Tabor, S.D.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1968, an infant son in 1960, her parents, four sisters and two brothers.
Albina Ann Klasi, 75, Yankton, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton.
Funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton, with the Rev. O.K. Anderson officiating. Burial is in the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Yankton. Pallbearers are Harold Auch, James Bender, John Hauck, Jonas Hauck, Kenny Hauck, Raymond Hauck and Ed Klasi. Visitation is from 1-9 p.m. today (Friday) with the family present from 7-9 p.m. at the Ray, Cantrell & Wintz Funeral Home, Yankton.
She was born Dec. 6, 1927, at Tyndall, to Sam and Emeilia (Hauck) Hauck. She grew up and attended school at rural Tyndall. She married Raymond J. Klasi July 6, 1951, at Tripp. They resided in the Yankton area for most of their married lives. She worked as the Human Services Center for 35 years.
She enjoyed the company of her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandson and many family and friends. She will always be remembered for her caring heart.
She is survived by her daughters: Mary (Mike) Auch, Barb (Bob) Christensen, all of Yankton; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers: Jonas Hauck and Ray Hauck, both of Tyndall; two nephews and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one brother.
Funeral services for Theran J. Koehn age 60 of Blair, NE formerly of Wisner, NE will be Tuesday, September 8th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wisner, NE. Burial will be in the Wisner Cemetery with Military Honors by V.F.W. Post #5767 of Wisner, NE. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kuzelka-Minnick Funeral Home in Wisner and will continue on Tuesday from 9 a.m. till service time at the church.
Theran passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, NE.
Theran Jay Koehn was born November 14, 1948 in a 1938 Chevrolet between Tabor and Yankton, South Dakota to Theodore and Vivian (Vinson) Koehn. He was baptized and confirmed at the Mennonite Church in Avon, South Dakota. Theran graduated from Avon High School in 1967. He served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, serving in Vietnam in 1970. On April 21, 1973, he was united in marriage to Linda Jurgensen. The couple resided in Wisner and moved to Blair, NE in 1988. Linda passed away on May 15, 2008. Theran was employed in the telephone industry for 40 years by Great Plains Communications and Huntel Engineering of Blair, NE. He was a lifetime member of Wisner VFW Post #5767 and served as the Post Commander of VFW Post #1251 in Blair for numerous years and was a former member of the Wisner Volunteer Fire Department. Theran enjoyed gardening and riding his trike motorcycle when he was able.
Survivors include-
Son- Travis and wife Beth Koehn of Round Rock, TX and children Wyatt and Molly
Daughter-Nikki Koehn of Blair, NE
Brothers- Curtis and wife Betty Koehn of Avon, SD, Merritt Koehn of Kennesaw, NE
Sister- Linda and husband Craig Zachariasen of Lincoln, NE
Several nieces and nephews also survive him.
Theran was preceded in death by his parents, wife-Linda, an infant daughter, and an infant brother.
Florence R. Krug, 96, of Avon died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2005, at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon.
Florence R. Krug was born March 30, 1908, at Avon, South Dakota, the daughter of Henry O. and Ida Mae (James) Krug. She died Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, SD. Florence had attained the age of 96 years, 10 months and three days.
Florence graduated from Avon High School and from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield with a four year degree. Florence taught school for three years in rural Charles Mix County, 12 years in rural Bon Homme County and 30 years in the Tyndall Public School system. She was proud to have been a teacher for 45 years.
Florence was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Avon and served as President of United Presbyterian Women for three years. She was also active in Rebecca Circle, the Avon Flower Club, P.E.O. of Tyndall, and was a past member of S.D.E.A. and N.E.A. Florence enjoyed crocheting, knitting, tatting and reading.
Thankful for having shared her life are her sister-in-law, Helen Krug of Avon.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Blanche; brother, Ben; and a nephew, Clinton.
Born to Thomas and Christina Kronaizl on November 23, 1914 in Tabor, South Dakota, Charlie C. Kronaizl passed directly from the arms of his loving family into the arms of God on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at the age of 89.
Charlie served in the National Guard and Navy during World War II during which time he met and married his wonderful wife Helen. He lived and worked in the Tacoma area for the past 63 years as an electrician and home builder/contractor.
He lives on in our memories as a most loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Charlie touched so many lives positively along his life's journey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Helen; his daughters: DeAnna Johnson-Luce and her husband Jack of Tacoma; Joy Watson of Tacoma; his grandchildren: Kimberly McClain and her husband Ron of Puyallup; Daniel Johnson and his girlfriend Sarah Arndt of North Bend; Patty Laskowski and her husband Drew of Las Vegas, NV; Daniel Luce, Tacoma; Greg Watson and his wife Cheryll of Tucson, AZ; and Tom Watson of Tacoma; and his great-grandchildren: Angela McClain and Jack Laskowski.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring and supportive doctors, nurses and staff of St. Clare Hospital, especially the two doctors in charge of his care during his stay.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 21, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 608 South 34th Street, Tacoma, WA 98418. Rosary will be recited and viewing, Monday, September 20, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Entombment is at Calvary Cloisters.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Clare Hospital and the ICU unit.
"To all his loving and caring friends, don't cry, we will meet again. I'll be waiting."
Arrangements are by the Gaffney Funeral Home, Tacoma, Washington.
Eugene William Koupal, 88, Mitchell, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, aug. 12, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with a prayers service at 7 p.m. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Eugene Koupal was born on May 13, 1927 at Yankton, SD to Bill and Helen (Barta) Koupal. Gene graduated from Scotland High School. After high school he served in the US Navy and returned home where he graduated from the University of South Dakota. He also was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean Conflict. Gene married Carol Whitham in February of 1951, they had six children. He spent his professional career within the insurance industry, primarily with American Family Insurance where he had a successful 25 year career. He loved the outdoors especially hunting and fishing and also had a passion for cooking for his many friends and family.
He is survived by his six children: Pete (Patti) Koupal, Rapid City, Mary (Jack) Ferigan, Tioga, ND, Ann (Troy) Morgenstern, Billings, MT, Mark (Mary Nagel) Koupal, Mitchell, SD, Molly (Clark) Scovel, Mt. Juliet, TN, Paul(Sheila) Koupal, Sioux Falls, SD; fourteen grandchildren: John Ferigan, Pete Ferigan, Michelle (Derek) Stephany, Matt Sibley (Alaina), Gabe Sibley, McKenzie Dill, Andy Morgenstern, Terra (James) Koupal Lemke, Anne (Eric)Tabert, Kacee Koupal, Jacqueline Scovel, Lauren Scovel, Parker Koupal, Bennett Koupal; five great grandsons: Lucas Sibley, Aspen Tabert, Jack Stephany, Samuel Stephany, William Stephany, and the children of Helen Beck: Dan, Barb, Rick, Scott and Deby.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen, wife, Carol, sister-in-law, Patricia Koupal, longtime companion and friend Helen Beck, and great-granddaughter, Willow Tabert.
Florence A. Koupal, 90, passed away Monday August 24, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Pierre, SD. Funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at Feigum Funeral Home, 808 W. Pleasant Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 with visitation from 9:30am-10:30am.
Florence was born January 26, 1925 to Joseph and Clara (Carda) Vlasak in Tabor, SD. She married Lawrence H. Koupal. To this union were born three children. They resided in Tabor, SD until 1980 when they moved to Mesa, AZ. After her husband’s death she continued to live in Mesa until moving to Rapid City in 1999 to be closer to family. She moved to the Pierre Golden Living Center in 2013 where she remained until her passing.
She is survived by two sons; Larry of Omaha, NE and Mark of Rapid City, SD and one daughter, Merideth Heerman of Pierre, SD; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence.
Joseph Walter Koupal II arrived Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. He weighed 7 lbs, 10 ounces. Funeral services are 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 4, 2015 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Dante. Burial is in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Dante.
Joseph is survived by his mother and father Joseph and Sara Koupal of Dante, grandparents Merle and Jolene Nelson of Herrick and Vern and Bernadette Koupal of Dante; his aunts and uncles: William and Carmen Nelson, Kyle Nelson, Derek and Kristi Koupal, Dan and Aryn Koupal and Kimberly Koupal; his first cousins: Victoria, Autumn, and Floyd Nelson II, and Weston and Lane Koupal; along with many great aunts, uncles and great grandparents.
He is preceded in death by his great grandparents Floyd and Percilla Nelson, Fred and Helen Bartling, and Thomas Kocer.
Annetta Kubel, 96, of Tyndall passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall from 5:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service there. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 28 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.
Annetta was born on Saturday, May 10, 1919 to Peter V. and Josephine (Poboda) Becvar in Tyndall, South Dakota. On June 22, 1938, she was united in marriage to Pete Kubel at Vodnany Catholic Church in rural Tyndall. During WWII, they moved to California where Pete worked in the ship yards welding while Annetta worked in a tuna canning plant. After the war, she attended and graduated from Cosmetology School and was employed as a hairdresser in San Pedro, California. Later the family moved back to South Dakota where they farmed in the Tyndall area until they retired in 1990. Following Pete’s death in 1991, Annetta made her home in Tyndall until 2012, when at the age of 92 she decided it was time to reside at the Good Samaritan Home.
Annetta loved to crochet and created many beautiful pieces throughout the years. She also loved watching her grandson Jason play the outfield with the Minnesota Twins. She loved all of her grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren dearly. We were blessed to have her in our lives.
She is survived and remembered by her children: Geraldine “Gerry” (Jerry) Anshutz of Pierre, Nancy Hume of Omaha, NE, and Myron (Debbie) Kubel of Palmdale, CA; grandchildren: Robin (Daniel) Shearer of Sioux Falls, Donna Anshutz of Sioux Falls, Forrest (Melody) Anshutz of Huron, Brock (Juli) Anshutz of Sioux Falls, Jason (Blake) Kubel of CA, Jaclyn Kubel of HI, Rachael Kubel of AR, Sarah Kubel of MD, Allison (John) Debar of MD, and Daniel Kubel, Jr. of MD; great-grandchildren: Erica, Hunter, Drake, Jeffrey, Mitchell, Owen, Heidi, Alexander, Henry, Joseph, and Grace; great-great-grandchild Brody; brother Joseph (Marcie) of Tyndall; and daughter-in-law Karen Kubel of Adamtown, MD.
She was preceded in death by her husband Pete Kubel, son Daniel Kubel in 2010, brothers Peter C. Becvar, Jr. and Wesley Becvar, sister Bernadine Matuska, and two infant grandsons.
Noble E. Kile, 92, of Scotland, South Dakota passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Vehar officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland with military graveside rites. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.
Noble Erwin Kile was born on Thursday, June 28, 1923 to Rev. Nells and Alma (Rustad) Kile in Bruce, South Dakota. The Kile family moved to Geddes, South Dakota for a time until Rev. Nells retired and the family settled in Minnesota. As a child, Noble gained a nickname that stayed with him through the years, "Nob" or "Nobby." Starting at a young age as a golf caddy in the 1930s, Noble loved golf and continued this passion throughout his life. The backyard in Detroit Lakes bordered that of the Peterson family and very quickly Nobby and Jimmy Peterson became friends. When the two began grade school, Nobby made a new friend in his class, Dorothy Sealander. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1942. Nobby enlisted in the United States Army Air Force on April 6, 1943 at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. During this time, Dorothy was attending Concordia College, but in 1944 was able to join Nobby in Norfolk, Virginia. On March 5, 1944, Noble was united in marriage to Dorothy Sealander in Norfolk. It was again time for Nobby to be deployed, however, he was able to see his son Michael be born and baptized before he left for the Philippine Islands.
During his time in Manilla, Nobby was greatly influenced and strengthened in his faith by an organization of Christian service men, later called the Far Eastern Gospel Crusade. It was at this time he felt called to become a Pastor. God was kind and brought Nobby safely home to be honorably discharged on January 25, 1946. Nobby enrolled in Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where he was again reunited with Jimmy who was also beginning his journey into the ministry. Together they graduated from Concordia in 1949 and from Luther Seminary in 1952. Nobby was called to serve six churches: Buffalo, Capital, Gustave, Alma, Ludlow, and Ladner. The family quickly became at home in Buffalo, South Dakota, experiencing the rolling prairie, horses and wide expanse of miles for the first time. Soon Elizabeth Anne and Barbara Jean joined the family and the Kiles celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. It was at this time that Nobby was called to Wibaux, Montana to serve Trinity and Carlyle congregations. Here the Kile’s again shared the joys and sorrows of their people.
After four years a call was accepted to serve Trinity Lutheran Congregation in Cody, Wyoming. For the next eleven years, Nobby served the church in the tourist and oil town, an environment that was new and exciting for the family. Michael graduated high school and enlisted in the military, serving three years in Germany until he was discharged and once again made his home in Cody. Elizabeth graduated high school and married a local boy from Cody with three children being born to this union. Nobby once again received a call, this time to Scotland, South Dakota. Nobby, Dorothy and Barbara left Cody and made their new home in Scotland where they spent four wonderful years. New friends were made, joy and sorrows were shared as they worked together in Zion Lutheran Congregation. Barbara graduated high school and married a local boy from Scotland and two children were born to this union. In his 24th year in the ministry, Nobby accepted a call to Bethany-Belleview Parish in Howard, South Dakota. Nobby would ultimately faithfully serve his congregations for a combined total of 63 years until his retirement.
Noble passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland having attained the age of 92 years, three months and 20 days.
He is survived and remembered by his two daughters: Elizabeth Kile of Kersey, CO and Barbara (Paul) Rokusek of rural Tripp; five grandchildren: Travis, Danielle, Dione, Andrew and Mark; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one brother John Kile of Carlsbad, CA.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 2007, son Michael in 2003, two sisters, and two brothers.
Connie R. Knodel, age 66, of Menno, SD passed away peacefully early Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Sanford Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Menno, SD with Rev. Matthew Resner officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, SD. Visitations will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, SD with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be: Orlando Munkvold, Ordell Munkvold, Claudell Munkvold, Paul Knodel, Jeremy Knodel, and Cory Knodel.
Connie Rae (Munkvold) Knodel, the daughter of Ed and Marie (Gran) Munkvold, was born on May 16, 1949 in Scotland, SD. She attended grade school in Lesterville, SD and graduated from Scotland High School. She was united in marriage to John Knodel on January 3rd, 1976 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno, SD. They lived for one year in Lesterville before moving to their home in Menno. From this union they were blessed with two children, a son, John Jr. and a daughter, Jamie.
Connie worked as a nurse’s aide at the Human Services Center in Yankton, SD. She also worked at the Menno-Olivet Care Center and The Beer Garden in Menno. She then went to work as a clerk at the Prairie Pumper, which led to John and Connie making the convenience store a family business. They owned and operated the Prairie Pumper for 9 years. After selling the store, Connie went to work for the City of Menno in the finance office before going into retirement. While retired, Connie enjoyed doing puzzles, word searches, watching wrestling and the Minnesota Twins. She also enjoyed spending time with friend’s uptown having a cup of coffee.
Grateful for having shared in Connie’s life are her husband of 39 years, John; son, John Jr. (Nicole) of Tea, SD; daughter, Jamie of Sioux Falls, SD; 3 grandchildren: Jaden, Haley, and Alexis of Tea, SD; 3 brothers: Roy Munkvold of Scotland, SD, Edward (Helen) Munkvold of Menno, SD, and Oliver (Jeanette) Munkvold of Lesterville, SD; 4 sisters: Alice Evenson of Yankton, SD, Audrey Holupka of Tyndall, SD, Iona (Elmer) Fischer of Yankton, SD, and Joyce (Kenneth) Kloucek of Scotland, SD; many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her mother and father-in- law, 3 brothers: Jerome, Albert, and Roland Munkvold and 2 sisters, Edith Weisz and Evelyn Johnson.
Raymond J. Kostel, 80 of Wagner, passed away December 4, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner, with his wife Jane by his side. He is at peace now and will be spending his first Christmas in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 7 at St. John Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 6 at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner, followed by a 7 p.m. rosary/wake service at the church.
Raymond John Kostel was born in Wagner on January 4, 1935 to Edward and Rose (Swatek) Kostel. He grew up on a farm south of Wagner with brother Ernest and sisters Florence, Irene and Betty. He attended country school until 8th grade, then when on to Catholic School in Tabor, and graduated from Wagner in 1954. In high school, Ray organized and played trumpet for the Red Raven Orchestra. After graduation, he spent two years in the Army where he was stationed in San Francisco with the Guided Missile Unit. After serving, he returned home to farm with his dad and brother Ernie.
Ray married Joan Andersh on August 27, 1957. To this union six daughters were born: Diane, Gloria, Susan, Cheryl, Linette and JoEllen. Joan passed away June 1992.
During his life Ray farmed and worked Civil Defense. He was also the head bus mechanic and drove school buses for Wagner Community School for 37 ½ years.
Ray loved to watch NASCAR, Vikings football, hunt, fish and build. His creations include a combine cab, log splitters, drive-on tailgate for trailers, camper, race car and mini hot rod. A cannon that he made and a pair of hand-crafted steel geese make their home in front of the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner.
In 2000, Ray and Jane Horner Andersh were married. With 12 grown children between them, their initial plan was to sell both of their homes and spend a month with each of their children…but, they decided to keep Ray’s home on Lake Andes where they enjoyed the lake and spent many hours watching wildlife out their patio doors. They continued to drive school buses, while enjoying their love of travel, fishing and visiting their families.
In 2013, Ray started slowly sliding down a long, slippery slope. It was a living hell for him, and extremely hard on loved ones standing by helplessly. On June 11, 2014 Ray had a hemorrhagic stroke that left him unable to mobilize. He spent the rest of his life in the Wagner Good Samaritan Center. Jane moved to Wagner to be close to visit, feed and care for him. In January, Ray celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends. Ray sang along with the band as they played Bohemian music and enjoyed cake and ice cream…he had a great day! On February 14, 2015 Ray and Jane celebrated their 15th anniversary with another day of family, friends and music.
Thankful for sharing his life are his wife Jane of 15 years; his daughters: Diane (Terry) Gudahl, Gloria Kostel, Susan Altieri, Linette Kostel and JoEllen (Chris) Graham; stepchildren Ed (Marge) Andersh, Kevin (Georgia) Andersh, Deb (Rich) Bures, Burt (Barb) Andersh, Tim (Elaine) Andersh and Tami Andersh; five grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, seven step-great grandchildren, one step-great-great grandchild; two sisters: Florence Kokesh and Betty Broz; and sister-in-law Lucille Kostel.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan; daughter Cheryl Kostel-Cessa; brother Ernie; sister Irene Cuka; brothers-in-law: Don Broz, Mike Kokesh and Bill Cuka; one nephew and two nieces.
Memorial services for Wayne Kropuenske, 70, of Tyndall, South Dakota, will be held at 7:00 p.m. with visitation held one hour prior to service on Friday, December 18 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall with Rev. Dean Schroeder officiating. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.
Wayne Gustave Kropuenske was born on Saturday, April 21, 1945 to Earl and Thelma (Leslie) Kropuenske in Beresford, South Dakota. He graduated from Luverne High School in Minnesota in 1963. In that same year, Wayne enlisted in the National Guard. For a time, he sold Hansen Silos with his father and other agriculture equipment for Gehl/New Holland and New Idea. After gaining much experience in the field, Wayne opened Kropuenske Implement in Tyndall, South Dakota owning and operating it for several years. Following the closure of his shop, Wayne worked for Powermotive in Colorado and Murphy Tractor in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. In 2010, he once again made his home in Tyndall.
Wayne loved his family, friends and his beloved 1996 Ford Explorer. His 300,000-plus mile vehicle spoke of his joy of getting out and about and was a very familiar sight in the town and countryside. Wayne also enjoyed telling stories and his routine breakfast burrito at Schmidt’s followed by a cheeseburger and Pepsi lunch at the Corral. Wayne’s family will always remember him as the best dad, grandfather and selfless friend that anyone could ask for. He was a daredevil who was never afraid to live his life to the fullest.
Wayne passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Avera-Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton having attained the age of 70 years, seven months and 24 days.
He is survived by his daughters: Dawn E. (special friend Jerry Hansen) Kropuenske and Jessica W. (Dustin) Kropuenske Stanton; grandchildren: Addison, Alex and Avery Stanton; mother Thelma Leslie Kropuenske; brother Duane E. (Linda) Kropuenske; former wife Kathy Mount Kropuenske; and several nieces, nephews and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, sister-in-law Patsy Kropuenske and many aunts and uncles.
Adolph Kozel, age 96, formerly of 2609 King St., Janesville, Wisconsin, died Sat., Nov. 5, 2005, at Rock Haven. He was born in Tabor, SD, on Feb. 9, 1909, the son of Joseph and Mary (Korton) Kozel and had resided in Janesville for many years. Adolph married Allison Farries on May 12, 1936, in Pierre, SD. She preceded him in death on April 28, 1980. He later married Recial Fields on June 25, 1981. She preceded him in death on Oct. 5, 1993. He had been employed by Wauwatosa Fuel and Supply before retiring in 1962. Adolph enjoyed traveling. He is survived by his 3 step-children: Jean Kuschel and Marvin Lonnie Fields both of Janesville, and Elva Belanger of Mena, AR; a brother, Robert Kozel of Pierre, SD; several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; along with a nephew and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; and a step-son, LeRoy Fields.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 10, 2005, at MILTON LAWNS MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL with Rev. Judi Huseth officiating. Entombment will follow. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of services at the chapel. SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert “Bob” Kozel, 94, Pierre, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at St. Mary’s Healthcare Center, Pierre. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre.
Robert was born April 8, 1915 in Tabor, SD to Jospeph and Mary (Kortan) Kozel. Bob moved to the Pierre area with his family when he was very young.
He attended school in Pierre and remained in Pierre the rest of his life. He was united in marriage with Kathryn Smith on January 7, 1938 in Pierre. Bob was a devoted husband and father and spent his time caring for his family. He enjoyed spending time working as a carpenter, loved to fish, and had a passion for gardening.
Bob is survived by his daughter Roberta Frasch and her husband Eugene of Pasco, WA; two grandchildren Barbara Stuart and her husband Dan of Cornelius, OR, Deborah Richardson and her husband Kenny of Spokane, WA; three great-grandchildren Megan Bailey, Jason Stuart, and Kyle Richardson; two brother-in-laws, Sam Smith of Pierre, Hugo Smith of Pierre; one sister-in-law, Mary Vincent and her husband Dale of Pierre.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn, his parents, and one brother, Adolph.
Ann Kotalik, age 96, of Tabor, SD passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD with Msgr. Carlton Hermann officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will be in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Tabor, SD. Visitations will be ½ hour prior to service at the chapel.
Ann Becvar was born on the family homestead near Avon, SD on June 22, 1919 to Paul and Pauline (Souhrada) Becvar. She attended Daisy Country School. She later moved to Minneapolis, MN where she met and married Peter Kotalik on November 14, 1944. To this union, three children were born. Peter and Ann moved back to the Tabor, SD homestead farm after World War II ended. She had a life long career on the farm. Twelve years ago Ann lost the ability to walk, but she still wanted to live on the farm. She took care of her house and liked to cook her own meals until almost the end. In her waning years she liked to reminisce about working together with her sister-in-law, Marcella (Schramm) Kotalik. She had many good times working with her and they were best friends.
Ann is survived by her three children: Daniel (Jeanette Blaschke) Kotalik and their children, Mark and Lisa, all of Lesterville, SD, Patricia Kotalik of Yankton, SD and Leonard Kotalik of rural Tabor, SD; many nieces and nephews and special nephew, Art Kotalik of Yankton, SD.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Peter (January 28, 2009), brothers and sisters: Edward Becvar, Oscar Becvar, Steve Becvar, Dorothy Nedved, Violet Becvar and Hattie Honomichl. She will be missed.
Mabel Kronaizl, 96, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and formerly of Scotland, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Avera-Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls.
Visitation was held on Friday, January 15 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Visitation continued that evening with the family present at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland from 5:30 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service there. Funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 16 at the church. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Funeral arrangements were being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.
Mabel Ann Kronaizl was born on September 29, 1919 to Albert and Christina (Tucek) Slaba in rural Tripp, South Dakota. On October 8, 1946, Mabel was united in marriage to John Kronaizl at Vodnany Catholic Church. For a time, they made their home in rural Tabor. Following the death of Mabel’s father, she and John moved to a farm in rural Tripp where they farmed and raised a family. Mabel was a hardworking farmwife. While John cared for the larger livestock, Mabel raised hundreds of chickens and hatched many geese and ducks a year. She also nurtured an abundant garden. The farm kept the couple busy, but time was always made to enjoy dancing together and Czech Days in Tabor with their children. Later in her life, Mabel also enjoyed taking trips and sightseeing. Some of her most memorable trips were her bus tour of Tennessee, flying to Florida, and visiting Minnesota, Rapid City, and Branson Missouri. Throughout her life, Mabel was a devout Catholic. She was an active member of the Altar Society in Vodnany Catholic Church in rural Scotland and later in St. George’s Catholic Church in Scotland. In 2009, Mabel made her home at Avera-Prince of Peace Nursing Home in Sioux Falls.
Mabel was a kind, appreciative woman. She was pleased when people visited and praised her baking, especially her homemade kolaches. She also loved gardening and flowers, especially her beloved red roses. While some people would find the task of painting a chore, Mabel found great joy and satisfaction in painting the walls of her home and the out buildings on their farm. She adored her grandkids and cherished the times she could baby-sit them. Mabel was a friendly, polite acquaintance who could sit and visit with anybody. She especially treasured her time going to church and telephone chatting with her friends Dorothy Prickett, Lillian Travnicek, Clara Mikuska, and Vi Simek.
Mabel passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Avera-Prince of Peace having attained the age of 96 years, three months, and 15 days.
Grateful for having shared her life and love are her children: David (fiancée Mary Rose) Kronaizl of Sioux Falls, Dianna "Diane" (Darrell "DJ") Van Ravenswaay of Sioux Falls, and Dennis (Linda) Kronaizl of Scotland; grandchildren: Ryan Kronaizl, Heather (Corbin) Womac, Kraig (Morgan) Kronaizl and Michael Kronaizl; and brother William Slaba of Wagner.
She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1972, son Daniel in 1983, parents, and three brothers. To God Be the Glory.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Avera-Prince of Peace for all the care and friendship they gave to Mabel for the past seven years. Thank you.
Memorials will be designated by the family in loving memory of Mabel.
Marian B. Koletzky, age 94 of Yankton passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Monday, February 8, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton with Rev. Robert Wullweber officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories. Visitations will be from 2-4 PM, Sunday, February 7, 2016 with the family present at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Marian B. Koletzky was born May 28, 1921 in Yankton to Louis and Anna (Poulsen) Thompson. She graduated from Yankton High School and Mount Marty College. She taught country schools for three years and on June 23, 1942, she married Clarence Koletzky. They farmed several acreages until they settled on the Koletzky homestead south of Tabor. In 2009 they moved to an apartment in Yankton, SD where Marian resided until her recent illness.
Marian will always be remembered for her love of family and friends, including food, games, cards and marbles. She enjoyed many meals, friends and pinochle games at The Center.
Marian is survived by her three children: Wayne (Arlo) Koletzky of Port St. Lucie, FL, Ione (John) Fejfar of Custer, SD and Keith (Renee) Koletzky of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren: Eric Koletzky, Lori Gardner, Justin Fejfar, Jeremy Fejfar, Elizabeth Wersal and Kiera Koletzky; five great-grandchildren: Brock, Bryce, Lauren, Trevor Fejfar and Bailey Gardner.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, parents and two sisters, Thelma and Charlene.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for “The Center”, 900 Whiting Drive, Yankton, SD 57078.
Theodore Albert Kost, the son of Wilhelm and Katherina (Neth) Kost, was born in Lesterville, South Dakota on July 19, 1917 and died in Aurora, Nebraska on January 18, 2009, at the age of 91.
He grew up in Lesterville and attended school through the 8th grade. Ted served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 during WW II before being honorably discharged.
On December 20, 1953, he was united in marriage to Helen M. Gleich at Yankton, South Dakota. They farmed in the Utica and Scotland area in South Dakota until July 1969 when they moved to Aurora, Nebraska. In Aurora, Ted worked at the clothing store called Parker’s of Aurora with Gerald and Lucille Parker. He then worked several years for Bonnavilla before retiring. Later on Ted worked part-time at the Grain Place near Marquette. Helen passed away on November 23, 2004.
Ted was a member of the Presbyterian U.C.C. Church. He was also very active in the Lion’s Club, where he was involved in their recycling program.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five brothers, William (Betty), John, Otto, Otto Reuben and Richard (Marilyn) Kost; sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Hank) Gordon and Lucille (Gerald) Parker and brothers-in-law, Edmund Weltz, Elmer Thum and Herbert Mettler.
Those left to cherish his memory are his two children, Don (Londa) Kost of Kearney and Judy (Roger) Salmon of Aurora; 3 grandsons, Nick and David Kost of Omaha and Chad Salmon of Aurora; 2 granddaughters, Kelsey (Gerad) Olsen of Aurora and Jana (Bobby) Andrews of Omaha; two step-grandchildren, Derek (Tessa) Deyle of Omaha and Kara Deyle of Kearney; four great-grandchildren Rylee and Addison Olsen and Lucas and Bryce Gautier all of Aurora; three sisters, Anna Weltz, Frieda Thum and Lorraine Mettler all of Scotland, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Mabel Kost of Scotland, South Dakota; brother-in-law, Robert (Marlene) Gleich of Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
Tillie (O’Tillia) Knodel - Tillie Knodel, 107, was called home to be with her Lord on March 11, 2016, and reunited with her one true love, Edwin. Tillie’s was an amazing life both in its longevity, and the positive impact she made on everyone she touched.
A celebration of Tillie’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the United Church of Christ in Scotland, South Dakota with Reverend Ron Shifley officiating. Lunch will immediately follow, and she will be laid to rest beside Edwin in the Menno cemetery after the services and fellowship. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 PM on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland with family present. Pallbearers are Alvin Werkmeister, Joseph Fischer, Cody Geuther, Brady Geuther, Kelsey Schildhauer, and Tyler Spears.
O’Tillia Agnes Descombaz was born April 1, 1908 at her family’s home in Midland, South Dakota, to Gustaf and Emilie Descombaz. Her childhood was shared with three sisters, Alice, Alma, and Esther, and one brother, Edwin. From an early age, Tillie knew the value of honest, hard work. As was common at that time, she left school at age 13 and started working for her uncle, caring for their three young children, doing housework, and working in the fields over the next ten years.
In 1931, she met and married the love of her life, Edwin Henry Knodel. They even shared a birthday of April Fools Day! They were united in marriage on September 11, 1931. Just five years later, they were blessed with a daughter, Delaine, who became the light of her parents’ lives. In 1949, they suffered heartbreak with the stillbirth of their son, Lynn. However, Tillie’s faith and family persevered. Tillie cared for her family and worked side-by-side with her husband through the trials of the Great Depression. Edwin was a good provider and worked hard. It was trying times, however, and they often had to move to find what work was available. They worked in many states doing many jobs that kept their little family afloat. She was never afraid of hard work, often working in potato fields, tending crops, providing seamstress services, and accepting other jobs that would help support them. She and Edwin were a true team, and through hard times they found a way to forge ahead together.
In 1974, Tillie lost Edwin. Although her spirit wavered, her love for him never did. In the 42 years since his death, she wore her wedding ring proudly and spoke of him often. Since they had moved to many places over the years, she was often asked where her favorite place had been. She said that anywhere her and Edwin were together was her favorite place.
Tillie worked at many jobs during her life, always valuing hard work and doing what was right. She took great joy in her family and her faith. Her beautiful voice was often lifted in song at church. She loved to cook authentic German foods. Sundays at Tillie’s were a wonderful gift, and no one ever left hungry. She loved to write, draw, crochet, and craft. Nearly everyone in her family has cherished Valentines that she handmade each year. There was nothing like getting that heart in the mail from Tillie with her thoughtful words and hand-drawn pictures. Every letter ended the same: “God loves you and so do I.”
At 107 years of age, Tillie had the distinction of being South Dakota’s oldest resident. But more than age, Tillie’s memory is woven into the fabric of her family, her friends, and everyone that she touched. Her work ethic, her love ethic, and her simple grace will forever be cherished by all those that knew her, because to know Tillie was to love her.
Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Delaine Geuther; grandchildren: Linda (Patrick) Sparks, Twila (Tim) Woehl, DelRay (Pam) Geuther, LaDonna (Lefty) Geuther, Allen (Cindy) Geuther, and Shirley (Gordan) Dittman; great-grandchildren: Tasha Anderson, Mindy (Joe) Fischer, Sandra (Kelsey) Geuther, Kayla (David) Landry, Cody, Alicia, and Brady Geuther, Alana (Travis) Mullner, James (Kathy) Geuther, Jessica (Ray) Horsley, Jamie and Jolene Dittman, and Jeremy and Christopher Geuther; eight (and counting) great- great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, her infant son, Lynn, her parents and siblings, her son-in-law, Ray Geuther, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Helen Marie Kokes, age 83, of Tabor, SD passed away at her home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, SD with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD with a Wake service at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Pallbearers are: Gerald Syring, Jeff Hochstein, Aaron Jensen, Laddie Novak, Jr., Dean Washburn and Jay Kokes.
Helen Marie Kokes was born February 15, 1933 to Charles and Marie (Kozak) Novak on the family farm east of Tabor. She attended Petrik rural school through the eighth grade. She worked at home on the farm and was employed at Red Owl in Yankton.
Helen married Donald Kokes on October 6, 1959 in Tabor, SD. They farmed north of Tabor and had one son, James. Donald was killed in a farm accident in 1964 and she and Jim remained on the farm. Helen raised chickens for many local customers. She also worked as a house cleaner in Yankton for several years.
Helen was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Altar and Rosary Society.
Helen is survived by her son, James (Debra) Kokes of Tabor, SD; two grandchildren, Jason (Katie) Kokes and Janelle Kokes, all of Tabor, SD; sister, Marie (Richard) Syring of Yankton; brother, Laddie (Mary) Novak of Utica, SD, sisters-in-law, Jeanette Novak of Yankton, Delores Kokes of Delmont, SD, Delphine Kokesh of Scotland, SD, Norma Kokesh of Mitchell, SD and Agnes Kokesh of Wagner, SD and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, brothers, Alois Novak and Charles Novak and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services for Irene Kreber, 94, of Springfield are 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2016 at the Tyndall Presbyterian Church with Pastor Bill Van Gerpen officiating. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield on Sunday, with the family present, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Irene Gladys Rehurek was born June 29, 1921, the oldest of 10 children, to Joseph and Anna (Dvoracek) Rehurek. She passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Avera St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, after a short illness.
Irene attended Koupal Country School, and after working with her dad on the farm, attended and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1942. She worked for Dr. Isaak in Tyndall and the Press & Dakotan in Yankton as a proofreader.
Irene married Wally Kreber on March 8, 1943, while he was on furlough. She then worked for the Red Cross in Newport News, Virginia, until Wally returned from serving overseas. They moved to their current farm north of Springfield in 1952. Wally passed away on March 4, 2007, and Irene stayed on the farm until her stroke on April 1st.
Irene was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Tyndall, which originally had been in rural Tabor.
Irene loved the farm and her family. She will be remembered for her enjoyment of gardening, raising chickens and baking bread.
Irene Kreber is survived by her five children: Robert of Madison, WI, Ila (Dave) Wright of Yankton, Joleen of Stickney, and Neal and Jay of Springfield; her granddaughter, Susan Wright of Buckeye, AZ and grandson and great-grandson, John and Jonah Wright of Evanston, IL. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Sattler of Mitchell; brother, Lawrence Rehurek of Sparks, NV; sister-in-law, Lorraine Rehurek of Tyndall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wallace Kreber, three sisters: Ruth Vellek, Viola Kostlan and Marcella Kortan; and four brothers: Calvin, Ray, LeRoy and Alvin (who died in infancy).