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Rosemary Marek, 1921-2016

Rosemary Margaret Balvin Marek was born on December 15, 1921 to Frank and Mary (Schneider) Balvin on a farm in rural Tyndall, South Dakota. She attended Mt. Marty High School for two years and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1940. She attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing, graduating in 1944 as a registered nurse. Rosemary worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton until June 1946.

On June 25, 1946, Rosemary was united in marriage to Henry J. Marek at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Born to this union were five daughters. She was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall and served in the Altar Society. For many years, she also did child care in their home.

Rosemary was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor and friend who found true happiness in caring for those around her. Rosemary passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall having attained the age of 94 years, four months and 27 days.

Surviving are her daughters: Agatha Fods of Colton, SD, Juanita (Ron) Palsma of Sioux Falls, SD, Geralyn (Dennis) Wollman of Bonesteel, SD, and Maureen (Steve) Langle of Emery, SD; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; son-in-law Greg Jerke of Michigan; brother Francis Balvin; and sister Roberta Moravec.

Preceded in death by her husband Henry in 1999, her parents, daughter Crystal Jerke in 2002, son-in-law Darrell Fods in 1997, brother David Balvin, an infant brother, and sisters Alice Cuka and Anne Fuchs.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 15 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 16 at the church with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Grant McCann, 1981-2016

Grant Christopher McCann was born April 3rd, 1981 to Greg and Diana McCann in Yankton, SD. He graduated from Bon Homme High School in 1999 and attended the University of Minnesota at Morris. He moved to California in 2001 where he attended the College of San Mateo and San Francisco State University while working for Radio Shack and Sony. Grant returned to SD in 2008 to help develop the Cogan House, RV Park, and Dakota Custom Hunt and all aspects of the farm.

Grant’s untimely death occurred while working on the farm on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

He was preceded in death by his mother Diana, paternal grandfather Gordon McCann, and his maternal grandparents Ralph and Rosina Yager.

Grant is survived by his father Greg, his sister, Holly, his girlfriend Melissa, his grandmother Lornie, and many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends.

A fuller account of Grant’s life will be shared in his Eulogy.

Visitation will be held at St. Leo Catholic Church, Tyndall on Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. wake service. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 13 at the church with Fr. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial will follow in the Bon Homme Cemetery, rural Springfield. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Goglin Funeral Home, Tyndall.

Authorities Identify Victim Of Fatal Farm Accident
A Springfield man has been identified as the victim of a fatal farm accident Tuesday near Springfield.

Grant McCann, 35, died when he was electrocuted while farming along Apple Tree Road, according to Bon Homme County Sheriff Lenny Gramkow.

The accident occurred around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, approximately one mile south of South Dakota Highway 52, the sheriff said.

McCann was working with a sprayer that had a large boom, which got tangled with overhead electric wires, Gramkow said. McCann became electrocuted when he got out of the tractor, the sheriff added.

The accident created a power outage, which was noticed by area residents. A neighboring farmer found McCann while searching for the source of the outage, Gramkow said.

The Springfield ambulance and the Springfield fire department responded to the scene. A Bon Homme-Yankton Electric crew also responded to the scene.

The B-Y crew restored power after a brief outage, the sheriff added.

McCann was alone at the time of the accident and died at the scene, Gramkow said.

The fatal accident provided a sad yet important reminder about the need for heightened farm safety, the sheriff said.

“Farmers have got to realize that the equipment is getting bigger and the power lines aren’t getting any higher,” the sheriff said.

Gramkow said it marked the first time he has responded to an electrocution in his 24-year law enforcement career.

Source: Yankton (SD) Press & Dakota ~ June 9, 2016

Lt. Virginia McClure, 1922-1952

A message from the personnel headquarters of the U.S. Air Force in Washington to the publisher of the Springfield Times Tuesday advised him of the death of his daughter, First Lieutenant Virginia McClure, as the result of an aircraft accident on December 22. No further details have been learned. Lt. McClure has been in the eastern area since August, first at Kachikawa Air Base near Tokyo, and the past 30 days at Camp Brady on Kiushu Island. She was scheduled to go to Korea on September 21 for a 30 day tour of duty there. She was with the air transport service and had been flying between air bases in Japan and Korea, transporting army casualties. She had been with the Air Force nursing service for 18 months.

Source: Hutchinson Herald (Menno, SD) ~ January 1, 1953

Former Tabor Woman Is Dead
TABOR - Word has been received here that a former Tabor woman, Lt. Virginia M. McClure died Dec. 22 in Korea when two planes collided on a runway at an airbase in western Korea.

A flight nurse, Lt. McClure was the daughter of E. R. McClure of Springfield, S.D., former editor of the Tabor Beacon. Lt. McClure had been in service 18 months and had been assigned to a hospital in Tokyo, Japan since August.

Survivors include her father and one brother, Lucien.

Source: Nonpariel (Council Bluffs, Iowa) ~ January 9, 1953

Memorial services for Eva Mohr, 92, of Springfield will be 3 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield. Inurnment will be in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield.

Hilda Eva Mohr, daughter of Otto and Ella (Krueger) Gansebom, was born October 3, 1917 at Osmond, NE. She died Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Scotland. Eva attained the age of 92 years, one month and 16 days.

Eva went to school through the eighth grade. She married William Mohr in June of 1934 at Worthington, MN. Two children were born to their union. Her husband died June 14, 1994. Eva lived with her son Dennis in Springfield until she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Scotland on May 6, 2009.

Eva was a member of the South Phoenix Senior Center where she enjoyed volunteering. She will also be remembered for her enjoyment of sewing and horse riding.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Donna Sievers and husband Marvin “Roy” of Sun City, AZ and Dennis of Springfield; five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and one brother Vernon and wife Donna of Osmond, NE.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers: Roy and Phillip; and one sister, Phyllis.

Memorial services for Dennis Mohr, 64, of Springfield will be 3 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield. Inurnment will be in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield, with military honors.

Dennis Lee Mohr, son of William and Hilda Eva (Gansebom) Mohr, was born September 6, 1945 at Madison, SD. He died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at his home in Springfield. Dennis attained the age of 64 years, two months and 14 days.

Dennis went to school through the eighth grade. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from February 29, 1968 to February 22, 1970. Dennis served in the Army Reserve until February 28, 1974. He worked for the City of Springfield for many years.

Dennis was a member of the Dwight Wood American Legion Post in Springfield, the Patriot Guard Riders and the VFW in Scotland.

Dennis will be remembered for helping people, and his love of work and fishing.

Thankful for having shared his life are his son, Jason; daughter Tanya Sanchez; seven grandchildren, all of Sioux Falls; sister Donna Sievers and husband Marvin “Roy” of Sun City, AZ; and many friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father on June 14, 1994 and his mother on November 18, 2009.

Mabel Mikuska, 90, Tripp, died Monday (April 28, 2003) at the Tripp Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Vodnany, with the Rev. David Stevens officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Jared Balvin, Terry Balvin, Tim Gacke, Brent Heinert, Doug Mikuska and Marlin Pravecek. Visitation is from 1-5:30 p.m. Thursday, at Goglin-Kelley Memorial Chapel, Tripp, South Dakota. A wake service is 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church.

She was born June 15, 1912, in Bon Homme County near Scotland to James and Stella (Dvorak) Placek. She married William A. Mikuska Nov. 12, 1935, at Vodnany. They farmed southeast of Tripp until 1969 when they moved to Kaylor. She enjoyed being a farm wife and loved to work outdoors. She is survived by her son, William (Evelyn) Mikuska, Tripp; her daughter, Dorothy (Francis) Pravecek, Scotland; three granddaughters; two grandsons; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband in 1993.

Rose Bertsch was born Nov. 18, 1888, at Eureka, S D., and died at her home Oct. 13, 1918, aged 29 yrs, 11 months. When about ten years of age she moved with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Bertsch, to Medina; N. D., where she grew to womanhood. She attended the Medina public schools and was graduated from Medina high school. After graduation she taught ten years-nine years in N. Dak. and one year, 1913, in the Schatz district, where she met her future husband.

Upon her return to N. Dak., after a year spent in So. Dak., she was principal of the Fedora and Gackle public schools. In 1914 her parents moved to Bismark, N. D., where they still live. On Jan. 3, 1918, at Bismark, N. D., she was married to Carl C. Muhmel, of Scotland. On Jan 8 she came with her husband to Scotland where she has since resided.

On June 1 her husband was called to Camp Lee, Va., and on July 28 he left for France. Since her husband's departure for camp she and her sister, Miss Tillie Bertsch, have lived alone in the bungalow which Mr. Muhmel had prepared for his future bride. Oct. 3 she was taken ill with the Spanish influenza, which developed into pneumonia on Thursday, Oct. 10. Drs. Koobs and Leighton were both in attendance and all that loving hands and medical skill could do to assuage her suffering was done, but of no avail. She passed away at 8 o'clock Sunday morning, Oct. 13.

Besides her young husband, who is with the American Exp. Forces in France, she leaves an aged father and mother, one sister, Miss Mathilda, and three brothers, Carl, who resides with his parents at Bismark, Henry, who lives at Medina, N. D., and Gust, who lives at Glasgow, Mont. Besides these relatives she leaves one half sister, Mrs. Jacob Schatz of Scotland, and Gottlieb and Jacob, who reside in N. Dak.

The services were conducted from her home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, by Rev. Zink, pastor of the Lutheran church at Scotland, of which her husband was a member. The singing was in charge of the Methodist choir, and Rev. Langdon sang a solo. The text for the services was chosen from Psalm 39, verse 8, "Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the foolish." The many floral offerings attest the love in which she was held by those who knew her. Her body was laid to rest in the Scotland Cemetery. The heartfelt sympathy is extended to all the bereaved relatives.

In Loving Remembrance of Our Dear Rose:

A loving one from us is taken,
A voice that cheered us is stilled.
Her loving smile to greet us no more,
Her place is vacant in our home
Which no one else can fill.
We wonder why, but God in,
His wisdom knows best,
So He called her from this world of care
Unto the land of bliss.
Altho her body rests here below,
Her soul is safe in heaven.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ October 24, 1918

After a lingering illness lasting for several months Miss Marion Munn passed away last Tuesday morning about six o'clock, at the home of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm Munn. Miss Marion was born and grew to womanhood in Scotland. She was a young lady of amiable disposition, beloved by all who knew her, and it seems sad that a young life, so full of bright prospects should be thus cut off in the fresh bloom of young womanhood. After completing her course in the public schools of Scotland Miss Munn attended Huron College where she completed the normal course. She then engaged in teaching and has been very successful in that work for several years. The past three years she taught at Running Water where she won the high esteem, not only of the pupils in her school but of the entire community. It is perhaps partially due to her energy and devotion to her work that she has sacrificed her life. During the cold, damp weather last spring she contracted a severe cold, which in her exhausted condition she was unable to throw off, and it finally developed into consumption which caused her death. The blow to the bereaved family is severe. Mrs. Munn worn out by the care and worry over her daughter's sickness, when the end came suffered a collapse and was in a serious condition for two days. The deceased leaves a father and mother, a brother Malcolm Jr. and a sister, Mrs. Morris Gregory, of Salem, all of whom were with her in the her last hours. The funeral will be held in the Presbyterian church this afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. E. S. Horton.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ December 15, 1910

Miss Marion Munn, whose death was recorded last week, was buried Thursday from the Presbyterian church, the sermon being preached by Rev. C. E. Wilcox who was a student with her at Huron College. The church was crowded with sympathizing friends, and the floral offerings were most beautiful. Among the friends present was the young man from Running Water to whom she was to have been married during the past summer and the dress which enshrouded her in the casket was the one prepared for her wedding trousseau. The following is the beautiful tribute paid to the deceased by G. E. Muller, superintendent of schools of this county in his weekly school letter.

Miss Marion Munn, who has been one of the most capable and faithful teachers of this county for the past four years, passed away at her home in Scotland on Tuesday of last week. In the death of this noble Christian young woman society has lost a very valuable member. Only those who knew her well can realize how great is the loss. Her pupils loved and cherished her almost as a mother, and men and women who knew her respected and esteemed her very highly. None deserved more richly than Miss Marion the full joy of a long and happy life and yet with all her worth and noble womanhood she was denied that right and was caused much suffering by the indifference of the public to a disease which can, by intelligence and much care, be stamped out.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ December 22, 1910

At the home of his grandfather, Patrick Haney, occurred the death of Sylvester Joseph Madden, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Madden. The deceased was born Oct. 3, 1911, being at the time of his death 5 years, 8 months, and 6 days. On May the 11th he was stricken with scarlet fever from which he seemed to be recovering when the brights disease set in. All that loving hands could do made his last days on earth comfortable.

The deceased with a child of likeable disposition, and made friends with all who knew him. He leaves besides his heartbroken parents two sisters and one brother, an aged grandfather, Patrick Haney of Scotland, and a grandmother, Mrs. C. Madden and two uncles, Dan and Andrew Madden, all of Bridgeport, Conn. and an aunt, Mrs. John Nichols of Hastings on the Hudson, N.Y., who could not be present at the funeral on account of distance. The out of town relatives were Andrew Haney of Blunt, J. C. Haney, Bridget, Margaret and Mary, all of Scotland, besides a host of relatives in Chicago, who join the parents in the greatest sorrow of their lives the loss of their darling boy. The sunshine has gone from their home and all seems dark and desolate. But some day we shall meet beyond that dark river of death where there will be no more parting. The remains were brought to the Catholic church where high mass was said by Rev. Father Sack, and were laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery. Eternal rest grant him, O Lord.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ June 14, 1917

Glenn Russell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward McLachlan of Lake Andes, was born Dec. 15, 1914, died June 4, 1917, after an illness of about two weeks duration due to diphtheria.

In this world of care and pain,
Lord, Thou wouldst no longer leave him;
To the sunny heavenly plain
Thou dost now with joy receive him.
Clothed in robes of spotless white,
Now he dwells with Thee in light.

Source: The Citizen-Republican (Scotland, SD) ~ June 14, 1917

Bernice Muhmel, 1911-2006

Funeral service for Bernice Muhmel will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2006 at First Presbyterian Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Clergy will be Rev. Mark Werner. Organist will be Georgiana Pravecek, and soloist will be Jeremy Bertrand. Honorary Casketbearers will be Matthew Muhmel, Melvin Rodney, Patrick Orth, Shane Orth, Jeremy Bertrand, Gary Gramkow and Elmer Bjorum. Casketbearers will be Steve Fowkes, Kevin Moore, Ryan Kocourek, Marlin Kocourek, Shawn Kocourek and Gavin Pravecek. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2006 at Goglin-Kelley Memorial Chapel, Scotland, South Dakota.

Bernice Muhmel was born in Orson, Iowa on March 12, 1911 to Fred and Frances (Whitney) Radtke. She graduated from Bonilla High School in 1929. Bernice Radtke and Clarence Muhmel were married on February 12, 1930 at Bonilla, South Dakota. They made their home in Scotland where they farmed. Clarence died in 1974, and Bernice continued to live on the farm. She loved the farm where she resided for 75 years and spent her time baking and cooking, gardening and growing flowers and doing her fancy work. Most important to Bernice, though, was her faith in God. She worked at Dale Electronics, the State Hospital in Yankton and Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital. Bernice was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Ladies' Aid, the Rebecca Lodge and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She died on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at the Scotland Good Samaritan Center at the age of 94 years.

Surviving her are her three daughters: Myrna (James) Fowkes of Sioux City, Iowa, Marlys Muhmel and special friend Ed Smidt of Firth, Nebraska, Marlene (Dennis) Luikens of Scotland; her son, Royce (Sussy) Muhmel of Yankton, South Dakota; 11 grandchildren: Steve Fowkes, Heidi (Fowkes) Deignan, Kevin Moore, Diane (Moore) Orth, Ryan Kocourek, Marlin Kocourek, Michelle Kocourek, Matthew Muhmel, Jennifer Muhmel, Ariana Muhmel, and Kirsten Muhmel; 13 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Oliver Radtke of Pueblo, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Clarence in 1974, her son, Ronald in 1947, her parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Barbara McCool, age 66, of Lennox, SD and formerly of Olivet, SD, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 at Olivet United Methodist Church, Olivet with Rev. Kathy Kluis officiating. Inurnment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, SD. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, SD.

Barbara Elsie McCool was born to Elgin and Elsie Eggleston on November 12, 1943. Barbara graduated from Menno High School and went on to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls. She married Neil Wagner in 1974 and together owned a restaurant in Freeman, “Barb’s Cafe.” Barbara married Micheal McCool in 1985, moving to Madison and opening a cafe, “Barb’s.”

Barbara is survived by two sons, Floyd Wagner and Michael (Stephinie) Wagner, five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, many other friends and relatives.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Elsie (Cary) Eggleston; father, Elgin Eggleston; grandfather, Robert Cary; grandmother, Bess (Grim) Cary.

Melvin Mudder, 1955-2014

Melvin “Mel” Mudder, 58, of Menno, SD passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center after a brave five-year struggle with Pick’s Disease, a form a dementia similar to Alzheimer’s.

Visitation with family present will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 12 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD followed by a 7 p.m. Prayer Service, including a time to share memories and stories. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno. Inurnment will take place at the First Baptist Church cemetery, rural Avon, SD at 2:00 p.m. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are requested. Donations can be made online at www.alz.org or by sending a check to: Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Melvin Eugene Mudder was born December 23, 1955 to Marvin and Charlotte (Odens) Mudder in Tyndall, SD. He was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Avon, SD.

He attended country school at James School #55 through the 8th grade and Avon High School, graduating in 1974. Mel joined the Army National Guard in 1973 and served as a heavy equipment operator and cook for 29 years, retiring in 2003. Mel worked various construction, heavy equipment and farm jobs for area farmers, which included hauling countless numbers of bales. He worked at Kolberg’s in Yankton, SD and the State Highway Department in Tyndall, SD. Mel spent the rest of his career as a prison guard at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, SD.

Mel married Saundra Shelman of Tyndall, SD on September 13, 1980 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, SD. They lived in Tabor, SD for four years before moving to Tyndall and starting their family. Their first daughter, Alaina Betty, was born in 1988. Their second daughter, Abbey Rae, was born in 1989. Tyndall continued to be Mel’s home until 2008.

Mel enjoyed watching his two daughters’ sporting and extracurricular activities, playing slow pitch softball for several leagues and tournaments, and fast pitch softball with the Avon Astros. He was known by many to hit the longest home run at the Tyndall softball park. Mel also enjoyed listening to music, sports trivia, playing pinochle with family and friends at card club, cheering on his favorite teams (the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins), and collecting various odds and ends. Growing up, he spent most of his time working on the family farm and playing various games with his siblings and neighbors.

On June 1, 2009, Menno-Olivet Care Center became Mel’s home after he was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease, a neurodegenerative disease. While at the care center, he volunteered his time with landscaping, kitchen prep work, cleaning and spending time with the daycare children.

Mel was welcomed as a member of the Salem Reformed Church in Menno on October 18, 2009. His church family was a very important part of his life. He very much enjoyed his visits with Pastor Mike. Mel was well-known for his big heart and his willingness to help a hand to anyone in need, always putting others first. He loved to make friends everywhere he traveled, and was kind to all. He had a lot of patience, and a great sense of humor.

Mel will be fondly remembered for his generous, kind, and good-natured demeanor. Even throughout his declining health, he never complained. He always lit up when family and friends visited.

Thankful for having shared his life are his two daughters: Dr. Alaina (Matt) Blake, Des Moines, IA and Abbey Mudder, Canton, SD and their mother Saundra Mudder, Tyndall, SD; his 12 siblings: Janice (Terry) Smidt, Huron, SD; George (Denise) Mudder, Tyndall, SD; Joyce (Jay) Borah, Huron, SD; Dale (Annette) Mudder, Yankton, SD; Jane (Gary) Gramkow, Olivet, SD; Julie (Keith) Rothschadl, Scotland, SD; Alan (Lori) Mudder, Avon, SD; Larry (Brenda) Mudder, Avon, SD; Joan (Greg) Doty, Wagner, SD; David (Mary) Mudder, Garretson, SD; Don (Marcia) Mudder, Avon, SD; and Jacque (Jeff) Liebl, Menno, SD; former in-laws Pam and LeWayne Lukkes, Tyndall, SD and Steve and Carolyn Peters, Delmont, SD; special friends Wanda Pond and Trisha Halsall, Menno, SD; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin (1993) and Charlotte (2009) Mudder; his grandparents George and Elsie Mudder and Charlie and Jennie Odens; his former in-laws Leonard and Betty Shelman; nephew Ross Michael Doty; uncles: LeRoy Jochims, Roger Mudder, Phillip G. Odens, Dewey Olsen, Arnold Johnson and Fritz Hale; and aunts: Shirley Pudwill, Velda Olsen, Carol Ferwerda and Miriam Johnson.

Frieda Wilhelmina Max, 87, Scotland, died Wednesday (July 10, 2002) at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Scotland.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Scotland, with the Rev. John Sieverts officiating. Burial is at the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitation is from 1-9 p.m. today (Friday) at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home in Scotland and one hour prior to service time at the church.

She was born on Feb. 4, 1915 southeast of Menno to John and Lydia (Bender) Quast. She was baptized on April 11, 1915 in the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church in Menno and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on June 16, 1929 at the Evangelical Lutheran Gnaden Church at Menno. She lived in Tolstoy and in 1930 moved with her parents six and a half miles northwest of Olivet. She married Edgar J. Max on Jan. 30, 1941 in Scotland. She was active in church, in Lutheran League, Missionary Circle, Junior Lutherans and was a Sunday school teacher, choir director, organist and pianist. She was employed by Farmers Mutual Insurance, Hartnett Insurance, Scotland Variety Store and the Community Action Program as a community aid. She helped organized the Scotland Senior Citizen Center, served on the board of directors for the Bon Homme County Pioneer Association and served on the Scotland Good Samaritan Center Auxiliary. She worked at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital for 15 years.

She is survived by two children: Velma Konstanz, Scotland; David (Jackie) Max, Rapid City; 5 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

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

Elder "Mike" Magstadt, 1910-2011

Elder Adam “Mike” Magstadt was born on Tuesday, November 1, 1910 on the family farm near Tripp, South Dakota. He was one of ten children born to Frederick and Lydia (Baltzer) Magstadt. He attended country school, and then began working on the farm. He contracted polio as a child, but made a full recovery and enjoyed wrestling and riding ponies. Elder and his brother, Helmuth broke horses to be used as farm animals. He started out farming with horses, but bought his first tractor in 1942 and was a John Deere man for the rest of his life. Elder was united in marriage to Emma Brandt on November 19, 1936 in a country church near Tripp. They farmed nine miles northeast of Tripp, retiring to Tripp in 1973. Elder loved music and could often be heard singing while doing farm work. He enjoyed watching baseball and softball, and also enjoyed traveling and fishing. Elder lived on his own until he was 90 and became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland in 2001. He passed away on Friday, January 14, 2011, having attained the age of 100 years, 2 months and 13 days.

Elder is survived by two daughters: Carol (Harlan) Phinney of Mitchell and Doris Kalahar of Huron, 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Fred and Lydia Magstadt, Elder was preceded in death by his wife, Emma, in 1990, a daughter, Darlene Wollmann, in 1983, a son-in-law, Verlin Wollmann, two sisters and seven brothers.

Gary Magstadt, 1949-2011

Gary Lee Magstadt was born Friday, November 18, 1949 at Yankton, South Dakota to Benjamin and Ruth (Gall) Magstadt. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1968. He attended Nettleton Business School in Omaha, Nebraska for one year. He worked at Omaha National Bank as a computer programmer. Gary entered the Marines at Camp Pendleton, California and served for two years. He worked with computers during the Vietnam era. After his military service, Gary returned to Omaha where he worked as a program analyst for First Tier Bank. He retired in 1996. Gary passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at his residence in Omaha, having attained the age of 61 years, 9 months, and 23 days.

Gary is survived by one brother, Darrell (LaVerna) Magstadt of Tripp; two nephews: Corey Magstadt of Aurora, Colorado, currently working in Afghanistan, and Chad (Jody) Magstadt of Peoria, Illinois and their two children, Alanna and Aidan; and two aunts: Elsie Magstadt of Scotland and Mary Ann Gall of Lesterville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ruth Magstadt.

Dorothy Maruska, 1934-2010

Funeral services for Dorothy Irene Maruska of Yankton and formerly of Scotland will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21 at the United Methodist Church in Scotland with Pastor Kathy Kluis officiating. Organist will be Jeanine Herman. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery, Scotland. Casketbearers will be Marlin Kocourek, Ryan Kocourek, Arnie Kocourek, Steve Maruska, Jim Maruska and Mark Grambihler. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the family present to greet visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland.

Dorothy Irene Maruska was born Thursday, October 25, 1934 in Hutchinson County near Olivet, South Dakota. Her parents were Albert and Anna (Zweifel) Kocourek. Dorothy was united in marriage to Francis “Blubber” Maruska in 1953 in Olivet. She worked for a time at Gurney’s in Yankton and the creamery in Scotland. She always kept a wonderful garden that provided fresh produce for her and Blubber. He passed away in 1985. Dorothy loved her dogs, and she enjoyed going out to eat with her relatives and friends. Her sisters-in-law, Nellie Maruska and Marge Turner, helped Dorothy during the last 10 years that she was able to stay in her home in Scotland. Due to advancing ill health, she spent the last four years in nursing care in Yankton. Dorothy passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2010 in Yankton, South Dakota, having attained the age of 75 years, 5 months and 22 days.

Dorothy is survived by one brother, Louis Kocourek of Sioux Falls; four sisters-in-law: Marge Turner of Scotland, Nellie (Norman) Maruska of Scotland, Carol (Ray) Grambihler of Ethan, and Deanna (Gerald) Maruska of Mission, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Francis “Blubber” Maruska; one brother, Francis Kocourek; and two sisters: Shirley Ulmer and Diana Volmer.

Irene Mae Muhmel died Saturday, October 2, 2004, at the age of 76 years.

Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2004, at First Presbyterian Church, Scotland, South Dakota. The clergy is Rev. Mark Werner. Organist is Emily Deutscher and soloist is Richard Hall. Casketbearers are Arlo Burbach, Richard Hall, Larry Hebbert, Ted Schaeffer, Ronald Schatz and Gary Schelske. Interment is in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota. Goglin-Kelley Funeral Home, Scotland, is in charge of arrangements.

Irene Mae Muhmel was born on the family farm near Scotland, South Dakota on April 30, 1928 to Carl and Naomi (Smith) Muhmel. She was baptized in the Scotland Presbyterian Church on July 30, 1928. She attended the Schatz Country School through the 8th grade. Circumstances in Irene's life were such that she carried a great deal of responsibility from an early age. Her mother passed away when she was only 8 years old, leaving her to care for a younger sister. Her brother, Earl, was called into the armed forces, which made it necessary for her to help even more in the home and on the farm. She was self-educated in domestic skills, and became experienced in housekeeping, cooking, baking and gardening. She also became an excellent seamstress.

Irene's father and brother Earl were very helpful in establishing the new Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2966 in Scotland in 1945. Following in their footsteps, Irene became active in the new V.F.W. Ladies' Auxiliary, which was chartered in 1947. She held many offices and was a two-term president. She served as a color-bearer for 20 years, marching in many parades, proudly carrying the American flag. Irene and Earl were active members of the Highland Square Dance Club and Irene used her skills as a seamstress in creating her own colorful dancing skirts.

In 2000, Earl and Irene moved from their farm home into the new townhouse complex in Scotland. Irene endured many days in the hospital battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Suffering from back problems, Irene became a resident of the Scotland Good Samaritan Center in September of 2003. She entered hospice in Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland on Friday, September 17, 2004.

Irene is survived by her brother, Earl of Scotland; two sisters: Alice Mellotte of Portland, Oregon and Helen (Harry) Voy of Los Angeles, California; a niece, Julie Voy, also of Los Angeles; and her long-time friend, Evelyn (John) Haynes of Scotland.

Irene was preceded in death by her mother and father and her brother, Stanley.

Marie A. (Bjorum) Muhmel, age 91, of Olivet, passed away Friday, April 8, 2005, at her residence.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Scotland Presbyterian Church in Scotland with Pastor Mark Werner officiating. Entombment will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Visitations will be from 3-8 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2005, at the Aisenbrey-Kostel Funeral Home, Menno, with the family present at 7:00 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Richard Hall, Lynn Bjorum, Royce Muhmel, Ryan Kocourek, Kerry Kepplinger and Steve Fowkes.

Marie Anna was born September 5, 1913, in Scotland, Bon Homme County, SD, to Albert and Edna (Griffing) Bjorum. She attended and graduated from Menno High School. On February 6, 1935, she married Odin Muhmel, son of John and Margaret (Kuhlman) Muhmel, in Menno, SD. She spent her married life on their farm north of Scotland.

She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Ladies Aid and also worked a few years at Dale Electronics in Yankton. She enjoyed farm life, cooking, taking care of her garden and flowers and most important to her was her faith in God.

Marie is survived by her sister, Ellanor (Rocky) Langfeldt, San Jose, CA; brothers: Neil (Adeline) Bjorum of Holland, MI, and Elmer Bjorum of Olivet, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Odin in 1988; her parents; one sister, Violet; and two brothers, Gayhart and Melvin.

Helen Maruska, 1928-2012

Helen D. Maruska, 84, of Mesa, Arizona entered into heaven on Friday, September 21, 2012 at the Hospice of the Valley, Mesa, AZ.

Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2012 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Rev. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will be in the Scotland Cemetery at approximately 12:45 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Visitations will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, with a wake service at 7 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Helen was born May 10, 1928 to Rudolph and Ella (Pishek) Cahoy in Bon Homme County, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor. She attended Catholic Elementary School in Tabor. On November 21, 1950, Helen married Joseph J. Maruska. To this union, 4 children were born, Marlene, Dennis, Ron, and Cynthia. She and Joseph farmed until Joseph’s death in 1968. Helen then moved to Yankton where she worked for Vandermeer Bakery, Kochi Hotel, and the Human Services Center.

In 1981, she moved to California and worked for Medical Center of Garden Grove. Upon retirement, she moved to Mesa, Arizona. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting, and polka music. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Helen’s memory will always be cherished by her daughter, Marlene Maruska of Mesa, AZ; her son, Ron (Gail) Maruska of Yankton; son-in-law, Ireneo Ponteres of Fountain Valley, CA; grandchildren, Joseph (Anna) Maruska of Omaha, Ann (Doug) Sahr of Mounds View, MN; step- grandson, Charlie (Lea) Ponteres of Fountain Valley, CA; one great-granddaughter, Clara Maruska; two step-granddaughters, Savannah and Samantha Ponteres; 2 sisters, Marie (Leonard) Hisek, and Marcy (Lumir) Ruman, both of Tyndall, SD; a brother, Steve (Janice) Cahoy of Tabor, SD and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, son, Dennis Maruska, daughter, Cynthia Ponteres, three brothers; Ed and Ray Cahoy, and infant brother, Joseph, a nephew, and several sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.

Ruth Mount, 1937-2009

Funeral services for Ruth Anne Mount, 71, of Avon are 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with the family present and a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Anne Mount, daughter of Howard and Christine (Mumm) Hill, was born November 25, 1937 at their home near Springfield. She died Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner after a battle with cancer since February of 2008. Ruth Anne attained the age of 71 years, six months and two days.

Ruth Anne graduated from Avon High School in 1955 and then attended Southern Teacher’s College in Springfield for a year. She earned her teaching certificate and taught for one year.

Ruth Anne married Jimmy D. Metteer in October of 1957. Four children were born to this union. They farmed south of Dante, until Jimmy’s death in 1962, at which time she moved her family into Avon. In 1966, Ruth Anne married Ronald J. Mount at the Methodist Church in Avon. Two children were born to this union.

Ruth Anne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Avon, where she served as a past president.

Ruth Anne worked at the Avon Enterprise for 11 years. She was an avid bowler, having bowled for many years on leagues in Avon and Tyndall. She enjoyed playing pitch and spent her lifetime cutting and pasting articles from newspapers into scrapbooks. Ruth Anne was a history story teller. She always wore a smile and looked on the bright side of everything. Ruth Anne loved and enjoyed her family, but especially her grandchildren.

Thankful for having shared her life are her husband, Ronald of Avon; six children: Jeff Metteer and wife Peg of Yankton; Donna Wattier and husband Ken of Dell Rapids; Debbie Metteer of Avon; Lori Giedd and husband Roy, Jr. of Lake Andes; Susan Dykstra and husband Robert of Brandon; and Randy Mount and wife Staci of Webster; 15 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three brothers: Roger of Eagle Butte; James (Bernadette) of Dante; and Douglas (Maxine) of Black Hawk; four sisters: Elaine (Kenneth) Sorenson of Lake Andes; Jane (James) Stimpson of Madison; Betty Vogel of Meckling; and Della (Brian) Davidson of Huron; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Ruth Anne was preceded in death by her first husband; her parents; and two infant siblings: Donald Howard and Sandra Kay Hill.

Esther L. McKenzie, 99, Kingsley, Iowa, and formerly of Avon, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at the Kingsley Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Avon, with the Rev. Amy Flack officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. Friday with the family present from 2-4 p.m. and a Scripture service at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Thomas J. Topf officiating at the Rohde-Earnest Funeral Home, Kingsley.

She was born March 14, 1904, at Bonesteel to John and Ida (Qualm) Flisram. She graduated from high school in Dallas in 1924. She married William Louis McKenzie on July 9, 1924, in Dallas. They lived in the Avon, Bonesteel and Dallas areas. Her husband died in 1963, and she continued to live in the Avon area until 1970 when she moved to Kingsley.

She was a member of Eastern Star and Golden Age Club. She enjoyed playing cards, visiting with friends and family and sharing life stories with other people. She was a ardent supporter of the Democratic Political Party, extolling the party's many virtues to people she knew.

She is survived by one son, William Louis (Helen) McKenzie Jr., Tucson, Ariz.; two daughters: Marilyn (Max) Puttmann, Kingsley, and Kathy (Paul) Lessek, Elk Point; seven grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and 11 step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant son, one grandson, one step-grandson, one son-in-law, six sisters and one brother.

Charlotte Mudder, 78, of Avon, S.D., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at her home following a brief battle with cancer under hospice and family care.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009, at First Baptist Church, Avon, S.D. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, May 1, from 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., followed by a prayer service on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. Family will be present throughout the day. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Charlotte Anne Odens was born October 1, 1930, to Charlie and Jennie Agnes (DeRoos) Odens in Bon Homme County on a farm east of Springfield. In 1943, they moved to the family farm by Kingsburg. She was baptized as an infant at the Emmanuel Reformed Church. The family attended the Kingsburg Church and the Emmanuel Reformed Church. She contributed her honesty and generous spirit to her Christian belief instilled by her parents.

She attended Quinn Country School District 33 through the 8th grade, attending and graduating from Springfield High School in 1948. She attended Southern State Teacher College (SSTC) in Springfield earning a one year teaching certificate in 1949. She taught grade school at the Lincoln Country School west of Springfield for two years. She remembered getting snowed in on a winter day at the school with a student, keeping the building warm by shoveling coal into the furnace; prior to a neighbor arriving and taking them to safety.

Charlotte married Marvin G. Mudder on August 22, 1951, at the Kingsburg Church. Following their marriage, she was baptized in and became a member of the First Baptist Church. They lived on various farms near Avon. The birth of their first child in 1953 started their large family. Five more children were born before the family moved in 1959 to a farm northwest of Dante where three more children were born. They farmed the land raising crops, chickens, hogs, and milking cows. She remembered the big hail storm that hailed out their beautiful grain crops the day before harvest in 1962.

Marvin and Charlotte bought what became the family farm two and half miles east of Avon in 1965. Four more children were added to the family completing the “Baker’s Dozen.” All of their daughters were given names starting with a “J” after Charlotte’s mother Jennie.

In addition to raising her family, Charlotte spent many hours working on the farm, helping in the fields, milking cows with her sons and selling eggs and cream. She enjoyed gardening and canning the produce. She was an excellent baker.

In 1971, Charlotte began working as a Nurses Aide at the Springfield Nursing Home in addition to raising her family and working on the farm. On November 22, 1972, she started her long career at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center. She worked as a Nurse’s Aide, Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Medication Aide and Laundry Aide. While her children were young, she worked the night shift in order to care for her family at home during the day. Charlotte truly loved working with the residents and her work ethic and compassion for the residents was recognized by several awards including being named the first annual Employee of the Year in 1991, and CNA of the Year in 1999. Following nomination by her co-workers and administration, she was awarded the prestigious CNA “Millie of the Year Award” for her exceptional service in long term care by the South Dakota Health Care Association in 2004. Charlotte celebrated her 35th year at the Good Samaritan Center in November 2007. She continued to work part time on weekends until the fall of 2008 and remained employed until the time of her death.

After her husband passed away in 1993, Charlotte continued working full-time and stayed on the family farm until 1995. She moved into a small house in Avon and made her home there until 2008 when she moved to the Meadow View Manor in January 2008 and resided there until her death.

Charlotte was a member of the First Baptist Church and was a devoted member of the WMF group. She was a member of the Nova Neighbors Extension Club and enjoyed listening to the Neighbor Lady broadcast on WNAX radio.

Charlotte will be fondly remembered for her quiet and kind demeanor. She was very generous, hard-working, and extremely thankful for everything in life. She thought of others before herself, always willing to lend a hand. She was a devout Christian and was never one to complain. She was very proud of her thirteen children with all of them being very special to her. She loved working with the elderly and gave of herself to the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall, S.D. She truly believed in their motto, “In CHRIST’S Love ... everyone is someone.”

Thankful for having shared her life are her thirteen children: Janice (Terry) Smidt, Huron, S.D.; George (Denise) Mudder, Ft. Campbell, KY; Melvin, Tyndall, S.D.; Joyce (Jay) Borah, Huron, S.D.; Dale (Annette) Mudder, Yankton, S.D.; Jane (Gary) Gramkow, Olivet, S.D.; Julie (Keith) Rothschadl, Scotland, S.D.; Alan (Lori) Mudder, Avon, S.D.; Larry (Brenda) Mudder, Avon, S.D.; Joan (Greg) Doty, Wagner, S.D.; David (Mary) Mudder, Garretson, S.D.; Don (Marcia) Mudder, Avon, S.D.; and Jacque (Jeff) Liebl, Menno, S.D.; 31 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Frank (Peggy) Odens, Springfield, S.D.; Darrell (Elaine) Odens, Avon, S.D.; Chuck (Joan) Odens, Forest City, IA; two sisters: Naomi (Fred) Hale, Sonora, CA; Carol (Harlan) Ferwerda, Springfield, S.D.; brothers-in-law: Alvin (Betty) Mudder; Jerry (Cherilyn) Mudder; sisters-in-law: Ilene (Bob) Pudwill; Miriam Johnson; Adella (Don) Massey and many relatives and friends.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband Marvin (1993); her parents; mother and father-in-law George and Elsie Mudder; brother Delbert (in infancy); grandson Ross Michael Doty; brother Phillip G. Odens; and in-laws Shirley Pudwill; Velda and Dewey Olsen; LeRoy Jochims; Roger Mudder; Arnold Johnson.

Dean Merkwan, 57, Mitchell, died Thursday (March 8, 2001) at his home in Mitchell.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. today (Monday) at the First Presbyterian Church, Mitchell. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Mitchell.

He was born Jan. 25, 1944, at Tyndall, to Steve and Ella (Vilhauer) Merkwan. He graduated from Avon High School in 1962, where he was chosen homecoming king his senior year. He was very active in all sports, band and chorus. After high school he attended Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell, where he was an outstanding football player. After graduation he worked at Hormels, sold insurance and was employed at a grocery store and hardware store. He was named to the all-tournament team as first baseman at the 1973 South Dakota State Amateur Baseball Tournament in Yankton. He was given a lifetime pass to the State Amateur baseball games in 1988.

He married Nina Bechtold June 25, 1965. The couple had two daughters. He married Sally Tschetter Jan. 2, 1979, and the couple had a son and a daughter. In December 2000, he had his leg amputated because of diabetes complications. He received an artificial leg March 6, 2001.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Mitchell.

He enjoyed sports, especially baseball, travel, old cars and working with wood. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, Mitchell; his children: Trisha (Alan) Javers, Sioux Falls; Travis, Fargo, N.D.; Tara, Mitchell; three grandchildren; one sister, Betty Lou Harmacek, Avon; one brother, Gary Merkwan, Pierre; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, a brother-in-law and a mother-in-law.

John "Bud" Meidinger, 1924-2011

John R. Meidinger, 87, of Avon, SD ~ Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, August 12, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, with Masonic Rites. Inurnment will be in the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon, with Military Honors. A memorial visitation will begin at 7 PM, Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon.

John R. Meidinger was born August 8, 1924 on a farm in McIntosh County North Dakota, fifteen miles northeast of Ashley, ND. His parents were John R. and Sophia (Pudwill) Meidinger.

John was known as “Bud” or “Buddy”. John received part of his elementary education at the Rosenthal Country School in McIntosh County. After his father’s death in 1935, his mother, Sophia, and her seven children, moved into Ashley and John attended town school. He graduated from Ashley High School in 1941. John enlisted in the CCC Camp at Chamberlain, SD, in 1941. He then enlisted in the US Navy in San Francisco, CA in 1942. He was stationed at various locations including Farragut ID, Norman OK, Oakland Naval Air Station, Honolulu, and Guam Naval Air Station. He was discharged in 1946 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer.

John married Bettie Jayne Thesenga on October 18. 1946, in Minneapolis, MN. John and Bettie lived in California and Pennsylvania during their early days, where they raised their two sons. In 1974, they moved back to Avon, SD. In the 1980’s they began to spend their winters in Arizona, enjoying friends and sunshine escaping the harsh Midwestern winters.

John graduated from San Francisco Mortuary College in 1947 and then Healds Engineering College - San Francisco in 1953 with a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

John was baptized at Westminister Presbyterian Church, West Chester, PA in 1958. He joined the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, SD in 1977 and remained a faithful member including serving as Elder in the Avon church. John was a member of Masonic Bon Homme Lodge #101.

John was a mechanical engineer who worked in various prestigious firms such as Owings Corning Fiberglass in San Jose, CA, Rietz Manufacturing in Santa Rosa, CA, Envirotech (WEMCO) in Sacramento, CA and Kohlberg Mfg in Yankton, SD. John also owned a farm near Avon, SD where he was an active farmer for several years.

John’s hobby was flying his airplane, which he owned several in his lifetime. He would enjoy repairing, building and piloting them. He was a member of the National Ercoupe Owners Club and had over 5,000 hours of flying time in various types of aircrafts.

He leaves to mourn his dear wife of over 64 years, Bettie Jayne Thesenga Meidinger, of the Good Samaritan Society in Tripp, SD; two sons: John Richard Meidinger, Novato, CA and Mark David Meidinger, La Crescenta, CA; five grandchildren: Janel Biang, Washington DC, John William and Nicholas Meidinger, Sebastopol, CA, Sandy Jayne Meidinger, San Diego, CA and David Meidinger, La Crescenta, CA. He also leaves two sisters: Vivian Dent of Marysville, CA and Marie (Jimmy) Meidinger Jacob of Alamagordo, NM, plus a host of friends and family all over the country.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John R and Sophia Meidinger; three brothers: Roger in 1983, Calvin in 1994 and William in 1998; and one sister Gladys, in 1983. John passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall, SD, at the age of 87 years and a day.

Bettie Meidinger, 1925-2012

Bettie Jayne Thesenga was born during a blizzard, January 31, 1925, at Avon, SD. Her parents were John and Lydia (Burbeck) Thesenga. Bettie passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Center in Tripp at the age of 87 years.

She received her elementary and high school education at the Avon School System, graduating as valedictorian of her class on May 7, 1943. Bettie attended the Minneapolis Business College at Minneapolis, MN.

Bettie married John R. Meidinger on October 18, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN. John and Bettie lived in California and Pennsylvania. On June 9, 1974, John and Bettie moved back to Avon, SD. Since the winter of 1980 through the winter of 2003, John and Bettie had spent their winters in Arizona.

Bettie was baptized in the Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA, on Maundy Thursday in 1958. She joined the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, SD, on Maundy Thursday in 1979, and has remained a faithful member. In 2006 Bettie moved to the Springfield Assisted Living home and then in 2009 to the Good Samaritan Center in Tripp, SD, where she spent her final years.

Bettie was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Organization and the Rebecca Circle as well as the Sew and Sew Club, the Avon Alumni Association, and the Eastern Star #33 of Yankton, SD.

She leaves to mourn her two sons: John Richard Meidinger, of Novato, CA, and Mark David Meidinger of Glendale, CA; five grandchildren: John William Meidinger of Sacramento, CA; Nicholas James Meidinger of Sebastopol, CA; Sandy Jayne Meidinger of San Diego, CA; and David Allen Meidinger of Glendale, CA; Janel Leilani Biang of Nevada City, CA; and a host of relatives, friends, nieces, and nephews.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lydia Thesenga; her only brother, Leslie Albert Thesenga; sister-in-law, Louise Alberta (Hornstra) Thesenga of Minneapolis, MN; and her loving husband of 65 years, John R. (Bud) Meidinger.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Avon, SD with Memorial visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will be in the Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon is in charge of arrangements.

Hulda (Mayer) Mudder went home to the Lord on July 10, 2005.

Funeral Service is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2005, at Tyndall Presbyterian Church, Tyndall, South Dakota, with the Rev. Marilyn Stone officiating. Music will be provided by organist Becky Tycz and the First United Methodist Church Choir. Casketbearers are Kyle Mudder, Ryan Mudder, Dan Lyso, Chris Lyso, Steven Mudder and LeWayne Lukkes. Interment is in the Avon Presbyterian Cemetery, Avon, South Dakota.

Hulda was born on October 25, 1917. in Hebron, North Dakota to Frederick and Lydia (Hauck) Mayer. When she was a young child, her mother died after giving birth to a stillborn child. Some time later, the family moved to Tripp, South Dakota. Frederick married Mary Dean of Scotland, South Dakota. Three girls were brought to the union giving the family 13 children in all. Frederick and Mary had five children together, for a grand total of 18 children.

She was the much-loved mother of Donna (Fred) Weber of Maricopa, Arizona; Gary (Jane) Mudder of Sierra Vista, Arizona; Janice Lyso of Hobart, Oklahoma; Gale Mudder of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Debra Trotchie of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grandchildren who shared her life and have cherished memories of Grandma include: Lance Witt of Rendondo Beach, California; Lisa Witt (Jason) Tarno of Las Vegas, Nevada and great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Bryce and Ethan; Michelle Mudder (Joe) Juedes of Tucson, Arizona; Chris Lyso of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Steven Mudder of Atlanta, Georgia; Daniel Lyso of Sioux Falls; Kyle Mudder of Brandon, South Dakota; Sarah Trotchie and Stephanie Trotchie, both of Las Vegas, Nevada; Megan Mudder and Ryan Mudder, both of Brandon; step-granddaughter, Deanna Degirolamo of Huachuca City, Arizona, and step-great-grandchildren, Tyler and Devyn; and step-granddaughter, Lisa (Frank) Pigott of Gilbert, Arizona, and step-great-grandchildren, Bryce and Jasmine.

Missing Hulda's winning smile and helpful ways will be her many friends and family. Among those are her children and spouses; grandchildren and spouses; great-grandchildren; special nieces, LaDonna (John) Groshans, Linda (Daryl) Swalve and nephew, Larry (Linda) Johnson, all of Illinois; two brothers: Eugene Mayer and Melvin (Jan) Mayer, all of California; two sisters: Maxine (Virgil) Jurrens of Wisconsin and Bernice Roth of Minnesota; a step-sister, Gertie Gross of Freeman, South Dakota; a sister-in-law, Sylvia Mudder of Avon; and brother-in-law, Chris Mudder of Sioux City, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews all over the United States.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Steve; a daughter, Charlene Grace in1958; her parents; five brothers; and seven sisters.

Arrangements are under the direction of Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Alice Monfore, 1933-2009

Alice Jane Monfore, age 75, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Sister James Care Center in Yankton due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Born September 14, 1933, to Arthur and Matilda “Mattie” (Hovorka) Fridrich, farmers southeast of Tyndall. Alice grew up on the family farm and attended country school through the 8th grade, then attended Tyndall High School. She was Tyndall’s first Relay Queen and graduated in 1951. Alice married James Monfore of Springfield, South Dakota, in March 1952 and they had four children: Dr. Peter Howland (Robin) Monfore II of Aliso Viejo, California; Jay Arthur Monfore of Hot Springs, South Dakota; Cindy Kaye (Donald) Houk of Rapid City, South Dakota and Dr. Barry Scott (Kathleen) Monfore of Pierre, South Dakota.

Alice and family resided in Miller and Winner, South Dakota where she enjoyed raising her four children and her husband practiced family medicine. Alice and Jim later purchased a pheasant hunting operation near Armour, South Dakota and they hosted hunters from around the country for more than 20 years. Alice served many charitable organizations, participated in political activities and held memberships in the Tyndall Red Hatters and PEO of Miller, South Dakota. Particularly fond of her Czech heritage, she enjoyed attending Tabor Czech Days and loved listening and dancing to polka music. She also loved gardening, horseback riding, traveling, reading, shopping and her English Bulldogs Molly Brown, Maggie McGee, and Fergie.

Eternally grateful for sharing her life, love and laughter are her four children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Frank Melmer, a special friend who was a part of her life for the past 12 years, also feels very blessed to have had Alice in his life.

Alice’s grandchildren include: Peter’s children: son Peter Howland III and wife Clorinda and their sons Peter Howland IV, Judah, and Bryn; daughter Jennifer and her sons David Monfore and Dylan Tedford; Mariah, Daniel & Jonathan; Jay’s sons: Jesse and Matthew; Cindy’s daughters: Sommer (Clarke) Welling, husband Philip and their son Andrew; and Polly Clarke and her daughter Alexandria; and Barry’s children: Taeler, Ariel, Tanner, Brooks and Dawson. Alice is also survived by her older sister, Dorothy who resides in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her brothers Arthur, Jr. and Maurice and parents Arthur and Matilda preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Parkinson's Association of South Dakota, PO Box 87952, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57109.

Alex Mueller, 1919-2009

Alex Edmond Mueller was born on Friday, October 31, 1919 near Lesterville, South Dakota in Yankton County to Robert and Magdalena (Mehrer) Mueller. He attended country school through the 8th grade and then began farming full-time on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Hattie Lou List on June 3, 1941 at Lesterville. Alex was a lifetime farmer in the Lesterville area until 1990, when they retired and moved to Scotland. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. He had served on the boards of the Zion Lutheran Church, the Odessa District #41 School Board, the Farmer’s Union and the Farm Bureau. Alex became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society of Scotland in September of 2005, and it is there that he passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at the age of 89 years, 2 months and 3 days.

His memory will be cherished by his wife of 67 years, Hattie Mueller of Scotland; two daughters: Norma Mueller of Yankton, South Dakota and Rose (Larry) Hoogshagen of Scotland; three grandchildren: Erin, Eric and Evan; and one great-grandson, Nicholas.

Alex was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Cornelia "Toots" Mesman, 1919-2010

Cornelia “Toots” Mesman, 91, of Springfield died Sunday, June 27, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Cornelia attained the age of 91 years, three months and 12 days.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2010 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with burial in the church cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon until 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield.

Cornelia Henrietta “Toots” Mesman, daughter of John and Agnes (DeRoos) Nagel, was born March 16, 1919 on a farm near Springfield, SD. Cornelia received an eighth grade education at Dahlenburg Country School. She made confession of her faith at the Emmanuel Reformed Church on March 10, 1937. Cornelia was an active member of church until her health failed. She had been a member of Willing Workers and Ladies Aid.

Cornelia married Peter Mesman on February 21, 1940. A son, Donald, was blessed to their union. They farmed 11 miles west of Springfield until 1949 and then purchased a farm five miles northwest of Springfield. They continued to live on the farm after their retirement and then moved into Springfield in 1983. Peter died August 24, 1987. Cornelia moved to the Springfield Assisted Living Center in 2005 and remained a resident there until her health failed. She moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall on May 25, 2010.

Cornelia will be remembered for her quilting, beautiful crocheting, embroidery, good cooking and hospitality. She also loved flowers and gardening.

Thankful for having shared her life are her daughter-in-law Linda Tjeerdsma and husband Duane of Springfield; two granddaughters: Teresa Sampson and husband Brent of Orange City, IA and Valerie Kaat and husband Jason of Plymouth, WI; six great grandchildren: Noelle, Natalie, Natasha and Nevaeh Sampson and Ethan and Gillian Kaat; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Cornelia was preceded in death by her husband; her son Donald on September 21, 1996; a brother John Nagel; and a sister Grace Mesman.

Marjorie Mejstrik, 1926-2008

Marjorie Jean (Pavel) Mejstrik was born October 9, 1926 to William & Rose (Obr) Pavel in Tyndall, South Dakota and passed away at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital on Saturday, December 6, 2008. Marge married Joseph Mejstrik of rural Tyndall on June 2, 1945. They farmed in Tyndall for 6 years then moved to a farm in the Springfield area. In 1996, Marge moved with Joe to Upton, Wyoming where she lived until his death in 1977. Following Joe’s death, Marge lived in various places until finally settling in Yankton, South Dakota in 2000.

Marge enjoyed many things in life but was especially passionate about music, sports, reading and politics. Marge was also a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed making quilts. Marge was very religious and volunteered her time and experience to the churches she attended. She was a church organist and served on several committees. Marge loved her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her.

Marjorie is survived by her seven children: Dan Mejstrik, Forest Grove, Oregon, Elaine (Ron) Fathke, Parker, South Dakota, Jim Mejstrik, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Mary (Ron) Carter, Murrieta, California, Deborah Kunce and special friend, Brian, State College, Pennsylvania, Janine (Wayne) Hudson, Douglas, Wyoming, and Bill Mejstrik, Nederland, Colorado. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephew: Terri Schuurmans, Jodi Elwood, Becky Stoddard and Marty Koch.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sister, Joyce Koch.

Roseanna Minow, 79, died Saturday (Dec. 29, 2001) at St. Michael's Nursing Home, Tyndall.

Funeral mass is at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Tyndall, with Rev. John Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Reinesch, Bob Reinesch, Charles "Butch" Reinesch, Bill Reinesch, Ron Kristensen and Ed Thiry.

She was born on July 18, 1922, at Mitchell to Charles and Mabel (Polt) Gardner. She grew up in the Plankinton area where she graduated from high school. She attended college in Mitchell and became a teacher. She taught grade school in both Tyndall and Scotland for six years. She married William E. Minow on Aug. 30, 1950, at Plankinton.

She was CCD coordinator for three years and was a member of St. Leo's Altar Society. She had once been Democratic party chairman for Bon Homme County. She was appointed to serve on two different boards by Governor Richard Kneip.

She loved to work crossword puzzles and bowled on the Andy's Service bowling team.

She is survived by her son, William (Mary) Minow, rural Tyndall; and one grandson.

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

Myrtle McCann, 1924-2008

Myrtle Eleanor Beecher was born on April 5, 1924 to Roy and Ida (Spurrel) Beecher at their rural farm north of Springfield, South Dakota. She attended Armstrong rural school and Springfield High School, graduating in 1942. She was active in 4H club in county and state activities as well as being state Vice President and won a scholarship to SDSU. She graduated from Southern State in 1944 with a teacher’s certificate.

She was married to Marlo McCann on November 21, 1943 at St. Leo Catholic Church. They lived in Beatrice, Nebraska until 1946 when they moved to their farm near Tabor, South Dakota where they raised five children. In 1963, Myrtle started teaching rural school. In 1966, the family moved to Tyndall where she taught until Multiple Sclerosis caused the end of her teaching career. She also worked as the first activity director at the Good Samaritan Center in Tyndall. She worked as a teacher’s aide at the Tyndall School from 1970 to 1978, when she retired. After Marlo's death in 1991, Myrtle moved to Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls. Myrtle was very active in the Good Samaritan Village as a patient advocate, leading prayer service, rosary time, and bell choir. She died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Happy to have shared her life are three sons: Dr. Joe (Nila) McCann of Williston, North Dakota, Jim McCann of Phoenix, Arizona and Carla McCann of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ron (Conni) McCann of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a daughter, Mary (Bruce) Mathis of Spokane, Washington; a son-in-law, Don Hinzman of Pueblo, Colorado; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Phyllis Turner of Springfield, South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her husband Marlo, her daughter Cathy Hinzman of Pueblo, Colorado and her parents.

Memorials may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Agnes Maus, 1915-2009

Agnes A. (Chundelak) Maus was born on Wednesday, January 13,1915 to Anton and Louise (Cerv) Chundelak in Gregory, South Dakota. She graduated from Tyndall High School in 1932 and attended Springfield Normal College for one year, earning her teacher’s certificate. She then taught rural school in Bon Homme County for five years. Agnes married John Maus, Jr. on June 7, 1938, and she and John began working in Agnes’ parent’s meat market. John served in the Navy during World War II and was stationed on a ship in the Pacific Theater of Operations. After 41 months of duty, he returned to Tyndall and he and Agnes took over the meat market from Mr. & Mrs. Francis Ferenc. Agnes and John owned and operated the meat market until they retired, and multiple generations of nieces and nephews worked in the store for them as kids. During their retirement, they did a lot of traveling throughout the United States and overseas, until John’s health began to fail.

Agnes helped start the Simek-Ptak Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #6895 in Tyndall. She was a charter member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Agnes was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church and St. Leo Altar Society, St. Michael’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Catholic Foresters, Bon Homme Heritage Association, Tyndall Improvement Association, pinochle club and bridge club. Over the years, she held various offices in the different organizations. Her generosity to many of the local religious and civic organizations and programs will be felt for many years to come in the Tyndall area.

Agnes loved to embroider crewel needlepoint pictures, which she framed and passed on to her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In her early years, she was an avid reader and played board games and card games with her family and friends. She will be remembered by her nieces and nephews as a lady with good humor, wit, and a kind heart. She was always interested in all the family members and what they were doing. Her favorite pastime in later years was trips to “Radar Hill,” and she could play those machines for hours.

Agnes passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall at the age of 94 years, 4 months and 28 days.

She is survived by five nieces: Neva (Weisser) Stockholm and husband Alfred of Springfield, Rita (Weisser) Hajek of Tyndall, Joyce (Smith) Cudmore and husband Larry of Seward, Nebraska, Judi (Hawkins) Johnson and husband Lonnie of Puyallup, Washington, and Marsha Maus of Augoura, California. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her husband, John Maus, Jr., her parents, Anton and Louise Chundelak, two sisters, Helen Weisser and Mary Hawkins, two nephews, Harold Weisser and Jim Smith, Sr., and a niece, Donna (Weisser) Berfiend.

Wayne Mace, 1919-2006

Wayne C. Mace was born at Kanab, Utah on December 3, 1919 to Charles and Blanche (Hicks) Mace. He worked as a sheepherder and cowboy in his youth and graduated from Kanab High School. He attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City and then worked in California as an engine installer at Lockheed Aircraft Factory. From 1943 until 1945 he served in the Army Air Corps.

He married Phyllis Thomson on April 2, 1945 in Glendale, California. After the war he ranched with his father in southern Utah. In 1947 he moved to Platte, South Dakota where he worked as a welder for Don Mattis. In 1955 he moved to Winner, South Dakota and worked as a welder for Grossenberg Implement Co. He sold securities for Waddell & Reed and after retiring in 1986 he continued his interest in the stock market. He and his wife moved to Tyndall, South Dakota in 1990, where he enjoyed a daily round of golf whenever weather permitted. He was a 50-year member of the Methodist Church, and a 60-year life member of the American Legion. He was also proud to belong to the Masonic Lodge, Consistory, El Riad Shrine, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, and Tyndall Senior Citizens. Wayne died on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; a sister, Mary Ann (Lloyd) Ferguson, Boise, Idaho; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Mace, Kanab, Utah. His three children include Carol (Steve) Burtz, Rodney (Judy) Mace of Tyndall, and Mary Jo Mace, New York, New York. His five grandchildren include Angela (Jerrod) Niedermyer, Austin, Texas; Erik (Nancie Sanford) Burtz, Madison Wisconsin; Eleanor Smyth, Enfield, Connecticut; Kate and Alexandra Oppenheim, New York, New York. He has one great-grandchild Eli Smyth, Enfield, Connecticut.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Lee Frank Mace, Kanab Utah.

Dale Meyer, 1926-2010

Dale Meyer, 84, of Wagner - Dale died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Funeral services are 11 AM, Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the Wagner Community Church. Burial is in the First Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is Wednesday from 11 AM until 7 PM, followed by a prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner.

Dale Kelley Meyer, son of Leonard and Mabel (Kelley) Meyer, was born September 15, 1926 at Tyndall, SD. He died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Dale attained the age of 84 years and 26 days.

Dale attended school in Avon and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1944. He served in the US Navy, attaining the rank of Seaman Second Class.

Dale married Donna M. Sieling “Tootie” on February 18, 1950 at the Len Meyer home in Avon. Two children were blessed to their union. Donna died July 11, 1998.

Dale was well known and respected throughout the area for his generosity, advice and willingness to help anyone in need. He willingly gave of his time and himself to others. His expertise in the cattle industry was legendary. Dale got into the cattle business at an early age, somewhere in his 20’s. With his wife Donna and son Jim, he owned and operated the Wagner Sale Barn for 56 years. Following his retirement from Wagner Livestock, he was employed as a field representative for Yankton Livestock, until the time of his death. He loved getting his first job at age 83 that gave him a regular pay check.

Dale loved hunting and fishing his whole life, and his savvy about these pursuits was almost equal to his expertise with cattle. Anyone whoever hunted with Dale was sure to have a memorable experience or possibly have to pay a fine. His love of playing cards with friends was also on his list of priorities.

Dale enjoyed life in many ways, most of all when he was spending time having fun with friends and family. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids and had a soft spot in his heart for any child. He loved his friends and his life in South Dakota. As he put it, “Why would anybody want to live anywhere else? We’ve got a paradise right here.”

While he may be gone from this earth, his death is not a final chapter. It is a comfort to know that he truly has entered Paradise, and, along with his beloved wife Tootie and many other dear departed loved ones, he will be spending eternity with his Lord and Savior.

Thankful for having shared his life are his children Roxann of Rapid City and Jim of Wagner; 5 grandchildren and their spouses and companions and 10 great grandchildren: Jody and Gretchen and their children Blake and Makenna; Mike and Robin and their children Damon and Aaron; Jamey Jo and Alvin Sr. and their children Bree, Aziah, Alshamon and Alvin, Jr; Clint and son Colton; and Cody and Stephanie and son Rowdy. Dale is also survived by a special nephew, Don Sieling, whom Dale and Donna raised, and his wife Nancy and children Joseph, Makenna, David and Olivia.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife Donna and his parents.

Mrs. William Miller Found Dead Sunday From Asphyxiation

Mrs. William Miller, 82, was found dead at 4:30 p.m. Sunday (December 14, 1958) by a friend taking her a Christmas gift. She had been asphyxiated by gas from a furnace which was not functioning properly because the pipe was clogged with soot.

Mrs. Miller was born February 9, 1876, in Wisconsin, and came to Scotland as a young girl. She taught in the public schools here for many years and was city librarian from 1918 until three years ago this month when she fell and broke her hip. She has been a semi-invalid since.

She was a long-time member of the Order of Eastern Star, and a charter member of the PEO.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Goehring funeral chapel, with the Rev. Wayne Rager, Tyndall, former pastor of the Methodist church here, officiating. M. T. Sweet was soloist and Mrs. Luther Breen, pianist. Burial was in Rosehill cemetery.

The pallbearers, all former pupils of Mrs. Miller when she taught here were Oscar Lee, John Robinson, M. T. Sweet, Ralph Nelles, James Mraz and Elmer Stevenson.

The only survivors are a sister, Mrs. Zetta Thompson, Los Angeles, Calif. and a niece, Mrs. Hays Parr, Portland, Ore. Mr. Miller died several years ago.

Marie Manas, 1945-2014

Marie Manas, age 69 of Yankton, SD, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, after a courageous 6 year battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2014 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Ken Lulf officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2014 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. and Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are: Daniel Manas (grandson), Dylan Manas (grandson), Emily (granddaughter) and Phillip Raysby, Alex Dangler (grandson), and Brady Dangler (grandson). Honorary pallbearers will be her other grandchildren.

Marie was born November 10th, 1945 on the family farm near Menominee, NE to Andrew and Agatha (Wiebelhaus) Kleinschmit. She grew up on the family farm and attended St. Boniface grade school, Menominee, NE and graduated from Crofton High School. She married her former husband, Marvin Manas in 1965 and moved to a farm near Lesterville, SD where they farmed. She dedicated her life to loving and caring for her nine children, keeping each child involved in extracurricular activities. Marie had an unwavering faith in God and was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, SD. She taught CCD classes for more than 30 years, was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, First Catholic Ladies Association, Serra Seminarian Vocation Club, the Koinonia Retreat Group and became an Oblate Novice of St. Benedict Catholic Church. She was a compassionate caregiver who enjoyed working for Avera Sacred Heart Home Care for 16 years. Marie went above and beyond her job to build lifelong friendships with her clients. Even through her 6 year battle with cancer, she continued to volunteer for additional organizations such as The Clothing Closet, Sack Pack Program, The House of Mary Shrine and United Way. Her creative and artistic talents included painting ceramics, sewing and drawing. Other interests were spending time with family and friends at gatherings and celebrations, visiting, watching movies and playing board games. Additional hobbies include: Baking, gardening, canning, riding a bike, singing, collecting angels, attending church bazaars and traveling, including her spiritual trips to Italy, Germany and other European countries. Above all, her biggest pride and joy was her grandchildren, and she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first great granddaughter.

Marie will be missed tremendously. She had a big heart and great sense of humor; she touched the lives and hearts of many people.

Marie is survived by her nine children: Lori (David) Lammers of Hartington, NE, Marvin Manas Jr. of Chattanooga, TN, Michael (Melanie) Manas of Utica, SD, Lisa (Wade) Dangler of Yankton, SD, Terence (Lacey) Manas of Utica, SD, Sandra (Eric) Van Driel of Norfolk, NE, Susan (Trevor) Goeden of Yankton, SD, Amie (Andrew) Colvin of Yankton, SD, and Diane (Travis) Krein of Sioux Falls, SD; 20 grandchildren: Blaine, Jenna, and Ryan Lammers, Daniel (Lacey Heller) Manas, Emily (Phillip) Raysby, and Dylan Manas, Alex, Madison, Brady, and Bryce Dangler, Connor and Colter Manas, Kaleb, Gavin and Breely Van Driel, Kaylee and Brooke Goeden, Caden and Evan Colvin, Claire Marie Krein; six siblings: Gertrude (Chan) Shippy of Colome, SD, Grace (Don) Mauer of Plainview, NE, Vernon (Patty) Kleinschmidt of Pearl City, HI, Duane Kleinschmit of Yankton, SD, Galen (Betty) Kleinschmit of St Helena, NE, Andrea (Ed) Sudbeck of Fordyce, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Bonita and Karen Keinschmit and granddaughter, Magdalene Manas.

A woman fatally struck by a Metra train Monday on the North Side has been identified as a 41-year-old Evanston woman.

Tonia Murphy was struck by a train in the 6100 block of North Ridge at 12:55 a.m., authorities said.

Murphy, of the 800 block of Dobson in Evanston, was dead at the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

An autopsy found she died of multiple injuries and ruled her death a suicide, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Source: Evanston (Illinois) Review ~ October 3, 2014

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Tonia Catherine Schulte Murphy died on September 29, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life service was held on October 3, 2014 at the First Free Church in Chicago and a funeral mass was celebrated at St. Matthais Catholic Church in Chicago on October 11, 2014. An additional Celebration of Tonia’s life will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Thanksgiving Lutheran Church, 3702 S. 370 Plaza, Bellevue, Nebraska.

As a tribute to Tonia’s memory and in place of flowers/memorials, support is welcome for her daughter Siena, at the ‘Sunshine for Siena’ fund: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/4k06/the-sunshine-for-siena-fund.

Tonia was born in Biloxi, Miss. on November 23, 1972, which was Thanksgiving Day that year. She was the first born daughter of Robert “Bob” Schulte and Helen Van Hee Schulte Johnson. Bob was in the US AF and after his training he was transferred to Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Neb. in 1973, where Tonia spent the first three years of her life. The family then moved to Springfield, S.D. in 1976 where Tonia lived until she graduated in 1991 from Bon Homme high school in Tyndall, S.D. She was valedictorian of her class and also excelled in extracurricular activities including cheerleading, band, flag team, choir, piano, speech, track and softball. Following high school, she attended St. Mary’s University in Winona Minnesota and continued to excel academically, sang and performed in plays, and played third base for the college softball team. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and moved to Iowa City to complete an internship in youth ministry. Tonia had a passion for helping and being of service to young people. After completing her internship, she moved to Plano, Illinois to work as a retreat staff member at La Salle Retreat Center leading directed retreats for teens. She then joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and spent one year of volunteer social justice service in Denver, Colorado working with women living on the margins of society. Tonia then obtained her teaching certificate through Teach for America and zealously began her teaching career as a middle school math and science teacher in low income, high risk inner city schools in Chicago. Tonia received her Master’s degree in education from Northwestern University in Chicago in August 2013. Tonia married Craig Murphy in Yorkville on December 31, 2003 and they lived in Chicago. To their union, a delightful daughter was born on September 24, 2006, Siena Catherine.

Tonia was a loving and devoted mother, a selfless server and spiritual seeker. Tonia was passionate about whatever she did, extremely talented and creative in all aspects of her life and always excelled. In the classroom, she was passionately dedicated to every individual student’s success and highly effective due to the rapport she would build with the students and by bringing unique teaching methods and fun learning activities. Socially, she had the gift of making everyone feel important and special. She brought her radiant smile, loving heart and that extra fun idea to make the gathering memorable forever.

Dennis Joseph Maruska, age 51, of Garden Grove, CA, passed away in his home on September 12, 2004.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2004, at the Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Rev. John Fischer officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will be in St. George Cemetery, Scotland, SD. Visitation with the family present will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

Dennis was born April 10, 1953, in Tyndall, SD, to Helen Cahoy and Joseph Maruska. Upon completing elementary school in rural Scotland, he graduated from Yankton High School in 1972. After graduation, Dennis worked for Freeman Manufacturing until he moved to California in 1981. Dennis was employed at AMC Theatres. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sketching.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Maruska, of Mesa, AZ; two sisters: Marlene Maruska, of Mesa, AZ, and Cindy (Ireneo) Ponteres, of Garden Grove, CA; one brother, Ron (Gail) Maruska, of Yankton, SD; one nephew, Joe Maruska, of Yankton, SD; one niece, Ann Maruska, of Yankton, SD; and grandmother, Ella Cahoy, of Tyndall, SD.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father and grandparents: Rudolph Cahoy and Joseph and Francis Maruska.

Betty Matuska, 1937-2015

Funeral mass for Betty Matuska, 77, of Tyndall, South Dakota will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2015 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Burial will follow in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, Tyndall. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. later that evening at the church. Betty passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Avera-Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Betty Ann Matuska was born on Sunday, April 18, 1937 to Adolph and Rose (Slaba) Kocmick in Wagner, South Dakota. She graduated Tyndall High School in 1955. On October 4, 1955, Betty was united in marriage to Leonard Matuska at St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. Together they moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1956 where she would work for Pamida Inc. for over 20 years. In 1995, she retired at the age of 55. Leonard and Betty enjoyed wintering in Arizona for 15 years. In 2000, they moved to Yankton and later settled in Tyndall in 2005. In her spare time, Betty loved to golf, dance, and bowl.

Betty passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Avera-Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton having attained the age of 77 years, 9 months, and 21 days.

She is survived and remembered by her husband Leonard Matuska of Tyndall; three children: Michael (Karen) Matuska of Canton, Colleen Matuska of Omaha, NE, and Rochelle (Stuart) Hoins of Castle Rock, CO; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters: Marilyn (Kenneth) Rothschadl and Jolene Dutcher; and one brother Norman (Susan) Kocmick.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece.

Donald Matthews, 1928-2014

Donald Matthews, 85, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at the Sanford Medical Center.

Donald William Matthews, son of Walter and Elizabeth (Lorimor) Matthews was born on October 28, 1928, in Freemont County, IA. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Farragut High School in 1946. Donald worked as a mechanic at an Oliver dealership before going to work with the Oliver Corporation in Omaha, NE.

Donald was united in marriage with Audrey De Vries on October 14, 1955, in Alton, IA. In 1955, the family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where Donald worked with IHC Motor Truck and ran a small engine repair shop out of his garage. He later took a position as an instructor at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, teaching math, small engine and general repair work. Donald retired in December of 1993.

Donald was a lifetime trap shooter, and was a member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association, the NRA, and the Crooks Gun Club. He proudly served with the United States Army National Guard in Iowa and South Dakota.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Audrey Matthews, Sioux Falls, SD; sons Dennis Matthews and his wife Gloria, Hartford, SD, Mark Matthews and his wife Tammy, Surprise, AZ; brother James Matthews and his wife Charlotte, Arlington, NE; brother-in-law Glen DeVries and his wife Beverly, Pipestone, MN; grandson Michael Matthews and his wife Jen; granddaughter Megan Konrad and her husband Kyle; great-grandsons Justin Matthews and Corbin Konrad; and many other relatives and friends.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister Mary Matthews; brother Elmer Matthews; and daughter-in-law Diane Matthews.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 15, 2014, at the Miller West Funeral Chapel, 6200 West 41st Street, with private burial at the Bon Homme Cemetery.

Don McNeely, 1945-2015

Don M. McNeely, age 69 of Tabor, SD passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD with Rev. Cody Raak officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall, SD at a later date. Visitations will be 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD and then one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Don was born on October 13, 1945 at Yankton to Hugh and Gloria (Ward) McNeely. He grew up in Springfield and graduated high school in 1964. He went to SDSU for 2 years for a printing degree. He worked at Winner Advocate for 2 years then moved to Mitchell to work for the Mitchell Daily Republic for 4 years. He then made his career at Boller Printing in Yankton where he retired after 40 years of service. Don married Mary Zapletal on July 23, 1971 and two children were born to this union.

Don and Mary made their home near Tabor and lived there on the farm until his passing. His passions in life were old cars, playing cards and had a cat by his side at all times. His bubbly talkative nature drew anyone in to his conversation.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Tabor; son, Randy of Tabor; daughter, Melinda (Jeremy) Bertrand and their children: Zakk, Mage and Mederise, all of Tyndall; brother, Arlon (Marilyn) McNeely of Springfield; sister, Jean Becker of Wagner; sister-in-law, Lorraine McNeely of Yankton; mother-in-law, Ruth Zapletal of Tabor; very close friends, Duane and Deanna Hill of Custer and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers andone infant sister, brother, Wendall, brothers-in-law, James Zapletal and Waldo Becker, and father-in-law, Adolph Zapletal.

Marilyn Jean Meisner of Gainesville, Florida died Friday (May 30, 2003) at her home following an extended illness. She was 67.

Mrs. Meisner was born on December 7, 1935 in Scotland, S.D., and moved to Gainesville in 1971. She was a homemaker.

She volunteered at North Florida Regional Medical Center and the Gainesville Golf and Country Club. She was a member of Westside Baptist Church. An avid Gators fan, she also enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing bridge and taking long walks.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Meisner of Gainesville; sons Marty, Mark and Todd Meisner, all of Gainesville; two brothers; two sisters; and four grandchildren. Arrangements by Milam Funeral and Cremation Services.

Leland "Buzz" Mann, 1928-2011

Leland "Buzz" Mann, age 83 of Yankton, SD passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 in Sioux Falls, following a brief illness. Memorial services will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 at the United Church of Christ in Yankton with military rites by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791, Yankton and the SDARNG, Sioux Falls. A private burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Yankton prior to the memorial service with family in attendance. Visitations will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory in Yankton, with the family present and a 7 PM prayer service followed by a Masonic Lodge Service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Buzz was born in Springfield, SD to Frank and Bernice (Curl) Mann on October 7th, 1928. Buzz attended school in Tyndall and Springfield, graduating from Springfield High School. Buzz went on to graduate from Southern State College followed by 34 years of service with IBM, taking a brief break from 1965 to 1967 when he returned to Springfield to open Mann's Market.

Buzz and Peggy (Leyden) were united in marriage on August 19, 1989 in Yankton, SD. They moved to New Braunfels, TX returning to Yankton in 2006.

Buzz was active in every community he resided in over the years and Yankton has been no exception. Buzz has been an active member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonary as a 32 degree Life Member, Eastern Star, Grand Lodge Order of Elks, American Legion, Community Forum, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose and is a lifetime member of the Shriners International. His most recent endeavor has been as President of the Board of Directors of The Center. Buzz and Peggy also assisted with the meals on wheels delivering meals to local residents.

Survivors include his wife Margaret (Leyden) Mann, daughter Kristine (Thomas) Lawler of Algonquin, IL, son Michael (Traci) Mann of Waunakee, WI, stepson Greg (Annette) Bame of Marion, OH, stepdaughter Marsha (Carl) Schaefer of Camp Verde, AZ, step daughter in law Lori Bame of Yankton, SD, granddaughters Alexandria Mann, Morgan Mann and Maggie Lawler. Step-grandchildren Tyler Bame, Jeff (Christina) Bame, Aaron (Tarra) Bame, Emily (Todd) Kraft, Erica (Charlie) West, Chris (Kim) Schaefer and twelve great step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, both parents, his sister Kay Stahlecker, brother William Mann and stepson Gary Bame.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Forms and envelopes will be available through Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home or online at donate2shc.org, see Shriners Hospitals for Children: How you can help, click on Ways to Give.

Mary Ann Mammel was born March 15, 1927, to John and Katie (Koza) Holupka on a farm in the Dante, SD, area. She attended grade school and assisted with the farming. After her three brothers entered the service she and her parents moved to Tyndall, SD. Mary attended high school and worked in several cafes in Tyndall. She graduated high school in 1947. She married Willard "Bill" Mammel in July 1947. Mary worked several years at the Ford Garage in Tyndall. Mary and Bill moved to North Sioux City where she worked in a bank . They moved to Rapid City and she also worked for many years in the bank. After she retired Mary and Bill enjoyed traveling in their motor home. They also did some farming in the Presho, SD, area. In 1993, they moved to their retirement home in the Piedmont area. They became close friends of Brad, Mona and Rich.

Mary enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and all kinds of handy work. With failing health Mary moved in May 2011 to Fountain Springs Health Care in Rapid City. Mary passed away March 28, 2015, at Fountain Springs.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; sister-in-law, Audrey Holupka, Tyndall; nieces, Patricia (Marlin) Holzwarth, Freeman, Michaeline (Roger) Forland, Rochester, MN, and Doreen Holupka, Hamden, CT; nephews, Frank and Eddie Holupka, Hamden; Bill's aunt, Pat Zimmerman, MN; special neighbors, Brad Hatley and Mona Hatley; friends, Rich Larson and Dan Carda; and many other nieces, nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Frank, John and Joe; and a sister in infancy.

Entombment of her ashes will be March 31, 2015 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home is hosting her online guestbook.

Doris F. McParland, 88, of El Cajon, CA, formerly of Murphy, NC, died Saturday, April 20, 2013 in California. She was a native of Iowa, but had lived in Michigan before moving to Murphy in 1975. She was a retired personnel manager with Sears and Roebuck. Doris had attended Murphy First Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late John and Pauline Sutera Fara and the wife of the late Roger Edward McParland, who died August 5, 2011.

Surviving are a sister, Norma Aggergaard of San Diego, CA; a brother, Marvin Fara of Sioux Falls, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned. An inurnment will be held in Country Presbyterian Cemetery in Tyndall, SD. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Roger McParland, 1925-2011

Roger McParland of Murphy, N. C., 85, died peacefully on August 5, 2011. He was born in Minnesota on August 6, 1925. He married his lovely wife, Doris, on August 5, 1950. Roger served his country for 12 years in the United States Air Force. He and Doris lived in the Blue Water, Michigan area and owned several businesses before moving to North Carolina. Wherever Roger lived, he touched lives. You would never have met a finer gentleman and friend. Roger is survived by his wife, Doris, sister-in-law Norma, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Burial will take place in South Dakota.

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Roger E. McParland, 85, of Murphy, NC died Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in Murphy Medical Center. A native of Sioux Falls, SD, he had lived in Smith Creek, MI before moving to Murphy in 1975. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force. He was owner and operator of a swimming pool construction company. He was the son of the late John and Agnes Halloran McParland.

Surviving is his wife, Doris Fara McParland.

Inurnment will be in Country Presbyterian Cemetery in Tyndall, SD. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

LaVern R. McFarland, 76, of Tyndall passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2005, after a lengthy battle with heart disease and several surgeries at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2005, at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, South Dakota. Funeral service s 11 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2005, at Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, South Dakota, with the Rev. Marilyn Stone officiating. Interment is in the Country Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Tyndall, South Dakota.

LaVern Roger "Mac" McFarland, also known as "Shorty," was born on February 18, 1929, to Carl H. and Winnie (Wharton) McFarland. He attended 1st through 8th grades at the McFarland School on the original McFarland Homestead located in Marindahl Township in Yankton County. He graduated from Gayville High School in 1946 and received his mechanic's certificate from Southern State College in Springfield, South Dakota. LaVern enlisted in the Navy during the Korean Conflict in December of 1950. He achieved the rank of Aviation Structural Mechanic, Second Class during his service as an aircraft mechanic on board aircraft carriers. LaVern was united in marriage to Marcella Nepodal on July 22, 1951. He completed two overseas tours and was discharged honorably in September of 1954. Shortly after his discharge, LaVern joined his local V.F.W. and throughout the remainder of his life always maintained an active membership. He took great pride in his involvement with the creation and installation of the Veteran's Memorial in Tyndall.

LaVern shared his exceptional mechanical skills with his community through a long career spent mostly in his own automotive business, McFarland Motors. His reputation as a top-notch and honest mechanic followed him wherever he lived. One long-time customer even pulled his vehicle with a tractor across two counties in order to have him perform the repairs. LaVern always enjoyed bowling with his buddies in Yankton, Tyndall and Wagner.

Left to cherish LaVern's memory will be his wife, Marcie, of Tyndall; his children: Marlan McFarland of Tyndall, Debra (Liam) Schmeling, Bryan McFarland and Tami McFarland, all of Sioux Falls; granddaughter, Jessica Kougl of Sioux Falls; one brother, Orrin (Marion) McFarland of Northford, Connecticut; two sisters: Ferne Grewe of Omaha, Nebraska and Carolyn Winckler of Tyndall; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

LaVern was welcomed home by many family and friends.

Randy Mettler, 1953-2015

Randy Art Mettler age 61, of Yankton, SD passed away unexpectedly at his home, Saturday, April 25, 2015. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Zion Reformed Church, Menno, SD with Rev. Travis Grassmid officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Reformed Cemetery, rural Menno, SD. Visitations will be from 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, SD and will resume at 9:00 AM, Wednesday morning at the church in Menno.

Randy was born November 16, 1953 to Arthur and Martha (Oswald) Mettler in Scotland, SD and grew up on a farm south of Menno. He was baptized on January 31, 1954 by Rev. William Korn at Kassel Church and confirmed on May 14, 1967 by Rev. Ploeger at Zion Reformed Church. He graduated from Menno High School in 1972. Randy joined the National Guard and after his discharge, he farmed with his father south of Menno for a few years. After his father's death, he then moved to Yankton and worked at various jobs. He was a member of Zion Reformed Church in Menno, SD. He loved to fix cars and tractors as a hobby. Randy kept his connection with Menno by attending church, eating out and visiting family.

Randy is survived by aunts and cousins.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday for Joseph Merkwan, 69, Wagner farmer, who died Sept. 3, 1965 at the Wagner Hospital after a two-week illness.

Rites are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at the St. John's Catholic Church with the Rev. John Hyland officiating. The Rosary will be recited Monday evening at the Crosby Funeral Home. Burial will be made in the Dante cemetery.

Mr. Merkwan was born at Tyndall, June 13, 1896.

He is survived by a son, Ernest Merkwan of Wagner and a daughter, Mrs. Rita Beemer.

Lavinia Magstadt, age 93, of O'Neill Nebraska, formerly of Mitchell, died Friday, November 28, 2008 the Golden Living Center in O'Neill, NE. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Monday December 1, at the First Congregational UCC Church in Mitchell with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Sunday at Will Funeral Chapel.

Lavinia D. Sayler, daughter of Johannes and Fredricka (Brose) Sayler, was born February 18, 1915 in Underwood, ND. She graduated from Underwood High School in 1932 and then attended Yankton College for two years from 1932 to 1933.

Lavinia was united in marriage with Elden E. Magstadt on June 3, 1934 in Scotland, SD. The couple made their home in Scotland where they owned and operated the Gamble Agency Store. They moved to Mitchell in the early 1940's where Lavinia was employed at Kresge's in Mitchell. In 1948 the couple became co-owners of the North Main Motel. She continued to operate the motel until her retirement in 1985. Lavinia remained in Mitchell until 2004 when she moved to O'Neill, NE. In O'Neill she made her home at her son's home before entering the Golden Living Center.

Lavinia was a member of First Congregational UCC Church in Mitchell. At the church she was involved in Women's Fellowship and served on the memorial committee. Lavinia enjoyed needlework, reading, flower gardening, playing cards and fishing.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, John Magstadt and his wife, Judy, O'Neill, NE; two grandchildren, Richard Magstadt and his wife, Dawn, Mitchell, SD, Craig Magstadt, Lincoln, NE; three great grandchildren, Hunter, Zoie and Katherine Magstadt, all of Mitchell, SD; four nieces, Lavinia Ann (Sayler) Vicich, Bellevue, NE, Laverna Logan, Lacey, WA, Barbara Tobin and her husband, Tom, Muskogee, OK, Virginia (Sayler) Parker, Healdsburg, CA; a nephew, Eugene Sayler, Thornton, CO; a sister-in-law, Ruth (Magstadt) Weisz, Kaylor, SD; brother-n-law, James Retzer, Kenner, LA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elden E. Magstadt in 1971; her parents; five brothers; four sisters; four sister-in-laws; and four brother-in-laws.

Bertha Mettler, 106, Scotland, died Tuesday (Jan. 27, 2004) at the Scotland Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. Friday at the United Church of Christ in Scotland with the Rev. Del Neumeister officiating. Burial is in the Freeman City Cemetery. Pallbearers are Al Gall, Clifford Gall, John Gall, Marvin Gall, Richard Gall and Eugene Wollman. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. today (Thursday)at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland. Visitation resumes two hours prior to the service Friday at the church.

Bertha was born Dec. 7, 1897, on the family farm north of Lesterville, to Jacob and Elizabeth (Mehrer) Auch. She was baptized Dec. 11, 1897, in Bethany Reformed Church and confirmed March 31, 1912, at the Lutheran Church in Scotland, by the Rev. George Zink. She married Edward Mutchelknaus Nov. 6, 1929, at Lesterville. They farmed west of Freeman until his death on Sept. 9, 1933. She moved to Menno, where she married Henry Mettler Jan. 31, 1936. They moved to Upham, N.D., and resided there until his death on Aug. 17, 1956. Bertha moved to Scotland Nov. 23, 1957. She had been a resident of the Scotland Good Samaritan Center since 1988.

She was a member of the United Church of Christ and the Ladies' Aid.

She is survived by two stepchildren: Gideon Mettler, Upham; and Annetha (Chester) Serr, Richland, Wash.; 16 stepgrandchildren; 36 step-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Viola Auch, Scotland; four nieces; seven nephews; and one stepniece.

She was preceded in death by both her husbands; two stepchildren; her parents; one brother; three sisters; one nephew; and one stepnephew.

Evelyn Ann Mueller, 74, Tyndall, died Thursday (July 18, 2002) at the Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. today (Monday) at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tyndall, with the Rev. Joseph Howlett officiating. Burial is in the Tyndall Cemetery. Pallbearers are Marc Cammilleri, Leo Cammilleri, Guy Cammilleri, David Hauck, Perry Grimme and Jim Grimme. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to service time today at the church. The Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Tyndall, is in charge of arrangements.

She was born Jan. 16, 1928, at Tyndall to Erwin and Anna Marie (Hauck) Grimme. She graduated from Tyndall High School and attended Southern State Teacher's College, Springfield. She married Gideon Mueller July 3, 1950, at Parkston. She taught school for several years. She and her husband owned and operated Gambles Store in Tyndall. Her husband died April 17, 1986.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Lutheran Aid and the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her son, Dan Mueller, Sioux Falls; one brother, Harold Grimme, Springfield; one sister, Joyce Cammilleri, Arcadia, Calif.; and one sister-in-law, Lou Ann Grimme, Yankton.

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

Memorial may be directed to St. Lutheran Church, the Scleroderma Foundation, the Raynauds Foundation and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.

Thomas Moon, 1949-2015

Thomas Allen Moon was born on Tuesday, November 22, 1949 to Thomas L. and Phyllis (Latsha) Moon in Montour County, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Lion Mountain High School in Herndon, Pennsylvania. For 30 years, Tom worked at Al Gratz Body and Repair shop in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Following his retirement, he made his home in Scotland where he lived for 12 years. Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

Thomas passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at his residence in Scotland having attained the age of 65 years, 7 months, and 6 days.

He is survived and remembered by his daughters Mindy (Robert) Moon-Life of New Haven, IN and Misty Ryan of Ft. Wayne, IN; son Steven (Michelle) Ryan of Ft. Wayne, IN; and grandchildren: Jordan, Miranda, Madisun, Sydney, and Jonathan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Shawn Jackson, and sister Rita Dolezal.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Helen Machacek will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2004, at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, South Dakota. Celebrant is Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhappilly, CMI. Organist is Martin Sieverding. Ushers are Jim Foley and Dennis Kronaizl. Gift Bearers are Kelsey Pesek, Rachel Pravecek, Jenna Rothschadl and Justin Rothschadl. Casketbearers are Gavin Pravecek, Lambert Pravecek, Mike Pravecek, Keith Rothschadl, Bruce Simek and Earl Sturges. Interment is in St. George Catholic Cemetery, Scotland, South Dakota. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2004, at the Goglin-Kelley Funeral Chapel, Scotland, South Dakota. Wake Service is at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2004, at St. George Catholic Church, Scotland, South Dakota.

Helen A. Machacek was born on October 28, 1920, to Arthur and Ella (Greggerson) Andersen in Loreburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. She came to live in the states as a young girl and attended school in Tyndall. She married Emil Pravecek in Tyndall in 1938. From this union, three children were born: Joan Rothschadl and her husband, Duane, of Tyndall; Robert Pravecek and his wife, Georgianne, of Scotland; and Faye (Pravecek) Burke of Scotland. Emil and Helen farmed in the Tyndall and Scotland areas until 1968, when they moved into Scotland. Emil passed away in 1968. Helen worked for the Scotland Café for several years and also provided childcare in her home for a number of years. She married Leo Machacek in 1970, and he passed away in 1995. Helen enjoyed sewing, baking, crossword puzzles, playing cards, and she loved to go dancing. She was devoted to praying the Rosary daily. Helen died at her home in Scotland on Thursday, December 9, 2004, at the age of 85 years.

In addition to her three children, Helen is survived by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, three step-great-great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, her parents, her sister and her stepfather.

Marilyn (Grace) Mathews passed away on March 30, 2015, at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Houston, Texas.

Marilyn was born on July 22, 1922, in Highmore, S.D. to Harold and Lillian Grace. She was the second of their three children. The family later relocated to Scotland, S.D., where Marilyn graduated from Scotland High School and went on to enroll at South Dakota State College. She would later leave college to support the war effort as an instructor in communications for the Army Air Corp in Sioux Falls, S.D. While teaching, Marilyn met Virgil Mathews, a young GI from Tahlequah, Okla., and they were married. After his discharge, Virgil and Marilyn enrolled at Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater; Marilyn was pursuing a degree in home economics. Virgil completed his degree and they relocated to a series of small towns in Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado, where Virgil worked in banking and Marilyn taught sewing classes for Singer, taught kindergarten, kept books for a John Deere dealership, and managed a doctor’s practice.

In 1966, the family moved to Greeley, where Marilyn enrolled in classes at Colorado State College to take the few classes she needed to complete her home economics degree and added a minor in business education. A few years later she completed her master’s in accounting at the University of Northern Colorado.

In 1967, Marilyn had an opportunity to join the faculty at newly formed Aims Community College, where she would teach accounting and other business-related courses until her retirement in 1985. She served as chair for the business division from 1975-1979. Marilyn was dedicated to Aims, loved her job and touched the lives of thousands of students.

She was a member of the Greeley Wesleyan Methodist Church and served tirelessly as the bookkeeper for the Women’s Ministry for a number of years after her retirement from Aims. She was a devoted member of the PEO Sisterhood.

Marilyn enjoyed life and had many interests. She was an accomplished seamstress. She loved reading, exercising and skiing. She cared deeply about her friends and family. And she never missed an opportunity to travel-including Airstream caravans to the Yucatan and Canada, cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, and camping in most of the 50 states. She wasn’t confined to North America-with visits to Italy, Germany, England, Ireland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Israel.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her former husband, Virgil; her parents; and brothers, Lt. Col. Harold W. Grace of San Antonio, and Edgar “Ted” Grace of Scotland, S.D.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Lane of Houston, Texas; Mary Mathews of Greeley; and James Mathews of The Woodlands, Texas. Her grandchildren, Wesley Kay Lane (Landon Glover), Teri (Ken) Todd, Tracy Brunet, Jennifer Lane, and Jacqui Mathews, all of Houston; great-grandchildren, Garrett, Grant and Brooke Nichols, and John and Kayla Brunet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in the name of Marilyn Mathews to Aims College Foundation Office, 5401 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.

Lillian Mueller, 1913-2015

Lillian Marie (Dupic) Mueller, age 102, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, August 3, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton with Rev. Dave Gunderson officiating. Burial will be approximately at 1:30 PM at Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland, SD. Visitations will be 6:00 PM, Sunday, August 2, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton with a 7 PM prayer service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Lillian Marie Mueller was born in Avon, SD on July 26, 1913 to George and Etta Kelley Dupic. She was baptized March 31, 1929 at City Temple Baptist, Sioux Falls, SD. She was confirmed at Private Class, Yankton, SD in 1939 by Pastor Rehwald. She attended Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD before moving to Lesterville, SD where she graduated from Lesterville High School. After graduation she worked at Gurney's in Yankton, SD for several years. She then married Oscar Mueller on October 25, 1932 in Scotland, SD. They belonged to the Martinus Lutheran Church in Utica, SD. Oscar and Lillian moved to a farm outside of Lesterville, SD until Oscar's passing in 1970. Lillian moved into Yankton, SD where she again began working at Gurney's in the mailroom. After living in her own home for several years, she moved into the Sunrise Apartments where she lived for a number of years before moving to Walnut Village and lastly moving to Avera Sister James Care Center. She had many hobbies which included playing cards, especially bridge and pinochle. She loved to dance, including line dancing at the center.

Lillian is survived by her son, Gerald (Jerry) and Deanna Mueller of Yankton, SD; daughter-in-law, Helen Mueller of Fresno, CA; her sister-in-law, Marge Dupic of Sioux City, IA; grandchildren: Richard Mueller, Rita Lester, Deb Davis, Mike Mueller, Tami Moran, Sandi Larsen and spouses; great-grandchildren: Kaitlynn Kool, Samantha Mueller, Keegan Moran, Tara Moran, Chad Lester, Matthew Mueller, Zachary Mueller, Candice, Alethia and Nathanial; step grandchildren, Jeffrey Moran and Kendall Moran and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; her son, Harold; her parents, George and Etta Dupic; siblings: Grace (Herb) Bierle, Vera (Ed) Pullman, Russell (Aletta) Dupic, Kenneth Dupic and Robert Dupic.

Willard Paul “Bill” Mammel, 92, died Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Fountain Springs Health Care Center, Rapid City.

Bill was born to Jacob and Anna (Roeszler) Mammel on November 24, 1922 in Hamburg Township, Monango, North Dakota growing up and receiving his education in the Monango and Merricourt areas.

Bill served in the United States Army and saw action in the South Pacific during WWII being honorably discharged in December 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. Upon his discharge he served in the CCC.

Bill began his lifelong career in transportation as a bus driver for the Jackrabbit Line and then transitioned to commercial trucking eventually driving for Barber Trucking Company for over 35 years and receiving numerous awards. A remarkable accomplishment was that Bill logged over 4 million miles in his career.

He married Mary Ann Holupka on June 19, 1947. They lived in Tyndall and North Sioux City, SD and eventually settling in Rapid City. Bill and Mary enjoyed traveling in their motor home which they converted from a Greyhound bus. They spent many hours at their hobby farm near Presho, SD. In 1993 they retired to their Piedmont country home until due to failing health Mary entered Fountain Springs Health Care Center in 2011 and Bill became a resident in 2013. Mary passed away on March 28, 2015.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He especially looked forward to his coffee time with friends and the employees at the Windmill.

Survivors include his aunt Elsie “Pat” Zimmerman; nieces and nephews: Judy (Ken) Rehling, Mary Jane (Sarles) Bredeson, Larry (Shirly) Genter, Sue (Ken) Fiechtner, James (Adele) Aadland; several cousins and special friends Monna Hatle, Brad Hatle, and Rich Larsen; a sister in law, Audrey Holupka, of Tyndall, SD and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, parents, sister Mildred Genter, brother James Mammel, and his best friend Clancy Arneson.

His Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday July 21, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard, with Rev. Margie Hershey officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD with full military honors.

Caroline Mutschelknaus, 1887-1958

Carl & Caroline (Ammon) Mutschelknaus ~ 1912

Funeral services for Mrs. Carl Mutschelknaus were held at the Congregational church on Monday, October 20 at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. E. Bettenhausen bringing the words of comfort. The Thum-Baltzer male quartet rendered special music. Mrs. Melvin Voy was organist.

The deceased, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ammon, was born in Odessa, South Russia on August 1, 1887. She was baptized in infancy and confirmed in youth.

Pallbearers were Edwin Mutschelknaus, LaVern Mutschelknaus, Ambrose Mutschelknaus, Alvin Weber, Ellington Mehrer, and Kenneth Wright.

In 1907 she came to America. Six years later, on March 26, 1912, she united in marriage with Carl Mutschelknaus. They made their home on a farm three miles north of Lesterville until 1928 when they moved to New Leipzig, N. Dak., residing there until 1932, when they came back to live in Scotland.

Her husband passed away in 1951. They have been faithful members of the Petersburg Congregational Church and since making their home in Scotland, they were active members of the church here. She was also a member of the Women's group.

She had been in ill health the past years and was admitted to the Sacred Heart hospital on August 11. She died Friday morning (October 17, 1958) after having attained the age of 71 years, 2 months, and 16 days.

She is survived by one daughter by adoption, Mrs. Roger Stowe of Fargo, N. Dak., a brother John Ammon of San Francisco, Calif., as well as a host of relatives and friends.

Interment was in Rosehill cemetery with the Schmidt funeral home in charge of arrangements.

Roger Mehlhaff, 1953-2015

Roger Mehlhaff, 62, died Monday, August 31, 2015 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral service will be Friday, September 4 at 10:30 am at Friedens Reformed United Church of Christ in Tripp. Visitation will be Thursday, September 3 from 5 to 7 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Friedens Reformed United Church of Christ in Tripp. Burial will take place in the church cemetery, Tripp. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

Roger Ruben Mehlhaff was born June, 5th, 1953 to Ruben & Velda Mehlhaff (Frey) in Scotland, SD. He attended country school and then Tripp High School. In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country. After he was discharged, he came home to farm, which was his one true passion. On September 6th, 1974 he married Gail Struck. They lived near Tripp where they raised their 3 children: Kim, Corey, & Jill. He and his wife continued to farm for many years, while he also worked as a crop insurance adjuster. His commitment for farming and crops was shown by his 30 years of dedication by contributing to the crop insurance industry in many ways. His work never felt like work because he got to see the land, visit with farmers, and express his gift of gab. Roger also loved to serve his community. He served on the Tripp Development Corporation, SD soybean association, SD seed growers, Bon Homme weed board, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was presently employed with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Crop Risk Services, as a compliance specialist. Roger had a tremendous love for family, but was especially fond of his seven grandchildren. Their presence was all that was needed to brighten his eyes. Their giggles and smiles often evoked his wide grin, and if we were lucky, his belly-laugh. Roger lost his battle to cancer on August 31st, 2015 at the Doughtery Hospice House. in Sioux Falls. He was surrounded by the love of his family when angels took him home and will be so greatly missed by many. He will never be forgotten and his love for life will live on in many hearts.

Lucky to have shared their lives with him are his loving wife of 41 years Gail Mehlhaff of Tripp; 3 Children: Kim (Chris) Boettcher of Sioux Falls, SD; Corey (Malinda) Mehlhaff of Joplin, Mo; Jill (Mike) Nuebel of Parkston, SD; 7 Grandchildren: Ava & Ellie Boettcher; Avery & Max Mehlhaff; and Grant, Mya, & Burke Nuebel; 2 Siblings: Sharon (Doug) Brandt, Avon, SD and Scott (Chris) Mehlhaff, Detroit Lakes, Mn; In-Laws, Harley & Connie Wubben and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Velda Mehlhaff; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy & Frieda Struck; a brother-in-law, Marvin Struck; many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Martha Melichar, 1917-2015

Martha B. Melichar, age 97 of Yankton and formerly of Tabor, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitations will be from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor with a 7 PM Wake Service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Martha Melichar was born November 27, 1917 to Frank and Katherine (Hale) Kortan in Tabor, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm just south of Tabor and attended Tabor Public School. She then later moved into town and worked at the Home Store grocery store. She married George Melichar on September 1, 1948 after his return to Tabor from serving in World War II. They operated a Standard Oil Station and blacksmith shop until August of 1967 after which they retired. Martha was an avid gardener and loved working outdoors. She also was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed trying new recipes and sharing her garden produce and baked goods with friends and relatives. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Altar Rosary Society.

Loving memories will be cherished by her son, Edward (Donna) Melichar of Omaha, NE; her daughter, Katherine (Don) Klaassen of Tabor, SD; grandchildren: Pam (Mike) Mason and their children, Claire and Hope, all of Omaha, NE, Ken (Cameo) Melichar and their children: Ashlyn, Nathan, and Jonah, all of Hewitt, TX; Angela (David) Dingsor and their daughter, Norah, all of Sioux Falls, SD, Jonathan (Jennifer) Klaassen of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jared Klaassen of Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law, Angeline Kortan of Tabor, SD; many nieces, nephews, and friends and her beloved staff at Sister James Country Unit.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; 5 brothers: John, Albert, Joseph, Adolph, and Dorance (Bud) Kortan; 6 sisters: Mary (Ed) Souhrada, Albina (John) Wurtz, Clara (Ed) Hlavac, Anna (Joe) Dvoracek, Adeline (Leo) Pechous, and Ludmila in infancy; grandson, Benjamin Klaassen and great granddaughter, Bethany Mason.

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Mebius, 67, who died at Memorial Hospital, Wessington Springs, Sunday, were held Wednesday in the Congregational United Church of Christ. The Rev. Horace Smith officiated. Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Anna Schmoll was born Feb. 17, 1896, at Tyndall, the daughter of Jacob and Katherine Schmoll. She married Jacob M. Mebius July 5, 1912. They lived in Bon Homme County until 1920 when they moved to Buffalo County. They resided there until 1950 when they moved to Wessington Springs.

Survivors include: two sons, Herbert, Gann Valley and Myron, Wessington Springs; two daughters, Mrs. Elsa Hasz, Wessington Springs and Delora, Mrs. Gene Steckelburg, Chamberlain; mother, Mrs. Schmoll; 16 grandchildren; one great grandchild; three sisters, Mrs. Emil Vacknitz, Tyndall, Mrs. Pearl Wilch, Goose Bay, Ore., and Mrs. Clifford Shweitzer, Tyndall; three brothers, William Schmoll, Tyndall, Helmuth Schmoll, Yankton, and Benjamin Schmoll, Tripp.

She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, father, one brother, and two sisters.

She was known around Freeman and Menno.

Source: The Freeman (SD) Courier ~ Thursday, June 27, 1963

Laddie Merkwan, 1926-2015

Laddie L. Merkwan, 89, formerly of Tabor, South Dakota passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, South Dakota. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, November 6 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Tabor with a Wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Joe Merkwan (nephew), Jim Merkwan (nephew), Chris Mensing (grandson), Scott Dirkx (grandson [in-law]) and Raeven Mazion (great-grandson).

Laddie was born April 2, 1926 to Anton and Anna (Cahoy) Merkwan at home in rural Tabor, South Dakota. He started school at the Catholic school in Tabor and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1943. He married Lillian Cwach on May 24, 1948 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor. He actively farmed until 75 years of age and continued to live on the same farm until moving to Majestic Bluffs, Yankton, with Lillian in 2012. In addition to farming, he sold Golden Harvest Seed Corn for 25 years, served on the church council, and loved playing Cvick (cards) with family and friends. Laddie spent his last months in Riverfront at Sister James and had a smile for everyone.

Laddie is survived by his loving wife, Lillian of Yankton; three children: Richard (Tonye) of Early, IA, Irene (Mark) Mensing of Blue Earth, MN and John (Kathy) of Roanoke, VA; six grandchildren: Karie Merkwan of Bell Plaine, MN, Jaci (Dan) McCoy of Storm Lake, IA, Amanda (Scott) Dirkx of Norwalk, IA, Liz (Craig) De Velder of Vermillion, SD, Chris (Gretchen) Mensing of Lansing MI, David (Melissa) Mensing of Spirit Lake IA; and twelve great-grandchildren: Raeven Mazion, Zoe and Kamryn McCoy, Lucas, Isaac and Brynleigh Dirkx, Tyler and Kate De Velder, Brendan and Jake Mensing, Abigail and Jackson Mensing.

Laddie was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Edward Merkwan and Alvin Merkwan.

Military rites for Eddie Munkvold, 81, will be Friday at 10 am at the Congressional Church of Lesterville with the Rev. O.F. Elde officiating. Burial will be in the Eilm Cemetery at rural Irene with Eisenbrey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Munkvold died May 16, 1972 at a Scotland hospital of a lingering illness. He was born June 30, 1890 at Sioux City to Mr. and Mrs. Halvor Munkvold, later moving to Williston, ND where he attended school. After serving in World War I, he married Ann Marie Gran in 1922 at Viborg.

They farmed in the Midway area where he served on the school board, was a timekeeper for the WPA, and was a member and an officer of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In 1957 he retired and moved to Lesterville where he joined the Congressional Church and Ernie Pescenka American Legion Post 219. He entered the Good Samaritan Home in Scotland in 1971 due to his illness.

Survivors include his widow; six sons, Jerome, Freeman; Roy, Irene; Edward, Menno; Albert, Rolland, and Oliver, Lesterville; seven daughters, Mrs. Carl, (Alice) Evenson, Mrs. Kenneth (Joyce) Kloucek, and Mrs. Robert (Connie) Reiser, Lesterville; Mrs. Floyd (Edith) Weisz. Tripp; Mrs. John (Audrey) Holupka, Tyndall; Mrs. Elmer (Iona) Fischer, Hot Springs, and Mrs. Joe (Evelyn) Gramkon, Huron; two brothers, John, Viborg, and Iver, Lesterville; 37 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

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

Joanna "Jenny" Merkwan, 1921-2015

Joanna A. "Jenny" Merkwan, age 94, of Tabor, SD passed away early Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, December 18, 2015 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 PM, Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, SD with a Wake service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Pallbearers are Paul Eggers, Tom Bartunek, Branden Eggers, Cory Bartunek, Bill Cap, Joe Cap and James Kocer.

Joanna was born May 10, 1921 in Tabor, SD to Joe and Joanna (Herman) Grail. She grew up with 11 brothers and sisters on their parent's farm 4 1/2 miles northwest of Tabor, SD. Joanna was baptized and a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church of Tabor until her death. She attended Grail school through the 8th grade. Joanna married George Merkwan on December 14, 1942. One daughter and one son was blessed to their union. Together they farmed 5 miles northwest of Tabor. They raised many types of livestock and poultry. She was well known for raising and selling ducks. She made the best "Kolachies", Donuts, Dumplings and "Kobilihi". Joanna enjoyed playing cards with neighbors, friends and family. Joanna so enjoyed her grandchildren, Tom and [Mary] Bartunek of Avon and Patty and [Paul] Eggers of Wagner. Joanna's husband, George died December 12, 1987. She stayed on the farm for another year and then moved into the town of Tabor until her death.

Joanna is survived by her daughter, Lillian (Clarence) Bartunek of Tabor, SD; son, Ernest (Gloria) Merkwan of Tabor, SD; brother, Edward Grail of rural Tabor, SD; sister, Lillian Cap of Tabor, SD; 2 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 8 step-grand-children, great grandchildren and great-great children and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joanna was proceeded in death by her mother and father, Joe and Joanna Grail, husband, George Merkwan and sisters: Maimie Grail, Helen Cap, Anna Cap, Rose Kocer, Agnas Fitch and Stella Kalda and brothers, Joe, John and Emil Grail.

Mildred McDermott, 1914-2015

Mildred Jean Robbins McDermott, 101 passed away peacefully Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Ozark Riverside Manor in Ozark, MO where she had been living for the past 2-1/2 years. She was born in Tyndall, SD, January 29, 1914. Mildred had lived most of her life in the Black Hills area. Mildred married Edward B. Stark in 1932, and together they raised three sons, Gary, Monty and Rodney. Edward died in 1965. Mildred subsequently married Emery Zimmer and Robert McDermott, outliving them both. Mildred was preceded in death by her son, Monty (69) who passed away in 2011 and grandson, Michael (50) who passed away this past April 2nd. Mildred was one of 16 children born to Guy and Dilea Robbins. She was the fifth youngest child and the last to pass from that generation of the Robbins family. Preceded in death years earlier by both older and younger siblings, it was most recently that Mildred’s sister, Eleanor Robbins Bruns-Hiatt (99), passed on March 12th; and brother, James Rolland “Rollie” Robbins (93) passed on April 7th both residents of Rapid City. In the fall of 2011, Mildred moved from her home at Holiday Hills Estates in Rapid to Ozark, MO, so as to be closer to son, Gary, and his wife Sondra. There she celebrated her 99th, 100th and 101st birthdays. In 2013, she traveled with her son, Rodney, to the USS SCAMP (SSN-588) Submarine Reunion in nearby Branson, MO. Mildred had ridden on and dived with the submarine Scamp in 1972 during a dependent’s cruise with her son. Nuclear attack submarines continued to be a lifelong passion with her. She led the Rapid City Submarine Veteran’s contingent in the 2010 Veteran’s Day Parade and was featured twice in the American Submariner Magazine as the oldest living “Honorary Submariner”. Known for her love of song and music, Mildred’s final curtain call came only days before her death, when her family gathered by her side to sing Happy 80th Birthday to her son, Gary. This rare event capped a long and adventurous life for this beautiful lady. Mildred is survived by her sons Gary & Rodney Stark, their wives, Sondra & Elaine, grandchildren Jeff, Ryan, Marla, Josh, Kara, Bryan & Brenna; eight great-grandchildren and twelve step-grandchildren.

Sylvia Mayer, 1929-2011

Sylvia Marcella Mayer was born January 6, 1929 on the family farm near Tyndall, South Dakota to Gottlieb and Margrete (Schuh) Rueb. She died May 20, 2011 at the Butte Healthcare Center in Butte, Nebraska at the age of 82 years.

Sylvia attended country school and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1946. She was baptized at, and was a member of, the Tyndall Baptist church.

After graduating, she attended the Bob Jones University in South Carolina and received a teachers degree.

She worked as an assistant to the Clerk of Courts in Tyndall before teaching at the grade school in Wagner. She was united in marriage to Clarence Mayer on September 5, 1964 and to this union two sons, Tim and Keith, were born.

She was a loving housewife from this time until Clarence's death in 2009. At this time her health quickly deteriorated and her sons cared for her until she entered the Gregory Hospital.

Sylvia enjoyed reading Christian books and the Bible. In her younger years she would often sing gospel with her brothers. She also spent much of her free time watching Christian television programs and FOX News.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents; her brothers: Irvin and Harven; her brothers-in-law: Edwin, Bill, Marlin, Earl and Clarence; and her sisters-in-law: Florence, Penelope and Edna.

Sylvia is survived by her sons: Tim and Keith of Naper, NE; her brothers: Wilfred and wife Alma Rueb of Silverdale, WA and Allen and wife Lenora Rueb of Sacramento, CA; her sisters-in-law: Leona Mayer of Boise, ID; Darlene Sieh of Burke, SD; and Iona Carstens of Norfolk, NE and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Burial will be in the St Paul's Lutheran Cemetery near Naper, NE. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM at the funeral home.

Emily Mudloff, 1938-2016

Emily H. Mudloff, age 77 of Tabor, SD passed away late Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2016 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Jones officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitations will begin at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2016 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 funeral chapel. Pallbearers are her grandsons; Bill, Weston, Joshua, Dominic, Jonathan, Noah and Jacob. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Staff of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society, Tyndall, SD.

Emily Sedlacek Mudloff was born August 11, 1938 at Vodnany, South Dakota, to Louis and Clara (Sykora) Sedlacek. She passed away on January 28, 2016 at the age of 77 after a lengthy illness at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society, Tyndall, SD. She grew up on the family farm at Vodnany and attended Geishirt Country School through the eighth grade. After her schooling she worked on the family farm and helped care for her younger siblings. Later she worked for a dry cleaners in Scotland, SD where she met her future husband.

Emily was united in marriage to Donald Mudloff on September 9, 1958 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church at Vodnany and continued to work at various jobs throughout her life. Emily will be remembered as a hard worker, loving wife, devoted mother, excellent seamstress, and a wonderful cook. Emily enjoyed cooking, playing cards, and watching any kind of sports especially football and baseball. She was a lifetime member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

She is survived by her husband Donald of Tabor, SD, her children; Sharon (Terry) Myers of Sioux Falls, Vicki (Rod) McGill of Tyndall, Don (Claudia) Mudloff of El Paso, TX, Linda (Michael Ferguson) Schwab of Sioux Falls, SD, Jacki Wyatt of Madison, SD and Sandy (Dave Dalhke) Mudloff of Sioux Falls, SD; Four brothers Robert (Arlene) Sedlacek of Tyndall, SD, Louis (Joan) Sedlacek of Tyndall, SD, Richard (Karen) Sedlacek of Keystone, SD and Joseph (Jane) Sedlacek of Scotland, SD; two sisters Irene (Dennis) Reiner of Sioux Fall, SD and Charlene (Kenny) Pietz of Mitchell, SD; eleven grandchildren: Bill (Danielle) McGill, Mandi Myers, Justine (Ben) Kelly, Weston McGill, Joshua Wyatt, Dominic Mudloff, Jonathan Wyatt, Joel Mudloff, Noah Schwab, Diego Mudloff, Jacob Schwab, and 2 great granddaughters Layla Myers and Jayde McGill.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Eva Morrison were held in the home of her daughter Mrs. John M. Wollman, Freeman, last Friday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock. They were conducted by the Rev. A. C. Warner of Springfield, and he was assisted by the Rev. Jacob I. Walter, pastor of the Salem Mennonite church. A chorus of ladies sang selection. Following the service the body was brought to the Springfield cemetery, where a number of the old friends had gathered. Here a brief service of committal was conducted by Rev. Warner and a trio of ladies sang.

Mrs. Morrison’s maiden name was Eva Irene Peck, she was the daughter of Theodore and Mary Calwel Peck and was born at Howard, Ill., June 17, 1854. At the time of her death she lacked only two days of being 88 years old.

When she was 6 weeks old the family moved to Sauk Center, Wis., and when she was 4 years old they moved to a farm near Spring Green, where she grew to womanhood, and as a young woman became a member of the United Brethren. On Oct. 19, 1876, she was united in marriage to Philester J. Morrison, the marriage taking place at the home of her parents at Spring Green. For 8 years they made their home in Newark, and then came to Dakota Territory, where they purchased a farm some seven miles west of Springfield. Shortly after they moved back to the old home in Wisconsin, but the lure of Dakota had seized them and two years later they returned. When Charles Mix county was opened for settlement they took a claim not far from where Avon now is, and lived there for some years. The post office known as Morrison was in their home. But through most of the time from their coming to the Territory until Mr. Morrison’s death on January 13, 1929, their home was in or near Springfield.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Morrison has made her home with her daughter in Freeman.

She was the mother of three children. The first child, Earl, died in infancy. She is survived by two daughters: Ethel (Mrs. Ralph Kinyon) of Mitchell and Lelia (Mrs. John Wollman) of Freeman; and by one granddaughter, Claribel Kinyon. She survived also by two sisters, Mrs. Howard Wagner, Denver; and Mrs. Mary Peck, Spring Green, Wisconsin.

A gracious woman full of kindly neighborliness her home was always a place of beauty and peace. Through these almost sixty years of residence here she has made a host of friends. She has gone in the ripeness of the years leaving precious memories of her life of service. Many long time friends in the Springfield community join in a sincere expression of sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Source: Freeman Courier ~ Thursday, July 2, 1942

Louise H. Mueller, 72, the daughter of Rev. George Zink and Marie (Raab) Zink, was born May 12, 1905, at Ada, Minnesota, and died on Thursday, April 20, 1978, at the Bartels Lutheran Home, Waverly, Iowa, where she had been a patient since April 11 of this year.

She moved to Scotland, SD, in 1907 with her family where she attended grade and high school. She was confirmed by her father on June 8, 1919, at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland. On June 16, 1926, she was united in marriage to Ernest L. Mueller. The couple moved to Waverly in 1941. Louise, a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, served in various offices in her church's organizations, including the circles, Tabitha, and the PTA of St. Paul's Christian Day School. She recently received her 500 hour volunteer award at the Bartels Home; she served as president of the Bartels Home Auxiliary for four years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ella and Martha; two sons in infancy and one granddaughter.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest, of Waverly; four daughters, Marilyn, Mrs. Wayne Winkey of Shell Rock, Corrine, Mrs. Walter Pankow of St. Louis, Missouri, Shirley, Mrs. Dick Bruns of Cedar Falls, and Betty, Mrs. James Borgen, Richfield, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; two sisters, Henrietta Zink, and Marie, Mrs. Glen Woodrich, both of Waverly; one niece and one nephew.

Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with burial in Harlington Cemetery.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Wed. May 10, for Leona M. Musil, 83, Madison, who died May 8, 2000, at Madison Community Hospital. The Rev. Harlan Wartenbee will officiate in Assembly of God Church, and burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. The family will be present at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Weiland Funeral Chapel.

Leona Rehurek was born at Lake Andes on Feb. 9, 1917. She married Henry Musil at Tyndall on Nov. 17, 1936. She grew up in the Tyndall area and lived there until moving to Chicago in 1942 where they operated a grocery story. In 1951 they moved to Pickstown where she worked as a nurse aide until moving to Lake Andes and then to Tyndall, where they operated a grocery store and meat market. In 1956 they moved to Luverne where she worked at the Luverne Hospital and cared for her sister-in-law. They moved to Madison where she was employed at the Madison hospital and Bethel Nursing Home until she retired in 1995. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church.

Survivors include her husband, Henry Sr. of Madison; one son, Henry Jr. of Madison; one grandson; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Joseph Rehurek of Tyndall; and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Mabel Rehurek of Tyndall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marie (Mazourek) Rehurek; two brothers, Ed and Frank; and one sister, Marie Kreg.

The Weiland Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Henry Musil Sr., age 98, died unexpectedly at the home of his son in Aberdeen on May 9, 2006. Henry Elmer Musil was born on January 17, 1908, at Tabor, SD, to Joseph and Marie (Honner) Musil. He married Leona Rehurek at Tyndall, SD on November 17, 1936. She preceded him in death exactly 6 years agon on May 9, 2000.

He grew up in Dante, SD, and farmed west of Dante. They moved several times living nine years in Chicago settling in Madison where he worked at Koskie Grocery, Prostrollo Motor and Newcomb Motors. In 2000, he moved to Groton and in July he moved to Aberdeen.

He is survived by one son, Henry (Vera) Jr. of Aberdeen; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Joyce Musil; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at Weiland Funeral Chapel, Madison, SD, with the Rev. William Duncan officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday at the Weiland Funeral Chapel, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Norma Meyers, 1921-2015

Norma B. Doran Meyers, 94 yrs. old of Shannon, IL passed away on Nov. 23, 2015 at Presence St. Joseph’s in Freeport. She was born on Oct. 30 1921 the daughter of the late Clyde & Augusta Doran in Avon, SD. Norma graduated from Avon SD High School in 1938 & attended South Dakota State where she received her teaching certificate. She taught at MaWhinny School in Avon, SD on the reservation for two years before moving to Shannon. On Dec. 25, 1941 she married Morris (Riley) Meyers; he passed away on Nov. 5, 1998. She worked at Micro Switch for 27 yrs. until retiring in 1986. She also worked at John Lemon Law Offices in Mt. Carroll for about 12 yrs; & she taught at Elroy School for handicapped children. She enjoyed camping & traveled to all 50 states, bowling & would later get together monthly with her “non-bowling friends”; she was a member of the Lake Carroll Red Hats. Norma was a huge Chicago Bears & Cubs fan for all her life. She also had a special love for Arabian horses.

She is survived by her daughter: Loxi (Tom) Hopkins of Davenport, IA; sons: Barry (Jean) Meyers of Lake Carroll; Kelly (Denise) Meyers of Punta Gorda, FL; daughter-in-law: Mary Meyers of Freeport; George & Karen Kriske of Sacramento, CA; nephew: Ken Alexander, two nieces: Georgia Alexander, Lexi (Rich) Etchberger all of Shannon, 11 grandchildren, 20 great- grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother: Bill Doran, sister-in-law: Shirlee Alexander, son: Riley, grandsons: Tony Hopkins & Rob Meyers.

Funeral Services will be at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon on Sat. Nov. 28, 2015 at 10:30 am with Pastor Mike Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 9 am until time of service. Interment will be at the Brethren Cemetery in Shannon. In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in her name. The family extends a special thank you to all the care givers at Provina.

Clinton Mehlhaff, 1932-2016

Clinton D. Mehlhaff, 84, of Wagner, South Dakota, and formerly of Scotland, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society - Wagner.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 6 from 3:00 p.m. until a 5:00 p.m. prayer service at Goglin Funeral Home in Scotland. Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 7, at the United Church of Christ in Scotland. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Scotland.

Clinton David Mehlhaff was born on January 10, 1932 to David and Sophia (Holzwarth) Mehlhaff. He grew up on a farm near Kaylor, South Dakota. As a child, he enjoyed his trips to school as he rode on a cart pulled by his prized billy goat. As a young man, Clinton began working as a farmer. On November 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Marie E. Fischer in Menno. Together they made their home near Kaylor where they farmed, milked dairy cows, raised pigs and chickens. For a time, he worked for Weber Grain Elevator in Lesterville. Following Clinton’s retirement from farming, in 1968 the family moved into Scotland. It was around this time that he began working for the Scotland Co-op and did for 20+ years. Clinton was a diligent, hard-worker all his life.

Throughout his life, Clinton was a dedicated family man. The family took regular vacations together, frequently touring the Black Hills or visiting relatives. Clinton also loved the outdoors, spending numerous days boating, fishing, and camping. Camping with the family was always a treat, especially the memorable trip to Canada and the Memorial Day holidays spent at Lake Herman near Madison with the Mehlhaff, Fischer, and Petzoldt families.

Clinton was always willing to help his family with his talents and knowledge. Being a son of an owner and operator of a meat locker himself, Clinton made sure to pass the skills of the trade down to his children and grandchildren. He taught them the way to cut beef and pork as well as how to make the homemade family recipe sausage. Clinton was also a handyman who enjoyed woodworking. He made bean bag games, Christmas decorations, toy boxes, Barbie doll houses, and helped with the various projects and maintenance to his children’s homes. He was an attentive, supportive father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Clinton had a sweet tooth for chocolate chip cookies and his favorite hard candies during Christmas. He also had an unending humor and loved to play his practical jokes on others.

Clinton and Marie were strong in their Christian faith and walked to church hand-in-hand every Sunday to United Church of Christ in Scotland. In August 2013, Clinton moved to Wagner to be closer to his family. On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, Clinton passed away at the Good Samaritan Society of Wagner having attained the age of 84 years, 1 month, and 21 days.

Grateful for having shared Clinton’s life are his children: Marlene (Don) Harrington, John (Jeanne) Mehlhaff, and Jack (Michelle) Mehlhaff; 8 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; brothers Ruben (Olga) Mehlhaff and Lawrence “Rudy” (Bonnie) Mehlhaff; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He will be remembered by numerous relatives, his Christian family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marie in 2013 and his parents.

Robert "Bob" Maag, 1948-2016

Robert "Bob" James Maag, 67, of Huron, South Dakota and formerly of Tripp, passed away at his residence.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Goglin Funeral Home in Tripp from 3:00 p.m. until a 7:00 p.m. prayer service there. Family will be present at the visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Tripp with Rev. Brian Bucklew officiating. Burial will follow in Gracehill Cemetery, Tripp. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tripp.

Robert James Maag was born July 16, 1948 to Victor and Ruby (Ehresmann) Maag of Tripp, SD and passed away February 29, 2016 at the age of 67. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Tripp. Graduated from Tripp High School in 1967. Later attended SDSU graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in June, 1971.

Bob was an incredible vocalist and musician. Bob’s first band was 'The Postmen' and he went on to perform in several bands which have all been inducted into the SD Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His voice was unlike any other, the girls swooned and the guys wanted to be him. He was the star of the stage and kept the audience memorized.

Bob married Carol Novak on September 15, 1979 at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Tripp, South Dakota resulting in two of his favorite accomplishments, Cole and Nick.

After a professional career in music with The Postmen, The Talismen, Priceless, Nickel Bag of Soul and Showcase, he returned from the road, purchased and operated the one and only Island Park in Milltown and Groveland Park in Tyndall. During this time he brought great talent to South Dakota. The legendary Island Park flooded for the final time in 1984.

In March of 1985 he began working for the USDA as a loan service officer in Vermillion for the Farmers Home Administration. Bob worked in Winner, Burke and Miller before transferring to the State Office in Huron as a Farm Loan Specialist in May of 1991. After 27 years, 2 months and 22 days, he retired at the age of 63. He was respected by fellow loan officers at the county, state and on national levels.

After retirement, Bob his time compiling his career in music and sharing his story with the world. Bob worked with fellow musicians to create an appreciation for the history of South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association. Bob has been inducted into South Dakota Rock and Roll hall of fame six times and was anxiously awaiting the seventh in April.

Music was his passion. Music was his life.

Bob was an all-state athlete, a musician, a father, a son, a brother, a friend and a lover of Rock and Roll. Bob's sarcastic. quirky sense of humor was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.

Bob is survived by his two sons: Cole James Maag, Kendra McCall, Chloey Lucus and Diezel of Huron, SD. Nickolas Lee Maag and Alexandra Fanelli of Littleton, CO. His brothers Larry Maag of Tripp and daughter Sarah of Sioux Falls, Daniel L. Maag, his wife Lori (Meade) and their son, Mathew Maag of Lakewood, CO., sister MJ Knobe of Sioux Falls and her daughter Jennifer Jensen of Oklahoma City, OK.

Lorraine Mettler, 1926-2016

Lorraine Mettler, age 89 of Menno, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at the Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 14 at Zion Reformed Church in Menno with Rev. Travis Grassmid officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Reformed (Kassel) Cemetery, Menno. Visitations will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Lorraine Mettler was born November, 16, 1926 to Wilhelm and Katherina (Neth) Kost at the home place northeast of Lesterville, SD. She was baptized on December 26, 1926 at Petersburg Congregational Church by Rev. Bauman. Her Confirmation was held in the Scotland City Hall by Rev. Green on June 23, 1940. Lorraine attended Rockland Country Grade School. She lived on the farm where she helped around the house, herded cattle, milked cows, and made grain shocks. On January 18, 1949, Lorraine married Herbert Mettler at Scotland, SD by Rev. Richard Reiger. They lived on a farm north of Menno in the home that his father had built and to this union two daughters were born, Ruby and Donna. She was a member of Zion Reformed Church for the rest of her life. In 1969, they sold the farm and moved to Menno, Lorraine worked for a short time at the Open Door Café. Then she was hired at the Menno-Olivet Care Center where she was a housekeeper from 1976 to 1999 when she retired. In the following years, she continued to live in Menno, but would also vacation several months at her daughters’ homes who were living out in the Black Hills area. Then in 2005, Lorraine sold her home in Menno and moved to an apartment at West Winds in Scotland so she could be near her sister and sister-in-law.

Those who will cherish her memory are her two daughters: Ruby (Dwight) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD and Donna (Dan) Sutfin of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren: Dawn (Eric) Stover of Waverly, IA, LeeAnn (Jim) Shannon of Rapid City, SD and Terry Sutfin of Gillette, WY; great-grandchildren: Geoffrey of Liverpool, NY, twins Emily and Samuel of IA, Natasha in the US Navy, Terri, Daniel, Taylor, Hunter, Richard and Raymond of SD; sister, Frieda Thum of Scotland, SD; sister-in-law, Mabel Kost of Sedro Woolley, WA and many nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Herbert who passed away in 1998, six brothers and three sisters-in-law: Otto (baby), Otto, Bill (Betty), John, Ted (Helen), and Richard (Marilyn), a sister and brother-in-law, Anna (Edmund) Weltz, brother-in-law, Elmer Thum and a granddaughter, Tamara Johnson.

Thomas Moriarty, 1923-2016

Dolores Moriarty died on July 13, 2008 of stage four small cell lung cancer at the age of 84 in Arkansas.

Thomas Moriarty, at the age of 92, joined his beloved wife in death eight years later in Bentonville, Arkansas on January 5, 2016.

Both were cremated to fulfill a lifelong compact of being buried together just as they had lived and loved for 63 years.

Thomas Moriarty was born in 1923 on March 22 on a farm in rural South Dakota, in the midst of a blizzard, to Agnes and John Moriarty.

His wife, Dolores, was born in Tyndall in 1923 on August 31 to Mary and Dennis Murphy.

Both Tom and Dolores were born into proud Irish Catholic families that guided and shaped their lives.

Upon high school graduation, Tom and Dolores met and fell in love at Notre Dame Junior College in Mitchell, S.D. They were married in San Francisco in 1945 at Mission Dolores.

From 1942-1945, Tom served in World War II in the United States Navy. He achieved the rank of lieutenant and served as a landing small boats officer in the Pacific Theater and as a gunnery boat officer and navigator in Iran and Iraq.

Tom earned his Doctorate from the University of Oregon and climbed the career ladder in leadership roles in educational administration as Head of the Secondary Curriculum at Eastern Montana College of Education in Montana (1955-1961), Chairman of the School of Education at the University of Rhode Island (1961-1969) and the Dean of the School of Education at the University of South Dakota (1969-1979).

Dolores received her B.A. from the Eastern Montana College of Education.

Dolores, a veteran teacher, taught first and second grade students 21 years. Thirteen of those years were taught to first graders and were in Vermillion. Generations of kids, now grown, can credit Mrs. Moriarty for using a gentle voice and a guiding hand to teach them to read and to work with others.

Upon retirement, Tom and Dolores bought and moved to a 160 acre farm along the Vermillion River in South Dakota, near Wakonda, bringing their lives full circle to the love of the land and their family roots.

There will be a celebration of their lives and enduing love officiated by father David Roehoric on April 9, 2016 in Wakonda, S. D. at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Internment will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Lakeside Cemetery facilitated by Kinzley Funeral Home of Salem, S.D.

The couple is preceded in death by their son, Sean Moriarty; grandson, Sean Rush; Thomas 's two siblings: Madelon Swanson and Patrick Moriarty; and Dolores's five siblings: Evaryldis Base, Winifred Breck, Fern Marie Isaak, Douglas Murphy, and Bon Sadler; and their parents, John and Agnes Curry Moriarty and Dennis and Mary Kelly Murphy.

Tom and Dolores are survived by their daughters Kathleen McInroe and Sheila Hellerich, both of Arkansas; eight grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the South Dakota Alzheimer's Association, 1000 NW Avenue, Suite 250, Sioux Falls, S.D. or the American Cancer Society of S.D. 221 S. Center, Ave., Pierre, S.D. 570501.

Anna Burgr was born on the farm of her parents, Frank and Marie Burgr, two miles north of Tabor, S.D., where she spent her childhood days and grew to womanhood. On January 13, 1891 she was united in marriage to Anton Musilek at Tyndall, S.D. where he was engaged in business and where they made their home to the year 1913 when they moved on their farm six miles south of Lake Andes, after selling the business and their farm near Tyndall.

Her husband died on December 21, 1933, and she continued to live on the farm to her last days. She passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lloyd Dvorak at 1:30 afternoon, on June 21, 1950, at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 25 days of heart failure.

The funeral was held from the farm home Friday at 12:30pm and from the ZCBJ Hall at Tyndall and burial in the Czech National cemetery north of Tyndall. Editor J.A. Dvorak of Tabor spoke words of solace at the home and gave the funeral address at the hall and parting words at the grave and the remains laid to final rest by the side of her husband.

Two young girls sang at the home and at the hall. Mrs. Milo Novak, Emma and Evelyn Sejnoha sang two hymns, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Louis Slama. The pallbearers were Don Gasper, Billy Tupa, Lumir Tupa, Charles Zitka and Joseph Zitka, her grandsons and Sam Meade. The flowers were carried by Mrs. S.F. Meade and Mrs. Gerald Cook. The funeral was in charge of Stedronsky Funeral home, at Lake Andes.

The attendance was very large, the flowers many and beautiful. She and her husband were charter members of the Tyndall ZCBJ lodge, (which celebrated its 50th anniversary a short time ago, which Mrs. Musilek attended), and the members of the fraternity attended in a body to pay their last respects.

Her passing is mourned by eight children: Henry of Berwyn, Ill.; Anna Zitka of Tabor; Bela, Mrs. Joseph Tupa of Mills, NE; Julia, Mrs. Joseph Gasper of Wagner; Wilhemina, Mrs. Lloyd Dvorak of Lake Andes; and Eleanor, Mrs. Tony Chytka of Yankton. Mr. & Mrs. Musilek were the parents of ten children of which Vladimir, age 2 1/2, and Leona, age 11 years preceded her to eternity.

She also leaves 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Thomas V. Ptak of Tyndall, who is the last of the pioneer Burgr family. Her parents, brothers, Frank and John Burgr and sister, Mrs. Vaclav M. Ptak, preceded her to eternity.

It may be added that Mrs. Musilek was a kindly soul, the golden rule her guide and humanity her religion. She has left a legacy and a memory of a loving wife and mother, a real friend and a good neighbor. Her life and memory are an inspiration.

Maralynn Alice Mayer, 77, of Rapid City, passed away on Thurs., Mar. 15, 2007 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

She is survived by her two sons, Mark L. Mayer and Scott L. Mayer, both of Rapid City; her brother, James Weidenbach of Lawton, OK; two sisters, Leatta Weidenbach of Duarte, CA and Verda Voigt of Thermopolis, WY; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Private inurnment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis at a later time. Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City is in charge of the arrangements.

Dave "DJ" Moysis, 1957-2010

Dave "DJ" Moysis, age 53 of Ethan, SD, died Monday October 18, 2010 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday at the First Presbyterian Church in Mitchell with a 2:00 PM burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Dante, SD. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Dave "DJ" Moysis, son of Edward and Edna (Oorlog) Moysis, was born June 5, 1957 in Wagner, SD. He grew up on a farm south of Dante, SD and attended country school thru the sixth grade. Dave moved with his family to Avon where he attended school, graduating from Avon High School in 1975. He then attended Southern State Teacher's College in Springfield, SD.

Dave began his career running greenhouses for Lyle Mensch. In 1977, he became a partner in a greenhouse known as M&M Greenhouse in Mitchell, SD. Due to his health he sold the greenhouse in 2000.

Dave was united in marriage with Renee Kafka on July 25, 1981 in Dante, SD.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and playing cards. His first love was his wife, Renee, but his second love was the Green Bay Packers.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Renee, Ethan, SD; his parents, Edward and Edna Moysis, Avon, SD; two sisters, Wanda Lippert, Ethan, SD and Norma (Ron) Kisch, Salem, OR; his in-laws, Ed and Margie Kafka, Dante, SD; three brothers, Don (Susan) Kafka, Council Bluffs, IA, Gary (Diane) Kafka, Pierre, SD, Ken (Julie) Kafka, Sioux Falls, SD; a sister, Laurie (Jim) Lear, Jacksonville, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and his special cat, Sassy.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a brother-in-law, Doug Lippert.

Arlene Merkwan, 1927-2016

Funeral services for Arlene Merkwan, 88, of Sioux Falls will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Burial is in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation will be an hour prior to services on Wednesday. Memorial gifts may be given in lieu of flowers.

Arlene Lois Merkwan, daughter of Hans and Carolena (Wiechmann) Jespersen, was born on August 6, 1927 in Wagner, SD. She passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. Arlene attained the age of 88 years, eight months and 10 days.

Arlene attended for formal school years in Wagner. She then attended Southern Teachers College in Springfield.

Before moving to Denver, CO. Arlene returned to Wagner and married Ernest Merkwan. They had two children - James and Carol.

Arlene moved to Tyndall and worked for several years at M-Tron Electronics in Yankton. She then moved to Sioux Falls and worked at Hutchinson Technology before retiring. Her retirement was full of spoiling her three grandchildren: Chris (Kara) Merkwan of Corpus Cristi, TX, Nick Merkwan of Sioux Falls, and Jacquelyn (Matt) Hartman of Sioux Falls. More recently, it has also become her great-grandchildren: Monica and Aubrey of Texas.

Arlene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls and always enjoyed her pastor’s visits.

Arlene continued to keep in contact with many of her former "work" friends and enjoyed sewing (ornaments every year for her church tree), reading and putting together puzzles. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and positive attitude. Special appreciation is given to her "community" of friends: Jo/Janice and Anne who were so helpful to her recently in various ways.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: James of Spencer, SD and Carol Hartman of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her special niece Jan Lassen; and a host of other family and friends throughout the years.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Ramon, Edmund, Elmer and Glenn; and one sister, Helen Chernotik.

Roger Mensch, 1945-2016

Roger Mensch, age 70 of Menno passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 9, 2016 from injuries due to an accident.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 14 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152 and the SDARNG Honor Guard. Visitations will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, SD and then one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Mike Walter, Maynard Streyle, Dave Mensch, Jai Walter, Ron Gylfe and Duane Hoff.

Roger was born on July 25, 1945 to LaVerne and Hulda (Kirschenman) Mensch in Scotland, SD. He attended and graduated from Menno Public School. He served in the United States Navy from November 1, 1965 to October 11, 1969 as a Quarter Mastor aboard the USS HALSEY DLG CG 23, serving three tours in the Vietnam War. On August 9, 1968, he was united in marriage to Judy S. Holm in San Diego, CA. Roger and Judy with their daughter, Angela moved back to Menno, SD. They had three more children: Vickie, Connie and Curtis. He farmed and raised registered Hereford cattle. Roger was active in 4-H and mentored numerous families and his pride and joy was showing Hereford cattle with his children and grandchildren.

He was a very active member with the American Legion and was a commander of Post #152 for several years. Roger was elected to represent the State of South Dakota in Washington, D.C. for the Vietnam Wall War Memorial. He had a large passion for the Fourth of July parades and was known for his floats and was the coordinator of the Menno Fourth of July parade for 45 years. Roger had a love for football and was a huge Arizona Cardinal fan. He also had a passion for NASCAR and enjoyed the races down in Kansas City.

He leaves behind his mother Hulda (Kirschenman) Mensch of Menno, SD; Daughters: Angela Ackerman of St. Joseph, MO, Vickie Mensch-Geather of Wakonda, SD, and Connie Derousseau (fiancé,Tom Spielmann) of Sioux Falls, SD; a son, Curtis Mensch (Karla) of Ft. Campbell, KY; 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and his significant other, Donna Langerock of Menno, SD.

His father LaVerne Mensch and his sister, Judy VonEye, preceded him in death.

Maynard Wiederrich, 1924-2016

Maynard Wiederrich died on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Avera Sacred Heart’s Majestic Bluffs Care Center, Yankton, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be held at Friedens Reformed Church, Tripp, South Dakota, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2016, in Tripp. A committal service with military honors for immediate family will precede the funeral service at Friedens Cemetery, Tripp. Visitation will be held at Goglin Funeral Home in Tripp from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2016.

Maynard was born on March 31, 1924, to Samuel and Bertha (Schneider) Wiederrich south of Tripp, South Dakota. He attended Emanuel Country School District 48 and graduated from Tripp High School in 1941. On September 17, 1948, he married Evelyn Brunken in the Methodist Church in Tripp. They farmed south of Tripp for 30 years before moving into town. Maynard worked for Mormon Feed Company for ten years and then worked for RCIS, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, adjusting crop losses for farmers. He loved meeting the farmers and working with other adjusters all over South Dakota, retiring at age 87.

Maynard served in the United States Army in World War II in Germany. He remained in Germany with the Army after the war ended for a period of time due to his ability to speak German. Maynard was honorably discharged having attained the rank of sergeant.

Maynard was recognized with the Master Pork Producer Award in 1968 for his farrow to finish operation. He was a member of the Tripp American Legion, Jelkin Harms Post 142. He was baptized and confirmed in Immanuel Reformed Church, rural Tripp. He was a member of Friedens Reformed Church where he served on the Consistory and a Pastor Search Committee.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children: son Jim and wife Karri Wiederrich of Sioux Falls, granddaughters Anne, Lynn and Sara; son Jerry and wife Kristie Wiederrich of Sioux Falls, grandson Mike and his wife Aimee of Sioux Falls, great grandchildren Regen and Zach, grandson Matt and his wife Katie of Sioux Falls; daughter Donna Van Bockern and her husband Jim of Sioux Falls, grandchildren Emily and Ben; daughter Debra Jensen and her husband Gene of Yankton, South Dakota, grandson Neil and his wife Julia of Towson, Maryland, and grandson Forrest; Maynard’s sister, Lorene Jerke, of Tripp; and Maynard’s special friend Rose Novak of Tyndall.

Maynard was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, one infant son and his parents.

Memorials in Maynard’s honor may be directed to Placerville Camp UCC, which hold a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the Tripp American Legion.

Wayne P. Wagner, formally of Winner, SD, died Monday, March 14, 2016, at the Good Samaritans Home in New Underwood, SD, at the age of 85.

Wayne was born Jan. 31, 1931, in Tyndall (Yankton), SD, but always called the Black Hills home. He attended Rapid City Central High School and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1952. He married Arla Sand of Badger, SD, the same year.

Survivors include three children, son, Kip (Kristi) Wagner, Whitewood, SD; son, Kyle Wagner, Winner; daughter, Kara Martin, Richland, WA; and sister, Nancy Forrest, Rapid City.

Wayne was proceeded in death by his wife and parents. A grave side service was held March 19 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Condolences may be left for the family with Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel.

James Weidenbach, 1934-2007

Graveside service for former Lawton resident, James Edward Weidenbach, 72 of Columbia, South Carolina will be at 11AM, on Friday, July 13, 2007 at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Michael S. Cameron officiating. Mr. Weidenbach died on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 in Columbia, South Carolina. Arrangements are under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

James was born on September 14, 1934 in Avon, South Dakota to Edward and Lena Weidenbach. He grew up in Avon and graduated from high school in 1952. He joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and served in Vietnam and Okinawa, received the Bronze Star and three other medals of merit. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 after 21 years of service with the rank of Master Sergeant. He then began working for Northrop where he worked for approximately 10 years.

He is survived by two sons, Michael S. Cameron and his wife, Dolly, of Columbia, South Carolina and Guy Weidenbach, of Savannah, Georgia; two daughters, Sarah Evans and her husband, Marcus, of Atlanta, Georgia and Janis Pitman, of Glen Burnie, Maryland; two sisters, Verda Voigt and her husband, Calvin, of Thermopolis, Wyoming and Leatta Weidenbach, of Duarte, California; and six grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Mervin George Warrington, 73, Springfield, died Monday (March 3, 2003) at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton. Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Friday, at the United Church of Christ, Springfield. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, Springfield. Visitation resumes from 9 a.m.-noon Friday at the funeral home.

He was born June 22, 1929, at Springfield to George and Helen Maureen (Fegenbush) Warrington. He attended school in the Springfield area. He married Marilyn Dykman Aug. 8, 1955, at the Episcopal Church, Springfield. He worked for Coleman Trucking in his early years and then for Clark Construction for many years. Later he ran his own grinding and feed service, custom combining and was part owner of Kingsburg Grain and Feed. During these times, he also raised livestock. He also worked for a number of construction jobs, including Halsey Construction and R & S Construction of Rapid City. He worked at the Mike Durfee State Prison for 10 years and retired in 1994. He and his wife had been working the last four summer seasons at Custer State Park as resort workers.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, Springfield; three children: Pam (Gary) Fennema, Avon; Randy (Jodi), Gillette, Wyo.; and Penny Talsma, Springfield; six grandchildren; one brother, Don, Omaha, Neb.; four sisters: Jana Jelsma, Springfield; Charlotte Welfl, St. Libory, Neb.; Helen, Dante; and Dorothy Jean Marker, Sauk Centre, Minn.; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in law.

Velda Welch, 1918-2006

Velda Welch, 88, of Springfield died Wednesday, December 6, 2006, at her home in Springfield. Funeral Mass was held Monday, December 11, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Lake Andes. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery, Lake Andes. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield was in charge of arrangements.

Velda Welch was born July 14,1918, in Elk Point, the daughter of Ole and Hannah (Hansen) Johnson. Velda's father, Ole, came to America in 1892 as a young man from Sweden. Her mother, Hannah, sailed across the Atlantic from Germany as a child of three with her parents and older brother in 1890. Velda remembered a happy childhood, even though times were hard and money was short. She was the ninth of 11 children.

Velda married John L. Welch, of Westerfield, Iowa, on May 14, 1935, two months before her 17th birthday. John was born on a farm east of Westfield, and was of Irish and French-Canadian decent. They farmed in Iowa and were soon blessed with four daughters. In 1947, John and Velda moved to Lake Andes, where John had bought a pool hall. Three more children were born to this union. In 1965, tragedy struck and the couple lost their youngest child, Timothy, at age eight. Seven months later, John succumbed to a heart attack.

She is survived by six children: Patricia (Marlo) Stillion, of Wagner; Ellen (Ray) Nobles, of Ocala, FL; Colleen (Myron) Youngbluth, of Paris, TN; Marilyn (Clifford) Aase, of Springfield; John (Bonnie) Welch, of Yankton, and Debbie Welch, of Springfield; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two sisters: Maxine Jorgenson, of Des Moines, IA; and Dorothy Welch, of Akron, IA.

Velda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; son, Timothy; granddaughter, Valerie Irene Stillion; six brothers and two sisters.

Jennie M. Wagner, age 94, of Yankton, passed away early Monday morning, Dec. 16, 2002, at the Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, S.D.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, at the Assumption Catholic Church, Dante, S.D., with Rev. Jordan Hite officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Jennie was born Sept.11, 1908, at Tyndall, S.D., to Emil and Emma (Sedlacek) Nedved. At the age of six she moved to Wagner where she attended Wagner Country School. She married Adolph Wagner June 16, 1930, in Wagner, S.D. Together they farmed by Wagner. Jennie also worked the November Band as a cook at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner. She was a member of the Altar Society and a 25-year school board member for the Lawrence Township School, rural Wagner, S.D. After retiring from farming they moved to Yankton in November of 1976. She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton.

She loved dancing, quilting, raising flowers, canning and had a heart for baking kolaches.

Jennie is survived by her husband of 72 years, Adolph of Yankton; three sons; three brothers; two sisters; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

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

Gilbert Theodore Wynia, 66, of Russell Springs, died Friday, July 23, 1999 at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington.

He was a retired truck driver and a veteran of the United States Army.

Born in Springfield, SD on April 30, 1933, he was the son of Viola Unruh Wynia and Urban Theodore Wynia; both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Owens Wynia.

Survivors include one son, David Wynia of Omaha, Neb.; one daughter, Jodi Wynia of Omaha, Neb.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Almon and Opal Owens of Russell Springs; four aunts, Lee Hardy of Hyanif, Ma., Velma Ludens, Grace Ludens and Theresa Ludens, all of Springfield, SD and one brother Gene Wynia of Springfield, SD.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 27 at Bernard Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Monroe Robertson officiating. Pallbearers were Bart Bradshaw, Andy Antle, Matthew Loy, Jimmy Loy, Verlus Polston and Hugh Polston. Interment was in Poplar Grove Cemetery.

Alvera Weinke, 1932-2015

Alvera Weinke, age 83, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Memorial services are 3:00 PM, on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Dani Jo Ninke officiating. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service on Sunday.

Alvera was born April 29, 1932 in Scotland, South Dakota to William and Martha (Schneider) Retzer. She graduated from Scotland High School in 1950. On January 5, 1951, Alvera married Robert Weinke and they made their home in Yankton. She worked as a secretary/treasurer in many businesses throughout Yankton, including Mean's Cleaners and Launderers, Credit Bureau, KYNT, Cimpl Packing Company, Schindler Foot Clinic and finally for her husband at Bob Weinke Insurance. Alvera loved to golf and bowl and also enjoyed sailing, doing puzzles and reading.

Alvera is survived by her brother, Ronnie Retzer of Santa Maria, CA; niece, Theresa (Laverne) Hoff of Olivet, SD; nephew, Greg (Cindy) Zweifel of Scotland, SD; five great nieces and nephews: Stacie Zweifel (Seth Peterson) and their children, Cohen and Vivien; Paul (Alyssa) Zweifel and their children, Parker, Aspen and Raegan; Jared (Jenell) Zweifel and their son, Henry; Troy (Teresa) Hoff and their children, Tiana and Tyler; and David (Kristin) Hoff and their children, Audrey and Madeline.

Alvera was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert on December 9, 1988; and sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Donald Zweifel.

Bernie Wagner, 1924-2015

Bernie E. Wagner, 91, of Yankton, South Dakota and formerly of Tyndall passed away on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall on Monday, September 28 with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Czech National Cemetery, Tyndall. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Goglin Funeral Home of Tyndall.

Bernie Edward Wagner was born January 13, 1924, to Maurice and Amelia (Skorepa) Wagner on the Wagner Family farm one mile northeast of Tyndall, South Dakota. Bernie attended rural school and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1941. Bernie did not go to service in World War II. Instead, Bernie stayed on the Wagner family farm to help farm with his Dad and brother Emil. Bernie’s oldest brother, Clarence, served in the United States Army during World War II. In one of Bernie’s letters to Clarence, he stated how it was so eerily to go uptown to Tyndall on a Saturday night with hardly any young guys left at home during those war years. Bernie continued to farm with Emil and his Dad until his Dad retired in the mid-fifties. Bernie then became the full time farmer of the Wagner Farm. Bernie & Emil raised chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, beef cattle along with milk cows. They also had their two beloved work horses that they raised from babies until Queeny & King died of natural causes in the 1970s.

Bernie was a devoted son to his parents. He took care of them until they passed. Bernie took his dad’s death hard when Maurice Wagner passed suddenly on Easter Monday 1960. Bernie then inherited the farm from his dad. He continued to farm full time until into the early 1990s when he rented out the farm land. Bernie’s mom passed late January of 1964. Bernie’s sister, Lorraine, the youngest in the family lived all her life on the farm until she passed in March of 1998. By that time Clarence and Emil had passed on, too.

Bernie, Emil, Lorraine had very mini vacations during the summer months. They loved to drive around Southeaster South Dakota and into Nebraska to look at crops. They never missed Verdigre Kolache Days. They were devoted farmers all of their lives.

Bernie had several passions in his life. From the time Bernie was a little boy until his passing he was a true blue Yankees’ Fan. Bernie loved his baseball season. In the early 1970s Bernie and several other people founded the Beer Can Club of America out of Sioux Falls SD. Bernie was a charter member number five. Bernie had a huge collection of beer cans that filled the walls of his bedroom along with custom built shelves in the basement of his home. Bernie’s other passion was a ham radio operator. He spent his winter months enjoying talking to friends all over the United States, Australia, and other parts of the world. Bernie made some very good friends through those years until an ice storm took down his radio tower in the late ‘90s which he never had repaired. Bernie was sent all kinds of treasurers from his Australian ham radio friends whom he truly treasured.

Bernie entered Majestic Bluffs in May 2005 when he couldn’t take care of himself anymore. His niece, Elaine Kvasnicka Soukup flew from Gilbert, Arizona to arrange the sale of the farm’s personal possessions. It took Elsie & Jim Ozinger, Jim Magara and Elaine and two retired mechanics, Fritz and Rick, 14 weeks to get the farm sale ready.

From the time Dad Maurice Wagner bought the farm in 1919, nothing was ever sold or traded for new machines, pickups, cars all their adult life. All the equipment, etc. was in the buildings and in the trees with trees growing through the equipment and vehicles. During the sale Elaine’s family heard people saying, "this wasn’t a farm sale but a walk through history."

Bernie continued to live at Majestic Bluffs for the next 10 years and 4 months between assisted living and Sister James Nursing Home. Bernie had a surgical problem and was admitted to Avera Sacred Heart Hospital on Wednesday, September 16th. He suddenly took a turn for the worst on Thursday, passing on peacefully in his sleep Monday noon, September 21st having attained the age of 91 years 8 months and 8 days.

Bernie is survived by his nephew, Eugene Kvasnicka, Yankton South Dakota and his niece, Elaine Kvasnicka Soukup (Pat), great nephews David Kvasnicka, Pocatello Idaho; John (Amy) Soukup, Glendale, AZ; Paul Soukup, Winona, MN; a great niece, Laurie Kvasnicka Struchen (Brett), Chubbic, Idaho; 3 great, great nephews; 1 great, great niece, 1 great, great nephew, 2nd Cousins: Ron (Janet) Wagner; Gene (Laura) Wagner; Reta (Roger) Ridgeway; Kris (Mike) Haller and 3rd cousins.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice & Amelia; an infant brother; brothers Clarence and Emil, sisters Lorraine and Evelyn Wagner Kvasnicka and brother-in-law Frank P Kvasnicka, Jr., and nephew Charlie Kvasnicka, Pocatello, Idaho.

A very Special Thank You to the staff of Sister James’ Country Neighborhood for the blessings of your wonderful care, compassion and friendship you gave Bernie these past few years while Bernie was a resident. Our Father sends blessings of Special Angels we call Nurses! They are Natalia Chipman, Kathy Hansen, Jim Williams, Traci Cwach, Alecia Yaggie, Rose Conlin, Mary Fiedler and Dietary Manger Dave Goolsby along with the rest of the staff. I know Bernie enjoyed everyone of you with his stories, jokes and the friendships he made with all of you, and his cantankerous ways. No words can explain the gratitude and thankfulness the family feels toward all of you angels. You truly are blessings from Our Father!

"It ain’t over until it’s over!" -- Yogi Berra, Bernie’s Idol.

Harriett Wilde, 1924-2015

Harriett M. "Lockwood" Wilde, 90, of Tyndall, SD passed away on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Good Samaritan in Tyndall, SD.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at the Elk Point Cemetery in Elk Point, SD. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE.

Harriett was born on August 8, 1924 in Missoula, MT, the daughter of John and Pauline (Thomason Hundley) Lockwood. She was raised in Vermillion, SD and in Missoula, MT. In her youth she loved to ride horses and she was an excellent rider. She loved to visit the Henke family and her brothers, Earnie's and Jack's families. Her father died when she was three and her mother died when she was nine. Art and Ellen Powers raised her. A few years ago she was happy to meet her cousins, Jim and Viola Thomason and she would like to thank her niece, Donna Hubner for arranging visits with her cousins.

Survivors include her son, Dean Hughes; daughters, Sharon (Bob) Bell and Leann (Billy) Long; grandchildren, Mike and Linda Hughes, April and Crystal Livingston, Stacey Baker, Shauna Wilde, Timmy Beltz, Paula Abbey, Charles, Richard, John and Heidi Roupe; many great and great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Wilma Lockwood; step-sister, Patty (Powers) Tracy and her husband, Cam; and many nieces and nephews.

Harriett was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Lyle Hughes, Bill Livingston and Bob Wilde; children, Jerry Lockwood, Wayne Hughes, Marcia and Mary Ann Livingston, Billy Livingston, Patricia Livingston Roupe, Robin Wilde; grandsons, Donnie Dunn and Billy Joe Livingston; brothers, Jack and Earnie Lockwood; sister-in-law, Irene Lockwood; step-brother, Wayne Powers; step sisters, Jeannie Powers and Artis Powers; daughter-in-law, Gerry Hughes; and close friends, Francis and Ray Woods.

Charlet "Charley" Waage, 1960-2015

Charlet “Charley” Waage, 55 of Springfield, died unexpectedly Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Her funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 24. 2015 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield, with Pastor Ken Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Bon Homme Cemetery, rural Tabor. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30, with the family present. A 7:30 prayer service will follow. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home of Springfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Charlet Marie “Charley” Waage, daughter of Ralph T. “Tuck” and Helen E. “Betty” (Brown) Kyte, was born May 22, 1960 at Sioux City, IA.

Charley received her education in Elk Point, graduating from Elk Point High School in 1978. She attended SDSU for one year and then USD/S for two years where she earned a degree in accounting.

Charley married Bruce Waage in Elk Point on September 21, 1979. Two children were blessed to their union. After their marriage, they continued with their schooling at Springfield. Charley worked as production manager at CR Industries in Springfield from 1979 until it closed in July of 2006. At this time, she went back to school to earn her nursing degree, graduating in 2008. While attending school and after graduating, Charley worked at St. Michael’s Hospital in Tyndall until the time of her death.

Charley was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Springfield. For years, she and her husband served as EMTs for the Springfield Ambulance Association.

Charley will be remembered for her love of her grandchildren and her enjoyment of quilting and gardening.

Thankful for having shared her life are her husband Bruce of Springfield; son Tom Waage of Vermillion; daughter Jennifer Waage of Springfield; four grandchildren: McKayla Waage, Tanner Hajny, Taylor Van Duysen and Dodge Van Duysen; nine siblings: Mary Kyte of Council Bluffs, IA; Tom (Karen) Kyte of Seymour, TN; Mike (Waneta) Kyte of Spearfish; Joe (Sandy) Kyte of Burbank; Jim Kyte of Palm Springs, CA; Ed (Joey) Kyte of Burbank; Rita Kyte of San Pedro, CA; John Kyte of Elk Point; Jerry (Teresa) Kyte of Elk Point; mother-in-law, Connie Waage of Vermillion; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Charley was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Kyte; father-in-law, Ty Waage; and a niece and nephew.

Rev. Roland Walkes, 1923-2015

A memorial service will be held for the Rev. Roland Walkes at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester. The Rev. Jeff Utecht and the Rev. Eldon Reich will co-officiate. Burial of the urn will be at Oakwood Cemetery in the spring.

Rev. Walkes, 92, of Rochester, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at Shorewood Commons, where he and his wife have resided the past few years.

Roland Robert Walkes was born Jan. 11, 1923, in Avon, S.D., the son of Henry Walkes and Rebecca (Voigt) Walkes. Raised on the family farm, he attended rural schools and faithfully attended a rural Evangelical church in the Avon community. He accepted Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 13, in a small Evangelical church. At the altar of that same church, he dedicated his life to the Christian ministry on the evening before leaving for college.

He graduated from high school in 1940, and was a member of the debate teams and competed in the State Oratorical Contest. He attended Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, graduating in 1944. He received his license to preach in 1942. After graduation from college, he was assigned to serve the Evangelical Church at Butler, S.D.

He married Verlaine Helm in Rochester on June 14, 1945. In 1947, he enrolled at Western, Evangelical Seminary, in Portland, Ore. During seminary training, he served student pastorates at Adna, Wash., and Tigard, Ore. He graduated from Seminary in 1950. Following seminary graduation, he returned to South Dakota to continue full-time pastoral ministry, and he was ordained in 1950. Rev. Walkes served often as an evangelist in the South Dakota Conference in many of the churches. He was a member of the Board of Evangelism and the Conference Board of Trustees. He served as evangelist and/or Bible teacher for the Canadian-North Dakota Christian Ashram, the South Dakota Ashram, and the Nebraska-Iowa Ashram. He served churches at Butler, Monroe-Brothersfield, Yankton, McLaughlin, Eureka-Artas, and Clark-Garden City.

He retired from active ministry in 1984 and moved to Rochester. In retirement, he served short interim pastorates. He served as visitation pastor at Stewartville from 1986 to 1993. He became visitation pastor at Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester in 1993, and served the church for more than 16 years, and retired on June 1, 2009, finishing 65 years in the ministry.

He enjoyed good music; sang solos and was in duets and quartets. He directed the male chorus at the McLaughlin and Eureka churches. He attended the concerts of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale for many years. He loved the Evangel United Methodist Church Choir. He also enjoyed attending the sporting events of the three public high schools.

Rev. Walkes is survived by his wife, Verlaine Walkes of Rochester; a daughter, Janice (Les) Frydenlund of Eagan; a son, Jon (Darla Anderson) Walkes of Sioux Falls, S.D.; two grandchildren, Adam Frydenlund and Paul (Samantha) Frydenlund; and two great-grandchildren, Bennett and William Frydenlund. Also surviving are his sisters, Dorothy Stocker and Donna (David) Matthews; a brother, The Rev. Donald (Helen) Walkes; and a sister-in-law, Fran Walkes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Reuben and Raymond Walkes.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. If so desired, memorials may be directed to Evangel United Methodist Church Missions.

Robert "Bob" Wiebenga, 1953-2015

Robert "Bob" Wiebenga, age 62, of Yankton, South Dakota died Sunday, August 2, 2015 at Avera Yankton Care Center.

Memorial services are 3:00 PM, on Friday, August 7, 2015 at Riverview Reformed Church in Yankton with Reverend Rodney Veldhuizen officiating. Inurnment will be at the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery in Springfield, South Dakota. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Bob was born May 4, 1953 in Yankton, South Dakota to Clarence and Hilda (Hento) Wiebenga. He attended Drake Country School in rural Avon, South Dakota through the eighth grade. Bob then farmed with his dad and brother until 1995 when he moved to Yankton. He married Joyce Wright on June 27, 1997 in Yankton. Bob worked at Art's Garbage, Stockman's Livestock, then for Louis Kozak delivering newspapers, Vishey Dale Electronics, Bomgaars and also assisted his wife with security at Kolberg-Pioneer. Bob was baptized at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield and then became a member of Riverview Reformed Church when he moved to Yankton. He loved the farm and feeding his cows. Bob enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle. He loved visiting with others, had a great sense of humor and always loved teasing his nieces and nephews.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce Wiebenga of Yankton; brother, David "Bud" (Elaine) Wiebenga of Springfield, SD; sister, Shirley Wiebenga of Clear Lake, IA; sister-in-law, Julie Wiebenga of Clear Lake; many nieces and nephews; and special friends: Jay Ruppelt, Sally, Matthew and Rebecca Tjeerdsma.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence "Clancy" Wiebenga; sister-in-law, Mary Wiebenga; and nephew, Greg Wiebenga.

Funeral services for Les Williams, 69, former Tripp mayor and civic leader, were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Leo's Roman Catholic Church at Tyndall with Msgr. Leonard Zwinger officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery at Tyndall.

A Christian Wake service was at the Tripp Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church where he was a member at 7:30 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Paul Offerman officiating.

He was born October 1, 1900, at Bladen, Nebr., to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Williams, and died September 9th, 1970 at a Parkston hospital. He came to South Dakota in 1901 with his parents and spent several years in the grocery business in the area. In the last 36 years he operated an automobile and gas and oil business. He married Amy Marks in 1928. She died in 1937. November 10, 1939, he married Jo Zehnpfennig at Dimock. He was a member of the Good Samaritan Home Advisory Board, the Hutchinson County Draft Board, the Hutchinson County Fair Board, and the Tripp Development Corporation, and he was a city mayor as well as being active in activity throughout the community.

Survivors include the widow of Tripp; a son John of Tripp; daughters Mrs. Marlyn (Kathleen) Ekman of Tulsa, Okla., and Mrs. Tom (Mary Jo) Magstadt of Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren; a brother Lee of Delmont; and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Lange of Springfield.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, a daughter, and four brothers.

Danny Wright, 1953-2009

Danny Ray Wright, 56, of Rapid City passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Rapid City Regional Hospital due to complications from a stroke. Danny was born on February 27, 1953 in Scotland, SD to Kenneth and Gertrude Wright. He graduated from Scotland High School. Dan worked construction around that area until moving to Rapid City in 1984. At the time of his death he was employed at Black Hills Truss of Rapid City.

Survivors include one son, Elisha Wright of Yukon, Oklahoma; two brothers, Lyndon (Nina) Wright of Rapid City and Dennis (Phyllis) Wright of Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters, Velma (Gary) Kuchta of Yankton, SD and Karen Rembold of Spearfish, SD.

Dan was preceded in death by a son, Jeremy Wright and his parents. Memorial services will be on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 10:00 am at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City with Pastor Brent Woodard officiating.

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There will be a graveside Memorial Service at Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland for Danny Wright at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2010, led by Fr. Mark Lichter of Yankton.

Danny died November 18, 2009, in Rapid City.

Coffee, cookies and memory sharing will follow the service at the Main Hideout downtown Scotland. All are welcome.

Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, is handling arrangements.

Lydia White, 1916-2012

Lydia White, age 96, of Yankton passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, SD.

Lydia Marie Bender Oorlog White was born April 13, 1916 to Jacob & Rosina (Heihn) Bender in the sod house on the Bender homestead south of Scotland, South Dakota. She was baptized in the Scotland Reformed Church and confirmed in the Salem Reformed Church in Menno, South Dakota. She attended Plattner School district No. 13 south of Scotland, South Dakota through the eighth grade.

Her mother passed away when she was 11 years old and she continued to live with her father and brothers on the homestead until January 26, 1936 when she married Henry Oorlog. They made their home in Olivet, SD for 30 years. While there, Lydia attended the Olivet Evangelical United Brethren Church where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She was employed part time at the Wintersteen, Shaeffer & Kratz grocery stores. Lydia was also a postal clerk at the Olivet post office the last three years while living in Olivet.

Due to her husband's illness, they moved to Yankton, SD in 1961, where she was employed at the Human Services Center for 14-1/2 years. Her husband passed away in October, 1966; at this time Lydia pursued and received her G.E.D.

In 1968, Lydia joined the Riverview Park Reformed Church. On August 4, 1972, she married Thomas White of rural Gayville, SD where they lived on the farm until 1991 when they moved to Yankton, SD with Tom passing away on March 9, 2001.

She is survived by her daughter, Nyla (DeWayne) Kozak of LeMars, IA; step-daughter, Phyllis White of Gayville, SD; step-son, Warren (Mary) White of Yankton, SD; step-daughter -in-law, Rose White of North Platte, NE; grandchildren: Mike Pulkrabek of Black Hawk, SD, Barry (Louise) Hollman of Yankton, SD, Darrin (Kathy) Kozak of Glidden, IA, Mike Kozak of LeMars, IA, Chris (Dena) Kozak of Sioux City, IA, Wayne White of Yankton, SD, Mark White of Vermillion, SD, Alicia White Herchenhan of North Platte, NE, and Eric White of North Platte, NE; ten great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, one sister, five brothers, her daughter, Darlene Hollman and her husband Robert Hollman, stepson, Merit White, and her granddaughter, Thea Pulkrabek.