Obituaries
     
   
     

Michael L. Collins

September 6, 1952 - March 9, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010

 

Michael Lon Collins was born on September 6, 1952, to Michael and Mary Lou Collins in Sioux Falls, SD. He passed away in the comfort of his home with his wife at his side.
Mike attended Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls and continued on to the University of South Dakota. He chose to pursue a career as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Sioux Falls, SD. After thirteen years of service in Belle Fourche, SD, he was forced to retire due to illness. Before fulfilling his lifelong dream of moving to the Black Hills, he spent several years in Jacksonville FL. His time in Florida was spent working as an AT&T customer representative. Golfing, scuba diving, and exploring the ocean consumed most of his time. Mike had many a hobby - reading, billiards, cards, dominoes, and would offer anyone a challenge to a round of Jeopardy. Mike spent countless hours on the golf course. This hobby began when Mike was a young boy, which was funded by his paper boy delivery route in Sioux Falls. He took the game to heart and taught many the importance of golf etiquette. He was a member at the Boulder Canyon Country Club for many years but also enjoyed playing new and different courses in his travels. Most importantly, he valued his time with family and friends. Mike is now on his fairway to heaven.
Mike married LaVerne Turbiville in Whitewood on September 14, 1996. They resided in Whitewood together for fifteen years.
Mike is survived by his best friend and wife, LaVerne Collins and companions, Big Jon and Austin, all of Whitewood; his sons, Jason and Eric Collins, both of Sioux Falls, and Jeremy Aspen, Billings, MT; his two daughters, Alanna (SSG Joshua) Didier, WA, and Ashley (KeyStone) Kopp, Sturgis; eight special grandchildren, Hunter, Avila, Amara, Ashlyn, Andrew, Oriana, Elissa, and Jocelynn; his parents, Michael and Mary Lou Collins, Sioux Falls; his siblings, Michele (Bill) Loeschke, Vineland, NJ, Mark Collins, Sioux Falls, Mari (Dan) Pickering, Watertown, and Mia (Paul) Morris, Sioux Falls; mother and father in law, Dick and Rose Ann Turbiville, Spearfish; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous close friends.
Mike is preceded in death by his nephew, Reed Loeschke, and his grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Skip Smith officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date.
A memorial has been established.

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Gladys Selma Grace Gimble

April 1, 1926 - March 7, 2010

 

Service to be held:

At a later date

 

Gladys Selma Grace Gimble, 83, Sturgis, died at her home on Sunday, March 7, 2010.
She was born April 1, 1926, to Oscar and Wanda (Koeppel) Meisenholder at Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated from Washington High School in 1944.
Gladys wed Richard Carl Gimble at Luverne, MN, on October 10, 1946. They worked and resided in Sioux Falls until 2003, when they moved to Sturgis.
Gladys enjoyed playing cards, and crafting with friends in Sioux Falls and knitting and crocheting afghans for her family. She loved gardening and caring for her many house plants. Her family was always eager for her jams and jellies.
She enjoyed visiting her scattered grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gladys was a thrift store junkie. She always found treasures.
She is deeply loved and missed by her children, Eunice Kay Larson, Crystal. MN, Nancy (Tom) Little, Sturgis, Marilyn Gorman, Jacksonville, FL, David Gimble, Sturgis, and Steve (Annie) Gimble, Columbia Heights, MN; 9 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Inurnment services will be at a later date.

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Lora Mae Montague

March 23, 1932 - March 10, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

 

Lora Mae Montague, 77, Sturgis, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will resume Saturday, one hour prior to the services at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Randy Bradley officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Bear Butte Cemetery.
Lora was born March 23, 1932, in McIntosh, SD, to Charles and Beatrice (McGill) Green. At the age of 10, her family moved to Rapid City, SD, where they lived for two years. The family then moved to Custer. At the age of 18, Lora met the love of her life, Ken Montague, and they were married July 10, 1950. They made their first home in Belle Fourche until the fall of 1950 when they moved to Kansas, where their son, Dale, was born in November 1951, and daughter, Karla, in March 1956.
The family moved in 1958 to Hot Springs where they managed the Mavrick Truck Stop. In 1965, they moved to Colony, WY, where Lora worked as a bookkeeper for LP Larson and waited tables at the truck stop. They made their final home in Sturgis in 1967 where they have lived since. Ken and Lora managed the Skelly Truck Stop and Lora kept the books until 1972. In 1978, they purchased their first truck and started trucking coast to coast. This brought both of them much enjoyment and many adventures until they retired in 2006.
Lora was a great bowler and loved to be in the truck. Her family meant everything to her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ken, Sturgis; her son, Dale (Gayle) Montague, Camdenton, MO; her daughter, Karla (Gary) Berglund, Belle Fourche; six grandchildren, Tanya and Matt Hahn, Tricia and Tom Williams, Scott and Lynzie Montague, Brad and Lawanza Montague, Shawn Peterson, Brian and Mindy Berglund; thirteen great-grandkids; three brothers, Eugene (Nicky) Green, Rapid City, Duane (Laura) Green, Rapid City, and Marlin (Judy) Green, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Lyle Sikkink; four sisters, Darlene Powell, June Deyo, Marion Pudwell, and Dorothy Yeoman; one brother, Ralph Green; and one great-grandson, Mason James Peterson.
A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

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Sidney E. Aalseth

July 16, 1933 - March 4, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Monday, March 15, 2010, at 1:00 p.m.

 

Sidney Aalseth, 76, died Thursday, March 4, 2010 at his residence in Sturgis, SD.
He was born July 16, 1933, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Marvin and Esther ("Pierce") Aalseth.
Sidney attended Custer High School in Custer, SD graduating in 1951.
Sidney married Charlotte (Fetter) in Hot Springs, SD on May 11, 1963.
He enlisted in the army September 17, 1953 and served until September 16, 1955. After his discharge, he went on to a career in building materials sales.
Sidney and Charlotte Aalseth lived for the last 20 years in Sturgis, SD, and prior to that lived in Rapid City, SD for over 24 years.
Survivors include his son Craig Aalseth, Richland, Washington, and his twin sister Carole Peterson, Denver, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his wife (Charlotte) in 2009, his parents (Marvin and Esther), and his brothers (Robert, Earl, Roy, and Ralph).
Visitation will be March 15th, at 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with graveside services following at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Denzel Nonhof officiating.

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Douglas E. Beckham

April 20, 1921 - March 7, 2010

 

Service to be held:

2:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010

 

Douglas E. Beckham, 88, Spearfish, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Dorsett Health Care Center in Spearfish.
Visitation will be Thursday from noon until 9:00 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. The family will be present at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 12, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor John Williamson officiating. Burial will follow at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.
Douglas Eugene Beckham was born, April 20, 1921, in Newell, SD, to Harvey and Francis (Webb) Beckham. Doug, his three sisters and three brothers, grew up on the family farm near Newell. He graduated from Sturgis High School. Doug met and married June Bracewell, of Vale, SD, on July 13, 1940. Doug’s life love was to farm. They bought his grandparents farm, near Newell, in 1945. Doug and June lived on the home place, farming and ranching forty-four years. Three children were born to this union, Dennis, Gary and Sharleen. Besides raising crops, Doug enjoyed raising registered Hampshire and Corriedale sheep. Doug and the kids traveled in the summers showing top quality sheep at many local shows, State Fairs and national events. Doug also had a knack for raising feeder cattle and was a regular at the cattle sales. There were always horses on the place too, and lots of fun was had hooking up a horse to a cart and hearing stories of his childhood years with the family horses.
After selling the farm, the couple lived in Vale fourteen years, in a house across the street from where June grew up. Doug still couldn’t get away from the farm and spent many days helping at his son’s ranch operation. Now the winters usually found them on the road with their 5th wheel camper, headed south to explore and hang out in warmer climates. They visited many sites across the US in their travels from coast to coast. Later retirement years were in Belle, then Spearfish, SD.
Doug is survived by his wife, June Beckham, Spearfish; a sister, Althea Matz, Sturgis; three children, Dennis (Ann) Beckham, Piedmont, Gary Beckham, Boise, ID, and Sharleen (Jerry) Bergum, Sturgis; ten grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren, all who are grateful for having been a part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, Willard, and Bruce; and two sisters, Patricia Given and Juanita Matz.
A memorial is being established to the Newell Stud Ram Show and Sale.

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Thomas Lee LeMond

January 28, 1923 - March 8, 2010

 

Service to be held:

At a later date

 

Thomas Lee LeMond, 87, Spearfish, died Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Dorsett Senior Care Facility in Spearfish. Survivors include his sons Tom LeMond, Pickerington, OH, Frank LeMond, Akron, Oh, and Dale LeMond, Deadwood, SD. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Akron, Ohio.

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Betty Gertrude Whitelock

December 1, 1919 - March 2, 2010

 

Service to be held:

At a later date

 

Betty Gertrude Whitelock, 90, Spearfish, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Dorsett Senior Care Facility in Spearfish. She had been a resident of the Dorsett since 2005.
She was a life long resident of the Black Hills. Betty was born December 1, 1919, in Rapid City, to Herschel and Alice (Moore) Miller. She was the oldest of her six siblings.
She moved to Deadwood in 1923 and graduated from Lead High School in 1937.
She married George Whitelock in Deadwood on May 11, 1947.
They moved to Belle Fourche in 1961, where she worked part time at the Daily Post in Belle Fourche. She worked into her seventies.
Betty and George were foster parents to several babies. Children had a special place in Betty's life. She babysat for several children. They all became a very special part of her life.
Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church in Belle Fourche. She was a Sunday school teacher and member of the Women's Mission Circle and Bible Study Groups.
Survivors include her son Kevin (Kathy) Whitelock, Spearfish; daughter, Kathy (Mark) Policky, Rapid City; five grandchildren, Michael and Darren Policky, Rapid City, Kristin Buckmaster, Spearfish, Chelsee and Jerud Pummel, Bozeman, MT; one great granddaughter, Ellie Buckmaster, Spearfish; one brother, Milton Miller, Alamagordo, New Mexico; and a special niece, Lynn Larsen, Lead.
Family graveside services will be held in the spring at Mountain Lawn Cemetery near Lead.
Memorials have been established to the Children's Miracle Network and CASA of the Northern Hills.

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Irma F. Maude

March 25, 1928 - February 22, 2010

 

Service to be held:

11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010

 

Irma F. Maude, 81, Enning, died Monday, February 22, 2010 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Union Center Baptist Church with Pastor Wes Labrier and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.
Inurnment will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Friends may gather at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.
Irma was born March 25, 1928 near Oral, SD to Anson K. Mills and Doris (Francis) Mills. Growing up in the Oral area, she attended elementary school at Fairview and high school at Hot Springs, then worked for the Fall River County Veteran's Office in Hot Springs after graduation. She met and married Arden I. Maude on June 4, 1950 in Hot Springs. To that union, two children were born: David and Rebecca. During the early years of their marriage, she helped her husband in a variety of ranch jobs throughout western South Dakota before they bought a ranch repair business at Enning, SD in 1959. For the next 50 years, she would be mother, homemaker, community volunteer, and business partner.
Irma was especially interested in the next generation of her community and her life was an expression of that interest. She loved working with the grade school students of the Enning/Union Center area, volunteering for many years as librarian in the local grade school, eventually retiring after 13 years of service. Her home was a place of music and outreach. Irma enjoyed writing music and poetry, playing and teaching guitar and piano while passing on her love of music to her students.
Irma’s love for her Lord and Savior, her family, her church, community, children, music and books touched many lives. For over 30 years she taught weekly Child Evangelism Bible clubs in her home, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Irma’s support continued as the children grew, married, and started families of their own.
As she grew older, health problems slowed her activities, but not her love for others. Though in declining health, she continued to be an inspiration to the patients in the Spearfish dialysis center, encouraging and ministering to the other patients and staff.
Irma is survived by her husband, Arden Maude of Enning, SD; a son Dave (Liz) Maude of Kingman, Kansas; a daughter Becky (Don) Martini of Lawrenceville, GA; and one brother Tom Mills of Thermopolis, WY; 6 grandchildren: Nikki, Jessi, Christian, James, Paul, and Louise, and 6 great grandchildren: Dylan, Veva, Paxton, Michael, Finn, Isabella. Also glad to have shared her life is her “heart” daughter Sally Donald and children Jessica and Jordan. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.

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Shirley Geddes

May 6, 1927 - February 23, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10:00 a.m. Friday February 26, 2010

 

Shirley Geddes, 82, Spearfish and formerly of Whitewood, died Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Spearfish.
Visitation with the family present will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Thursday.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will follow at the Whitewood Cemetery.
Shirley was born May 6, 1927, in Grace City, ND, to Henry and Ina (Brown) Jensen. She attended school in Grace City until her senior year. Shirley moved to Hayfield, IA, to live with her uncle and attend school. On the first day of school her senior year, a tall handsome young man walked her home and 65 years later, they are still the love of each other's hearts. Shirley married Donald Geddes October 12, 1946, in Hayfield.
After living many places with railroad jobs, they settled in Chamberlain, SD, for many years before moving to Whitewood in 1971. They owned and operated Don's U Save then the Hole in the Wall bar until they retired in 1992 and moved to a little acreage near Belle Fourche. In 2001, they moved into Belle Fourche where they lived until moving to Edgewood Vista in 2009.
Shirley was always involved in the communities where she lived with such activities as Altar Society, Chamber of Commerce, community fund raisers, Beta Phi Sorority, and Tea Bags, a 1960 kitchen band. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, playing pool, darts, cards, and had a passion for baking, cooking, and her family.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Don Geddes, Spearfish; her children, Ed (Dee) Geddes, Oacoma, SD, Deb (Scott) Dominiack, Brookings, SD, James Geddes, Fruitdale, SD, Todd (Shannon) Geddes, Belle Fourche, SD, Jodi (David) Behrens, Oswego, IL, and Jennifer (Bob) Weyrich, Pierre, SD. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Trisha (Brian) Burke with Maci, Ashton, and Daryn of Chamberlain; Trent (Emilee) Geddes with Conner, Carsten, and Emerson of Sioux Falls; Ryan (Onna) Dominiack of Sioux Falls; Kara Dominiack of Minneapolis, MN; Quinten Geddes of Fort Collins, CO; Kendra Geddes of Rapid City; Brooke, Katie, Nathan, and Molly Behrens of Oswego, IL; Krista Weyrich of Rapid City; and Nick and Taylor Weyrich of Pierre. She is also survived by one sister, Melva (Pat) Boyle, Clarkston, WA; one brother, Bob (Mary Ann) Jensen, Palmer, AK; three sisters-in-law, Marian Jensen, Carrington, ND, Karen Geddes, Las Vegas, NV, and Mary Rose Harrington, Apache Junction, AZ; one brother-in-law, Don Erickson, New Rockford, ND; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Molly Geddes; her mother and father; two sisters, Joyce Boyer and Carol Erickson; one brother, Lloyd Jensen, and two brothers-in-law, Harold Boyer and Dean Geddes.
A memorial has been established to the Whitewood Senior Citizens Center.

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Jane E. Scofield

August 27, 1937 - February 22, 2010

 

Service to be held:

1:00 p.m. Friday February 26, 2010

 

Jane Ellen Scofield, 72, Faith, died Monday, February 22, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2010, at the Community Center in Faith, SD, with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.
A memorial has been established to the Faith School Art Department.
Jane was born August 27, 1937, at Delta, Colorado, Bert and Ruth Elizabeth (Fisher) Williams. She graduated from Delta High School and joined the Marine Corps. She was honorably discharged in 1964. From 1965 until 1967 she was a volunteer with the Peace Corps and served in Punjab, India. She received her associates degree in animal husbandry from a college in Fort Lewis, WA. She also received a degree from the college in Durango, CO. After receiving her bachelors degree in education she began teaching in rural Butte county schools in 1969. She got her teaching certification from Western State College in Gunnison, CO.
She married Leroy Scofield at Sturgis on November 20, 1971.
Jane started teaching in rural Meade county schools during the 1977 – 1978 school year. She obtained her masters degree in Special Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen and continued to teach until her formal retirement in 1999. Jane continued teaching as a substitute in Faith. She voluntarily taught art to elementary grades in Faith and volunteered at the school helping teachers with whatever help they needed, be it making copies, ect.. She was recognized by the Faith School District for her many hours as a volunteer. Believing education so very important, she tutored adults on the Cheyenne Indian Reservation to ready them for the G.E.D. test. Jane was also named the outstanding young woman of the year in 1986.
Jane took great pride in her yard, especially her fruit trees and could make anything grow. Many will remember her for the many, many wonderful cookies she baked and shared with those around her.
She was a former member of the SD Army National Guard, The American Legion in Faith, Order of Eastern Star and the National Education Association.
Survivors include her husband Leroy Scofield, Faith; sons, Zane (Grace) Scofield, Rhorsburg, PA, Jim (Melissa) Scofield, Belle Fourche; one daughter, Kay (Don) Veitch, Gilbert, AZ; brothers, Chuck (Beverly) Williams, Albuquerque, NM, Ralph Williams, Montrose, CO, Ray (Mary Ann) Williams, Wesminster, CO; two sisters, Betty Ohman, Coos Bay, OR, Charlotte (Chuck) Swanson, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Nicole and Zach Scofield, Jeff and Brianna Veitch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Walt, nephew, Glen and sister in law, Sissy.

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Jerry Lee Chaffee

December 8, 1940 - February 18, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

 

Jerry Lee Chaffee, 69, Sturgis, died Thursday, February 18, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be Monday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. A service of remembrance will be held Monday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A private burial will follow at the Chaffee Family Ranch Cemetery.
Jerry was born December 8, 1940, in Sturgis, the only child of Vinal and Edith (Oliver) Chaffee. He grew up on the family ranch in Union Center and attended grade school on the ranch. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1959.
Jerry married Louise Baumann in Sturgis on April 20, 1960. They lived in Union Center for five years before moving to Sturgis.
Jerry was a certified real estate appraiser. He also established Chaffee Bail Bonds in 1965. He continued those businesses until his death. Jerry partnered with Mike Bradley in the Oasis, Fireside, and Gunners bars in Sturgis. He was a long time real estate investment partner with Keith Smit. He was also a partner with Fred McFarland in Western Land Brokers for many years.
Jerry was very active in the community, and was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church, Knights of Columbus, South Dakota Professional Appraisers Association, Elks Lodge, Sturgis Area Business Alliance, and South Dakota Buckaroos.
His survivors include his wife, Louise; one son, Kirk and his special friend, Helen Usera, and his family, son Jeremy Chaffee and Jeremy's son, Mason, daughter Megan (Zac Bell) and their children Kaiden Kirk and Brooklynn; two daughters, Kim (Dan) Heisinger and their daughters, Katie (Clint) Walker and Kellie Heisinger, and Kerry (Shaun) Skinner, and their daughters, Amanda and Sarah, all of Sturgis; step grandchildren, Wendy (Charlie) Fox, Randy (Kaycee) Heisinger, Angie (Marty) Stover, Rachel Heisinger; mother-in-law, Evallyn Wolf, Belle Fourche; sisters-in-law, JoAnn (Don) Barnett, Denver, Bonnie Baumann Harrison, Rapid City; and cousin, Sharon Chaffee Herron, Union Center.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials have been established to the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Bank and Union Center Community Center.

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Robert Eugene Kelley

December 2, 1922 - February 18, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2010

 

Robert Eugene Kelley, 87, Spearfish, died Thursday, February 18, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Long Term Care Facility.
Visitation will be Monday from noon until 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with the family present from 5 until 7.
The service will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at United Church of Christ Church with Reverend Peg Grzelkowski officiating. Burial will follow at a later date.
Bob was born December 2, 1922, in Hughes County, South Dakota, the son of Herbert and Edna (Johnston) Kelley. He grew up in Hughes County where he worked on the family ranch. He was married to Eva Cooper in Sundance, WY April 6, 1941. They then moved to Whitewood where Bob was a police officer as well as working with the fire department. In 1959, they moved to Deadwood where he served as the county jailer and sheriff's deputy before becoming the Deadwood Chief of Police. He fulfilled this role until 1985 when he retired. Bob continued to live in Deadwood until a few years after the death of his wife, when he moved back to Whitewood where he lived until moving to Spearfish 2 years ago.
Bob was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Whitewood, Masons, and the South Dakota Peace Officers. He loved to hunt and enjoyed being outdoors, especially enjoying picnics and riding through the hills.
Honored to share his life are his three daughters, Janet (Richard) Weisz, Sturgis, Edith (David) Loup, Milbank, SD, Bobbi Kelley, Norris, SD; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and his special companion, Jean Arehart, Spearfish.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, infant son, one brother, and two sisters.
A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Regional Senior Care Center.

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Clarence Kenneth Rath

January 29, 1930 - February 16, 2010

 

Service to be held:

2 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2010

 

Clarence Kenneth Rath, 80, was born January 29, 1930, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Tobias and Anna (Maule) Rath.
He grew up on a farm east of Longlake, S.D. Clarence attended rural school south of Longlake. He often joked that he walked to school uphill both ways, with only one overshoe in the wintertime. He graduated from Leola High School in 1947. Clarence earned a teaching certificate from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen in 1947 and taught one year of rural school. He completed his training at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago in 1949.
Clarence married Virginia Fischer June 26, 1949, at Salem-Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longlake. They lived in Longlake until moving to Whitewood, S.D., in 1987. Five sons and two daughters were born to this union. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary with family and friends in 2009.
Clarence worked as an electrical contractor for most of his adult life. He started his electrical business by wiring farms in the Longlake area during rural electrification. He and his wife formed a family business eventually called Rath Electric. His father was his first employee. His brother, Jim, worked with him for several years. The business evolved into Rath and Sons Electric as his sons began working with him.
Clarence was appointed rural mail carrier serving the Longlake area in June 1949. He began working out of Eureka, S.D., in 1978 when his route was consolidated with Eureka’s Route 3. He was a very dedicated carrier, using whatever means necessary to deliver the mail including snowmobile and an airplane. He retired Jan. 3, 1988, after nearly 40 years as a mail carrier.
Clarence enjoyed playing baseball and football as a young man. He played baseball on several teams in the Longlake and Eureka areas. He remained an avid baseball and football fan his entire life.
He was active in the community life of Longlake. He served as a member of the School Boards of both Longlake and Leola and served as a member of the Eureka Hospital Board of Directors. He coached Little League and helped organize the Longlake softball tournaments. He was instrumental in building the senior housing complexes in Longlake.
Clarence was involved in the Whitewood Forest Acres housing development near Whitewood. He enjoyed living in the Black Hills, especially his work maintaining healthy forests and grasslands.
Clarence exemplified a strong work ethic. He also loved a competitive game of pinochle. He took great pride in his family.
Clarence had a deep Christian faith and devotion to his Lord. He was baptized into Christ March 16, 1930, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longlake. He confirmed his faith July 2, 1944, at Salem-Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longlake. He was a member of Salem-Emmanuel Lutheran Church for 57 years where he served on the Church Council and as Sunday School Superintendent. Upon moving to Whitewood, he joined Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was a member for 23 years. He was very involved in the life of both congregations and served his churches in many ways.
He was a member of the Black Hills Chapter of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society and the Rural Letter Carriers Association on both a state and national level.
He died February 16, 2010, at his home in Whitewood following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Visitation will be Friday from noon until 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood with the Rev. David Baer officiating. Burial will follow at the Whitewood Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, Whitewood; his two daughters: Joanne (David) Baer, Whitewood, and Jeanne (Dugan) Petersen, Fort Pierre; his five sons: Conroy (Anne) Rath, Brookings; Tony (Brenda) Rath, Whitewood; Toby (Lois) Rath, Whitewood; Eric Rath, Littleton, Colo.; and Tim Rath, Whitewood; 10 grandchildren: Cory (Kelly) Rath, Plymouth, Minn., Erin Rath, Sioux Falls; Russell Petersen, Aliso Viejo, Calif.; Amy (Kevin) Dix, Aberdeen; Jessica Petersen, Sioux Falls; Brad (Sara) Gilchrist, Roy, Utah; Jason Rath, Lead; Alex Rath, Whitewood; David Baer, Whitewood; and Kiley Rath, Brookings; three great-granddaughters: Emmalyn Gilchrist, Roy, Utah; Olivia Dix, Aberdeen; and Lily Rath, Plymouth, Minn.; his sister, Genevieve (David) Hueseman, Lodi, Calif.; his brother, Jim Rath, Eureka, S.D.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials have been established to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood or to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

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Dale Glen Gregson

March 16, 1916 - February 16, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10 a.m. Friday, February 19, 2010

 

Dale G. Gregson, 93, a long time resident of Spearfish, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 16 at the Dorsett Regional Senior Care in Spearfish.
Funeral services for Dale G. Gregson will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Spearfish, with the Rev. Harold Delbridge and the Rev. Peg Grzelkowski officiating. Interment will follow at 12:30 at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
Visitation is from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday with a gathering of friends and family from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD.
Dale was born March 16, 1916, near Quinn, SD to Frank Gregson and Della Flatt Gregson. The family later moved to Hill City, SD where Dale attended high school, graduating in 1935.
On July 7, 1936, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was transferred to the U. S. Naval Training Center Station, Great Lakes, IL. While stationed at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he received the Aviation Machinists Mate third class rating and was transferred to the Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger Scouting Squadron Forty-two. There he was assigned to a 5B2U2 Scout Bomber, which he maintained and also accompanied the pilot as a mechanic/gunner on all flights until his honorable discharge on July 16, 1940.
Dale married Myrtle E. Anderson of Wall, SD on December 24, 1940. He began his civil aviation career in 1942 as a mechanic for United Airlines at Cheyenne, WY. In 1945 he returned to the Black Hills area where he worked as an aviation mechanic and pilot for nearly forty years. He was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration, Rocky Mountain Region, Aviation Mechanic Citation for his “Significant contribution to the safety and increased reliability in Aviation Maintenance.” In 1998 Dale was inducted into the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame.
He was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed fishing the waters of Spearfish Canyon. After retiring in 1979 he began golfing, enjoying the game until the age of ninety. His favorite outdoor activity was hunting whitetail deer with his family and friends in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Dale is survived by his brother Gary Gregson of Spearfish, a daughter Karen (Les) Turgeon of Beulah, WY, a son Roger (Shirley) Gregson of Gillette, WY, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Della Gregson, his wife Myrtle Gregson, second wife Marjorie Shoun Gregson, three brothers and two sisters.
Memorials have been established in his name to benefit the Hospice of the Northern Black Hills and the Spearfish Meals on Wheels program.

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William Dale Mailloux

March 21, 1919 - February 10, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10 a.m. Tuesday February 16, 2010

 

William Dale Mailloux, 90, Sturgis, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at the Sturgis Regional Health Care Center.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel. The family will be present from 4 until 6 p.m.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Denzel Nonhof officiating. Burial with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.
Dale was born March 21, 1919 at Vale, South Dakota, to Napolean J. and Bernice Ruth (Casteel) Mailloux. He attended school in Vale.
Dale joined the US Army and served his country honorably during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to South Dakota.
Dale married Eula Wetz at Sturgis on July 28, 1946. They lived in Grand Forks, ND for many years where Dale worked for an energy research company. After he retired they moved to Bismarck, ND before moving to Sturgis.
He was a Life Member of the VFW and American Legion in Rapid City and Grand Forks. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, and the First Presbyterian Church in Bismarck. He also was a member of the Forresters.
Survivors include his wife Eula Mailloux, Sturgis; son Darwin (Judy) Mailloux, Rockerville, SD; daughters, Sharon (Ken) Dyer, Loveland, CO, Misty Crandell, Peoria Heights, IL; brothers, Kenneth (Mamie)Mailloux, Vale, Duane (Freida) Mailloux, Montana; one sister, Betty White, Sturgis; Also 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers and one sister and one son in law, Ron Crandell.

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June Lewis

July 26, 1928 - February 10, 2010

 

Service to be held:

1:30 p.m. February 16, 2010

 

Olive "June" Lewis, 81, Sturgis, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February, 16, 2010, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Rev. Michael J. Fox officiating. Burial follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established.
June was born July 26, 1928, at Bowman, ND, to Jeremiah and Lula Mae (Parker) McKitrick. She grew up on the family ranch and attended country school. She finished her education at Bison, SD, before returning to the family ranch. She was employed at the Clara Lincoln Hotel in Bowman when she met Charles Lewis.
The couple was married at Bowman on October 5, 1949. They returned to her family ranch where they worked for the next four years. They moved to Scranton, ND, where they lived until 1968 when they moved to Sundance, WY. They lived in Worland, WY, until moving to Sturgis in 1971.
June was a homemaker. She was part of extension clubs, ladies auxiliaries, and homemakers clubs. She was a former vacation bible school teacher and member of her churches bible study. She enjoyed her flowers and gardens.
Survivors include her sons, Rick Lewis, Gillette, WY, and Randolph (Barbara) Lewis, Newcastle, WY; one daughter, Sharon (Ray) Marchant, Aladdin, WY; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers, three sisters, and two infant children.

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Paul Frederick Kenstler

February 12, 1933 - February 5, 2010

 

Service to be held:

1 p.m, Thursday, February 11, 2010

 

Paul Fredrick Kenstler, 76, Rapid City, died Friday, February 5, 2010, at his residence in Rapid City.
Visitation will be Wednesday from noon until 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Mass of Christian burial will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2010, at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father John Lule officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Bell Fourche Veterans Honor Guard.
Paul was born February 12, 1933, at Faith, SD, to Fredrick Joseph and Mary Grace (McDermott) Kenstler. He grew up on the family ranch and attended school in Faith and Sturgis. He worked as a ranch hand until joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country honorably and was discharged. He returned home and worked on the ranch until he moved to Tucson, AZ, where he worked in a copper mine. He moved to the Black Hills and was employed as a gold miner at Homestake. He also was an offshore driller for oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico before returning to the prairie. He worked for his aunt, Rose, on the Karnen ranch prior to retirement. He moved to Rapid City in the fall of 2009 to stay with family.
Survivors include his brothers, Maurice and Kevin Kenstler, both of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Joanne Grubl and Kathleen Fox, both of Whitewood, SD, and Carole Wilkes, Seattle, WA; also numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Maureen.
A memorial has been established.

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Merle H. Boy

November 16, 1937 - February 6, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010

 

Merle Henry Boy, 72, died Saturday, February 6, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital following a short illness of pancreatic cancer.
Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until 9:00 pm at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastor Michael Fox officiating. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors by the Sturgis Honor Guard.
Merle was born November 16, 1937, to Clarence and Elva (Joens) at home in rural Hartford, SD. He entered the US Navy in November, 1955, and served honorably until November, 1958. He saw service aboard the USS Worcester and the USS Black in the Far East with his home base in San Diego, CA.
He was united in marriage to Rita Buls of Sioux Falls, SD, on November 28, 1958. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.
He was employed by the DOT out of Sioux Falls for thirteen years before becoming Meade County Highway Superintendent in 1973. He retired from Hills Materials Company in October 2002 after 23 years of service.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church ELCA of Sturgis, SD, serving several times on their church council and was a member of Men of Grace. He, along with his wife and grandson, sang in the church choir. He was also a member of Sturgis Golden "K" Kiwanis Club, having just served his term as President and the Western Dakota Antique Club.
Survivors include his wife Rita of Sturgis; two sons Daniel (Sheri) of Whitewood and Christian of Rome, GA.; one daughter Beth (John) Bowman of Pierre, SD; grandchildren Sandi Boy, Michelle and Nick Shryock, Kevin Boy, Corey and Debbie Bowman and Lisa Bowman; and great grandchildren Aisha Plaggemeyer and Vance Shryock. He is also survived by two brothers Loren (Sue) and Harlan (Betty) and their family all of Hartford, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and a stillborn daughter.
A memorial has been established to the Cancer Treatment Transportation Fund at Rapid City Regional Hospital or whatever charity is near and dear to your hearts.
Blessed be the memory of Merle Henry Boy.

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C John Lewis

November 8, 1939 - February 2, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2010

 

C. John Lewis M.D., 70, Spearfish, died Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at his residence in Spearfish.
Graveside committal services will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Rosehill Cemetery in Spearfish with Fr. Tim Hoag officiating.
A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Northern Hills.
John was born November 8, 1939 at Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, Australia to Clement John Sr. and Catherine (Noonan) Lewis. He attended a private boarding school in Sydney, Australia. He then attended the University of Sydney and obtained his Australian medical degree. Following three years residency training in medicine, surgery, and pediatrics, he practiced family medicine for two years and then did research with newborn babies and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree.
John was a medical doctor on cruise ships for two years prior to moving to the United States.
He then came to the United States and attended and trained in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Rochester in New York, and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. While at these Psychiatry Resident Training Centers he was trained in many different types of therapy.
John's career spanned 40 years with a specialty in Child Adolescent Psychiatry. He was in private practice for 16 years and was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital in Danville, IL.until July of 2009.
John married Debra Lynn Schummer in Las Vegas, NV on April 18, 2009.
Survivors include his wife Debra Lewis, Spearfish; step sons, Matthew Van Dielen and Anthony Cordisco, both of Tucson, AZ; step daughters, Amanda Nielson and Talia Quihuis, Tucson, AZ; one brother Dr. Paul Lewis, Sydney, Australia; also two step grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.


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Gene W. Jorensen

November 10, 1943 - January 30, 2010

 

Service to be held:

2 p.m., Thursday, February 4th, 2010

 

Gene W. Jorensen, 66, Pleasant Valley, died Saturday, January 30, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital with his family by his side. He was a tough man and a great friend. If anyone needed a helping hand, Gene Jorensen was the first to step up. When cancer tried to stop him seven years ago, he never gave up. January 30, 2010, seven years and one day later, he said goodbye to this world and hello to greener pastures.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Wednesday and resume one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. A family service begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Denzel Nonhof and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Burial follows at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to a John T Vucurevich Regional Cancer Care Institute and the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department.
Gene was born November 10, 1943 to Thomas "Pete" and Lucile (Blair) Jorensen. He spent most of his youth trying to achieve all he could in 4-H showing calves and receiving many honors for the pride he showed in his animals. He also helped his Dad on the ranch and attended a rural school in Pleasant Valley. He graduated from Sturgis Brown High School.
On April 18, 1964, he married Mary Kopp and together they made their home on the John and Calvin Blair Ranch at Tilford where they started their family with daughter Kathy and son Dale "Barney". He enjoyed taking these two with him doing chores or whatever needed to be done. While at Blairs' he kept the skating rink going on the place where people would come from miles around to skate and play hockey.
In 1970, he decided to go into his own business of raising hogs and was always very proud of having the largest hog operation in South Dakota. He also went into partnership building J&J Feeds at this time.
Throughout this time he always had a cow calf operation which was his life. He was a Meade County 4-H leader for 30 years and also spent many years helping with the Sturgis High School Rodeo.
For the past 20 years he was a representative for Superior Livestock which never seemed like a job to him. He always enjoyed meeting new people and adding another friend was very important to him. He could dial a wrong number and after 15 minutes of talking to the person on the other line, the person would be a new friend.
He enjoyed being outdoors, watching baby calves play in the sunshine, and being with his grandchildren. He was so proud that he and his two grandsons could get the haying done without any hired help.
Gene was diagnosed with cancer on January 29, 2003, and spent seven years fighting it, always courageous through all his treatments, never complaining and continuing to do all his ranch work and haying until the past few months.
He will always be remembered by his family and friends as being one of the toughest guys they ever knew. Gene lived for his family and his grandkids were his pride and joy and he even did a little bragging about them once in a while.
Gene's strong spirit and kindness of heart will live on in the family and countless friends he leaves behind.
Gene is survived by his wife, Mary, of 45 ˝ years; daughter Kathy (Steve) Brown, rural Sturgis; son Barney (Dawn) Jorensen, rural Sturgis; grandchildren Katie Brown (Sam Richardson), Black Hawk; Kyle Brown (Jessie Gunter), rural Sturgis; Brody and Cassidy Jorensen, rural Sturgis; mother, Lucile Jorensen, Sturgis; brother Robert (Linda) Jorensen, rural Sturgis; sister, Tootie (Ron) Florell, Holdrege, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Pete, and in laws John and Katie Kopp.




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