Obituaries
     
   
     

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 ½ 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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Darla LaVonne Huddleston

April 12, 1933 - January 29, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

 

Darla LaVonne McNenny Huddleston, 76, died Friday, January 29, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care Cnter in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Darla was born in Rapid City to Thomas and Mable (Jorensen) McNenny. She grew up on a ranch 30 miles east of Sturgis at the Belle Fourche River .
Darla was married June 30, 1951, to Roger (Red) Huddleston in Sturgis, SD. They lived a short time in Newcastle, WY, prior to moving back to South Dakota where they lived in the Lead/Deadwood area. In 1990, Red and Darla moved to Whitewood and in 1997 they moved to Sturgis.
She is survived by her loving husband, Red, Sturgis; two children, Sandy (Darrell) Craig, Spearfish and Rod (Candy) Huddleston, Whitewood; one brother, Kenny (Henrietta) McNenny, rural Sturgis; one sister, Verna Greenfield, Apache Junction, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Mable McNenny.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. Steve Agan and Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Inurnment will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

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Russ Felion

March 23, 1937 - January 25, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010

 

Russell Dewayne "Russ" Felion, 72, Belle Fourche, died Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Dorsett Health Care Center in Spearfish.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Friday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis and resumes one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Newell Evangelical Church with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Burial follows at the Vale Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Vale Park.
Russ was born March 23, 1937 at Vale, SD, to Herbert and Anna (Salmen) Felion on the Homestead ranch. He attended and graduated from Vale High School. He married Louise Smith and to this union six children were born.
Russ started his working career at Ft. Meade in diatetics. Most of his career was working as a cook in several different steak houses and cafes throughout the Black Hills.
He loved helping teach dance lessons before his health deteriorated. He enjoyed doing things to make his friends and family happy.
He was a volunteer fireman in Whitewood and Vale, SD. He was a part time reserve officer for Butte County.
Survivors include his children, Betty Ann (Randy O'Dea) Flanagan, Gillette, WY, Cindy (Ron) King, Belle Fourche, SD, Kenny (Mary Jo) Felion, Grenada, MN, Michael (Starla) Felion, Glenrock, WY, Tina (Ken Dierking) Johnson, Gillette, WY; also 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

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Francis Joseph Meirose

July 20, 1929 - January 24, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Friday, January 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.

 

Francis J. Meirose, 80, Sturgis, died Sunday, January 24, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.
Visitation will be noon until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. A Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2010, at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father Arnold Kari and Father Bryan Sorensen officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard will follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Francis was born July 20, 1929, on a farm near Wall, SD, to William and Nora (Suing) Meirose. He graduated from Wall High School in 1948. He enlisted in the US Army in October of 1951. He served as a Sergeant in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in September of 1953.
He married Alvina Rothluebber at Fordyce, NE, on February 1, 1954, and they began their life together in Sturgis, SD. Francis was a lifetime member of the VFW, and past president of Hills and Plains Gun Club. He worked at Ft. Meade; first as an aide, and then in the plumbing shop for over thirty years, retiring in 1984.
Survivors include his wife, Alvina Meirose, Sturgis; six children, William Meirose and his wife, Valerie, Sturgis, Cecelia and her husband, Dick Green, Rapid City, John Meirose and his wife, Julie, Woodstock, VA, Joyce Anne and her husband, David Beuning, Holly Springs, NC, Joseph Meirose and his wife, Sharon, BelAir, MD, and Kenneth Meirose and his wife, Jill, Sturgis. Francis was blessed with 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Inez (Robert) Greear, Sturgis, and Mary Ann Trople, Rapid City; and one brother, Galen Meirose (Kay Hunn), Ft. Collins, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerome Meirose; and sister, Geneva Urban.
A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Public Library.

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Alvina R. Heinrich

June 6, 1916 - January 21, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10 am Tuesday, January 26, 2010

 

Alvina R. Heinrich, 93, Deadwood, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2010, at the Sturgis Regional Senior Care Center, Sturgis, SD, where she had been a resident for the past 3 years.
Alvina R Heinrich was born June 6, 1916, at Hosmer, SD, to Jacob and Lydia (Sackman) Fiechtner. Lydia passed away in the flu epidemic of 1918. Jacob remarried and the family settled in the Athboy, SD, area. Alvina attended schools in the Twin Buttes area. She was baptized into the Baptist faith in July 1933. On October 6, 1932, she married Fred Heinrich in McIntosh, SD, a marriage that lasted for 67 years until Fred passed away in 1999. She and Fred started out married life farming with his parents in the Isabel, SD, area. Shortly after the blizzard of 1949, the family moved to Deadwood, SD, where they lived until 1990. They lived in Sturgis until 1999 and then moved back to Deadwood. Alvina lived a short time at the Edgewood Assisted Living in Spearfish, coming finally to live at the Sturgis Regional Senior Care where she passed away.
Alvina was a member for 61 years of the First Baptist Church of the Northern Hills, Deadwood, and for many years, a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the Independent Order of Foresters. Alvina had a tremendous work ethic. Nothing made her happier than hard work; anything from farm work, to running a creamery business, to restaurant cooking, laundry work, and finally working as a nurses aide at the Deadwood Hospital for 22 years before retiring in 1978, while at the same time raising a family of 6 daughters. With her family raised, she enjoyed traveling to visit family, cooking, baking, card games, crocheting, quilting, bingo, sewing and crafting for the entire family, especially the children.
Alvina is survived by her 6 daughters, Hilda Fredericksen, Sturgis, SD; Delores (Gene) Trump, St. Louis, MO; Leatha (Al) Satterlee, Deadwood, SD; Carol (Wayne) Burchett, Black Hawk, SD; Linda Osborn, Deadwood, SD; Ruth (Tom) Nowell, Box Elder, SD; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great grandchildren and step grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; 3 brothers, Beno Fiechtner, Westminster, CO; Ruben Fiechtner, Sacramento, CA; Richard Fiechtner, Carmichael, CA; and all special caregivers at Sturgis Regional Senior Care with special thanks to Mary, Donna, Reyna and Wendy and Meghan of Hospice of the Northern Hills.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 1999; three infant children, Alvin, Helen, and Ronald; one granddaughter, Kelly; one grandson, Jeff; and one great-granddaughter, Jamie; her parents; step-mother, Louisa Fietchner; three sisters, Hertha Taggart, Caroline Faulkner, and Deana White; three brothers, Alvin, Robert, and Henry Fietchner; and two sons-in-law, Dwayne Fredericksen and Lee Osborn.
Viewing and visitation will be at Kinkade Funeral Chapel from 1 to 6 p.m. with the family present from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2010. Services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at the First Baptist Church of the Northern Hills, Deadwood, SD, with the Rev. Patrick McBride officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Northern Hills or First Baptist Church of the Northern Hills, Deadwood, SD.

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Vernon Roger Imhoff

October 22, 1938 - January 23, 2010

 

Service to be held:

1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010

 

Vernon Roger "Vern" Imhoff, 71, Sturgis, died Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the Sturgis Regional Health Care Center.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. A wake service begins at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Fr. Arnold Kari 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 the Meade County Relay for Life.
Vern was born October 22, 1938 at Hebron, ND, to Reinhold and Emma (Kreis) Imhoff. He started school in Hebron and when the family moved to Glendive, MT, he continued his education. Vern joined the U.S. Navy and earned his GED. After his enlistment he was honorably discharged and returned to Glendive where he was employed as the assistant manager at Woolworth's.
Vern moved to Sturgis, SD, in 1962. He worked for Dave Gigear as a surveyor.
Vern married Carol Monson on June 16, 1962. He started working for the South Dakota Department of Transportation as a surveyor the same year. He was transferred to the Rapid City office in 75.
Vern joined the South Dakota Army National Guard in 1976 and retired from the Guard in 1993. He retired after 33 years from the Department of Transportation in 1995.
Vern was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish and a member of the 4th degree, Knights of Columbus.
After Vern retired he spent many hours doing cross stitch projects for friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing and going to daily coffee until his health kept him home.
Survivors include his wife Carol Imhoff, Sturgis; daughter, Susan (Richard) Ellison, Sturgis; son Jerome (Freddie Oaks) Imhoff, San Francisco, CA; daughter, Connie (Jeremiah) Fassler, Ft. Bliss, TX; grandchildren, Tyrel Droppers, Brittany (Matt) Fairbanks, Samantha and Bobbie Jo Fassler; great grandchildren, TJ and Alexis Droppers and Ava Droppers; one brother, Ray (Jan) Imhoff, Helena, MT; one sister, Sandi (Bruce) Martin, Hebron, ND.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Joann and infant brother Delbert.

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Chuck Gleason

January 26, 1950 - January 20, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010

 

Charles Michael "Chuck" Gleason, 59, died Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at his residence in Sturgis.
Closed casket visitation will be noon until 5p.m. on Wednesday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. A rosary service will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father Arnold Kari officiating. Burial follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.
Chuck was born January 26, 1950 at Akron, OH, to Arthur and Patricia (Allen) Gleason. He grew up in Akron where he graduated from high school. Chuck joined the Sheriff's department and coached middle school football before joining the US Army in 1971. He was a military policeman stationed at Ft. Polk, LA, when he met Ann Marie Johnson. The couple were married January 19, 1972 at Ft. Polk.
Chuck was honorably discharged in 1973 and started working for the Louisiana State Troopers. The family lived in Leesville and New Orleans, LA. Chuck retired from the Troopers as a Sergeant after 23 years as a trooper. The family moved to Sturgis, SD, where Chuck worked for the Nemo Job Corps for a year. He was the Chief of Police in Deadwood and retired in the early 90's.
Chuck returned to education and earned a degree in computer science. He volunteered his time and skills at Ft. Meade and the St. Francis of Assisi Church. Chuck also donated his time to the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard and the Sturgis Vet's Club.
Chuck was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Knight's of Columbus, Louisiana State Troopers Association and the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his sons Michael (Tammie McKenzie) Gleason, Sturgis, James Gleason, Sturgis; one brother, Archie (Annie) Gleason, Louisville, KY; one sister, Kathy Schilling, Falmouth, MA; two grandchildren, Kadence Gleason and Devan McKenzie; mother and father in law, Boyd and Fran Johnson, Sturgis; loyal companion, Skeeter and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Ann.

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Clifford C. Fenner

July 23, 1920 - January 19, 2010

 

Service to be held:

January 23, 2010, in Whittier, CA

 

Whittier, CA – Clifford C. Fenner was born July 23, 1920 at Dalzell, SD, to Jacob and Iris (Dalzell) Fenner. He passed away January 19, 2010, in Whittier, CA. He attended high school in Wasta, SD, and later joined the Navy and served on a P. T. boat during WWII.
Following his discharge in 1945, he married Patricia Swanson in California where they spent their married life. One son, Tory Clay, was born to this union.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, in 1991 and his son, Tory, in 2009.
He was married to his present wife, Eva, in 1992 and she survives him. Other survivors include his daughter-in-law, Claudia; and two sisters, Lila Sorenson of Deadwood and Rosalie Simons of Sturgis.
Services were held in Whittier on Jan. 23, 2010.

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Dixie Marie Hamilton

July 13, 1921 - January 18, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 11:00 a.m.

 

Dixie Marie Hamilton, 88, Reva, died Monday, January 18, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be Friday, from noon until 5:00 p.m at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. A rosary service will begin at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2010, at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Fr. Arnold Kari officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Hamilton Ranch Family Cemetery near Reva.
Dixie was born July 13, 1921, to pioneers, Martin and (Ella) Mary Ellen (Murray) Blomberg at O'Neill, NE, where Ella had gone in order to be with her family for the birth of the baby. They then returned to the Slim Buttes where Dixie was raised.
Dixie attended grade school at the Rock Ranch country school and attended St. Martin's Academy and Sorum High School. Her teaching degree was from Black Hills Teacher's College.
Dixie taught in various country schools in Perkins and Harding Counties, including Rock Ranch, Govert, and Jefferson. She taught 21 years and two generations of students. This was 21 successful years of happiness, enjoying every day of being with the children. Many of the students called, wrote, and sent pictures of their families all down through the years.
In true western style the pretty, petite schoolteacher married the tall handsome cowboy, Maurice Hamilton. There were married on June 2, 1951 in Buffalo, SD and made their home in Prairie City.
In 1959 Dixie and Maurice moved to her home ranch near Sorum and built up a successful ranch, the quarter circle M, and a fine herd of cattle.
Dixie loved ballads, semi classical music, poems, and poetry. She was a great fan of the movies and movie stars. Dixie was a member of Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church, Retired Teacher's Association, Woman's Chairperson of Farm Bureau, NEA Member, SDEA Member, life member of social and academic sororities and the Bison American Legion Auxiliary. Dixie also had a special devotion to the Rosary.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Maurice Hamilton, Reva, SD; sister-in-law, Sophie Blomberg, Hoover; nephew, Bill Blomberg, Sturgis; niece, Pat (John) Heinz, Pine Haven, WY; and many very special friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Blair Hamilton and one brother, Martin (Bud) Blomberg.
A memorial has been established.

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Ida Helena Gunderson

December 29, 1911 - January 18, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Friday, January 22, 2010, 10 am

 

Ida Helena Gunderson, 98, Sturgis and formerly of Buffalo, SD, died Monday, January 18, 2010, at the Sturgis Regional Senior Care Center.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with the family present. Visitation resumes at 8 a.m. until time of services on Friday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Rev. Michael Fox officiating. Burial follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established.
Ida was born December 29, 1911, at Bullock, SD, to John and Anna (Herrala) Jernberg. She grew up attending country school through the 8th grade. She married and raised two children, while owning and operating a hardware store in Gascoyne, ND. She left in 1951 and moved to Buffalo, SD, where she worked at various jobs to support her children.
She married Peter Gunderson at Baker, MT, on November 13, 1959. They ranched in the Ladner, Camp Crook and Harding communities for several years before retiring in Buffalo.
Ida was an outdoors person. She enjoyed watching her birds. She also kept track of the fog and sun dogs to check the accuracy of the weather. She was a "great" grandma and took the grandchildren to the little Missouri river where she grew up to have fun.
Survivors include her son Larry (Norma) Nelson, Sturgis; one daughter, Diana (Billy) Toft, Belvidere, IL; one brother, Eino Jernberg, Reno, NV; 15 grandchildren, Larry (Kim) Nelson, Jim (Sara) Nelson, Tina (Clint) Brengle, Nicole (Kevin) Forrester, Mike (Shelli) Nelson, Dave (Jana) Nelson, Leslee (Curt) Wood, Colleen (Mike) Grant, Laurie (Jamie) McVay, Chanda (Preston) Findley, Kristi (Mato) Standing High, Coty (Scott) Roush, Dakota (Jennifer) Toft, Shana (Scot) Dobbs, Marla Toft, Ray Rednour; and 43 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Peter; four sisters, Alina, Julia, Elma, and Esther; three brothers, Innes, Hubert and Matt; one great granddaughter, Ashley.

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Gerald "Gerry" Christopherson

October 28, 1932 - January 16, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Postponed until a later date

 

Gerald A. “Gerry” Christopherson, 77, died from cancer January 12th, at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in Sturgis at a later date.
Gerry was born October 28th, 1932, and grew up on a farm near Irene, SD. After graduating from Irene High School in 1950 he attended Augustana College. While at Augie, Gerry became well-known for his beautiful voice, singing solos at many events. After three years at Augustana, he joined the US Air Force and became a pilot, flying jet fighters in the active Air Force and the Air Guard. He graduated from Augustana in June 1957, three days after marrying the love of his life Anne Shepler. After a brief stint of crop dusting, Gerry attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. After interning in Aberdeen, SD, he put his seminary education on hold to return to the active duty Air Force. In 1963 he returned to seminary and was ordained into the ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls in June 1964. Gerry served parishes in Devils Lake, ND (1964-66), Mitchell, SD (1966-68), and Sturgis, SD (1968-81). From 1981 to 1990 Gerry was a hospital chaplain at Rapid City Regional Hospital before returning to the parish ministry in 1991 at Trinity Lutheran in Madison. After retiring in 1997 Gerry and Anne moved to Sioux Falls and also enjoyed a winter residence in Sun City, Arizona.
Gerry’s life was marked by service to others. In addition to his ministry, he served a total of 31 years in the Air Force, Air Guard, and Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was a volunteer ambulance driver in Meade County, and volunteered at Avera McKennan hospital, Prince of Peace, Dougherty Hospice, and Mended Hearts, which helps people who have undergone heart surgery as he had. Gerry served as SD State Chaplain for the SD Army National Guard and the Jaycees, and was a member of Rotary and Kiwanis in addition to serving on many church and civic boards. He conducted grief recovery classes in South Dakota and Arizona.
Gerry is survived by his wife Anne, two children, Sue of Dallas, TX, and Jon(Kary) of Brandon, SD, grandchildren Bryce and Laura, and sisters Opal (Kris) Solberg, Ellensburg, WA and Borghild (David) Bonthuis, Anoka, MN, and brother Kenneth (Polly) Christopherson, Tacoma, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Clara.

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Fred Everett Swesey

January 8, 1954 - January 16, 2010

 

Service to be held:

1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010

 

Funeral Services for Fred Everett Swesey will be 1pm Thursday January 21, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, SD with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. The family will be present from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Brown High School Rodeo Club.
Everett Swesey, 56, of Sturgis, SD, passed away Saturday January 16th, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital with his family by his side due to natural causes.
Everett was born January 8th, 1954, to Billy and Florence (Secrest) Swesey. He was raised in Sturgis and graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1972. He was active in wrestling, football, track, and most of all he loved the rodeo life.
Upon graduating, he joined the Army and completed his Basic and Airborn training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and ended up in Fort Campbell, Kentucky with an honorable discharge. During his Army days he married Bev Eveleth and they later divorced.
Everett married Lori Comer in September 1983 and together they had one daughter before divorcing in 1989. At this time he was working in Gillette, WY for Cyclone Drilling. He really enjoyed working in the oilfield. He also kept active in rodeos and breaking colts. Anyone who knew him knew he was always out chasing wild horses or wild women!
In November 1989, Everett was involved in a serious single truck accident which caused him to become a quadriplegic. However, this did not stop his passion for horses. At the time of his death, he had a few horses of his own in which he was outside with every chance he got. He loved caring for them. Brushing, leading, feeding, and gentling the horses as often as he could.
His other passion included his two granddaughters; Macei and McKynlei. He loved these two little girls more than life itself. He enjoyed taking Macei out to feed and pet the horses, going for walks outside with her, and giving both girls rides on his wheelchair. His love for them grew more and more everyday. He was always showing off new pictures of them and was so proud to be called Grandpa.
Everett is survived by his daughter Ashlei (Brett) Egberto; two granddaughters Macei and McKynlei Egberto all of Gillette, WY; parents Billy and Florence Swesey, brother Lee Swesey, sister in law Jeanette Swesey, and nephew Valyen Swesey all of Sturgis, SD.
He was preceded in death by both sets of loving grandparents and a very dear uncle.

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Kylin Kotek

May 14, 1996 - January 10, 2010

 

Service to be held:

Saturday, January 16, 2010 11 a.m.

 

Kylin James Kotek, 13, Sturgis, died as the result of an automobile accident on Sunday, January 10, 2010. Visitation will be 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with the family present from 4 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2009 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastors Michael Fox, Jeff Otterman and Dwight Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.
A memorial has been established.
Kylin was born May 14, 1996, at Spearfish, SD, to Carla Wallace and Danny Kotek.
Kylin was a very active boy. He participated in AAU wrestling, basketball, Boy Scouts, Junior League Bowling, and the Epi Center. He was active in school and liked anything that was fun. He had recently completed a fly fishing course and enjoyed all types of fishing and going to his grandparents and spending time with them. Kylin was a very social person who enjoyed playing x-box with his friends.
Kylin completed the South Dakota Huntsafe program and the National Bow hunters Safety Course. He liked to hunt and shoot.
Survivors include his mother, Carla Wallace (Marlan Larson), Sturgis; his father, Danny Kotek, Belle Fourche; brothers, Cory Kotek, Sturgis, and Corey (Julie) Larson, Clark, SD; sisters, Kelsie Kotek, Raymond, WA, and Kristi (Jared) West, Campobello, SC; paternal grandparents, Norma Leddy (Wayne Tracy), Belle Fourche, and Skip Kotek, Long Beach, WA; maternal grandparents, Louise Cain, Shadehill, SD, and Robert (Donna) Wallace, Lemmon, SD; maternal great-grandparents, Hanna and George Iversen, Murdo; uncles, Kurt (Carolyn) Wallace, Arlington, SD, Larry (Lisa) Leddy, Newcastle, WY, Troy Kotek, Vancouver, WA, and Casey (Christi) Creighton, Greenbrier, AR; aunts, Michelle (Michael) Goolsby, St. Louis, MT, Melissa (Danny) Slutz, Belle Fourche, and Lucynda (Mike) Sanders, Spearfish; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James "Jack" Cain, Gladys and Robert Wallace, Robert Lensegrav, Joe and Katy Kotek, and Julie and Alfred Olson.



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Norman Ralph Jensen

September 19, 1928 - January 7, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10:00 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2010

 

Norman Ralph Jensen, 81, Rapid City, died January 7, 2009 at the Fort Meade VA Hospital.
Committal services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2009 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Chaplain Ralph Vencill officiating and military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may gather at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis prior to leaving for the cemetery.
Survivors include his brothers, Thurlo Jensen, Spearfish, Melvin Jensen, Delafield, WI; one sister, Cora Kurtz, Aberdeen, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six brothers and four sisters.

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Arlene Joy Johnston

February 14, 1930 - December 28, 2009

 

Service to be held:

Friday, January 15, 2010, 1 pm

 

Arlene Joy (Uken) Johnston, 79, Oxnard, died Monday, Dec. 28, 2009.
She was born to Helmuth and Ida Uken Feb. 14, 1930 in Faith, S.D.
She married Naval Seaman Robert Abner Johnston on June 11, 1948, shortly after graduating from Deadwood (S.D.) High School. Their long military career allowed them the opportunity to reside in several U.S. cities while raising their two oldest daughters, Sharon and Karen.
One of Arlene's fondest memories is the times they spent when stationed in Hawaii. She eventually landed in Oxnard in 1969 after the birth of her twin daughters, Robbi and Bobbi.
Arlene spent the rest of her life in Oxnard as a dedicated wife, loving mother and involved community member. She was actively involved in the Del Norte 4-H Club and the Order of the Eastern Star, and always welcomed the many neighborhood children into her home.
Her greatest joy was always her family, and she will be forever missed by her daughters, Sharon Davies of Upton, Wyo., Karen Watkins and husband David, of Upton, Bobbi Weiglein and husband, Peter, of Chico, and Robbi Bell and husband, Ron, of Bakersfield; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and grandson, Robert.
The family would like to give thanks and sincere appreciation to Maggie Lopez, loving and dedicated caregiver, and longtime friend, Anita Wilvert.
The service will take place Friday, January 15, 1 pm, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Kyle Reinhiller officiating. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 12 to 9 pm, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

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Ruth Ida Schlenker

October 10, 1924 - January 9, 2010

 

Service to be held:

10 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010

 

Ruth Ida Schlenker, 85, Rapid City and formerly of Sturgis, died Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Denzel Nonhof officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Ruth was born October 10, 1924, at Drake, ND, to Christ and Otillia (Paul) Hinsz. She attended school and lived with her parents on the family farm until the age of 18. She then went to work as a hired girl in the McLaughlin, SD, area.
She married Reuben Schlenker on October 10, 1943. They lived in McLaughlin until 1961 when they moved to Belle Fourche. They lived in Belle Fourche until 1968 when they moved to Sturgis, SD.
Ruth worked many years in the restaurant business and in the housekeeping departments of several hospitals.
Reuben and Ruth ran the Chat N Chew café from 1974 until 1981 in Sturgis.
Survivors include her two sons; Larry J. (Char) Schlenker, Belton, TX, Rollie D. (Becky) Schlenker, Gillette, WY; four daughters, Vivian K. Sanders, Fargo, ND, Shirley M. Schlenker, Aurora, NE, Kathy R. (Ed) Bulau, Vale, SD, Jane (Jerald) Maine, Box Elder, SD; also 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben, infant daughter, Judy, grandson, Patrick, six brothers and one sister.

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Randall L. Cummings

June 27, 1953 - December 30, 2009

 

Service to be held:

10 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2010

 

Randall L. Cummings, 56, Rapid City, died Wednesday December 30, 2009 at the Portland VA Medical Center in Vancouver Washington.
A wake will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 7 pm, at St. Isaac Jogues.
A memorial service will be held at St. Isaac Jogues Church on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 10 am. Inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors at 12 pm.
Randy was committed throughout his life to service; to his country, his community, and his family. Enlisting in the US Army in 1974 began his career, training in Ft. Polk, LA, and eventually was stationed in Germany. After surviving a plane crash and serious burns, he was honorably discharged and returned to the US in 1977.
Upon his return, he met Susan McShane, whom he married and had two daughters with, Lisa and Melanie.
Meanwhile, his education continued as he earned a bachelor degree from National American University, in Human Services. This would prepare him for his service in the National Guard Reserve, and guidance of people in the correctional system.
One of the things that Randy valued most in his life was his freedom. A Harley-Davidson enthusiast, he never stood in one place too long. This is one of the reasons his yearlong final battle for his health was so inspirational. He faced the challenges against him, which robbed him of the freedoms of life he cherished so much, with optimism, courage, and dignity that we could all take great lessons from.
Survivors include his two daughters, Lisa and Melanie Cummings, Rapid City; grandson, Rylan Cummings-McFarland, Rapid City; brothers, Melvin Cummings of Manderson, SD, Douglas Cummings of North Dakota, Frank Cummings of Hot Springs, SD, Patrick Larvie of Pine Ridge, Arnold Cummings and Ben Cummings, both of Rapid City, Delbert Cummings of Grand Junction, CO; one sister, Joyce Salway, New Underwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and four brothers.
From all the family, friends, and people that have been blessed to have you in our lives, Randy… Thank You. Here's to the next ride.

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