Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media, Author at Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Felix Murray

June 19, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Felix R. Murray, age 75, of Mitchell, SD died Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD. Memorial services were held on Friday, June 17, 2016 at Resurrection Lutheran Church. On-line condolences may be left at Will Funeral Chapel.

Felix R. Murray, son of Felix and Elva June (Berkey) Murray, was born October 25, 1940 in Redfield, SD. He grew up in Warner, SD and later graduated from Warner High School in 1958. While in high school, Felix was very athletic and participated in track and basketball. After his schooling, Felix began his career with Red Owl Grocery Stores in Aberdeen, SD.

Felix was united in marriage with Sandy Stevens on October 1, 1961 in Aberdeen, SD. Felix continued his career with Red Owl and the couple made their home in Aberdeen, Huron, Redfield and Mitchell. After Red Owl closed, Felix was employed at Statz Drug and later at the Medicine Shoppe. He later was employed at the custodian at Resurrection Lutheran Church.

He was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church and the Elks Club where has served as Exalted Ruler. He enjoyed football especially the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Murray, Mitchell, SD; three children, Gina (Keith) Steineke, Dell Rapids, SD, Steve Murray and his former wife, Yevette Murray, Denver, CO, Sonya (Kevin) Kayser, Marshall, MN; five grandchildren, Kassandra Steineke, Dell Rapids, SD, Dustin Spiegle, Denver, CO, Rachel Mills, Derby, KS, Nicholas Kayser, Marshall, MN, Lucas Kayser, Marshall, MN; one great grandchild, Luka Mills, Derby, KS; a brother, Arlan Murray, Jamestown, ND; two sisters, Karen (Iran) Johnson, Grand Forks, ND, Kathleen (Larry) Carr, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Blaine.

George Gebhart

June 19, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

George J. Gebhart, 89, of Elkton, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Brookings Health System just 23 days shy of his 90th birthday.

George John Gebhart was born July 4, 1926 to George and Margaret (Lanners) Gebhart at their rural Elkton home. George attended country school at rural Elkton through 8th grade and then helped his father on the family farm. On January 3, 1952 he was united in marriage to Anastasia Maher at St. Williams Catholic Church in Aurora, SD. In 1960 George went to work for Farmers Union Co-op in Flandreau, SD where he drove the LP gas truck and the crop sprayer.

George retired in 1988 and during his retirement years George worked for several area farmers. At the age of 69 he started his own business “George’s Small Engine Repair” after receiving his degree from “Oley-Beisaw Institute.” His wife preceded him in death January 13, 2016. George was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton. In 2013 George and Anastasia were named honorary referees for the annual Vince Relays. George loved to dance, play pinochle, throw horseshoes and he lived life to the fullest. Every Sunday after church was a celebration on the farm with many family and friends. The largest celebration was every 4th of July to celebrate his birthday. He was very innovative and known for his many original creations.

George is survived by nine children, Dee (Scott) Narragon, Brookings; Theresa (David) Wolf, Dell Rapids; Jean (Monte) Petersen, Colton; Tom (Regina) Gebhart, Elkton; Ervin (Lisa) Gebhart, Elkton; Everett (Joan) Gebhart, Sioux Falls; Leonard Gebhart, Elkton; Dorothy (Jim) Tipton, Plankinton; and Irene (Mark) Middleton, Grand Rapids, MI; 30 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren, sister Isabelle Short, sisters-in-law, Mary (Larry) Price, Donna (Tom) Dunklin, brothers-in-law, Francis Van Sambeek, George Maher, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. George was preceded in death by his wife Anastasia, grandson Patrick Middleton, his parents, brothers, Joe, Leo, Felix, John, Ed, and Richard, and sisters, Mary, Margaret and Theresa.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 17, 2016 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton. On-line condolences may be left at Skroch Funeral Chapel.

Alvina Woltjer

June 19, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Alvina R. Woltjer, 77, of Willmar, passed away in her sleep on Thursday, June 9th at Rice Care Center in Willmar. Her memorial service was held on Saturday, June 18th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Burial was in Paynesville Cemetery. Arrangements were with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. On-line condolences may be left at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home.

Alvina Ruth Woltjer was born October 21, 1938, to Albert and Clara (Olson) Nelson in Colfax County. She graduated from Paynesville High School. Alvina was married in 1957 and later divorced. She was a homemaker, where she enjoyed teaching her children crafts and projects. She was strong in her faith and passed her beliefs onto her children. Alvina also enjoyed reading and was an avid Twins fan; win or lose, she would cheer them on, her favorite being Joe Mauer. She will be missed by her family and many friends at Rice Care Center.

Alvina was blessed with five children: Anita Kriegh (Ron Erickson) of Superior, WI, Pamela (Rose Dahm) Woltjer of New London, Chester Jr. (Rhonda) Woltjer of Grand Junction, CO, Timothy (Sherry) Woltjer of Dell Rapids, SD, and Kristi Robinson of Dell Rapids, SD; 6 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Alvina is also survived by her sister, Marylin Knouse of Tacoma, WA; and aunt, Esther Woltjer of Willmar.

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

Maren Rae Zabel

June 19, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Maren Rae (Aune) Zabel, age 39 of Circle Pines passed away unexpectedly at home on June 15, 2016. Preceded in death by father-in-law, Gary Zabel; grandparents, Morris & Gladys Vangen, Roy & Dorothy Aune; aunt, Patricia Olson.

Maren is survived by her loving husband, Anthony; children Esther & Trygve; brother, Mark Aune; parents, Edward & Sharon Aune; mother-in-law, Joan Zabel; also aunts, uncles, nieces, other family & friends.

Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 21^st, 11 AM at St. Philips Lutheran Church, 6180 Hwy. 65 NE., Fridley. Visitation at the Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy. 65 NE., Fridley Monday 5 ~ 8 PM and one hour prior to service. Interment Union Cemetery. On-line condolences may be left at Miller Funeral Home.

13/14 Dells J Finishes 5-0 in League Tournament

June 15, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dells J 13/14 Teener team finished the I-29 Conference League Tournament with a 5-0 record last weekend earning them a third place finish. The only obstacle keeping the team from the championship game was a tie breaking procedure.

During the tournament Dells J defeated Madison 4-3 in nine innings. Connor Libis and Jake Steineke would combine for the pitching win. The winning run was scored by Gage Carr with a walk-off double hit by JD Holm. Holm led the team with three hits in the game. Brandon Geraets added two hits.

Dells J went on to defeat Tea in their second game 9-5. Geraets and Holm pitched Dell Rapids to the win. Holm also lead the team with three hits. Karsen Welbig and Geraets also each had two hits.

The third win of the tournament ended in exciting form! In the bottom of the fifth inning, Joey Tisher hit a one-out double and later scored the winning run on a sacrifice by Steineke, giving Dells J a 3-2 win over a young and talented Volga B team. Carter Nelson and Steineke combined to scatter four hits to earn the pitching win.

The fourth game of the tournament saw Dells J defeat West Central 6-1. The team finished with eight hits led by Welbig and Libis with two hits each. Nelson and Libis scattered six hits in the affair to earn the win.

In the third place game, Dells J met Volga A and greeted them with an offensive explosion. Dells J collected 15 hits in a 14-4 four-inning win. Steineke and Holm pitched for Dell Rapids, giving up only four hits combined.

Betty Nelson

June 14, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Betty M. Nelson, 85, of Hartford died Monday, June 13, 2016 at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion surrounded by her family. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Hartford. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic. On-line condolences may be left at Minnehaha Funeral Home.

Betty was born February 6, 1931 in Sioux Falls to parents John and Myrtle (Nelson) Moe. She grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1949.

Betty married Donell M. Nelson August 14, 1949 in Sioux Falls. They lived in Sioux Falls until moving to Hartford in 1952. After Donell died on February 22, 1990 she moved to Dells and lived there a few years before moving back to Hartford. She later moved to the Salem Assisted Living Center in Salem.

She loved playing cards with her sister, reading, china painting, word find, raising roses,and loved babies and small children. She was a foster mother for many years.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Judy Nelson, Hartford; sons, Jeff (Beverly) Nelson, Dell Rapids; John (Teresa) Nelson, Sioux Falls; James (Monica) Nelson, Nelson, Hartford; nine grandchildren, Shawna (Brandon), Dustin (Krista), Derek, Jared (Regina), Jeff, Jacie (Dominic), Ashley (Pat), Heather (Dustin), and Jennifer (DJ), nine great grandchildren; and a sister, Dianne Crisp, Dell Rapids.

She was preceded by her parents, her husband, Donell on February 22, 1990, a grandson, Scott, and a sister, Mary Jean.

Walk-off Grand Slam Caps off 2-0 Week for 15/16 Teeners

June 12, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids 15/16 Teeners won two games over the last week to improve to 2-1 on the year.

Dell Rapids defeated Tea Legion 10-4 on Monday, June 6th. Dell Rapids jumped out to a fast start in the first inning with Austin Ellingson and Carter Gullickson each hitting singles. Jeffrey Schuch reached based with a walk, and Keegan Miller picked up an RBI on a bases-loaded walk. Lealand Randel then capped off the scoring in the first inning clearing the bases with a one-out triple down the left field line. Dell Rapids added another run in the third inning when Chameron Bruhn drove in Schuch with a two-out single. Dell Rapids added two more runs in the fourth inning, two more in the fifth, and one more in the sixth. Gullickson picked up the win pitching the first four innings, and Ellingson closed out the game pitching the final three innings.

Dell Rapids came from behind to beat West Central Blue in dramatic fashion on Thursday, June 9th. West Central led by a run entering the seventh inning. Ellingson, who entered the game in relief in the sixth inning, struck out the side in the top half of the inning. The first three batters for Dell Rapids reached based in the bottom half of the seventh. Seth Spielman reached on an infield single, Tyson Dahler singled on a bunt, and Ellingson drew a walk. Gullickson then jumped on the very first pitch he saw and drove it over the left field fence for a walk-off grand slam home run giving Dell Rapids an 11-8 win. Matt Gillogly also hit a home run for Dell Rapids, a three-run shot in the third.

Dell Rapids will host the West Central Trojans on Monday, June 13th.

Dell Rapids Truck Route Ordinance Updated

June 12, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

During the last Dell Rapids City Council meeting on Monday, June 6th, the Dell Rapids City Council approved changes to the truck route. The amended truck route ordinance passed the second reading by a 7-0 vote.

The ordinance now states that a truck over eight tons or more must use the truck route, but may operate off the truck route when it becomes necessary to travel to another street for the purpose of loading or unloading, when instructed to do by any lawful order, authorized emergency vehicle, contractor when engaging in repair, maintenance or construction of city streets or city improvements, or when the operator of the truck obtains special temporary authority.

The truck route ordinance also states that garbage or recycling collector trucks with tandem rear axles or a single dually with pusher used to pick up items from customers located on a regular established route shall not exceed 20 tons total gross weight. Garbage or recycling collector trucks with less than tandem axles shall not exceed 10 tons total gross weight. Garbage or recycling collector trucks used to empty large dumpsters or roll-off containers are exempt from the city weight restrictions provided the trucks only deviate from the truck route(s) as is reasonably necessary.

Dells Inferno Enjoying Good Season

June 11, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dells Inferno 16U softball team is enjoying a good season this year. They currently have a 6-1-1 league record. The Dells Inferno team plays in the SEFSA league. They recently finished 2nd at the Denny Redmon Memorial Tournament in Sioux Falls. They also placed 5th at the Brandon Early Bird Tournament in May. There are two more weeks of league play with the league tournament being held June 24-26. The state tournament is July 15-17. Dells Inferno will also play in the Interlakes Girls Fastpitch Invitational in Madison June 18-19.

Avis (Eide) Larson

June 9, 2016 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Avis Larson, 96, of Dell Rapids and a former Oldham area resident died, Sunday June 5, 2016 at the Dell Rapids Nursing Home. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 8, at the Oldham Lutheran Church in Oldham with the Rev. Joanne Nagele officiating. Burial is in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery at Oldham. On-line condolences may be left at Johnson & Henry Funeral Home.

Avis Orlinda Eide was born on March 14, 1920, to John and Johanna “Jennie” Eide. She attended grade school and high school at Trent, SD until March 1937 when her family moved to Oldham and Avis graduated from Oldham High School in 1938.

Avis married Olaf Larson on her parents’ farm west of Oldham on Nov. 30, 1939. Avis and Olaf moved to the Larson homestead in October of 1942.

Avis was a member of Oldham Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school, member of Ladies Aid, Cemetery Society and Merry Homemakers Club. Avis and Olaf enjoyed traveling and were able to travel to Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Avis moved to Dells Nursing and Rehab Center on Aug. 13, 2008.

She is survived by her children; Ardys (Rodney) Christiansen, Marilyn (Warren) Lingbeck, Dianne (Don) Halverson and Douglas (Laurie) Larson, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Olaf on March 11, 2005, three brothers Edwin, Marvin and Jallen Eide.

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