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

Anne “Tootsie” Lantsberger

July 24, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Anne M. “Tootsie” Lantsberger, age 62, of Madison, formerly of Watertown, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at her residence. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Watertown with Father John Lantsberger officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Wight, Comes & Sogn Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Condolences may be left at www.wcfc.com.

Anne Marie Lantsberger was born on Sept. 9, 1952, to Richard and Helen (Mack) Lantsberger in Watertown. She grew up in Watertown and attended special education classes in the Watertown School System. She moved to Madison, where she has lived for over 30 years. She worked at the ECCO workshop and as a dietary aide at the Madison Hospital for 18 1/2 years.

Anne loved playing the guitar and keyboard and listening to country western music. She enjoyed going for walks and rides and going shopping. Summer was her favorite season. Anne had so much fun talking her family out of quarters and dollar bills. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Anne’s favorite saying was “It will be better tomorrow.”

Anne is survived by her brothers and sisters, Judy Fox (Paul) McCune of Springfield, Mo., Elaine Fox (Dave) Konechne of Pierre, Father John Lantsberger of Dell Rapids, Laura Lantsberger of Scottsdale, Ariz., Elizabeth Lantsberger of Watertown, Thomas (Melissa) Lantsberger of Columbia, Ill., and Kathryn Lantsberger of Chaska, Minn.; her aunts, Mary Ann Lane and Mary Mack; her uncle, Father James Lantsberger; four nephews; five nieces; four great-nieces; and eight great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Rita Louise Lantsberger and a great-nephew.

Hundreds Honor Girls at Vigil

July 22, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Hundreds of people arrived downtown Dell Rapids on Monday, July 20th, to honor and remember Madyson Barbee and Mariana Krempges. Each person who attended the vigil carried a balloon as those who gathered walked from downtown to the ball fields at City Park. The pink balloons represented Mariana, and the zebra balloons represented Madyson.

After everyone arrived at the ball fields, the crowd celebrated their lives with music, prayer, and then released the balloons.

Dell Rapids Connections also held an event during the day for those who wanted to talk with counselors.

Dell Rapids Little League Baseball Ends for the Year

July 22, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

As the summer days head into August, the Dell Rapids Little League ended their season on Sunday, July 12th with the MinnDak “End of the Year” tournaments. This year the Dell Rapids Little League had a total of 17 teams in 2015, five coach pitch teams, five transition league teams, four pee wee teams, and four midget teams.

The coach pitch teams played games against not only themselves, but also against teams from Flandreau and Tri-Valley. Their season ended on Wednesday, June 24th. The transition league teams played against teams from Dell Rapids, Baltic, Flandreau, Tri-Valley, and Humboldt. The transition league season concluded with an “End of the Year” tournament on Sunday, June 28th, during Quarry Days.

The pee wee and midget teams participated in the MinnDak League once again this year. The league consists of teams from Dell Rapids, Flandreau, Baltic, Tri-Valley, Humboldt, Garretson, Hills, MN, and Beaver Creek, MN. The MinnDak “End of the Year” tournaments for both pee wee and midget divisions were held July 10th-12th in Baltic, Garretson and Hills, MN. Dell Rapids ERC defeated Dell Rapids T&C in the midget gold tournament. Dells Nursing and Rehab finished second in the pee wee silver tournament.

Donald “Donnie” Swenson

July 19, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The passing of Donald Wayne Swenson on Friday, July 17, has left a void in the hearts of his many cousins and friends. Donnie, as he was known to most people, enjoyed his time with family and friends. Whether getting together to eat and play cards with his extended family of cousins, or playing pool with friends, those were the times that he looked forward to and treasured. During the past couple of years, the building of his home added a new and exciting chapter to his life. From picking the perfect location on his farm, to the planning, building and furnishing of the home, Donnie enjoyed the experience and was rightfully proud of the results. While the time was too short, the happiness and satisfaction that he got from living in his new home was well deserved.

Donnie was born on August 3, 1953, and lived all of his life on the family farm northwest of Sherman. He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1972. Donnie worked for several years for the John Morrell Company before making farming his life’s work.

Donnie lost his mom, Lois, in 1972, his brother, Steve, in 1985, and his dad, Orval (Steem), in 1988. His Swenson and Larson cousins, and his many friends, will forever miss his good nature and big heart.

Funeral services will begin at 1:30 pm Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Burial will be in the Norway Cemetery, rural Garretson. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Tuesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. In lieu of flowers, Donnie can be honored with memorials to Feeding South Dakota, 3511 N. 1st Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Lawrence Allen

July 19, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Lawrence J. Allen, 92, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls from complications of vascular surgery. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 will begin at 3:00 p.m. The family will be present from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Christian Wake service will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.kahlerfh.com.

Lawrence Joseph Allen was born on November 13, 1922 at Dell Rapids, SD, the son of Thomas and Regina (Biever) Allen. He grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids and attended Noyes Country School. He started working for various farmers in the area including Peter and Marie Weinacht. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December of 1942 and served in WWII. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. He returned home to Dell Rapids. He married Clara Pepleau at St. Mary Catholic Church on November 25, 1947. The couple made their home near Colman until moving to a farm near Trent. He started farming with his brother LeRoy. He moved to the farm south of Dell Rapids in March of 1957. In 1987, the couple moved into Dell Rapids. Lawrence stayed active in farming his entire life. Clara passed away in 2011.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Catholic Order of Foresters and the Trent Legion Post. He loved to read, fish, garden and his grandchildren, “Grandpa the Great.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, David; brothers, Thomas, LeRoy, Alvin; his sisters, Jean, Imalda and Annette.

Lawrence is survived by his daughters, Lois (Wayne) Buus of Brookings and Janice (Kent) Johnson of El Cajon, CA; his son, Richard (Deb) Allen of Dell Rapids; his 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Leonard Allen of Dell Rapids and his sister, Anna Mae Miiller of Phoenix, AZ.

Jerome “Jerry” Gaspar

July 18, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Jerome “Jerry” Gaspar, age 68, of Colton passed away Friday, July 17, 2015 at Riverview Healthcare Community in Flandreau. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at First Lutheran Church, Colton. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 21, 2015 from 5-7:00 PM, flowed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM at First Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 45 years, Carol, Colton; his daughters, Stacey (Chad) Knecht, Lincoln, NE; Nicole (Justin) Van Hal, Dell Rapids; four grandchildren; Katie, Conner, Lily, and Elise; four siblings, Patricia O’Loughlen, Sioux Falls; Carol (Robert) Mergen, Dell Rapids; Judy (Jerome) Baumberger, Dell Rapids, and Dennis (Kate) Gaspar, Sioux Falls; two brother and sister in laws and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Condolences maybe left at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com.

Joshua Krempges

July 18, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Joshua John Krempges, 38, of Flandreau, died of injuries received in an automobile accident on Monday, July 13, 2015 near Flandreau. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids. Burial will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com.

Joshua John was born December 15, 1976 in Dell Rapids to parents John and Sherry (Stansell) Krempges. He lived in Dell Rapids until moving to Flandreau in 1989. Growing up he enjoyed camping with family, skateboarding, swimming, fishing, being outdoors and going to the annual South Dakota Style Dog Roast with family and friends. He attended school in Dell Rapids and Flandreau. After school, Josh worked various jobs before finding his true profession in Drywall.

Josh married Christina Rave September 1, 2001 in Dell Rapids. They made their home for their girls in Dell Rapids. He worked at Fox and Sands Drywall before starting his own company, Josh Krempges Drywall.

Throughout his life he enjoyed music, concerts, working on cars, driving ATVs, riding his Harley, but most of all spending time with his daughters. He loved taking them to the lake, hiking, exploring nature and teaching them about the world.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughters, Mallory, twins, Madelyn and Mariana, his step father, Keith Dailey, Flandreau; brothers, John, Dell Rapids and Casey, Sioux Falls; sister Kristin (Keenan Baum) Dailey, Sioux Falls; grandfather, Ed Krempges, Yankton; nieces and nephew, Brooke, Avery and Jaxson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandmothers, Ramona Stansell and Phillis Krempges, grandfather, James Stansell, step grandparents, Lloyd and Doris Dailey; and uncles, Mike and Kelly. After showing tremendous strength and courage, Mariana is now in the comfort of her Dad.

Dell Rapids 13/14 Teeners Headed to State

July 17, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids 13/14 Teener team is headed to the State A tournament in Mobridge July 24-27 after winning the Region 2A Tournament.

Under a double rainbow and beautiful night in Volga, Dell Rapids found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow by holding off Volga 7-5 in the championship game. Eddie Price picked up the win for Dell Rapids striking out 11 Volga batters and giving up only three hits. Ty Wood earned a save pitching the final three innings and striking out the final Volga hitter of the game. Dell Rapids was only able to tally seven hits in the game, but scored seven runs on those hits.

Dell Rapids started the tournament on Tuesday, July 14th, by beating Madison 11-4. Logan Heim had a strong pitching performance as he limited Madison to just six hits while striking out 11. Heim pitched a complete game for the win. Dell Rapids offense was led by Price who went 2-2 with two triples and five RBIs. Dell Rapids had six total hits in the game.

Dell Rapids faced Volga for the first time in the tournament in semifinal action on Wednesday, July 15th, and exploded for a 19-1 win in four innings to advance to the championship game. Wood (three innings), and Logan Stone (one inning) combined to hold Volga to just two hits in the game. They combined for a total of six strikeouts. The offense for Dell Rapids tallied 16 total hits. Price and Heim had home runs in the game.

Dell Rapids will face the winner of Region 4A in the first round of the state tournament. The opponent and game time will be determined at a later time.

22 players from the two I-29 league teams combined to form the VFW Dell Rapids team.

Conway Lee

July 16, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Conway Lee, age 83, formerly of Flandreau, SD, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015 in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his family. The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, July 17, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave, Sioux Falls. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, July 18, at the Second Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, SD. Condolences may be left at

Conway John Lee was born August 14, 1931 to Charles and Helen (McMahon) Lee in Flandreau, SD. He graduated from Flandreau Public High School in 1949 and went on to farm the family farm until retirement in 1996.

Connie married Dawn Wynne Taylor in 1953. They had three children together, Cheryl, Bruce, and David. In 1976, he was united in marriage to Louise Halver in Denver, CO. Connie and Louise lived on the farm until they built their home on the edge of Flandreau in 1981, and they remained there for 33 years. In 2014, they moved to The Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls, SD.

Survivors include his wife, Louise; Son, David (Barbara Pratt) Lee, Minneapolis, MN; Step-children Jeffrey (Gail) Headrick, Maple Grove, MN, Tim Headrick, Medford, OR, and Christine (Scott) McNulty, Loveland, CO; Brother Quentin (JoAnn) Lee, Kent, WA; Grandchildren Jarrod (Heather) Lee, Waubay, SD, Jamie Lee, Sisseton, SD, Jessica Lee, Sisseton, SD, Abbey (Matt) Kitto, Dell Rapids, SD, Angela (TC) Fraser, Sioux Falls, SD, Mark (Kayleigh) Lee, Egan, SD, Scott (Lisa) Lee, Seattle, WA; Step-Grandchildren Aaron Headrick, Minneapolis, MN, Christopher Headrick, Medford, OR, Justin McNulty, Denver, CO, and Crystal McNulty, Loveland, CO; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Cheryl Lee, son Bruce Lee, step-son Robert Headrick and grand-daughter Stacy Lee.

Prayer Vigil Planned for Girls

July 16, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

A prayer vigil will be held on Monday, July 20th, starting at 7:30 p.m. for the LeBrun, Krempges, and Christian Rave families. Those attending are asked to bring a candle. Some candles will be available, but there is a very limited supply. Posters or anything else that would like to be made for the vigil are welcome.

The vigil will start on Main St on the north and south sidewalks between LaDelle and Orleans Ave. Attendees will be able to visit stations that will be set up to light the candles and to receive a balloon.

Those attending will then start to walk towards the softball fields on the north side of the Big Sioux River at 8:00 p.m. After arriving at the ball fields, a community prayer as well as words spoken will be shared. Afterwards, the balloons will be released.

Everyone is encouraged to come and support the families, the girls, and the community.

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