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

Ralph Lauritzen

June 30, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Ralph Lauritzen was born August 17, 1928 in Viborg, SD to parents Holger and Marie (Smith) Lauritzen. He passed away on June 28, 2014 at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg, SD at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Ralph attended Viborg Public Schools, graduating in 1946. He then worked in the oil fields in California and on road construction in South Dakota. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 until being honorably discharged in 1954. Ralph married Marilyn Nelson on February 12, 1956. The couple made their home in the rural Centerville area where Ralph farmed and raised feeder cattle for 50 years. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Viborg and was currently a member of Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville. He was also a member of the Viborg American Legion. He enjoyed dancing and in his younger years was a motorcycle enthusiast, having traveled extensively on his Harley and Indian bikes. Ralph’s occupation, hobby and passion was the farm. He loved working the land, raising cattle and just being on his farm place.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Helen Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Lauritzen of Viborg; daughter Michelle (Edward) Burke, Brookings and son Craig (Christi) Lauritzen, Dell Rapids; 4 grandchildren, Rachel and Lauren Burke and Megan and Allison Lauritzen; step grandson Jadin Wendland; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Scandia Lutheran Church, Centerville, with burial at Riverview Cemetery, rural Centerville. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6PM to 8PM at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville. Condolences may be left at www.wassfuneralhome.com

Judy Lottman

June 30, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Judy Jane Lottman, 67, entered into eternal rest on June 28, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on January 21, 1947 in Sioux Falls, SD to Roy & Myrtle (Heasley) Kirbach. She grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School.

She married Eugene Lottman on March 17, 1972 at East Side Lutheran Church. Judy worked at Wal-Mart for 19 years in the maintenance department.

During her free time she was an active mentor at Hayward Elementary School and an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She loved to do ceramics, play bingo, bake pies and decorating cakes, and spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband Eugene Lottman and her parents Roy and Myrtle Kirbach.

She is survived by a son, Jason Lottman, Sioux Falls, a daughter Christy Lottman (Kevin Kidd), Sioux Falls; three grandchildren, Jordan, Preston and Parker; two step children, Shawn Lottman, Dell Rapids, Bobbie Lottman, Sioux Falls and five step-grandchildren, Hailey, Kira, Emma, Colin and Paige; sisters Donna (Pete) Taylor, Sioux Falls, Gloria (Pete) Moulton, Sioux Falls, Joyce (Doug) Lottman, Sioux Falls, brothers John (Milly) Kirbach, Sioux Falls, Arthur Junior Brown, Sioux Falls; sister-in-laws, Linda (Dale) Tracy, Wentworth, Judy (Sonny) Gebhardt, Sioux Falls, Gloria Haugse, Fergus Falls, MN; brother-in-laws, David Lottman, Sioux Falls, Terry (Charlotte) Lottman, Sioux Falls, Kenny (Jan) Lottman, Sioux Falls, Daryl Lottman, Thermopolis, WY and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday July 2, 2014 at Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. www.heritagesfsd.com.

Flandreau Spoils “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Night

June 30, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Flandreau Cardinals defeated Dell Rapids PBR on “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Night Friday, June 27th, at Rickeman Field in Dell Rapids. Flandreau scored right away in the first inning on an RBI triple by Jake Urich. PBR tied the game in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI sacrifice fly by Nate Henry. After both teams went scoreless in the second inning, Flandreau regained the lead in the top of the third when Beau Severtson scored from second after a single by Jordan Enriken and then a fielding error. PBR was again able to tie the game in the bottom half of the third inning on an RBI single by Nate Alfson. The Cardinals scored the final two runs of the game in the top of the fifth. The first three batters of the inning reached base, and then Urich ripped a single down the left field line for the game-winning hit.

Bret Severtson pitched a complete game for Flandreau giving up two runs, one earned, on seven hits, walking two and striking out seven. Colin Karst took the loss for PBR. Karst pitched seven innings giving up four runs, three earned, on eight hits, while striking out six.

Henry and Alfson each had two hits and an RBI for PBR.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Flandreau	1	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	4	9	3
Dell Rapids PBR	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	7	2

Highlights

Dale Norstrom

June 29, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dale Elton Norstrom, born June 9, 1931, 83 years 18 days old, passed on at Morningside Manor in Alcester, SD on June 27, 2014.
Dale was the second of three children born in Sioux Falls, SD to Fernace “Dick” and Rosalie (Mundt) Norstrom.

He graduated from Washington High School in 1950 and enlisted in the US Navy where he completed basic training in Great Lakes, IL. In the service, among others, he served on the CVE 115 Bairoko during the Korean Conflict. After returning, he joined the Naval Reserve in Sioux Falls. Dale retired from the military in 1991 after 41 years of service. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Brooks in April 9, 1955. They built their home and family together initially in Sioux Falls, SD and then in Harrisburg, SD where he had lived for over 35 years.

Dale retired from Northern States Power (NSP/Xcel) after 35 years of service and was always extremely active in his community with special focus in Military and Veterans affairs. Among other groups and organizations he was a member of the American Legion, VFW, 40 & 8, Tristate Navy Chiefs and the Battleship Memorial Foundation as well as being a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Sioux Falls.

Dale is survived by his brother Don (Dette) Norstrom, Sun City, AZ and five children, Barb Norstrom, Omaha, Dianne Hudson, Sioux Falls, Karen (Marvin) Fiegen, Dell Rapids, Dan Norstrom, Omaha, Tom (Sara) Norstrom, Harrisburg. Dale has four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three step grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, cousins and friends all of which love, honor and cherish him dearly. His Father, Mother, sister Jeannine Stanton and nephew David Stanton preceded him in death.

Dale’s funeral service will begin at 1:30 pm Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at the First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm Monday with the family present from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Heritage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family wishes for donations to be made in Dale’s Memory to one of these organizations: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, American Legion Post #15 Honor Guard of Sioux Falls, the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be left at www.heritagesfsd.com.

Donna Albers

June 26, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Donna J. (Stee) Albers, age 81, of Watertown, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2014, in her home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 27 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown with Father Paul Rutten officiating. Music will be provided by Robert Risty, Jeremy Risty and Janet Stee as soloists, the Immaculate Conception Funeral Choir and Danielle Holmquist-Holida as organist.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m. and a Scripture service at 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Immaculate Conception Church.

Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Watertown.

Pallbearers will be Bryon Stee, Todd Stee, Robert Risty, Jody Schumaker, Dan Stee, Zane Schumaker and Zeb Schumaker.

Donna Jean (Stee) Albers was born on Sept. 19, 1932, to Raymond and Laura (Wenger) Burns in Waubay. She grew up in Waubay and graduated from Waubay High School in 1949.

Donna married Hans Arthur Stee in 1956 at Webster. Hans passed away in 1988.

Donna loved spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Donna is survived by her husband, Bob; her children, Brenda (Robert) Risty of Dell Rapids, Bryon (Dawn) Stee and Todd (Janet) Stee of Watertown and Jill (Jody) Schumaker of Dell Rapids; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Donna married Bob Albers in 1994 and she enjoyed sharing his children and grandchildren, Bob Albers Jr. (Gail) of Eagan, Minn., Tom (Karen) Albers of Apple Valley, Minn., Mary Haghirian of Plano, Texas, Pat (Diane) Albers of Lakeville, Minn., and Sharon Smelter of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Carol Weyh of Watertown, Richard (Cookie) Burns of Waubay, Jerry (Penny) Burns of Sioux Falls, David (Susie) Burns of Ortley and Kathi Salley of Watertown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Hans Arthur Stee; and her sisters, Delores Burns and Janet Pekarek.

Arrangements by Wight, Comes & Sogn Funeral Chapel in Watertown.

For more information go to

Maxine Bongers

June 25, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Baby Maxine Bongers was born into the arms of the Angels on Friday, June 13, 2014.

Maxine is preceded in death by her Maternal Grandmother, Bert Horton.

Maxine is survived by her parents, Stacey Horton and Jason Bongers of Sandstone; brother, Kenneth Bongers of Flandreau, SD; Maternal Grandfather, Mike Horton of Willow River; Paternal Grandfather, Dennis (Sylvia) Bongers of Bryant, SD; Paternal Grandmother, Kathy Bongers of Dell Rapids, SD; several aunts, uncles, cousins.

A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from Noon until the 1 PM Memorial Service in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. A memorial fund has been set up in Maxine’s name at Lake State Federal Credit Union, Moose Lake. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

PBR Improves to 8-8

June 25, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids PBR moved to 8-8 overall and 7-3 in the Cornbelt League with a 7-5 win over the Canistota Rebels on Sunday, June 22nd. PBR jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI single by Landon Klock. Dell Rapids added two more runs in the bottom of the third on an RBI hits by Dan Conrad and Nate Henry. Canistota tied the game in the top of the fourth on a two-run triple by Dave Novak. Novak scored on a fielding error during the same play to tie the game. PBR came back with three more runs in the fifth inning, capped off by a two-run double by Matt Kolbeck. Dell Rapids added one more run in the seventh when Henry scored on a wild pitch. Canistota was able to push across two runs in the top of the eighth on five walks, but Nate Alfson got the final four outs for the save.

Kevin Krull picked up the win pitching six innings giving up three runs, one earned, on six hits and striking out six. Drew Eldeen pitched 1.2 innings giving up two runs, both earned, on no hits and seven walks. Alfson earned the save pitching the final four outs, striking out all four batters.

Klock and Kolbeck each had two RBI in the game. Conrad, Henry, Klock, and Kolbeck all picked up two hits apiece.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Canistota	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	2	0	5	6	3
Dell Rapids PBR	1	0	2	0	3	0	1	0	X	7	12	3

Highlights

Dells M Loses Tight Games in I-29 League Tournament

June 25, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dells M ended up 0-4 in the league tournament June 16-22.

Dells K (Kerzman) 4, Dells M (Mogen) 3

Ty Hoglund pitched six strong innings to lead Dells K past Dells M 4-3 on June 17. Hoglund struck out 12 and allowed five walks and three hits. He surrendered one unearned run.

Hoglund started the game with a double and scored on a Joel Brust single. Brust tallied three of the five Dells K hits in the game. Trevor Pulscher doubled for Dells K.

After surrendering the first inning run, Dells M pitcher Brett Mogen settled in to set down 12 of the next 13 hitters, one reaching base on an infield error. He completed four innings and struck out six while allowing two hits and one run.

Dells K extended its lead to 3-0 in the sixth inning when Brust singled, Reese Warne walked and both scored on consecutive infield errors. Dells M relief pitcher Eric Klein gave up only one earned run in three innings of work.

Dells M rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out Ethan Brobjorg reached first on a hit by pitch. Casey Hansen, Mogen and Nick Hoffman all walked to score Brobjorg. After a pitching change, Klein was hit by pitch to make the score 4-3. Dells K closer Trey Randel struck out the final two hitters with the bases loaded to earn a save.

For Dells M Hansen doubled and Hunter Hansen added a single.

Dells M 000 001 2 – 3 3 3

Dells K 100 002 1 – 4 5 1

Dells M: Brett Mogen, Eric Klein (5) and Casey Hansen.

Dells K: Ty Hoglund, Reese Warne (7), Trey Randel (7) and Joel Brust.

Chancellor 9, Dells M 0

Eight errors led to nine runs and a 9-0 loss at Chancellor June 18.

Adrian Juba laced two singles to lead the Dell Rapids offense. Brett Mogen, Hunter Hansen, Nick Hoffman, Nate McKee, Elijah Story all had one hit.

Dells M 000 000 0 – 0 7 8

Chancellor 203 020 2 – 9 10 2

Dells M: Elijah Story, Mason Peter (4) and Nick Hoffman

Garretson 1, Dells M 0

Garretson scored the winning run in the bottom of the final inning when a runner reached base on an infield error and scored on a double.

Micah Mader and Jacob Fitzgerald combined to hold Dell Rapids to no runs on three hits. Brett Mogen took the loss for Dells M going the distance. He allowed four hits and one run while striking out four in six innings.

Casey Hansen hit two singles and Nate McKee added a double.

Dells M 000 000 0 3 2

Garretson 000 001 – 1 4 1

Dells M: Brett Mogen and Casey Hansen.

Colton/Crooks 8, Dells M 3

Dells M (1-7 on season) led 3-1 and held on to a 3-3 tie until Colton/Crooks erupted for five runs in the final inning.

Hansen, Mogen, McKee, Klein, Peter, Hunter Hansen, Thomas Schuring and Elijah Hansen all collected hits.

Colton/Crooks 100 205 – 8 9 1

Dells M 210 000 – 3 8 4

Dells M: Eric Klein, Mason Peter (6) and Nick Hoffman.

Library Project to Move Forward

June 25, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Carnegie Library project will move forward after a decision made by the Dell Rapids City Council on Monday, June 16th. During the council’s regular meeting, the council voted to use general fund dollars to offset the gap the library had in their building fund for the addition/renovation project. The Council approved an amount of $360,000.

Prior to the approval by the council to give the library the amount of money needed to move the project forward, a proposal was defeated that would have loaned the amount to the library over a 10-year period of time. The vote for the loan was defeated with five ayes and two nays. A 2/3 majority was needed to approve that proposal.

City Councilman Dave Sommerfeld stated he would be in favor of the acceptance without the loan stipulation on the money. City Councilman Paul Miles moved to approve the amount without the loan stipulation. Councilman Mark Crisp seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Chad Andrews voting nay. Councilman Lee Burggraff was absent from the meeting. The approval of the $360,000 also brought some changes to the original plans. The SEH contract will be changed to reduce the amount of on-site visits from twelve to six, and attendance at meetings will be teleconference in order to save costs on the project.

Dell Rapids School Board Meeting: 6/23/14

June 22, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, June 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. in the MS/HS DDN room. Some of the items on the agenda include approval of district surplus, approval of end-of-the-year claims, approval of mascot, consideration to extend bus route, the superintendent’s report, and other committee reports. The full agenda can be found by clicking here.

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