Obituaries Archives - Page 15 of 103 - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

James Brown

June 19, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

James “Jim” Brown, 84, of Dell Rapids passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019 at his home in Dell Rapids. Visitation is on Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home and will resume at 5:00 p.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church. The Christian Wake Service is at 7:00 p.m. with a Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary after. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Greg Tschakert as the Celebrant. Interment with military rites is in the St. Mary Cemetery. www.kahlerfh.com

James Kenneth Brown was born on November 26, 1934 in Dell Rapids, SD, the son of Eugene and Gertrude (Krier) Brown. He grew up on the family farm west of Dell Rapids. He attended school at St. Mary Academy and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1952. He was drafted into the United States Army in April of 1954. He started basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. While on leave, he married Betty Eich at St. Peter Catholic Church in Colman on August 5, 1954. James served in Korea, Hokuto, Japan, and Guam during the Korean War. After his discharge in April of 1956, he and Betty moved to their farm west of Dell Rapids where they raised their six children. They milked cows, raised chickens, and farmed for over 40 years. In 1993, Jim and Betty moved to their home in the town of Dell Rapids. Their home was always open to guests, family or friends, over a good meal and plenty of laughter. Jim worked for Hoffman Sanitation for seven years and continued to help on the farm until the time of his death.

James was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a charter member of the Adult Choir and the Men’s Choir, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Dell Rapids American Legion and Legion Firing Squad, and was an active member of the National Farmers Organization since 1961. One of his proudest moments was singing the National Anthem on the stage with John Conlee. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s athletic events, sitting front row hollering suggestions at the referees. He was honored to receive the St. Mary “Friend of Basketball” Award in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Loretta Busch.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Betty; his children, Veronica Madetzke of Sioux Falls, Kenny Brown of Dell Rapids, Denise (Mark) Merrigan of Watertown, Kevin (Renee) Brown of Dell Rapids, Diane (Mike) Bunkers of Dell Rapids, and Mike (Angie) Brown of Dell Rapids; his 18 grandchildren and soon-to-be 26 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Earl Brown of Dell Rapids, Ted Brown of Seattle, WA, Ray (Lois) Brown of Dell Rapids, Bill (Diane) Brown of Dell Rapids, and his sister Linda (Lee) McInroy of Dell Rapids; and his many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Jim fought cancer for over 24 years and is now in no more pain.

Memorials can be directed to St. Mary School.

Denise Christensen

June 12, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Denise Christensen, 52, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Her Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Miller Funeral Home Southside Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com.

Denise Lea Winegarden was born on February 9, 1967, the daughter of Dennis and Diane (Chrisman) Winegarden. She grew up in Sharon Center, IA and graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1985. She then attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1989. She married Dave Christensen on December 23, 1988 at Sharon Center United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Iowa, Vermont and Illinois before settling in Sioux Falls, SD in 2005. She was dedicated to raising her children and volunteering. Denise’s volunteer work led her to complete a degree in Nursing from the University of South Dakota in 2008. She worked at Sanford Hospital until joining the Avera Heart Hospital family in 2009 where she worked until the time of her death.

Hot air ballooning shaped Denise’s life from a young age. She learned to fly from her Dad and received her pilot certificate in 1985. While flying for her Dad’s ride business, she met her future husband Dave, another pilot flying for Dennis. Denise took pride in watching her daughter become a third generation balloon pilot, and she shared many adventures with an extended ballooning family. She also enjoyed gardening, knitting, sewing and volunteering at Lifescape.

Denise was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Winegarden.

She is survived by her husband, Dave of Sioux Falls; her twin children, Anne (Alex) Susko of Spirit Lake, IA and John Christensen of Cincinnati, OH; her mother, Diane Winegarden of North Liberty, IA; her sisters, Debra (Bill) Horning of Coralville, IA and Danita Capps of Denver, CO; her in-laws, Merlyn and Janet Christensen of Dell Rapids, SD; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Stu) Dix of Baldwin, WI and Linda Nelson of Clear Lake, IA and her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Denise Christensen Memorial Fund intended to continue sharing Denise’s support of and compassion for others.

Richard Fitzgerald

June 8, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Richard “Dick” Fitzgerald, 75, of Spot O’ Green farm in Dell Rapids went home to the Lord due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease and Prostate cancer surrounded by those who loved him on 2 June 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. His Memorial Mass is at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present is from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Kahler Funeral Home. The Christian Wake is at 3:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com.

Dick was born in Dell Rapids to Leo Fitzgerald and Naomi (Lowder) Fitzgerald in 1944. He met his wife of 53 years, Mary Reecy in the first grade, but it was not love at first sight. Mary remembers him having cooties at that age. Evidently, he was cured of his case of the cooties as Dick and Mary were married in Dell Rapids in January of 1966. She remained his best friend and was at his side to his last breath.

By the time he reached his sophomore year, he was asked by the choir director to consider taking study hall instead of choir because of his unique singing voice. In his senior year, track and field arrived at St Mary’s High School. As he, Harry Evans and Jerry Klein sat stretching to prepare for practice, they looked at each other and asked each other what in the world they were doing there. That was the end of their track career. After graduating from St Mary’s High School, he attended South Dakota State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s of Science.

He was active in 4-H as a young man, showing particular interest in showing cattle, hogs and sheep where he earned champion showman honors. He put the skills he learned to use years later as an adult 4-H leader when his children were able to participate.

Dick farmed his family homestead for several years but was better known for selling the best Christmas trees in the area for 35 years. He worked at Park’s Meat Locker and drove the bus for the Dell Rapids School District for many years and was a fixture at wrestling matches where everyone could hear him yelling for the wrestlers to “SQUEEZE!”. He eventually moved on from the locker and started working in the plant nursery industry. He loved this job because it gave him the chance to do two of his favorite things…talk with people and talk about plants and trees.

He loved being a thespian with the Old Opera House Players and was well known for his still unique singing voice, and his characterization of the villain in melodramas, perhaps because he was a little bit of a rebel himself when he was off stage. He was a fixture in the group of men who met every morning to solve the world’s problems and have some coffee together.

Anyone who knew Dick knows he loved the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. In fact, there were few days when he didn’t have on a Notre Dame hat, shirt, jacket, shoes or some combination of all three. This fact led to his grandchildren believing he was a leprechaun. No one ever provided any proof to the contrary. He had the opportunity to watch his beloved Fighting Irish in person on several occasions, most recently when Notre Dame beat LSU with a miraculous ending in the 2018 Citrus Bowl.

He was a man who didn’t let convention keep him from doing what he wanted to do. Rules were made to be bent, if not broken given the proper circumstances. If he wanted to do something, he did it; damn the rules, for good or bad.

Dick is survived by his wife Mary, son Bret and wife Ashleigh and their children Tristan, Keira, Gwenevere and Quinn-Killian of Triangle, VA; son Scot and wife Rachel of Canton, SD; son Dean and wife Jen and their children Kellen and Erin of Melbourne, FL; daughter Kathleen and husband Roscoe Taylor of Houston, TX and daughter Bridget of Orlando, FL. He is also survived by his brother Jerry and wife Nettie Fitzgerald, Gehring, NE, and his sister-in-law Gail Fitzgerald, Colombia, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for people who are so inclined to donate to The National Parkinson’s Foundation.

The family requested that people wear Notre Dame attire for the visitation and service.

Leonard Allen

June 5, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Leonard Allen, 89, a farmer from Dell Rapids, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation with the family present was at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Kahler Funeral Home. The Christian Wake Service began at 8:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com

Leonard was born on the home place north of Dell Rapids on April 12, 1930, the son of Thomas and Regina (Biever) Allen. He grew up on the family farm where he lived on and farmed his entire life. He cared for his mother until she entered Terrace Manor. He was most generous with his time and helping others in need.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, farming and buying “green stuff.” Leonard is preceded in death by his sisters, Imelda Eulberg, Jean Weelborg, Annette Allen; brothers, infant Alvin, LeRoy, Lawrence and Thomas.

He is survived by his sister, Anna Mae Miiller of Phoenix, AZ and his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Ardis Munk

June 3, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Ardis Munk, 90, of Dell Rapids passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her Memorial Service was at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in the Ignite Life Church, Dell Rapids (5th and State Ave). Inurnment was in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Kahler Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Ardis Lorraine Nyhus was born to Halvor and Anna Otava (Hammer) Nyhus on September 14, 1928 at Dell Rapids, SD. Her family lived in the Baltic area before moving to Dell Rapids. She attended school in both Baltic and Dell Rapids. Ardis married John William “Jack” Munk on May 10, 1949 in Luverne, MN. They were married for 64 years and resided in Dell Rapids all that time. Jack passed away on March 3, 2013. They had four children, Roger, Jacqueline, David and Lisa. Ardis began working as a waitress at the Dells Cafe and later worked at Rickeman’s Variety, Grandma’s Cafe and The Huddle Cafe.

Ardis enjoyed spending time with her family and enjoyed many family reunions and family gatherings. She enjoyed going places with her family and friends, going to state fairs or to see relatives in distant places. She enjoyed make krub or lutefisk for her family and friends. She did craftwork and loved bowling, playing cards and going to bingo night at the American Legion. She lived life to the fullest.

She served many years as treasurer for the Legion Auxiliary and the Baptist Women’s Group (ABW). She was in charge of the kitchen group at the church for many years. Ardis loved to join Jack on the front porch of their home and visit with passing neighbors and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Roger (Linda) Munk of Dell Rapids and David (Lori) Munk of Sioux Falls; her daughter, Lisa (Cari Conine) Munk of Atlanta, GA; her nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Joyce Geraets of Dell Rapids and her sister-in-law, Beryl Masters of Ambler, PA and her many friends and extended family.

Ardis is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack; daughter, Jackie; two grandsons, David and Donald Munk; great-granddaughter, Emeilia Patricia Munk; her sister Berniece Oien and her husband, Otto; her brother-in-law, George Geraets Sr; her sister-in-law and spouse, Mildred and Karl Knoche and her sister-in-law’s husband, Wright Masters.

Jon Kayser

May 22, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Jon H. Kayser, 80, passed away on May 16, 2019, in Mesa, Ariz., after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. At his side was his loving wife Sharon who shared his life in marriage for 57 years. Jon, formerly of Dell Rapids, S.D., was born in Kaylor, S.D., to Hugo and Eugenia (Vetter) Kayser. He spent his early years attending country school and enjoying farm life in Hutchinson County before graduating from Parkston High School. Jon attended South Dakota State University for two years and while there he joined the South Dakota Army National Guard. After his college experience Jon was hired at International Harvester Truck in Sioux Falls, S.D., in the parts department. This experience prompted him to open his own dealership in Dell Rapids in 1966 with an emphasis on farm machinery that was close to his heart from his rural upbringing. He would continue managing Kayser Implement until retiring in 1995.

Jon was proud of his service in the National Guard and was called to active duty in 1961 where he served during the Berlin Crisis. As Jon’s trusting, fair and humorous nature spread throughout the local farming community his dealership, and customer base surged. Farmers knew that they would be treated as a partner and it was commonplace for Jon to meet farmers in the evening and after Sunday worship to help them with implement repairs to keep them in the field when weather was good. Customers soon became friends and Jon was invited to many graduations, and weddings over the course of his career.

In addition to operating an implement dealership Jon started collecting toy tractors and eventually full-sized, restored tractors of yesteryear. At the height of his collecting years Jon had a collection of more than 400 toy tractors, many on display in his office. He also had nearly 40 antique tractors, many of which he took to local parades and celebrations to showcase a proud agricultural history. Of course everything he collected was red to reflect his International Harvester background that dated back to his childhood farm days. He even located, purchased and refurbished his father’s H Farmall. One of Jon’s running jokes was that his home address in Dell Rapids was 1206 and the last four digits of his home phone were 3788. Both of these were popular model numbers of International Harvester tractors, but an uncanny coincidence to say the least.

Jon also enjoyed the great outdoors. Sharon and he were avid campers with their family when time allowed. In 1976 they purchased a cabin in the Black Hills of South Dakota where they spent many of their summer days. The mountain cabin would serve as their retirement base until selling it in 2014 to eventually settle full-time in Mesa. Nearly every evening Jon would hike to the top of their mountain meadow to watch whitetail deer feed in the opening and he would listen for the far-off whistle of the Newcastle, Wyo., coal trains. Jon was also fortunate to win several vacations due to his successful salesmanship. This prompted Jon and Sharon to begin a lifetime of travel that took them around the world. Some of their most memorable adventures included stops at the Great Wall of China, a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, an excursion to the Australian Outback, looking out from atop the world’s tallest building in Dubai, spending a month in the Ukraine for volunteer work, a somber visit to the landing locations at Normandy, a solemn day at Auschwitz, numerous cruises and far too many more destinations to list here. Jon kept his love of tractors even while spending his last days in a care facility.

Jon is survived by his wife Sharon, his sons Mike of Sheridan, Wyo.; Mark (Sharon) of Sheridan; Mitch (Jen) of Belgrade, Mont.; and four grandchildren: Cole, Katelyn, Spencer and Bailey. With no regrets, Jon spent a full life and shared many good times with his friends, keeping the old ones and making new ones. A private, military service and interment will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association South Dakota Research, 4304 S. Technology Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57106; www.alz.org/sd/donate

Clarence Fiegen

May 22, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Clarence “Corney” L. Fiegen, 83, of Garretson, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. His Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present was on Monday, May 20, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home. The Christian Wake Service was at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary. www.kahlerfh.com

Clarence was born on November 25, 1935 in rural Egan to Sylvester and Agnes (Bowar) Fiegen. He grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1954. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1957. He married Phyllis Walz on February 15, 1958. The couple farmed in the Dell Rapids area from 1958-2014. He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the National Farmers Organization, Catholic Order of Foresters, the St. Mary School Board and the Dell Rapids American Legion Post. He enjoyed wintering in Arizona and loved to dance, fish and farm. He loved Pepsi, popcorn and Snickers.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Lorayne Goedken and Alice Thomas. Corney is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis; his children, Tom Fiegen of Clarence, IA, Terry (Martha) Fiegen of Sioux Falls, Tim (Kristie) Fiegen of Sioux Falls, Jean (Jeff) Fiegen Ordal of Colton, Joan (Tom) Wolles of Colton, Ted (Judy) Fiegen of Sioux Falls, Todd (Monica) Fiegen of Ethan, Julie (Dave) Price of Dell Rapids, Tad (Brenda) Fiegen of Garretson, Janet (Kevin) Fods of Colton and Travis (Char) Fiegen of Canistota; his 39 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; his brother, Don (Marlene) Fiegen of LaCressent, MN; his sister, Barb (Ron) Walters of Henderson, MN’ and his many friends and extended family. Memorials can be directed to the St. Mary Building Fund.

Sheryl Livermont

May 16, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Sherri’s funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. MST on Monday, May 20, 2019 in the Martin Activities Center in Martin, SD. Interment will be in the Martin Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MST in the Martin Activities Center on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler Funeral Home.

Sheryl “Sherri” Ann Kuxhaus was born on January 23rd 1958 in Gordon, NE to Willard and Dorothy (Nelson) Kuxhaus. She grew up on a farmstead then resided in Swett west of Martin, SD. She attended Central Elementary School in the western part of Bennett County until the 8th grade when she attended Bennett County High School. She graduated from BCHS in 1976. She married Larry Livermont on May 29, 1976. The couple made their home near Vetal. Larry worked at his family ranch and the couple owned and operated the Dustbuster Taven from 1981-1994.

Growing up, Sherri developed a passion for the outdoors and a genuine love for all of God’s creatures. She enjoyed horses and working alongside her father on their farm/ranch. She was a hard headed, free spirit who found purpose in hard work and caring for others. She met her husband to-be at age 16, in the parking lot of the Bennett County high school and thus began a 45 year journey. The couple was blessed with a love and dedication that could not be matched. They raised two children who became the center of their world and raised them to understand the meaning of true love, dedication, and God’s presence. After she and Larry settled in on their acreage north of Vetal, Sherri was able to focus on her God given talents which included cooking, photography, crafting, woodworking, gardening, canning, and a host of many other gifts which are too many to be named. Her sense of purpose was sowing the land and sharing her fruits with those she adored. She was a woman who hated a crowd but loved the company of people, which was demonstrated best in her commitment to her friends, family, and neighbors. She loved a good get together and was a ‘master organizer’. She appreciated simplicity, efficiency, and common sense. Those who knew her well appreciated her listening ear and her sound advice. Her happy place was chasing storms, studying the weather, and snuggling up by a cozy fire with Larry. Sherri would eventually be blessed with five grandchildren who were the new light of her life. A close second were the animals she raised and loved. There are no words to describe the mold of life this lady broke and the mark she left on her family and friends.

Sherri passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 under hospice after a short battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, children, and her very special sister, Konnie. She was 61 and preceded in death by her parents, sister, Lorri Phillips, her sister-in-law, Tammy Novotny and mother-in-law, Micki Livermont.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 42 years, Larry Livermont of Martin; son, Chris (Sarah) Livermont of Brookings; daughter, Tiffany (Ross) Brende of Dell Rapids; her five grandchildren, Tyler and Hannah Livermont, Jace, Brooks and Jax Brende; her siblings, Monty (Cathy) Kuxhaus of Roscoe, IL, William (Barb) Kuxhaus of Martin, David (Roxanne) Kuxhaus of Rapid City and sister, Konnie (Kenny) Boomer of Martin; her father-in-law, Wayne Livermont of Martin, brothers-in-law, Steve (Paula) LIvermont of Martin, Dean Livermont of Martin, Tom Livermont of Rapid City, and Stuart (Tracee) Livermont of Martin and her many nieces, nephews, friends and extended relatives.

The family request that memorials be directed to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in honor of her grandson, Jace. www.jdrf.org

Regina Evans

May 16, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Regina Evans, 99, of Dell Rapids passed away on Monday, May 13, 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present is on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home. The Christian Wake Service is at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Catholic Daughters Rosary.

Regina was born on April 9, 1920 at Dell Rapids, SD, the daughter of Jacob and Frances (Etringer) Welbig. She grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids and attended country school. She married Harry Evans Sr. on September 17, 1940 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. The couple moved to a farm east of Dell Rapids and started farming. They retired in 1981 and moved into Dell Rapids. Harry passed away on February 25, 1982. Regina remained in her home until 2009 when she moved into her apartment at Orchard Hills. She later became a resident of Dells Nursing and Rehab Center.

She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Mary Altar Society, an active member of Catholic Daughters of America, National Farmers Organization, and National Catholic Rural Life. Regina received her honorary high school diploma from St. Mary in 2006. She worked at Padre’s and volunteered at St. Mary School for over 25 years. She even had her own parking spot and seat for all St. Mary Cardinal’s home basketball games. Regina took great pride in feeding people and was able to whip up a feast on short notice. She always made sure everyone was well fed. She ate her dessert first to make sure she always had room for it, with ice cream being one of her favorites.

Regina was preceded in death by her husband, parents, six brothers and five sisters.

She is survived by her children, Lois (Ray) Brown of Dell Rapids, Harry (Tish) Evans Jr. of Rapid City, Gerald (Monica) Evans of Mililani, HI, Joyce (Jim) Cook of Easley, SC, Catherine (Russ) Kautz of Lewisville, TX, Evelyn (Kevin) Loof of Lincoln, NE and Robert (Krista) Evans of Tea; her sixteen grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great great-grandson; her sister, Agnes Ginsbach of Dell Rapids and her many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary School, St. Mary Church or Regina Grandma Evans Scholarship.

Laura Croon

May 8, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Laura M. Croon, 98, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her funeral service is at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Internment is in the Colman Cemetery. Visitation is at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Kahler Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. www.kahlerfh.com.

Laura was born on September 3, 1920 at home in Moody County. She grew up on a farm northwest of Colman and attended Allen School. When she was 11 she moved into Colman to finish school and graduated from Colman High School in 1938. After high school she kept books for the city of Colman. She married Kenneth Croon on February 24, 1940 in Chester, SD. The couple made their home on a farm southeast of Colman. They moved into Colman in 1977. Laura worked as the lunchroom manager for the Colman schools for 33 years, making over 3 million dinner rolls for the school lunches. She retired in 1991. She and Ken moved to Dell Rapids in 2002. Ken passed away on November 4, 2008. Laura remained independent and lived on her own until this past year when her daughter moved in to help care for her.

She was a 50+ year member of the Colman Lutheran Church and a member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. She was an avid crossword player. Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; her parents, Fred and Anna (Kroger) Thiele; her siblings, Frank, Leo, Lloyd, Mahlon Thiele and Gladys Heinricy.

She is survived by her daughter, Ardis Croon of Dell Rapids; her son, Gary (Linda) Croon of Dell Rapids; her granddaughters, Cheri Croon, Amy (Jim) Stegge and Nicole (Mike) Peyton; her great-grandchildren, Dayne, Ty and Kyndall Peyton; her sister, Wilma Beck and sisters-in-law, Lila Thiele, Jeanine Thiele, Helen Thiele, Rosie Croon, Jean Pedersen and her many nieces and nephews.

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