obituary Archives - Page 47 of 94 - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Phyllis Ptak

December 2, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Phyllis Erma “Honey” Ptak was born on Jan. 7, 1926, on the Belk farm north of Henry to Vern and Eva Belk. She was baptized and confirmed at Henry Methodist Church. Phyllis attended all 12 years and graduated from Henry Public School. After graduation, she worked as office manager at Marquardt’s Firestone garage. In 1945, she worked at Base Headquarters, Watertown Air Force Base until closing. Phyllis then moved to Huron to attend Northwest College of Commerce while continuing her government career at the Bureau of Reclamation in Huron. In 1956, Phyllis transferred to Bureau of Reclamation in Watertown. Phyllis was the first female employee. In 1977, the Bureau had a name change to Western Area Power Administration, where Phyllis continued to work until her retirement in 1989, after 42 years of service.

On July 1, 1967, Phyllis married William “Bill” Ptak. They lived in Watertown, spending summers at Lake Kampeska. Bill and Phyllis were instrumental in sponsoring the Karger family from Afghanistan — Hosain, Rahima, Nooshen, Farzad and Omid. The Kargers reside in California.

Phyllis loved music and performed in the Henry and Florence Pep Band for many years while Bill was the band director. A private burial service was held at Lorinda Cemetery in Henry. Memorials may be designated to Henry Methodist Church, Henry Lorinda Cemetery or another organization of your choice.

Phyllis is survived by her brother, Lyle V. “Bud” Belk and sister-in-law, Cleo Belk, both of Watertown; sister-in-law, Donna (Ron) Wolf of Dell Rapids; nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Bill) Snyder of Rapid City, Kevin Wolf of Gillette, Wyo., Sister Maris Clemems of Hampton, Va., Allen (Dawn) Wolf of Worthing, Mickey (Karen) Wolf of Gillette, Carol (Bill) Schutt of Watertown, Lynn (Bob) Reiter of Redlands, Calif., Mary Beth (Neal) Bassett of Scottsdale, Ariz., Brad (Carolyn) Belk of Coon Rapids, Minn., and John (Joni) Belk of Fargo, N.D.; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Ptak, her parents, Vern and Eva Belk and her brother, Harold Belk.

Richard Gebhart

December 2, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Richard M. Gebhart, 82, passed away Monday, November 30, 2015 at his rural Elkton home. Richard Mathias Gebhart was born December 24, 1932 at Elkton, SD to George Sr. and Margaret (Lanners) Gebhart. He attended country school at rural Elkton through the 8th grade. Richard attended Dell Rapids St. Mary’s all four years of high school. He was a starter for a successful Dells St. Mary’s basketball team. After high school, Richard was drafted during the Korean War. After returning home, Richard continued farming on the family farm where he remained until his death. Richard was very involved in his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews activities. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton and the Elkton Knights of Columbus. He loved reading, dancing, sports, horseshoes, pinochle, and had a love for John Deere Tractors. Richard’s biggest joy was children. He was known as the fun uncle.

Richard is survived by his sister Isabelle Short, brother George (Anastasia) Gebhart, brother-in-law Francis VanSambeek, 36 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Joe, John, Felix, Leo, Ed, three sisters, Mary, Margaret, Theresa, and two nieces.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2015 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton, with burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday at the church with a 7 p.m. scripture service. Condolences may be left at Skroch Funeral Home.

Marvin Mueller

November 26, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

On November 23, 2015, Marvin Reuben Mueller was welcomed into the presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Marvin was born on January 31, 1925 on a rural farm near Parkston, SD to Fred and Anna (Doering) Mueller, baptized at Kulm Lutheran Church in rural Parkston. He was confirmed at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp, SD, and graduated from Tripp High School in 1943. After serving in the military for the next 3 years during WWII, he earned the Purple Heart Honor which he humbly declined. Marv attended South Dakota State University in 1946-47, returning to Tripp in 1947 and marrying Helen Nolz on September 7, 1947 at Salem Lutheran Church in Parkston, SD. They resided in Tripp for their entire married life of 58 years.

Marvin worked alongside his father at Mueller’s Hatchery in Tripp, SD and became the sole owner in 1963. He served as the President of the South Dakota Poultry Improvement Association and was on the board of Directors for a total of 24 years. Marv was active at First American Lutheran Church serving as Sunday School Superintendent for 28 years.

Marvin was credited with “a willingness to work and the ability to lead” which can be seen throughout the community. He proudly served as Mayor of Tripp, SD for approximately 10 years and was instrumental in development of the Tripp swimming pool, beautification project of the Tripp cemetery, the town’s first tree farm, and the Tripp Good Samaritan Home. He served as past president of the Tripp Commercial Club and a longtime member of the Tripp American Legion since 1946 where many could find him selling raffle tickets at the front gate during the Tripp Sports Day Celebration. He was a committed servant to his town and his projects but he would strongly state “we couldn’t have accomplished this without the help and support of local members and coworkers.”

Marv‘s love of music and golf carried him throughout his life. He was active in the Men’s Choir at First American Church, barbershop quartet and the Dakota Chorale. His passion became a part of his profession as he developed a business of building and repairing clubs.

Grateful for sharing his life are his 7 children: Sandy (Chris) Fischer, Sioux Falls, SD; Connie (Timothy) Jackson, Houston, TX; Karyl (Bob) Shultz, Phoenix, AZ; Karin (Roger) Schneider, Schleswig, IA; Marc Mueller, Oklahoma City, OK; Lynn (Jerry) Kerns, Dell Rapids, SD; Jennifer (Layne) Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His 3 sisters: Audrey Keller, Honolulu, HI; Doris Kampfe, Phillipsburg, KS; Helen Rae (David) Bracklein, Saline, MI. Lilian Graber and Margo Bowling shared a special part of his life for the past 8 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Mueller and his wife Helen.

The family has requested no flowers please. Donations may be made to the Lutheran Outdoors in South Dakota. Marvin was a committed, faithful believer and supporter of outdoor ministry. Condolences may be left at Goglin Funeral Home.

Ardyce “Ardie” Fossum

November 25, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Ardyce “Ardie” Fossum 61, of Dell Rapids passed away unexpectedly at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Memorial services will begin at 10:00 AM Monday, November 30, 2015 at The Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Inurnment will be in Dell Rapids Cemetery. Memorial visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 to 5:00 PM Sunday, November 29, 2015 at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids. Condolences may be left at Minnehaha Funeral Home.

Ardyce Elaine Fossum was born July 6, 1954 to Wessel and Kate (Schriever) Plucker. Her first days of school were in an old country school, she then went on to graduate from Canton High School in 1972. Ardie married her high school sweetheart, Denny Fossum, on July 8, 1972. The couple then moved to the Dell Rapids area. She was a phenomenal and dedicated wife, mom, and grandma.

Ardie worked in Dell Rapids while her daughter was in school. She often volunteered to help and was Girl Scout leader for many years. When her favorite granddaughter was born she made the decision to go into very early retirement so she could play with her grandbaby. They spent hours reading books, talking, and doing crafts together over the years. Ardie loved her family, neighbors and her home. She was a strong, sincere woman, always the first one lending a hand and the last one to want any credit for things she had done. She enjoyed baking and doing crafts for others, as a way of giving a little of herself to those around her.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Denise Logan of Dell Rapids; granddaughter, Taiven Logan of New York; brothers, Wendell (Donna) Plucker, Odell Plucker, Alan (Janel) Plucker; sister, Kathleen Geiman, all of Canton; many nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Denny Fossum; parents, Wessel and Kate Plucker; sisters, Karen (Clarence) Van Gronigen and Audrey (Dean) Johnson and brother, Elroy (Karen) Plucker.

Sadie Lou (Salomonson) Price

November 25, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Sadie Lou (Salomonson) Price was born April 26, 1937 in Colton, the daughter of Martin and Myrtle (Vermillion) Salomonson. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Colton and graduated from Colton High School in 1955. She married Raymond Price at East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls on September 24, 1955. They lived at the Price farm near Bruce for two years and the next 58 years in the Colton area. As a teenager, Sadie did babysitting. For years she spent her time being a wife to Raymond and mom to Monica, Wayne, Dale, David and Cory. Years later she worked for Litton Microwave, Tri Valley School and CCL Label, retiring in 2003.

The only time her hands were idle is when she was enjoying a good novel, otherwise she was busy crocheting beautiful gifts and loved to cook for her family and friends. Sadie always enjoyed trips to town for coffee.

Sadie died Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 78.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Price of Colton; daughter, Monica (Mark) Flint of Lennox; sons, Wayne (Jodi) Price of Minot, North Dakota; David (Joan) Price and Cory (Bernadette) Price all of Colton; daughter in law, Sharon Price, Canton; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-five great grandchildren; sisters, Lois Van Heerde of Brandon; Shirley (Bud) Amundson of Dell Rapids; and Rosie Burgers of Mobridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son Dale Price.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 28, 2015 at First Lutheran Church, Colton. Burial will be in the Colton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Friday at the church. Condolences may be left at Minnehaha Funeral Home.

Ardyce (Neuman) Bremer

November 23, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Ardyce M. “Ardy” Bremer, 73, of Colton, SD passed away Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Avera Dells Area Hospital after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at First Lutheran Church in Colton. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Colton. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until service time at the church Tuesday. Condolences may be left at Minnehaha Funeral Home.

Ardy was born February 28, 1942 in Chester, SD to Leonard “Pat” and Josie (Johnson) Neuman. She grew up on a farm northwest of Dell Rapids. Ardy was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. She attended grade school at Mount Hope Country School and graduated from Baltic High School in 1960. She then attended dental assistant school in Minneapolis, MN. After graduation she worked for Dr. Kappenman in Sioux Falls for two and half years.

Ardy married Lloyd “Fred” Bremer on March 3, 1962 at Willow Creek Lutheran Church. They made their home in Dell Rapids until 1968 when they moved to Colton and then to a farm northwest of Colton in 1974. Ardy moved to Orchard Hills Assisted Living in 2013 then to Dells Area Nursing and Rehab Center in September of 2015.

Ardy was a member of First Lutheran Church in Colton where she taught Sunday School for many years as well as a 4-H Leader for Colton Hustlers Club. She was the bookkeeper for Bremer’s Farm Supply for over 28 years. She was an avid gardener, cook and baker. Ardy loved pets and they were her constant companions.

Ardy is survived by her sons, Kevin and his wife, Kathy Bremer and Brian Bremer, both of Colton; daughter, Karen Burgers and special friend, Benjamin Parker, Hartford; granddaughter, Dakota Parker, Hartford; sister, Carol Burkard-Dock, Jasper, MN as well as many other relatives and friends.

Ardy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred and brother, Sonny Neuman.

Dale Shjegstad

November 18, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dale Eldon Shjegstad was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1948, the second of five children. He grew up on the Shjegstad family farm near Sherman, SD, the family homestead since 1882. He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1966, was an active member of the National Honor Society, Dell Rapids Quarriers football team, and marching band. He went on to complete 2 years of engineering studies at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology on a full football scholarship where he played defensive tackle for the Hardrockers. He completed his BS degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1971 at South Dakota State University. He obtained his Professional Engineer’s license in 1976 and went on to pursue a career as an engineer and general contractor.

Dale was an avid photographer, filling boxes and boxes with film canisters, 35mm slides, photo prints, and more recently, filling digital memory card after memory card with his unique view of the world. His photos spanned a wide range of interests, from landscapes and scenery to family and friends. He was also a talented woodworker and carpenter who donated thousands of hours of his time to support missions such as Habitat for Humanity. He completed build missions across Guam and the Pacific, including a special project in the Philippines in 1999, where he had the honor to meet President Jimmy Carter on a build site.

Dale had a lifelong spirit of adventure. He moved to Guam with his wife and children in 1988 and established his own general contracting business. He was the crew chief for a quad bike race running the length of the Baja peninsula, a jetboat race running the rivers of New Zealand, and multiple trophy truck races in Yigo, Guam. He travelled and took photographs around Asia and the Pacific, across the US Mainland, and fulfilled a lifelong dream to tour Ireland and Scotland this summer, visiting castles, historic ruins, breweries, and distilleries.

Dale was a loving husband to Diane and a wonderful father to Erik, Sonia, and Jon. He will be remembered as someone who always had quiet words of wisdom, wit, or humor to fit any situation, and who would do anything to help a family member or friend in need. He will be dearly missed by many. Condolences may be left at Kahler Funeral Home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and DeElda Shjegstad, and by his sister, Charlene Adams.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Diane; his children Erik Shjegstad of Aloha, OR; Sonia Shjegstad of Lafayette, CO and her son Connor Shjegstad; and Jon Shjegstad of Honolulu, HI; his brother Wayne (Dianne) Shjegstad of Sioux Falls, SD, and sisters Cheryl (Paul) Wildermuth; and Diane (Tim) Wilke, both of Dell Rapids, SD; Brother-in-Law Mitch Adams of Dell Rapids, SD; and his many nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends.

A memorial service for Dale will be held in Guam on Friday, November 20, 2015, followed by private cremation. A memorial service for Dale will follow in Dell Rapids, SD and is pending at this time.

Milton “Tug” Fritz

November 17, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Milton “Tug” Fritz, 81, Jasper, died Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Nov. 5 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jasper, with Father Thomas Jennings officiating. Military honors were provided by Oscar Iverson American Legion Post 133, Jasper, Michael Boock American Legion Post 6 and VFW Post 381, both of Pipestone. Interment was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Jasper. Condolences may be left at Hartquist Funeral Home.

Milton “Tug” William Fritz was born on Sept. 10, 1934 to Raphael and Dorothy “Ann” (Honnermann) Fritz in Adrian. He was raised on a farm north of Adrian and attended country school for two years and then St. Adrian Grade School and High School. After his graduation from high school in 1952, he began working at the Adrian Coop Elevator until 1956 when Uncle Sam came calling and he left for the United States Air Force. During basic training in San Antonio, Texas and Columbus, Ohio, he worked on a KC-97 then the KC-135 Jet Tanker used for Mid Air Refueling. Later he worked on the B-47, the B-52, and several jet fighters. While on active duty, he traveled to Puerto Rico, Africa, Spain, Canada, England and South Africa. Milton was honorably discharged in 1960 and got home in time for Christmas.

On April 27, 1963, he married Patricia DeSchepper at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. Following their marriage, they lived in Jasper where he was employed at the Farmers Elevator. In 1976, he was promoted to manager at the elevator. After his retirement in 1993, he worked at the creameries in Edgerton and Woodstock part-time for a couple years.

In 2013 he became a resident at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Luverne.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served on the cemetery board for many years. He was a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years with the Jasper Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Fritz, Jasper; two sons, Robert (Elaine) Fritz, Baltic, S.D. and Patrick (Rebecca) Fritz, Dell Rapids, S.D.; six grandchildren; four brothers, Jerome, Gerald, Mark and Michael and seven sisters, Patricia, Helen, Marjorie, Nancy, Mary, Carolyn and Marie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and John.

Colleen (Fields) Smith

November 16, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Colleen Mae (Fields) Smith, an amazing mother, grandmother and wife passed away surrounded by her family on November 13, 2015. Colleen was born March 20th, 1960 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota to her parents Dale and Mary Ellen Fields. She grew up in Dell Rapids and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1978. Colleen then attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education in 1982. She moved to Minnesota to pursue her teaching career and that is when she met her husband Kevin. They married on August 31st, 1985. Minnesota is where they started their family and she taught in Anoka Hennepin School District for over 30 years.

Colleen is preceded in death by her father Dale Fields, brother Thomas Fields, nephew Dale “Buddy” Fields and sister in-law Melinda Fields. Colleen is survived in death by her mother Mary Ellen Fields of Dell Rapids, husband Kevin Smith and her three sons and daughter in laws Grant (Anitrina) of Princeton, MN., Tyler (Brittany) of Kansas City, and Carter (Kyla) of Rapid City, SD., grandsons Brodrick and Gabriel, siblings Richard of Fortine, MT, Kathy (George) of Littleton, CO, Douglas (Linda) of Sioux Falls, Dennis (Marcella) of Golden, CO, and Lisa (John) of Austin, TX ;and many nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held Thursday evening, November 19, 2015 at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel in Coon Rapids, MN, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Katherine Drexel of Ramsey, Minnesota Friday November 20th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Colleen’s Interment Service will be held on Saturday November 21st, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Mary Cemetery in Dell Rapids, South Dakota.

Memorials may be directed in memory of Colleen to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Katherine Drexel of Ramsey Minnesota or St. Mary Catholic Church of Dell Rapids, SD.

Condolences may be left at www.kahlerfh.com.

Jeff Park

November 12, 2015 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Jeffrey Park, 61, of Sioux Falls passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2015. Memorial services will begin at 3:00 PM Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Minnehaha Funeral Home Chapel in Dell Rapids. Inurnment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Dell Rapids. Memorial visitation with the family present will begin at 1:00 PM Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Minnehaha Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be directed to The Banquet or Union Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jeffrey Frank Park was born to Kenneth and Theresa (Krier) Park on September 12, 1954 in Dell Rapids. He received his education in Dell Rapids, graduating from St. Mary High School in 1972.

Jeff married Kathy Mersch in 1976. Through eight years of marriage they were blessed with three children, Amy, Christopher and step-son Chad. Jeff worked for many construction companies through the years including M.A. Mortenson Construction and Heeren Construction. He moved back to Dell Rapids to care for his parents until their passing.

Jeff enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and going to the lake. Jeff had a great way of conversing with people and an overwhelming kindness, endless smile and a soft heart that was felt by all he met. He was affectionately known to many as “Gordy”, “Parley” and “Smokey”.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Amy (Kelly) Lahr, Dell Rapids; son, Christopher “CJ” (Jackie) Park, Dell Rapids; step-son, Chad (Karen) Gerdes, Madison; grandchildren, Dylan, Aydan, Mia, Lilly, Cali, Hudson and Lucy; brothers, Bruce Park, Flandreau, Paul (Deann) Park, Brandon, Greg (Dianne) Park, Shell Lake, WI and David (Jasmine) Park, Lacy, WA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parent, Kenneth and Theresa Park.

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