Marie F. Stone, 97, of Dell Rapids passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Dells Area Health Center. Her funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Kahler Funeral Home. http://kahlerfh.com
Brian Koster
Brian B. Koster, 44, of Dell Rapids passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Burial will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids.
Brian Bruce Koster was born November 11, 1968 to Bruce and Marlene (Thom) Koster in Lakefield, MN. He grew up in Lakefield then moved with his family to Valley Springs, SD in 1983.
Brian graduated in 1988 from Brandon Valley High School. He worked in the trucking and machining industries. He was working at Raven Industries in the machine shop at the time of his death.
Brian married Joni Zell in Dell Rapids March 26, 1994. They have two children, Brianna and Kamren. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children. He enjoyed racing, camping, working in his garage and most of all racing his ATV.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Joni and children, Brianna and Kamren, Dell Rapids; parents, Andre and Marlene Volz, Sherman, SD; brother, Randy (Stacey) and their children, Madisen, Mason and Miah, Sioux Falls; grandparents, Gary and Renate Volz, Lakefield, MN; mother-in-law, Betty Zell, Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Rob (Cindy) Zell and their children, Amanda, Jordan, Brady, Elli, Lauren and Cooper, Brandon, SD; aunts and uncles, Donna, Mary, Edward, Richard, Ronald, Jerry, Rita, Russell, Donald, Andrea, Jeff, Blanche, Gail, Linda, Beth, Jill, Laurel, Julie, Lee and Shelley; Bruce Koster; and many other relatives and friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents; uncle, Joel Koster; father-in-law, Veralyn Zell and step father-in-law, Bob Booze. www.minnehahafuneralhome.com
Vernon Matthews
Vernon Matthews was born March 26, 1920, in rural Flora, Mississippi, to sharecroppers, and passed April 7, 2013, at the Dell Rapids Nursing and Rehab Center. He was the fourth of six children. He survived the Great Flood of 1927 and malaria, and he was always amazed that he lived to be 93, the last surviving family member of his generation. His family moved to Southern California in 1936 during the Depression, where he picked grapes and other fruits and vegetables for ten cents an hour to help support the family. At 20, he went to work for Carnation Milk Co., and was the first person to win the initial war bond given by the company for increased sales on his route.
At 21, Vernon was drafted into the Army and stationed in Sioux Falls, SD, as an MP at the base during WWII. Always an extrovert, he made many life-long friends, the most important was his eventual wife, Signa (Sue) Jakobsen. They married in 1945 and finished out Vernon’s Army career in Fort Benning, GA. They moved back to Southern California where they awaited the birth of their son, Wayne.
Vernon and Sue moved back to South Dakota to farm with Sue’s father, Knute, near Hudson in 1947. Their family grew as they added daughters Glenda Tesmer of Springbrook, WI, and Nola Connor of Colton, SD. By 1956, it was apparent the farm economy would not support their family, so they packed everything up and moved to northern California where Vernon became a police officer with the University of California, working at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory nuclear development facility. After getting the kids through college, Vernon felt the pull of the land and retired from the police department at 55 to return to farming his beloved Beaver Bend Ranch near Hudson. At his retirement party, he took the microphone and told jokes for almost an hour. That was Dad!
Vernon farmed from 1975 until 2002, but he continued to raise his famous and elaborate garden each year. He took great pride in sharing the fruits and vegetables of his labor with the local nursing home and a multitude of friends and neighbors. His beloved wife passed away in 1988. He moved to Orchard Hills Congregate Living Center in Dell Rapids in 2009 and to Dells Nursing and Rehab Center in March of this year. He never lost his Mississippi drawl, which always brought comments from those he met. Vernon is survived by his three children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Private family services will be held. Memorials should be directed to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to 46481 246th St, Colton, SD 57018.
John “Jack” Moberg
John B. “Jack” Moberg, 76, lifelong resident of Brookings area, died on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Lake Norden, SD. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Rude’s Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.
John B. “Jack” Moberg was born on December 27, 1936 in Brookings, SD, the son of John B. and Golda (Bishop) Moberg. He grew up and attended school in Brookings, graduating from Brookings High School in 1956. He attended South Dakota State University and Dakota State University.
He was united in marriage to Marlys Headrick in Flandreau in 1958. They had three children: John, Marci, and Teresa.
He worked at S.D.S.U. Frost Arena for many years. He was very well known for his ability to cook. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sportsman.
John is survived by his son, John W. Moberg of Sioux Falls, SD; two daughters, Marci M. Tingle of Sioux Falls, SD, Teresa L. Dirks of Dell Rapids, SD; six grandchildren, Chris Tingle, Ashley Tingle, Cody (Ariel) Ness, Dylan Moberg, Trenton Dirks, Brayden Dirks; one great grandson, Lucas Kashmarek.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Anna Mae Johnston. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
Dale “Babe” Entringer
Dale “Babe” Robert Entringer, 78, of Sioux Falls, died on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at the First Christian Church, 524 West 13th St, Sioux Falls. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7:00 PM Tuesday, at the church.
Dale was born on January 4, 1935, at Dell Rapids, South Dakota, to William and Virginia (Cronk) Entringer. He attended rural country school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1953. While in the service, he married Mary Ellen Saylor on June 18, 1955, at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Following Dale’s discharge in 1955, the couple lived most of their married life in the Dell Rapids and Baltic areas. Following Mary’s death on September 30, 1980, Dale moved to Sioux Falls.
Dale worked in law enforcement in Jasper, Minnesota, and Dell Rapids, until taking a job with John Morrell in Sioux Falls. He also worked security at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and was in the maintenance department at Southridge Nursing Home. After retiring, Dale kept busy with handyman work and small engine repair.
Dale was a member of the Sioux Falls American Legion, and was on the original crew that started the Dell Rapids Ambulance. He enjoyed going to rummage sales and feeding the squirrels, and loved picking on his grandkids and visiting with people.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Victoria McPherson, Lincoln, NE, Jeff (Debbie) Entringer, Sioux Falls, and Lori (Steve) Boeve, Baltic; special friend of 20+ years, LaDonnaSwier, Sioux Falls, and her family; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Gerald “Bud” (Barb) Entringer, Sioux Falls, Marv (Loretta) Entringer, Flandreau, and Diane (Wayne) Shjegstad, Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents; son: Dan, and Tim; and sisters: Judy Barker, and Shirley Larson.
minnehahafuneralhome.com
Scott P. Christensen
Scott P. Christensen passed away suddenly on March 12, 2013 at the age of 57. He was born on Oct. 7, 1955 in Vermillion, to Peter and Eleanor Christensen. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Vermillion High School in 1973. He attended college in Milford, NE, and received his Associates degree in Diesel Mechanics from Southeast Community College. After graduating, Scott moved to Rock Springs, WY where he has lived for the last 35 years. In 1983, he married Kelly Marvel who had a daughter, Amber. A son, Eric was born in 1984.
Scott worked as a Journeyman Field Mechanic and working foreman for 32 years with Bridger Coal. He was extremely active in the local chapter of the Western Energy Workers Union, formerly the United Boilermakers. He was also an active supporter of the United Way of Sweetwater County. Scott married his current wife Sandy (McGuire) Christensen on Nov. 17, 2005.
The thing Scott enjoyed most was spending time with his grandchildren and family. His many interests included camping, hunting, four wheeling, snowmobiling and woodworking. His latest project was a hovercraft.
Scott is survived by his wife, Sandy Christensen of Rock Springs, WY; two children, Eric Christensen, Amber Schwarzwalter, of Rock Springs, WY; three step-children, Tanya Hardin, and Steve Kiehm, both of Rock Springs, and John Lusch of Saratoga, WY; nine grandchildren, Brittanie Doan, Nathan and Ryan Lusch, Echo and Peyton Schwarzwalter, Damien and Daniel Spiers, and Dominic Hardin all of Rock Springs, as well as Jolie McGuire of Saratoga, WY. Scott is also survived by three siblings and their spouses, Judy and Jim Peters of Dell Rapids, David and Jacqueline Morris of Hernando Beach, FL, and Clark and Deb Christensen of Vermillion. Scott was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Eleanor Christensen.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 in Rock Springs, WY. A gathering to celebrate Scott’s life will be held in Vermillion, at the Eagles Club on Friday, April 5, 2013 from 4 to 6 p.m. All are welcome.
Edward C. Strenge
Edward C. Strenge, 70, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls. Edward was born July 14, 1942 to Carl and Pearl (Specht) Strenge in Chester, SD. He was raised in the Colman area and attended Galla County School. After school Edward worked as a farm hand and then owned a lawn service where he worked with his brother, Johnnie. He moved to the Dells Area Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in December 2012.
Edward is survived by his brother Johnnie, Dell Rapids, SD, and aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm Friday, March 29, 2013 at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau with burial in Union Cemetery, Flandreau. Visitation begins 11:00 am Friday at the chapel until service time.
Vera Goodale Bjorklund
Vera Bjorklund, age 87, of Howard, formerly of Madison, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Howard Good Samaritan Center at Howard. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. The Rev. Terry Knudson will officiate at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Orland, SD. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Public visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, Monday at the Randall Funeral Home with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Tuesday.
Vera Lavon Goodale was born February 16, 1926, at Dell Rapids, SD. She grew up in the communities of Dell Rapids, Colman, Rutland, Orland, Baltic, and Russell and Ruthton, MN.
On January 31, 1950, Vera married Dennis Bjorklund, at Pipestone, MN. later moving to a farm near Orland in Lake County. Together, she and Dennis farmed and raised their family. In addition to farm life, Vera worked at the Bethel Lutheran Home, North American Baptist Home (Golden Living), both in Madison, and the Odd Fellows Home in Dell Rapids. She and Dennis later moved to a home in Canova.
She was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church at Orland, SD.
Vera had most recently been a resident of the Howard Good Samaritan Center.
Those left to Cherish her memory are her children: Jim (Joyce) Bjorklund, Madison, SD; Pamela (Scott) Thompson, Doland, SD; Beverly (Brian) Kerierleber, Independence, IA; Denise Norman, Madison, SD; Roxie Draper, Canova, SD; 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and a sister Joyce (Don) Fargen, Bemidji, MN.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis in 1994, a son Bruce, two brothers and twin sisters in infancy.
Leo Gebhart
Leo J. Gebhart, 95, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the United Living Center in Brookings, SD. Leo was born in Dell Rapids on October 20, 1917 to George and Margaret (Lanners) Gebhart. He was educated at Elkton St. Mary’s School. He worked as a farm hand for several farmers and then R.S. Sweetman Farms. Leo married Matilda Klein on January 25, 1944 at Dell Rapids, SD and they started farming at Dell Rapids. They moved to the Elkton area in 1952 and farmed until they moved in to Elkton in 1981. His wife preceded him in death on November 23, 2000. Leo was devoted to his wife, children, and family as well as the Elkton community. Leo moved to Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in September of 2011. He really enjoyed his assisted living family. Leo was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church at Elkton where he served as an usher and was a member of the church board. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Elkton Knights of Columbus, NFO, Farmers Union, and served many years on the Alton Township Board. Leo loved farming, dancing, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful story teller and loved a good joke. Leo was a simple, common sense man who believed in playing fair and square with his neighbors and friends.
Leo is survived by his children, one son, John (Pat), Yankton, SD; 8 daughters, Mary (Bruce Moore), Beresford, SD; Rita (Bob Harming), Aurora, SD; Helen (Ron Beckwith), Midland, SD; Alice (Wayne Bramstedt), Harrisburg, SD; Grace (Marv Tofteland), Beaver Creek, MN; Rose (Allen Smit), Sioux Falls, SD; Monica (Ron Chase), Salem, SD; and Annette (Doug Stein), Aurora, SD; 37 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, one sister, Isabelle Short, Brookings, SD; 2 brothers, George (Anastasia) Gebhart, Elkton, SD; Richard, Elkton, SD; and many nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda; his parents, 3 sisters, 4 brothers, and one grandson, Andy Tofteland.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Friday, March 15, 2013 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation begins 4:00 pm Thursday at the church with a 7:00 pm scripture service.
Pauline Currier
Pauline Currier, age 73 of De Smet and formerly of Bancroft, died Wednesday, March 13 at the Good Samaritan Center in De Smet after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16 at the United Methodist Church in Iroquois, SD at 11:00 AM .Visitation will be at the church on Friday evening from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM.
Pauline is survived by her husband, Kenneth; one son Dale, (Wendy) Currier of De Smet; two daughters, Gayle (Mark) Larson of Iroquois and Lori (Mike) Baye of Dell Rapids; one daughter-in-law, Marilee (Ron) Rounds of Cavour; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Pauline is preceded in death by Leo and Leola Waeckerle, a son Daniel Currier, a sister JoAnn, and a grandson, Trenton Rounds.