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LYDIA PIETZ
On Sunday, July 27, 2008, surrounded by her family, Lydia’s spirit left her for a better place. The last eight months of her life were a testament of her will.
The service for Lydia Pietz, 101 years, 6 months and 13 days will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at the Plymouth Congregational UCC. Pastor Richard Fylling will be officiating.
Visitation will be from 1-7pm, Tuesday, with family present from 5-7pm and a prayer service at 7pm at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen.
Lydia Gutjahr was born on January 14, 1907 in Hosmer, SD to Jacob & Eva (Stotz) Gutjahr. She grew up and attended school in this area.
In 1929, she attended Redfield College, and later went to Parsons College in Fairfield, IA and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
Lydia married Rev. Emil Pietz on July 10, 1932, in Hosmer, SD. They served churches in Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Colorado, where she taught Sunday School, Christian education, and Vacation Bible School for fifteen years. Lydia also served as the church secretary.
In 1966 she moved to Ft. Leavenworth, KS, where Emil was a Rehabilitation Counselor for the U.S. Discipline Barracks. Lydia worked as a clerk at the Dorothy Dress Shop. Retiring in October of 1973, they moved to Aberdeen. Her beloved Emil passed away July 4, 1975.
Lydia was a member of Plymouth Congregational UCC, Women’s Fellowship, and May Flower Circle. She served as a Deaconess for many years. Lydia was also a member of Traveler’s Club, St. Luke’s Hospital Auxillary, and Aberdeen Christian Woman’s Club. She volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Manor Care Alzheimer’s Unit. Lydia always felt blessed when visiting shut-ins, nursing homes, and friends. She enjoyed traveling abroad, especially the Holy Lands, and had visited every state within the U.S. Lydia also loved reading, walking, crocheting, knitting, making items for church Bazaars, and playing her organ. Her happiest times were being with Sharon and her family.
Blessed for having shared Lydia’s life is her daughter, Sharon and son-in-law Terry Thompson, of Shreveport, LA; granddaughters, Bridgett Thompson, of Denver, CO; Natilee Thompson, Dallas, TX; grandson, Rhett Thompson, Dallas, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob & Eva; husband, Emil; granddaughter, Emilee; brothers; Johann, Jacob, John, Christian, Phillip, Edward, Arthur, sisters; Magdalena Forkel, Eva Schaible, Maria Klein and Rose Hausauer.
Thank you to her gentle and loving caregivers. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Kahn, Mary Beth, Jo, Dr. James MacDougall and Brian Ermer, P.A. of Orthopedic Surgery Specialist and Kurt Reder of Hearing Care Professionals, Inc.
Lydia leaves behind a legacy of loving memories for a family that adored her.
THOMAS “TOM” C. MORGAN
The funeral service for Tom Morgan, 65, Aberdeen, will be 2:00pm, Monday, July 28, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Eldon Reich officiating and Military Honors by Sydney L. Smith Post #24. Tom died Wednesday, July 23, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, from injuries he received in a motorcycle accident.
Visitation is 2-7pm, Sunday, July 27, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen, with family present from 5-7.
Thomas Charles Morgan was born on February 16, 1943 in Worthington, MN to William and Dorothy (Paine) Morgan. Growing up, he spent most of his years in Worthington and Omaha, NE. Throughout his childhood and youth, Tom excelled at playing the baritone horn, singing, and cultivating what would become a lifelong passion for cars and motorcycles. He attended nursing school at Nebraska Methodist College and anesthesia school at Creighton University in Omaha. Tom worked as a nurse anesthetist in Fargo, ND from 1978 to 1990 and at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital from 1990 until his retirement in February of 2008. He enjoyed his job, his coworkers, and providing for his family.
Tom married Sharon Kaye Gabrielson on May 21, 1965 and was a caring and devoted husband to her until her death in 2003.
Tom was a respected veteran of two wars: The Vietnam War, where he served as a nurse in a medical unit, and The Persian Gulf War, where he served as a nurse anesthetist as part of the 311th Evac Unit of the Army Reserves. His commitment to serving his country never wavered.
Tom will be remembered forever as a man of integrity, generosity, and perseverance. He was quick to offer assistance to those who needed it, and he supported multiple charities. His life reflected hard work, commitment, and honesty. He was a natural caretaker, who loved and took care of his wife throughout her long battle with multiple sclerosis and several strokes. Tom loved talking about, fixing, and looking at anything with wheels, including cars, motorcycles, campers, ATVs, and trailers. His vast knowledge of vehicles will be missed by his family members and friends, who often turned to him for advice about their cars. His favorite past time was riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed camping, reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with his family. Tom had a funny, dry sense of humor and numerous trademark “one-liners” that made those close to him laugh.
Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church of Aberdeen, Freedom Riders motorcycle club, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
The family prefers memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Avera Mother Joseph Manor, and Davis Court Apartments.
Grateful for having shared Tom’s life are his daughters: Stacey (Kim) Lang of Rothsay, Minnesota, Amy (Scott) Van Den Einde of Winger, Minnesota, and Sara (Tony) Docan-Morgan of La Crescent, Minnesota; six grandsons: Cole Lang, Landon Lang, Jordan Van Den Einde, Dylan Van Den Einde, Brandon Van Den Einde, and Ryan Van Den Einde; one brother: Dave (Bonnie) Morgan of Mandeville, LA; sisters-in-law, Joanne (Dave) Wendl of Carroll, IA, and Linda Curnyn (Brad Scott), of Denison, IA, many friends; and his significant other, Diana Hayes of Aberdeen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Morgan of Aberdeen, his father, Bill Morgan of Aberdeen, and his mother, Dorothy Morgan of Aberdeen. Through his relationships with his family and friends, Tom leaves a legacy of love that will always be remembered.
ALEXANDER “ALEX” BICHLER
The memorial service for Alexander “Alex” Bichler, 77, Leola, will be 2:00pm, Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen with Pastor Erik Swanson of St. James Lutheran Church, Leola, officiating. Alex died Thursday, July 24, at his home in Leola.
Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.
Alexander Bichler was born on September 28, 1930 at Linton, ND to Jacob & Catherine (Reinbold) Bichler. In 1952 he moved with his parents to Rapid City, where he worked at a State Cement Plant, Peter Keywood Construction, and in Homestake Mine. Alex then ran his own painting business until his retirement in 2001.
In November of 1955 he married Helen Murphy.
In 1978 he married his second wife, Ella Kolb. They lived in Aberdeen until her death.
Alex was a past member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and a current member of St. James Lutheran Church, Leola. He was Governor of Aberdeen Moose Lodge #590, where he was a lifetime member.
Grateful for having shared Alex’s life are his daughter, Helen M. Miles, Leola; two grandsons, Chase Miles, Leola; Benn Miles, Aberdeen; sister, Barbra Schwan, WI; numerous relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; second wife; three brothers; sister; son; step daughter, and two nephews.
Verna O. Sonnenfeld
A memorial service for Verna O. Sonnenfeld, 87, of Aberdeen will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Aberdeen with Pastor Marcia Sylvester officiating. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Aberdeen. Verna died on Saturday, July 19, at her home.
Visitation will be at Zion Lutheran Church at 9:30 am Tuesday, July 22.
Verna O. Herrboldt was born December 31, 1920 to Edwin and Olga Herrboldt at Hosmer,SD. After completing high school, Verna and Melvin J. Sonnenfeld, were married on December 31, 1940 at Hosmer,SD.
Verna loved playing music and was the organist at St. John Lutheran Church in Hosmer,SD and at the Lutheran Church in Philip, SD. She also worked as a nurses aide for a period of time at the Philip hospital and as an aide for the South Dakota State School For The Blind And Visually Impaired.
Verna was a long time member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. She taught Sunday School to the 3-5 year old children and loved being part of Zion’s afternoon ladies group. Aside from being a homemaker Verna enjoyed doing yard work, gardening and raising flowers.
Grateful for having shared Verna’s life are her children, Thomas (Joyce) Sonnenfeld, Sioux Falls,SD; Sandra Stewart, Salt Lake City, UT; Karen (Kurt) Clausen, Waubay,SD; brothers Arnold (Arlene) Herrboldt, Hosmer, SD; Gordon (Neoma) Herrboldt, Richfield,MN; sisters Irma Herrboldt, Aberdeen,SD; Lora (Ray) Holzworth, Edina,MN; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and one niece.
PATSEY ELLIOTT
A Memorial service for Patsey E. Elliott, 51, Ipswich will be 7 pm, Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, Aberdeen. Patsey moved on to be with the Lord, Monday, July 7, 2008 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.
Patsey Ella Elliott was born on October 30, 1957 in California. She was a woman known for her kind heart and motherly love. She left behind several of recovering friends who she was so grateful for at the Yellow House in Aberdeen. Many may remember Patsey from the company she kept and favorite place to shop, Salvation Army.
Grateful for having shared Patsey’s life are her son, Mark W. Beeghly, 35, Sioux Falls, SD; Patsey was not married, however, much love goes to a dear friend and companion, Mr. Max Eichinger, Aberdeen. Take “One day at a time”.
THERESA SPITZER
Funeral Service for Theresa Spitzer, 72, Eureka will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Eureka with Pastor Lloyd Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Eureka. Theresa died on Wednesday, July 16 at the Aberdeen Health & Rehab.
Visitation will be from 2-7pm, Friday, at Lien-Straub Funeral Home in Eureka, SD. Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family prefers memorials.
Theresa Geffre was born on March 27, 1936 at Zeeland, ND to Joseph and Kathryn (Braunagel) Geffre. This is the area where she grew up and attended school. At the age of sixteen she moved to Bismarck, ND where she worked at the hospital for two years. She then moved to Oakes, ND where she worked at the café. On January 6, 1956 she married Ruben “Tom” Spitzer at Havanna, ND. They made their home in Eureka and later moved to Rapid City, SD where they lived for two years. In 1963 they moved back to Eureka and purchased the café which they named “Tom’s Place”. Theresa continued working there until May 7, 2008, when she was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to retire.
Theresa was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Eureka. She loved doing crafts and sewing. She was a great cook and loved baking. She loved her grandchildren and was honored to be a great grandmother.
Grateful for having shared Theresa’s life are her husband, Ruben “Tom” Spitzer, Aberdeen, children, Tom (Lisa) Lapka of Chanhassen, MN, and his children, Billy and Annie Lapka, Jeffrey (Carol) Spitzer of Watertown, SD and their children, David (Tabitha) Spitzer and their children, Jesse and Jayson, Thomas Spitzer, Kathy Spitzer, Kevin (Michele) Spitzer of Aberdeen and their children, Krystina and Danielle Spitzer, sister, Tillie Lacher, Tacoma, WA.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Kathryn Geffre, brothers, Eugene, Tony, Al, Ben, Leo, Pius, Baldwin, and Joe, sister, Ramona Jochim.
CARL (CARLIE) NILSSON
The service for Carl (Carlie) Nilsson, 90, Bath will be 10 am, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at United Church of Christ, Columbia with Pastor Sheila Apland-Ottenbacher officiating. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Columbia. Carlie died on Monday, July 14 at his home.
Visitation will be from 1-7 pm, Wednesday at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen with a prayer service at 7.
Carl “Carlie” Nilsson was born January 12, 1918 to Nils & Emma Nilsson on the family farm near Columbia, SD. He received his education at Davis Country School, Bath, SD. When Carlie was fourteen years old, he took over the family farm
Carlie married Shirley Rathert on June 16, 1950, in Columbia. His love for farming never stopped. He went from driving four horses to four wheel drive. Carlie continued to farm even after open heart surgery in 1982. He continued to stay involved with the farm by riding with Dave in the tractor or truck whenever he could. He also enjoyed going for parts and bringing “lunch” to the guys daily.
Carlie had a warm heart and a friendly smile for everyone. He cherished his time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carlie enjoyed family holidays and gatherings, his most recent being his 90th birthday party.
He was a member of United Church of Christ, Columbia, where he was also a church deacon. Carlie loved farming, watching Twins baseball games, and taking lunch to Dave.
Grateful for having shared Carlie’s life are his wife, Shirley Nilsson; children, Shirleen (Steve) Roti, Wessington Springs; Judy (Terry) Thompson, Groton; Lori (Wayne) Buechler, Aberdeen; David (Connie) Nilsson, Bath; Tracy Anderson, Watertown; grandchildren, Michelle Virgina; Tara (Adam) Larson; Carli Jo Olson; Jen (Bob) Lessinger; Mark (June) Thompson; Jackie Garstecki; Dawn Buechler; Lisa Buechler; Lee Buechler; Logan Nilsson; Alexa Nilsson; Amber Anderson; Becky Anderson; Mitch Anderson; great grandchildren, Hayden; Haylie; Mayce; Sonya; Noah; Griffin; Quinn; Turner; Jackson; and Kebraea.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elmer; Ernest; Harv; Herb; Harold; sisters Mae Larson; and Ann Oster.
RUBEN AMAN
The service for Ruben Aman, 85, Aberdeen, will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor James Clarke officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors by Sydney L. Smith Post 24. Ruben died Sunday, July 13, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.
The family prefers memorials to the American Cancer Society, 525 5th St. SE #4, Watertown, SD 57201
Visitation will be from 1-7pm, Wednesday at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen.
Ruben Aman was born on May 23, 1923 at Eureka, SD to Emanuel & Margaret (Hieb) Aman. He attended Hillsview School, south of Eureka. Ruben worked on the family farm until adulthood when he entered the U.S. Army.
Ruben married Irene Christine Brandner on November 23, 1942. After his honorable discharge, they farmed until 1952, when they moved to Seattle, WA where he was employed with Silver Eagle Trucking for several years. They returned to Aberdeen where he became employed with Hyman Trucking for twenty-five years, retiring in 1985. His wife, Irene, died on June 15, 1991. Ruben continued to make Aberdeen his home.
Ruben was a member of Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post #24.
Grateful for having shared Ruben’s life are his children, Jerome (Patricia) Aman, Senden, Germany; Sandra (Gary) Moran, Fargo, ND; Vicki (Joseph) Primrose, Edwardsville, IL; grandchildren, Eric Moran; Anna (Aage) Bendiksen; Lance (Susie) Rieger; Paul (Kathryn) Primrose; Chad (Melissa) Rieger; great grandchildren, Johan, Jacob, Josh, & Danielle; brother, Herbert (Virginia) Aman; sisters, Rose Wolff; Frances Wolff; Jean Forkel; and special friend, Delores Kumpf.
He is preceded in death by his parents and wife.
ALBIN “Al” SWANSON
Albin “Al” Swanson, 86, of Aberdeen passed away Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Manor Care Health Services.
A celebration of life will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday July 14, 2008 at Plymouth Congregational Church with the Rev. Richard Fylling officiating.
Burial of his ashes will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the Sydney L. Smith Post No. 24.
Albin was born June 26, 1922 to Otto and Pruella Mae (Van Houton) Swanson at Northville, SD. The family moved to Aberdeen when Albin was six years old where he attended school and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1940. Albin joined the SD National Guard in 1936 and served with the 147th Field Artillery from 1941 – 1945, in Australia and New Guinea.
Al Married Anita Martens September 4, 1949 and raised two children Gregg and Marcia. Anita died July 6, 1978. Al worked at the Equitable Life Insurance Co., the Pillsbury Co. from 1952 – 1963, where he traveled North and South Dakota and America, and Hardware Mutual Insurance Co. until he retired in 1984.
Al married Bernice Kelley on June 3, 1982. He spent his retirement traveling in his fifth wheel RV and fishing. Al was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing the Missouri River, and in Canada and Alaska. He also was a baseball fan and worked on the Legion Baseball Committee. He was a member of the Last Man’s Club, the American Legion, the VFW, the DAV, the Elks Club, the Moose and The Masons #38.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children; Gregg Swanson, Berkeley, CA, Marcia Swanson, Minneapolis, MN; wife Bernice, Aberdeen; brother Maynard (Beverly) Swanson, Los Osos, CA.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Pruella Mae, his first wife Anita; two brothers, Orlin and Alvertis Swanson; and one sister Una (Swanson) Porter.
Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.
