Search Archived Marriage Records
LORRAINE KING
The funeral service for Lorraine B. King, 82, of Aberdeen, will be 10:00 am, Thursday, September 10, 2009, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Aberdeen with Pastor Hyle Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen. Lorraine died Sunday, September 6, 2009, at ManorCare Health Services, Aberdeen.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Lorraine Margaret Bertsch was born August 19, 1927 at Norris, SD to Otto & Edna (Schmidt) Bertsch. She grew up and attended school in Hot Springs, SD. After graduating from Hot Springs High School, she went on to attend Chillicothe Business School for two years.
On June 25, 1948, Lorraine married Wallace King at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, SD. To this union were added four children. Lorraine worked at the Hot Springs VA from 1946-1960. She worked for the Aberdeen School System for twenty-four years.
Lorraine was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing bridge, walking and sharing time with friends. Faithful friends provided love and support thoughout her entire life. Lorraine loved to travel and was a woman of faith. Her motto was “Attitude Is Everything,” which showed in her smile and upbeat and positive demeanor.
Grateful for having shared Lorraine’s life are her husband, Wallace, Aberdeen; children, Carolyn Kelly (Lyle) Haselhorst, Wecota, SD; Ronald (Marilyn) King, Clinton, IN; Kathryn (Dell) Petersen, Rapid City, SD; Dianna (Gary) Kopetsby, Frederick; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sisters, Peggy, Betty; brother, Bruce.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one great grandson.
Family prefers memorials to South Dakota District (Main Street Living), PO Box 89110, Sioux Falls, SD 57109-9110.
GWENYTH I. JOHNSON
The funeral service for Gwenyth I. Johnson, 85, of Aberdeen, SD, will be 2:00pm, Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at Salvation Army Chapel with Captain Michael Cripe officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park, Aberdeen. Gwen died Saturday, September 5, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.
Visitation will be from 1-7pm, Tuesday, September 8, with family present from 5-7pm, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen.
Gwenyth Ivy Brown was born in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar on August 27, 1924 to Thomas and Rosetta (Hayter) Brown. Although their home was Portsmouth, England, Tom was a Tugmaster, whose duties required him to travel, sometimes taking his family for months or several years at a time. When Gwen was 15 months old, they moved from Gibraltar back to England.
When Gwen was five years old, the family joined her father in Hong Kong. It was there at age eight that Gwen contracted polio which affected the use of her left arm and hand for a lifetime. Before she was nine, they moved back to England, where Gwen received treatment for two years. At age 11, she attended the Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital and School for nine months of therapy, two operations and schooling. Although this was a difficult time, it was with fondness she spoke of memories of that experience.
When Gwen was 15, she and her mom had just gone to join her father in Gibraltar to live for a time, but Italy had just entered WWII, and women and children were evacuated immediately from Gibraltar. Gwen and her mother returned to England.
Gwen and her family were directly affected by WWII. At age 17 she volunteered as an Air Raid Warden at Portsmouth. She recalled the horror of the bombings and the hardship and devastation of war.
In 1944 Gwen met an American G.I. whose platoon was accidentally stationed in Portsmouth, England. Harold Johnson (known to those in England as “Johnnie”) was from Quinn, SD. After a short courtship, his unit was shipped to northern France three weeks later.
After Harold was granted the only furlough available in his platoon, he and Gwen were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Church in Portsmouth on July 11, 1945. Eight days later he was shipped back to France, and then back to America.
Gwen left her English homeland and hometown, Portsmouth (a naval seaport) for U.S. soil and the South Dakota prairie. She arrived in America on April 1, 1946. She became a U.S. citizen, but her heart embraced England and the sea her entire life. She only was able to return once in 1973, the year before her father died. Harold (known as “Jack” to family and friends in the U.S.) and Gwen made their first home in Quinn, SD for awhile and then moved to Rapid City, where their three daughters were born.
In 1958 Harold was in a serious car accident that left him disabled for a time. As owner of Harold’s Texaco, he was unable to continue his job. Through rehabilitation, he went back to school at Black Hills State College (University) in Spearfish, where the family lived for a year. They returned to Rapid City, and in 1961 moved to northeastern South Dakota where Harold was a music director at various high schools. The family lived in Doland, Huron, and Cresbard, before making Aberdeen their home in the fall of 1965. Harold, Gwen and Shelley lived in Mobridge for a year. Through many moves, Gwen always made humble apartments and houses “home” to her family.
Harold retired in 1982. He died on July 5, 1991. Three years later, Gwen moved to Homestead Apartments.
Gwen attended the Salvation Army Church, where she was commissioned as a “soldier” in 1996. Dora and Sue Grewe and their family were among her dearest friends. She was active in Women’s Ministry, Corps Council, Community Caring Ministries to nursing home residents through music and devotions, and had previously helped in the food pantry, and with Sunday School and “Jr. Church.”
Until experiencing major loss of vision, Gwen was an avid reader (mostly Christian literature) and enjoyed finding and sharing devotions. She loved music (Christian, Show Tunes, and Big Band especially). For many years she played piano for enjoyment (one-handed, “by ear”). She loved to knit. All her grandchildren enjoyed hand knit sweaters, Christmas stockings, and toys. Over the years she took care of her grandchildren when needed. Each has special memories of their “Nana”. Gwen and Harold enjoyed rod and reel fishing in simple fishing spots near Aberdeen, and enjoyed fishing at the Missouri River when they lived in Mobridge.
Grateful for having shared Gwen’s life are her daughters, Beverly Walberg, Barbara Walker, Aberdeen and Shelley Buechler, Sioux Falls, grandchildren Michelle Chesmore, and fiancé, Steve Rauscher, Michael Walberg, Matthew Walberg, Aberdeen, Melissa (Peter) Brulle, Sioux Falls, Laura (Alan) Coulter, Todd Walker, Joel Walker and fiancé Sara Gomez, Elk Grove, CA, and Shaun (Katie) Snyder, Denver, CO, great grandchildren, Ethan Chesmore, Abigail Walberg, Hannah Walberg, Hadassah Walberg, Aberdeen, Gracelyn Brulle, Sioux Falls, Daniel Coulter, Travis Walker, and Daniella Walker, Elk Grove, CA, sister, Kathleen (Kay) Whayman, Cornwall, England, nephews, Bob & Mike Whayman and families.
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas & Rosetta Brown, sister, Marjorie Rose Brown (age one year), husband, Harold Johnson, and son-in-law, Kenneth Walberg.
CAROL HAWKINS
Funeral services for Carol Ann Milbrandt Hawkins will be held at First Baptist Church of Aberdeen on Saturday, November 28th at 10:30 AM with Dr. Harold E. Salem officiating. Interment will follow at the Mellette Cemetery. Carol passed away on Friday, November 20, 2009 at Helena , MT.
Visitation will be from 1-7 pm, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home,
1111 S. Main St. on Friday, November 27 with family present from 5-7.
Her life was truly a testimony to who she was. She was a devoted wife,
mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend. Carol’s life
centered around her family; she was known for never forgetting an anniversary
or birthday and even keeping record of the years for each. Even with the
advent of technology, Carol continued to be the family letter writer. Those
greetings will be dearly missed.
Carol Ann Milbrandt was born on January 1, 1945, in Aberdeen, SD to Lloyd and
Doris Milbrandt. She was one of five children. She lived her early life in
Aberdeen, graduating from Central High School in 1963. On February 19, 1966,
she was united in marriage to Terry Donald Hawkins at the First Baptist Church
of Aberdeen by Rev. Harold E. Salem. Following their marriage, Terry and
Carol lived at Mellette, SD. This union was blessed with three children:
Carmen, Todd, and Becky. Following orders from the US Army, Carol and
Terry later made their home in Helena, MT and St. Paul, MN before returning to
Clancy, MT, near Helena.
While living in Helena Carol worked at Carroll College in the food service
department. After moving back to Clancy Carol worked at the Clancy School
making many life long friends at both.
Besides always taking an active role in her children’s endeavors, Carol was a
45 year member of the First Baptist Church, a member of the Mellette Extension
Club for many years and The 159th Support Group, an organization that
supported the families, such as her own, who had loved ones serving in Desert
Storm. She was recognized for her dedication to this group. Carol was also a
34 year member of the Mellette American Legion Auxiliary. Carol was an avid
bowler on various teams in South Dakota and Montana.
Grateful for having shared Carol’s life are her loving and devoted husband, Terry; cherished children: son, Todd and Wendi Hawkins, Ithaca, NY; daughter, Becky Hawkins, Aberdeen, SD; and treasured granddaughter, Delaney Carolyn Hawkins of Ithaca.
Other survivors include: sisters, Joan (Ron) Sonnenfeld and Jean Hughes;
mother-in-law, Ruby Hawkins; aunt, Lola Pautsch; sisters-in-law: Mrs. Norma
(Don) Dennert, Mary Hawkins-Fischer, and Sherry Wanko, and many nieces and
nephews and their families.
Carol was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Carmen; her parents, Doris
and Lloyd Milbrandt in 2008, her grandparents, and two brothers, Byron (Butch)
Milbrandt, and Charles Milbrandt, KIA in Vietnam and three brothers-in-law,
Jack Hughes, Terry Fischer and Bernie Wanko.
A Celebration of Life service was also held at Clancy Methodist Church in
Clancy, MT, on Tuesday, November 24th at 4PM.
Memorials can be sent to Becky Hawkins at 827 S High St, Aberdeen, S.D. 57401.
ROYAL “BUD” WOOD
Funeral service for Royal J. “Bud” Wood, 87, of Warner, SD, will be 10:00 am, Saturday, November 28, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, at Aberdeen. The Pastor Jeff Whillock will officiate. Burial will be in Warner Township Cemetery at Warner. Royal died Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Camellia Gardens in Slidell, LA.
Visitation will be 12pm-5pm, Friday with a prayer service at 5pm at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen.
Royal J. Wood, son of James L. and Esther C. (Rehfeld) Wood, was born on March 28, 1922 at Warner. This is where he was raised and attended school. He grew up helping on the family farm and at the age of 18 began working as an auctioneer at Hub City Livestock at Aberdeen. Following his high school graduation, Royal enrolled at Northern Normal, currently Northern State University at Aberdeen. At a young age he took over the family farming operation and continued making his home at Warner.
He was united in marriage to Dorothy M. Lowitz on June 15, 1947 at Aberdeen. They began making their home on a farm near Warner where they lived for many years and raised their four children. During this time he continued his families farming operation as well as working as an auctioneer.
In 1966 he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives where he served the people of South Dakota for 26 years, making him one of the longest serving Representatives in South Dakota history. During his time as Representative, Royal was a member of the Legislative Research Council Executive Board, serving as Vice Chairman twice during the years of 1977-1978 and 1985-1986. He served as Assistant Majority Leader from 1975-1976 as well as Speaker Pro Tempore from 1987-1988. He was also chosen as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1989-1990. It was during this time when he acted as Governor for one day while both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor were out of the state.
Bud was well known and respected by those who knew him. For many years he was one of the area’s most recognizable auctioneers, working at many of the area’s livestock auctions, mentoring many of the area’s younger auctioneers who followed in Bud’s successful footsteps in the auction industry. During his time as representative, he served as Chairman of the Local Government Study Commission as well as the Agriculture and National Resource Committee. He was a past Chairman of the Local Government Standing Committee and also worked on the Presidential Task Force for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush. He was member of South Dakota Wheat Growers, the Warner Elevator Board and a past member of the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Warner. For many years Bud and his wife acted as caretakers of the Warner Township Cemetery. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Aberdeen.
Bud loved his life on the farm and treasured his political career. He will be remembered by many for his countless hours spent in public service. He enjoyed tinkering in his spare time, especially on his Fiat, which was used as his campaign vehicle for many years.
Grateful for having shared Bud’s life are one son, James (Deborah) Wood of Warner, three daughters, Bonnie Wood of Watertown, SD, Peggy Kalt of Aberdeen and Amy (Ralph) Price of Slidell, LA, grandsons Dan (Stephanie) Wood, Barry (Paige) Wood, Andrew Wood, Jody (Mandie) Kalt, Jeremy Kalt, Bradley Kalt, Ralph Price IV, Luke Price and Eli Price, granddaughters Kristin (Jon) Mernaugh, Lisa Kalt and Mikayla Price, great grandsons Zachary Wood, Parker Wood, Griffin Kalt, Mason Mernaugh, great granddaughters Regan Wood and Jaelee Mernaugh, and three sisters, Carolyn Gardner, Beverly (Virgil) Christensen and Ramona Keller.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters.
Honorary Casket Bearers will be Senator John Thune, Senator James Abdnor, Governor Bill Janklow, Lt. Governor Walter Dale Miller, Lee Schoenbeck, Vern Larson, Syd Mortenson, Tom Hopper and Ralph Killen.
Casket Bearers will be all of Bud’s grandchildren.
Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home of Aberdeen is in charge of arrangements.
CINDY LOU (SCHAEFFER) HERMANS
The service for Cindy Lou (Schaeffer) Hermans, 50, Aberdeen, will be 10:30am, Monday, November 23, 2009, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Hyle Anderson officiating. Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post 24 will provide Military Honors. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. Cindy died Wednesday, November 18, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital.
Visitation will be from 4-7pm, Sunday at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St. Aberdeen.
Cindy Lou Schaeffer was born on September 5, 1959 to Melvin and Elvera Schaeffer in Aberdeen, SD. After graduating from Aberdeen Central High School in 1977, Cindy was proud to have followed in her father’s footsteps as a true patriot in the US Army. During that time, Cindy married William A. Hermans and they became proud parents of Jessica Hermans, born September 1, 1982. Cindy was most proud of her daughter and that she graduated with a BS degree in Child, Family, Social Services. She was also proud of her family and friends.
Cindy had a beautiful smile that could light up a room. She often shared memories of her cat and, after she fell ill, her motorized scooter “Studly”. Cindy enjoyed spending time with her friends. She loved playing card games and especially liked bingo.
Cindy accepted Jesus as her Savior and is now walking the streets of gold in Heaven with Dad…no more wheelchair, no more crutches, no more walker. She touched us all in a special way. Cindy made many friends over the years…she will be missed. She wants you all to remember some of her favorite scripture: John 14:6 and John 8:12.
Grateful for having shared Cindy’s life are her mother, Elvera Schaeffer, of Aberdeen, daughter, Jessica Hermans, of Houma, LA, son, Joshua, brothers, Steven (LaVonne) Schaeffer, of Warner, SD, Bob (DeAnn) Schaeffer, of Aberdeen, sister, Judy Ulrich, of Aberdeen, brother-in-law, Dale Ulrich, of Aberdeen, thirteen nieces and nephews, one great nephew, and numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her father and grandparents.
Michael Wolf
The memorial service for Michael “Mick” Wolf, 47, Aberdeen, will be 2 pm, Saturday November 21st, 2009 at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Java SD. Mick was born in Claremore, OK. Mick died Thursday November 12, 2009 at Manor Care Health Services in Aberdeen, SD.
Michael “Mick” Wolf was born April 21, 1962 to Marlin & Janice Wolf. Mick had 3 sisters and 6 brothers. Prior to Mick moving to Aberdeen, he lived with his family in Java, SD.
He was employed through the Adjustment Training Center, Aberdeen, most recently doing custodial work at City Hall, the Aberdeen Police Department, the Lakewood Mall, Schwan Financial, and the Adjustment Training Center. He was previously employed with 3M. Mick loved to work and hated missing work. He was dedicated to his job and co-workers and built many close relationships with coworkers and neighbors. Mick also enjoyed his phone calls with his family, especially with his Dad and spending time with the family that lived near him.
Mick loved fishing, especially for catfish. He enjoyed watching WWE wrestling, college football and basketball, and playing video games. Mick also enjoyed riding his limo (bike) all around town. Mike was a great cook and cooked for many. He was a friendly, easygoing, helpful, and simple man. Mick left a lasting impression on many people throughout his lifetime and he will be greatly missed by many.
Mick was preceded in death by his mother, Janice and his brother Marc.
