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Grace Viola (Brown) Jamerson
Zinka La To Wi
(Blue Bird Woman)
Funeral services for Grace Jamerson, age 91, of Little Eagle will be Saturday, November 21 at 2 PM, CT at the Messiah Church in Little Eagle, viewing will start at 12 PM, CT at the church. There will be a visitation Friday, at 5 PM, at the Blue Gym in Little Eagle, prayer service starting at 7 PM. Burial
will be at the Messiah Cemetery under the direction of the Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Grace passed away Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Golden Living Center in Mobridge.
Grace Viola (Brown) Jamerson was born on March 12, 1918 along the Grand River to Charles Brown and Cecelia One Bull. During her childhood years she attended the Little Oak Creek Day School, went to a boarding school in Santee, Nebraska and returned home to go to school in McLaughlin where she graduated the 8th grade. She did go on to the 9th grade but could not complete her high school years because of the death of her dad, she had to quit school and stay home to help care for her younger siblings. During her teen years she was given the title; Miss America 1932 and was also one of the Princesses to help unveil the Monument at the Memorial Celebration on July 26, 1934 in Little Eagle. She then met and married Theron Kingsley (Big Bud) Jamerson in McIntosh, SD, and from this union (6) boys were born: Theron Jr., Joseph, James, Theron Everette, Frank, and Kenneth. Grace was a strong believer in her spirituality; she went to church every Sunday at her Congregational Church at Messiah. She loved her Lakota Hymns and had the most strong and beautiful voice in her group. Grace use to tell us that she was a very hard worker; she worked for everything that she had. She lived through the Depression Era. She used to say that there were no such things as cars during that time; she had to go every where by Team and Wagon. There were times that she had to even walk and times it would be cold, but it had to be done. She loved to ride horses and even had to help make fence. She like to go hunting, make dry meat, did her own canning. She really loved to plant her big gardens in the summer and go berry picking and make her jellies and dry fruit. She really loved to tell her childhood stories and when she spoke, everyone would be quiet to listen. She shared many adventures and history with her family and grandchildren. She spoke of her Lakota Values and was active in her Sitting Bull Sundance’s. She always gave a helping hand to many who came to her. She helped out where it was needed, weather it was her family, friends, even strangers who became her friend. She shared what she had for pow-wows, Sundance’s, and her Big Camp Meetings. Those who came to her house to visit would never leave hungry, she offered what she had. She was named a Gold Star Mother after the death of her youngest son, Kenny. This was an Honor. She was a Cook for the Old Little Eagle Day School for many years; she went on to retire after the death of her husband in 1981. During her retirement she liked to play Bingo, go to the Casino, and in her spare time make all types of Star Blankets. She was always making a blanket for some occasion. She liked it when her family would gather for a birthday or holiday meal; always smiling and happy when everyone was together. She looked forward to having her Niece come and visit. Her spirit was a happy one, and when times were hard, she would take it to the Lord. Always saying, don’t give in health around the summer months. She needed constant care, it was a hard decision, but her boys had to put her in the Care Center. She resided there up until the time of her passing. Grace had her family around her when she left us peacefully. She was loved by many and she will be greatly missed.
Grace is survived by her sons; Joseph and Frank of Little Eagle, and Everette of McLaughlin. She also left 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great granddaughters, one brother, Sylvan Charles Brown, numerous nieces and nephews: Cecelia Rose Tenoso of Corralas, NM, Della Brown of Rapid City, Ina Brown McNeil of New York, Issac Dog Eagle Jr. of Little Eagle, Eillen Brown of McLaughlin, and special companion, her pet Curly Jo.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Theron (Big Bud) Jamersonl her songs, Theron Jr., Kenneth, and James, her parents, Charles and Cecelia, her sisters, Lillian Brown and Ernestine Chasing Hawk, her brother Edwin Brown, Sr., one great grandson Dustin Wilkenson, and one niece Mary Lynn (Brown) Hayes.
Barbara Freeman Left-Hand
Funeral services for Barbara Freeman Left Hand, age 47, of Kenel will be at 1 PM CT, Wednesday at the Catholic Church of Assumption in Kenel. Fr. Tony Grossenburg and Fr. Jim Hoerter will be officiating. Burial will be at the Left Hand Family Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. An all night wake will start at 5 PM with a Scriptural Wake Service at 7 PM CT at the Church Tuesday. Barbara passed away Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.
Barbara Lee Freeman was born on February 3, 1962 to Pard and Irene (Collins) Freeman in Faith, SD. She grew up near Red Scaffold and attended school at Red Scaffold and the White Swan Country School. She went to high school in Sturgis. At the age of 17 Barbara attended college to be an LPN in Rapid City. Following graduation she worked at the VA Hospital in Sturgis. In 1981 her son, Loren Freeman (Chihawk) was born. In 1987 she moved to Stevensville, MT to attended University of Montana and received her RN degree. In 1993 she moved to Owyhee, NV and worked as an RN at the Duck Valley IHS. In 1998 she started working at the Phoenix IHS. She moved back to the Duck Valley Reservation and worked as the school nurse at the Owyhee combined schools. In 2000 Barbara returned to Sturgis to care for her mother who was terminally ill till her passing. She worked at the Rosebud IHS in 2001, the Eagle Butte IHS in 2002 before starting work at the Standing Rock Elementary school nurse. She remained there until the time of her diagnosis in April of 2009. In 2003 She married Delyle Left Hand and made her home at the Left Hand Ranch.
She was a member of the Grand River Boys and Girls Club, a mentor for Wo Lakota and a member of the Great Plains Horse Society. She was a Co-Founder and President for the Brave Horse Society. She was a volunteer to numerous children throughout the community and mentor to them in horse culture. She loved being outdoors, and enjoyed
camping, fishing, hunting and river rafting. She also enjoyed gardening, riding, cooking on a wood stove, and researching family genealogy. Throughout her life she was always one to help take care of the elderly. It started when she was 16 and worked at a nursing home and was something she continued to do in every community that she went to. She loved her animals, including her dogs and horses and especially “Ketchup” and “Pickles”. Barbara enjoyed a good laugh and making jokes. She will always be known as a guardian angel to all children.
She is survived by her husband, Delyle Left Hand of Kenel, son, Loren (Amy) Freeman of Mobridge, grandchildren, Debra, Dylan and Eddie, step daughter Clay Brook, sisters, Jeannette (Jerome) Freeman of Tijeras, NM, Jodie (Tom Sr.) Freeman of Kenel, and Christine Freeman of Angel Fire, NM, brother, Jess Jones of Rapid City, special nieces and nephews, Jera Freeman, Teddy Strongheart Lopez, Tucson Baker, Tom Levering Baker, Ian Freeman, Toby Left Hand and Chubs Left Hand.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Casketbearers will be Teddy Strongheart Lopez, Tom Baker Sr., Denver Baker, Brian Swiftcloud, Richard Long Feather, Dana Yellow Fat, Kirby St. John, Cass Gayton, Mike Faith, Virgil Taken Alive, and Phillip Bird Horse.
Honorary Bearers will be all Barbara’s friends and family which is to numerous to mention, all Staff and children at Standing Rock Community Elementary School, Her Doctors and nurses at Sanford Medical Center, St. Alexius and especially at the Mobridge Regional Hospital, Adopted brother, Billy Red Bear, adopted sister, Lorretta Red Bear, Fr. John Short, and all fellow horsemen and societies.
Special music will be by Michelle Walking Elk and Tom Baker.
Linda Lou DuBray
Mass of Christian Burial for Linda DuBray, age 60, of Mobridge will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 17 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mobridge. Fr. Brian Lane will be officating. There will be visitation on Monday from 10-5 at Kesling Funeral Home and a Rosary at 7 PM at the church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of the Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Linda passed away November 12, 2009 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck.
Linda Lou (Claymore) DuBray
She was one of a kind
Linda was born January 9, 1949 in Ft. Yates, North Dakota. Her parents are Doris (LeCompte) Soiseth and Sidney Claymore. She was the only girl and had six brothers, four of the younger ones she took care of quite well while her mother worked. Needless to say, she could hold her own in a fair fight. She had red hair and freckles in her younger years and her brothers would tease her and call her Linda Schanzenbach and say she floated across the river from Linton. In later years she did become friends with the real Linda Schanzenbach from Mobridge. She attended school in Ft. Yates grades 1-12 and participated in debate and cheerleading, and was the salutatorian of her class of 1967. Linda grew up early and became a mom when she was very young. Margaret Ann was born and Linda knew she could not raise her so she adopted her to Pud and Jeanette Cluett, family friends. She kept in close contact through the years. She then moved to Aberdeen where she completed a two year business degree at the Aberdeen School of Commerce. This is where she met LeRoy who was attending school at Northern State College. They were married on January 9th, 1969 in Ft. Yates, ND. That night there was a blinding snowstorm and they always teased it was stormy ever since. They lived in Aberdeen for a couple of years where their first child Dee Ann was born in 1969. Then they moved to Dewey County on the south side of the mouth of the Moreau River and lived with LeRoy’s grandparents Laura and Tony Rivers Sr. This was when their son, Kansas, was born in 1970. In 1971, they moved to the north side of the Moreau River on the old Butch Benoist place where she lived until the time of her death. When she first saw the place she cried, but grew to love it and said she wouldn’t trade it for the world.
In the late 80’s she went to work for Putnam Excavating as an office manager for a few years. Linda was a very active person and was the current president of the Alter Society at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church of Promise. Linda loved to bowl, throw darts and play cards. She couldn’t wait for Wednesday for that was women’s bowling night in the early years until the bowling alley burned, and then it became card night at the Legion with the girls. She was an excellent cook and loved to shop, but only for bargains. Linda took great pride in her appearance and loved to dress up. She would turn heads wherever she would go and looked years younger than her actual age. She loved everybody and everybody loved her. Linda was an especially loving mother and grandmother. She loved to give and she loved to live. She was a strikingly beautiful person inside and out and will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Linda was not feeling well for several days and thought she had a touch of the flu. But on Wednesday, she suffered a massive heart attack due to a blood clot in her lungs. She died at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND at 1:52am (closing time) on November 12, 2009, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Linda is survived by her husband, LeRoy, of 40 years; daughters Margaret Ann Krebs (Charles), Jamestown, ND and Dee Ann DuBray, Audubon, MN; one son Kansas Lee DuBray (Amy), Baraboo, Wisconsin; special adopted son, Cory Dale, Manhattan Beach, CA; special adopted daughter, Jina Shillingstad, Huron, SD; mother and step-dad, Doris (LeCompte) and Charlie Soiseth, Ft. Yates, ND; four brothers Del Gene Claymore (Billie), Aberdeen, SD; Sid Claymore, Wishek, ND; Kenny Claymore, Selfridge, ND; and Scott Jacobson, Coon Rapids, MN. Thirteen grandchildren: Sabra L’Shae DuBray, Mandan, ND; Isabella Mariah DuBray, Dominick LeRoy DuBray, and Asia Lee DuBray all of Baraboo, WI; Whitney Krebs, Grant Krebs, Kateri Krebs, Quinn Krebs, Hannah Krebs, Samuel Krebs, Damien Krebs, Also survived by a very special friend, Kathy Boehler.
She was preceded in death by her father, two brothers and grandparents.
Nina Wager
Funeral services for Nina Wager, age 92, of Gettysburg, SD will be Sunday, November 15, at 2 PM, at the United Methodist Church in Gettysburg. There will be a visitation starting at 5 PM, Saturday, at the Ripley Memorial Chapel, following with a prayer service at 7 PM. Burial will be at the Gettysburg City Cemetery under the direction of the Ripley Memorial Chapel of Gettysburg. Nina passed away November 12, 2009 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, SD.
Nina E. Wager was born on May 29, 1917 to Charles and Alta (Lamphere) Eldeen in Hitchcock, SD. She grew up with her family in the Hitchcock area. Nina originally came to Gettysburg to help her sister, Charlotte with her children and that’s where she met Sidney O. Wager. She married Sidney O. on July 20, 1940 in Pierre, SD and they made their home on a farm NW of Gettysburg. While living there the farm was their life. Nina helped with the milking of the cows and they sold eggs and cream around town. In 1989 they moved into Gettysburg and in 2006 Nina moved into the Oahe Manor where she has since resided.
Nina enjoyed tatting, crocheting, her ladies club meetings, gardening and being around family especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. One thing Nina was very proud of was the fact that she and President Kennedy were “twins”. They were born on the same day of the year.
Nina was a member of the Medicine Rock Cattle Women, the Lincoln Appomattox Extension Club, the community club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary.
Nina is survived by a daughter Janelle (Joe) Senyak of Gettysburg; son, Lanny (Jayne) Wager of Gettysburg, grandchildren, Joseph Senyak and Mike (Jean) Senyak of Gettysburg, Kristi (Chris) Effling of Highmore and Dusty Wager of Gettysburg; Great Grandchildren, Stetson, Steven and Sydney Senyak, Cagney, Chesney, and Kenidey Effling; two step grandchildren, Sally and Chip Maynard; three step great grandchildren, Steven, Robert and Tammy Marker, several step great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Sydney O. in 1991, daughter, Anita Maynard, son-in-law, Doug Maynard, her parents, nine brothers and three sisters.
Casketbearers will be Joyce Wager, Duane Wager, Bill Wright, Chris Effling, Dusty Wager, Mike Senyak, Stetson Senyak, Steven Senyak, Joseph Senyak, Kristi Effling and Jean Senyak.
Honorary Bearers will be the staff at the Oahe Manor, members of the Lincoln Appomattox Extension Club and the Medicine Rock Cattle Women.
Organist will be Gail Larson. Soloist will be Mona Beringer singing “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” and “Hold Thou My Hand”.
Coquelle “Coke” Gene Bowker
“Chante Wanbli”
Eagle Heart
Funeral services for Coquelle “Coke” Gene Bowker, age 74, of Azle, Texas and formerly of the Eagle Butte and Dupree area, will be 10 AM, MT, November 14, at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Eagle Butte, SD. Burial will be at the Buffalo Cemetery near Cherry Creek under the direction of the Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Mr. Bowker entered the spirit world November 8, 2009 at the Arlington Memorial Hospital in Arlington, TX.
Coke was born April 15, 1935 at Cheyenne River Agency in South Dakota to Gatsey Raven and Henry Bowker. He attended the Cheyenne River Boarding School, and graduated in 1955.
Coke served in the Navy from 1955 - 1959, and sailed in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He was proud to be a veteran. Coke came to Texas in 1960. He married Rechinda Cook of Cherry Creek, South Dakota, and moved his family to Azle, Texas, residing there for 38 years. He was employed by the Ft. Worth Post Office where he worked 40 years as a mail handler.
Coke became a member of the Arlington Iron Benders Horseshoe Pitching Club in 1977. Billing himself as “Mister Flingaringa,” he won the Texas State Horseshoe Men’s Championship 15 times and dominated the last three decades of Texas horseshoe pitching. Coke also owns five second-place State Championships. He once pitched an incredible 41 consecutive ringers in a league game, finishing the contest with 48 ringers out of 50 shoes.
He also was a regular contender at the World Championships. He played with the great legends of horseshoe pitchers. From the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, and from the Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend across the Hill Country to the Piney Woods, his name is legendary.
Coke and Rechinda were committed supporters of the Native American Indian community in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, attending powwows and participating in fund raisers for local needs.
He is survived by his wife, Rechinda of Azle, TX; son Burke “Jojo” Bowker of Azle, TX; two grandsons, Ryan Mathew Bowker of Sterling City, TX and Sebastian Bowker of Hydeburg, AK; two sisters, Donna Clausen of Eagle Butte, SD and Gloria Two Crow of Dallas, TX; one brother Hank Bowker of Aberdeen, SD; numerous nieces and nephews; and, a host of friends who will miss him dearly.
Coke is preceded in death by his son, Coquelle “Coco” Gene Bowker, Jr.; his mother, Gatsey Raven Bowker; his father, Henry Bowker; a sister, Marilyn Joy Bowker; and one brother, Rockne Bowker.
Jesse Chesmore
Memorial service for Jesse Chesmore 77 of Mobridge, SD will be at 2 PM Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mobridge. Inurnment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A Memorial visitation will be on Friday starting at 4 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM. Mr. Chesmore passed away November 9, 2009 at the Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.
Jesse Leo Chesmore was born on January 11, 1932 in Mobridge to Clifford and Olive (Lanphear) Chesmore. Jesse joined the US Army in 1952 and took his basic training in Grave Registration at Fort Lee, Virginia. He served in the Korean War from 1952-1954 and then ran the casualty company in Fort Lee, Virginia from 1954-1960. He served in France from 1960-1963. And in 1964 was in the Fitzsimon General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was stationed at Presidio of San Francisco, California and went to Korea from 1965-1966. He served at Fort Lewis Washington until 1970 and finished his military service in Fort Lewis, Washington. In October 1972 he returned to Mobridge where he owned J&L Electronics until his retirement.
Jesse was a 30 year devoted fan of wrestling. He had nephews who wrestled, so him and Joyce would go and watch them, and that is when Jesse got hooked on high school wrestling. He started collecting high school wrestling programs that made him well known to high school athletic directors and coaches across the state. He would send a note requesting a program from wrestling tournaments all over the state. Jesse said most coaches and athletic directors are glad to send the programs and if they don’t he would just keep bugging them until they did. His hunger for the sport remained with him forever.
Jesse is survived by his wife, Joyce of Mobridge, son, Kelly Chesmore of Mobridge, grandson, Ethan, granddaughter, Kaylee (Zerr) Feight, brother, Dick (Sylvia) Chesmore of Gillette, WY, sister, Ardith Bender of Lewisburg, TN, 50 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and two sisters.
Paul Raba
Mass of Christian Burial for Paul Raba, age 91, of Selby, SD will be Thursday, November 12, at 10:30 AM at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selby. Burial will be at the Selby Memorial Gardens under the direction of the Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 PM on Wednesday at the church. Mr. Raba passed away November 8, 2009 at the Selby Good Samaritan Center in Selby.
Paul Raba was born on February 8, 1918 in Selby South Dakota to Andrew and Theresa (Bertha) Raba. He attended grade school at West Spring Valley School and Java High School. He graduated in 1936. He attended Northern State College in Aberdeen and taught school at East Ryan School and East Spring Valley. Paul was living in Boston when he met Pearl and they got married on June 29, 1952 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Massachusetts. To this union five children were born. They lived in Massachusetts for twenty-five years and in 1974 moved to Java. In 1985 they moved to Selby where he has since resided.
Loving husband, father and veteran, for Paul the glass was always full. He was a very cheerful person, loved by many. His lifelong passions were playing the violin, horseshoes, the Red Sox and playing video games, as well as socializing with family and friends.
Paul will be missed by many - he was one to always look on the bright side of things. He is now reunited with his loving wife and son, and has his eyesight back. Bless you Paul!
He is survived by his children Jeff (Barb) of WI, Anita (Brian) of WI, David of Rapid City, and Andrew (Claudine) of New York. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sisters Katherine and Irene, and brothers Mark and Gabriel.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ann and Tracy, brothers Martin, Phillip, and Ladislaus, Son Patrick and his great love of 51 years, his wife Pearl.
In lieu of memorials, please make donations in his name to the Selby Good Samaritan Center, the Selby Public Library or Selby's St Anthony's Catholic Church.
Organist is Deb Dumdie
Casketbearers are Justin Karst, Dustin Raba, LaVern Kosters, Marv Kindel, Adam Burke, Bryce Raba.
Ed Bickel Sr.
Funeral services for Ed Bickel Sr. 84 of Firesteel will be Tuesday at 10:30 AM MST at the Timber Lake Community Center. Burial will be in the Timber Lake Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A Service of Remembrance will be Monday evening at 8:00 PM CST at the Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Visitation will be Monday at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge beginning at 7:00 PM
Edward Franklin Bickel Sr. was born to Harry and Anna ‘Brown’ Bickel on the ranch near Firesteel in Corson County SD on May 13th 1925. He left home when he was a senior in High School with the idea of joining the service. He had enough money saved to get on a train to Chicago, where he worked a couple months to go to Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He joined the Marine Corps as soon as he was old enough. While in the Marine Corps he was sent to electrical school and then he took over the electrical shop in Cherry point North Carolina. He was then sent to the University of Chicago for advanced training in Special Device Mechanics. He was then assigned to the West Coast upon graduation, where he worked with the training command until World War II was over, ending his service in the pay core.
He then returned to South Dakota where he attended college at Northern under the GI Bill. While in law school his father offered him a partnership to return to the ranch which he accepted. Feeling it was advisable to complete some sort of education he returned to college long enough to get a Bachelor of Science in Education. He then returned to the ranch where he spent the remainder of his life farming and ranching.
He was active in politics and activities connected with ranching and farming as well as enjoyed cards, especially a good game of poker.
He married Nadine Roettele of Columbia South Dakota. She preceded him in death in 1972. He is also preceded in death by his Father Harry Bickel, Mother Anna Bickel and brother Harry Bickel.
He is survived by one daughter Gail Bickel of Vermillion South Dakota and one son Edward Paul Bickel of Firesteel South Dakota. As well as four Grandchildren; Melissa ‘Bickel’ Berggren of Crystal Minnesota, Christina ‘Bickel’ Mold of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Edward Jay Bickel of Isabel South Dakota and Anne-Marie Bickel of Rapid City South Dakota. Four Great-Grandchildren Alex & Avery Berggren, Samantha Mold and Mason Bickel, and a Sister In-Law Shirley Bickel of Firesteel South Dakota two nephews Jack & Keith Bickel of Firesteel South Dakota and one Niece Deb Meginness of Timber Lake South Dakota and a Special friend Sherrie Joe Erith of Bismarck North Dakota.
Duane Traversie
Mass of Christian Burial for Duane Traversie, age 72, of Eagle Butte will be at 10 AM MT, on Monday, November 9, 2009 at All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte. Burial will be at 3 PM MT at Black Hills National Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A Scriptural Wake service will be at 7 PM MT on Sunday at the church. Family and friends will meet at the 4 mile corner at 4 PM MT. Mr. Traversie passed away Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Ft. Meade VA Hospital in Sturgis.
Duane Traversie was born one of eight children in White Horse, S.D. November 27, 1936, to Francis & Juanita Lawrence Traversie. While growing up Duane stayed with his Uncle Fred and Aunt Mae LeBeau wherein he gained the skills of ranching. He rode his fair share of broncs, branding, and riding the wide open range.
He then went into the United States Navy and served four years on the USS Bryce Canyon and USS Frontier Ships. The Navy is where he gained his welding skills and repaired war ships that were docked in Long Beach, California. Upon his honorable discharge from the US Navy, he ranched with his brother, Francis “Sonny Boy” Traversie for a short time.
He grew restless and soon put his welding skills back into action. He gained experience welding on oil rigs in Wyoming & Montana oilfields. Duane put together a small welding truck and using his skill with all the latest welding techniques he started the Duane Traversie Welding Service. Duane employed men who he shared his knowledge with and trained to weld. After several years he branched out with two partners to begin the STG Hard banding Service in Gillette, Wyoming. Later, he became the full owner of STG Hard banding Service in conjunction with his original company Duane Traversie Welding Service. He then moved to the Williston basin area and operated out of Dickinson, N.D.
In 1971, he met Carol N. LeBeau and three years later they married on November 17th, 1973. He became an instant father as he loved and adopted, Libby, who was two years old at the time. In February 1976, Hugh Delbert Traversie was born. In September 1983 the family moved back to Eagle Butte, S.D.
Duane continued his welding Services, welding for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Programs when called upon, and welded the chutes and gates in preparation for the annual CRST Fair & Rodeo, and the local ranchers and farmers in the area. Duane has always had a strong interest in ranching and wanted to raise the best cattle and paint horses and began his next business of ranching in 1989. He also served on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Buffalo Herd Program in 1995. He welded and ranched until his health started to fail him in 1991. He had an open heart surgery in 1994, 1998, and in 2001.
Duane enjoyed attending all C-EB High School Girls and boys basketball games and rodeos. Always looking for a challenge Duane began pitching horseshoes with his father-in-law Ted Traversie. He won South Dakota State Tournament for: a 1984 – SD State Doubles, Class “E” for 1st place, 1986 SD state Horseshoe Tournament 1st place in “L” Division, 1st place in Doubles in “B” Division, and finally, a World Horseshoe Pitching title for 1st place in 1988 class “L” in Pleasanton, California.
He retired from ranching, welding and pitching horseshoes in the fall of 2001. He is enjoyed his retirement with his grandchildren. Duane started losing weight in January 2009, a series of tests were done and he was given the diagnosis of terminal cancer. His family honored him by having the tribe issued a proclamation on June 21, 2009, Fathers Day as Duane E. Traversie Day for his many accomplishments that reflected the great spirit of perseverance of a Lakota.
Duane is survived by his wife Carol N. Traversie and two children: Hugh D. Traversie of Eagle Butte, S.D. and Libby J. Traversie of Sioux Falls, S.D., grandchildren: Nelson Gonzalez and Christian Gonzalez; Destiny Traversie and Daren Traversie; and Desmond Coleman; Brothers and Sisters: Terry (Winona) Traversie, Dewey Traversie, and Annette (Bruce) Bagley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Marlene Werlinger, Ethelyne Eberhard, Theda Traversie; and one brother, Francis “Sonny Boy” Traversie.
Casketbearers are Chad Olsen, Shawn Olsen, Dennis Eberhard, Tabor Traversie, Chris Olsen, and Travis Helm.
Honorary bearers are Duane’s close friends: Danny Mike Keller, Karen Lamb, Jule Lamb, JD Williams, Mona Williams, Marlene Laundreaux, Robert & Rhea Smith, Kenny Kost, Lyle Ducheneaux, Melvin Gunderson, John Guerreo, Eagle Hunter (Butch Chasing Hawk), Lanny LaPlant, Bob Kessler, Leonard Cook, Bob & Arliss Keckler, Rocky Avery, Dick Avery, Dick Varney, Duane Varney, Jerry Chase, Duane Lafferty, Johnnie & Sharon Holloway, Riggin Mortenson, Morris LeCompte, Romey Garreaux, Marlene Schaefer, Chub Helzle, Bill Knight, Mae Lawrence, Fred LeBeau, John & Wanda Lind, Andy Traversie, Arlene O’Leary, Gilbert LeBeau, Marcella LeBeau, Gilbert Lind, Pete Longbrake, Harlan Gunville, Pete St. John, Wayne Lovette, Roxee Holloway, Juan & Jonilyn Garrett, Blaine & Linda Norvold, Kurt & Connie Cross, Myron Curley & Mary Traversie, Steve Halvorson, Melvin Foster, Mervin Frazier, Vernon Mestes, West Winds Home Health Staff, June Lamb, Eleanor Cook, Eagle Butte Community Clinic Staff, Carla Schweitzer, IHS Hospital Staff, Dr. R. Brandt, Ft. Meade VA Hospital Staff, Steve Schweitzer, and All Family, Friends, & Relatives.
Gloria Johnson
Funeral services for Gloria Johnson 58 of Mobridge will be Friday at 10:00 AM at the Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Burial will be in the Mobridge City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 until 7:00 at the Funeral Home. Gloria passed away September 27, 2008 at the Golden Living Center in Mobridge.
Gloria R. Johnson was born January 26, 1950 at McLaughlin, SD to Gottlieb and Edna (Schanzenbach) Stotz. She grew up in McLaughlin and attended school there. Following her education she stayed in McLaughlin where she did babysitting and worked at MYA. She continued to live in McLaughlin until her marriage to Don Johnson in 1968 in McLaughlin at the Redeemer Lutheran Church. Following their marriage they lived in many different towns in North Dakota and Wyoming as Don traveled doing construction work. In October 1980 she moved to Mobridge where she has since resided.
Gloria enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, singing and watching T.V. She was raised in the Seventh Day Adventist Church and was baptized in Lemmon, SD. She enjoyed attending church.
At the time of her death Gloria was a resident of Golden Living Center in Mobridge.
Gloria is survived by her mother; Edna Huber of Mobridge, three sons; Travis Johnson of Mobridge, Donnie Johnson of Gillette, Wyoming and Jay (Sherrie) Johnson of Gillette Wyoming. Two daughters; Dawn Johnson of Mobridge, and Samantha (Travis) Hatton of Wyoming. Two Brothers; Gary (Peggy) Stotz of Rapid City, SD, Gene (Mary) Stotz of Buhl, Idaho and one sister; Valerie (Bob) Larson of Littleton, Co.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1963 and one daughter Tonie in 2001.
