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William Walter Welke
November 20, 1937 - August 23, 2011
William W. Welke, 73, Whitewood, died
Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at his home.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday August 26, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Inurnment follows at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.
A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Northern Hills.
Bill was born November 20, 1937 at Deadwood, SD to Mayme (Hermanson) and Winfred Welke. He attended country school near the family farm. He was injured working livestock at a young age. His mother helped him through his life until 1996 when he moved out to the family farm where he helped fence, hay, and work on machinery, Bill enjoyed raising his dogs. He loved to read, ride his bike or jump on the 4 wheeler to get the mail.
Survivors include his brother John (Sonja) Welke, Whitewood; their children, Jennifer (Steve) Froning, Wright, WY, Lori (Dennis) Hansen and Shelby, Spearfish, Glenda Welke, Summerset, Matthew (Jami Funell) Sturgis and Jalin, Makenna, Hannah; his dog Sidney; brothers Gary (Teresa Shoun) Welke, Sturgis, Ken Welke, Colorado; sisters, Mary (Marty) Martell, Abilene, TX, Marlene (Jim) Nichols, Texas, Darlene Welke, Spearfish, Debbie Welke, Sturgis; sister in law, Barb Welke, Newell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Jasper and brother Fred and special dog Sandy.
Richard Michael
March 22, 1961 - August 21, 2011
"Cowboy Rick" Michael, 50, Sturgis, died Sunday August 21, 2011 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family, as a result of an ATV accident East of Sturgis.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. September 3, 2011 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Darla Dunn officiating. Inurnment follows at the Bear Butte Cemetery.
Rick was born March 22, 1961 in Deadwood to Robert and Nira (Napton) Michael.
Survivors include his mother Nira Nichols, sisters, Patty (Steve), Pam (Adam), Bobbie, Helen (Doug), Stella (Steve); daughter, Tonya; son Travis; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, cousins; uncle Dennis (Roxie); aunt Linda (Earl), aunts, Lillian and Phyllis.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert, step father, Bill, sister, Cheryl, brother in law, Bob and all his grandparents.
Rick's favorite past times were singing country, Elvis and dancing.
He was a very giving person in life and in death as an organ donor.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Seth Michael Nunn
April 27, 1985 - August 22, 2011
Seth Michael Nunn was given the gift of eternal life and adorned his wings on August 22, 2011, after his long, courageous battle with cancer. He has been reunited with his grandparents.
Seth’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Seth loved hunting, fishing, camping, and Cabela's.
He leaves behind a five year old daughter, Danielle Laree Nunn, Greenleaf, KS; his loving parents, Voni Anderson of Rapid City, SD, and Kelly Nunn of Pratt, KS; sister, Saige Anderson of Box Elder, SD; maternal grandparents, Wayne and Dixie Simpson of Alliance, NE; and paternal grandfather, Harold Nunn, Pratt, KS. He also left behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, who all loved him dearly.
There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House, 224 Elk St. RC, SD 57701
Fr. Brian C. Fawcett
August 4, 1965 - October 9, 2011
Fr. Brian Clare Fawcett, 46, Ft. Pierre, died Sunday, October 9, 2011, at the Lippold Hospice Suite at the Sturgis Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2011, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller with Most Rev. Robert Gruss, Bishop of Rapid City. Burial will follow at the St. Ann’s Cemetery.
A memorial mass will be offered on Saturday October 22, 2011 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City.
Fr. Brian was born August 4, 1965, at Huron, SD, to Delmar and Patricia (Faust) Fawcett. He grew up on the family ranch near Ree Heights, SD. He attended Ree Heights School for Kindergarten and graduated from Miller High School in 1983. He graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen in 1987 with a bachelor's degree. He taught English and Social Studies and coached for three years.
He responded to a call for the priesthood and attended pre theology at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at St. Mary’s University at Winona, MN, from 1991-1993. He attended theology at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary at Emmetsburg, MD, and was awarded the Master of Divinity in 1997. Arch Bishop Charles J. Chaput ordained him a priest for the diocese of Rapid City on June 13, 1997, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. His first mass was offered June 14, 1997, at St. Francis of Assisi in Sturgis, SD. He offered a mass of thanksgiving at his home parish of St. Ann's in Miller, SD, on June 21, 1997. His first assignment was associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City. He served there from June 23, 1997 to July 1,1998. He was then assigned to St. Joseph's Parish in Faith, SD, with missions at Our Lady of Victory in Plainview and St. Anthony's at Red Owl, SD. He served in this capacity from 1998 to July 2008. His next assignment was as pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Lemmon, SD, with missions at Morristown, Bison, and Drew, SD. He was granted a 5 month Sabbatical to attend the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at North American College in Vatican City, Italy, in 2009. In May of 2010, he was reassigned to St. John the Evangelist in Ft. Pierre, SD, and was there until the time of his illness.
In addition to serving as pastor, he served as Dean of Deanery 5, Chair of Presbyteral Council, was a member of the diocesan accounting committee, and most recently, Dean of Deanery 4. He was a chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and he was active in the Lions Club and many community organizations.
He loved sports and was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings, the Twins, and the San Antonio Spurs. He also was an avid pheasant hunter with his faithful dog, Brandy. He loved his niece and nephews. He was involved with the youth of the communities he served. He announced sports events, coached middle school basketball, and participated in youth activities.
Survivors include his parents, Delmar and Patty Fawcett, Ree Heights; sisters, Susi (Dean) Odden, Ree Heights, and Robin (Mike) Strain, Sturgis; niece, Jade Strain, Sturgis; nephews, David Strain, Sturgis, Matthew (Sara) Odden, Sturgis, Joseph Odden, Kimball, and Christopher (Heather) Odden, Ree Heights; great-niece, Olivia Odden, Ree Heights; great-nephew, Noah Odden, Sturgis; numerous cousins; and his trusty dog, Brandy.
A memorial has been established.
Lyle Lloyd Benz
April 20, 1929 - October 8, 2011
Lyle Lloyd Benz, 82 of Newcastle, WY, died Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Fort Mead VA Medical Center in Sturgis, SD.
Lyle was born April 20, 1929 at Corsica, SD to Harry and Irene (Sievert) Benz.
Lyle was a truck and equipment operator in the Wyoming oil field for several years. He was in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 and served Korea, receiving the Korean Service Medal and the Bronze Service Star.
Lyle is survived by his son James Benz of Castle Rock, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce (Whitman) Benz.
Graveside services and inurnment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.
Glen E. Wahlfeldt
October 16, 1921 - October 6, 2011
Glen Ernest Wahlfeldt, 89, Newell, died Thursday October 6, 2011, at his residence in Newell.
Visitation will be from noon until 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Denzel Nonhof officiating.
Memorials have been established to the Newell Ambulance, Newell Fire Department and the Mud Butte Fire Department.
Glen was born October 16, 1921 at Newell, to Henry John Augustus and Anna (Babb) Wahlfeldt. He grew up on the family ranch near Twilight and attended the Trail Creek country school through the 8th grade. His father gave him the choice of attending high school or herding sheep. Glen chose sheep. As a 13 year old he started in the sheep business. First herding, then shearing and finally running his own ranch.
He met the love of his life at a country dance. On November 12, 1943 he married LaVonne Symonds at Broadus, MT. The couple made their home on the ranch where Glen was a member of the Butte County Commissioners, president of the SD Woolgrowers/ Sheepgrowers, and served on the Predator Board. He was also a member of the Sampont Township Board, Scottish Rite, Shrine and the Masonic Lodge. He also learned to fly in the 50's and owned several planes.
In 1997 they sold the ranch and moved to Newell where Glen enjoyed fishing with his buddies, gardening and hunting. Glen hunted in Canada, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana as well as South Dakota. He killed his last Elk at the age of 85.
Survivors include his sons, Wes (Sandi) Wahlfeldt, Belle Fourche, Bill (Pam) Wahlfeldt, Sturgis; daughters, Bobbi (Baine Maupin) Wahlfeldt, Buffalo, Roxie (Jack) Huston, Sturgis; sisters, Leona Eckles, Lincoln, NE, Ruth McDermott, Rapid City; also 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife LaVonne, daughter Sharon Maynard, three brothers, Alvin, Donald and Louis, and one sister Esther.
Robert Paul Rogers Jr.
July 12, 1962 - September 30, 2011
Rob Rogers, 49, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 30, 2011, while on the job in California. Rob was born on July 12, 1962, in Deadwood, SD, to Robert and Hulda (Mehlhaff) Rogers.
Rob graduated from Lead/Deadwood High School in 1980, and then attended two years of college at Black Hills State College. While in high school, he was the basketball manager for the Golddiggers. While in school he worked at the Big D for Clem Biggs, and then began his career in the food service business right after graduation. He was employed as a buyer for several years in the food industry in Denver, Colorado.
Rob was a very special uncle to his nephew, Brock Heckel. They loved having their daily visits on the phone, tracking all the sports news, and now in heaven they can continue this tradition together. Rob and his brother, Matt, would go to several sports events together, always having a beer and enjoying the day together. He was an avid car show enthusiast, collected Pepsi articles, and loved the history of Deadwood. One of his favorite activities was going to the Denver Flea Market with his brother Tim, where Rob would always buy "NOTHING". Rob was known by a familiar family nickname "Berta" because he spent so much time looking in the mirror when he was young. His sisters told him he should have been a girl so that is how the nickname Berta came about.
Rob was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deadwood as well as St. Marks Catholic Church in Colorado.
Rob is survived by his parents, Robert and Hulda Rogers of Deadwood; brothers, Tim Heckel (Alicia) of Gillette and Matt Rogers of Rapid City; sisters, Jan Hargens (Gary) of Rapid City, Karen Rogers of Gillette, and Renee Bridenstine (Dan) of Lead; sister-in-law, Nancy Heckel of Texas; niece, Megan Deskins (Josh) of Casper; nephew, Josh Bridenstine (Shanna) of Sioux Falls; and 3 great-nephews.
Rob was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Heckel, and nephew, Brock Heckel
Memorials are suggested to benefit the Days of 76 Museum or a city park bench in Deadwood. Donations and condolences can be sent in Rob's name to Kinkade Funeral Chapel at 1235 Junction Ave., Sturgis, SD 57785.
Funeral services will be on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deadwood with Father Kerry Prendiville officiating. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be Tuesday, one hour prior to services at the church.
The Family extends an invitation to a luncheon and time of fellowship at the VFW in Deadwood following the service.
Florence E. "Jackie" Birkeland
June 16, 1918 - October 2, 2011
Florence Ethel Birkeland (known as "Jackie" by her family and friends) passed away on October 2, 2011, at the Sturgis Regional Senior Care Center.
A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2011 at 11:00am at the United Christian Church in Dupree, SD with Pastor Pauline Webb officiating.
Jackie was born at Leslie, SD, on June 16, 1918, to Vincent W. and Minnie Ruth (Cunningham) Jeffries. She was the fourth of their nine children. She spent her early childhood on a ranch near Cherry Creek, SD. She loved riding and breaking horses with her dad. When Jackie was to enter seventh grade, the family moved to Dupree, SD. She continued on to graduate from Dupree High School in 1936. On August 8th of that year, she married Leonard Birkeland of Dupree. They traveled briefly to Washington to pick fruit and then returned to the Birkeland homestead south of Dupree when Leonard's parents divided the house in half and took their part of it into town.
Jackie was best known by everyone as a nurturer. Her children all attest to her skill at teaching them how to care for animals that were injured, needed warming up, or were sick. A favorite memory of the Birkeland children is of the many evenings they spent being entertained by Leonard playing the accordion while Jackie danced a lively Charleston.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Leonard; her brothers, Vincent C., Robert "Bud", and Kenneth "Kay" Jeffries; her sisters, Marjorie Nesheim, Eileen Garrett Thayer, Doris Pitsor Teall, Fay Peterson Harrold, and Betty Fay in infancy; son, Bruce; and special friend, Jack Pollard.
She is survived by her children, Betty Lawrence of Mobridge, Nancy (Billy) Fields of Sturgis, Neil (Vicki) Birkeland of Dupree, and Bart (Karen) Birkeland of Gregory. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Susan Birkeland, Inga Birkeland, and Cora Jeffries; 16 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.
Secrie L. Ekberg
January 7, 1905 - October 2, 2011
Secrie Lydia Ekberg, 106, died Sunday, October 2, 2011, at Westhills Village Health Care in Rapid City.
Secrie was born January 7, 1905, at Ashcroft, SD, to Andrew and Alina (Ylitalo) Peterson. She grew up in the Camp Crook area and attended country school. Secrie graduated from Bowman High School. She taught rural school for two years in Bullock, SD, after studying at Spearfish Teachers College and in Dickenson, ND. She then became the postmaster of Bullock, SD, until she married Harold M. Ekberg in Spearfish on November 19, 1929. The couple lived from 1946 to 1962 in the Slim Buttes area. They also ranched near Ladner and the South Cave Hills. They had a home in Buffalo while the kids went to school there. They sold the ranch due to Harold's health and moved to Belle Fourche. They spent winters in Arizona for 20 years. They moved to Spearfish in 1991. After Harold died in 1992, Secrie moved to Rapid City.
Secrie was a member of the Lutheran Church and ladies aid wherever she lived. Her most enjoyable hobby was oil painting. The walls in her home and family members' homes are a testament to her talent. She was an avid reader, and she played a mean game of Bridge. She was a ranch wife raising three children active in Cub Scout work, 4-H and rodeo, and she served as a willing worker wherever needed. Everyone knew her as a feisty Finlander, an amiable, capable, intelligent, independently-spirited woman. She was a wonderful role model for living and dying with courage and dignity. She will be sorely missed. She wanted to be remembered as a silent builder of the American west who started with nothing, worked for everything, and left much behind.
She is survived by two sons, Jerome (Delores) Ekberg, Piedmont, SD, and Charles (Lynn) Ekberg, Boulder, CO; one daughter, Shera Street and her partner, Bruce Jordan, Galliano Island, BC, Canada; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and their families in the United States and Canada; and other kin in Finland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, two sisters, and two grandsons.
Memorials have been established to St. James Lutheran Church and the Spearfish Senior Center.
A memorial service will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011, with Pastor Jeff Otterman officiating. Inurnment will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche, with a reception following at the church.
Raymond A. Johnson
August 24, 1923 - September 30, 2011
Raymond A. Johnson, 88, Newell, died Friday, September 30, 2011 at his home near Newell.
Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2011 at the Hope Cemetery in Newell with Pastor Sean Carney officiating and military honors.
A lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to VA Black Hills
Hospice at Fort Meade.
Raymond was born August 24, 1923 on the family ranch near Deers Ears. He attended country school and at the age of 14 he went to work for area ranchers. He broke horses and punched cows until he enlisted in the US Army. He was awarded a purple heart, one silver and one bronze star. Upon his
honorable discharge he returned home to western South Dakota where he continued to cowboy. He worked ranches in North Dakota and also Montana.
He married Sue Hedrick at Sturgis on February 14, 1973.
Raymond bred, trained and raced quality horses for many years.
He won the Central States Fair Futurity race both July 1980 and June 1981 with the same horse. He was also known for his ability to witch wells.
Raymond was a member of the VFW, American Quarter Horse and American Paint Horse associations.
Survivors include his wife Sue, Newell; sons Randall and his wife
Patricia, Littleton, CO, Mike and his wife Marlys, Lakewood, CO, Dary and his wife Cyndi, Terrel, TX; daughters, Rita and husband Don, Piedmont, Sherrill and her husband Malcom, Centerville, OH, Barbara and husband Deek, Custer, SD, Raylene and her husband Mike, Sturgis, Cathy and her husband Ray, Auburn, WA, Dusty of Park City, UT, Robin and her husband Shayne, Cheyenne, WY; also numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, and one brother.
Edwin Earl Oliver
January 2, 1955 - September 21, 2011
Edwin Earl Oliver, 56, of Newcastle, WY, died Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family.
Edwin was born January 2, 1955, in Sturgis, SD, to Donald and Dottie Oliver of Sturgis, SD.
Ed was a scraper hand for DRM out of Gillette, WY, since 1997. He enjoyed his work and the people he worked for.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting and his occasional trips to Deadwood, SD. In his spare time, he enjoyed staying home spending time with his family.
He is survived by his lifetime soul mate, Candi Meyers; his four sons, Travis and Trina Oliver, Adam and Misty Oliver, Joshua Oliver, and Ryan Oliver; his daughter, Julie Oliver; stepdaughter, Autumn Meyers; sisters, Leeann McLaughlin, Peggy and Tom Round, and Merri and Arlon Leetch; ten grandchildren, Keighana, Jordan Oliver, Joshua, Jason and Calypso Williams, Julieanna Oliver, Kaylee Hellickson, Johnathon Oliver, Dayton and Cameron Williams; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding him in death are his brother, Gary McKee, and his niece, Tiffany Oliver.
Services and a celebration of his life will be held October 1st from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Weston County Senior Center (in the Michael’s room) 627 Pine St., Newcastle, WY 82701.
Georgia Mary (Dunmire) Jensen
April 6, 1925 - September 25, 2011
Georgia M. Jensen's work was finished on September 25, 2011. She was born April 6, 1925, in Brush, CO, and moved shortly thereafter with her parents to Lead, SD. Georgia graduated from Lead High School in 1943, and from Cottey College in 1945. Like many women of her generation, she and her sister learned to weld and worked in the Kaiser Ship Yards in Portland, OR, the summers of 1943-4.
She married her husband of 65 years, Alvin, in June of 1945, and lived out her life at the farm and ranch near Whitewood, SD. Along with working side-by-side with her husband, she raised four children; Katherine (Audie Blevins), Cliff (Lonnie Jensen), Karl (Celia Jensen), and Mary Kay (David Miller). Her accomplishments beyond the children and the ranch were many. She was a 4-H leader for 40 years, a member of the St. Onge Extension Club and St. Onge Flower Club, a member of the Western Junior Livestock Show Board, a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church where she became President of the Council and representative to the Nation Council in Ohio, and an active member and leader of the Eastern Star and P.E.O. She was selected as Eminent Homemaker of the Year in 1992 by South Dakota State University. She loved to travel, and managed to include much of the United States and Canada, Egypt, and the Philippines. Each place contributed to her sense of being a world citizen in the truest sense. She highly appreciated the role of music in one's life, and enjoyed a broad range of the arts.
However, her immediate neighbors will always remember her for her beautiful and evolving garden and yard where she freely shared the output along with helpful advice.
Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; her daughter, Katherine; her sister, Carol Kvam; and her parents, Joe and Ruth Dunmire. Her legacy is carried on by her children and their spouses; fourteen grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday from noon to 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish with Pastor Karen Matuska officiating. Burial will follow at Little Dane Church Cemetery in St. Onge.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be memorials to the Good Shepard (Free) Clinic, 1020 State Street, Spearfish, SD 57783.
