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Reuben C. Brakke
Died: Jan 27, 2002
Reuben C. Brakke, son of Olga and Peander C. Brakke, was born
July 29, 1912 in Wilder, MN. At the age of two years, he moved to Sioux Falls, SD with his family. He grew up in Sioux Falls attending Whittier grade school and Washington High School. He then began working at John Morrell & Company for a short period before becoming employed with Vallet Cleaners.
Reuben was united in marriage to Lorraine M. Graff on January 29, 1935 in Parker, SD. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls where he continued with Vallet Cleaners. In 1944, Reuben entered the Army and served overseas receiving the Purple Heart, European, African and Middle Eastern theater services medals and the Bronze Star. After his honorable military discharge, he returned to Sioux Falls and continued with Vallet until retiring in the mid 1970’s after over 50 years of service. During his retirement, he continued working for the cleaners part-time. Reuben was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1990 and spent the last five years of his life at the Good Samaritan Luther Manor.
Reuben was a life member of the VFW Post 628, and a member of the American Legion, Post 15. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards and shooting pool. While his son was growing up, he assisted in coaching Teener Baseball and in his later years very much enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Reuben also looked forward to vacationing at Lake Okoboji with his family.
His parents; two sisters, Violet Finocchioli, and Agnes Jones; a brother, Everett; and son in-law, Leo Shumaker preceded him in death.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Lorraine; a daughter, Barbara Shumaker, Sioux Falls; a son, Gary and his wife Karen, Plymouth, MN; his grandchildren, Steve Shumaker, Lori Warne and her husband Kevin, Kathy Shumaker, and Tyler Brakke; his great-grandchildren, Blake Shumaker, Zachary, Mitch and Justin Warne; a niece, Shirley Kornmann, Olympia, WA; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Deanna Mears
Died: Jan 29, 2002
Deanna “Dee” Tuenge was born on July 16, 1943, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Herman and Mary (Oberloh) Tuenge. She attended Sioux Falls public schools. Dee lived in Alaska for a period of time, where she worked in real estate.
She married Irvin Mears in Sioux Falls on November 1, 1958. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls. In June, 1968, Dee began her thirty-year career as a clerk at the United States Post Office. Throughout that time, she had fostered many friendships with her co-workers and customers. Dee was looking forward to her retirement in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
For many years, Dee enjoyed gardening, bowling and playing golf and cards with her friends. In her free-time, she dabbled in real estate. She liked the outdoors, and for a number of years enjoyed fishing and hunting. Dee loved traveling throughout the United States and had particularly enjoyed a trip to Egypt. She seemed to be blessed with an energetic personality and had a fondness for square dancing and jitterbug dancing. Courageous and resourceful, Dee maintained a spirit of strength and independence throughout her entire life.
Grateful for having shared her life are her sons, Michael Mears and his wife, Joan, Baltic, SD, Todd Mears, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Tracy Van Diepen and her husband, Todd, Sioux City, IA; seven grandchildren; her mother, Mary Tuenge, Sioux Falls, SD; brothers, Fred Tuenge, Sioux Falls, SD, Ron Tuenge and his wife, Darsha, Rock Rapids, IA, David Tuenge and his wife, Jan, Sioux Falls, SD, and Doug Tuenge, Worthing, SD.
Natalie Picotte-Wood
Died: Jan 31, 2002
Natalie Picotte was born July 6, 1934 to Clarence and Mae (McBride) Picotte at Marty, SD. She received her education in the Pierrre, SD area and was an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
She was united in marriage with Robert F. Stein in 1957 in Glascow, MT. He preceded her in death on December 8, 1971.
Natalie shared her life with Arthur King Wood from November of 1961 until his death on February 11, 1978.
Grateful for having shared her life are her two sons, Robert Stein and Richard Stein; special friends, Duane and Caroline Stokke, of Sioux Falls, SD; and numerous relatives and friends.
Edna Jean Westra
Died: Jan 31, 2002
Edna Kooi was born January 4, 1914 in Morrison, IL to Robert and Ethel Kooi. She graduated from Fulton, Illinois High School and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. In 1938, she married Rev. Peter J. Westra in Pottersville, New Jersey. She taught in rural schools in Fulton and elementary schools in Flandreau and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and in Jefferson and Des Moines, Iowa. She loved to teach, and instilled in her children a love of reading, learning and working hard to achieve goals in life. She enjoyed china painting and reading novels. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She served as a minister’s wife and partner in St. Johnsville, New York, Hammond, Indiana, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Flandreau, South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Des Moines, Iowa, Jefferson, Iowa and at the Good Life Retirement Village in Mesa, Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, in 1996, a son, Dr. John Westra in 1980 and a grandson, Peter Mark Westra in 2001.
She is survived by a son, Mark (Mary) Westra of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; two daughters, Donna Paige of Casper, Wyoming and Dr. Ruth Westra of Duluth, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; a brother, Earl Kooi of Upland, California.
Linda Skrondahl
Died: Feb 03, 2002
Linda Evans was born February 27, 1948, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Everett and Dorothy (Elsasser) Evans. She attended high school in Forman, ND, and at Sioux Falls Washington High School. She began working at the Canton Café in 1965 as a waitress.
Linda was married to Louis Skrondahl on April 6, 1979, in Sioux Falls. She continued working at the Canton Café until Louie retired in 1997. The couple enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, AZ. Linda was currently employed at Eddie O’s.
Linda enjoyed every aspect of life and loved living it to its fullest. Born with artistic talent, she created a variety of crafts, hand-stamped greeting cards, and, throughout the years, had made hundreds of pieces of jewelry. Her love for the arts did not stop with her own talent. While in Arizona, she taught several classes on crafts, jewelry making and t-shirt printing.
Linda loved spending time with her grandchildren, Whitley and Andrew. A best friend to all that knew her, Linda’s gentle and kind spirit will be well missed.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Louis Skrondahl, Sioux Falls, SD; stepson, Tracy Skrondahl and his wife, Susan, Sioux Falls, SD; stepdaughter, Nancy Skrondahl, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Whitley Dearduff and Andrew Skrondahl; brothers, Eddie Evans, Huston, TX, Russell Evans and his wife, Judy, Sioux Falls, SD, Jim Evans and his wife, Ali, Cody, WY, Patrick Evans and his wife, Carla, Parker, SD, Raymond Kotchian and his wife, Wendy, Fargo, ND, Roger Kotchian and his wife, Brenda, Fargo, ND, Cyler Trachsel and his wife, Judy, Urichsville, OH; sisters, Donna Johnson, Sioux Falls, SD, Betty Hanken, Sioux Falls, SD, Melissa Barker and her husband, Jason, Buffalo, MN; and her stepfather, Ray Kotchian, Cayuga, ND. Her son, Monte Dearduff, and her parents preceded her in death.
Camdon Lee Kuehl
Died: Mar 08, 2002
Camdon Lee Kuehl
Hartford, South Dakota
Born: March 8, 2002
Died: March 8, 2002
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICE
1:00 pm Monday, March 11, 2002
Christ Lutheran Church
Hartford, South Dakota
Pastor Glen A. Enright, Officiating
Sheryl Mielke, Organist
INTERMENT
Hartford Cemetery
Hartford, South Dakota
Camdon Lee Kuehl, infant son of Travis and Wendy (Roth) Kuehl, was born and died on Friday March 8, 2002 at Sioux Valley Hospital.
Camdon Lee is survived by his parents, Travis and Wendy, Hartford, SD; brother and sister, Dalton and Madison, Hartford, SD; grandparents, Denny & Deb Roth, Worthington, MN, Nancy Rosendahl, Marshall, MN, Kayle Kuehl, Spirit Lake, IA; great grandparents, Lloyd & Ruth Roth, Worthington, MN, Alvin & Roberta Roesner, Lakefield, MN, Lois Untiedt, Lakefield, MN, Lowell Gordon, Fairmont, MN, Ardell Gordon, Worthington, MN; many uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Camdon Lee was preceded in death by two great grandfathers, Leroy Kuehl and Allen Untiedt.
Donald J. Mohlenhoff
Died: Mar 16, 2002
Don Mohlenhoff, 77, of 2704 South Holly, died Saturday at Avera McKennan Hospital.
Don was born and raised in Andrew, IA. He served his country as a member of US Army during World War II. He attended SDSU, graduating with a BS in 1950. Don was named to the North Central All-Conference Team all three years that he played varsity basketball at SDSU.
Don was a teacher and coach for 25 years in DeSmet, Huron and Brookings. In 1975, Don joined Dornberger Insurance Company full time as Crop Hail Manager. Don retired in 1991 as Vice President of Marketing.
Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty; his children, Jack Mohlenhoff and his wife, Marilynn of Sioux Falls, Kevin of Sioux Falls, Kim Mohr and her husband Dean of Sedalia, CO, Joel and his wife Lori of Sioux Falls, Bryce of Minneapolis, and Brent and his wife Jennifer of Arden Hills, MN; eight grandchildren; and two sisters, Bernice Mohlenhoff of New York City, and Arlene Rohlf of Sun City West, AZ.
His parents, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.
Michael Murphy
Died: Mar 16, 2002
512 W. 16th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Died: Saturday, March 16, 2002
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Age: 42 years, 5 months, 2 days
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 am Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Monsignor James Andraschko, Celebrant
Sandra Tiefenthaler, Pianist
Susie Rallis, Cantor
Mike Conner, Special Music
Interment
Hills of Rest Memorial Park
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Michael was born October 16, 1959 in Sioux Falls, to Ruth and William Murphy. He attended school in Pierre, South Dakota and graduated from Sioux City North High School, Sioux City, Iowa. Michael then attended the University of South Dakota.
He later worked for Red Wing Shoes in Moline, Illinois and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Michael then moved to Sioux Falls where he obtained his real estate license, working for Chell Realtors and Harr-Lemme Homes. On November 22, 1999, Michael began working at Citi Bank in credit card retentions. Citi TODAY published in “Our Customers Speak” recognition from a customer who Mike worked with; “ Mr. Murphy is not only an asset to Citi Bank as an employee, but to anyone and everyone that’s fortunate enough to deal with him. He is knowledgeable, kind, easy to speak to and above all, has the gift of being able to listen, a quality missing with much of today’s business world. Please know how much it meant to be treated with dignity and not spoken down to”.
Michael spoke his mind and had the ability to make people laugh no matter what the circumstances. His favorite salutation was “ Uncle Mike”.
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth Fauser, Moline, IL; his mother, Ruth Murphy; two sisters, Michelle Murphy, Patricia Ann Grohs; his brother, Thomas Austin Murphy and his wife Karla; nieces and nephews, Tjjohn Shannon, Sondra Grohs, Ashley Thomas Grohs, Emily, Jonathon, and William Thomas Murphy; and a great-niece Kylie Ann Grohs; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
His father William preceded him in death on April 7, 2001.
Urban "Bud" I. Bechtold
Died: Mar 21, 2002
Urban I. “Bud” Bechtold, long time Sioux Falls jeweler and lifetime resident of Sioux Falls, SD, died March 21, 2002, at Avera McKennan Hospital. He was 91
Urban I. Bechtold was born December 21, 1910, in Sioux Falls, SD. He was raised in Sioux Falls and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1928. He the attended Columbus College. Bud began working with his father at J.H. Bechtold Jewelry I 1930 as a bench jeweler.
On February 28, 1935, he was united in marriage with Rosalia Sauter at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls. Following the death of his father in 1946, he continued to operate the store, later moving it from the original location at 9th and Phillips to its current location. In 1972, he purchased the ownership interest of his siblings and became the sole owner of J.H. Bechtold Jewelry. Working as recently as last Monday, he continued to take an active interest in all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the store and was looking forward to the celebration of its 100th anniversary later this year. Bud never was one to let obstacles such as age interfere with the passion he held for the business and serving his customers.
bud loved the city and the people of Sioux Falls. He enjoyed recalling events throughout his life in great detail. He had compassion for those less fortunate and based his life on a foundation of personal integrity, honesty and loyalty. Love of his family was preeminent in his life. His wife, Rose, preceded him in death on October 6, 2000.
He was a life time member of St. Joseph Cathedral where he sang in the choir and a charter member of the Sioux Falls Sertoma Club and during his life, he was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Elks, Isaac Walton League, a former president of the Crooks Gun Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Throughout his life, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, having purchased his 2002 hunting and fishing licenses on March 7th. In addition to being instrumental in starting the first archery club in the area, he bagged the first deer of the first official archery season in South Dakota. Over the many years he sponsored many bowling teams and in the early 50’s was on the city championship team. On more than one occasion he bowled a 700 plus series.
Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Phillip (JoAnne) Bechtold, Sioux Falls, SD, Carolyn (John) Hagerman, Sioux Falls, SD, Anthony “Tony” (Mary Jo) Bechtold, Escondido, CA, Mary Jo (Jim) Christensen, Sioux Falls, SD, Steven (Nancy) Bechtold, Sioux Falls, SD, Sara (Doug) Hughes, Salem, Or, Paul Bechtold, Sioux Falls, SD, and Ann Bechtold, Sioux Falls, SD, 24 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, his brothers, Rev. Paul I. Bechtold, C.P., Chicago, IL and Dr. Joseph H. (Nona) Bechtold, D.O., Sioux Falls, SD, and his sister, Mary Bechtold Frace, Sioux Falls, SD. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by infant twin boys, Frank and Ignatius, his son, John, grandson Peter, two brothers, Leo and Oswald, and his sister, Ursula Maxwell.
Roger Thomas Gamo
Died: Mar 25, 2002
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the house of the Lord for ever."
Roger Gamo
2812 W. Costello Road
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Died: Monday, March 25, 2002
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Age: 62 years, 3 months, 28 days
Funeral Service
11:00 am Friday, March 29, 2002
Miller Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Reverend Gary Rae, Officiating
Doreen Anglin, Organist & Vocalist
Libby Gould, Accompanist
"On Eagle's Wings"
Special Music
"Amazing Grace"
Roger was born November 27, 1939, the son of Douglas and Emma (Whitlock) Gamo, at Old Bridge, NJ. He grew up in Sparrowbush, NY, graduating from high school in Port Jervis, NY, in 1958. He continued his education at Dakota Wesleyan.
On September 11, 1960, he was united in marriage to Virginia Lee Metz at Miranda, SD. The family lived in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. An entrepreneur, he owned and operated many restaurants in various states, including the Wrangler Drive Inn at Custer, SD.
Blessed with an outgoing personality, he loved visiting with people. He could always find things in common with whomever he was visiting with and always saw the good in people. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing in the Black Hills, Canada and Minnesota. He loved the outdoors and spent time both deer and pheasant hunting. Roger was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a longtime member of the Methodist Church.
Roger unconditionally loved everyone. He always looked on the bright side of life and was willing to help anyone in a time of need. He had a natural way of rescuing people from struggles.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Virginia, Sioux Falls, SD; one son, Roger “Scott” Gamo and his wife Paige, Twin Falls, ID; two daughters, Barbara Antal and her husband Richard, Lampasas, TX, Kris Lutzwick and special friend Clay Rees, Sioux Falls, SD; three grandchildren, Brandon and Nicholas Antal and Taran Lutzwick; his mother, Emma Gamo, Port Jervid, NY; one sister, Jane Husson, Sparrowbush, NY; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, and one brother, Douglas.
Echo Leone Pfeifer
Died: Mar 24, 2002
Echo Leone Pfeifer
1000 N. Lake Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Died: Sunday, March 24, 2002
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Age: 97 years, 4 months, 5 days
Memorial Service
2:00 pm Thursday, March 28, 2002
Halladay-Peterson Chapel at Dow-Rummel Village
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Rev. Jack Brooks and
Rev. Eugene DeHoogh, Officiating
Carla Pfeifer, Pianist
Interment
Woodlawn Cemetery
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Pallbearers
Grandsons & Great-Grandsons
Bill Pfeifer Jim Pfeifer
John Pfeifer
Dallas Pfeifer
Nicholas Pfeifer
Robert Teachout
Joel Teachout
Shawn Flynn
Echo Leone Blair was born November 19, 1904 in Yetter, Iowa to Lewis and Edith Reily Blair.
She graduated from Armour High School and Springfield Normal where she received a teaching certificate. She taught country school near Armour. On August 18, 1925 she married Samuel Martin Pfeifer of Armour. They moved to Rowena where they farmed until 1929 when they moved to Sioux Falls.
Echo Pfeifer was a life member of Jasper Chapter #8 Order of Eastern Star, a long time active member of the First Congregational Church, Circle #3. She also served as President of Women’s Fellowship, and was an avid Bridge player.
She is survived by two sons, Bob Pfeifer and his wife Jan of Sioux Falls, SD, Sam Pfeifer and his wife Jenny of Omaha, NE, six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Echo is also survived by two sisters, Mildred Harkleroad of Portland, OR, and Margaret Ruyle of Alexandria, VA, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam and son, William.
Kenneth McDonald
Died: Mar 24, 2002
1229 North Spring Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Died: Sunday, March 24, 2002
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Age: 69 years, 3 months, 17 days
Funeral Service
1:00 pm Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Miller Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Rev. Chris Franklin of
First Christian Church, Officiating
Eddie Garcia, Guitarist and Vocalist
"In The Garden"
Interment
Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Garretson, South Dakota
Pallbearers
Donald J. McDonald Patrick McDonald
Eddie Garcia Tony Sanders
Greg Wilfahrt Annamarie Wilfahrt
Kenneth McDonald was born December 7, 1932 to Ray and Wilda (Strong) McDonald in Sioux Falls. He grew up in Sioux Falls where he was proud to grow up as a “northender”.
Upon completing his education, Kenneth was a diligent worker his entire life. He was a heavy equipment mechanic, service station manager, school custodian, and owner and operator of his own second hand store. He also served his country in the US Army.
He married Lorraine Otterness on September 17, 1966 in Sioux Falls.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Lorraine of Sioux Falls; two sons, Donald J. McDonald of Sioux City, IA, and Patrick McDonald, of Sioux Falls; his daughter, Mary Faith Garcia of Fort Riley, KS; 10 grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Anderson of Sioux Falls.
