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HAROLD KAUFMAN
Harold Kaufman, age 85, of 1251 Arizona Ave. SW, Huron, died Saturday, March 29, 2003, at Sioux Valley Hospital at Sioux Falls.
His funeral was scheduled for Wednesday, April 2 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Rinearson officiating. Burial was planned at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Rodney Unruh, Jerry Glanzer, Stephanie Goergen, Sandra Fast, Darlas Lehmann and Burton Kaufman.
Harold J. Kaufman was born on June 7, 1917, to John D. and Sarah (Schrag) Kaufman at Marion.
Upon his confession of faith, Rev. Alfred P. Waltner baptized Harold on Sept. 23, 1934, in the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of Freeman.
Harold attended North Star District #66 grade school and Freeman High School and one year at Freeman Junior College. After graduation he taught at rural schools for five years after which he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in both the European and Asiatic Pacific Theatre of operation from July 9, 1942 to Feb. 4, 1946. After his honorable discharge he returned to farming. In 1952, he moved to Beadle County to farm and he also worked for Armour and Company.
He continued to be active in community affairs and he served on the Liberty Township Board.
On Feb. 17, 1967, Harold married Verbena Bitterman at the First United Methodist Church in Huron. They lived on a farm in the Yale area until his retirement in 1983 when they moved to Huron where he has lived since that time.
He was a life member of the Forrest McMullen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1776, William Reaves American Legion Post #7 and the Huron Senior Center.
He is survived by two stepsons: Rodney (Carol) Woodruff, Belle Fourche, and Charles (Lori) Woodruff, Broadland; one stepdaughter, Janice (Pat) Conrade of Moorhead, Minn.; seven stepgrandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; one brother, Elvin (Pfrona) Kaufman. Live Oak, Fla.; two sisters: Melva Janowski, Munich, N.D., and Delsie Monroe, Rosemont, Calif., one sister-in-law, Leona Kaufman, Sioux Falls, and many nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Verbena on Aug. 18, 2001; his parents; three brothers, Elias, Jacob and Richard; and five sisters: Anna, Elma, Linda, Elsie and Adina.
EUNICE M. HANSON
Eunice Gillette was born May 4, 1920 on a farm near Olivet (Wittenberg Township) to Landy and Bertha (Rebel) Gillette.
She attended rural school in Wittenberg and high school at Olivet. Eunice married Wilford H. Hanson Jan. 25, 1938. They lived in Olivet and then in Sioux Falls. They returned to Olivet in 1945 to begin farming. In 1959, they moved to Olivet to operate a restaurant and service station. Eunice was employed at the Human Services Center in Yankton for seven years and the Hutchinson Co. Court House in janitorial position for 19 years.
In October of 1990, Eunice and Wilford moved to an apartment in Freeman. They shared life's joys and sorrows for 56 years. They were blessed with two daughters: Garnet Stern and Carole Brunsting.
Eunice loved her family and friends. She always appreciated company and especially enjoyed the visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called her "Grandma Eunie."
She passed away March 31, 2003, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center and will always be remembered as a caring person who always took time for her family.
Thankful for having shared her life are her two daughters and their husbands: Garnet and Gillas Stern, Freeman, and Carole and Larrry Brunsting, Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Scott and Staci Stern, Freeman, Brian and Tamara Stern, Sioux Falls; step grandchildren: Carrie and Lance Brunsting, Denver, Colo.; great-grandchildren: Amber, Hillary and Kaitlyn Stern, Freeman and Morgan, Nicholas and Kristin Stern, Sioux Falls; five sisters-in-law: Lila Gillette, Shirley Younkers, Becky Hanson, Connie Hanson and Evelyn Hanson; four brothers-in-law: Jim Younkers, Donovan Hanson, Doyle Hanson and Vernon Hanson.
Preceding her in death were her husband; her parents; and a brother, Alvin Gillette.
The funeral was held Thursday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Olivet, with Rev. John Katter officiating and Jeanine Herman as organist. Vocalists were Gary Pfeiffer, Edgar and LuVerna Mueller and Amber Stern. Pallbearers were Terry Gillette, Victor Bush, Mark Rames, David Schamber, Ken Winteen and Roland Sayler. Interment was at the Scotland Cemetery.
RUTH JANKE JANTZ
Ruth Janke Jantz, 92, passed away Aug. 18, in Glendale, Calif. Her funeral was held Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002 at the Bethlehem Mennonite Church of Richey, Mont., with Pastor Darrell Nefgzer officiating.
Ruth Ortman was born in November of 1909, the daughter of Fred and Regina Ortman at Dolton. She moved to the Retah Table close to Richey, Mont., with her parents in 1910, where she subsequently attended school. She married Albert Janke and was a homemaker until 1971. Later residences included Arlington, Texas, Redlands, Calif., and Glendale, Calif. In 1977 she married Dick Jantz who passed away in 1990.
She is survived by her son, Roger and daughter-in-law Marlys, Santa Clarita, Calif.; grandson Ross of San Diego, Calif.; granddaughter Roberta Janke; great-grandson Tray Oreka, Vacaville, Calif.; nieces: Bette Howard of Dickinson, N.D., and Cora Gaub of Glendive; and nephew Ed Janke of Tucson, Ariz.
Interment was at the Bethlehem Mennonite Cemetery.
KENNETH ROLAND WALTNER
Kenneth Roland Waltner was born on Aug. 25, 1923 in Freeman to Arnold Waltner and Louise (Raschke) Waltner. He passed away on March 23, 2003, from complications of a stroke that he had two weeks ago.
He grew up in the Turkey Ridge Valley area in South Dakota, where he attended Norway #34 grade school. He attended Freeman High School for one year and graduated from Hurley High School in 1941.
Kenneth then married Nora Hargens on March 5, 1947. They started farming on a farm north of Marion for 10 years and then in December of 1958 they moved back to Turkey Ridge onto the home farm and lived there the rest of his life.
He was baptized on Oct. 9, 1938, at the Salem Mennonite Church and sang in the Senior Men's Chorus for over 20 years. Kenneth also served on the Norway #34 country school board. He enjoyed attending and taping all of his grandchildren's Christmas and spring concerts. He also enjoyed listening to Pastor Salem of the First Baptist Church of Aberdeen and the Freeman radio station.
Kenneth retired from farming in the 1980s and decided to do mechanic work on tractors and small engines up to the time he entered the hospital.
He enjoyed collecting toy tractors and remote control cars and sharing them with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Nora; daughter Karen and husband Wayne Kaufman; grandson, Brett Kaufman, Kadoka; granddaughters: Rebecca and husband DeWayne Davis, Aberdeen, and Christa and husband Jordon Helma, Freeman; and two great-grandchildren: Shannon and Collin; one brother, Owen and wife Lilas Waltner, ShowLow, Ariz.; one sister, Ione Tieszen, Freeman; two sisters-in-law: Louise Nelson and Lucille King; one brother-in-law, Alfred Hargens; and two stepbrothers: Duane and Charles Denbow.
He was preceded in death by one son, Gary; his parents; one brother-in-law, Alden Tieszen; and stepmother, Eldora.
Kenneth's funeral was held Wednesday, March 26 at 2 p.m. at Salem Mennonite Church with Rev. S. Roy Kaufman officiating. Anita Neufeld was organist with Lyle Preheim as soloist.
Pallbearers were Jordan Helma, DeWayne Davis, Arnie Tieszen, Kevin Waltner, Jay Graber and Larry Olesen. Honorary pallbearers were his cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Interment was at Spring Valley Baptist Cemetery.
DELBERT FRIESEN
Delbert Ray Friesen, 60, of Spokane, Wash., a long-serving physics professor at Whitworth College, passed away on Aug. 2, 2002 while vacationing in Yellowstone National Park. He was born April 18, 1942 in Canton, Okla., to Arthur and Viola (Graber) Friesen. Delbert received his BA degree from Bethel College in Kansas and his doctorate in physics from the University of Colorado. He joined the Whitworth faculty in 1985. Before coming to Whitworth, where he was chair of the physics department, he held academic positions at Marietta College in Ohio, Millikin University in Illinois, Tougaloo College in Mississippi, and at his alma mater, Bethel College.
Delbert was an active member of the Shalom Mennonite Church in Spokane, and belonged to the American Association of Physics Teachers. He enjoyed model railroads and camping.
He is survived by his mother, Viola Friesen of Reedley, Calif., and his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Dorothy Friesen of Bluffton, Ohio.
A memorial service was held at the Seeley Mudd Chapel at Whitworth College on Aug. 7.
DORA MARIE KLEINSASSER
Dora Marie Kleinsasser was born on July 31, 1910, to Rev. Paul and Anna (Wollman) Kleinsasser. She grew up in a large family, with five brothers and seven sisters. She and her siblings were raised in a large house on a farm near Freeman.
Dora attended Freeman Public School and two years of high school, and said that a highlight of her life was her employment as a nanny. She began that career working for the Dr. F. J. Abts family in Yankton, caring for their children. "I still keep in touch with their daughter," Dora said. "The family treated me like I was one of their own." She later moved to Chicago where the Lawrence Welk family employed her as a nanny. She said, "The Welks, were wonderful people - they also treated me like I was a member of their family. I also traveled around with the band and helped with their children during those times."
Dora had been in the Freeman Nursing Home almost four years, along with her brother Walter. Sister Liz visited almost daily. Dora said, "I love the activities program here, especially the cooking and baking." She also attended devotions regularly.
Dora will be missed by her family: Walter and Amos Kleinsasser, Paul P. Kleinsasser, Jr. and wife Lucille, Elizabeth Kleinsasser, all of Freeman; Edna Dalke, Spring Park, Minn.; Irene Holden of Backus, Minn.; and Jeanne Tieszen, Marion. There are numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, along with friend Virginia Abst, Sonoma, Calif.
Her funeral was held Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Walter's Funeral Home in Freeman with Rev. Dudley Horning officiating. Renee Hartman was pianist with vocal music by Celia Wollman and Marilyn Duerksen. Pallbearers were Jake Gross, Bob Wollman, Randy Broders, Kyle Aspaas, Pete Horner and Rod Rightmyer. Interment was at Freeman City Cemetery.
MARIE E. HOFER
Marie E. Hofer, daughter of Christian and Justina (Tschetter) Hofman, was born Sept. 8, 1917, on a farm 10 miles southwest of Bridgewater.
She passed away at the Freeman Community Nursing Home at the age of 85 years, five months ad 20 days.
Marie spent her young years growing up on a farm with her six brothers and sisters. She received her elementary education in a country school, Hofman District No. 55. In 1936 she graduated from Freeman Academy. Upon her confession of faith, she was baptized by Rev. D. W. Tschetter on Aug. 21, 1932, and became a member of the KMB Church.
In Aug. 28, 1938, she was united in marriage to Joe Matt Hofer. After their marriage, she transferred her membership to Hutterthal Mennonite, where she remained a faithful member. Marie and Joe farmed in the West Freeman and Clayton areas for 36 years. They were blessed with two children: Donna and Edith.
Marie's life centered around her family, her church, community and FJC/Academy Auxiliary. She enjoyed participating in her church through teaching Sunday school, Women in Mission, and entertaining pastors, missionaries and foreign students attending Freeman College.
In 1975, Marie and Joe retired from farming and moved to Freeman. Marie worked in the dietary departments at Freeman College and the Freeman Community Hospital. In 1979 they helped organize and open the Et Cetera Shoppe in Freeman which they then managed for six years. She enjoyed clerking and volunteering in the shop until 2001.
A highlight for Marie and Joe was the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary in August of 1988. Their trips to Colombia and Bolivia, South America, to visit Edie, Larry and family were also highlights of their life together.
The Lord blessed them with 58 years of marriage until Joe passed away on Oct. 28, 1996. Marie moved to the Salem Mennonite Home of the Aged in Freeman in September, 2001, where she greatly enjoyed the fellowship and care she received. On Jan. 26, she was admitted to the Freeman Hospital and transferred to the Freeman Community Nursing Home on Feb. 4.
She leaves to mourn her death two daughters: Donna (Elmer) Thieszen, Henderson, Neb., and Edie (Larry) Tschetter, Freeman; five grandchildren: Melissa Huebert, Henderson; Matt (Heidi Rupley) Tschetter, Elkhart, Ind., Mark (Tanya) Thieszen, Lincoln, Neb., Mike (Loretta) Tschetter, Harrisonburg, Va., and Maria Tschetter, Freeman; four great-grandchildren: Malaina, Maelyn, and Lane Huebert and Jordan Tschetter; one sister, Anna (Ted) Fischer, Ashley, N.D., two brothers: Joe (Mary) Hofman and Rheiny (Susie) Hofman, Freeman; four sisters-in law: Anna Kleinsasser, Freeman, Rose Hofmann, Mitchell, Ruth Rose, Scotland, and LuElla Christensen, Alcester.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; sister Justina Guericke; brothers: Jake, Herbert and Dave; and one grandchild, Lynn Huebert.
Burial was followed by a memorial service Monday, March 3 at 2:30 p.m. at Hutterthal Mennonite Church with Pastors Ivan and Rachel Friesen officiating. Phyllis Hofer was organist with Kathryn Kleinsasser as vocalist. Honorary pallbearers were Melissa Huebert, Matt Tschetter and Heidi Rupley, Mark and Tanya Thieszen, Mike and Loretta Tschetter and Maria Tschetter. Interment was at Hutterthal Mennonite Church Cemetery.
ELMER I. WALTER
Elmer I. Walter was born on Oct. 17, 1924, to George I. and Maria (Hofer) Walter on the family farm northwest of Freeman. He passed away on July 29, 2002 following complications from his surgery.
He was educated at country school District 55 and graduated from Freeman Public High School in 1943. On March 9, 1956, Elmer was united in marriage to LeAnn Ries. They had two children, a son, Ray and a daughter, Donice.
Upon confession of faith he was baptized on Dec. 8, 1960, by Rev. William Unrau and received into the Bethany Mennonite Church where he remained a member serving as a trustee and usher for some years. Elmer loved farming and although he moved to town in 1997, he would drive out to the farm nearly every morning to check the crops and cattle. He especially enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren. Elmer also served on several boards during his life including township, Freeman Lumber, Rural Fire, school and REA.
Thankful for having shared his life are his son, Ray Walter and wife, Linda, Freeman; daughter Donice and husband, Don Bylander, Colorado Springs, Colo.; four grandchildren, Josh and Joey Walter and DeAnna and Derek Bylander; a brother-in-law Amos Kleinsasser, Freeman; a sister-in-law Melva Schmidt, Marion; and many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife, LeAnn, on Aug. 7, 1993, his parents; and his sister, Agnes.
The funeral was held Friday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. at Bethany Mennonite Church with Rev. Randall Tschetter officiating and Phyllis Kirschenman as organist. Pallbearers were Dennis Graber, Richard Walter, Duane Ries, Merton Schmidt, Amos Kleinsasser and Harley Thomas. Interment was at Salem MB Church Cemetery.
IRENE DEBELTS
Irene was born Feb. 4, 1922. She was the second child born to Martin and Minnie (Wildeboer) Bartels. She was born at home on the farm near Davis. She was raised on the farm along with three brothers, and one sister: Harm, Eppo, Hilray and Lydia. She grew up on the farm and eventually met a young man by the name of Fred DeBelts. They fell in love and were united in marriage on Oct. 8, 1940. The wedding took place at Chancellor Baptist Church. Fred and Irene started their married life on a rented farm near Hurley. In later years they farmed near Davis, this is where they started a dairy business. They milked as many as 65 cows at times. Irene was always ready to help in the field or barn. She loved to cook and bake and was always worried about people getting enough to eat. She always had a big garden and did a lot of canning. She also raised chickens, and then butchered them. Of course, all of her daughters remember this very well because they got to help!
In 1975, Fred and Irene retired and moved to Lennox. What a change! No more cows to milk, but she still kept a large garden. Later they moved onto an acreage near Dolton and then to Freeman.
Irene was always active in church. She led many young children to the Lord in her Sunday school room. She also sang and played the piano. She taught all of her daughters to sing and to play the piano. Six girls were born and raised on various farms: Martha Hovik of El Cajon, Calif., Dorothy Valient, Sioux Falls, Eileen Dobson, Delta, Colo., Freida Sayler, Utica, Darlene Boehn, West Bend, Wis., and Marlene Boggs, Hartford.
After the death of her husband, Fred, Irene suffered two strokes, the latter of which left her paralyzed on the left side. She was very fortunate to have been able to stay in her own home with the help of her granddaughter and caregivers, Carol Reif, Melisa Weinbury, Jeanne Wickerson, Jesse Mohr, Kim Palmer, and Sharleiy Hairston and past caregivers, Diane Fry, Melissa Hofer, Dustin Egan and others too numerous to mention.
Irene handled her handicapped situation well, but always mentioned "If only she could walk and stand by the sink and peel potatoes."
As a young girl, Irene accepted Jesus into her heart as her Lord and Savior from sin and was baptized by immersion as a testimony of her new life in Christ.
Irene went home to be with her blessed Lord and Savior early Friday morning, Feb. 28 in her home. We are all sad to see her go but know that in heaven she is walking again, peeling potatoes, and singing at the top of her lungs.
She is survived by one sister, Lydia Elcock; one brother, Hilray Bartels; her six daughters; 28 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
Her funeral was held Wednesday, March 5 at the Silver Lake Mennonite Church.
GIDEON THEODORE HOLZWARTH
Gideon Theodore Holzwarth, age 75 years, 11 months and 25 days of Freeman passed away Thursday, July 25, 2002 at the Freeman Community Nursing Home. The funeral was held Monday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Reformed Church in Menno with Rev. Robert Grossmann and Rev. Herman Van Stedum officiating. Pallbearers were Matthew Holzwarth, Kevin Holzwarth, Todd Holzwarth, Glenn Vogel, William Schoenfish, Michael Huether, Dennis Huether, and Kevin Huether. Burial was in the Menno Cemetery.
Gideon Holzwarth was born on July 30, 1926 to Emanuel and Martha (Mehlhaff) Holzwarth at Freeman. Gideon was baptized on Oct. 10, 1926 by Rev. Buettell in the Reformed Faith. He was confirmed by Rev. William Korn in Johannesthal Reformed Church. Gideon was a life- long member of the Zion Reformed Church, serving as an elder and deacon for many years. Gideon completed eight years of school in the Mutschelknaus country school district 68 of rural Freeman. On June 2, 1950, Gideon married Velda Huether of Tripp. They lived their married life farming west of Freeman. He farmed his entire life until he became ill in February 2002.
Gideon always enjoyed his animals with a special love for horses. Gideon also served on many community boards during his life. He had a great love for music. He shared his musical talents for 42 years as a church and choir organist. Gideon played with his cousins many years as a member of the Red Hat Band. He enjoyed going on bus tours with his wife, Velda. They especially enjoyed a tour through Europe in the fall of 1998. Gideon always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was very proud of his four grandchildren.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Velda Holzwarth, Freeman; two sons: Marlin (Patty) Holzwarth, Freeman, and Myron (Audrey) Holzwarth, Lennox; one daughter, Marlene (Brad) Stewart, Alliance, Neb.; four grandchildren: Matthew and Kevin Holzwarth, Jamie and Sean Stewart; one sister, Arlene (Vern) Johnson, Rapid City; and many nephews, nieces, relatives and a host of friends.
Gideon was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law; and three nieces.
SADIE MAE BOESE
Sadie Mae Boese was born on Oct. 12, 1919, in rural Meno, Okla. She died at the age of 83 years, four months, 17 days at the Freeman Community Nursing Home in Freeman.
She grew up on the family farm near Meno, Okla. Sadie attended OBA school in Meno. As a young woman she helped on the farm and helped the neighbors with whatever work that needed to be done.
Through a mutual friend of both, Sadie met her future husband Walter. They were married on Sept. 27, 1949, at the West Mennonite Church in Meno. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
To this union, two children were born, Allen and Renita.
After their marriage they farmed together until they retired into Freeman in 1984. At the farm she had a big garden and did lots of canning. She worked side by side with Walter.
Mom always enjoyed family reunions and entertaining people for dinner. She enjoyed lots of laughter and fun teasing.
She enjoyed her children, her daughter-in-law Cheryl and son-in-law Jim. She especially enjoyed her five grandchildren.
Sadie attended the Church of God in Marion. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She enjoyed singing solos and playing the piano for prayer meetings.
Mom enjoyed visiting her sister in California, even though she was scared of flying. In the last years they talked weekly by phone.
Thankful for having shared her life are her husband, Walter; son Allen and wife Cheryl and their children, Alex and Aaron, Freeman; daughter Renita and husband Jim and their children, Kristy, Sarah and Adam, Sioux Falls; sister Edna Kroeker, Reedley, Calif. She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Vada Decker, Enid, Okla., and Verola Acheson, Independence, Kan., along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; brothers: Rudolph, Paul and Leonard Decker.
Her funeral was held Thursday, March 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the First Church of God with Rev. Patrick Tribby officiating. Organist was Helen Nielson with special music by Jeanette Nielson and Jenelle Wilson. Pallbearers were David Acheson, Terry Decker, Ron Decker, Charles Hanson, Terry Wilson and Randy Nielson. Interment was at First Church of God Cemetery.
