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BARBARA TSCHETTER
Barbara Jean Tschetter, 54, Carpenter, died of leukemia Friday, June 28, 2002, at her brother's home near Carpenter.
The funeral was held Monday, July 1 at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church, rural Carpenter, with the Rev. Matthew Stacey officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Barbara was born to Edwin B. and Alice (Walter) Tschetter on Jan. 13, 1948 in Huron. She attended rural Lake Byron Elementary School and graduated from Huron High School in 1966. She graduated from General Beadle State College at Madison and then attended Multonomah Bible College in Portland, Ore. She taught school in rural Beadle County and then became a missionary teacher, serving first in Newfoundland and then in Liberia and Ivory Coast, West Africa. She attended French language school in Quebec, Canada, before serving in Ivory Coast. In May 1996, she returned to the states to care for her ill parents and had been a resident at rural Carpenter since then. She was currently treasurer of the Lake Byron Township Board. She was baptized and an active member at Hutterthal Mennonite Church of rural Carpenter.
She is survived by her father, Edwin B. Tschetter, Huron; her brother Orrin and wife, Jane, Carpenter; two nieces: Jill and husband, Merrit Mendel, Doland, and Megan and husband, Nathan Janzen, Mt. Lake, Minn.; two great-nieces; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother in 1996; her niece, Liza Tschetter in 1997; and her grandparents: Rebekkah and Iky Tschetter and Joe B. and Rebecca Walter.
MARVIN G. SCHAMBER
Marvin G. Schamber was born July 9, 1923, in Freeman, the son of Ernst and Elsa (Johnke) Schamber. He died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 7, 2003 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. He had attained the age of 79 years, six months and 29 days.
Marvin was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Freeman, where he attended the Lutheran Day School for his elementary education. He later graduated from Freeman High School. He attended Freeman College for one year, and taught in a one-room rural school in Hutchinson County for two years, and in Bon Homme county one year. He received his BS degree from Southern State College, his master's degree from the University of South Dakota; and his doctorate degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Marvin was a teacher in the junior high school at Scotland, while he attended college; and he was a teacher, principal, and superintendent of the Alexandria High School. He served as chairman of the Department of Business at the former USD/S for 29 years.
He married Norma J. Kepplinger May 27, 1949. They lived in Alexandria prior to moving to Springfield in 1957.
Marvin served his community as Mayor of Springfield for 26 years from 1970 to 1996, where he was successful in obtaining numerous federal and state grants for economic and community development purposes. He served on various boards and commissions on the local, regional, and state levels for many years, including the South Central Child Development, Inc., Rural Office of Community Services, District III Planning and Development, Randall RC&D, Council on Local Affairs, Department of Labor committees, and others. In recent years, Marvin was appointed to the South Dakota Career Services Commission, which public service he enjoyed. In his work at the University before retirement, he served as local association officer, as well as inter-university committees. He was a faithful member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Springfield, where he served various offices, including treasurer, secretary, chairman, and elder.
Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Norma of Springfield; one daughter, Pamela Cool and husband Larry of Sioux Falls; one grandson, James of Brookings; one brother, El and wife Doris of Aberdeen; four brothers-in-law: Clyde, Ray, Melvin and Clark Kepplinger; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Gertrude Mossbrucker; and one brother, Roland.
The funeral was held Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with Pastor Ken Johnson officiating. Bev Rupp was organist with Julia Jaeger as pianist. Kathy Merrigan Manning was vocalist. Doug Stockholm, Greg Balvin and Ken Rupp were ushers.
Casketbearers were Jack Soulek, Ron Morrow, Rick Thaler, Greg Henderson, Gerhard Schamber, Glen Rapp, Alfred Stockholm, Alvin Patocka, Wilbert Renner, Jack Broome, Herman Peters, Gary Loukota and Bruce Waage. Burial was at 1 p.m. at the Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland.
RUTH V. GROSS
Ruth V. Gross, daughter of Andrew J. C. Gross and Mary (Tschetter) Gross, was born on Oct. 10, 1931, in Hutchinson County, Freeman. She graduated from the Mutchelknaus District #68 School. She was baptized upon confession of her faith in Christ and was a member of the Hutterthal Mennonite Church. She resided on the family farm near Freeman until April 9, 1991, then moved to the Prairie Rest Home in Mitchell. After a lengthy battle with cancer, she died at the age of 71 on Feb. 3, 2003, at the Firesteel Health Center in Mitchell.
Ruth always looked forward to Kathryn Kleinsasser's visits every month, for the hugs, reading Scriptures, singing and praying. Kathryn would always bring along a pint of gashtel soup and a piece of pie. Ruth often remarked to Kathryn, "I wish I would be healthy like you". Ruth always talked about Jesus and how she wanted to go to heaven to be with Jesus. She enjoyed singing hymns. Ruth also had a musical picture frame of Jesus that played "How Great Thou Art". She was so very proud of that and always knew right where to reach for it. She loved that song and knew all of the verses. After her first stroke at the rest home, she said, "I don't want to go to church today, because I can't sing". She had pictures of Jesus on her wall and said how she loved to look at them. Ruth wanted to be with Jesus so much and believed and trusted in him with all of her heart. Her pain and suffering only made her and her faith stronger. She longed and was waiting for the day to be with her maker - now she is at peace.
Ruth is survived by her brothers: Joe (Emma) and Amos Gross, Freeman; nephew, Sherwin (Cindy) Gross, Spencer; niece, Nancy (Ken) Weber, Bridgewater; five great-nieces and nephews: Adam Weber, Sioux Falls, Krissy Weber, Jeremy, Kevin and Katie Jo Gross.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and two sisters: Anna, Edwin, Barbara and Emmet Gross.
The funeral was held Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Hutterthal Mennonite Church with Pastors Ivan and Rachel Friesen officiating. Organist was Phyllis Hofer with Kathryn Kleinsasser as vocalist. Pallbearers were Adam Weber, Kevin Gross, Jeremy Gross, Solomon Tschetter, Edwin Tschetter and Elmer Gross. Interment was at Hutterthal Mennonite Church Cemetery.
HAROLD E. HOFFMAN
The funeral for Harold E. Hoffman was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10 in The United Church of Canistota. Rev Ron Sumption officiated at the service. The organist was Diane Mammenga and soloist was Nichole DeMent. Pallbearers were Paul Hoffman, Bruce Hoffman, Ryan Hoffman, Lon Remme, Rod Hartman, and Ronald White. Military honors were provided by the Bridgewater American Legion. Burial was in Riverside Methodist Cemetery, rural Marion. A prayer service was held on Tuesday evening in Kinzley Funeral Home, Salem.
Harold was born Oct. 29, 1925 at Hardwick, Minn., to Adolph and Laura (Koll) Hoffman. He grew up in the Hardwick area and graduated from Luverne High School. After high school he entered the Army and served for three years from 1943 to 1946 where he participated in campaigns in Germany. After the war he returned to Minnesota and worked with his father as a carpenter and well repairman and also worked on several farms in the area. He married Lela White on March 16, 1958 in Riverside Methodist Church in rural Marion. They moved to the Dolton area in 1959 and had lived there since.
Harold worked at various auto and tractor repair shops in the area, last working for Knudson Implement in Salem until they closed. He retired in 1988 and raised chickens as a hobby in his retirement.
He passed away unexpectedly at his home in rural Dolton on Thursday July 4, 2002. He had reached the age of 76 years, eight months and five days.
Survivors include his wife, Lela Hoffman of Dolton; four sons: Steven (Lisa) Hoffman of Hartford, Kevin (Judy) Hoffman, Dolton, Jim Hoffman, Bridgewater, Douglas (Barb) Hoffman, Jacksonville, N.C.; seven grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; one sister, Edna Christensen of Hendricks, Minn.; and two brothers, Robert (Mary) Hoffman and Donald (Janie) Hoffman of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and one sister.
MARIA TIESZEN
Maria Teresa Tieszen, 71, of Pierre, formerly of Spearfish, died on Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:25 p.m. at Maryhouse Nursing Center in Pierre after a struggle with heart failure..
The funeral was held Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at Fidler Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.
Maria was born in LaPlata, Puerto Rico on Jan. 31, 1931, to Micaela Luna and Manuel Santos. Maria and Paul lived in Speafish for 30 years before moving to Pierre to be near their children.
Maria is survived by Paul A. Tieszen, her husband of 54 years; son Richard Tieszen and daughter Bonnie Witt, both of Pierre, and daughter Carol Stephen of Missouri.
Maria was the grandmother to Michael Witt of California, Dr. Heather Brewer of Michigan, Christopher and Chad McGinn, both of Missouri, and Ryker and Kyler Tieszen of Pierre. She is also survived by a brother, Julio Luna, New York; a half sister, Fermina Luna, Puerto Rico; and several nieces and nephews.
EDWARD DECKERT
Edward Deckert was born near Marion on Jan. 26, 1910 to John W. Deckert and Katherine (Dirks) Deckert. He was born four and one half miles west of Marion. Dad received his elementary education in a nearby school house. He received Christ as Lord and Savior in 1925 and was baptized upon his confession of his faith in 1926 and joined the Bruderthalar Evangelical Brethren Church.
June 20, 1935, he was united in marriage to Delcie Unruh. On Oct. 8, 1939, he together with his wife, transferred their membership to the Silver Lake Mennonite Brethren Church. He sang in the choir, male quartets, and taught Sunday school a number of years. He enjoyed reading the Bible. One special verse that was dear to him was Ephesians 2:4: "God who is rich in mercy for His great love wherewith He loved us." Dad's special favorite song was "Rock of Ages".
Together Dad and Mother shared life's joys and sorrows for 55 years and four months. This union was blessed with one son, Donley Morris Deckert and two grandsons, Douglas and Bradford Scott, whom he loved and were a great concern to him.
Edward and Delcie spent most of their years farming five miles west of Marion. They retired from farming in the fall of 1974 and moved to Marion. This gave them a number of years of traveling which they enjoyed together.
On Valentines Day, February of 1990, Delcie took sick and had to be taken to the hospital for a gall bladder operation. On Oct. 29 that same year she had to go to the hospital again. On Oct. 25, 1990, she went to meet her Heavenly Father. In 1991 Dad moved to an apartment in Marion.
Remaining to mourn and commemorate his death are his son, Donley; two grandsons, Douglas and Bradford, all of Illinois; one brother, Maynard of Marion; one sister, Alvina and husband Edward Becker, Freeman; a sister-in-law, Esther (Clifford) Wentzel, Parker; 19 nephews and nieces and many relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death was his dear wife, Delcie; his parents; four sisters; two brothers; three nephews and one niece.
The funeral was held Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at Silver Lake Mennonite Church with Pastor James Koller officiating. Organist was Marlaree Windish with special music by Alice Schmidt. Pallbearers were Arlyn Thomas, Jerry Schmidt, Jaris Wentzel, Delano Tieszen, Arden Becker and Jim Deckert. Interment was at Schartner Cemetery.
BENJAMIN F. MAMMENGA
Benjamin Mammenga was born south of Canistota on Jan. 13, 1908, to Frank and Jennie Mammenga. He was united in marriage to Bertha Viet on Nov. 24, 1932. They farmed together in the Canistota and Parker area, then in 1974 they retired and moved to Parker.
Ben passed away on Jan. 21, 2003, at the age of 95 years and eight days. He was a member of the First Reformed Church of Monroe.
He is survived by one brother, George.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; an infant brother and brother, Jerry; and also one sister, Sena.
His funeral was held Friday, Jan. 24, at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Bob Steadman officiating. Organist was Caryl Rand. Pallbearers were Harlen Mammenga, Steve Mammenga, David Viet, Jon Miller, Monte Mammenga and Curt Adrian. Interment was at Canistota Cemetery.
JOAN GAIL FRIESEN
Joan Gail Friesen, daughter of Helmuth and Lorraine (Schenk) Hehn was born June 7, 1948, in Bakersfield, Calif. She grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. Following her graduation she attended and received her teacher certificate at the Freeman Junior College in Freeman.
She taught for a couple of years in a county school in the Marion area. She was united in marriage with Lester Friesen on Aug. 10, 1968. Joan ended her teaching career to raise her family.
Joan is survived by her husband, Lester, Sioux Falls; daughters: Kimberly (Paul) Warkenthien, Garretson, Stacey (Jeffrey) Rietz, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren; mother, Lorraine Hehn, Sioux Falls; sister, Sharon (Walter) Sayler, Menno; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her father, Helmuth, preceded her in death.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at First Lutheran Church Christ the Victor Chapel. Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Elmer Aman
Elmer Aman, 81, of Eureka, died Friday, June 21, 2002, at MedCenter One in Bismarck, N.D.
Elmer was born Feb. 22, 1921 to Christ C. and Magdalina (Fischer) Aman in rural McPherson County.
He married Ida L. Schick on Dec. 21, 1941, in Hosmer. They made their home on a farm south of Eureka from 1941 to 1986. They then moved to Hosmer where they lived until 1992 when they moved to Eureka.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Eureka. He enjoyed cattle and grain farming.
Survivors include his wife of Eureka; one son, Maurice (Carol) Aman, Eureka; one daughter, Janice (Dennis) Cleland, Aberdeen; six sisters: Adeline Will, Hosmer, Claudia (Otto) Geist and Viola (Stanley) Rau, both of Eureka, Esther (Markus) Geist, Sioux Falls, Alice Buechler, Mobridge, and Delores (Eldon) Winther, Aberdeen; one brother, Walter (Martha) Aman, Eureka; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.
The funeral was held Tuesday, June 25 at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Eureka. The Rev. Dean Nelson officiated. Organist was Lana Hilgemann and there was congregational singing. Casketbearers were Bruce Geist, Rudy Aman, Darwin Aman, Craig Rau, Ronald Wolff and Roger Wolff. Honorary casketbearers were Ryan and Teresa Aman and Dean and Becky Aman.
Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Eureka with arrangements by Straubs Funeral Home of Eureka.
ESTHER BRILL
Esther Ruth Brill was born on June 12, 1908, to Gustave and Bertha Olsheske in Sauk Rapids, Minn. She was baptized, confirmed on March 20, 1921, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids.
Esther attended elementary and high school in Sauke Rapids and two years at St. Cloud Business College, working in a dime store prior to her marriage. On June 15, 1930, she was united in marriage to Paul H. Brill at Trinity Lutheran. They were blessed with 72 years of wedded bliss. Being a pastor's wife, Esther was kept very busy helping her husband and taking care of their five children, Paul, Ethelyn, Beverly, Esther and Walter. In addition she enjoyed painting, sewing, baking and other hand-work with her mother, who lived with them during much of the year. Esther faithfully supported her husband in his ministry, going with him to many services (sometimes as many as three on Sundays), accompanying choirs in the early years and later on in the nursing home services.
Together with her husband, Paul, they served God's people at the following: St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Freeman, for approximately seven to eight years; Redeemer in Doland; Immanuel, Bartlett Township; Redeemer, Verndale, Minn.; Trinity, Long Prairie, Minn.; Emanuel, Hamburg, Minn.; St. Paul's, Frazee, Minn.; and again at Trinity, Long Prairie; in retirement. In November, 1994, Esther and Paul moved to Columbia Heights, Minn., where they have resided since.
On Thursday morning, Dec. 19, 2002, God gave Esther the gift of eternal life while she slept in her room at Crest View Lutheran Home at the age of 94 years and six months.
Thankful to God for the privilege of sharing her life are her husband, Paul; five children: Paul G. (Geraldine) Brill, Castle Rock, Colo., Ethelyn Stahl, Columbia Heights; Beverly (Kenneth) Swanson, Minneapolis, Minn., Esther Greene, Boulder City, Nev., and Rev. Walter (Ruth) Brill, Virginia, Minn.; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; and many relatives and friends.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Erwin (Pete) Greene, and one great-grandson, Christopher Welch.
The funeral was held Dec. 23, with Paul Brill, Rev. Walter Brill and Rev. Gerald Peterson taking part in the service. Soloist was her daughter Ethelyn Stahl. Interment was in Sauk Rapids.
ELIZABETH MENDEL WOLLMAN
(As written by mother) I, Elizabeth (Mendel) Wollman was born to David E. and Mary (Hofer) Mendel on Aug. 25, 1917 near Freeman. I received my education at Progressive School District #20 and graduated from Freeman High School.
At the age of 15, I received Christ as my personal Savior at a tent revival meeting, conducted by evangelist Jacob J. Hofer of California at the Salem Mennonite Brethren Church of Bridgewater. I was baptized on June 30, 1935 by Rev. Dave W. Tschetter and accepted as a member of the church.
I married Clifford M. Wollman on May 10, 1942 by Rev. Mike J. Hofer. After my marriage I became a member of the Neu Hutterthaler Mennonite Church in November of 1947 and was active in Sunday school and the ladies Willing Workers Fellowship. On June 22, 1980, our family transferred our membership to the Zion Mennonite Church of Bridgewater, where I took an active part in ladies fellowship as long as my health permitted.
(As written by the family) Mother continued to live in Bridgewater after Dad's death. She was a resident of Diamond Care Center the past four weeks. Mother passed away early in the morning on June 1, 2002, reaching the age of 84 years and 9 months.
Mother was a kind and loving person; her life-long career was caring for her family. When Mother was 18, her mother died, as the oldest child she helped raise her siblings. Many people were recipients of mother's hospitality. She was always prepared for company. Mother never traveled far from home but she touched many lives.
Mother took great pride in gardening and tending her flower beds. She always enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren.
She will be missed by her children: Muriel and husband Gary Deckert, Doland, Mildred and husband Ken Horter, Howard, Glenn and wife Cheryl, Bridgewater, Glenda and husband Brian Kuhlman, Watertown, daughter-in-law Frieda Wollman, Bridgewater; grandchildren: Roger Wollman, Bridgewater, Sandra Wollman, Rock Valley, Iowa, Tracy Deckert, Yankton, Sara Deckert, Vermillion, Jennifer Wollman, Mitchell, Benjamin and Heather Wollman, Bridgewater, Zachary, Matthew and Rachel Kuhlman, Watertown; one brother, Paul (Sylvia) Mendel, Freeman; two sisters: Myrtle (John) Lundin, Stockholm, Tabea (Bill) Koehn, Marion; two sisters-in-law: Violet Mendel and Alice Mendel.
Preceding Mother in death were her husband, Clifford; her son, Gordon; her sister, Ida Gall; brothers David and Roy; and young sisters, Lillian, Tabea and Susan.
Her funeral was held Tuesday, June 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Zion Mennonite Church with Rev. Matt Leopold and Rev. George Kaufman officiating. Organist was Lois Hofer with vocal music by Emmanuel Glanzer, Mary Glanzer, Tim Glanzer and Lucille Hofer. Elizabeth Shulte played a violin solo and Myrtle Lundin read a tribute. Pallbearers were Roger Wollman, Sandra Wollman, Tracy Deckert, Sara Deckert, Jennifer Wollman and Ben Wollman. Honorary pallbearers were Heather Wollman, Zachary Kuhlman, Matthew Kuhlman, Rachel Kuhlman and 4-H Secret Pals.
Interment was at Bridgewater City Cemetery.
IRENE GERING
Irene Josephine (Graber) Gering was born May 4, 1921, in Yankton to Jonath Jno. and Lena (Waltner) Graber. She spent her youth on her parents' farm north of Freeman.
Irene was baptized into the fellowship of faith as a member of the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church. After her marriage she transferred her membership to the Salem Mennonite Church. There she was active in Women's Mission and taught Sunday school for many years.
She graduated from Freeman Academy and received her teacher's certificate from Freeman Junior College. Before her marriage, Irene taught rural schools in Turner and Hutchinson counties.
Irene married Vernon Gering on May 7, 1944 at Salem Zion. Jakob Regier officiated at the ceremony. They moved to the farm north of Freeman in 1948 after working for newspapers in Parker and Lennox. Irene and Vernon were blessed with five children and eight grandchildren.
Irene was a homemaker whose love and care of flowers, both indoor and outdoor, remained with her throughout her life.
Irene died quietly at home early in the morning of Dec. 26, 2002. After kidney failure in 1982, she was on dialysis for several years. She was given a five-year respite from dialysis. Irene then had to return to dialysis treatments three times a week which she underwent for the last 13 years. The dialysis weakened her body, but never her spirit.
Irene is survived by her husband, Vernon; her children: Randy, Walton, Kan., Don and wife Susan, Hesston, Kan., Nancy and husband Dennis Halvorson, Viborg, Charlie and wife Cheryle, Freeman and Crystal and husband Steve Nelson, Viborg; grandchildren: Angel Schweitzer, David Schweitzer, Shannon Gering, Timothy Halvorson, Nicholas Halvorson, Matthew Nelson, Anthony Nelson and Benjamin Nelson.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Jonath and Lena; a sister who died in infancy; brother Raymond; sister-in-law Violet; and son-in-law Gary Schweitzer.
The funeral was held Monday, Dec. 30 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. S. Roy Kaufman officiating. Organist was Debra Schmeichel with Lyle Preheim as vocalist. Pallbearers were David Schweitzer, Nicholas Halvorson, Timothy Halvorson, Jasper Li, DeWayne Graber and Herbert Koerner Jr. Honorary pallbearers were all former and current drivers for Irene. Interment was at Salem Mennonite Cemetery.
