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DOROTHY ANN GUNNELS
Dorothy Ann Gunnels, 76, died Saturday, March 22, 2003, at the Hutchinson Hospital.
She was born Sept. 14, 1926, to A.V. and Jacobina Tiahrt Tieszen in Freeman. She had been a resident of Hutchinson, Kan., since 1990.
Dorothy was a graduate of Freeman Academy and the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Newton, Kan. She was a registered nurse and a homemaker and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hutchinson.
She married Clifton Paris Gunnels Aug. 12, 1950, in Freeman.
Survivors include her husband, Clifton; a son, Chuck, Kansas City; two daughters: Marsha Kay Frink and Susan Lynn West, both of Great Bend, Kan.; two brothers: Paul Tieszen, Pierre, and Karl Tieszen, Freeman; a sister: Ruth Epp, Henderson, Neb.; six granddaughters; and one great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Reimer.
Graveside services were scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at 11 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, with Pastor Jim Autrey presiding.
DARRELL GENE EPP
Darrell Gene Epp was born on Aug. 19, 1936, to Herman J. and Katherine (Hiebner) Epp. He died on March 7, 2003, at the age of 66.
Dad grew up on the family farm east of Henderson. He was baptized upon his confession of faith June 6, 1954, by Rev. Arnold Nickel at Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, Neb. He graduated from Henderson High School in 1954 and attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kan. Following college, Dad enrolled in 1W service where he worked at General Rose Hospital in Denver, Colo., as an orderly in the emergency room.
Dad found his lifelong companion early in high school. On May 3, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Ardith June Peters at Bethesda Mennonite Church. Together they raised four daughters: Sherry Lynn, Debra Kay, Alisa Marie, and Daphne Ellen.
Dad knew early in life that he had a passion and gift for raising animals. This naturally led him to raise animals as a profession where he became a leader in the purebred swine industry. His understanding of genetics helped him to develop a business known both nationally and internationally among purebred swine producers. It was through this business that he created many treasured lifelong friendships. Dad's determination and ability to focus, even through the most difficult times, was the cornerstone of his character and the trait he desired most to instill in his children.
Dad's journey ended where it began- in the same room of the family farmhouse in the country.
Dad is survived by his wife, Ardith, Henderson; daughters: Sherry and husband Rick Thiesen and daughter Katie, Henderson; Debra and husband Laurel Roth and children Aaron, Ellery, and Trey, Henderson; Alisa and husband Ted Krehbiel and children Christian and Emma, North Newton, Kan.; Daphne and husband Lynn Hall and children Ethan and Ellyn, Henderson; Mother Katherine Epp, Henderson; brother Myron and wife JoAnn Epp, Henderson; sister Elvera Epp, Henderson; sister Shirley and husband Dr. Dennis Ries, Freeman; and sister-in-law Pamela Epp, N. Newton, Kan.
Dad was preceded in death by his father, Herman J. Epp; brother Dennis Epp; and brother-in-law Willis Epp.
The funeral was held Monday, March 10 at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson with Pastor Weldon Martens and George Kaufman officiating. Organist was Laura Steingard wtih special music by Ted Krehbiel and Lynn Hall. Casketbearer were grandsons Rick Thiesen, Lynn Hall, Ted Krehbiel, Laurel Roth, Aaron Roth, Trey Roth, Christian Krehbiel, and Ethan Hall. Honorary casketbearers were granddaughters Katie Thiesen, Ellery Roth, Emma Krehbiel and Ellyn Hall. Burial was at the Bethesda Cemetery.
ELLA HECKENLAIBLE
Ella Heckenlaible, 91, of Menno, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2003, at the Freeman Community Hospital, Freeman.
The funeral was held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Peace Christian Reformed Church, Menno, with Rev. William Weber officiating. Pallbearers were Mark Roth, Mark Wollman, Roger Wollman, Scott Miller, William Pond, and Dick Croucher. Burial was at the Menno Cemetery.
Ella was born on Feb. 22, 1912, to John and Mary (Quast) Edelman on a farm near Menno, she was one of 15 children. She was baptized in rural Menno, which marked the beginning of her faith in God. She attended Independence 86 Grammar School, east of Menno, completing the eighth grade.
On Dec. 8, 1927, she married Edmund Heckenlaible at parents' home in rural Menno and from this union three children were born, Joanne, Marjorie, and Gary. Her family became the love of her life. She farmed most of her life. She also was employed at Gurney's Nursery, Human Service Center in Yankton, Menno-Olivet Care Center, and the Menno Locker.
Ella always kept life in perspective with her subtle words of wisdom of which she not only shared with her family but friends as well. She always saw the positive in everyone and made sure they were put first before herself. She was a member of the Peace Christian Reformed Church in Menno and had an unshakeable faith in God.
Her memory will be cherished by her son, Gary Heckenlaible of Rapid City; two daughters: Marge Wollman, Freeman, and Joanne (Verl) Miller, Lodi, Calif.; one sister, Lorraine Croucher, Mitchell; five grandchildren: Scott (Shelly) Miller, Marcy (Stephen) Kludt, Mark Wollman, Roger (Dawn) Wollman, Stacy (Mark) Roth; ten great-grand-children: Stephanie (Eugene) Henricksen, Joey and Joshua Miller, Rebecca Wollman, Christa and Joshua Roth, Aron, Nathan, Alex and Michael Kludt and two great-great-grandchildren: Marina and Samuel Wollman.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; nine sisters and four brothers.
HERTHA PFEIFFER-MAYER
Hertha Ulmer was born to Karl A. and Caroline (Bender) Ulmer on Sept. 4, 1920. She was baptized on Oct. 10, 1920, and confirmed on June 23, 1935, at Grace Lutheran Church in Menno.
Hertha graduated from beauty school in 1940 and was employed in Yankton until Sept. 22, 1940, when she married Ruben Pfeiffer. They raised one son, James. Ruben died suddenly on Sept. 28, 1974. Hertha married August Mayer on Oct. 20, 1979. They lived in the Wolf Creek area until 1987 when they retired to Freeman. August died on April 23, 1988.
For over 40 years Hertha worked as a hair stylist. She was very active in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Senior Citizens Center, and the VFW Auxiliary. In September of 1997, she moved to Walnut Street Village where she lived an active life with her many friends until her death. She passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003.
She leaves behind to mourn one son, James Pfeiffer and wife Pam; three grandchildren: Angie, Robbie, and Tony Pfeiffer; two sisters: Agnes and Elsie Sayler; one brother, Marvin Ulmer and wife Betty; and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and husbands, Ruben Pfeiffer and August Mayer.
Her funeral was held Monday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. John Farden officiating. Organist was Maxine Farden with special music by Tara Pfeiffer and Gary Pfeiffer. Pallbearers were Wayne Pfeiffer, Justin Pfeiffer, Randy Koerner, Loren Heckenliable, Fred Sayler and Edward Sayler. Interment was at Freeman City Cemetery.
SELMA UNRUH
Selma Elizabeth Dick was born on a farm north of Mt. Lake, Minn., on Oct. 13, 1919. She was the middle of three girls in the family of Isaac J. and Helen (Schroeder) Dick. Shortly after she was born the family moved to town and later moved to another farm closer to Mountain Lake where her dad farmed to supplement his income as pastor at the First Mennonite Church. On June 5, 1938, she was baptized by her father and joined the First Mennonite Church.
The church community was an integral part of her life. Many missionaries and conferences visitors were hosted in their home. In 1939, Selma went to Kansas where she attended Bethel College for one year before working for Sam Sneider Oil Company, first in Hutchinson, then in Wichita. She became secretary to the President of Bethel College, E. G. Kaufman, in 1941.
It was at Bethel that she met Willard Unruh. They were married on Aug. 18, 1943, in Mt. Lake. While Willard was in CPS camp in Montana and Selma was in Mt. Lake, their first son, Paul Willard, was born. After CPS they returned to Mt. Lake where Carol Elizabeth was born. In 1948 they traveled to Champa, India, and served under the General Conference Mennonite Church for five years. Selma was chosen as Champa hostess and was available to do office work for other missionaries. Many close relationships were formed with other mission workers during those years. While in India Louise Eileen and Burton Way were born. Returning to the United States in 1953 they settled in Freeman where Willard was employed by Freeman Junior College. Selma kept busy cooking and sewing for her still growing family. It was here that Allan Ward was born. She put her planning and decorating talents to use when they built a new house. Entertaining friends from CPS and India were just the beginning of hosting many friends and acquaintances through the years.
In 1957 the Unruhs moved to Longview, Texas, where Willard studied engineering at Letourneau College. Selma soon began working as a clerk at J. C. Penney. She also used her love of baking to earn a little extra money by baking four pies a day to earn $1.
When the family moved to North Newton, Kan. in 1959, Selma again worked at Penney's and then as secretary at Bethel College Mennonite Church and later at Bethel College. Her last position was at the Mennonite Library and Archives where she set up a filing system for pictures.
For many years Selma was a member of the Spic and Span EHU, an interracial extension club. She was active in the Church Women United organization, Bethel College Reading Club and Ethnic Lunch Bunch. Selma's special "lunch bunch" met twice a month for 25 years. At church she was an active member of Women's Fellowship.
Selma and Willard had a number of opportunities to travel and serve abroad in the 70s. In 1974 they took Allan to India and Nepal for four months. They spent a month in Haiti in 1976 while waiting for visas to Nepal, then two years in Nepal, and in 1979, four months in Somalia. Later they spent four months in India, Nepal and Taiwan and also took a trip to Europe.
Selma loved bird watching, growing flowers and gardening, She raised African violets and collected a variety of irises. Selma canned produce from her garden and also enjoyed doing handiwork, including knitting and sewing. A specialty that the gradchildren will remember her for is the personalized Christmas stockings that she knitted for most of them.
In later years Selma had Parkinson's disease. In 1995 she suffered from a stroke that reduced her mobility and activity. Willard cared for her at home until August, 2001. She was residing at Kidron Bethel Health Care Center at the time of her death, Jan. 17, 2002. Her brain was harvested for research on Parkinson's disease at Kansas University Medical Center and her body was cremated.
A memorial service was held at the Bethel College Mennonite Church on Jan. 21.
Survivors include sisters: Marcella Klaassen of Hillsboro, Kan., and Mildred Stucky, N. Newton, Kan.; sons: Paul and wife Shirley of Greensburg Kan., and Burton and wife Kathy, Wichita, and Allan and wife Dalene, Valley Center; daughters: Carol and husband Jerry Buller of Newton, and Louise Hurwitz of Stuart, Fla., 11 grandchildren and two great-grand-children.
EARL J. WALTNER
Earl Joseph Waltner of Renton, Wash., died Jan. 1, 2003, in Renton. He was 86.
Born Dec. 19, 1916, in Freeman, he married Elizabeth Subic on Oct. 14, 1939, in Renton and moved to Renton in 1935.
Earl worked at Frank Roads Studebaker and Rambler dealership from 1935 to 1962 and retired in 1982, after 20 years of service as an auto mechanic for the city of Renton. He was a past volunteer fireman with the Renton Fire Department, a member of the Renton Eagles 1722, and Automotive Machinist Union. He enjoyed working on cars, small engine repair, gardening, traveling and making wine.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Waltner of Renton; son, Dennis Waltner of Bothell, Wash.; daughter, Marilyn Isler, Renton; sisters: Pearl Bowldy, Seattle, Wash., and Shirley Brockmueller, Freeman; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchild-ren.
Services will be held at a later date.
RICHARD KAUFMAN
Richard Kaufman was born Feb. 17, 1906 near Marion to John D. and Sarah (Schrag) Kaufman. Richard graduated from grade school and Freeman Academy receiving a special teaching certificate upon graduation in 1926.
Upon his confession of faith he was baptized on Aug. 19, 1923, and became a lifetime member of the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of Freeman. He was a faithful member and attended regularly.
He married Leona Herbst on June 10, 1949, in Deadwood.
Richard got a great amount of satisfaction from teaching in elementary schools for 16 years in the Menno, Freeman and Marion area. He received much enjoyment renewing friendships with his former students after retiring from teaching. After his teaching career, Richard enjoyed farming. Upon his retirement, he remained living on the farm. He moved to Sioux Falls in April 2000. Due to poor health, he was moved to the Freeman Nursing Home in November 2001. He was a resident at the Home until his death. He received wonderful, loving care at the Freeman Nursing Home.
He loved to visit with people. The family was his love and concern. He took great pride and interest in all activities of his immediate family.
He passed away on Jan. 1, 2003 at the Freeman Community Nursing Home having reached the age of 96.
Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Leona Kaufman, Sioux Falls; son, Kenton, and daughter-in-law Nancy, Rochester, Minn.; two sisters: Melva Janowski, Munich, N.D., and Delsie Monroe, Roseville, Calif.; two brothers: Harold Kaufman, Huron, and Elvin Kaufman and sister-in-law Pfrona of Florida; and many relatives and friends.
Those preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Jacob and Elias Kaufman; four sisters; Elma Unruh, Linda Lehmann, Adina Madsen and Elsie Glanzer.
His funeral was held Monday, Jan. 6 at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church with Rev. Robert Engbrecht officiating. Organist was Lisa Kaufman with Beth Kaufman as flutist. Vocal music was provided by Steve Graber, Kirk Preheim, Larry Schrag and Reed Schrag. Pallbearers were Burton Kaufman, Darlas Lehmann, Jerry Glanzer, Jerry Wieczorek, Pat Konechne and Rodney Unruh.
Interment was at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Undesignated memorials will be directed towards the Freeman Nursing Home Building Fund.
RAY ALBRECHT
Ray Albrecht was born on July 13, 1926, to Jacob and Adina (Kaufman) Albrecht on a rural Marion farm where he lived all of his life and peacefully passed away on March 21, 2003.
Ray received his formal education from District 15 country school and Marion High School. He also had skills in many trades, most of which were self-taught.
Upon his confession of faith, Ray was baptized by Rev. J.J. Regier on Oct. 31, 1943, at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church. As a faithful member and lifelong attendant of this church, Dad took special comfort in the fellowship and music it offered.
Ray married Betty Graber on Aug. 15, 1968. They wee blessed with 34 wonderful years of marriage and two children he adored and spoiled. Ray also "adopted" many young people into his family circle. Above all Dad treasured family.
Farming the home place was Ray's lifetime vocation; it was the repair and use of old farm equipment that started Dad's interest in antique tractors and machinery. He enjoyed collecting, fixing, and exhibiting them. Some of his early pieces came in trade for corn shelling that he did for others. The collecting bug led him to do many "crazy" things, such as driving to Montana for the Waterloo Boy. Dad took a grain truck 711 miles in winter with his wife and two small children even though he did not know if the tractor was for sale. Ray attended tractor shows and made many special friends along the way.
Music, especially old German hymns, was a passion for Ray even though he had little musical ability. Dad was an avid fan of the Salem-Zion music program and quartet singing. His sunset years were filled with many gospel sings and evening programs at the Cornerstone.
Giving of himself to others came as second nature to Ray. He was a strong supporter of Mennonite Disaster Service, Meat Canning and the MCC Sale. Dad cherished visiting with others, taking them to various events, and raising their spirits through friendship and laughter.
Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty; son, Kevin, Marion; daughter, Denise, Sioux Falls; sister, Bernice Stucky; and sister-in-law, Mildred Albrecht of Marion; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be missed.
Those preceding him in death were his parents; sisters: Linda, Irene, and Sylvia; brothers: Leonard and Walter; and brother-in-law, Weldon Stucky.
The funeral was held Tuesday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church with Rev. Robert Engbrecht officiating. Organist was Ruby Waltner with the Salem-Zion Men's Chorus providing special music. The tribute, Scripture and prayer were given by Eric Deckert. Pallbearers were Steve Albrecht, Gerald Stucky, Brian Stucky, David Janssen, Duane Kaufman and Lawrence Waltner. Interment was at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church Cemetery.
LEONARD WALDNER
Died 7/20/03
The passing of Leonard Waldner occurred peacefully at his home near Langham on Sunday, July 20, 2003. Leonard was born near Langham on April 6, 1935.
Leonard and wife Elizabeth farmed near Langham. He enjoyed all parts of nature, hunting, working with his many horses, and spending time with his grandchildren. He had a real talent for working with leather and making ornate harnesses.
He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth (Liz) and their children Lorne (Cheryl) and Howard (Mindy). Leonard was the proud grandfather of Amanda, Shannon, Robyn, Matthew and Sharlene. He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters: Mary Wurtz and Bernice Waldner; and his brothers: Henry, Joe L., Menno, and Ed. Leonard will also be sadly missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law and many special nieces and nephews.
Leonard was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth and his father Joseph W.; an infant sister; sisters: Grace Waldner, Lois Wurtz, Dorothy Hum, and Beatrice Brower; and his brothers: Fred and Jake L.
The funeral was held at the Langham Community Hall Friday, July 25, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Lorne Lissel officiating. Interment took place at Langham Cemetery.
ALEXANDER SCHMEICHEL
Alexander Schmeichel, infant son of Dean and Jessica Schmeichel of Sioux Falls, died Sunday, June 15 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Alexander Maxwell Schmeichel was born May 22, 2003, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Grateful for having shared his life are his parents, Dean and Jessica Schmeichel, Sioux Falls; his grandparents: David and Maggie Eastman, Sioux Falls and Edwin and Barbara Schmeichel, Freeman; great-grand-parents: Gordon and Inez Eastman of Sioux Falls; and many other loving relatives.
The funeral was held Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.
Donald D. Bridges
Donald D. Bridges, 60,died at his home in Spearfish, Monday, September 4, 2000.
Don was born June 1, 1940, in Deadwood, to Don and Cora Mae (Henwood) Bridges. He grew up in Spearfish and graduated from Spearfish High School in 1958, he then attended Black Hills State College. He started working for the Post Office in 1960.
On July 19, 1964 he married Karen Smith, in Spearfish, to this union two sons were born, Dallas and Tom. He continued working for the Spearfish Post Office for 20 years. Together the couple started the Pants Pocket, Special Lady and ran the Spearfish Country Club for 3 years. In 1991 he managed Legends Gaming & Casino, and continued to work for the Gold Dust Gaming & Casino until his death.
Don loved golfing, playing cards, vacations and spending time with his family and friends. He was also an avid bowler. He enjoyed watching sports; football, baseball, basketball, and golf.
He was a member of the Lions Club and Spearfish Canyon Country Club. He looked forward to weekly rounds of cards with special friends. He was also enlisted in the National Guard for 15 years.
Survivors include his wife Karen, Spearfish, two sons; Dallas (Connie) Bridges, Brookings, and Tom (Jennifer) Bridges, Spearfish, and four grand children; Seth T. Bridges, Chase A. Bridges, Samantha A Bridges, Cassidy G. Bridges. He is also survived by two sisters; Sharon ( Mrs. Jerry) Ellingson, Spearfish, and Pat Clarkson, Spearfish, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends that are members of the Select League of Unlimited Talent and their wives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials have been established for the S.D. Lions Club, Spearfish Canyon Country Club, and Banner Hospice.
Fidler Funeral Chapel, Spearfish ,is entrusted with arrangements.
