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Aloys "Al" Kessler, age 83 of Yankton passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 22, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. David Garza officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Bradley Adams, Curtis Adams, Joshua Adams, Donald Kessler, Kenny Kessler, Rick Kessler, Jerry Kessler, and John Nelson. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary, Jim, and Peter Rice, Andy Mueller, and Ernie Kessler.
Al was born on December 13, 1924 in Hague, ND. They moved to Yankton, SD in the 1930's. Al graduated from Yankton High School then moved to California. Al returned home to Yankton and worked for Western Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He helped build the Missouri River Dam project in the 1950's. He then worked for Morgan Company in Yankton as a parts and shipping clerk until his retirement. He loved to hunt and enjoyed a good basketball game as well a love of traveling. On June 22, 1991, he married Ellen Adams. They spent their retirement years traveling the United States and even going to Denmark. Al was a life long member of Sacred Heart Parish and the Knights of Columbus.
Al is survived by his wife Ellen of Yankton, SD and brother Mike (Maggie) Kessler of Menno, SD; a step-son, Steve (Rose) of Elk Point, SD; two step-daughters, Helena (Tom) Rezac of Omaha, NE and Gloria (Chris) Larson of Oceanside, CA, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren
He was preceded by in death by his parents, three brothers; Anton, Andrew, and Peter; four sisters; Elizabeth, Ann, Eleanor, and Leocadia.
Barbara Knutson, age 85 of Park Rapids, MN and formerly of Yankton, SD passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Diamond Willow Nursing Home in Park Rapids, MN. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 24, 2008 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Rev. Oliver Omanson officiating. Burial will be approximately 1:00 PM, Saturday, afternoon at the Union Cemetery, rural Wakonda, SD. Visitations will be 5 to 9 PM, Friday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, with a video tribute and memories sharing at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Barbara Jean Stafford was born the only child of Edith (Williams) Stafford and Floyd Stafford at her grandparents' (Williams) home in Wakonda, SD on August 2, 1922. Barbara grew up on the Stafford homestead farm in rural Wakonda and graduated from Wakonda High School. After high school, she went on to attend Yankton College for a year before marrying her high school sweetheart, Merle Knutson, on Christmas Day, 1941.
Barbara Jean and Merle began their married life farming and growing in their faith. During this time of trials and blessings, Barbara and Merle had three daughters; Edith Jean, Charlotte Ann and Janet Merle before Barbara returned to college to earn her B.A. degree in Speech and Drama Education. Barb and Merle then moved to Irene, SD where she began her teaching career in elementary education while Merle continued to farm. It was then that Barb and Merle increased their family by three; two daughters and a son: Susan Barbara, Wayne Edward, and Tami Lee before returning to the farm in rural Volin, SD. Barbara continued her teaching career in Viborg, SD instructing many students in elementary education, special education, remedial reading, speech, English and art. She also coached students and judged competitive speaking events, directed plays, musicals, centennial productions and participated in the Lewis & Clark Playhouse. Even with all her activities, she still found time to assist Merle with farming as well as many other business ventures.
After retirement the couple moved to a home overlooking Lewis & Clark Lake. Barbara, with her daughter Edith, owned and operated Grandma K's Day Care Center. Barb also taught oil painting through community education and was an active local member and speaker for Christian Women's Organizations throughout the Midwest.
Barbara will be missed deeply by her family and friends that shared in her life through stories she told and the many travels that she made. She saw the silver lining in every cloud and shared her faith with all. With her trusty companion Annie at her side, she attended many of her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting and school events. She led a joyful life filled with family, friends, fun and faith.
Barbara is survived by her children: Charlotte Jenson (Ron), Park Rapids, MN; Janet Lewis (Jim), Carrabassett Valley, ME; Susan Matthew, Yankton, SD; Wayne Knutson (Trina), Volin, SD; and Tami Jueden (Roger), Yankton, SD. Grandchildren: Kipton Johnson (Amy), Yankton, SD; Mark Johnson (Michelle), Yankton; Bruce Dauenhauer (Michelle), Littleton, CO; Jill Sandifer (Brian), Mapleton, MN; Ryan Larsen (Dustan), Winterport, ME; Stafford Larsen, Keene, NH; Nicholas Knutson (Sara), Chaska, MN; Benjamin and Jacob Knutson, Volin, SD; and Cameron Jueden, Mission Hill, SD. Great-grandchildren: Zachary and Tyler Johnson, Yankton, SD; Abby Blue Dauenhauer, Littleton, CO; Brian and Bria Sandifer, Mapleton, MN; Mary Scott and Elliot Jane Larsen, Winterport, ME; and Mallorie Knutson, Chaska, MN.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Merle Knutson, her daughter Edith Johnson (Lyle) and grandson Craig Harris.
Gerald F. Dickes, age 84, of Yankton, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday afternoon September 14, 2008. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Mark Lichter officiating. Burial will be in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, Crofton, NE, at approximately 1:30 PM, Wednesday afternoon with Military Graveside Rites by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791. Visitations will be 5 to 9 PM, Tuesday, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:00 PM followed by a scripture service at 7:30 PM. Pallbearers will be John J. Dickes, Ralph Sudbeck, Keith Sudbeck, Gene Dickes, Gary Dickes, and Brian Noecker.
Gerald was born September 13, 1924, to John and Agnes (Handroff) Dickes in Fordyce, Nebraska. He married Myria Marie Meyer on April 11, 1950, in Menominee, Nebraska. To this union, eight children were born.
Gerald served in the US Army from October 31, 1945 until November 9, 1946. After his discharge, he farmed until 1971, then worked at B.A. Tramp Oil, the hay mill in Gayville, and as a security guard at Alumax. He worked part time in the summer for Paul Young in Gayville/Meckling until his retirement.
Gerald especially enjoyed playing cards, watching baseball, helping out his family, and spending time with his grandchildren. He made a daily visit to the construction of the Discovery Bridge in Yankton. In his spare time, he helped with upkeep of the apartment building where he resided. He was an avid collector of John Deere memorabilia. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton.
Gerald is survived by five sons: Robert (Arlene) Dickes, Lincoln, NE, William (Mary Kay) Dickes, Glendale, AZ, Michael (Gretchen) Dickes, Mesa, AZ, Steven (Carol) Dickes, Madison, NE, and Mark Dickes, Randolph, NE; three daughters: Geraldine (Ron) Harris, Yankton, SD, Catherine (Patrick) McCarthy, Yankton, SD, and Brenda (Glen) Tolliver, Yankton, SD; three brothers: Father Jerome Dickes, Yankton, SD, Donald (Bea) Dickes, Fordyce, NE, Donovan (Del Rae) Dickes, Yankton, SD; five sisters: Leone Leise, Yankton, SD; Delores Healy, Mission Viejo, CA, Joann (Bob) Healy, Omaha, NE, Sister Rosaleen Dickes, Yankton, SD, and Mary Lou Noecker, Hartington, NE; twenty grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myria Marie Dickes, parents, John and Agnes Dickes, 3 brothers, Robert Dickes, Ralph Dickes, and Raymond Dickes, and 4 sisters, Lucille Huss, Esther Dickes, Adeline Feilmeier, and Irene Callaghan.
Eleanor A. Donnelly, age 94 of Yankton passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Mark Lichter officiating. Burial will be in St. Mark's Catholic Cemetery, Lake Andes, SD at approximately 2:30 PM. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, has been trusted with arrangements. Pallbearers will be members of Eleanor's family.
Eleanor was born March 31, 1914 to Alois and Rose (Koupal) Rokusek at Tabor, South Dakota. She later moved to the Lake Andes area where she attended school graduating from Lake Andes High School. She went on to attend Chillicothe College in Independence, MO. After college she went on to work for Western Union in New Jersey and Indiana. She married Clare Leo Donnelly in Birmingham, AL on June 17, 1943. Her marriage was short due to Clare's death in 1945. She continued her work with Western Union working in Sioux Falls, SD and Estherville, IA. Later she became a phone operator in Grand Island, NE, Vermillion, SD, and finally Yankton, SD. Eleanor was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary where she served as its president 1961-62.
Eleanor is survived by four nephews; Clair Rokusek of Omaha, NE, Roy Rokusek of Quincy, IL, Herbert Rokusek and Gordon Rokusek both of Sacramento, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and two sisters.
Clarence J. Vlasak passed away suddenly May 31, 2008. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 5, 2008 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor with Msgr. Hermann officiating. Burial to follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with military graveside rites provided by Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post 183 of Tabor. Visitations will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2008, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a prayer service and rosary at 7:00 PM at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Tabor. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Ervin Ptak, Thomas Noll, Donald Fejfar, Ron Hovorka, Richard Honner, and Robert Kortan. Honorary Pallbearers are Dean Vlasak, Pamela Tvaroh, Timaree Murphy, Michael Vlasak, and Andrea Steyskal.
Clarence was born on the homestead farm west of Tabor to Joseph J. and Clara (Carda) Vlasak on November 17, 1916. He attended the Tabor parochial school and graduated from Tabor High School.
As a young boy he helped in the Vlasak hardware store and the department store. After his brother's death he operated Joe's Inn in Tabor until he was drafted into the US Army during World War II where he served overseas for a year and a half in the Pacific theater.
Clarence and Helen (Noll) were married on June 6, 1939. They lived in Tabor all their lives where he worked for the Tabor banks as teller and manager for forty years. He was a member of the Tabor Chamber of Commerce and served as president. He was a member of the St. Wenceslaus church, Catholic Workman Lodge #93, the Catholic Sokol Social club, participating in many of the plays. A charter and life member of the Czech Heritage Society, and the VFW of Yankton. Clarence was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Yankton and Tabor Senior Citizen Center. Clarence was a life member of the American Legion and served as commander for a year. He was a Go-Getter of the Post for 55 years and received a state citation for his work.
Clarence and Helen traveled extensively throughout the USA and Europe especially to Czechoslovakia where they made many friends and continue to correspond in the Czech language. Their first trip to Europe was to visit his son David and wife Rosie while he was in the service stationed in Germany.
Clarence is survived by wife Helen and sons Richard (Carole Hlavac) and David (Rosie Borszich), a sister, Florence Koupal, five grandchildren Dean, Pamela, Andrea, Michael and Timaree and eight great grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Joseph Clarence in 1963, one brother and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorials to be directed to Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post 183 and Czech Heritage Preservation Memorial Fund, both in care of Leonard and Mildred Cimpl, 330 Yankton Street, Tabor, SD 57063-2037.
Newton Charles Whipple, age 51, of Omaha and formerly of Santee, NE died Sunday, June 29, 2008 unexpectedly at his residence. Funeral services will be held at the Oyate Oyanke Community Center, Santee, NE at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 5, 2008, followed by services at Our Most Merciful Savior Episcopal Church. Burial will be at the Congregational Cemetery. Visitations will begin Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at the Oyate Oyanke Community Center in Santee, NE with services each evening at 7:00 PM and will continue until service time Saturday. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with arrangements.
Newt was born January 25, 1957, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Lovey Valandra and Paul Whipple. He went to kindergarten in Niobrara and attended Mason Elementary and Bancroft Junior High in Omaha. Newt was a dedicated worker, having worked since the age of 14. Newt worked at MJ Optical, formerly known as Shamrock, for over 30 years. He also worked at the Santee Sioux Tribal Housing Authority for a short time. Newt's loves in life were the Oklahoma Sooners, the Minnesota Vikings, Looney Tunes and wrestling. Most of all though, he loved his family. Especially, his grandchildren. Newt's face would always light up when he saw his grandchildren. Newt was also a gifted musician. He played the drums, guitar and piano. Newt was a very humble man with a good heart. He lived a simple life. He cherished every gift given to him, no matter how big or how small.
Newt was preceded in death by his parents, Lovey Valandra and Paul Whipple, and his grandparents, Clement Valandra and Sophie Frazier, Linda Lawrence and Harry Whipple. Newt is survived by one brother Clement (Babe) Whipple and his wife Margaret of Omaha, two sisters, Linda Whipple of Santee and Loretta Witt of Martin, SD, two nephews, Rick Brock and Wayne Witt, Jr. and seven nieces, Bernadette and Janelle Whipple, Cindy Brock, and Paula, Nicki, Carla, and Lola Witt, as well as many grandchildren.
Jerry Allan Whitman, age 74 passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2008 in Vermillion, SD. A Memorial Service will be at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the United Church of Christ (Congregational) in Vermillion, SD with Rev. Steve Miller officiating. Visitations will be from 6-8 PM, Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 221 North Harvard Street in Vermillion, SD with prayers at 8 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are in care of the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory in Yankton, SD.
Jerry Allan was born on October 16, 1933 to Mel and Verna (Nilson) Whitman in Alcester, SD. He was baptized and confirmed in the Baptist Church. In 1952, he graduated from Beresford High School and continued his education at the University of South Dakota. He entered into the United States Army from 1954-1956 and upon his honorable discharge he returned back to the University of South Dakota for the spring semester in 1956. It was at the University of South Dakota where he met his future wife, Janet Jorgensen and on June 15, 1957, they were united in marriage. He went into the family business, University Dry Cleaners in Vermillion and City Cleaners in Yankton. Jerry sold the family business in 1976 and began working at the University of South Dakota Athletic Department as the Equipment Manager retiring in 1996. In Vermillion, he was active in the Jaycees and Fraternal Order of Eagles and while living in Yankton; he was an officer with the B.P.O.E., member of Lions and Jaycees. Jerry was an outstanding high school athlete and enjoyed watching his grandchildren follow in his footsteps. He enjoyed listening to music.
His memory will always be cherished by his wife, Janet Whitman, Vermillion, SD; his son, Scott (Debra) Whitman of Hustontown, PA and their children: Michael, Matthew, Nicole, Patience, and Raven; his daughter, Lori Whitman of Montevideo, MN and her children, B.J. and Brittany Campbell; his daughter, Kim Whitman of Burbank, SD and her children, Shane and Sierra; a great grandson, Jordan; a sister-in-law, Brenda Specht of Hill City, SD, and several special friends who have also shared in Jerry's life, Tom and Denise Burt, Tonya and Jason Madsen, Wyatt Weckwerth, Zach and Justin.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorials to be directed to the Sanford Vermillion Home Health/Hospice, 20 South Plum, Vermillion, SD 57069 or to the United Church of Christ (Congregational), Baby Grand Piano Fund, 226 East Main Street, Vermillion, SD 57069.
Dolores Margaret (Pirmantgen) Winchester, age 90, of Yankton, died Sunday, December 21, 2008 at the Avera Yankton Care Center, Yankton, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM, Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Mark Lichter officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Sisseton, SD at approximately 3:30 PM, Saturday afternoon. Visitations will be 6 to 9 PM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, with a rosary at 7:00 PM, video tribute, and scripture service at 7:30 PM.
Carol P. Wollman, age 41 of Menno, SD passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. David Ellis officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, SD. Visitations will be from 5 to 9 PM, Friday, May 22, 2008 with prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home, Menno, SD. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Ron Diede, Glenn Ziegler, John Oschner, Melissa Morgan, Cathy Bruna Strand, and Joe Rokusek. Honorary pallbearers will be the Class of 1984.
Carol Pam Wollman was born October 3, 1966 to Elmer and Elaine (Werning) Wollman in Parkston SD. She attended Scotland High School and graduated in 1984. She was active in 4-H, FFA, and was the SD state Simmental queen. She attended SDSU where she attained her bachelor's degree in animal science. She was employed as an ABS technician and as an extension educator at Hand County in Miller SD. Carol liked being outside helping her Dad with the cattle, but she was especially happy with her horses.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
She died at the Menno-Olivet Care Center on May 21st after a lengthy battle with Huntingtons disease.
She is survived by her sister, Lois (Jim) Fanning and their children, Kelsey, Kayla and Cameron of Olivet SD. Brother-in-law, Earl Sheehy of Wahoo NE and her nieces and nephew Erin and Kevin Sheehy of Sioux Falls and Karin Sheehy and her daughter Kyah of Brandon SD.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Raymond, and sisters Renee and Linda.
Thomas Wurtz, age 14, of Jamesville Colony, rural Utica, SD passed away May 15, 2008 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD as a result of an accident. Funeral services will be 2:30 pm Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Jamesville Colony, rural Utica, SD. Interment will be in the Jamesville Colony Cemetery. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, is assisting with arrangements.
Thomas was born October 4, 1993 to Minister Harry and Marie (Wollman) Wurtz at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota.
Survivors are his parents, Minister Harry and Marie Wurtz; two sisters, Tammy and Jaderia Wurtz; three brothers, Harold, Mitch, and Bryan Wurtz; grandparents, Mike Wurtz and Thomas and Sarah Wollman and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Mavis Wurtz, grandmother, Matilda Wurtz, and an uncle, Conrad Wollman.
