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Nellie Mae (Connelly) Willuweit, (born Helen Mary), was born on a blizzard day, March 2, 1913, the daughter of John "Jack" & Mae (Fisher) Connelly on a ranch north of Cottonwood, South Dakota.
Her independence began as a young lady at First Communion when she defied the parish priest, informed him that her name was not Helen Mary, but the English translation for her name was Nellie Mae. She had taken her grandmother’s first name and her mother’s as a second.
Nell grew up on a ranch north of Cottonwood and went to rural school, St. Joseph’s of Clyde, Missouri and then Mt. Marty High school. She, with one year at Notre Dame College in Mitchell, began her teaching career. She began teaching her home school (Bednar-Doud) with fifteen students. At the age of eighteen, she taught her three brothers, Bill, Steve, and Marlo and three cousins, Paul, Maureen, and Phyllis (all Connellys). She taught at the Geigle School (18 students) and boarded with the Rev. Kraft family. Nell and their daughter Gertrude Kraft (1st grader), descended from the valley to school two and one-half miles on foot. She later taught at Minnekahta, South Dakota and then left her teaching to work as office manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Kadoka, where she became friends with Florence Brown Hogan. Nell then returned to her teaching career at Quinn, South Dakota.
Nell married
Bert Willuweit on November 27, 1941 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They traveled for a few months and then came home to the ranch north of Quinn, South Dakota.
Nell received her degree from Black Hills State College and Presentation College. Nell continued to teach for thirty-five years.
She has contributed her entire life to the belief that the farming-ranching industry, like teaching, has it’s significance. Far beyond bright city lights, but not limited to rural life, farming and ranching is the backbone of our community, state and world.
In addition to her thirty-five years of teaching, Nell was a thirty-five year veteran of 4-H leadership, a member of Wall school board, South Dakota Stockgrowers, Western Junior Livestock, Peno Basin and Quinn Extension Clubs, Pedro Pals, VFW and American Legion Auxiliary.
Nell was recognized with the Eminent Homemaker award in 1995 in Brookings, South Dakota. As the late Dr. Larry Tennyson quoted "I myself was among those first-graders in 1942, and the "proof" of the impact this outstanding, eastern Pennington County rural leader, had upon us is to be found in the "pudding. Out of our tiny class came teachers, a banker, a realtor, a well-known artist, a university professor and not a bum among us." As the late Bill Hustead quoted "Nell is a very civic-minded individual. Nell’s character, integrity, energy, and enthusiasm make it an honor and pleasure for me to support her in this nomination. She has certainly made our world a better place in which to live."
Her daughter Connie quoted "her mother’s philosophy is summed up: Don’t wake up with the attitude "Good God it’s morning" instead awake with "Good Morning God"". She has lived this to the fullest with her positive attitude of never say never. Never is a child not worth teaching, because everyone can learn even a small task. Never is a soul not worth trying to help. And finally, plant a seed whether in the ground or mind, and nurture, have patience, then smile and watch it grow. Definitely "GOOD MORNING GOD".
Most grateful for having shared her life are her sons, Jerry Willuweit of Quinn, South Dakota and his friend Teri Charnholm, and Jim Willuweit of Creighton; her daughter Connie Keil and her husband Dennis of Black Hawk, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Misty Drewitz and her husband Gene of Rapid City, Brandy Daniel and her husband Dean of Lubbock, Texas, and Jami and Will Willuweit of Creigton, South Dakota; four great-grandchildren, Hannah and Haden Drewitz, and Danny and Philip Daniel; three brothers, Bill Connelly and his wife Geraldine of Martin, Marlo Connelly and his wife Mamie of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Lawrence Connelly of Wall; her sister, Florence Broderick of Spokane, Washington; a brother in-law, Loren Kloke of Mt. Vernon, Washington; and special lifelong friends, Lois Price Shearn and Mary O’Connell Neil.
Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Bert on July 23, 1970; her parents, Jack and Mae Connelly, three brothers, Mike, Don, and Steve, and a sister Anne Kloke.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to a youth education fund.
Rush Funeral Chapel of Wall is in charge of arrangements.
Written tributes may be made at www.rushfuneralhome.com
CELEBRANT - Father Bob Baden
ASSISTED BY - Deacon Gene Heckathorne
MUSIC-Ann Foster - Theresa Schroeder - Kathy Harrington
Congregational Hymns
USHERS - Veryl Schroeder- Dale Baumann
PALLBEARERS:
Marlin Connelly - Mike Connelly
Eddie Connelly - Jim Connelly
Kurt Willuweit - Paul Staben
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Mt. Hope cemetery, Quinn, South Dakota
Funeral services for Clifford L. Brown, age 82, of Philip, will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Al Brucklacher officiating.
Cliff died Saturday morning, April 6, 2002, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Wednesday.
Interment will be at Masonic cemetery in Philip.
Clifford L. Brown was born June 5, 1919, on his parents' farm-ranch northwest of Philip, South Dakota, the son of Harry and Myrtle (Teeters) Brown.
He grew up and received his education at a rural school.
As a young man he farmed and ranched with his mother and later purchased the farm-ranch from her.
He was united in marriage to Anna Oudekerk on October 17, 1956 in Philip, South Dakota.
They made their home on his farm-ranch until 1999 when they retired and moved into the Senechal Apartments in Philip, where they have since resided.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Anna Brown of Philip; one daughter Zella Sundquist and her husband Orrin of Wasta, South Dakota; two grandchildren, Shar Dart and her husband Jeffery of Rapid City, and Phane Sundquist of Wasta; one great-granddaughter Rayna Dart; a special great-nephew Harlan Sieler of Reva, South Dakota; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Vera Dezurk and Violet Smith; and one brother Richard "Dick" Brown.
SERVICES: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002, United Church, Philip, South Dakota
MINISTER: Pastor Al Brucklacher
MUSIC:
Cynthia Finn – Organist
Debbie Smith - Vocalist
"One Day At A Time"
USHER: Harold Stickler
PALLBEARERS:
Ky Bowen - Don Poss
Kieth Smith - Mel Smith
Marvin Eide - Chuck Carstensen
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Masonic cemetery, Philip, South Dakota
Graveside services for Anna T. Green, age 92, of Rapid City, formerly of Wall, was held 1:00 p.m. Friday April 5, 2002 at the Holy Cross cemetery in Lead, South Dakota with Father William Zandri officiating.
Anna died Monday afternoon, April 1, 2002 at the Beverly Healthcare Bella Vista Home in Rapid City.
Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2002 at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.
Grateful for having shared her life are her step-son, Donald Green and his wife, Betty of Rapid City; three step-grandchildren, Carol Green, James Green and Janet Challender; eight step-great great grandchildren; a sister, Emma Baum of Scio, Oregon; a special nephew and his wife, Milton and Mary Lou Sorensen of Wall, and several other nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, John Green, she was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, William, George, Raymond, John, Charles and Walter Mayberry; three sisters, Margaret Fry; Alice Hagedorn and Mary Sorensen.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Chapel of Wall.
Anna T. Mayberry was born October 22, 1909 on her parent’s homestead near Niobrara, Nebraska the daughter of John and Anna (Blankenfeld) Mayberry. She grew up and received her education in that community.
At the age of seventeen she moved with her parents and brothers and sisters to a farm southwest of Wall, South Dakota and later to a farm north of Quinn.
Anna was united in marriage to John Green on November 29, 1941 at Lead, South Dakota.
They made their home in Lead where her husband was postal carrier for thirty-six years. He preceded her in death on May 1, 1954.
In 1954, Anna moved to Rapid City where she made her home. In 1960 she became employed as a desk clerk for Gill’s Sun Inn until her retirement in 1972. She moved to Wall, South Dakota in 1972 and then into the Prairie Village Apartments in 1975. She moved into the Silverleaf Assisted Living in Philip in 1997 and later to the Bella Vista Home in Rapid City in May 2001.
Anna was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Women’s Club of Wall; she was a former member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City and St. Patrick Catholic Church of Lead.
Warren Stanley "Shorty" Pearson was born August 10, 1909 at Cambria, Iowa the son of Edward Henning and Mary Lucinda (Ryan) Pearson.
He was raised and educated in the Cambria area. As a young man he came to the Kadoka area.
He was united in marriage to Mae Flora Kukal on March 17, 1934 in Kadoka, where they resided before returning to Iowa where he operated a farm.
During WWII, he worked in various defense plants. After the war, they returned to South Dakota where he became involved in law enforcement, including several terms as Jackson County Sheriff. He was a dedicated officer.
After retiring he and Mae continued to live in their home in Kadoka until Mae passed away on September 20, 1993.
He then became a resident of the Kadoka Care Center where he has since resided.
Grateful for having shared his life are his two daughters, Betty Boyer and her husband Jerry of Aberdeen, South Dakota and Peggy Joseph of Marathon, Florida; four grandchildren; eight grandchildren; one brother, Dwight Pearson of Derby, Iowa; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife, Warren was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and one sister.
Warren S. Pearson, age 92, of Kadoka died Friday, March 29, 2002 at the Kadoka Care Center in Kadoka, South Dakota.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2002 at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Interment was in the Kadoka cemetery.
The family requests memorials be directed to the Kadoka Ambulance.
Mary B. "Bonnie" Goodnight was born October 10, 1920 in Kit Carson, Colorado, the daughter of James E. and Mary E. (O'Keefe) Goodnight.
She grew up in Colorado and attended parochial school in Kit Carson and Cheyenne Wells. After her graduation from high school, she worked as a secretary at Chevrolet Motors in Denver.
Bonnie was united in marriage to Kenneth Paul Rock in 1943. They began their married
life in Florida where Ken was serving as a Captain and pilot in the United States Air Force. They later moved to Denver, Colorado and then to Kadoka, South Dakota where they settled and raised their family.
Bonnie and Ken owned and operated Rock Insurance Agency for many years. After Ken's death in 1968, Bonnie continued to operate the insurance agency until she sold it to Bank West in 1979. She continued to work as an insurance agent for Bank West until her retirement.
In 2001, Bonnie moved to Rapid City, where she lived until her death.
She was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and Altar Society in Kadoka until moving to Rapid City where she became a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Bonnie will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, infectious laugh, sparkling green Irish eyes, feisty temperament, her kindness, and her deep faith in God.
Grateful for having shared her life are her eight children, Paula Vogelgesang and her husband Conrad of Wanblee, Terry Rock and his wife Claire, Pat Rock, and Mary Ellen Rock all of Dallas, Texas, Jayne Rock and her husband Steve Gilbertson of Minneapolis, Jim Rock and his wife Kathy of Longvalley, Kris Rock and her partner Randy Connelly of Rapid City, and Linda Thomas and her husband Tim of Rapid City; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Deborah Ann Rock, and four sisters, Helen McKown, Hazel MacGinnis, Evelyn Stroup, and Retha Goodnight.
Mass of Christian Burial for Mary B. "Bonnie" Rock age 81 of Rapid City and formerly of Kadoka was held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday March 27, 2002 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Mike Mulloy officiating and Deacon Gene Heckathorne assisting.
Mary died early Sunday morning, March 24, 2002 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital after a brief bout with cancer.
Visitation was held on Tuesday March 26, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service scheduled for 7:00 p.m. all at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Interment was 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Black Hills National cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.
A memorial is established to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Chapel of Kadoka.
CELEBRANT: Father Mike Mulloy
ASSISTED BY: Deacon Gene Heckathorne
MUSIC:
JoAnne Stilwell – Organist
Jill Eckert - Vocalist
USHERS:
Joe Leutenegger - Bob Long
PALLBEARERS:
Brandon Rock - Brice Rock
Jason Fugate - Graig Fugate
Jay Vogelgesang - Michael Vogelgesang
Andrew Thomas - Phillip Thomas - Daniel Thomas
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Wednesday, March 27, 2002 2:30 p.m., Black Hills National cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota
Mildred L. Merchen, age 93, of Kadoka, died Monday, March 18, 2002 at the Philip Nursing Home.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.
Funeral services were 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2002 at the Kadoka Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Interment was 1:30 p.m. M.S.T. Friday, at the Norris cemetery in Norris, South Dakota.
A memorial is established.
Mildred Lillian Beard was born December 17, 1908, in Polk, Nebraska, the daughter of Archie and Bertha (Ellison) Beard.
She grew up at Cedar Butte and attended Belvidere High School. After graduation, she received her teaching degree from Black Hills State College.
She was united in marriage to Harry Eric Merchen on March 10, 1929 in White River, South Dakota.
After their marriage, they lived and ranched near Norris, South Dakota. Later, they moved into Kadoka but continued to own and operate the ranch. Mildred also taught in many one-room country schools throughout her life, including her last teaching job at the Wells School south of Kadoka.
In February 2000, Mildred moved into the Philip Nursing Home where she has since resided.
Mildred was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved playing cards with her friends, traveling, playing piano, and attending Bible studies. The light in her life was her family.
Mom was a good example to us, and her kind spirit and her love for the Lord inspires us to know Him better.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Harry "Skinny" Merchen of Kadoka; six children, Harry Merchen and his wife Jeanne of Norris, Melvin Merchen and his wife Carol of Rapid City, Jeanine Gage and her husband Dean of Sioux Falls, Mark Merchen and his wife Monica of Kadoka, Widd Merchen and his wife Lana of Gordon, Nebraska, and Ronnell Grotzke and her husband Vern of Ennis, Montana; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mildred was preceded in death by an infant daughter, her parents Archie and Bertha (Ellison) Beard, three brothers, Harry, Donald, and Willard Beard, and two sisters, Emma Merchen and Melva Beard.
Arthur A. "Art" Kroetch, age 80, of Philip, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Arthur Albert "Art" Kroetch was born August 18, 1926 in Hilland, South Dakota, the son of Fredrick and Pearl (Boyce) Kroetch. He grew up on his parents’ homestead and received his education at the Elbon Rural School.
As a young man he worked with his family and various ranchers in that area. In 1948 he owned and operated a custom haying business.
Art was united in marriage to Eleanor May Johnson on June 30, 1950 in Cottonwood, South Dakota. In November 1950, Art entered the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed with the 549th Engineering Base Survey Company in California and Alaska. In November 1952, he was honorably discharged and returned to his custom haying business. In 1956 Art and Eleanor started a salvage yard in Philip, which eventually turned into Scotchman Industries known today.
In January 2001 they retired and spent summers in South Dakota and winters in Sun City, Arizona, and traveled to their children’s homes in between.
Art was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, all of Philip. He served on the Philip Independent School Board for ten years, and a Haakon County Commissioner for ten years, and served on the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital Board for many years.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Eleanor of Philip; two sons Bruce Kroetch and his wife Linda, and Jerry Kroetch and his wife Karen all of Philip; four daughters Mary Arnold and her husband Richard of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Barbara Rislov and her husband Gerry of Philip, Sharon Scozzaro and her husband Michael of Chandler, Arizona, and Carol Asheim and her husband Dan of Hill City, South Dakota; a daughter in-law Karla Kroetch of Philip; twenty grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers Charles Kroetch and his wife Kay, and Fritz Kroetch and his wife Barbara, all of Philip; one sister Lottie Walker of Renton, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Art was preceded in death by a son Steve Kroetch; his parents; and four siblings, Ralph Kroetch; and three in infancy, twins Marion and Mary Ann, and one brother Fredrick.
Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, at the Philip High School and one hour preceding the services on Monday at the church.
Public memorial services were held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, at the Philip High School, with Father Ron Garry officiating.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant, and Father Tony Grossenburg as con-celebrant.
Interment with military honors by Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip, was at the Masonic cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established.
Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 256, Philip, SD 57567.
Edmund P. "Ed" Kujawa, age 87, of Kadoka, died Monday, April 10, 2006 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Edmund P. Kujawa, better known as Ed, was born April 17, 1918, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the son of Vincent and Mary (Gapinski) Kujawa. He grew up in St. Cloud and graduated from St. Cloud High School. He then attended business college for one year. As a young man he worked in the granite quarry in St. Cloud. Ed served in the United States Navy during WWII, receiving his honorable discharge in December 1945. He then worked for J.F. Anderson Lumber Company in St. Cloud. He was transferred to the J.F. Anderson Lumber Company in Murdo, prior to being transferred to Kadoka.
Ed was united in marriage to Pauline "Polly" Heid on November 24, 1949 in Luxemburg, Minnesota. They made their home in Kadoka all their married
life. He continued to work for J.F. Anderson Lumber Company until they purchased the business in 1961. They renamed the business to Kadoka Lumber and Supply Company. They operated this until 1991 when they sold the business to their son Jim and his wife Arlene.
After retiring they continued to make their home in Kadoka, where he has since resided.
Ed was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the American Legion Post #27, and the Kadoka Community Betterment Association, all of Kadoka.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Polly of Kadoka; six children Joanne Berheim and her husband Tom of Forbes, North Dakota, Jim Kujawa and his wife Arlene of Kadoka, Ken Kujawa of Moberly, Missouri, Karen Kujawa and her husband Jack Henderson of Denver, Colorado, Rita Endres and her husband Scott of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and Rhonda Schultz of Gilbert, Arizona; twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; his twin brother Edward Kujawa of St. Cloud, Minnesota; three other brothers George Kujawa and his wife Dottie of Oak Brook, Illinois, Frank Kujawa and his wife Anne Marie of Sanborn, Minnesota, and Jim Kujawa and his wife Mary of Crookston, Minnesota; a sister Retta Venables of Winter Park, Florida; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Ben, Al and Father Rich Kujawa; and two sisters Genevieve Schmid and Irene Theis.
Visitation was held 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m., all at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Brian Sorenson as celebrant.
Interment was in the Kadoka cemetery.
A memorial is established.
Rush Funeral Chapel of Kadoka is in charge of arrangements.
