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Frances Dora Fitch, age 88, of Philip, died Wednesday evening, September 7, 2005 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Frances Dora Burjes was born on the homestead of her parents Henry and Annie Burjes on August 20, 1917. She was raised on this homestead in the Ash Creek and Hilland area in an all girl family and learned to do all the work it took to run a farm in the age of arm-strong power. She continued to own the homestead after her parents’ death.
When Frances reached the age of reason she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized by the cowboy minister, the Rev. John Wynn. John 3:16 became her guide throughout her life.
She received her grade school education in the rural school and graduated from Philip High School in 1938. She attended Black Hills Teachers College and received her Teachers Certificate and taught eleven terms in the rural schools. She worked in Seattle and Detroit, Michigan, but decided to come back and spend her life on the prairie of South Dakota.
In 1953, she and Edward Fitch were married
in Detroit, Michigan and to this union three sons were born, Burjes, Brian and Bryce. The Fitch’s assumed operation of the Fitch farms and continued to run the Burjes homestead. When their sons were old enough to be in sports, Ed and Frances were faithful followers. Ed and Frances enjoyed hosting travelers for Bed and Breakfast for many years. The Fitch’s were members of the Evangelical Free Church in Milesville where Frances taught Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School.
Through the years Frances enjoyed working with young people teaching them leatherwork and dancing. She was also a 4-H leader. Frances was an avid sportsman, receiving the coveted Golden Glove award from her softball team in 1986. She participated in the Senior Games for many years and was chosen Outstanding Female Athlete for South Dakota in 1990, and in 2000 she was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
In 1988, Frances was chosen as one of the five finalists for Farm-Ranch Woman of the Year, and in 1994 she wielded a hammer along with Jimmy Carter in constructing homes for Habitat for Humanity. For many years, Frances supported children through Compassion International.
She and Ed went on many volkwalks through the years, loved to dance and belonged to the Bad River Dance Club. They also took many trips in their motor home.
Frances wrote two books "Under Prairie Sky" and Tinnitus My Thorn." Her hobbies included weaving, quilting, leatherwork, and collecting books and picture albums.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Ed Fitch of Philip; three sons Burjes Fitch and his wife Cheryl of Philip, Brian Fitch and his wife Sue of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Bryce Fitch and his wife Pam of Sioux Falls; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one sister Eldra O’Neil of Seattle, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters Myrtle Handley, Nellie Burns, Mayme Keyser, and Ethelyn Clennon.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10, at the Evangelical Free Church in Philip, with Pastor Gary Wahl officiating, with a eulogy by Pastor Al Brucklacher.
Interment was in the Masonic cemetery, Philip, South Dakota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Louise Fitzgerald
age 87 of Milesville, South Dakota, died February 14, 2008, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Louise Pauline Fitzgerald was born on September 13, 1920, on a ranch west of Midland, the daughter of Paul and Margaret (Timm) Stahl. She grew up on the ranch and attended Midland school, graduating from Midland High School. She then attended the University of Minnesota where she received her teaching degree. Following her studies she moved back to the Midland area where she taught at the Witcher School for three years. It was at this time she met James Fitzgerald.
On September 8, 1944, during a break from boot camp, they were married
in Rapid City, South Dakota. Louise and Jimmy then moved to San Mateo, California, where they made their home while Jimmy was finishing his tour of duty in the Navy.
While living in California, Jimmy and Louise’s eldest son, Bruce, was born. Two years later the family returned to South Dakota where they made their permanent home on a farm-ranch in the Milesville area, and had six more children; Dawn, Duane, Cheryl, Mark, Brett and Dana.
After her husband’s death on November 20, 1996, Louise continued to reside on the farm-ranch until her death.
Louise was a loving mother who always had her children’s best interest at heart. The love her children felt for her knew no bounds and the loss of her will be felt forever.
Grateful for having shared her life include four sons Duane Fitzgerald and his wife Deborah of Pierre, Mark Fitzgerald and his wife Lori of Rozet, Wyoming, Brett Fitzgerald of Geneva, Switzerland, and Dana Fitzgerald of Milesville and his fiancee Lana Hussey of Rapid City; one daughter Cheryl Steelman and her husband Steve of Casa Grande, Arizona; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters Evelyn Speck of Wessington Springs, Edna Speck of Wessington Springs, and Elfrieda Noteboom of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Jimmy, Louise was preceded in death by a son Bruce Wayne Fitzgerald; and a daughter Dawn Rae Fitzgerald.
Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Interment was in the Masonic cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
Betty Lou Fleming
age 75 of Custer, South Dakota, died January 24, 2010, at Custer Regional Senior Care.
Betty Lou Fleming was born November 3, 1934, in Philip, South Dakota, the daughter of Oliver S. and Myrtle (Neville) Fleming. As a child, she grew up in the Philip area. Because of health reasons at the age of 11, she was hospitalized at the Redfield State Hospital and School in Redfield, South Dakota.
Betty Lou was baptized on April 15, 1984, at Redfield. She continued to reside at the State Hospital until June 2000 when she moved to the Custer Regional Senior Care, where she resided until the time of her death.
Survivors include one nephew Richard Miller and his wife Cindy of Philip, three nieces Audrey Merchen and her husband Lynn of Newcastle, Wyoming, Patsy Shultz and her husband Gene of Mitchell, Nebraska, and Susan Merchen and her husband Ralph of Custer; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Betty Lou was preceded in death by her parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Doris Miller and her husband Earl.
The family would like to thank the staff from the State Hospital and Custer Regional Senior Care for the excellent care during her lifetime.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment will be at the Masonic cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
Zena Mae "Penny" Formanek, age 76, of Rapid City, and formerly of Philip, South Dakota, died Monday, July 04, 2005 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital with her family at her side.
Penny was born April 21, 1929, at Ocala, Flordia the daughter of Herbert and Zina (Lee) Lloyd. She grew up and received her education in the Ocala area. As a young girl she moved with her family to the Hastings, Nebraska area.
Penny was united in marriage to Edgar R. "Ed" Formanek on April 7, 1946 at Smith Center, Kansas, while Ed was serving in the US Navy during World War II.
After his discharge from the Navy in June 1946, they moved to the Formanek farm near Aurora, South Dakota. They operated the farm for ten years before moving to Torrance, California in 1956. While in Torrance, Penny worked for a bakery. She was active in the District Council PTA where she held various offices. In 1967 the family moved to Philip, where she worked at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital. In 1977 the Penny and Ed moved back to Torrance where they lived until returning to Philip in 1988.
After her husband Ed’s death on February 19, 1993, Penny continued to reside in Philip until 1996 when she moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she lived until moving to Rapid City in February 2004.
Grateful for having shared her life include three sons James Formanek and his wife "Pooh" of Phoenix, Arizona, Ray Formanek and his wife Roxy of Philip, and Dwayne Formanek of Hermosa; two daughters Victoria Ann Carlson and her husband Ken of Clay Center, Nebraska, and Rebecca Lee Neville and her husband Bobby Gene of Rapid City; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph Lloyd of North Carolina and Herbert Lloyd and his wife Marjorie of Florida; a sister, Mary "Jewell" Lambert of Nebraska; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Ed, Penny was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Chessa Rayann and Emily Rose; her parents; and one brother John Lloyd.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip.
Graveside services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 8th, at the Black Hills National cemetery, near Sturgis, with Chaplain Moe Greiner officiating.
A memorial is established.
George Fosheim
age 71 of Murdo, South Dakota, died December 10, 2008, at the Palliative Care Suites at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre.
George Erwin Fosheim was born to Peter T. and Viola (Hand) Fosheim March 22, 1937. He was baptized and confirmed at Deep Creek Church, attended grade school at Little Eagle Country School and graduated from Midland High School in 1957.
He married
Jackie Bride in 1957. To this union were born four sons; Ricky, Brett, Tory and Forrest.
George held various short term jobs, owned and operated grocery stores in Midland for 7 years, and then moved to Murdo where he worked for West Central Electric for 33 years, retiring in 1999.
In life, George celebrated many hobbies and interests, excelling at anything he tried. From his self taught knowledge of computers, amateur photography, and gunsmithing, to his quality craftsmanship in woodworking, he left his mark for all to see. We all enjoy the family photos, and can't walk through his house without admiring something that was either designed, or made by him, including the many bird feeders that attracted so many birds that he loved to watch.
We all know that George's passion was the outdoors. He loved spending time with friends and family while hunting and fishing and instilled these passions in his sons. Summers were spent camping at Black Fox, fishing at Lake Oahe, and shooting rifles and pistols with ammunition that he reloaded. Fall was time for hunting, and no time was more precious than deer hunting in the Buttes or Black Hills.
George enjoyed many sports, including baseball, bowling, and competitive shooting, but was most enthusiastic about spending as much free time as possible on the golf course. He has long been a supporter of the Murdo Golf Course and Murdo Gun Club.
For all of his talents and successes, his biggest success was his family. He so loved his sons, was extremely proud of their families, and was an adoring grandfather and great grandfather.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years Jackie Fosheim of Murdo; three sons Brett Fosheim and his wife Susan of Sturgis, Tory Fosheim and his wife LeAnna of Pierre, and Forrest Fosheim and his wife Londa of Windom, MN; ten grandchildren; Erica Hallock (Tyler) of Casper, WY, Erin Novotny (Jed) of Mitchell, Nathan Fosheim of Belle Fourche, Vicki Dant (Ricky) of Huron, Kendell, Jasmin and Cassidy Fosheim of Pierre, Bryce, Jesse, and Cierra Fosheim of Windom, MN; four great grandchildren; Taya and Teagan Hallock, Corbyn Novotny, and Izzabella Fosheim; three brothers Peter Fosheim and his wife Sylvia of Pierre, Joe Fosheim of Midland, and Vic Fosheim and his wife Carol of Midland; six sisters Thelma Jean Schofield of Philip, Pauline Schofield of Midland, Edith Schofield of Evansville, WY, Judy Gerig and her husband George of Berthoud, CO, Tina Haug and her husband Orlyn of Aurora, CO, and Ruth Gassner and her husband Lou of Berthoud, CO; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by one son Ricky Lee Fosheim; his parents, and three brothers; Richard, Roger, and Johnny.
Memorial services were held 10:30 a.m. CST on Saturday, December 13, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.
A memorial is established.
Karen Sue McLean was born May 11, 1948 in Miles City, Montana, the daughter of James Donald and Betty L. (Chamberlain) McLean. She grew up and attended grade school in Ekalaka, Montana, and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City, Montana in 1966.
Sue was united in marriage to Kelly E. Fortune on May 20, 1967 in Miles City. They made their home in Cat Creek, Montana for three years before moving to Billings, Montana, where she worked as a cook for the John R. Scott Feedlot. In 1975 they moved to Hermosa, South Dakota. She worked as a waitress at the Airport Inn. In 1979 they moved to their present ranch east of Interior. She worked for the Badlands National Park for six years during the summer months. In 1986 she attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1991. She then worked for Keith and Dorothy Crew at the Prairie Homestead for ten years. They opened the Fortune’s Circle C Ranch Bed & Breakfast which they continued to operate until illness forced her retirement.
Sue was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. She enjoyed people and being with people. She was a member of the Art Guild in Wall. She enjoyed her painting, quilting and photography.
Grateful for having shared her life include her husband Kelly Fortune of Interior; two sons, Roderick Fortune and his wife Rebecca of Rockham, South Dakota and Gene Fortune and his wife Alecia of Interior; one brother Douglas McLean of Miles City, Montana; two sisters, Donna Knuths and her husband Troy of Glendive, Montana, and Carol Nies and her husband Butch of Mill Iron, Montana; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents James Donald McLean and Betty L. (Chamberlain) McLean.
Karen Sue Fortune, better known as "Sue" to her family and friends, died Monday morning, February 16, 2004 at her home in Interior.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 20 at the church with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
Interment was 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Fairview cemetery in Interior.
Rush Funeral Home of Philip is in charge of arrangements.
Natalie Foster
age 84 of Wall, South Dakota, died January 21, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Center in New Underwood.
Natalie Ruth Pederson was born November 7, 1925, at Gayville, South Dakota, the second of six children born to Roy E. and Gladys (Masker) Pederson. At the age of five her family moved to Rapid City. She attended Lincoln, Washington, and Wilson Elementary Schools in Rapid City, and Central High School where she graduated in 1943.
Natalie was united in marriage to Miles J. Wermager on September 12, 1943, in Paris, Texas. When her husband went to Europe in 1944, Natalie and her sister Lorraine went to Washington, DC where they were employed by the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
When Miles was discharged in 1945, they made their home in Mahnomen, Minnesota, where their three daughters were born. She worked as a sales clerk for various businesses, retiring from JC Penney’s in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in 1989.
Her husband Miles passed away July 29, 1987.
In October 1989, Natalie moved to Wall, South Dakota, to be near her mother. While living in Wall, she met and married
Bernard Foster on November 29, 1991. While in Wall, she worked for the Wall Drug Store for six years. In July 2001, Natalie suffered a stroke that paralyzed her entire right side.
Natalie was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #246, the First Lutheran Church, Mary Martha’s, Lutheran Ladies Sewing Circle, and the Sons of Norway.
Survivors include her husband Bernard of Wall; two daughters, Cheryl Swinehart and her husband Jeffery of Aurora, Colorado, and Christie Pischke and her husband Michael of Bridgewater, South Dakota; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a step-son Kevin Foster and his wife Kara of Box Elder; a step-daughter Janis Yager and her husband Bob of Montgomery, Illinois; five step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; a son-in-law Steve Hackley of Ft. Collins, Colorado; one brother Gordon Pederson and his wife Betty of Wall; three sisters Audrey Harnisch and her husband Carl of Kingman, Arizona, Kay Leonard and her husband Bill of Wall, and JoAnn Metcalf and her husband Joe of Antioch, California; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her first husband Miles, Natalie was preceded in death by one daughter Sandra Hackley, her parents, and one sister Lorraine Sisk.
Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 29, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Curtis Garland officiating.
Interment will be at the First Lutheran cemetery in Mahnomen, Minnesota.
A memorial is established.
Doris Fredericksen
age 95 of Draper, South Dakota, died March 28, 2010, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.
Doris Nina Rollins was born on February 6, 1915 on the family homestead north of Draper, the daughter of Ralph “RE” and Rachel Vera (Moon) Rollins. She was the only girl in a family of five. The family moved to town where Ralph traded farming for business, becoming owner of the Farmer’s Elevator Company. Doris graduated from Draper High School in 1931 and earned a two-year Teaching Certificate at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1933. She returned to Draper to work as a teacher and in her brothers’ store, The Rollins Supply Company.
On May 28, 1936 Doris married
her high school sweetheart, Fred Fredericksen. The couple lived in Murdo and Karen and Gary were born to this marriage. The family moved to the Fredericksen homestead south of Draper in 1943 where Doris and Fred lived until 1995.
Active in the Draper Club, Methodist Women’s Society and occasional teaching jobs, Doris’ main “occupation” was as Fred’s partner on the farm, in the garden and nurturing her children and their families. She was the accompanist for the Draper Methodist Church for over fifty years.
Doris and Fred retired to the Parkwood apartments in Pierre where she and Fred enjoyed city life and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary before Fred’s death in 1998. Due to failing health Doris moved to Rapid City, then Kadoka to receive care.
She is survived by her children and their families: Daughter, Karen Miller, her husband, Warren Jones, of Rapid City and their children: Larisa Miller; Gregory Jones, his wife Faith and sons, Jacob and Jordan; Mark Miller; Cheryl Welch; Cynthia Fendrick, her husband Don and daughters Sarah, Amanda and Carrie; and Son, Gary Fredericksen, his wife Margo and their children: Lezlie Allison, her husband, Don; Dr. Anthony Ewing, his wife, Dr. Rashi Abbas and their son, Eshan; Dale Fredericksen, his wife Vicki, daughter, Molly and son, Josh and his wife, Valerie; Lexi Neese, her son, Timothy Neese and daughter, Sarah Sherwood; Lyla Mackey, her husband Mike and sons, Alexander and Nicholas; Matthew Fredericksen, his wife, Heidi and son, Samuel.
Doris is also survived by nieces and nephews: Eleanor Miller, Margaret Rankin, Ray and Roger Vik, Lloyd and Donald Fredericksen, Maurice, Don, Roger, Dale, John, and Steve Rollins, Aileen Engel, Annette Ransom, Beth Merkel, Patty Balent, Joan McCulloch and their growing families.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her four brothers: Robert, Gordon, Paul and Virgil "Babe" Rollins, their wives, neices, Barbara Nemer and Beverly Anshutz, and nephews, James and Norman Rollins.
Closed-casket visitation was held 5-7 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, March 31 at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. CDT Thursday, April 1, at the Methodist Church in Draper, with Pastor Jim Cissell officiating.
Interment was in the Draper cemetery.
A memorial is established to the Kadoka Nursing Home.
Dorothy May Furgeson
age 87 of of Philip, South Dakota, formerly of Butte, Montana, died June 8, 2008, at the Philip Nursing Home.
Dorothy May Spefanich was born October 23, 1920, the daughter of Mary (Thomas) and Elmer Stefanich at 59 Atlantic St, in Meaderville, outside of Butte, Montana. She was delivered at home by her aunt, Katie Pezdark who was the neighborhood midwife. The family later moved to 2227 Maple St, McQueen Addition, Butte where she attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. She worked as an usher at the Rialto Theatre in Butte.
Dorothy married
George Nool in Butte. They divorced and she moved to New York City, where she was a member of the Rockettes dance group and worked as a model using the stage name “Rita Stevens”.
Dorothy married
Harry E. Furgeson, DVM in Denver, Colorado, at his parent’s home. She assisted her husband at his veterinary clinic in Butte before moving to the Mt Haggin Livestock Company at Willow Glen, east of Anaconda, Montana in 1958. In September 1972, they moved to Furgeson Simmental Ranch, Crackerville east of Anaconda, Montana.
In 1999, she moved to the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center in Philip, South Dakota. At the time of her death, she was a resident of the Philip Nursing Home. She enjoyed cooking and traveling with her husband.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Dody (Furgeson) Weller and her husband Don of Philip, South Dakota; step-daughter Judy (Furgeson) Stramel of Elko, Nevada. Grandchildren include Rick Weller, Craig Weller, Kyle Weller and Stacy Weller, all of Spearfish, South Dakota, Matthew Stramel and his wife Christine and Jane (Stramel) Owen and her husband Sid all of Elko, Nevada.
She was preceded in death by her husband Harry Furgeson, DVM, Crackerville, Anaconda, MT on March 3, 1993; her parents; a brother Raymond Stefanich; and a step-son, “Bud” Harry Furgeson Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 18 at Duggan Dolan Mortuary in Butte, MT.
Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Garden cemetery west of Butte, MT.
Earl Gabriel
age 91 of Creighton, South Dakota, died September 26, 2009, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Raymond “Earl” Gabriel was born July 24, 1918 to Fred and Frances (Hunn) Gabriel. The sixth child of seven, he grew up on their homestead south of Faith, South Dakota in the Turtle Creek area. He helped with milking cows, herding cattle, sheep and horses as a child. He received an eighth grade education at the Turtle Creek School.
Earl lived with his family south of Faith until 1934 when he moved with his parents and brothers, Frank and Paul, to the Wounded Knee area where his father had leased 2½ sections of land to run their cattle on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. They lived there for about five years on American Horse Creek. Around 1940 Earl moved to his brother Floyd Gabriel’s ranch near Pedro, SD. He purchased sheep from his youngest brother Frank who was serving in World War II. Earl was working for Floyd when he met the woman he would love and spend the rest of his life with.
On May 17, 1941 Earl married
Erma Rose Coleman in Philip, SD. For a while they resided with Floyd and Tressa Gabriel (Earl’s brother and Erma’s sister) and there they began their ranching life raising sheep. Around 1943 they moved to north west Haakon county, to what was known as the Moses Place. There they raised sheep and broke horses to make a living. Later they included cattle on their ranching operation and eventually sold the sheep. In August 1961 Earl and Erma adopted their daughter, Cindy Rae. She was the light of his life and her daddy’s right hand man as she grew older. In 1963 the family moved to north eastern Pennington county, along Deep Creek near the old town of Pedro. They continued to ranch, raise cattle and live there until they moved to Philip in 2004 because of health reasons. Earl and Erma moved to the Kadoka Nursing Home in October of 2006 where he resided with Erma until her passing in March of 2009 and he resided until his passing.
Earl was a member of the Dowling Community Church and enjoyed reading his Bible on long cold winter nights. Earl and Erma enjoyed going to square dances and doing fun things with their neighbors. He often talked about riding horses to Irna and Leo’s, his sister and her husband, on a Sunday to visit; laughing when he told how they had to back green broke horses across the Cheyenne River bridge at Hans T. Hanson’s place. In the mid 1960's Earl was an extra on the movie set of “How the West was Won” while it was filming in the Black Hills, where he portrayed a railroad track layer. He loved helping neighbors, whether it be working livestock, breaking horses or fixing broken down machinery. He worked for the Wall Sale Barn and Philip Livestock Auction as a sorter and load out person in the late 1960's. He enjoyed the changing seasons on the ranch. Spring meant branding time at all the neighbors and fall meant getting out his corn cutter or stack mover and traveling around to the neighbors to help them with fall harvest or getting hay hauled home. He loved his ranch life, riding horses and working cattle. Friends always knew they could stop in for a game of cards or an evening of just visiting. Earl enjoyed life and always found something to smile or laugh about. He will be missed by anyone whose life he touched.
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter Cindy Gabriel Nuzum of Philip; two grandsons Colt Nuzum of Newcastle, Wyoming and Casey Nuzum of Sundance, Wyoming; his sister, Irna (Gabriel) Collins of rural Faith; two sisters-in-law, Tressa Gabriel of Philip and Ilma Gabriel of rural Faith; numerous nieces and nephews who he truly enjoyed spending time with; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife Erma; his parents, Fred and Francis Gabriel; four brothers John, Paul, Floyd and Frank, and one sister Freda (Gabriel) Johnson.
Visitation was held 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and two hours preceding the services at the community center on Thursday.
Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at the Wall Community Center.
Interment was in the Wall cemetery.
A memorial is established.
John J. Gillaspie was born March 31, 1920 on his parents’ farm-ranch in the Ottumwa, South Dakota area, the son of James H. and Mary Margaret (Ball) Gillaspie. He attended rural school through the 9th grade and graduated from Midland High School in 1938. As a young man he worked for various ranchers in Haakon County.
He was united in marriage to Avis Schilling on April 30, 1945 in Midland, South Dakota. After their marriage, they made their home in Midland until October 1945 when they moved to a ranch north of Midland, where John worked for Western Cattle Company. In May 1946 they moved onto their own farm-ranch northeast of Ottumwa where they resided until 1957 when they moved into Midland. While in Midland they operated a Blacksmith Shop until 1971. Then they moved to the Sivage Ranch near Four Corners where they lived and worked until 1977. In 1977 they moved to Ord, Nebraska where they owned and operated a cafe and lounge until moving back to Midland in 1990. In 1991 they moved onto the Sandbo Ranch in the Deep Creek Community where they worked for Bill Markwed until the fall of 1995 when they retired and moved into Midland.
John was a member of St. Williams Catholic Church in Midland and a member of the Midland Senior Citizens Center.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife Avis Gillaspie of Midland, four sons, John L. Gillaspie and his wife Barbie of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Ken Gillaspie of Pierre, South Dakota, James Gillaspie and his wife Sharon of Pierre, South Dakota, and Rocky Gillaspie of Midland and special friend Lisa Hodgin of Ft. Pierre; four daughters, Evie Abrahamson and her husband Doug of Bowman, North Dakota, Marilyn Gillaspie and her fiance Jim Hoyt of Ft. Pierre, South Dakota, Mary G. Schofield and her husband Vincent of Midland, and Delores Suminski and her husband Carl of Broken Bow, Nebraska; fifteen grandchildren; eight great-grandsons; 10 step-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Ellen Schofield of Midland, Alice Peterson of Omaha, Nebraska, Margaret Whipple of Omaha, Nebraska, and Cathy Lullo and her husband Carmen of Gwinn, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; and a very special family friend Linda Hodgin of Rapid City.
John was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy; three sons, Ronald L. Gillaspie October 7, 1999, Conrad J. Gillaspie on February 2, 2000, and one son in infancy; one grandson, Dean Joseph Gillaspie; his parents; one brother, James Gillaspie, and three sisters in infancy.
John J. "Bud" Gillaspie, age 84, of Midland, died Sunday, November 14, 2004 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Visitation was held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., all at St. William's Catholic Church in Midland.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 18, at the church, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
Interment was in the Midland cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family request a memorial be established.
Rush Funeral Home of Philip is in charge of arrangements.
