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Lawrence Coss
1938-2014
Lawrence Marlyn Coss, 75, founder and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Green Tree Financial, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on May 18, 2014.
Funeral services were at the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul on Friday, May 23, followed by interment at St. Peter’s Church cemetery in Mendota, Minnesota.
Larry was born in Miller, SD, on November 5, 1938, and retained an immense pride for his native state. After serving in the United States Navy, Larry worked a variety of jobs – including as an auto salesman, stock car racer, motel proprietor, and filling station owner – before finding his vocation in the financial services industry. While professional associates remember him as a tough negotiator, shrewd tactician, and visionary leader, Larry measured his business success by the lives he positively impacted through his labors.
After his retirement in 1998, Larry devoted his energy to charitable endeavors. Larry and his wife, Virginia, founded the Coss Family Foundation to promote philanthropy towards higher education. He was a committed advocate of increasing access to education for disadvantaged students. He offered his time on educational boards at the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and the Convent of the Visitation School. Larry and Virginia continue to fund scholarships at a variety of educational institutions, and provide anonymous and steadfast support to a host of other nonprofits and charitable organizations. Larry was also a devout Catholic, and supported a number of initiatives throughout the dioceses in which he worshipped.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Larry never fully left the business world. He owned and operated a large ranching operation, horse farm, and real estate development business until the end of his life. A typical day found him surrounded by his correspondence, his newspapers, and numerous telephone calls to talk cattle, land, and horses. Larry was a man of tremendous business acumen and deep knowledge in a variety of areas, and he freely shared his wisdom and advice to all who desired it.
Most importantly, Larry was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be remembered as a man of enduring faith, tremendous generosity, and immense love. Whether he was giving his grandchildren rides on his antique tractors and pony carts, organizing pheasant hunts on his South Dakota ranch, taking weekend trail rides, or packing his family into the motorhome for a spontaneous trip, Larry’s greatest joy came when he brought joy to others. His most cherished memories were times spent with his family. Although he will be sorely missed, his family feels blessed to have shared his life and grateful that he is at peace.
preceded in death by his mother, Mildred R. Coss. Larry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Virginia Coss; brother, Larry (Kathy) Noll; uncle, Bernie Coss; children, Tim (Katrina) Coss, Susan (Harlan) Domeyer, Wendy Forsman, Kevin (Julie) Scheid, Tina Scheid, Laura (Dan) Schwartz, and James Coss; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
J. H. “Jack” Jones
1927-2014
Jack Jones, 87, of Miller, died Wednesday, May 21 at the Good Samaritan Center in Miller. Funeral services were Tuesday, May 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller, with burial at the G.A.R. cemetery in Miller.
J. H. “Jack” Jones was born on January 16, 1927 to J.C. and Katherine (DenBeste) Jones at Geddes, SD. He moved with his family to Miller in 1930. He graduated from Miller High School in 1945, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and graduated from the College of Pharmacy at SDSU in 1950.
If ever two people became one, the marriage of Jack and Wilma (Sligo) Jones on June 12, 1950 marked the early days of a long and deep melding of hearts that shaped everything that followed.
Jack became a partner with his brother, Mack, in Jones Drug, a business established in Miller by their parents in 1930. Following Mack’s retirement, John Wilber became a partner with Jack.
Upon his own retirement, Jack served as an inspector for the SD Board of Pharmacy for twenty years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Miller, where he sang in the choir for more than sixty years and served as an elder. He was a member of Kiwanis and a sixty-year Mason (St. Lawrence Lodge #39). Jack served on the city council of Miller, as mayor of Miller, and as a member of the South Dakota legislature.
Jack is survived by his wife and devoted partner, Wilma, and their seven children, Janice (Richard) Palmer, Miller; Janet “Dahv” (David) Pappone, Brandon, SD; Jim Jones, Miller; Kristi Jones, Salt Lake City, UT; Herb (Debra) Jones, Sioux Falls; Brian (Tyann) Jones, Miller; and Bruce (Jennifer) Jones, Sioux Falls; by grandchildren Steven (Gretchen) Palmer, Robert (Tanya) Palmer, Kayleen (Dan) Henderson, Daniel (Lindsay) Palmer, Christy Palmer, David (Michelle) Pappone, Claire Fassio, Jamie (Robert) Fisher, Jacklyn (Jordan) Mueller, Will Jones, Jack Jones, Eli Jones, and Kate Jones; 11 (soon to be 13) great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Doris Jones, Patricia Plesh, and Patricia Sligo; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Susan Jones and Greg (Sally) Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mack Jones; his parents-in-law, William and Audrey Sligo; sister-in-law Audrey Barranti; brother-in-law David Sligo, and nephew Jeff Sligo.
Wanda Mae Smith
1925-2014
Wanda Mae Smith age 88, Huron, SD, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Her funeral service was Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at the Congregational United Church of Christ with burial at the Restlawn Memory Gardens cemetery, Huron.
Wanda Mae Johnson, the daughter of Victor and Diana (Trahan) Johnson was born on July 6, 1925 on the family farm near Tunerville, SD. She attended country school at the District 68 Deuel County School and graduated from the South Dakota School of Agriculture in Brookings, SD in 1944.
Wanda married
E. Keith Smith on June 11, 1944, in the First Congregational Church in Clear Lake, South Dakota.
Wanda was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ and the Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of the Beadle County 4-H Leaders Association, the County, State and National Pork Council, the Progressive Homemakers Extension Club, the Dearborn Township School Board, and Beadle Co. Farm Bureau. She also served on the Dearborn Township Election Board and organized the Beadle Co. Pork Council Women.
Her leadership roles included serving as treasurer of the South Dakota Ag in the Classroom, serving as the first female president of the Beadle Co. 4-H Leaders Association, and being elected to the South Dakota Porkette National Director position for two three-year terms.
In 1991, she was the first woman in South Dakota to receive the prestigious Pfizer Achievement award for her outstanding work in the pork industry. In the fall of 1996, she was recognized by South Dakota State University as Eminent Homemaker recognizing her service to agriculture in rural communities of South Dakota. She shared the honor with her husband of being recognized for Meritorious Service to 4-H. Of all of her accomplishments, she was most proud of her and Keith along with all their family members being selected as SDSU Family of the Year in 1997.
Wanda enjoyed cooking for all the family members whenever they visited, crocheting and embroidery work, reading books, and her various traveling opportunities.
Grateful for having shared in Wanda’s life are her six children, Sharon and Gary Van Riper of Brookings, SD; Marcine and Jack Elder of Fulda, MN; Wayne and Kathie Smith of Salmon, ID; Betty and Mike MacNeil of Miles City, MT; Dale and Bonnie Smith of Hitchcock, SD; and Judy and Dean Stevens of Huron, SD; fourteen grandchildren, David (Laura) Van Riper, Kristi Van Riper, Erin (Terri) Elder, Ryan (Melissa) Elder, Justin (Traci) Elder, Tyson (Stella) Elder, Jeri Jo (Chris) Casper, Amanda Smith, Christopher Smith, Matthew (Kristy) Smith, Marcus Smith, Garrett Smith, Megan (John Wailes) MacNeil, and Brendan MacNeil; eighteen great grandchildren: Colin Morris, Dillon Morris, Kaden Elder, Reegan Elder, Greyson Elder, Taylor Elder, Alexis Elder, Abbigail Elder, Olivia Elder, and Owen Van Riper, Keeton Elder, Creighton Elder, Nehemiah Elder, Truitt Elder, Samuel Elder, Quinn Elder, Seth Smith, and Jace Smith; sisters-in-law, Korlas and Don Winter and Marie Smith of Annandale, MN; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith in 2009; three brothers; and two sisters.
Mary Kathryn Teller
1944-2014
Mary Kathryn Teller, 70, of Rapid City died on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care.
Mary loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and especially hosting family dinners in her home. She enjoyed playing games such as Bingo, Dominos and Cards. She was a huge Bronco’s fan and loved anything Elvis.
She is survived by three daughters, Dee Leui (Terry), Melody Schmidt (Brian) and Tanya Angulo; two sons, Neil Hague (Vickie) and Tony Hague (Stephanie); her parents, Wilfred and Marge Faust; two brothers, Martin Flottmeyer (Marie) and Merlyn Flottmeyer; her half-sister, Dawn Price (Craig); nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Regina Rae Hague; her biological parents, Anton and Freda (Wiess) Flottmeyer; and her grandson, Todd Teller.
Services were Friday, April 11, 2014 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City with Pastor Gary Walters officiating. Burial at Pine Lawn Memorial Park followed the service.
A memorial has been established.
Keoni R. Fernandez
Oct. 4 1949 - Oct. 9 2008
Keoni John R. Fernandez, 59, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2008 at his home in Rapid City.
He is survived by his son Johnny Koa Ishikawa, age 29, Rapid City; grandson Kekoa Little, Salt Lake City; his son’s mother Lei Ishikawa, Honolulu, HI; wife Darlene Fernandez, Rapid City, son Mathew Worland, wife Tricia and daughter Banyan of Littleton, CO; daughter Angelic Courts, husband Kenny and children Baily and Amani of Lancaster, CA. His grandchildren will miss papa.
He is also survived by two sisters Hyenie Sato and Johnrae Christian, and a brother Hubert Aaron Fernandez all residing on Oahu, HI; a brother-in-law Jerry Pesquira, Las Vegas and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John Fernandez and Huberta Weed, and two sisters, Ada Tsuji and Laverla Pesquira.
John was born October 4, 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He lived and worked on Oahu for forty years before venturing out on his first trip to “the mainland.”
While in Honolulu, he attended a union trade school and worked through his apprenticeships to achieve the rank of Master Installer in floorcoverings. With the birth of his son Koa, he apprenticed the first of many helpers.
For more than thirty years, and in several states, he crafted his installations in carpet, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, slate, laminate, and wood floorcoverings. John’s commitment to excellence demanded his continued training in new products, tools, and installation methods.
He began his own business in Honolulu with his partner Chris Christopherson in 1991. When they moved to Rapid City in 1992, they continued their business as “Aloha Installers” until 2000. He then operated independently as “Keoni” Installations.
In 2001, John was married
to Darlene at the Unity of Hawaii church on the slopes of Diamond Head surrounded by family. They enjoyed the month long trip where John delighted in showing his new family around his much beloved Hawaiian homeland. They fondly recall his repeated message, “Don’t turn your back on the ocean.”
John was devoted to his church Unity of the Black Hills during its founding years in the 1990s. He will also be missed by many friends in the 12-step community and many of his devoted customers.
Memorial services are set for 11am Tues., Oct. 14, 2008 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Kirk Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2846, Rapid City, SD 57709.
Edmund Davis Herr
Jul 07 1930 - Oct 08 2008
Edmund Davis Herr, 78, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born in Watertown, NY on July 7, 1930 to Isadore and Lena Davis Herr. He graduated from Manlius Military Academy in Manlius, NY and New York University where he received a bachelor of science degree. He moved to Syracuse, NY where he opened Herr’s Advertising Agency. In 1977, he re-located to Marco Island, Florida where he and Sandy were married
. There, Ed created the Weeks and Herr Advertising Agency, and later established the Ad Depot Advertising Agency in Naples, Florida. Upon retirement in 2000, he and Sandy moved to Rapid City. Ed loved golf, Syracuse University football and basketball. He was an avid football fan. In his youth he ran track and skied, enjoying the challenge of Olympic ski jumps. He took great joy in both coaching and attending games in which his children and grandchildren participated. He always looked forward to the camaraderie shared by his Wednesday night poker pals. He was known for his sense of humor, his creative nature, and his love of family. He was a quiet man who gave without expecting anything in return.
On Sept. 13 at a family gathering, Ed and Sandy celebrated their 30 loving years together by renewing their marriage vows. Ed’s legacy includes 2 daughters, Corliss Alexandra Herr of Syracuse, NY, Sarah Palen Seljeskog of Rapid City; 2 sons, Charles H. Herr of Buffalo, NY, John H. Palen of Grand Lake, CO; and 10 grandchildren and 1great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 13 at 11:00 am at South Canyon Baptist Church, where Ed was a member. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established for a memorial bench to be placed at Canyon Lake Park, where Ed enjoyed happy times and long walks with his beloved dog. Donations may be sent to 3810 Meadowbrook Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702, in the name of “Ed Herr Memorial Fund”.
Genevieve C. Gervasi
Dec 12, 1911 - Oct 06, 2008
Genevieve Gervasi, 96, of Rapid City and formerly of Hot Springs, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2008 at the Westhills Village Healthcare Facility.
Genevieve was born December 12, 1911 in Sturgis, SD to John and Ella (Mallon) Keysor. She attended school and graduated from Sturgis High School. Genevieve received her nursing degree in San Diego, CA. She married
Francis Gervasi in 1938. They moved to Hot Springs, SD where she worked as a nurse in the VA system for many years. Genevieve has lived at Westhills Village in Rapid City for the last ten years.
Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Dixon and husband William of Black Hawk and Mary Frances Winkelmann and husband Joseph of Edwardsville, IL: one son, James Gervasi and wife JoAnne of Rapid City: one sister, Rita Weber of Sturgis: eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1998.
A visitation will be from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City with a wake service to follow at 6pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am on Thursday, October 9 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City with Father Michel Mulloy as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Evergreen cemetery in Hot Springs.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested a contribution to a charity of your choice in Genevieve’s name.
Richard Denis Norquist
Apr 16 1960 - Oct 06 2008
Richard Denis Norquist, 48, died Monday, October 6, 2008 at Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. until service time at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home with Pastor Brent Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Lawn cemetery. Richard was born on April 16, 1960 at Huron, SD to Shirley and Rose (Reilly) Norquist. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Norquist, Rapid City; daughter, Amber Norquist, Rapid City; son, Billy Lutz, Sioux Falls, SD; sisters, Joan Hoiland, Renton, WA, Diane-Ray French, Keystone, SD, Barbara-Stewart Walker, Grand Prairie, TX, Sharon Norquist, Warren, OH, Debbie Norquist, Rapid City; brothers, Stephen Norquist, Rodger Norquist, and Larry Norquist, all of Rapid City. He was preceded in death by his parents.
David Kapp
May 26 1923 - Oct 05 2008
David Kapp, 85, of Rapid City, passed away on Sun., October 5, 2008 at Rapid City Regional Hospital, following a short illness.
He was born May 26, 1923 on the family farm near Napoleon, North Dakota. He was the twelfth child born to Jacob and Elizabeth Kapp. Dave worked on the family farm, eventually making a career as a concrete finisher. He married
Olga Geneva Olson on July 12, 1952. They had two daughters—Karen and Donna.
In 1957 he and his family moved to Rapid City, where they have lived since then. Dave pursued his vocation, working for many different construction employers. He was instrumental in pouring the concrete silos for the missile sites that dotted this area of the country. He worked on many projects throughout the area, and his work endures to this day. He finished his career working for Robbins and Stearns, finishing concrete for many of the homes built in southeast Rapid City, as well as homes and schools on the Indian reservations.
After retiring for a while, he returned to work for Green Thumb, and then the Rapid City Parks Department, working as a seasonal employee, cleaning shelters and park areas. He worked for over 20 years for the Parks Department, and a good amount of that time, he was able to work as a team with his wife, Olga. He worked two days a week right up until the time he fell ill.
Dave loved being outdoors, working on his yard, tending his garden and flowers and tinkering around. He enjoyed fishing the many lakes of the Black Hills for trout. Dave also helped serve his community by working at Church Response one day a week, packaging food and commodities for distribution to the needy.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers—Jacob, John, Gottlieb and Ephraim—as well as his seven sisters—Lydia Schroeder, Christina Dutt, Mary Dallman, Magdalene Huebner, Rose Kapp, Martha Miller and Ida Schroeder. He is survived by his wife Olga of Rapid City; a daughter, Karen Goldammer and her husband, David, of Black Hawk; and daughter, Donna Kapp of Dallas, Texas.
Visitation will be at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm and then for one hour before services.
Services are set for 10:30am Thurs., Oct. 9, 2008 at Kirk Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Ruedebusch officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Rapid City.
