Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD

Faye Ann Braun

November 4, 1953 - May 20, 2013

Faye Ann Braun was born November 4, 1953 at Burke, SD to Bill & Joan Rowan. She departed this life and entered into the gates of Heaven on May 20, 2013 after a long battle with the effects of diabetes. She was baptized at an early age and received Christ as her Savior on the steps of the Mills Community Church during Vacation Bible school when she was a 2nd grader. She was confirmed at Grace...
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Nell Serr

March 10, 1931 - May 3, 2013

Nell M. (Reed) Serr was born March 10, 1931 in Aransas Pass, TX to Carlos and Mamie (Joy) Reed. After graduating from high school, Nell worked at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, TX. She married Roland Serr in 1955. To this union two children were born—Connie and Grace. Roland and Nell's first home was on a ranch west of Springview. Then they moved to the home place by Burton...
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Claude Hickey

March 19, 1929 - May 1, 2013

Claude Lester Hickey was born to Vivian and Viola (Briggs) Hickey on March 19, 1929 near Iona, SD. He attended rural schools near Iona and went to Iona High School for three years. On August 28, 1950, Claude married Ilene Konop in Pierre, SD. Claude worked for area farmers and was a truck driver. He was drafted to the US Marine Corp in 1951. His basic training was in Camp Pendleton,...
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Madeline Aden

April 5, 1924 - April 29, 2013

Madeline Theresia Aden was born April 5, 1924 at Colome, SD, the first of two girls born to the family of Otto and Elizabeth (Pietz) Schulte. She went to be with her heavenly Father on Monday, April 29, 2013. Her youthful years were spent on the family farm helping with the duties of an everyday farm kid—milking the cows, helping with the chickens, putting up hay, and helping with the house...
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Ada Rezac

August 11, 1924 - April 15, 2013

Ada A. (Rash) Rezac was born August 11, 1924 to Nelson and Anna Rash at a farm near Millboro, SD. She studied in a one room grade school and graduated 8th grade at Jamison, NE. On November 25, 1944, Ada married Dean Worden and the couple had two children. Ada was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. They moved to Colome in 1971. Ada worked at the Winner Baptist Hospital as a nurse's aide...
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Cheyenne Cernetisch

May 6, 1995 - April 6, 2013

Cheyenne May Cernetisch was born in Davenport Iowa on May 6, 1995, to Christopher Charles and Christine May Cernetisch (Kasowski). By 3 weeks old her family moved to South Dakota. She started school in the one room of Iona, then moved into the Gregory town school, then to Burke in her freshman year. She would have graduated this May. Cheyenne was an active person who loved horses,...
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Dolly Lang

November 7, 1910 - March 30, 2013

Dolly (Maier) Lang was born November 7, 1910 on a farm south of Colome at Danton, SD. She was the daughter of Jacob & Katherine (Hauf) Maier. When she was three years old, they moved south of Dallas and this is where she started school when she became of age. She attended school there until the 6th grade when they moved to Dallas. She attended school in Dallas until graduating from...
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Darleen Anderson

April 23, 1929 - March 18, 2013

Darleen Ilene (Bergquist) Anderson of Presho, SD and formerly of Viborg, SD went home to her Lord and Savior at the Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain, SD after an almost six year courageous battle with cancer on March 18, 2013. Darleen was born to David and Ida (Haugen) Bergquist on April 23, 1929 in Yankton, SD. She attended several country schools and told stories to her children about...
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Gladys King

September 18, 1922 - March 15, 2013

Gladys Leona (Liegl) King was born September 18, 1922 at home on the farm near Burke, SD. She was the seventh of eight children in the family of Egid and Anna (Bauer) Liegl. Her mother died when she was only five years old and then Gladys was raised by her father and siblings. She often mentioned her appreciation for her brothers and sisters and their care for her during her childhood. Gladys...
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Dale Peterson

August 4, 1934 - March 13, 2013

Dale E. Peterson was born on the farm south of Colome on August 4, 1934 to Ralph and Barbara (Mackrall) Peterson. Dale attended country schools and graduated from Colome High School in 1952, and farmed with his uncle Bud Mackrall south of Colome. Dale and his uncle Bud moved to town in 1959 and operated the Corner Bar. He joined the National Guard in 1953 and served on active duty at Ft....
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Amy Mahrt

October 28, 1977 - February 24, 2013

Amy Lynn Mahrt was born October 28, 1977 to Gary and Sandy (Miller) Mahrt. Amy's dad passed away when she was a baby. She was raised by her mother until she married Dean House. Amy was the second of three children. Amy attended school in Gregory until moving to Mitchell, SD with her friend Stephanie Smith. There she met Alvin Wurtz and together they had a son Timothy Ray on April 23, 1997. ...
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Barbara Knox

April 10, 1929 - February 6, 2013

Barbara LaJune Chambers Knox, 83, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at her home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Barbara was born April 10, 1929, in Gregory, South Dakota, to Virgil L. Chambers and Leota F. Bean Chambers. She grew up in Gregory, where her father owned and operated Chambers Garage and was the country sheriff. Her mother was a wife and homemaker. She was joined by a younger...
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Tressa Nelson

January 15, 1914 - February 4, 2013

Tressa was born in Cedarville, IL on January 15, 1914 to Boyd and Alice (Moses) Jordan. She was the third in a family of four children and being the only girl she learned to play marbles at a very early age. She also had a great love for baseball.At the age of three, the Jordan family moved to the Winner area by train and then on to Hamill by wagon. She attended a rural school near Hamill through...
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Frank Gessner

April 20, 1930 - January 18, 2013

Frankie (Frank) Orris Gessner was born April 20, 1930 in Duff, NE to Mike Carl Gessner and Frances Mary Davis Gessner. Frank started school in Duff and was there for a few years until they moved to Bassett, NE in the mid 30's. There he attended school and graduated from Rock County High School in 1947. After school he went on the road doing plaster work. Around 1950 he started learning...
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Ralph Soles

September 27, 1934 - January 9, 2013

Ralph Lewis Soles Jr. was born in Bassett, NE on Sept. 27, 1934, the middle of three children born to Ralph Sr. and Lenna (Ford) Soles. Ralph and his family lived in Ainsworth and Ralph graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1952. He joined the Army June 17, 1953. He served in Panama and was honorably discharged on June 9, 1956. After the Army, Ralph enrolled in Chadron State College...
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Eileen Drees

April 19, 1921 - January 9, 2013

Eileen Doris Wilkinson was born on April 19, 1921 to George and Julia (Foster) Wilkinson on a farm in Tripp County. She had wonderful memories of childhood and growing up. Her favorite toys were a little red wagon and a wicker doll buggy. Her sister, Eleanor, was her constant companion. One story most often told was when they were gathering cows to milk and one was particularly cantankerous. ...
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Duane Kahler

April 25, 1943 - January 8, 2013

Duane Paul Kahler was born on April 25, 1943 in Burke, SD to Theodore and Ella (Engelhart) Kahler. He was the third of five children. He developed a love for horses as a child that continued through his adult life. Duane loved to ride horses and one of his favorites was named "Trigger". He would on occasion ride a calf too, if he knew his dad wouldn't find out. He also enjoyed fishing both as a...
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Lillian Mahrt

December 14, 2012

Lillian "Granny" Mae Mahrt, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Harmacek) Chocholousek, was born November 15, 1923, at her parents' home near Dixon, South Dakota and died December 14, 2012, at the Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 89 years and 29 days. Lillian was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in Dixon, South Dakota. She attended rural school near...
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Opal Rose McFayden

July 19, 1920 - December 14, 2012

Opal (Becker) McFayden was born July 19, 1920 at the farm home (south of Herrick) of her parents—Rudolph and Zelma (Painter) Becker. She joined a brother Paul and later another brother Rudy and a sister Mavis joined the family. Opal passed away December 14, 2012, at the age of 92. She attended the Goodman School through the eighth grade. Opal graduated from Naper High School in 1937. ...
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Kenneth Schmitz

December 26, 1931 - December 11, 2012

Kenneth Dean Schmitz was born December 26, 1931 in Bonesteel, SD the oldest of four children born to Charles and Holyce (Flisram) Schmitz. As a child, Ken developed a love for horses, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and helped his parents on the farm. He graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1950. After graduation he farmed with his dad until he joined the Navy in 1952. He served for 4 years...
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Janice Ann Tilton

April 29, 1928 - December 10, 2012

Janice Ann Pederson was born April 29, 1928, the only child of Earnest "Pete" Pederson and Madeline Stegner Pederson in Sioux Falls. She completed her schooling in Sioux Falls, graduating from Washington High School in 1946 where she played the clarinet in the high school orchestra. Between her junior and senior year she spent the summer in Mexico. Janice then enrolled at the University of...
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Fred Schmidt

June 17, 1924 - December 2, 2012

Fred Henry Schmidt was born south of Colome on June 17, 1924 to John and Katie (Schrader) Schmidt. He passed away on December 2, 2012 at Avera McKennan Hospital due to post surgical complications. He was 88 years old. When Fred was two years old he lived on a farm northeast Burke and later moved south of Burke. He attended country school and helped his dad on the farm. As he became a young...
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Mike Dacy

June 9, 1947 - November 27, 2012

Michael James Dacy Retired Army Colonel, Michael James Dacy, age 65, of Gregory South Dakota, passed away peacefully in Sioux Falls on November 27, 2012. Mike was born June 9, 1947, in Tacoma, Washington to Bill and Helen Dacy. He was a member of the 1966 graduating class at Frankfurt High School in Germany. From there he attended the University of South Dakota where he graduated with a...
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Ida Shedeed

July 7, 1913 - November 24, 2012

Ida Mae Shedeed was born on a farm near Alcester, SD on July 7, 1913 to John and Dora (Talsma) Vander Kuur. When Ida was 13 years old, her mother passed away, and three years later, her father passed away, leaving the nine children living on the homestead. There were four older brothers, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. As the oldest girl, Ida became a substitute mother. She...
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Doyle Robertson

August 30, 1932 - November 19, 2012

Doyle was born on August 30, 1932 in Gregory SD to Paul Daniel and Pearle Esther (Fenenga) Robertson. Doyle started life on the family farm north of Dixon where he married Virginia Bruun and raised their five children. In 1967 he moved the family to Texas where he worked until his retirement where upon he moved back to Gregory. He enjoyed hunting and fishing along with playing cards,...
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John Slouka

November 8, 1925 - November 17, 2012

John Anton Slouka was born November 8, 1925 in Winner South Dakota, the son of John and Francis (Trpisovsky) Slouka. John grew up on a farm southwest of Colome with his brothers, Edward and Robert and his sisters Mildred and Julia. His sister Mildred later died at the age of twelve due to an accident while she was running track. They lived in an old farmhouse with no running water and were...
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Lovinia Kerner

December 2, 1925 - November 9, 2012

Lovinia Rachel Beavers was born on the family farm south of Dallas on December 2, 1925 to Charles and Filena (Harrison) Beavers. She was the eighth child of eleven. Lovinia grew up south of Dallas on the family farm. She attended country school and finished the eighth grade. Her life was known by her hard work ethic from the time she was old enough to work until she was no longer able to...
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Ken Sinkular

August 11, 1948 - November 3, 2012

Ken Armand Sinkular was born on August 11, 1948 in Gregory, SD to Woodrow and Elsie (Schmidt) Sinkular. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Gregory High School in 1966. In December of 1966, he moved to Sioux City, Iowa. There he worked in many of the packing houses. In April of 1968, Ken was drafted into the US Army. He served in Vietnam. After the war, Ken went back...
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Iona Lutz

October 22, 2012

Iona Mae (Stahlecker) Lutz was born July 29, 1929 on a farm near Jamison, NE to Adolph and Goldie (Kahler) Stahlecker. After her schooling, she moved to Selby, SD for employment. She was living with her brother and sister-in-law, when she met Roy Lutz. They were married in 1950 and continued to live in Selby where they raised their three children. In 1963, the family moved to Gregory, SD...
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Gerald Hoffie

October 19, 2012

Gerald Otto Hoffie was born October 3, 1941 to Gerald and Louise (Fiebelkorn) Hoffie. Gerald grew up in Gregory with his sister Nancy and his brothers Cal and Jim. Gerald graduated from Gregory High School and then attended a trade school for automation for a short time. Gerald worked a variety of jobs in a variety of places including working at O'Hare airport, Hoffie's Greenhouse, Butch...
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James Nance

October 11, 1923 - September 29, 2012

James Miller Nance was born in Anniston, Alabama on October 11, 1923 the second of six children born to the family of Lawrence M. and Annie Sue (Browning) Nance. Jim grew up in Anniston graduating from Anniston High School in June 1942. The summer after his graduation he completed his apprenticeship to become a journeyman electrician, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was called to duty...
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Ralph Kenzy

July 11, 1950 - September 26, 2012

Ralph Duane Kenzy was born in Chamberlain, SD on July 11, 1950 to Leo and Vlasta (Kodet) Kenzy. He was the oldest of two children. Ralph grew up in the Iona area on the family ranch and from an early age he helped his dad on the ranch. Ralph went to rural Iona School and then graduated from Gregory High School in 1968. In Ralph's younger years he liked to fish and hunt. He would always drive...
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John Kienke

November 13, 1938 - September 17, 2012

Funeral Services for John Kienke, were held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Burton, NE with Pastors Jesse Meduna and Gary Graesser officiating. A visitation was held Wednesday evening at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Steve Swanson on the piano with Stan Libolt on the saxophone "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "One...
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Alma H. Larson

May 21, 1932 - September 2, 2012

Funeral Services for Alma Larson, 80, of Gregory, SD were held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Jared Nies officiating. Visitation and prayer services were held Thursday evening at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Tim and Jan Larson singing "Amazing Grace" accompanied by Leanne Sinclair, organist. ...
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Michael S. Hoffman

May 16, 1957 - September 1, 2012

Funeral Services for Michael Hoffman, 55, of Gregory, SD, were held on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church in Gregory with Pastor Tim Voigt officiating. A prayer service was held on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Kati Champlin, soloist, singing "How Great Thou Art" and "Just As I Am"...
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Dorothy Dot Cornemann

February 25, 1921 - August 7, 2012

Dorothy (Dot) Clara Wynia was born February 25, 1921 in her grandmother's house in Springfield, SD to Pier and Rena (DeGroot) Wynia. She died August 7, 2012 at the Gregory Nursing Home at 91 years of age. The family lived at various farms in the Avon, Cottonwood, and Colome areas, finally settling in the Paxton area. As a young girl she worked at the NYA located at the Corner Cafe in Gregory...
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Donald Kirkpatrick

November 23, 1925 - August 3, 2012

Donald Lee Kirkpatrick was born November 23, 1925 to Steven and Pauline (Matucha) Kirkpatrick at the farm east of Gregory. He attended Rhoades country school for eight years and graduated from Gregory High School in 1943. He worked for the US Navy Transportation as a motor technician from 1944-1945. The transportation unit was used for the development of the bombs dropped on Japan. He...
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John Kaupp

December 29, 1945 - July 28, 2012

OSWALD JOHN KAUPP, Jr. Oswald "John" Kaupp Jr. was born December 29, 1945 at Gregory, SD the second of 13 children born to the family of Oswald and Ellen (Gomke) Kaupp. John grew up on the family farm south of Gregory, attended Pleasant View rural school, and was baptized and confirmed in the Union Congregational Church in Gregory. As a youth John loved to ride horses. He would...
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Bertha Brozik

February 3, 1929 - July 26, 2012

Bertha Hannahs Brozik was born at the farm home of her grandparents (Wilhelm and Florence Ronfeldt) northeast of Gregory, SD on February 3, 1929, and passed away on July 26, 2012 at the Avera Country Care Center surrounded by her loving family. Bertha grew up as the oldest living child of Gordon Leroy and Delia (Ronfeldt) Hannahs. She had four brothers and three sisters younger but an...
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Hattie Opperman

October 3, 1916 - July 20, 2012

Hattie Opperman was born October 3, 1916, in Verdigre, Nebraska, the daughter of James and Lydia (Sedivy) Micanek. She grew up on a farm near Dixon, attended Peters School in the Landing Creek District, and in 1936 graduated from Gregory High School. She received her teaching certificate from Southern State Normal College in Springfield, and married Laurel (Pat) Opperman on May 24, 1938, in...
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Arlene Graesser

December 7, 1932 - July 18, 2012

Arlene Ruth (Lebert) Graesser was born December 7, 1932 at the Valley Township-Tripp County South Dakota home of her parents, Leroy "Roy" and Dema (Christiansen) Lebert, and died July 18, 2012 at Rosebud Country Care Center. Arlene was the second of 8 children. She continued to live in her birth home until she married. As a child she helped with the chores, such as washing and ironing...
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William Sinclair

June 6, 1943 - July 14, 2012

William "Bill" Sinclair, age 69, was born June 6, 1943, the third of seven children born to the family of Iven and Faye (Soesbe) Sinclair. He grew up on the family farm eight miles north of Gregory and attended Lone Tree School, District #56, for eight years. He then attended Gregory High School. After graduating high school, he and Estell (Biggins) were married in 1961. To this union...
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Maxine Meyers

June 2, 1927 - July 14, 2012

Maxine Genevieve Kayl was born June 2, 1927 in Gregory, SD, the third of five children born to the family of Charles and Frances (Kreber) Kayl. Her parents saw to it that she was baptized into the Catholic faith and instilled in her the discipline of the Christian life. She attended Catholic grade school and Public high school in Gregory where Maxine exhibited the boundless energy and...
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Lonnie Brozik

January 7, 1954 - July 10, 2012

Lonnie James Brozik was born January 7, 1954, the oldest of four children of Ben and Mildred (Coash) Brozik. He was raised on the family farm 10 1/2 miles south of Dallas. Lon attended Sioux Valley Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Gregory High School in 1972. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force and served overseas in Thailand. After the service, he returned to...
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Katie Lou Kolbe

September 17, 1992 - July 1, 2012

Katie Lou Kolbe was born in Burke, SD on a beautiful day. She was joyfully welcomed home and loved by her mother Kelly (Rash) Kolbe, her father Jeff Kolbe and her siblings Andrew, Elizabeth, and Jeffrey. Katie grew up on a farm north of Dixon and was always a happy and sensitive child. She was baptized as a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Winner. She was later confirmed as a member of...
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Michael McKee

September 28, 1961 - June 28, 2012

Michael Gregg McKee was born in Pierre, SD, on September 28, 1961 to Robert and Susan (Roberts) McKee. Mike grew up in Gregory and during his youth he participated in scouting, baseball, football, basketball and track. He graduated from Gregory High School in 1979 and then attended USD in Springfield, SD. Mike was employed throughout his life in either ag related business or in the building...
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Frank Vomacka

June 5, 1919 - June 26, 2012

Frank Vomacka was born June 5, 1919 at Lynch, Nebraska, the ninth child of eleven children born to the family of Frank and Anna (Herma) Vomacka. Frank finished his schooling at Lynch and was working with his father on the farm when World War II started. He was drafted into the Army on March 2, 1942 and received basic training at Ft. Lewis, WA and was further trained as an operator of heavy...
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Herbert E. Stroh

December 30, 1935 - June 18, 2012

Funeral services for Herbert Stroh of Gregory were held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Tim Voigt and Pastor Allen Bouslaugh officiating. A visitation was held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, singing "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and a duet by...
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Donald Anderson

November 2, 1919 - June 16, 2012

Celebrating the New Life of Donald Anderson Don Anderson, age 92, a longtime rancher at Mills, NE, recently of Ainsworth, NE, departed this life on Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Bassett, NE. Donald Lawrence Anderson was born Nov 2nd, 1919 at home on a ranch southeast of Taylor, NE. He was the fourth child of Oscar "O.W." and Ruth (Cole) Anderson's six children. His early...
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Clarence Raschke

January 8, 1939 - June 14, 2012

Clarence Lloyd Raschke was born January 8, 1939 to John and Elsie Raschke in Gregory, SD. He grew up in Gregory and attended school in Gregory. From a young age he enjoyed working with his father on the farm. He also enjoyed helping others in the community, a quality he carried throughout his life. Clarence held the school long jump record for 35 years until broken by Jon Vedral. He was proud...
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Robert Hofeldt

April 27, 1941 - June 1, 2012

Robert Leonard Hofeldt was born April 27, 1941, at Colome, SD, the son of Roy and Murrel (Painter) Hofeldt. He was baptized at the Paxton Methodist Church in Paxton, SD on November 28, 1948. Bob grew up on the farm as a young boy, attending grade school in several country schools, wherever his mother was teaching. He then attended Colome High School and graduated in the class of 1959. He...
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Adam Joseph Simpson

May 29, 2012

Adam Joseph Simpson infant son of Brian and Kathy Simpson of Burke, SD was born into God's loving arms on May 29, 2012 at 5:29pm as a result of the birth defect Anencephaly. Adam is survived by his parents Brian and Kathy Simpson of Burke, SD, his siblings Abigail (3) and Andrew (22 months), his grandparents Marilyn Simpson of Burke, Patrick and Sandra McGrath of Faulkton and his great...
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Evelyn Ameera Nies

May 25, 2012 - May 27, 2012

Evelyn Ameera Nies was born to Rev. Jared and Sarah Nies of Gregory, SD on May 25, 2012 at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls. She was the couple's first daughter and granddaughter on both sides of the family. She arrived at 5:34 pm and was washed in the waters of Holy Baptism by her daddy after she was stabilized. Evelyn was born very ill and taken to the NICU. Evelyn was held by her parents for the...
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Harold Frerichs

February 17, 1916 - May 27, 2012

Harold Frerichs was born on February 17, 1916 the son of Rippe Henry Frerichs and Sophia Marie (Miller) Frerichs on their family homestead northwest of Burke, SD in Gregory County. He attended Weidneck country school near the family homestead where he completed the eighth grade. At the age of 14 Harold became the "hired man" on the family farm. A few years later his father suffered a...
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Mary Jane Manke

July 13, 1921 - May 19, 2012

Mary Jane Manke was born on July 13, 1921 to Edward and Rose (Nemec) Vosika on the family farm near Burke, SD. She joined sisters Helen and Minnie. She was so small that she could fit into a shoebox. Later, brother George, and sisters Katherine Rose, Doloris, and Betty completed the family. The family was greatly saddened when Katharine died from a heart condition at the age of 9. This was a very...
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Marjorie Spann

March 30, 1915 - May 11, 2012

Marjorie Elvina (Kurzenberger) Spann was born March 30, 1915 on the family farm north of Springview, Nebraska. She died May 11, 2012 at the age of 97 years, 1 month and 11 days. Marjorie was the 5th child of 12 born to William (Billy) and Cora Ann (Pettit) Kurzenberger. When Marjorie was 14 years old her mother passed away unexpectedly leaving her to care for her father and 10 siblings, since...
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Blanche Zimbelman

April 30, 1922 - April 8, 2012

Estacada, OR resident, Blanche Zimbelman, died at her home on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. She was 89. A celebration of her life was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church in Estacada, Oregon. Inurnment was at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory, South Dakota on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at St. John Lutheran Church at noon. ...
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Wade Eklund

August 31, 1968 - March 29, 2012

Wade Eklund was born August 31, 1968 at Winner, SD, the second child in the family of Wally and Linda (Earll) Eklund. He joined his brother Mark and later a sister Calley and a brother Lee would complete the family. The family lived in Gregory where the children attended school. Wade was the typical energetic growing boy, loving to go to the river with his family and ski behind the boat...
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Ella Hanson

July 12, 1916 - March 25, 2012

In Loving Memory Ella Rose Lindwurm Hanson July 12 1916 – March 25, 2012 Ella Rose Lindwurm was born on July 12, 1916, north of Osmond, Nebraska, the second child of William and Rosa Kumm Lindwurm. Ella was baptized on September 17, 1916 and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith. At the age of four years old, her mother passed away. One year later she moved by train with her...
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Bernen Iden

March 2, 1920 - March 22, 2012

BERNEN EDWARD IDEN - 1920-2012 Bernen Edward Iden died at the Sterling House Assisted Living Center in Longmont, Colorado on March 22, 2012 at age 92. He was born in Beemer, Nebraska on March 2, 1920 to Edward and Ellen Iden. He grew up on a farm near West Point, Nebraska until 1925 when he moved with his family to a farm near Burke, South Dakota. The family then moved to a farm near...
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Sarah Matucha Sheldon

February 28, 1975 - March 18, 2012

In Loving Memory Sarah Lynn Matucha was the first of eight children born to George and Mary Matucha. Growing up everyone said that Sarah didn't need dolls to play with because she had the real thing. Sarah grew up on the family farm five miles north of Burke. She graduated from the Burke Public School system in 1993. Sarah had a special talent of caring for people. She was a...
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Kenneth Adams

August 26, 1930 - March 14, 2012

Kenneth Dwight Adams was born in Gregory on August 26, 1930 to Edward E. and C. Cecelia (Stoltenberg) Adams. His family lived near Carlock before moving 10 miles south of Colome, where they operated a country store near the Stewart Hall. As a boy Ken attended country school and graduated from Colome High School in 1948 then joined the Army National Guard. Ken began dating Leila Kinzer ...
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Rod Sperl

October 28, 1956 - March 7, 2012

Rod L. Sperl was born in Gregory, South Dakota on October 28, 1956 to Robert and Lyla (LaFave) Sperl. He grew up on a farm northeast of Gregory and attended Wiodneck Rural School until 1968 when the school closed. He then attended Gregory Public Schools, graduating in 1974. He married Cheryl Brozik on August 1, 1981, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Gregory, SD, where they raised...
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Erna Kinzer

July 31, 1938 - March 3, 2012

Erna Ruth (Kahler) Kinzer went to be with her Lord on March 3, 2012. She was surrounded by family at Kaiser Hospital in San Diego, California when she passed on. She was 73 years old. Erna was born on July 31, 1938 to Paul and Catherine Kahler. She was raised on a farm in Winner, South Dakota being the youngest of 15 children. Growing up Erna enjoyed fishing from the shore of the...
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Esther M. Biggins

January 6, 1914 - February 24, 2012

Esther M. Biggins was born in a sod house on January 6, 1914 to John and Mary Woehl. The family lived on a farm in Tripp County south of Colome, SD. She was the third of twelve children in the family. Two of her baby sisters died in infancy. In time the family moved to a farm south of Burke, SD, where Esther attended the Kenny rural school. She loved the outdoors and helped her father with...
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Sarah Orelup

March 17, 1926 - February 20, 2012

Sarah Margaret Ellwanger was born March 17, 1926 to George and Margaret (Gall) Ellwanger, the third of ten children in the Ellwanger family. She grew up with her family in Gregory County, attending rural schools and living in various locations which were rented by her parents. On July 7, 1945 Sarah was united in marriage to Carl Orelup at Newcastle, WY. Her husband was employed by the US...
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Alice Leone Kreinbuhl

April 6, 1919 - February 20, 2012

Funeral services for Alice Kreinbuhl, 92, of Iona, SD, were held on Monday, February, 27, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gregory with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. A visitation was held Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 5 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, vocalist, and Bette Fogel, pianist. Linda Feyereisen was in charge of...
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Marjorie Lorraine Middlesworth

May 28, 1919 - February 20, 2012

Marjorie Lorraine McIntosh Middlesworth was born May 28, 1919 to Riley and Flo (Pruett) McIntosh in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Marjorie was the second born of twelve children. The family lived Council Bluffs, Iowa where she attended country school through the 8th grade. The family then moved to Wewela, SD. As a young adult Marjorie worked on the Mullen ranch. She often hitchhiked to Winner, SD...
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Gladys Mae (Helmberger) Kerner

February 19, 1926 - February 19, 2012

Funeral services for Gladys Kerner, 86, of Gregory, were held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church in Gregory with Pastor Tim Voigt officiating. A prayer service was held Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 8 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory. The eulogy was presented by Hank Wonnenberg, Andy Wonnenberg, and Casey King and scripture reading by...
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Marlin "Pete" Pedersen

October 31, 1937 - February 17, 2012

Marlin "Pete" Pedersen was born October 31, 1937 in Pierre, SD to Lauritz and Helen (Lindskov) Pedersen. He was the first of four sons born to the family. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Winner, SD where he began taking piano lessons from the sisters, which began his lifelong interest in music. Marlin then played the tuba in the Winner High School Band. He graduated from Winner High...
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Ronald V. Kinzer

December 28, 1927 - February 13, 2012

Ronald Vern Kinzer was born December 28, 1927 at the rural home of his parents in southern Tripp County. He was the first born child of Vern and Ernestine (Delfs) Kinzer and he was joined by two brothers and three sisters to complete the Kinzer family. Ron grew up on the family homestead, and attended Riverview School for his elementary years. During his childhood years on the farm Ron...
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Dorothy McMeen

January 6, 1916 - February 8, 2012

Funeral Services for Dorothy McMeen, 96, of Gregory, SD were held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. A prayer service was held Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home Music was provided by Geoff Smith, vocalist, accompanied by Helen Smith, pianist. Stephanie Pochop was in...
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Donald P. Shedeed

March 18, 1918 - January 28, 2012

A Funeral Service for Donald Shedeed, 93, of Winner, SD were held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, with Father Godfrey Muwanga officiating. A prayer service was held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home. Music was provided by the congregation accompanied by Jan Determan. Casket bearers were Kevin DeMers, Blake DeMers...
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Darl Ellis

March 13, 1938 - January 20, 2012

Funeral services for Darl Ellis, 73, of Iona, were held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. A visitation was held Tuesday evening, January 24, 2012 at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD. Music was provided by Bob Lubbers, harmonica solo, and Barb Durfee, pianist. Linda Feyereisen and Barb...
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Olena Kerner

April 7, 1912 - January 17, 2012

Funeral Services for Olena Kerner, 99, of Gregory, SD were held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Jarred Nies officiating. A prayer service was held Friday, January 20, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Music was provided by Bonnie Stiner, soloist, and the congregation accompanied by Leanne Sinclair, organist. Desiree Stephen and...
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Carol Womeldorf Ritter

November 13, 1947 - January 7, 2012

A Celebration of Life for Carol Ritter was held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Gregory at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. A prayer service was held Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory Music was provided by the congregation accompanied by Bette Fogel, pianist. Interment was in the I.O.O.F....
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Ina Elizabeth Dixon

December 17, 1924 - November 25, 2011

Funeral Services for Ina Dixon, 86, formerly of Pierre, were held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Jarred Nies officiating. A visitation and prayer service was held on Friday, December 2, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Music was provided by the congregation and Melanie Hannahs, organist. Casket bearers were Leah Larson,...
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Larry Eugene Davis

October 9, 1939 - November 24, 2011

Funeral Services for Larry Davis, 72, of Dallas, were held on Tuesday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Jarred Nies officiating. Music was provided by the congregation and Melanie Hannahs, organist. The grandchildren were in charge of registration and flowers. Casket bearers were Joey Meyers, Sam Hoffart, Barry Sinkular, Bill Sinkular,...
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Frank Boyce Cole

July 14, 1914 - November 5, 2011

Funeral Services for Frank Cole, 97, of Wewela, SD, were held on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Assembly of God Church in Winner at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Randy Hahn and Reverend Milton Douglas officiating. A visitation and prayer service was held Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD. Flower attendants were Faye Condon and Jackie Musilek....
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Ralph D. Walton

November 18, 1930 - November 1, 2011

Funeral services for Ralph Walton, 80, of Clearfield, SD were held on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory with Pastor Kevin Nelson officiating. Music was provided by the Abundand Rock Church praise band along with congregational hymns and a recorded selection. * * * * * * * Ralph Dean Walton was born November 18, 1930, at the...
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Dennis Dean Shelbourn

February 15, 1950 - October 23, 2011

Funeral Services for Dennis Shelbourn, 61, of Winner, SD, were held on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. at the Tripp County 4-H Center in Winner, SD with Reverend Don Letellier, Dr. Dwayne Snell, and Reverend Brad Irick officiating. Music was provided by Brittany Shelbourn, Kim DeJong, Katrin VanZanbergen, Reverend Don and Anna May Letellier. Karla Overweg and Lorna Anderson were...
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Joseph David Wonnenberg

August 23, 1980 - October 18, 2011

Memorial Services for Joseph Wonnenberg, 31, of Shakopee, MN and formerly of Winner, were held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner with Gordon Horgan officiating. Scripture readings were given by Chuck Wonnenberg, Ken Wonnenberg, and Chad Haremze. Music was provided by Renee Holzer, pianist, Kimberly Wonnenberg-Bergstrom, soloist, and Steve,...
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Lester D. Songer

September 18, 1931 - October 18, 2011

Funeral Services for Lester Songer, 80, of Chamberlain were held on Saturday October 22, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gregory. Burial followed in the Colome Cemetery with Dallas Legion conferring Military Honors. Lester Dean Songer was born Septmber 18, 1931, at Huron, SD, the fifth of 15 children in the family of Raymond and Hazel (Baughman) Songer. His siblings...
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Melvin James Vedral

April 25, 1923 - October 10, 2011

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Gregory with Father Godfrey Muwanga as celebrant. A Wake Service was held Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the church. Altar servers were Noah and Eli Vedral. Cantor was Doris Jelinek and Lectors were Michael Vedral and Matt Dvorak. Gift bearers were great-grandchildren,...
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Rodney J. Fortuna

January 21, 1967 - October 5, 2011

A time of prayer and reflection honoring Rodney Fortuna, 44, of Gregory was held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium. A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. also at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium with Pastor Russ Grim officiating. Music was provided by the Praise Band of the Abundant Rock Church, Platte, SD. Kent &...
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Regina L. Allum

December 16, 1920 - October 1, 2011

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Regina Allum, 90, of Gregory on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gregory with Father Godfrey Muwanga officiating. A wake service was held Friday evening, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Altar servers were Ivy and Allison Ekroth. Lector was Dewey Allum. Music was provided by the St. Joseph's...
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Emil E. Siewert

April 29, 1916 - September 12, 2011

Funeral Services for Emil Siewert, 95, of Gregory, were held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD with Pastor Fred G. Schurman officiating. A visitation was held on Wednesday evening, September 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by congregational hymns and Randy Sachtjen, organist. Tanya Horst was in...
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Stanely Cabelka

August 28, 2011

Funeral Services for STANLEY CABELKA of Gregory will be held on Saturday, September 3, at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Bohemian National Cemetery at Gregory. A visitation will be held on Friday evening at Kotrba Funeral Home beginning at 7:30 PM. A complete obiturary will be posted when it becomes available.
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Roy L. Hasche

June 24, 1932 - August 18, 2011

Funeral Services for Roy Hasche, 79, of Burke were held on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church of Gregory with Pastor Jared Nies officiating. There was prayer service Sunday evening, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Music was provided by Diane Althoff and Bonnie Stiner, vocalists, congregational hymns, and Melanie Hannahs, pianist. Bonnie Stiner and...
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Victor Joseph Nolan

December 1, 1971 - August 11, 2011

Funeral services for Victor Joseph Nolan, 39, were Sunday evening, August 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory with Pastor Russ Grim officiating. Music was provided by Geoff Smith. Graveside services were Monday, August 15, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory, SD. * * * * * * * Victor Joseph Nolan was born December 1, 1971 at...
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Myrum Mikkelsen

April 7, 1917 - August 1, 2011

Funeral services for Myrum Mikkelsen, 94, of Gregory, were held on Friday, August 5, 2011 in Gregory at the Union Congregational Church at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. A prayer service with Odd Fellow rites was Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, DaNalda Fortuna, organist, and Jeanie Kotrba, pianist. ...
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Roberta Lee Scholz

February 4, 1945 - July 12, 2011

Funeral Services for Roberta Lee Krchnavy Scholz, 66, of Gregory, were held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home. Burial was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory. Roberta Lee Krchnavy was born February 4, 1945 at Fremont, Nebraska, the first child of Robert and Alice (Engel) Krchnavy. The family lived on a farm near Lucas at the time and when Roberta was still a...
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William Delvin Meyer

September 18, 1927 - July 8, 2011

Funeral Services for William Delvin Meyer, 83, of Mission, SD, were held on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Mission, SD with Pastor Linda Baldock officiating. A visitation and prayer service with Masonic rites by the White River Lodge was held Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory, SD. Music was provided by Randy Klein, pianist. ...
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Darrel D. Pochop

May 7, 1937 - July 5, 2011

Funeral Services for Darrel Pochop, 74, of Colome were held on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Colome with Pastor Paul White officiating. A visitation and prayer service was held Thursday evening, July 7 at 7:30 at the church. Music was provided by Janet Cerv, organist. Tracy Seidler and Mindy Clausen were in charge of registration. Casket bearers...
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Pat Feyereisen

March 17, 1940 - June 28, 2011

Funeral Services for Pat Feyereisen, 71, of Iona, were held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. Friday evening, a visitation with the family was at 6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Serr officiating. Musical selections were "If Tomorrow Never Comes" ...
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William Rowan

August 10, 1918 - June 26, 2011

Funeral services for Bill Rowan, 92, of Mills, NE were held on Thursday, June 30, 2011at 10:30 a.m. at the Mills Community Church with Pastor Kenley Udd officiating. A prayer service was Wednesday, June 29 at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by the quartet, The Udders including Kenley Udd, Steve Swanson, Geoff Smith, and Sam Courts, and pianist, Steve Swanson. Lynnette...
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Donald L. Braun

June 12, 1932 - June 5, 2011

Memorial Services for Donald L. Braun, 79, of Gregory, were held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory with Pastor Tim Voigt officiating. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, and Jeanie Kotrba, pianist. * * * * * * * Donald L. Braun was born June 12, 1932, at Atkinson, Nebraska, one of five children in the family of Fred and...
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Lorraine Hamling

March 23, 1925 - May 24, 2011

A Mass of Christian Burial for Lorraine Hamling, 86, of Gregory was held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gregory with Father Godfrey Muwanga as celebrant. A Wake service was held on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Altar servers were Joseph Veskrna and Robert Vomacka. Lector was L.J. "Vince" Berens. Gift bearers were Tamara Bull and Rhonda Beals. ...
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Anton Hambek

July 29, 1918 - May 18, 2011

Funeral Services for Anton (Tony) Hambek, 92, of Gregory, were held on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Berean Fundamental Church in Gregory with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. A prayer service with Oddfellow Rites was held Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Kotrba Funeral Home in Gregory. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, the congregation, and Mary Prouty, pianist. ...
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Albert M. Knittel

September 26, 1926 - May 13, 2011

Funeral Services for Albert Knittel, 84, of Gregory were held on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory with Pastor Clark Gies officiating. A prayer service was held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Music was provided by Terha Knittel, pianist. Stephanie Morrison, Amy Morrison, Anna Morrison, and Sydney Knittel were in charge of...
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