RAMONA ESTER MILLER-JACOBS Age 67, born January 9, 1942 in Deadwood, South Dakota.
She moved to California in 1963 where over the next 45 years she resided in many areas including the San Fernando Valley, Tehachapi, Antelope Valley and finally the Santa Clarita Valley.
Though a young wife and new mother, she also began developing a successful career in telecommunications with Pacific Bell/AT&T. She retired in 1989 after her daughter, Michelle, was seriously injured and disabled in an automobile accident. She became Michelle's primary caregiver and conservator. Ramona tirelessly devoted the past 23 years to her daughters recovery, care and rehabilitation.
Ramona was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Rodriguez; mother, Ramona Rodriguez; and brother, Robert Rodriguez.
She is survived by her children, Steven Miller (46); and daughter, Michelle (44); grandchildren, Joshua and Jeremy Ireland and Shane L. Miller; great grandchild, James Ireland; six sisters, Vivian, Rosemarie, Josephine, Virginia, Gloria and Theresa; two brothers, Paul Sr. and Jesse Jr. She is also survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a large extended family of loved ones, friends and others.
She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched, but her spirit will remain in the hearts of those she loved forever.
A Rosary will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary, 23289 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall, on Sunday, January 10, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Clare Catholic Church, 19606 Calla Way, Canyon Country, on Monday, January 11, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary Directors (661) 259-0800
February 07, 1930 to January 19, 2010
Jack Ecklund, Ph. D.
Jack was born February 7, 1930, to Al and Mary Ecklund of Sisseton, S.D., and died January 19 in Gig Harbor, WA. Family members include his wife of 54 years, Beverly; daughters Deborah Smith (Stephen) of Olympia, WA; Jan Underwood (Fred) of Gig Harbor, WA; son Jack (Jenny Smith) of University Place, WA; grandchildren Justin, A.J., Jake, Erik, Lillian and Sophia.
Jack was an educator, guidance counselor, athletic director and coach for 37 years. As a basketball coach he had only five losing seasons. He received his education at Sisseton High School, Huron College (started on four SDIC championship basketball teams and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1981), U of South Dakota (M.A.) and the U. of Minnesota (Ph. D.). Jack's collegiate work experiences were at Jamestown College, Rocky Mountain College, Western Washington University, Whitworth College and the University of Puget Sound. He served on various NAIA and NCAA committees. During his long athletic career he invented or redesigned twelve pieces of athletic equipment marketed in the U.S. In addition to his athletic supply company, he had an insurance and investment business. A long time resident of University Place, WA he enjoyed teaching basketball and baseball to community youth and playing golf with family and friends. Jack accepted Christ as a young man. He was a youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and Elder in the Presbyterian Church.
A memorial service will be held February 6 at 2 pm at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church. Share your memories at www.havenrest.com. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association in Jack's honor.
Carol J. Haub passed into the arms of the Lord on January 25, 2010, in San Ramon, CA. Carol was born on May 2, 1937, in Pine Ridge, SD, where she spent her early life. She joined the United States Army in 1956 and in 1958 returned to SD. On June 28, 1958, she married her longtime friend and loving husband Eugene. In 1965 the family moved to Carlin, NV. In 1976 she moved to Price, UT, until she returned to Nevada in the summer of 1983. After retiring she moved to Northern CA, to escape the bad weather and to be closer to two of her children.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents Irene and Sam Lessert, her husband Gene in January 2008, and her brother William "Tubby" Lessert. She is survived by her brother Sam Jr. "Joey" (Delphine) Lessert and sister Shanna Lessert (Orlando) both of Pine Ridge, SD; sons Terry (Lorrie) of Carlin, NV, Ken, of San Ramon, CA, and Kevin (Marlene) of Boise, ID; daughters Beth (Gary) of Price, UT and Julie of San Ramon, CA; granddaughter Lindsay; grandsons Travis, Braden, Kyle, Logan, Anthony, and Ryan; great grandson Makai; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Carol touched many lives, including the hobos off the train in Carlin, who she fed regularly. She was the cook at the Elko Senior Citizen Center where everyone she met became her friend. Carol enjoyed reading, scrap booking, and going to movies. Carol was a wonderful person who cherished her family and friends. She was loved by all who knew her and will never be forgotten.
Later in the summer, Carol and her husband Gene, will be laid to rest in the Lessert family cemetery in Pine Ridge, SD.
SPEARFISH - Mildred L. Knodel, 91, formerly of Spearfish South Dakota, died Friday, January 29, 2010 at Allen Hospital, Waterloo Iowa. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Reverend Gene Bauman officiating, burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mildred was born December 1, 1918 in Nemo South Dakota the daughter of Andrew and Mamie (Koski) Boint. Mildred attended school in Nemo and graduated from Lead High School. She married William Knodel on Dec 11, 1937. The couple lived at the Black Hills Army Depot in Igloo, where Mildred taught piano lessons and worked as a cashier at the Black Hills Army Depot Credit Union. They later moved to Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado before returning to the Black Hills and settling in Spearfish.
She is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Wieman, Waterloo, Iowa, two grandchildren James (& Angel) Wieman of Waterloo and John (& Jessica) Wieman of Cedar Rapids Iowa and special niece, Helen Gaskins of Nisland.
She was preceded in death by her husband in August of 1996, her parents, three brothers, Ernest, Harold, and Raymond, and one sister, Hazel Boint.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com
(June 27, 1946 - Feb. 16, 2010)
Kathleen E. Hathaway, age 63, a resident of the Colorado Springs area since 1965 passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Pikes Peak Hospice Residence.
She was a homemaker and owned and operated TGS Motorsports with her husband, Tom.
Kathleen Elizabeth Olson was born on June 27, 1946 in North Dakota to the late Eugene and Jeanne (Brown) Olson. She was a 1964 graduate of Provo High School in Igloo, South Dakota. She married Thomas M. Hathaway on April 7, 1966 in Colorado Springs. Kathy enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening and racing. She especially loved the time she spent with her loving grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Tom; her daughter: Alison (husband, Victor) Lauer of Colorado Springs; her son: Michael (wife, Shannon) Hathaway of Falcon, Colorado; her brothers: Dale (wife, Dorothy) Olson of Fountain, Colorado; Glenn Olson of Colorado Springs; and her sister: Corliss (husband, Mike) Boulter of Ogden, Utah. Kathleen has three wonderful grandchildren: Delaney, Logan and Madison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister: Judith Olson and her sister-in-law: Sandra Canty.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, February 19, 2010 at the Shrine of Remembrance 'America the Beautiful' Chapel. Memorials in Kathy's name may be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region or to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
HOT SPRINGS - Alta Mae Diever, 100, Hot Springs, died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs.
Alta Mae was born in Edgemont, on April 28, 1909, to Anna Amanda (Adams) and Charles Henry Petro. They were one of Fall River County's pioneer families and Alta Mae lived her entire life in Fall River County. She attended country schools until boarding in Edgemont for her early high school years. The family then moved into Edgemont where she graduated. In her childhood one of the highlights of the year was the annual trip from the ranch near Ardmore to Hot Springs and "The Plunge" - a two day trip by horse and wagon.
After graduation she married E. Jerome (Jerry) Biever on Sept. 5, 1927, and they moved to Hot Springs in 1930. In 1933 their only son, Edward Eugene (Gene) was born.
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Surviving are her son, Gene (Jeanne) Biever; sister, Beulah Ione McKay; - - -
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NEWCASTLE, Wyo - Darlene J. Scissons, 78, Newcastle, died Friday, March 5, 2010, at Weston County Health Services in Newcastle.
Survivors include a daughter, Roxie Scissons, Carpenter; three sons, Tobert, Toledo, Ohio, Michael, Cheyenne, and Patrick, Caspter; a brother, Robert Berendes, Fountain, Fla.; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul A. Scissons.
A rosary service will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Phil Wagner and the Rev. Ken Pitlick officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle.
Worden Funeral directors is in charge of arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at www.wordenfuneraldirectors.com
BETTENDORF, IA Private family services for Vincent Berens, 70, of Bettendorf will be at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary, Davenport.
Inturnment will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion #26.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Cunnick - Collins Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Vincent passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Trinity Terrace Park Hospital, Bettendorf.
Vincent Peter Berens Jr. was born on May 12, 1939 in Gregory, S.D., the son of Vincent and Pauline (Williams) Berens.
Vincent worked as an Independent Contractor for several years in Florida prior to moving to Davenport.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1961.
Survivors include his brothers; Tom (Phyllis) Berens of Davenport, Lawrence (Doris) Berens of Gregory, S.D. and a sister; Maryann Berthelsen of Sioux Falls, S.D.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Rita Berens.
EDGEMONT - Irene R. Andersen, 91, Edgemont, died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Custer Regional Senior Care.
Survivors include three sons, Jim Andersen, Hermosa, Keith Andersen, Edgemont, and Gary Andersen, Wright, Wyo.: and 10 great-greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin.
Services will be at 11 a.m. T"hursday, March 18, at Edgemont United Church. Burial will be at Edgemont Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
McColley's Chapels of the Hills is in charge of arrangements.
An online guestbook is available at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
Duane (Dewey) Lee Angerhofer, WOZUS, of rural Edgemont, SD, became a Silent Key on March 20, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD. He was 83.
He was born August 28, 1926 to Edward and Pearl Wiltfang Angerhofer in Mansfield, Spink County, SD, where he spent his childhood days. He attended grades 1 through 8 in a two room school in Mansfield; grades 9 through 10 at Northville, SD; completing his high school education at Aberdeen, SD, and graduating from there in 1946. He attempted to join the military, but was unsuccessful due to the fact that his knees had been left in a weakened condition following a bout with Rheumatic fever. On July 7, 1947, he joined the National Guard, and served until April 18, 1949, when he received an honorable discharge.
At the age of 17, he repaired radios in Aberdeen for Gambles after school, and nights for Danielson Radio. In 1946, he began work fill-time with Danielson (later to become Danielson Brost Company) working there until 1959. He began Federal service May 1959 with the Department of Army, Igloo, SD, as a radio equipment installer and repairer. In April 1965 he transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation, CRSP Power Operation Office, in Montrose Colorado, as an electronic equipment mechanic, later to become foreman. In the early 1970s, he was selected to be detailed to the TEKTITE II, a Federal Government sponsored project for underwater living, in the Virgin Islands; he remained on detail there for 120 days. In 1977, the Power Operations Center split, housing both the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Energy; Duane became Supervisor of Communications for the Dept. of Energy, the position he held until his retirement in 1986. He always said that his work was never work, because he enjoyed everything he did.
Duane married Angeline Kathleen Schwan July 15, 1946 in Aberdeen, SD; the marriage ended in divorce. On August 30, 1974, he married Ruth Geneva Titus Leffler in Montrose, CO.
From his early years, he was interested in radio and, in 1947 received his Ham Radio license with the call letters W0ZUS. He was very active in Ham Radio and enjoyed the many contacts and friends he made over the air. Between 1954 and 1958, while living in Aberdeen, SD, he built two stock race cars and hired Jack Aggen, Jerry VanDover and Cal Jung to drive them. They raced throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Winnipeg Canada, and were very successful. He was a "Car Guy", loved old cars and the Nascar races. He loved machine work, anything electronic or mechanical and always had a project in the works. He was a man of many talents and could build, restore, or repair anything he set his mind to. But, most of all, he loved the great outdoors and wide open spaces, and was content and happy with his way of life.
Pages could be filled about his personal attributes, but he was a very humble man and always said all he wanted said about him was that he was a good man and he was in every sense of the word.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth of rural Edgemont, SD; four sons, David Joe (Elaine), Mt. Pleasant, UT; Norman Rae (Sheila), So. Jordan, UT; Paul John (Rebecca), Highland, UT; and Daniel Duane, West Valley City, UT; three daughters, Cynthia (Cindy) Balaz (William Jr.), Loma, CO; Kathy Nan Bell (Charles), Sandy, UT; and Becky Fay (Dave) Knotek, Clinton, UT; a stepson, Kevin Ray Leffler, Dewey, AZ.; 35 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; his sister LaVaun (Bonnie) Palmer, Mansfield, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Amy Lou Romero; son, Philip Edward Angerhofer; granddaughter, Amelia Lynn Angerhofer; two sisters, Joyce Angerhofer and Ceilo Heidenreich. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD, with Dr. J. Edwin Coates officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at the Warner Cemetery, Warner, SD.
Honorary pallbearers will be his friends Benny Hatch, Gary Peterson, Bruce Murdock, Dr. David Evans, Don Hensley, Gary Schuh, Doug Stewart and Dallas Stewart. Organist will be Suzanne Hollenbeck, soloist will be Tim Andersen.
A memorial has been established in Duane's name to benefit the Ham Radio Association. Contributions may be sent in care of Ruth Angerhofer, PO Box 540, Edgemont, SD 57735.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
Farmer - William A. Nafziger, 82, of Bridgewater passed away on Friday, April 02, 2010 at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 6 at St. John Neumann Church in Farmer, SD with Fr. Paul Offerman officiating. Private family inurnment will precede the service in Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will begin at 9 am on Monday with family present from 5-7pm and a 7pm prayer service at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem.
William was born on May 12th, 1927 to Chester and Elsie (Sauer) Nafziger at Spencer, SD. They moved to the Black Hills Ordinance Depot in Igloo, SD with his parents in 1943. He graduated from Provo High School in Igloo in 1945. After graduation Bill enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 serving 4 years, most of that being in the Pacific, Japan, and Korea.
After his military discharge he attended SD State College at Brookings majoring in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. On May 23, 1970 he married Frances (Gosmire) Bennett at Spencer, SD. During his life in the Spencer area he served as County Commissioner, and worked as the VA officer in Salem. He also farmed and raised sheep and cattle. In 1998, Bill and Fran moved to Bridgewater after the Spencer tornado. Bill enjoyed hunting and traveling to Alaska. He also coached as well as played baseball. He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and sang in the choir there.
Bill is survived by his wife, Francis of Bridgewater; four step-children, Elaine Bentein of Brighton, CO, Ron (LeEtta) Bennett of Salem, Dennis (Janice) Bennett of Spencer and Charlotte (Larry) Eilts of Bridgewater, SD; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; one brother, Jim Nafziger; one sister Margaret (Don) Desrosiers of Sime Valley, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Don Bentein; three sisters, Norma, Arlene, and Nanette; and two brothers, Frank and Dan.
SIOUX FALLS - Julie Rose (Bad Hand) Gayhart 76, Sioux Falls, died Thursday, April 22, 2010, at Southridge Health Care.
Survivors include her husband, Gilbert Gayhart, Rapid City; her daughter, Teresa Smysor, Colorado; one brother, Yankima Band Hand; and two sisters, Grace Bad Hand and Betty O'Leary.
She was cremated and no services are planned.
Daryl Burnell Schumacher, age 69, of Edgemont, SD, passed away Monday, April 26, 2010 at the Veterans Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD.
Daryl served in the U.S. Army from July 1961 until his honorable discharge in June 1964.
Survivors include his wife, Arlie of Edgemont; sons, Scott (Theresa) Schumacher; Terry (Pamela) Beard; daughters, Lora (Brad) Boen and Michelle Schumacher all of Edgemont; step-mother, Francelia Schumacher of Manchaca, TX; brothers, Howard (Evelyn) Schumacher of Carlsbad, CA; Robert (Donna) Schumacher of Mesa, AZ; Donald Schumacher of Martinez, CA; James Schumacher of Cheyenne, WY; Larry (Helen) Schumacher of Bloomington, IL; fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 2010, at United Church in Edgemont.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 3, 2010, at United Church in Edgemont with Pastor Floyd Mills and Pastor Norma Mills officiating.
Interment will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 3, 2010, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
A memorial has been established in Daryls name to benefit the Edgemont Volunteer Service and the Edgemont Senior Citizens Center.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColleys Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
Gerald D. 'Buzz' Bettelyoun, 'Wanbli Tokahe', 70, Rapid City, long time Indian educator who was currently teaching welding at Pine Ridge High School, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Buzz was born March 31, 1940 to Lorenzo and Alma (Maple) Bettelyoun at the Pine Ridge Hospital.
He graduated from Provo High School in 1958 where he was class Vice-President. He joined the United States Army and after his discharge, earned a degree from Black Hills State College in Industrial Arts. He spent the rest of his life teaching Native American youth at high schools in Todd County, St Labre, MT, Kyle, Allen and Pine Ridge.
On Nov 26, 1973 he married Maxine McCall in Box Elder, SD.
Buzz was an active outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and his dogs.
He was loved dearly by his family and friends. His heart was always with his Tiospaye.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine K. Bettelyoun, Rapid City, a son, Joe Bettelyoun, Spearfish, three daughters; Cindy Madsen, and her husband, Kenny, Box Elder, Kim Bettelyoun, Deadwood and Christine Etzrodt, Rapid City, five sisters; Maxine Boekhout, and her husband Corney, Rapid City, Wanda Wilson, Rapid City, Lila Harrington, Hot Springs, Pauline Harrington and her husband, Don, Hill City and Robin Madsen, Rapid City, two brothers; Lorenzo 'Jr.' Bettelyoun, Rapid City, Mike Wagner and his wife, Terry, Rapid City eight grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his huaka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and an infant great grandson.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. Sunday, May 2, at Edstrom and Rooks Funeral services at Serenity Springs, Chapel of Tranquility.
A second visitation will be offered at the Pine Ridge High School in Pine Ridge beginning at 12:30 PM followed by Funeral Services at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 3, with Marei Kingi conducting the services. Interment will be in the LaCreek Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion.
Friends may sign his online guest book and offer condolences at www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.
MANDERSON - Floyd Gibbons, 73, Manderson, died Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Gibbons, Rapid City; Two sons, David Gibbons and Glenn Gibbons, both of Manderson; adopted sons, Chris Gibbons, Manderson, and Mitch Wise Carver, Rapid City; three daughters, Debbie Gibbons, Violet Gibbons and Ruth Steele, all of Manderson; 23 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
A one-night wake begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 9 at St. Agnes Catholic Hall.
Funeral services wil be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 10, at the hall, with Roberta Spencer officiating. Traditional Lakota services will be provided by Wilmer Mesteth. Burial will be at Gibbons Family Cemetery.
Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge is in charge of arrangements.
Anchorage resident William "Bill" Joseph Burnison, 75, died on May 7, 2010, at his home in Anchorage of natural causes.
A memorial service is scheduled at noon today at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, where Bill will be buried.
William was born on Dec. 26, 1934, in Sturgis, S.D. He graduated from Provo High School in Igloo, S.D., in 1952.
He was in the Army for four years. He was employed by oil wells in Arizona; he hauled trailers from Rapid City, S.D., and Grand Island, Neb., to the Western United States. He also worked for Down's Trucking in Hardin, Mont., as well as being employed in general trucking in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Glennallen and for the pipeline in Alaska. In 1966 Bill moved to Alaska, living in Fairbanks, Glennallen and Anchorage. He received many driving safety awards for no accidents.
Bill is survived by three sisters, Betty (John) Gall of Wood River, Neb., Emma Auch of Aurora, Neb.; and Margaret Burnison of Rapid City, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Marie (Gosselin) Burnison; and two brothers, James E. of Rapid City and Donald C. of Bellingham, Wash.
Arrangements were with Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory in Anchorage.
(Dec. 8, 1926 - June 14, 2010)
Marilyn K. Hill, 83, longtime resident of Roubaix, Elk Creek and, more recently, Lead, died Monday, June 14, 2010 in Belle Fourche. A prayer and hymn service in her memory will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 16 at the Nemo Community Church, followed by inurnment of cremains in the Roubaix Cemetery.
Marilyn Kay Hill was born Dec. 8, 1926 at Stamford in Jackson County, the younger daughter of Davis M. and Ruth C. (Iwan) Highfill. While she was still an infant, her parents divorced and her mother married George Heaton. Although she wasn't legally adopted, Marilyn took on the Heaton name. She and her older sister attended school in Belvidere until the family moved in 1936 to Roubaix where George was hired as a carpenter at the Cloverleaf Mine. Marilyn completed grade school in Roubaix and attended high school in Deadwood, Roubaix and White River. During World War II, she worked briefly as a truck driver at the Black Hills Ordinance Depot in Igloo until she was caught out on her age. She then boarded with the Lovell family until she graduated from Igloo High School.
In the 1950's, Marilyn taught at the Harmony School in Mellette County and later was a taxi driver and kept house for her younger sister and brother while they attended school in Spearfish. She built up a small herd of cattle that she ran with her step-father. In 1958, she married Albert Hill, Sr., and Elk Creek area rancher, and, for the next 30 years, they ran cattle and sheep. In the year's following Albert's death in 1988, she retired to Lead and also lived in Pluma before failing health prompted her to move to the Golden Ridge Assisted Living facility in Lead in 2004. Since 2008, she was a resident of the Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care facility. Marilyn was a member of the Roubaix Union Sunday School until it disbanded in the 1990's.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Mark Hill and his partner, Jim Spears, Roubaix; two step-sons, Albert Hill, Jr., Iowa Hill, CA, and Mike (Sue) Hill, Elk Creek; a sister, Verna Benham, Kerrville, TX; a brother, Gary Heaton, Roubaix; three step-grandsons, Dannon Hill, Cartersville, GA, Andrew Hill, Auburn, CA, and Albert Hill, III, Gillette, WY; a step-granddaughter, Andrea Hill, La Mesa, CA; several step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her very special friend and caregiver, Tracy Silvernail, Belle Fourche.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her older sister, Leslie Mae Hall, and a son, Todd Joseph Hill, who was stillborn in 1960.
Marilyn loved and honored our flag and her family has established a memorial for the erection of flagpoles at the Roubaix Cemetery, the Brownsville Fire Hall, and the Nemo Post Office. Additional memorial contributions will be donated to two of Marilyn's favorite charities, the Children's Heart Fund of the Samaritan's Purse, and the local chapter of the Salvation Army.
Marilyn's family is grateful for the kind and loving care she received from nurses, aides, and all staff of Golden Ridge Assisted Living in Lead, Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care, and the Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital.
(April 6, 1931 - June 16, 2010)
Edward R. Williams, 79, of Custer, SD, formerly of Hot Springs, SD, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Custer; sons, Robert Williams of Las Vegas, NV; Terry Williams of Boise, ID; Todd Williams; daughters, Vickie (James) Nekuda of Hot Springs; Mary (Cliff Schunot) Kennedy of Hot Springs; Cheryl (Joe) Hayden of Hayden, CO; Rose Palmer of Aberdeen, SD; half-brother, James (Jenny) Hepner of Grafton, WI; twenty two grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2010 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.
Interment will follow at the Pringle Cemetery near Pringle, SD.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
(June 21, 1920 - July 19, 2010)
Ruth Alene Hamaker, 90, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away Monday, July 19, 2010, at the Fall River Hospital in Hot Springs.
Ruth was born June 21, 1920, in Churdan, IA, to Walter and Florence Toliver. As a young girl she lived with her family in Andrews, NE, (Sioux County) and she was educated at a country school. On June 6, 1941, Ruth married Tim Hamaker and together they had eight children. They lived in Sioux County then moved to Hot Springs where her husband worked at Angostura Dam. They then moved to Igloo, SD, and from there to Edgemont, SD, where they lived for forty-two years, until her husband's death. For many years Ruth was a homemaker and later in her years she worked at the hospital, school and at the motel in Edgemont, SD. She lived at the Brookside in Hot Springs her last years. Ruth enjoyed playing bingo, going to bible study and playing cards with her friends. Family and her grandchildren were a big part of her life.
Survivors include two sons, Jerry Hamaker of Edgemont, SD; Bob Hamaker of Custer, SD; four daughters, Mary (Mike) Hattervig of Hot Springs; LuJean (Don) Haskvitz of Buffalo Gap, SD; Linda (Ed) Olmstead of Edgemont; Judy (Gary) Cummings of Yerington, NV; seventeen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and a few great great grand children.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Tim Hamaker; her parents, Walter and Florence Toliver; four brothers; Roy, Merle, Howard, and Clifford Toliver; two sisters, Joyce and Myrtle and her baby twins.
Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at The United Churches in Hot Springs with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. Interment will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at the Crawford Cemetery near Crawford, NE. Honorary pall bearers are her Grandsons- Marvin Cummings, Tim Olmstead, Grant Hamaker, Donny Hamaker, Jerry Hamaker, Jr., Shane Schoenthal, Benjamin Haskvitz, John Haskvitz and Trampus Haskvitz.
Memorials have been established to benefit The United Churches Bible Studies and the Hot Springs Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be sent to www.mccolleyschapels.com.
RAPID CITY - Rose Marie Kopriva, 82, Rapid City, passed away Friday, July 23, 2010, surrounded by her husband and children.
Rose was born Dec. 23, 1927, near Liberal, MO. She grew up on her family's farm and attended rural schools. Following graduation from high school, she attended Burge Hospital School where she obtained her Registered Nursing degree. She went on to obtain a degree in psychology at Southwest Missouri State College in 1950. She then enlisted in the U.S. Army Nursing Corps, where she received the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal. She served in Vienna, Austria, San Francisco and Fort Knox, Ky. It was while serving at Fort Knox that she met and married her husband, Dr. Gregory Kopriva. Upon completion of their military service Greg and Rose moved to Igloo, where they established Greg's first dental practice. Later, they moved the practice to Edgemont and in 1964 moved his office to Rapid City where Rose helped manage the practice for over 40 years.
To this Christian union, six children were born. Rose selflessly devoted her entire life to her husband, their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing tennis and helped establish the Black Hills Racquet Club. She loved every aspect of the game and was pleased to see it fourish in the area. She believed good health and good sportsmanship were beneficial to a productive Christian life.
Rose was an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She was a devoted Christian and modestly put her faith in action helping those in need, especially children and young people whenever she could. Rose practiced her Christianity in a quiet and practical way. Besides being a wonderful wife and mother, she was very helpful to the extended Korriva family including Greg's parents and his brother and sisters. Without her wise cousel, generosity and kindness, many would not have become the people they are today.
Rose had an amazing way of making all people she knew feel special and included. She would reach out to strangers in a heartbeat if she felt the calling to do so. This generous nature and gental humility framed her life and her decisions on a day-to-day basis. She taught love by the way she lived her life.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Gregory Kopriva; her children, Linda McClanahan, Alburquerque, N.M., Jim Kopriva, Raymond, S.D., Mary Ann Maes, Colorado Springs, Colo., Charles Kopriva, Belle Fourche, and Larry Kopriva, Rapid City; 13 gradchildren; and many dear friends. She will be missed greatly by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Warren; a sister Dixie Mae; and an infant son, John Paul.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Christian wake service Thursday, July 29, at Blessed Sacrament Church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 30, at the church, with the Rev. Brian Lane officiating. A reception will follow at the church hall.
Internment, with full military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
HOT SPRINGS - Mary K. "Maizie" McDonald Homelvig, 87, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at home.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Homelvig, Hot Springs, and Patrick Homelvig, Littleton, Colo.; a daughter, Susan Jorgenson, Denver; 11 gradchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a stepbrother, Art Marty, Rapid City.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff.
Visitation will be fro 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 at McColley's Chapels of the Hills.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at st. John's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dwayne Hunzeker officiating.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to St. John's Lutheran Church.
An online guestbook is available at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
(1931 - Aug. 17, 2010)
RAPID CITY - Gertrude A. Bad Wound, 78, Rapid City, died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at her home.
Survivors include three sons, Jim Bad Wound, Kevin Bad Wound and Roger Bad Wound, all of Rapid City; five daughters, Marilyn Bad Wound, Renee Brewer, Stacie Bad Wound and Anita Comeau, all of Rapid City, and Alberta Bad Wound, Phoenix; a sister, Edna Vermillion, Rapid City; 22 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
A one-night wake will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23, at Mother Butler Center. Mass of Christian Burial will at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City, with the Rev. Dave Matzko officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Edstrom & Rooks Funeral Services is handling the arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.
Published in Rapid City Journal on August 20, 2010
(May 18, 1934 - Sept. 22, 2010)
Jack Rennau, age 76, died on September 22, 2010 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford where he had resided since November 2008.
Jack Wayne Rennau was born May 18, 1934 in Crawford, Nebraska, the only child of Wayne and Inez (McKee) Rennau. He grew up there and attended school for several years. His father was working in construction and they moved often following jobs so that Jack sometimes attended as many as four different schools in one year. He graduated from Provo, South Dakota High School in 1952 and then entered the Marine Corps in San Diego later that year. He was stationed in California and Korea and was honorably discharged in 1956. He then worked mostly as a lineman for a company who sent him to many states to work and also to Saudi Arabia, but his home base was in the Los Angeles area. He took early retirement in December 1996 and came home to take care of his mother who was unable to live alone. Jack spent much of his time reading, a love he acquired with the many moves in his young years. He was a quiet man with a great sense of humor and told many stories of his life in California.
Jack is survived by several cousins including Carol Doyle of Rapid City, South Dakota. Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home of Rapid City is in charge of arrangements and inurnment will be at a later date in the family plot in Crawford Cemetery.
(Oct. 13, 1939 - Oct. 11, 2010)
Charlene Marie Beckfield, daughter of Richard and Vera (Haan) Beckfield, was born October 13, 1939 in Hartford, SD. As a child she moved with her family to Mitchell, SD. Shortly after, the family moved to Igloo, SD. In 1957, Charlene graduated from Provo High School in Igloo. She then attended Chadron State Teachers College before moving to Sioux Falls, SD in 1960.
Charlene worked at Western State Bank (later known as Western Bank) from 1962 to 1994. She then started working for the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese, where she was currently employed.
Charlene loved the outdoors, particularly the Black Hills of South Dakota. She was very involved with planning and participating in school reunions. Above all, Charlene cherished her family. Her life revolved around the activities of her sons and grandsons.
Grateful for having shared her life are two sons, Dave Schultz and his wife, Jenifer, Sioux Falls, SD, Jeff Schultz, Sioux Falls, SD; three grandsons, Nick and Ben Schultz, Eric Skovly; three siblings, Marlene Dixon, Newcastle, WY, Richard Beckfield, Sioux Falls, SD, Becky VanDyke and her husband, Ed, Sioux Falls, SD; her cat, Fraidee; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Charlene was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven Dean Schultz; her parents, Richard and Vera; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Dixon.
Visitation begins at 12:00 PM Wednesday, October 13, 2010. George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD. The family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Funeral Service. 11:00 AM Thursday, October 14, 2010. George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD. Msgr. Marvin McPhee, Officiating. Kevin and Shannon Miles, Musicians. At Char's request, please wear blue jeans to the funeral service.
Interment, Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD
T. Archie Ireland, age 74 of Tabor passed away on Monday, November 1, 2010 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Yankton with Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Burial will be approximately at 1:45 PM, at the Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland. Visitations will be 4-7:30 PM, Friday, November 5, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Yankton with a 7 PM, Eastern Star and Masonic Services. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Matthew Ireland, Jonathon Ireland, Richard Ireland, Lyle Ireland, Bruce Baker, David Baker, Dennis Kronaizl, Dennis Groen, and Colin Kapitan. Honorary pallbearers will the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge.
Timothy "Archie" Ireland was born January 11, 1936 to Timothy T. and Marian (Hebbert) Ireland at Scotland, SD. Archie attended Scotland grade school and high school, graduating in 1954.
On March 4, 1957, he married Darlene Gross of Freeman, SD. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Patrick. He attended Yankton College, Southern State Teachers College at Springfield, SD and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1958. In the fall of 1958, he started teaching math and physics at Marion, SD. In the summer of 1961, he received his Masters of Education in school administration from South Dakota State University. He also did some additional graduated work at Northern College and the University of South Dakota. After receiving his Masters Degree, he served as a principal or superintendent at Marion, Lyons, Black Hills Army Depot at Igloo, SD, Hurley, Geddes and Menno. In 1991, after serving 33 years in education, the last fifteen years in Menno he retired.
He farmed for a few years and served as a Bon Homme County Commissioner. Archie also did crop insurance adjusting and appraising for several years.
He belonged to the First United Methodist Church, Gideons, Elks, and School Administrators of South Dakota. In 1989, Archie was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Umpires Hall of Fame. He was a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of the El Raid Shrine and was a Past Worthy Grand Patron of the South Dakota Order of Eastern Star.
Archie was preceded in death by his parents..
Survivors include his wife, Darlene of Tabor; two sons, Mike of Boulder City, NV and Patrick and his wife, Tonya of Fort Drum, NY; two granddaughters, Natalie and Elizabeth Ireland; his brother, Russel and his wife, Barbara of Scotland, SD; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Gross, Freeman, SD; two brothers-in-law, Ralph Gross of Freeman, SD and Gene and his wife, Labelle Gross of Winner, SD; his nephews, Matt and his wife, Amanda of Bemidji, MN and Jon Ireland of South Sioux City, NE; and a niece Kandy (Gross) and her husband, Darrin Fuller of Tea, SD.
The family requests that memorials be directed to your charity of choice.
HERMOSA - Gladys L. (Steen) Matthews, 84, Hermosa, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at Rapid City Hospice of the Hills.
Gladys L. (Steen) Matthews was born with her twin brother Galen "Bud" on April 1, 1926, to Ole Karl and Della (Beadle) Steen in Quinn. Gladys was the eighth of nine children in the family. When Gladys was six, the family moved to the Rapid City area. After completing the eighth grade in 1941 Gladys worked for various ranches, cooking for the haying crews. When WWII started she worked at the NYA woodworking shop making flags for the ordnance depot at Provo.
Gladys met Fred Matthews, a displaced Texas cowboy who was sent to Ellsworth AFB by the Army. They married Sept. 3, 1944. After the war ended, Fred found ranch work in the area, then in 1954 they moved to Custer State Park where they lived and worked until retirement.
- - -
RAPID CITY - Delores E. Coffing, 82, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House. Softly and tenderly Jesus was calling, calling to take her home. She reached out to take the hand of "my precious Lord."
Delores Elaine Kistler was born August 4, 1928 to Glen and Pauline (Schaible) Kistler. Her early years growing up were spent working on the family farm. Delores' mother was the first born of 17 children, so there were lots of uncles, aunts and 52 cousins!
After leaving the farm the family moved to many different areas as her dad worked road construction. They lived in Provo, S. D., Green River, Wyo., Denver Colo., and finally settled in Rapid City, where Delores graduated from Rapid City High School in 1946.
Delores met a young airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base on a blind date. This young airman, Duane Coffing, married Delores on April 24, 1949. - - - -
- - - eight years on city council and 12 years as a Pennington County Commissioner. - - -
CUSTER - Shirley Faye Denke, 81, Custer, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, while in hospice care at her home.
Shirley was born July 12, 1929, in Dupree to Agnes Florence Marple (O'Donnell) and William Oscar Marple. She attended school through the 12th grade in Dupree. She attained a nursing degree in Pierre and practiced nursing in a number of locations in the Black Hills area. The memories of her time halping others were always with her.
Shirley married Elmer Martin Denke on Dec. 8, 1951. Shirley and Elmer lived in many parts of the country during his time in the service. It was at one of these locations in Texas their daughter Alice was born. In 1953 they returned to Edgemont, with Elmer working at Igloo. While Shirley and Elmer lived in Edgemont, Shirley gave birth to four more children - Katherine, Laurel, Carol and William over the course of 11 years.
Shirley enjoyed playing all kinds of games, her all time favorite was bingo. Her times spent at the different locations with a multitude of bingo cards spread out before her and marking device in hand were special moments in life. The Senior Center's bingo night in Custer was always a "not to be missed" event.
Shirley was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Custer.
She is survived by her daughters, Alice (Chuck) Ollila, Rapid City, Laurel (Charlie) Davis, Box Elder, and Carol (Paul) Niemann, Custer; her son, William (Laurie) Denke, Sturgis; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; her brother Patrick (Janice) Marple, Dupree; three sisters, Mary (Bob) Shore, Longview, Texas, Francis (Roland) Eulberg, Dupree and Carol Doherty, Idaho; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; her daughter, Katherine; and her brother, William.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Jake Jacobson officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
(Sept. 3, 1947 - Nov. 29, 2010)
DEKALB, Texas - Margaret "Margie" Schuler, 63, of New Boston, Texas, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, in a New Boston nursing home.
Ms. Schuler was born Sept. 3, 1947, in Eureka, S.D. She was employed with Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, Tyler, Texas, and a Baptist.
Survivors include her son, James David; her daughter, Janet; her brother and his wife, David and Diana; 5 grandchildren, and 1 niece and nephew, as well as her aunt and many cousins and friends
(Oct. 18, 1914 - Dec. 4, 2010)
RAPID CITY - Louise M. Zimiga, 96, Rapid City, passed away Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at the Morningstar Assisted Living Facility.
Louise Mary DuBray Zimiga was born Oct. 18, 1914, to Charles and Elizabeth (Kills Enemy) DuBray at La Creek by a midwife. She had four brothers and four sisters: Eugene, Leo, Cleveland, Bernard, Mollie, Vivian, Sally and Cynthia.
She was sent to boarding school at Pine Ridge until the 10th grade, when she moved to Wambli and met and married Robert Zimiga. They had three sons, Robert Eugene, Charles and Arthur. When World War II came, she moved her and her boys to Hot Springs in 1944. While there she worked and lived at the Evans Hotel doing laundry for room and board. After the war she lived briefly in Provo until she and Robert divorced in 1948. She then moved back to Hot Springs until 1957, when she moved to Sioux Falls briefly and then moved to Rapid City in 1959.
She lived in a trailer down by Rapid Creek and worked at Sioux San Hospital. She lost her trailer and survived the 1972 Rapid City Flood. She worked at Sioux San Hospital up until her retirement in 1983. She lived in the Knollwood Apartments up until the time she was moved to Fountain Springs Retirement home in the summer of 2008.
She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and fierce friend. Her best friend in life was her sister, Cynthia. They traveled the Pow-Wow and Bingo circuits and an occasional trip to Prairie Winds Casino. Wherever they went they were both called Unci by everyone. She loved people. She relished her family and friends with a passion of unconditional love and understanding. She was very proud of her Lakota heritage and spoke Lakota with whoever could hold a conversation.
Unci was an amazing woman with values and morals in the Lakota way. She transcended this to all her "babies." She will be missed but remembered and honored in the hearts and minds of the souls she touched in the 96 years she spent on this earth. Mitakye Oyasin!
Among survivors are her sons, Robert Zimiga Sr. and Art Zimiga, both of Rapid City, and Charles Zimiga Sr. of Pine Ridge. She was loved by 13 grandchildren, 39 great-grand children and six great-great-grandchildren.
A one-night wake service will begin at 4 p.m. today at the Mother Butler Center.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Mother Butler Center, with the Rev. Paul Sneve officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lawn Cemetery.
Friends may sign her online guest register and offer condolences at www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 8, 2010
(Aug. 3, 1919 - Dec. 5, 2010)
Sister Mary Luann Ferrero, BVM, 91, died Dec. 5, 2010, at Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday Dec. 14, 2010, in the Marian Hall Chapel followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. Funeral liturgy will be at 1:30 p.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel cemetery, Dubuque.
She was born Aug. 3, 1919, to Guy and Lucy (Coppo) Ferrero. Upon graduation from Lead High School she attended Colorado State College at Greeley, graduating in 1941 with a secondary education degree. She began her life-long teaching career at the Edgemont, S.D., and Igloo, S.D., schools.
She entered the BVM congregation from St. Patrick Parish, Lead, S.D., on Feb. 2, 1952. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1954, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1959. She taught for several years at Cathedral High School, Rapid City and then at Sioux City, Iowa, until her retirement. In retirement she served as a volunteer and driver.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Martin; and a sister, Betty Kovacevich. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Shirley Ferrero, Lead, S.D.; three nieces; a nephew; four great-nephews; and Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with whom she shared life for 58 years.
Memorials may be sent to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or www.bvcong.org/whatsnew_obits.cfm.
(Aug. 4, 1956 - Dec. 15, 2010)
RAPID CITY - Melvin Vincent Miner Jr. "Maka Sitomni Iyanke" (He Who Runs Around the World), was born to Melvin V. Miner Sr. and Eloise Bad Wound on August 4, 1956, at Igloo. He entered the Spirit World on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at his home in Rapid City.
He was an enrolled member of Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, and is a well-known Lakota artist, who created traditional Lakota arts and crafts. He worked at the Journey Museum, as the Museum Technician for the Sioux Indian Museum.
Among his many accomplishments and endeavors, "the Legend" was a well-known community member, who was a father, friend, Sundancer, teacher, author, art judge, and mentor. Melvin was a notorious cross country runner in high school and college, and holds the longest standing track record at Rapid City Central High School in 1975 for the 3200 meter dash in 9 minutes and 23 seconds. He was an avid pool player, and a state foosball champ. In addition, he was the President of the Indian Health Board, the founder of the Black Hills Pow-Wow Association and present Black Hills Pow-Wow, the co-founder of the sweat lodge at Sioux San Hospital, the founder of the Indian State Pool Tournament, and a member of the Black Hills Singers. He also participated in numerous documentaries on Lakota art and religion, and studied under the late Joe Rock Boy and the late Sidney Keith.
He is survived by his children, Jodee Brewer (Mitchell), Melvin Miner III (Danielle), Calvin Miner and Melorie Miner, all of Rapid City; six grandchildren; his sisters, Claudette Ostrozny, Paulette Brewer of Phoenix, Marlyce Miner of Rapid City, and Glovanna Graves of Phoenix; two half-sisters, Gaila Phillips of Apache, Okla., and Millicent Knight of Geronimo, Okla.; a half-brother, Vincent Miner of Lawton, Okla., his paternal aunt, Marlene Carrier of Rapid City; his paternal uncle, Theodore Miner of Eagle Butte, and his maternal aunts, Doreen Brown Eagle of Tomah, Wis., and Pearl Skinner of Harlem, Mont.
A one-night wake begins at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at the Mother Butler Center.
Traditional Lakota services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the Mother Butler Center, with Mr. Merle Whistler officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Edstrom and Rooks Funeral Services at Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may sign his online guest register and offer condolences at www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 19, 2010
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