Obituaries

James Hlavka, Jr. was born in Gregory, South Dakota, on February 15, 1930, to Anna and James Hlavka, the youngest of six children: Olga (Flakus), Anna (Schuneman), Mildred (Engelmeyer), Milo Hlavka and Marie (Iden). He graduated from Gregory High School in 1948. He then served in the United States Army as a corporal, stationed at Fort Hood, TX and served from January 29, 1952, to January 28, 1954. James married Delores Klein of Burke, SD, on May 11, 1953, and moved to Phoenix, AZ, where they raised three daughters: Mary Ann, Jody and Jami.

A funeral service for Ciro “Ace” Arizmendis, Jr. was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Gary Jacobsen officiating. Melanie Hannahs accompanied the congregation on organ for On Eagles Wings, and Christina (Marceline) Gabriel and Aundra (Richey) Johnson were soloists for other selections. Sharon Neuharth and Donna Harrison were in charge of registration, and Monica Poppe, Kristin Ries, and Megan Hamilton were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Brandon Arizmendis, Lem Albury, Dillon Janousek, Heath Taylor, Daniel Harrison, and Jerry Salonen. Honorary Casket Bearers were Jim Hogrefe, Ken Dooley, Willie Bearshield, Mark Ellwanger, Geoff Smith, Donovan Lambley, Bruce Berg, Russ Grim, and all of Ace’s loyal customers and many friends.

The funeral service for Michael J. Lopour was held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2025, at Kotrba- Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Emmett Kotrba officiating.

Graveside services with military honors were held for Jerry Michael Simunek, age 74, of Hot Springs, SD, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Highland Cemetery South on Highway 71 near the Wild Horse Sanctuary near Hot Springs, SD, where he was interred. Chamberlain McColley Funeral Homes of Hot Springs was in charge of arrangements. Mike was born September 21, 1950, in Gregory, SD, to Jerry Ralph and Clara Marie (Hotz) Simunek. He shared his life in Gregory with his siblings, Larry, Sharon, Shirley, Cathy and David. Mike graduated from Gregory High School in 1968. After graduating, Mike moved to Omaha, NE, to work briefly as a forklift operator for the Campbell Soup Company before enlisting to serve his country in the United States Army where he became a motor Sergeant during his tour in Vietnam. Upon his return to the States, Specialist 5 Simunek met the love of his life, Jan Elizabeth Bartling.

Memorial services for Gary Bartling, Sr. were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Gary was born February 25, 1946. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, and riding his side-byside. He also found great joy in carving antlers and canes, often creating meaningful keepsakes for family and friends. He enjoyed working with his hands and could always be found building, fixing, or crafting something special. Gary Bartling Sr., age 79, a devoted father, grandfather, and craftsman, passed away on August 21, 2025. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his hardworking hands, and the many ways he created and shared with those around him.

A gathering time to honor the life of Wallace Bachmann, age 95, of Winner, SD, was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Kotrba Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD. Military honors were conferred by the Winner American Legion, Gregory American Legion, and the National Honors Team. A private family memorial service as well as interment at the South Dakota National Cemetery in Sioux Falls will be held at a later date. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home of Gregory, SD, was in charge of arrangements. Wallace Duane Bachmann was born on January 17, 1930, in Gordon, NE, to Jake and Bertha (Bruce) Bachmann. After living in Gordon for three years the family moved to Bonesteel, SD, for ten years then St. Charles, SD, for a short time. After that, they settled on a farm southwest of Gregory, SD. Wally was the oldest of ten children, joined by Gordon, Janice, Loris, Jack, David, Ted, Henry, Hazel, and James.

A funeral service for Mary Magdalene (Geaghan) Matucha was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 26, 2025, at Gregory United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Reverand Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Ronald Highrock accompanied the congregation on piano for several hymns. Larea Matucha and Anna Matucha were in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Toby Snyder, John Carlson, Andy uryea, Quintin Bull, Tyler Plumtree, and Phil Pense. All of Mary’s grandchildren and friends were honorary casket bearers.

Funeral services for Bernadette (Bernie) Marie Stars “Inyan Wahinkpe” (Stone Arrow Woman) were held at 1 p.m., on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastor Ken James officiating. Music for the service was provided by Michelle Anderson on organ and Melissa Marshall-Zephier and Lorenzo Stars, vocalists. The Drum Group also performed. Casket bearers were Wyatt Pickner, Wiley Pickner, Sonny Escalanti, Loren LaPointe, Londel Seaboy, Dan Snyder, Arlene Andrews, Barney Andrews, Barron Andrews, and Junior Andrews.

Matthew Nolan, age 55, of Delmont, SD, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell, SD. Services are pending under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Brook Marie Gossard was born May 13, 1981, and left this world April 19, 2024. She never met a plant she couldn’t grow, a cat she didn’t love, or a cookbook she could resist buying.