Obituaries

At his request, a private family graveside service for Alvin Jons was held Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastors Roger Wendt and Mike Lewis officiating. Casket bearers were Joel Jons, Billy Jons, Kay Don Jons, Grant Boyer, Macy Mitchell, and Kevin Manthey. Interment was at Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Alvin was born to Emil and Lydia (Schroeder) Jons on September 5, 1924, at the family farm near Bonesteel, SD. He attended Pleasant Valley Country School and later Bonesteel High School, graduating in 1942. He loved playing basketball and was an outstanding player on the high school team. He farmed with his father after high school for many years before marrying Verna Nordquist on August 5, 1952. The couple then moved to their own farm property where they farmed and ran a dairy for many years. Later on, his son Joel and wife Patty joined Alvin and Verna in operating the farm and dairy. He was most at home on a tractor and really enjoyed cutting hay.

A private family graveside service and subsequent interment for Gordon Davis was held at Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD, with Joe Harmacek officiating. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangement.

Jerry Michael Simunek 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. As a young boy growing up in Gregory, Mike was always finding things to do—hunting rabbits and pheasant, fishing with his grandpa and uncles, picking pop bottles out of highway ditches for spending money, helping his family and neighbors on their farms and ranches, and participating as an altar server for the local Catholic parish. The boy never sat still, always on the move.

A funeral service for Joyce Elaine Frank was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Marcus Ring officiating. Music was provided by Melanie Hannahs on organ with Kelly Frank as soloist. Linda Purvis and Jeannette Frank were in charge of registration, and Julie Greer and Peggy Cassidy were flower attendants. Urn Bearers were Tamera Bjerke, Matthew Frank, David Frank, Jonathon Frank, and Nathan Bjerke. Inurnment was at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Wes was born in Winner, SD, on September 18, 1957, to Lila (Dykeman) and Kenneth Gossard. Wes attended Colorado Aero Tech (now known as Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology) in Broomfield, CO, earning an Airframe/ Powerplant Inspection Authorization License. While in Broomfield, he earned his private pilot’s license. After completing his education he returned to South Dakota to become a rancher and pilot.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Columbus First United Methodist Church at 2710 14th Street in Columbus, NE. Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus, NE, is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial service for Marian Gustafson will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Colton, SD, with Pastor Susan Jennys officiating. Burial will take place prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation with family present will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids SD. Marian Adele (Bishop) Gustafson was born near Hurley, SD, on April 21, 1932, the daughter of Fred and Lois (Powers) Bishop. She grew up on the family farms in the Davis and Hurley area, attending school in the Reiman and Hurley School Districts. The family included brothers Ranald and Kenton and her sister Phyllis.

A memorial service for multi-award-winning Sicangu Oglala Lakota author, historian, and educator, Joseph Marshall III was held at the Charlie and Marla Bull Bear home in Herrick, SD, on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Traditional Lakota Services were officiated by Jerome Kills Small and Richard Broken Nose. Marla Bull Bear read a poem, Echo Garrett gave the eulogy, and Chaze White Feather and Lorenzo Stars were the vocalists. Honorary urn bearers were Charlie Bull Bear, Nate Bull Bear, Mitch Bull Bear, Michael Bull Bear, Lorenzo Stars, and Don Stars. Inurnment will take place at a later date in White River, SD, and Hettinger, ND. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Julie Ann Tyburec was born December 8, 1943, in Winner, SD, to Lumir and Laverne (Anderson) Tyburec. Julie was welcomed into the family by her sister Elaine (Larsen), eventually joined by brothers Stan, Jerry, Ray, Joe, Frank, Dave, and twin sisters Marie and Marilyn. Julie helped take care of her younger siblings, as well as learning how to cook and helping around the house. Julie attended all twelve grades in the Winner School system and graduated in 1961. Julie worked at the Outlaw Store Fountain, where she enjoyed serving ice cream and drinks to the customers.

Funeral services for Gary Shaffer will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.