Obituaries

A graveside service is scheduled to be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Jamison, NE. Interment was at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Jamison, NE. Clausen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. He was born August 22, 1941, to Robert Willuweit and Anna Stahlecker Willuweit. He spent his formative years in Jamison, a place he called home his entire life. After serving his country for two years in Vietnam, he worked for the county as a maintainer for several decades. Beyond his professional life, Marlo’s passion for music shone brightly. He delighted audiences for years, playing guitar in various country bands that filled dance halls across the region.

A graveside service for Gaile Shaffer, age 81, is scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Gaile Reed Shaffer was born August 27, 1943, in Winner, SD, to Harold Shaffer Sr. and Doris (Bailey) Shaffer. Because of Harold’s poor eyesight, the family moved from the farm to Gregory, where Harold ran a Standard station at the north end of Main Street. After moving a few more times, they moved back to Gregory, where Gaile enjoyed baseball as a left handed first baseman. He graduated high school in 1961, and shortly after, he and his wife moved to Omaha, NE. They adopted two girls, Michelle and Robin. Then they had their son Timothy. Later, Gaile moved into an apartment and began attending church. There he met Kathy, and spent the remainder of his years. Gaile worked in the construction field, where he met his golf buddies. He also enjoyed traveling with his nephew Eric, exploring golf courses.

A Mass of Christian burial for Mary Jane Katzer was held at 10:00 a.m on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Butte, NE, with Fr.

A Mass of Christian burial for Inez Dockendorf, of Burke, SD, was held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke, SD, with Fr. Ron Garry officiating. Ashton Dockendorf, Paula Dockendorf, and Tessa Burke were lectors. Inez’s grandchildren presented the gifts, and Trystan Johnson and Emmy Spencer were altar servers. Lee Dockendorf, Brian Leitheiser, Jeremy Wyland, Parker Burke, Dillon Jensen, Brandon Burg, and Logan Dockendorf were casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were those who provided Inez with exceptional care in the nursing home: Uduak (Ukay) Ekpe, Evans Onieki, Serriah Stroud, Gwen Thomas, Jessica Palmeno, Jacquelyn Burnett, Tara Keal, Yolanda Anderson, Jaisa Snyder, Creshenda Corley, Sandie Infante, and Mary Vaughn.

Funeral services for John Putnam were held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the St.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2025, at Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD, for Dr. Paul F. Gnirk, 86. A reception will follow at the Burke Community Center. Clausen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Paul was born May 16, 1937, in Burke, SD, the first of four sons born to Fred and Adeline (Graven) Gnirk. He grew up on the family farm outside of Burke that was homesteaded by his grandparents Gustav and Katherine Gnirk. He attended a one-room schoolhouse for eight years. Paul graduated from Burke High School in May 1955. He attended South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and graduated with honors in 1959 with a degree in Mining Engineering.

A Mass of Christian burial for Pamela Ekberg was celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Rapid City, SD. Burial was the at 11:00a.m. the following morning, Saturday, May 3, at Roseland Cemetery in Hamill, SD. Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Pamela Sue Ekberg was born March 28, 1949, in Winner, SD, to Albin and Laurene (Storms) Ekberg of Hamill, SD. She was baptized April 15, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamill and confirmed May 4, 1958. Pam grew up on her parents’ farm west of Hamill. She was the second of four children in her family with brothers Douglas, Chad, and Lance.

Funeral services for Dennis Kenzy were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Dean Meinen and Robb Kuper were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Avery McEntee, Alexis McEntee, and Madyson Donaldson.

Funeral services for Clay Beck were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Mills Community Church in Mills, Nebraska, with Pastor Kenley Udd officiating. Jason Beehler gave the eulogy, and music was provided by Steve Swanson, pianist, as well as several selections of recorded music. Priscilla Portenier and Linda Stolcpart were in charge of registration. Jason Beehler, Dan Pastian, Mark Wenger, Jon Briggs, John Beck, Beau Beck, Perry Brow, Matt Hansen, Ben Bearshield, and Jerry Marts, Jr. were casket bearers. Honorary pallbearers were Jonah Beck, Noah Beck, Jeremiah Beck, Carter Beck, Wyatt Beck, Boone Beck, Emmett Beck, and Tommy Beck.

A family-held memorial service for Shirley Kay Veskrna was held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Bible Believer’s Baptist Church in Joplin, MO. Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory was in charge of arrangements. Shirley was born on July 29, 1969 in Gregory, SD, daughter of Bob (Robert) and Carol (Henneman) Veskrna. She attended high school in Gregory, SD, for a couple of years where she made lasting friendships . Shirley married James Isbell. To this union were born Derek,Christian, and Casey. She moved to Webb City, Missouri where she worked for the United States Postal Service.