Obituaries

Funeral services for Debra Hoy were held on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, Father Ron Garry, officiating and Deacon GW Ekroth, celebrant. Lector was Chad Berens, and gift bearers were great nieces and nephews. Music was provided by St. Joseph Choir, accompanied by Mary Beth Gergen, pianist. Sue Wortman and Guyla Husman were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Donna Schmitz and Cheri Hansen. Casket bearers were Kelsey Smith, Dana Wockenfuss, Chad Berens, Julia Fritz, Chenise Weber, Carlee Khouny, Mitchell Berens, Mason Berens, Jacob Kuhn, Alexander Kuhn, Sara Berens, Brooke Berens, Megan Berens, Danielle Hoy, and Jayson Holter. Honorary casket bearers were the GHS Class of 1975.

A memorial service for Verlyn Brents was held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD, which was in charge of arrangements. Burial was on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Verlyn Joyce Brents, age 77, died Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. She was born on Sunday, May 4, 1947, in Burke, SD, to Albert and Emma (Steckman) Lafave. Verlyn moved to Rapid City as a young woman and was a serial entrepreneur, starting and running multiple businesses. She also enjoyed the years she spent as an antique dealer.

Funeral services for George Wenger were held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burton, NE, with Pastor Bill Serr officiating.

Funeral services for Myrna Beauchamp were held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow at a late date. Jo Ann (Nebola) Haffield was born on April 22, 1941, the first of six children of Ed and Helen Nebola. She grew up on a farm south of Gregory, SD. During her high school years, she worked at the Tasty Shop and boarded with Rassmussens, the owners of the ice cream business. Whether she was the student or teacher, education was always an integral part of Jo’s life. She graduated from Gregory High School in 1959 and then attended Northern State where she earned her two-year teaching degree in 1961. Her first job was in Mitchell, SD, where she taught fifth grade. She then moved to Winner to teach fifth grade in 1962. In 1966 she was one of four new kindergarten teachers in the Winner School District, as this was the first year for the kindergarten program. At the time, classes were held at the First Christian Church. She taught kindergarten for three years. By this time, she had her two children and decided to start a preschool in the basement of her home. When she made the decision to continue her career in public education, she needed a four-year degree.

08/22/1960 ~ 08/24/2014 God looked around his garden and found an empty place He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place Gods garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best He knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain He knew that you would never get well on Earth again He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine” It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone For part of us went with you the day God called you home. Your family (34).

Belinda May Gunvordahl, 71 years, July 27, 2024, Sioux Falls, SD. Todd Lee Schrader, 57 years, July 8, 2024, Harlan, IA.

Funeral services for Loris Matcha were held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Burke Civic Center in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating.

A memorial service for Jack Hansen, age 70, of O’Neill, NE, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill, NE. Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill, NE, which was in charge of arrangements. John Henry Hansen was born on February 18, 1954 to John and Agnes (Michalek) Hansen in Dallas, SD. He attended country schools in rural Burke, SD, and rural Bassett, NE, before attending Rock County High School. In his early years, Jack really enjoyed life and riding motorcycles. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jack married Angela Philbrick in Burke, SD, on July 1, 1985. The couple spent the next thirty-plus years living in many places, but always finding themselves back in O’Neill, NE.

Funeral services for Claude Andersen were held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thaniel Certa-Werner officiating.