Obituaries

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield, SD. Inurnment will be in the Springfield Cemetery. Peters Funeral Home of Springfield, SD, is in charge of arrangements. Jerry Dean Slade, was born on August 10, 1949, to Betty Lee and Robert Slade. Jerry was a remarkable man whose life was a testament to his dedication and love for his family and various passions. Jerry was not just a farmer and rancher; he was a steward of the land, nurturing it with his hands and heart. A cowboy at heart, Jerry felt most at home in the saddle, surrounded by the beauty of the open range. He was not just a spectator; he was an accomplished steer wrestler, roper and a true lover of horses and the western life.

Funeral services for Wanyce Hein were held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Kotrba- Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Russ Grim officiating. Velda Benson was in charge of registration, and Wynnette Williams presented the eulogy. Casket bearers were Jim Royer, Ray Royer, Kyle Royer, Marvin Royer, Rich Wetzler, and Cory Wetzler. Honorary casket bearer was Jeff Royer. Interment was at the Herrick Cemetery in Herrick, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Patty Rezac were held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Marcus Ring officiating. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, accompanied by Melanie Hannahs, organist. Registration and flower attendants were Helen Geaghan, Rae Tyburec, and Evely Rezac. Casket bearers were Patty’s grandchildren, and the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center staff, both past and present. Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral service for Bob Ahlman were held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.

Funeral services for Raymond Stukel were held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon as celebrant. Music was provided by the St. Joseph Choir and Nicholas Stark, Cathleen Flynn, and Ben Gietzen, vocalists, accompanied by Mary Beth Gergen, pianist. Don Stukl, Sr., was lector and Luke Stukel, Pierce Stukel, and Dawson Stukel were altar servers. Gift bearers were Ray’s granddaughters: Sarah Chase, Liz Kasselder, Jennifer Schnagl, Danielle Keller, Abby Gietzen, Cathleen Flynn, Bridget Cabrera-Stukel, Adyson Stukel, Meghan Walker, Elissa MacMurchy, Courtney Tulson, Laura Cernetisch, Sonora Day, Julia Opp, and Lexi Stukel.

Funeral services for Jason Boska were held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor John Granchie officiating.

A private committal service for Harold J. Krizan, who died June 28, 2023, at the age of 89, in Peoria, AZ, was held Saturday, September 2, 2023, at his parents’ original farm site north of Colome, SD. The family of Joe, Marie, and baby son Harold moved from their first home to Winner, SD, after one year; they then relocated to Burke and finally to Gregory, where Joe became postmaster and the family made their home across the street from the city park. Hal graduated from Gregory High School in 1952, then attended the University of South Dakota for two years. He enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served in Japan. He then attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD, and graduated in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in public administration.

Funeral services for Debra Richardson were held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Music was provided by Steve Swanson. Casket bearers were Chad Heyden, Brad Hutchison, Kip Swedlund, Todd Beck, Pat Broome, and Travis Serr. Honorary casket bearers were all of her former students. Interment was in the Spotted Tail Cemetery in Jamison, NE. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Debra Jean Richardson was born April 15, 1966, to Elmer and Ruby Richardson at the Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD. She was the fifth of six children. She was baptized and confirmed in the Jamison Methodist Church. She attended Spotted Tail Elementary School near Jamison, NE, and graduated from Burke High School with the Class of 1984. She then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. While there, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Paris. This was the beginning of her love of England and France.

Virginia Brozik, age 90, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton. A private family graveside service will take place at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Gregory, South Dakota. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Virginia was born December 19, 1932, on the family farm east of Burke, South Dakota, to Henry and Emma (Krussel) Lubbers. She attended country school near Burke and then one year at Mount Marty High School in Yankton. Virginia worked as a nurse’s aide at the hospital in Burke until she married Richard “Louie” Brozik on May 21, 1957. After their wedding, they farmed for a few years north of Gregory, SD, where Louie was born and raised. Then they moved to Rapid City, SD, and began a career in managing motels. After Rapid City, they purchased the Sunset Motel in Yankton, then a mobile home park in Sutherland, NE, and finally the Parkside Motel in Gregory, SD. They enjoyed their retirement years in Gayville, SD, and eventually moved to Yankton in 2005.

Janet Elaine Spiedel, 79 yrs., Texas, burial July 8, 2023, Bonesteel, SD..