Obituaries

A memorial service for Gene Grossenburg, age 95, of Winner, SD, was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Winner Methodist Church. Mason Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Gene was born on May 25, 1930, to C.J. and Jessie Blanche Grossenburg in Winner, SD. After he graduated from Winner High School in 1949, Gene began a career which would ultimately span five decades, working with the family John Deere business at Grossenburg Implement. In 1949, Gene met LaWayna Swaney during high school in Winner, SD, and they were married in September 1951. Gene and LaWayna had four children—Brad, Barry, Jolenne, and Janelle. In 1951, Gene was drafted into the Korean War and returned home as an American hero and a new father to Brad. He received a purple heart and a bronze star while serving in the Korean War. In 1951, after he returned home, he grew the John Deere business until retirement. In May 1988 he married Patricia Scholz. Gene’s family unit expanded, and he pursued his passions in life. Gene enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in the Black Hills where he enjoyed his horses and the outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Gene had a zest for life which created a ripple effect on so many people. His storytelling ability and bear hugs will never be forgotten.

Funeral services for Deanna Darlene (Lingenfelter) Kahler, age 86, were held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Pastor Bill Serr officiating. Taylor Preslicka and Kate Kahler were in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Brandon Kahler, Michael Preslicka, Colt Sutton, Jon Beckman, Luke Surprenant, Kurtis Atteberry, Branden Zimmerman, and Brandon Wigginton. Honorary casket bearers were Jesse Harmer II, Kyle Kahler, Dustin Kahler, Rebecca Kolthoff, Beth Beckman, Kari Surprenant, Kelli Zimmerman, Ashley Blakey, Vonna Coker, Amanda Hyde, Brandi Kahler, Brittany Atteberry, Megan Wigginton, Ryan Kahler, Robbie Kahler, and Kaylon Kahler.

A memorial service for Jeffrey George Johnson, age 73, was held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. Recorded music was played as well as congregational hymns accompanied by Bette Fogel on piano. Alice Vereen was in charge of registration, and flower attendants were his Sunday morning coffee group. Urn bearers were Scott Phillps, Dennis Lang, Dave DeVos, Rick Schneider, Mike Peterson, Ray Gosmire, Ron Rankin, Gregg Drees, and Rod Graesser. George Johnson, Gavin Pochop, David Kotrba, and Hank Wonnenberg were honorary urn bearers.

A celebration of life for David Hutchison was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the VFW in Burke, SD. Clausen Funeral Home of Burke, SD, was in charge of arrangements. David was born on August 27, 1969, in Burke, SD, to Jerry and Donna Hutchison. Throughout his childhood and adulthood he was well known throughout the Burke community and always enjoyed visiting. He graduated from Burke High School in 1987 and continued on to the University of South Dakota. He eventually transferred to Northern State University and received a business degree. He quickly realized being in the business world was not his passion and was influenced by his father-in-law, Randy Lyon, to pursue education at Black Hills State University. He student taught in Deubrook, SD, and later took his first teaching job. He married Carmen, on July 1, 1995, and had two daughters, Tayler and Gabby.

A memorial service for Delbert Allen Wendell, age 85, of Gregory, SD, was held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD. Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiated, and Nick Wendell gave the eulogy.

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.