Obituaries

Virgil Lowell Powell, 88, passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Big Horn Rehabilitation and Care Center in Sheridan, Wyoming. Virgil was born March 5, 1938, to C. Wayne and Zelpha G. Powell in Gregory, South Dakota. He had one brother, Adrian W. Powell, of Maple Valley, Washington. He grew up in Gregory, where he graduated from high school. He played and lettered in football and summer baseball. He attended Black Hills State University (BHSU) in Spearfish, graduating in 1963. Virgil met his wife Marie V. Hoppe of Phillipsburg, Kansas, through school friends. They were married in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 2, 1969. To this union, they were blessed with daughters Meshelle in 1961 and Pamela in 1963.

Delenore (Del) Damus Edward Chaput, 92, longtime resident of Cooperstown, North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Catherine South in Fargo on May 30, 2026. Del was born on January 30, 1934, in Langdon, ND to Joseph Edward and Fernande Chaput. Del attended and graduated from St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Langdon in 1952. Del joined the US Army in January 1954 until being honorably discharged in December 1955. While in the military, Del spent time in Germany, Austria, and France. Del married Evelyn Ekberg on June 20, 1956, at St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon. They lived in Rock Lake for five years, where Del began working in the elevator business, before moving to Cooperstown. Del worked as the Cooperstown Elevator Manager for 29 years, retiring in 1991. Del worked part-time over the years for Norwood Sales and Finley Grain. He was actively involved in the Cooperstown community as a member of St. George Catholic Church, American Legion Post 143, member of the volunteer fire department from 1970-1989, and served as fire chief from 1984-1987. Del enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, camping with family and his Good Sam’s community, and playing pinochle. He enjoyed traveling and spent 36 years wintering in south Texas.

A funeral service for Winifred Sarah Andrews (Wanikiya Win – Woman Who Helps Her People) was held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 8, 2026, at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, South Dakota, with Ken James officiating.

A celebration of life for Greg Jay Hansen, age 77, of Butte, Nebraska, was held at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Butte Community Center in Butte. Pastor Leif Hasskarl officiated. Sierra Fleer and Catilina Knox did the readings. Clay Hansen, Ian Hansen, Garrison Hansen, Colby Hansen, Derris Hansen, River Hansen, and Callum Hansen were urn bearers. Interment will be held at a later date at Butte Cemetery, in Butte. Greg Jay Hansen was born on April 12, 1949, in Lynch, Nebraska, to James Sieler Hansen and Iola Belle Statsman. Greg grew up in Butte and attended Butte Public School. On November 9, 1968, he married Kathy V. Fernau, and to this union came three boys — Bob, Tim, and Scott. Greg attended Chadron State college before returning to Butte to start his career.

A memorial service for Evelyn Mae Chaput, age 91, long-time resident of Cooperstown, North Dakota, will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. George Catholic Church in Cooperstown. Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Evelyn Chaput passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St. Catherine South in Fargo on March 8, 2026. Evelyn was born November 23, 1934, in Winner, South Dakota, to Arthur and Mae (Long) Ekberg. Evelyn graduated from high school in Osnabrock, North Dakota, and continued her education upon graduation at Mayville State, receiving her teaching certificate, and taught for three years in a country school. Evelyn also did in-home daycare and bookwork for the local elevator.

A celebration of life for Mark Everett Lindquist, age 56, of Gregory, South Dakota, was held at 5 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory. Honorary urn bearers were Roy Groeneweg, Steve Esterling, Jim Mikkelsen, Chris Lindquist, Kalvin Walker, Scott Zimbelman, Tanner Reuer, and Alan Spanns. Burial on the Lindquist ranch will take place at a later date. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mark was born on December 1, 1969, in Burke, South Dakota, to Arvid and Janice (Fode) Lindquist. He was the second-born son in the family and grew up with a love for animals, the outdoors, and hard work. He was known for sneaking extra food for his share of the animals. He graduated from Gregory High School, where he played football throughout his high school years.

A funeral service for Betty Lou Doris Stevicks, age 91, of Burke, South Dakota, was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. Pastor Philip Henning officiated.

A funeral service for James Lee Liewer, age 77, of Boyd County, Nebraska, was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Butte. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated. Laura Reiman was the lector, John Reiman and Jake Ohri were the servers, and Steve Liewer was the extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Ann Albro and Carol Herman were in charge of registrations. Music was provided by Mike Baldwin, accompanied by Pat Thiry on organ. Casket bearers were Cullen Davis, RJ Dummer, Leonard Zuhlke, Cory Davis, Todd Dummer, Colin Zuhlke, and Patrick Wismer. Interment was at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Butte. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A funeral service for Dennis Dean Schoenefeld, age 81, of Butte, Nebraska, was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Butte, with Pastor Leif Hasskarl officiating. Casket bearers were Bruce Schoenefeld, Clayton Schoenefeld, Weston Schoenefeld, Todd Stoltenberg, Gary Stoltenberg, Kyle Raasch, and Griffin Goodwin. Ty Schoenefeld, Mitch Raasch, Lilly Goodwin, Layla Goodwin, Brinley Schoenefeld, and Sawyer Schoenefeld were honorary casket bearers. Cristy Brooks was in charge of registrations, and Vivian Frasch was the organist. Dennis Dean Schoenefeld was born in Burke, SD on October 1, 1944, to Alvin and Vera (Sieh) Schoenefeld. He grew up on the family farm seven miles west of Naper, Nebraska. Dennis attended country school through 8th grade. He graduated from Naper High School in 1962. Immediately following High School, Dennis worked as a ranch hand for a brief time. Thereafter, he stayed in Omaha while attending barber school, earning his barber’s license in 1966.

A memorial service for Elma Rose Chocholousek, age 99, of Gregory, South Dakota, was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 23, at United Methodist Church with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Ryan Chocholousek delivered the eulogy.