Obituaries

A memorial service for Myrna Lynn Bleeker, age 73, of Lincoln, NE, was held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 29, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Julius Buelow officiating. Music for the service was provided by a vocal group of Myrna’s grandchildren, son-in-law, and brother, accompanied by Randy Sachtjen and a clarinet solo by Kaleah Petersen.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Rita Leibel, age 98, of Burke, SD, was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke with Fr. Ron Garry officiating.

Mass of Christian Burial for Thelma Rose Schmitz, age 92, of Naper, NE, was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Butte, NE, with Father Bernard Starman officiating.

The funeral service for Marvilla Fern Williams, age 93, of Topeka, KS, was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastor John Wenzel officiating. Casket bearers were Alan Williams, Justin Williams, Kelly Jons, Kerry Jons, Jesse Williams, and Cody Williams. Interment was at Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Marvilla Fern Williams was born on March 7, 1932, to Harold and Ida Jons. She grew up on a farm and attended country school. She graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1951. The following November, she married Max Williams and lived with him on a ranch North of Bone-steel. To this union, four children were born.Marvilla raised chickens and was an avid gardener. She was a dependable fixture at her children’s plays, sports events, and concerts. In her later years, she took painting lessons along with a couple of neighbor ladies. When she lived in Topeka, she volunteered at the Topeka library, and took ukulele lessons. She was always interested in meeting new people and trying new things.

A celebration of life memorial service for Lewis “Lou” C. McMeen was held Monday, December 15, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Marengo, IA. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service was in charge of arrangements. Lewis “Lou” C. McMeen was born February 21, 1942, in Burke, SD. He was a son of Delbert Arthur and Dorothy Ardell (Erickson) McMeen. He graduated from Gregory High School in 1960 and the University of Iowa Law School. On June 25, 1983, Lou was united in marriage to Barbara L. in Des Moines, IA. He was an attorney for many years and also served as the Iowa County Attorney and assistant Iowa County Attorney. Lou was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marengo for over 55 years, Iowa County Bar Association, State of Iowa Bar Association, State of Iowa Bar Association Board of Directors, Marengo Kiwanis, Marengo Chamber of Commerce, El-Kahir Shriners, and Marengo Pool Pals. He was a founding member of the Dean Mason Ladd Inn of Court, past president of the Iowa County I Club, the University of Iowa basketball team from 1961-1963, and Iowa County Republican Chair for Governor - Robert D Ray election. He was rated an AV attorney by Martindale-Hubble for over 40 years and was also rated by them in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in America. He was an avid golfer and a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Patrick Putnam was born on March 20, 1950, and raised in Gregory, SD, by his parents, Francis and Bertha. He remained close to his brothers and sisters throughout his life. After graduating from Gregory High School and the University of South Dakota, Pat enjoyed a long career managing car dealerships in Sioux Falls, SD, Oklahoma City, OK, Visalia, CA, and San Mateo, CA. In addition to being incredibly hard working and intelligent, his coworkers remember him as a personable but exacting manager who enabled them to do their best. When friends and family remember Pat, the first thing that typically comes to mind is his humor. He was quick-witted and clever, skilled at telling stories as well as making sharp observations, and his laugh was infectious. He loved golfing with his wife Linda and his friends, often traveling to play with partners he had known since childhood. He was an avid fan of the 49ers and Warriors, and as an adult, he became an excellent chef with an appreciation for fine Pinot Noir.

Funeral services for Cody Dean Vogt, age 35, of Herrick, SD, were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastor Bill Serr officiating. Music was provided by Ona Ebsen on organ. Stephen Doering was in charge of registrations. Casket bearers were Kyle Nelson, Cody Atteberry, Austin Atteberry, Scott Stukel, Nathan Hay, and William Doering. All of Cody’s family and friends were honorary casket bearers. Interment took place at Herrick Cemetery in Herrick, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Cody Dean Vogt was born on November 26, 1990, in Gregory, South Dakota to Ronald and Deborah Vogt. He was their third child and only son. Cody was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Herrick, South Dakota. He was confirmed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jameson, Nebraska.

Funeral services for Richard Nelson, age 79, of Bonesteel, SD, were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax, SD, with Pastor Clark Gies officiating. Music was provided by Judy Gies, accompanist. Lois Laber and Sara Grim were in charge of registration, and Joann Bentz and Amy Bailey were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Dan Herrmann, Bill Sutton, Joel Jons, Darrell Pepper, Jon Zeisler, Luke Zeisler, Darrin Liewer, Chris Brewster, and Nicolaus Nelson. Honorary casket bearers were Joe Laber, Don Lhotak, Jim Guerrant, Ed Peppel, Bill Peppel, Dick Ellwanger, Jim Carlson, Leo Schulte, Ronnie Bentson, Kerry Jons, Don Cahoy, Jim Hiatt, Larry Hiatt, Chris Neumiller, Jessie Vogt, and in memory of Kermit & Patricia Folsland.

Mass Of Christian Burial for Arlene Agnes Larson will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke, SD, with Father Ron Garry officiating. Jim Eastlund will be lector, and Trystan and Kirsten Johnson will be the altar servers.

Funeral services for Kenneth Leroy Combs, of Dallas, SD, were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Marcus Ring and Pastor Bill Serr officiating.