Obituaries

Mark was born on August 21, 1955 in Gregory, SD, to Harris and Dolores (Nelson) Johnson. He received his education at South Dakota School for the Deaf and graduated in 1974. He went to Gallaudet College in Washington, DC. He worked at Communication Service for the Deaf as a sign language instructor, historian, and many other roles. He also worked at Augustana College in the ASL Lab. He was an ASL Instructor at Southeast Technical Institute where many of his students worked under him and became his longtime friends. He worked as a mentor for the students who studied to become ASL interpreters Mark enjoyed quilting, embroidery, crocheting afghans and toys.

Funeral services for Dean Chasing Hawk were held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD with Pastor Ken James officiating. Music was provided by Todd Bearshield. Casket bearers were Brandon Andrews, Barron Andrews, Byron Andrews, Jr., Wade Andrews, Jr., Todd Charging Hawk, Caden Andrews, Payton Chasing Hawk, and Jonah Chasing Hawk. Honorary casket bearers were Byron Andrews, Sr., Xavier Andrews, Brock Bearshield, Jesse Felix, Levi Chasing Hawk, Lonnie Fernau, Jeffery Felix, David Primeaux, Tino Roubideaux, Armando Iron Elk, Larry Charging Hawk, and Jason Stone Arrow and all of his friends, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Barb Small were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD, which was also in charge of arrangements. Barbara Jean Small was born July 18, 1958 in Gregory, SD to Edwin and Dorothy (Smith) Esterling. She joined her other siblings as the fifth child. After Barb was born, two more children would follow. She passed away on November 9, 2023 somewhat unexpectedly, but is no longer in pain, and is at peace. As a child, Barb loved animals and spending time with her cats. She enjoyed playing with Barbie dolls when she wasn’t helping the other kids on the farm with chores. She enjoyed riding horses with the other kids as well.

Funeral services for Roger Miller were held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in colome, SD, with Pastor Don Windsperger officiating. Music was provided by the congregation, accompanied by Roxie Summerville, pianist. Deb Steinke was in charge of registration and flower attendants were Tammy Richey and Teresa Lincoln. Dan Wranek was usher. Casket bearers were Ray Worden, Brett Womeldorf, Steve Richey, R.J. Petersek, Gene Bertram, and Roger Slouka. Honorary casket bearers were the Class of ‘57, Merle Holden, and Duane Holden. Interment was in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Rodger Rueb were held on November 17, 2023, at Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton, SD, with Lorney Van Gerpen officiating. Interment was in the Tyndall Cemetery with military honors. Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton, SD, was in charge of arrangements. Rodger Harven Rueb was born July 27, 1945 in Avon, SD to Harven and Florance (Radack) Rueb. He grew up on a farm near Tyndall, SD and attended school in Tyndall. He enlisted in the Navy in November of 1963 and was stationed in San Diego, CA, for his basic training. He was on board the USS Cimmaron for two years and three months and went through three tours in Vietnam. Before embarking on his tours of duties overseas, he married Carol Ann Hejna on December 26, 1963. They have four children: Teresa, Todd, Troy, and Terry.

Funeral services for Warren Hammerbeck were held on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory, SD, with Emmett Kotrba officiating. Music was provided by the congregation, accompanied by Bette Fogel, pianist. Mandi Sinclair and Jennifer Diekmann were in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Justin Hammerbeck, Morgan Hammerbeck, Kilian Hammerbeck, DJ Steffen, Bryan Bunker, and Les Cogswell. Interment was in the 40 Bar Ranch Cemetery in Iona, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. On August 1, 1939, George and Evelyn (Korzan) Hammerbeck welcomed their first-born son, Warren Leigh. They raised Warren and his three siblings on the 40 Bar Ranch in Iona, SD. He attended Bull Creek Country School until his sophomore year, when he transferred to Chamberlain High School. Warren graduated from high school in 1957, and at the urging of his mother, went to South Dakota State University the following fall. He graduated with a BS in Animal Husbandry in 1961. While at SDSU, Warren joined the rodeo team as an antidote to homesickness, as well as for the scholarship it offered.

Funeral services for Darrel Jones were held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor John Granchie officiating.

Funeral services for Frances Gould are scheduled for Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon officiating. Liz Cihak was lector, Theresa Waterbury and Amber Wilhelmsen presented the gifts, and Weston and Wrenn Wilhelmsen were servers.

Funeral services for Neil Shochenmaier were held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre, SD. Burial was in Rosebud Cemetery at Bonesteel, SD.

Leo Joseph Koenig, 76 yrs., October 16, 2023, Fairfax, SD. John Dwight Parsons, 73 yrs., October 25, 2023, Fairfax, SD.