Obituaries

Funeral services for Celeste Marie Zephier, age 55, were held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Winner/Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD, with Pastor Tonwaya Sherman officiating. Music was provided by Todd Bearshield. Lakota songs were sung by Jeslyn and Joslyn Felix. Larry Lon Crow, Jr., Michael Chasing Hawk ,Jr., Delane Lunderman, Brent Zephier, Gerald Zephier, Robert Fast Horse, Jr., Wayne Zephier, and Aaron Dog Soldier were casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were Wilma Robertson, Byron and Brenda Andrews and family, Jack and Francis Brandis, Russell and Loretta Roubideaux, Deanne Rochelle and Jesse Felix, John and Adeline Fast Horse, Linda and Mary Spirit Track, Robert Fast Horse Sr., and the Avera dialysis staff.

Sharon Anne Houston, born Sharon Anne Pense, on July 26, 1941, to Marie Maude Hannahs and Charles Abraham Pense in Kadoka, SD. She had eight siblings. Sharon married Grover Marion McSweeney in 1958, and the couple had three children: Tony McSweeney, Susan Castaway, and Pamela Larson. Sharon and Grover divorced in 1972. She married Jim Houston in 1989, and the two remained married until he passed in August 2015. Sharon leaves behind a legacy of family and lives touched—from her three children to 12 grandchildren to too many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to list. Even with all of these family members she always remembered to send a card for birthdays. With the help of her little book she managed to keep up with them all. Her heart was full of love and she always did her best to help any and all of her family. She became everyone’s grandma, including friends and spouses; for Sharon it was nothing to have three generations visiting and all of them calling her grandma. She will be remembered for her love of family and love of music.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sharon “Sherry” Ann Wiggins, age 65, of Gregory, SD, was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Father Ron Gary as celebrant.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia “Pat” Joyce Mattson, age 89, of Gregory, SD, was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Father Ron Garry as Celebrant. Altar Servers were Madisan Graber and Paisley Graber. Doug Stukel was lector. Music was provided by pianist Mary Beth Gergen Registration and flower attendants were Ashley Mattson, Noah Wiggins, and Emily Pogue. Gift Bearers were Bradley Mattson, Jenny Cords, and Josh Mattson. Jim Mattson, Tom Mattson, Greg Mattson, Dan Mattson, Dave Ivers, and Francis Schaffer were casket bearers. All of Pat’s grandchildren were honorary casket bearers.

A funeral service for Robert Duane Klein, age 73, of Gregory, SD, was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Scott McClellen officiating. Maddie Bingen was in charge of registrations.

A funeral service for Karla Kay Luse, age 72, was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD, with Pastor Don Windsperger officiating. Music was provided by Roxi Summerville, organist.

A funeral service for Melvin James Chasing Hawk, Sr. (Ohitoya Nazin), age 70, formerly of Bonesteel, SD, was held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2026, at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Dr. Lorenzo Stars officiating. Devin Rouse, Tony Bruguier, Jr., Aydan Bruguier, Richard Chasing Hawk, Jr., Ashton Chasing Hawk, Todd Chasing Hawk, and Harry Medicine Bear were casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were Levi Chasing Hawk, Todd Charging Hawk, David Primeaux, Tony Bruguier, Sr., Jesse Felix, Byron Andrews, Sr., Ron Knudsen Jr., Terry Bruguier, Sr., Terry Bruguier, Jr., Greg Heck, Maynerd Heck, Mad Dogs Softball Team, LA Warriors Softball Team, NC All Stars Softball Team, Lake Andes Senior Living staff, All of his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Randy James Grim was born on July 12, 1960, to Leonard “Ray” and Irene (Stahlecker) Grim in Gregory, SD. He was the seventh born child in a family of ten. He grew up on the family farm six miles south of Gregory. Randy attended Gordon School District #46, until it closed, and then graduated from Gregory Public School in 1978. Throughout his life, Randy was known for his curiosity, kindness, and laughter. He was a dedicated father and a loyal brother, always taking great pride in his work and cherishing his time at the farm. After working various jobs, Randy began a fulfilling career with Soukup in Sioux Falls, SD, retiring in 2021 to return to the peace and contentment of the family farm Randy passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at age 65, surrounded with love.

A funeral service for Donald Dean Kerner, age 88, formerly of Gregory, SD, was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 13, 2026, at Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor, IL, with Stacey Christianson officiating. Music was provided by Mary Bischoff, organist. Linda Costa and Rubie Watson were in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Doug Kerner, Randy Kerner, Chad Travnicek, Jason Cernetisch, Gregory Kerner, Damon Cernetisch, Clay Kerner, and Kelly Kerner. Honorary casket bearers were Nicholas Kerner, Michelle Heal, Tammy Lockaby, Kay Weller, Robin Cushing, Tonya Kerner, Lorena Wenger, Darin Kerner, Chris Cernetisch, Tracy Thomas, Amanda Kerner, Troy Travnicek, Colleen Singh, and Katie Straatmeyer.

A graveside service for Phillis Ann (Schmitz) Bentson, age 85, of Bonesteel, SD, was held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastor John Wenzel officiating.