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Obituaries

Troy Davis

Funeral services for Troy Davis were held on August 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Luff-Bowen Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. The funeral home was in charge of arrangements. He was born on September 14, 1949, in Nashville, TN, to the late Millard Cicero and Mary Estaleen (Eaves) Davis. Troy’s journey was marked by love, dedication, and service. He embarked on a path of honor by joining the United States Marine Corps, where he served for six years. Following his military service, Troymoved to Hurricane Mills, where he embraced the role of a community leader and entrepreneur. In 1966, Troy took charge of the Best Western Motel and the adjoining Log Cabin Restaurant. Troy’s influence reached beyond Hurricane Mills as he offered his expertise as a guiding force on the board of d irectors for Best Western International, serving as its chairman for two terms.

Ray Bigelow

Funeral services for Ray Bigelow were held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD with Pastor Don Windsperger officiating.

Jerry Slade

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield, SD. Inurnment will be in the Springfield Cemetery. Peters Funeral Home of Springfield, SD, is in charge of arrangements. Jerry Dean Slade, was born on August 10, 1949, to Betty Lee and Robert Slade. Jerry was a remarkable man whose life was a testament to his dedication and love for his family and various passions. Jerry was not just a farmer and rancher; he was a steward of the land, nurturing it with his hands and heart. A cowboy at heart, Jerry felt most at home in the saddle, surrounded by the beauty of the open range. He was not just a spectator; he was an accomplished steer wrestler, roper and a true lover of horses and the western life.

Wanyce Hein

Funeral services for Wanyce Hein were held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Kotrba- Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Russ Grim officiating. Velda Benson was in charge of registration, and Wynnette Williams presented the eulogy. Casket bearers were Jim Royer, Ray Royer, Kyle Royer, Marvin Royer, Rich Wetzler, and Cory Wetzler. Honorary casket bearer was Jeff Royer. Interment was at the Herrick Cemetery in Herrick, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Patty Rezac

Funeral services for Patty Rezac were held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Marcus Ring officiating. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, accompanied by Melanie Hannahs, organist. Registration and flower attendants were Helen Geaghan, Rae Tyburec, and Evely Rezac. Casket bearers were Patty’s grandchildren, and the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center staff, both past and present. Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Ahlman

Funeral service for Bob Ahlman were held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.

Raymond Stukel

Funeral services for Raymond Stukel were held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon as celebrant. Music was provided by the St. Joseph Choir and Nicholas Stark, Cathleen Flynn, and Ben Gietzen, vocalists, accompanied by Mary Beth Gergen, pianist. Don Stukl, Sr., was lector and Luke Stukel, Pierce Stukel, and Dawson Stukel were altar servers. Gift bearers were Ray’s granddaughters: Sarah Chase, Liz Kasselder, Jennifer Schnagl, Danielle Keller, Abby Gietzen, Cathleen Flynn, Bridget Cabrera-Stukel, Adyson Stukel, Meghan Walker, Elissa MacMurchy, Courtney Tulson, Laura Cernetisch, Sonora Day, Julia Opp, and Lexi Stukel.

Jason Boska

Funeral services for Jason Boska were held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor John Granchie officiating.

Harold J. Krizan

A private committal service for Harold J. Krizan, who died June 28, 2023, at the age of 89, in Peoria, AZ, was held Saturday, September 2, 2023, at his parents’ original farm site north of Colome, SD. The family of Joe, Marie, and baby son Harold moved from their first home to Winner, SD, after one year; they then relocated to Burke and finally to Gregory, where Joe became postmaster and the family made their home across the street from the city park. Hal graduated from Gregory High School in 1952, then attended the University of South Dakota for two years. He enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served in Japan. He then attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD, and graduated in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in public administration.

Debra Richardson

Funeral services for Debra Richardson were held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Music was provided by Steve Swanson. Casket bearers were Chad Heyden, Brad Hutchison, Kip Swedlund, Todd Beck, Pat Broome, and Travis Serr. Honorary casket bearers were all of her former students. Interment was in the Spotted Tail Cemetery in Jamison, NE. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Debra Jean Richardson was born April 15, 1966, to Elmer and Ruby Richardson at the Memorial Hospital in Burke, SD. She was the fifth of six children. She was baptized and confirmed in the Jamison Methodist Church. She attended Spotted Tail Elementary School near Jamison, NE, and graduated from Burke High School with the Class of 1984. She then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. While there, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to Paris. This was the beginning of her love of England and France.