Obituaries

Funeral services for Willis Wendell were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Linwood Wesleyan Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Willis Wendell was born on November 15, 1933 in Dallas, SD, to Elmer and Alice (Jansen) Wendell. After attending school in Gregory, SD, Willis moved to Tacoma, WA and worked at Boeing Aircraft, joined the National Guard and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Following a tour in the Korean War, Willis returned to his hometown of Gregory, SD where he met and married Phyllis Neilan, his wife of 56 years. Together, they had two children, Will and Christi. Their family moved to Sioux Falls, SD in August of 1977 where Willis worked for Kolman Athey for many years, and for the Sioux Falls Public Schools prior to retiring in 1998.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.