Obituaries

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.

A memorial graveside service for Edith Drey will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD, with Fr. Ron Garry officiating. Interment will take place at the same location. Clausen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Edith Licina Drey was born in Mission, SD, on December 12, 1932, to Charles and Olive (James) Rang. She was baptized in the Catholic Church at St. Francis, SD. She was joined by one brother and two sisters. In 1937, Charles and Olive purchased a farm at Burke, SD, and moved the family there. Edith made her first communion and was confirmed in the Catholic Church in Burke. She attended the McCumber Country School, walking 2½ miles each way.

A celebration of life for Robert Altenburg, age 78, of Pickstown, SD, will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner, SD. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour at a later date. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements. Robert was born to Charles and June Altenburg and lived a life defined by service, leadership, and an enduring love for family and baseball. Known to most as Bob, he was a steady and dependable presence—reliable, dedicated, and always willing to step forward when others needed him.

A funeral service for Clementine Mary Cane, age 78, formerly of the Milk’s Camp area, was held at noon, Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD. Casket bearers were Dimitri Serr, Drazen White Bull, Tucson Yellow, Dredan Milk, Lucas Milk, Kingston Milk, and Zachius Wise Spirit. Interment was at Ponca Creek UCC Cemetery in St. Charles, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Clementine Mary Cane was born April 17, 1947, at Wagner, South Dakota to Thomas and Eleanor (LeClaire) Cane. She was a direct descendent of Chief Good Cane Milk. She grew up in the Milk’s Camp area, attended school in St. Charles, SD, and obtained her GED in Pierre, SD. She then moved to Aberdeen to attend Northern State University, graduating in 1995 with a bachelors degree in Social Services. She worked in Mobridge at the Chief Gall Youth Treatment Center and retired due to her health.

The funeral service for Lois Lorraine Baney, age 100, of Gregory, SD, was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Berean Fundamental Church in Gregory, SD, with David Swift officiating. Pianist Michaela Johnson accompanied the congregation on several hymns. Dottie Shoemaker and Janeen Hlavka were in charge of registration, and Fawn Swift and Patience Swift were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Boaz Swift, Judah Swift, Malachi Swift, Jeremiah Swift, Andrew Wiedeman, and Daniel Shoemaker. Frank Fulwider, Boyt Young, Steve Johnson, John Jacobsen, Doug Roggow, and Daren Roggow were honorary casket bearers.

Mass of Christian Burial for Lawrence “Larry” John Schaff, age 77, was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Mandan, ND, with Father Fred Harvey as celebrant and Annette Hausauer as lector. Burial was at the Mandan Union Cemetery in Mandan, ND. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home of Gregory, SD, was in charge of arrangements. Lawrence John Schaff was born at Mandan, North Dakota to Frank G. and Caroline (Wetsch) Schaff on Friday, April 9, 1948. Lawrence grew up on the farm north of Solen, North Dakota. Lawrence attended country schools and received his 8th grade diploma. He experienced rural electricity coming to the farm and the family’s first TV.

A funeral service for Reed Harter, 28, of Ethan, SD, formerly of Colome, SD, was held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Greg Sherman Memorial Colome High School Gymnasium in Colome, SD. Burial will be held at a later date. Mason Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.