Rapid City neighbors: Obituaries published today
Read through the obituaries published today on rapidcityjournal.com.
Garold 'Gary' Engel — 10 a.m. at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City
Dorothy Shearer — 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Wall
Carol A. Sutterer — 2 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City
David E. VanHorn — 10 a.m. at Country Church of Black Hills Fellowship in Rapid City
RAPID CITY | The world was blessed on Feb. 28, 1935, with the birth of Shirley Mae Lyons to Harry and Clara Hansen in the small town of Havelock, Iowa. She was the first of six successful children.
She lived in Havelock for four years then transitioned to a farm 5 miles from town. She attended County School through the fourth grade, and then transferred to Havelock school system until she graduated at the top of the class. She had a passion for music and singing. She entered many singing competitions, solo and choir. She was a girls basketball phenom and was a first-teamer all four years until graduation.
Shirley won a basketball scholarship to Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated at the top of her class again in 1954. She tested for and scored a career job for the civil service.
Shirley met Air Force veteran Donald Gilbert Lyons Sr. while working in Omaha and got hitched on Dec. 4, 1954, in Harlan, Iowa. With her marriage to Donald, it took her to air bases in Massachusetts, California and lastly Ellsworth in Rapid City. She had a career high of 34 years in various positions with the last and most prestigious being the 44th Missile Strategic Wing Commander's secretary before her retirement in February 1990. After retiring, Shirley took part-time customer-services jobs at Speigel and Prudential Insurance.
She is survived by three children, Donald G. Lyons Jr., Lori Lyons, and Jody (Heather Hedglin) Lyons, all of Rapid City; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jerry “Sonny” (Barb) Hansen of Manson, Iowa, Willis “Bill” Hansen of Rancho Cordova, California, and Cecil “Lee” (Helen) Hansen of Pocahontas, Iowa; and one sister, Janice (Rich) Young of San Antonio, Texas.
She was preceded in death by husband, Donald Lyons; grandson, Gordy Lyons; her sister, Donna Chalfont; and parents, Clara and Harry Hansen.
She was transformed to an Angel Butterfly on Feb. 7, 2019, at the Regional Hospice House. She will be loved, admired, thought of, and missed by all that met her and were able to get to know an amazing daughter, sister, grandmother, wife, friend, mentor and most of all champion mother. She will now share eternal life with her husband of 58 years. Godspeed, Mom!
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Kirk Funeral Home, with Pastor Chris Swarthout officiating.
A memorial has been established for her loving grandchildren. Friends may sign Shirley’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.
SPEARFISH | Doris J. Dunton, 91, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019.
Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Isburg Crematory
MANDERSON | Timothy "Raab" Steele, 64, died Feb. 9, 2019.
Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge
SPEARFISH | Arden Trandahl, 86, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019.
Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Isburg Crematory
SPEARFISH | Our beloved brother Robert E. Mason, 69, passed away Feb. 8, 2019, at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare.
Bobby was born April 26, 1949 in Deadwood to Robert and Evelyn (Dryer) Mason.
He has been active at Black Hills Works in Rapid City since 1972 learning many trades and most importantly to live independently. In 1995, he was honored at the Black Hills Works Recognition Gala and featured in the Rapid City Journal. Also, he was a participant in the Special Olympics and proud of his medals.
Our brother enjoyed country music, his Denver Broncos, fishing, bowling, swimming and his model cars. Family was very important, he was always reminding us of when the next holiday or his birthday was coming up. A must-do would be going to his McDonald’s — or as he would say, “O’Donalds.” Church was a big part of his life; he liked to listen to the Gospel — or as he mispronounced it “the Gossip.” Bobby had many challenges and obstacles in life, but he always persevered with strength and resilience.
He is survived by his brother, Steve (Launa) Mason; his sisters, Linda (Dan) Green and Deanna (Darryl) Cornell; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Evelyn Mason; grandparents, Maurice and Loula Mason and Edward and Ethel Dryer; and great-nephew, Kyle.
Our family is grateful to everyone who inspired, influenced and cared for Bobby throughout his life.
We will be celebrating his life at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead. Please dress casually, as Bobby was a Bronco jersey and jean-type guy.
In lieu of flowers, if you choose to give please consider Black Hills Works or Spearfish Canyon Health and Rehabilitation (formerly David Dorset Home).
Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel of Lead.
Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.
RAPID CITY | Ricky Peck, 30, passed away Feb. 8, 2019.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Kirk Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to service.
RAPID CITY | James W. "Rusty" Swan, 84, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Rusty was born Nov. 29, 1934, in Des Moines, IA, to Joyce and Polly (Snider) Swan. He graduated from The Blake Preparatory School in Minneapolis, MN, and from Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, in 1957 with a major in Economics. While attending Princeton he was a member of the Cap and Gown eating club and played 150-lb football. Rusty enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Jan. 3, 1958 and was honorably discharged as a LTJG on Feb. 4, 1961.
He married Esther "Elf" Freyborg on Nov. 9, 1963, in Worthington, MN.
Rusty was a loving husband and very supportive father. He attended all tennis matches, baseball games and horse shows — typically standing on the side quietly supporting all the kids. He was an avid skier and spent nearly every weekend on the slopes. In summer he could be seen on the golf course trying to play 18 holes as fast as he could. He loved to read while his dogs were by his side.
Rusty served as President and Publisher of the Rapid City Journal from 1971 until he retired in 1985. Before the newspaper he served as assistant business manager of the Great Falls (Montana) Tribune and advertising sales at Honeywell, Inc. in Minneapolis. He was involved with numerous associations within the Black Hills area including Mount Rushmore Society, Mount Rushmore Hall of Records, United Way, Salvation Army, and the Chamber of Commerce.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rusty is survived by his wife, Esther "Elf", Rapid City; son, J. Alan (Lulie) Swan, Lake Mary, FL; daughter, Nancy (Michael) Ihle, Southlake, TX; three grandchildren, Collin Swan, Alyssa and Megan Ihle; and sister, Sonya (Robert) Williams, Seattle, WA.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Bob Jacobs officiating. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with full military honors provided by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.
A memorial has been established to Storybook Island.
His online guestbook is available at osheimschmidt.com.
RAPID CITY | Laurie Ann Everton Bozzetti, 58, lost her brave battle with cancer on Feb. 7, 2019, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.
She was born on July 15, 1960, in Rapid City to James and Carolyn “Connie” (Kokes) Everton.
Laurie grew up in Rapid City, graduating from Stevens High School in 1978. She attended the South Dakota School of Mines, eventually becoming an archaeological field technician for the state of South Dakota.
Laurie enjoyed spending time with her family, helping others when the opportunity arose and exploring the Black Hills and the Grand Tetons.
She had a special interest in local history and spent countless hours pursuing and recording old mines, towns and trails. She had a special connection with her horses and other animals and loved to search for Fairburn Agates.
Laurie is survived by her husband, Louis Bozzetti; her daughter, Melina Bozzetti (Jon Negus), Elko, NV; her parents, James and Connie Everton and her brother, Brian Everton, all of Rapid City.
Laurie’s family would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness during her difficult time with health issues.
Inurnment of her ashes will take place at the Bell Park Cemetery near Rochford in the near future.
A memorial will be established to the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.
Friends may sign her online guest register at osheimschmidt.com.
ANOKA, Minn. | L. Marie (Weaver) Kemper, 97, formerly of St. Anthony, passed away to her Heavenly Home on Jan. 26, 2019.
Born at home on a farm near Wessington, SD, to Bertha & Orvil Weaver. Marie grew up in the Depression-era or Dirty '30s riding horses bareback to herd cattle, do farm chores and help with younger siblings. Marie attended a one-room country school "The Evans School."
After graduation from St. Laurence High School, Marie attended nursing training for a full three years at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, SD. Upon graduation, passing her RN exam and short stints of work in Fort Thompson and Pontiac, MI, with her friend, Marcella Ryan, it was off to WWII and the South Pacific as an Army nurse. Marie was awarded one of four bronze stars to South Dakota female veterans for her service. During this time she witnessed the surrender of Japan and the destructive wrath of the Atom Bomb at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
On August 31, 1947, Marie married Alfred Kemper. They were blessed with three children: Mark (Susan) Kemper of Lino Lakes, MN, Rosemarie (Rob) Donlin of Andover and Dr. Craig (Mary Kay) Kemper of Austin, TX. Her nine grandchildren include Matthew Kemper, Erin Nehring, Carly Busch, Ann Elise Donlin, Paul & Mark Donlin and Karl, Kristin & John Kemper; also eight great-grandchildren: Ella & Addison Kemper, Caleb, Ava, Lydia & Sophia Nehring, and Madelynn & Matthew Busch. Marie is survived by one sister, Mildene Turpin of Bakersfield, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha & Orvil; brothers, Marvin, Clarence, Mike and Darrow; sister, Mildred; and grandson, Matthew Kemper.
Marie continued to work as a nurse after the war working in emergency rooms in Pierre, SD, and as a private duty nurse in St. Anthony. She authored her own biography, "The Springtime of Life," a story of her early life growing up in South Dakota. She was an avid reader, having family ties to Mark Twain. Marie enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge, with friends. She was famous for her pecan, apple and rhubarb pies. Marie will be remembered for her infectious smile, pleasant laugh and her hugs and the love for her family. Marie imparted a "tough love" for her children but it reminded them that hard work and persistence was required in this life.
Marie and Al enjoyed many years of travel after Al's retirement. Trips to Marble Falls, TX, Hawaii and Europe were favorites. They celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to Al's passing in 2009. Marie will be missed by friends and family.
Services were held on Feb. 1, at the New Brighton United Church of Christ.
Private interment, with full military honors, will be at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
Memorials may be made to New Brighton UCC.
Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000
RAPID CITY | Stanley Barber, 87, died Feb. 2, 2019.
He served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka. Burial will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka
CANON CITY, Colo. | Trudy Mae Hoskins, 84, died Feb. 5, 2019.
Visitation will be from 2-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, at Wilson Funeral Home, Canon City, Colo., followed by services at 3 p.m. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish, S.D.
Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Isburg Crematory of Spearfish, S.D.
RAPID CITY | Shirley M. Lyons, 83, died Feb. 7, 2019.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Feb. 12, at Kirk Funeral Home.
RAPID CITY | Carol Ann Sutterer, 86, passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at home.
Carol was born Sept. 3, 1932, in Inwood, IA, to Vernon and Inga Fischer and grew up in Faith and Mobridge, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1951. She went to college at Augustana University and Black Hills Teacher’s College where she met and married William "Bill" Sutterer. They had four children together.
They lived at different Air Force bases in Texas and Okinawa, Japan, where she taught grade school and raised their children until 1966 when they returned to the Black Hills. She resumed teaching and owned the Villa Tap Room in Box Elder and the Twisted T Campground near Hill City.
She was an avid bowler and enjoyed painting pictures.
Carol will be remembered for her love of teaching children and her gift of conversation. She was sometimes referred to as the walking world book because of her vast knowledge of so many subjects. She will also be remembered for her fierce independent nature.
She is survived by three of her children, Nancy of Washington, Thomas (Laurie) Sutterer and Michael (Kim) Sutterer of Rapid City; and one sister, Ruth Herron of Rapid City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Inga Fischer; and son, William R. Sutterer.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, at Kirk Funeral Home.
Friends may leave their condolences at Kirk Funeral Home’s website.
BOX ELDER | Edith (Steinback) Hansen, 67, passed away on Feb. 6, 2019. Edith has gone to Heaven to join her family there after a lengthy illness.
Edith was born on June 30, 1951, to Gail and Eva (Jerred) Steinback in Brookings. She graduated from high school in Rapid City in 1969. In 1982, she married Frank Hansen and had 36 years of a wonderful marriage. They moved to Kentucky where she worked for the Postal Service until she retired. They moved back to Rapid City in 2014.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Hansen; step-daughter, Kristy Hansen of New Mexico; sister, Rita Conklin of Rapid City; nephews, Russel (Lisa) Conklin and Andrew (Katie) Conklin; great-niece, Novariana Conklin; and great-nephew, Zairy Conklin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gail and Eva Steinback; and her sons, TR and Michael Foster.
RAPID CITY | Todd Alan Tecklenburg, 55, died Jan. 31, 2019.
Black Hills Funeral Home
Thank you to all the family and guests for your attendance, service, music, food, and fellowship in Dee's honor. The family of Deloris Torres Sletten
Stanley Barber, 87 Rapid City
Laurie A. Bozzetti, 58 Rapid City
Edith Hansen, 67 Box Elder
Trudy Mae Hoskins, 84 Canon City, Colo.
L. Marie Kemper, 97 Anoka, Minn.
Shirley M. Lyons, 83 Rapid City
Carol A. Sutterer, 86 Rapid City
James 'Rusty' Swan, 84 Rapid City
Todd A. Tecklenburg, 55 Rapid City
Cheri M. Ellefson — 4 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City
