William “Bill” Oligmueller

William “Bill” Oligmueller, 84, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 22, 2017 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester, celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2017 with a 6:30 p.m. rosary service and 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at St. Ann’s Church, Miller.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements.

Lynn Brown

Lynn Brown, 68, of Wessington, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday, June 12, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wessington with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial with masonic rites will follow at the Wessington Cemetery. Visitation will begin one prior to the funeral.

Lynn Edward was born on May 2, 1949 to Edward and Dorothy (Fritzsche) Brown in Huron, SD. He grew up in Nance Township, Beadle County and attended school in Wessington. He worked with his father on the farm and then as a metal worker at Vern’s Manufacturing in Wessington for 23 years.

Lynn enjoyed watching baseball (especially if the Twins were winning), working crossword puzzles in pen, attending auction sales, reading suspense thrillers, playing 9-point pitch with friends, and driving his side-by-side. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Wessington American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and Yelduz Shrine.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Brown of Cedar Falls, IA; one sister, Nola (Jerry) Roitsch, Bristol, SD; one step-brother, Steve Brown of Cedar Falls, IA; one step-sister, Denise Brown, Waterloo, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father, Edward Brown; his step-father, Harold Brown; one sister and brother-in-law, George and Connie Bates; and one step-sister, Cindy Flores.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Lynn’s arrangements.

Alice Wagner

Alice Wagner, 92, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held at one hour prior to the funeral.

Alice was born January 1, 1925 to Elmer and Helen (Huisman) Parsons. She attended elementary school in Glendale Township and graduated from Miller High School in 1944. On November 14, 1945 she married Beryl Wagner in Mitchell, South Dakota. To this union, two children were born, Carol and Gary.

Alice worked as the Hand County deputy auditor from 1966 to 1972 and then the assessor from 1972 to 1987. She later delivered the Huron Plainsman. She and Beryl farmed in the Corsica area until 1958; then moving to Alice’s family farm in Glendale Township to farm. In 1974, they moved into Miller to retire. In her free time, she and Beryl enjoyed going on Sunday drives and out to eat. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her son, Gary (Janet) Wagner of Mountain Home, ID; one granddaughter, Megan (Mathew) Neuman; three great grandchildren: Keenan, Connor, and Tyler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Beryl; and daughter, Carol Reck.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Alice’s arrangements.

Bud Johnson

Bud Johnson, 72, of Miller, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at his home.

Memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial followed at G.A.R Cemetery, Miller.

Clinton Royce “Bud’ Johnson was born August 26, 1944 to Trygve and Edith (Campbell) Johnson, the fourth of eight children. He attended rural school in Hand County and high school in Gann Valley. He was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict from 1965 to 1967.

On October 28, 1967, he married Nancy Heezen in Miller. They made their home in Hand County for 32 years. During this union, they were blessed with three children: Sondra, Sherry, and Troy.

Bud loved working with horses, shearing sheep, and working as a ranch hand. He drove truck, worked at Huron Dressed Beef and Darrel’s Rock, Sand, and Gravel. Bud loved playing pool, darts, cards, watching sports on TV, spending time with family, and visiting with the good ole boys. He also enjoyed attended 4-H events at the local and state level.

Bud is survived by his two children: Sherry (Greg) Schortzmann and Troy Johnson; four grandchildren: Christopher (Katie) Schortzmann, Melissa (Clint) Bohr, Emily and Shane Schortzmann; four great grandchildren: Hayden, Wyatt, Briella, and Brynlee Bohr; four brothers; Cecil (Rachel), Clayton (Karen), Robert (Bev), and Bill (Gloria); sister, Tryva; and numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Nancy Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Clair (Norma) and Stan (Diane); and his daughter, Sondra.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Bud’s arrangements.

Clifford Petersen

Clifford Petersen, 90, of Miller, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society of Miller.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 2, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, Miller with Pastors Kent Atkinson and Will Page officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Cliff was born October 18, 1926 to John and Laura (Landgrebe) Petersen in Watertown, South Dakota. He was thirteen years old when they moved to Miller. On September 11, 1948, he was married to Donna Haeffmen. Cliff had various jobs before he started working with the City of Miller; dedicating 30 years to the city before retiring in 1996.

He served as deputy for Bruce Hammill, when he was sheriff. He was a member of the fire department for 33 years; serving on the board for 6 years. Cliff enjoyed going hunting and enjoyed his grandkids very much, he loved taking them fishing and camping.

Cliff is survived by his three children: Barbara Petersen (partner, Jim Schafer) of Blain, MN, Charles (Mary Lou) Petersen of Deer Lodge, MT, and Judy (Jeff) Haessig of Redfield; two grandchildren: Amber (Bret) Lind of Rapid City and Dustin Haessig (Allison Nelson and Drew) of St. Lawrence, one great granddaughter, Audrey Marie Haessig; and one sister, Diane Hawbecken of Vegas, NV.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna and his parents.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Cliff’s arrangements.

Betty Beck Fink

Betty Fink, 78, of Colorado Springs, CO and formerly of Ree Heights, SD, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the University of Colorado Health at Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, CO surrounded by family.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the Ree Heights Auditorium with Pastor Sheena Thomson officiating. Burial will follow at the Morningside Cemetery in Ree Heights.

Betty was the third child of Howard and Grace (Williams) Beck on March 9, 1939 in Miller, South Dakota. She attended grade school through high school at Ree Heights; graduating in 1957. Betty married Norman Fink of Delmont, South Dakota, and had two children. A son Calvin in 1961 and a daughter Michelle in 1967. In 1963 the family moved to Farmington, New Mexico where Betty continued to live until 2012 when she moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to live with her son.

Betty worked at the First National Bank of Miller, South Dakota. She was a house wife and used babysitting for extra money. After her divorce, she worked full time at admissions at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico until she took a job as an archivist at the City of Farmington, New Mexico, working there until her retirement. Betty was a prolific and avid reader and Westerns by Zane Grey were some of her favorite.

She is survived by her son, Calvin Fink of Colorado Springs, Colorado; step son, Calvery Hogue of Phoenix, Arizona; one brother, Delton Beck of Ree Heights, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her daughter, Michelle Fink (1973); parents, Howard (1974) and Grace Beck (1978); her sister, Ellen Jones (2005); and her brother, Dean Beck.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Betty’s arrangements.

Pamela Sievers

Pamela Sievers, 72, of Brookings and formerly of Miller, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017 at her home in Brookings.

Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Rev. Max Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date at G.A.R. Cemetery in Miller.

Pamela was born November 26, 1944 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Ellwood and Margaret (Frye) Brandenburg. She grew up and attended school in Alpena until the eighth grade when they moved to a farm south of Miller. She attended Miller High School, graduating in 1962. Her formal education ended after one year of college in Brookings. Pamela then moved to Auburn, Washington where she worked as a dental assistant and childcare provider for Aunt Fran and Uncle Tucker Calkins.

Pamela married Terry Sievers on August 16, 1964. The next four years of their lives were spent living on air force bases in Texas, Arizona, and Michigan while Terry completed his military duty. Their daughter, Lynn Paulette, was born in Amarillo, Texas and twelve years later a son, Branden Scott, was born in Huron, South Dakota.

She understood the importance of community involvement, often taking on leadership roles in many organizations. She was very active on the both local and state level in Jaycettes. Miller Music Parents was another organization that was dear to her heart. Pamela was also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miller.

For many years she was the example of the true family matriarch. Her home was the place where memories were made and where the family gathered in times of joy and sorrow. She loved her grandchildren, strongly influencing their love for reading. Pamela was a very talented woman with sewing and crafts of any kind.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Kevin) Watts of Miller and her son, Branden (Lindsey) Sievers of Volga; four grandchildren: Alexis and Nathan Watts of Miller and Ryan and Dylan Sievers of Madison, Blaine Schwartz of Volga; longtime family friend, Peggy McInnis of Miller; aunt, Fran Calkins; niece and nephews: Morgan Brandenburg, Rick (Chris) Brandenburg, Kirk (Jill) Brandenburg, and Andrew Keeler; and many cousins and family friends.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Pam’s arrangements.

Lois M. Droppers

Lois M. Droppers, 89, of Miller, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 15, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral service.

Lois Maye was born to Ethan L. and Rozina (Behrens) Ades on September 30, 1927 in Boone, Iowa. She graduated from Boone High School and attended Boone Junior College. After college, she worked at an insurance company in De Moines, Iowa, James Hare States Attorney, Teacher Aide at Millerdale Colony, Hand County Hospital, Silver Grill, Osborns Grocery, and managed Super 8 and the Dew Drop Inn.

She enjoyed camping, fishing, driving to the river, and loved spending time with all her children. Being outside and visiting with people were some of her favorite pastimes.

Lois is survived by her children: Leann Blasdell of Huron, Keith Jr (Deb) Hart of Rapid City, and Ken (Lynda) Hart of Pierre; step-children: Morris (Joy) Droppers of Gaylord, MI and Lisa (Thomas) Enderson of Sioux Falls; two sisters: V. Pearl McCambrige of Boone, Iowa, and Helen Ufen of Philip; two sisters-in-law: Salley Ades of Des Moines, IA, and Jean Droppers of Yankton; grandchildren: Robbie (Camie) and Krissa Blasdell, all of Miller, and Nathaniel Hart of Pierre; great grandchildren: Cole, Lucas, Tre (Megan) and Taica Blasdell; great-great grandchildren: Jase Blasdell; many step-grandchildren and step great grandchildren; special friends, Patsy LaGrande and Dakota Auch; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; daughter, Barbara Hart; parents; sister, Della Holcomb and Geraldine Pierson; brothers: Donald Ades and twin brother, Lloyd Ades; seven sisters-in-law; and six brothers-in-law.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Lois’ arrangements.

Bernard “Tom” Casavan

Bernard “Tom” Casavan, 83, of Wessington, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, Wessington. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2017 at the church.

Bernard Bane Casavan was born September 6, 1933 in Crookston, Minnesota. The son of Arthur and Martha (Rhode) Casavan. He was baptized in the Christian faith. Bernard attended elementary school in Red Lake County, Minnesota. Bernard because known as “Tom” as he was referred to as a “tom cat” with cat like eyes.

Tom entered the United States Marines on February 1952 until February of 1955. He served in the Korean War. Following the Marines, Tom joined the Merchant Marines; stationed on the Great Lakes. From there, he moved on to become a tug boat pilot for the Corps of Engineers on the St. Lawrence Seaway in Northern New York.

Tom was united in marriage to Carolynn Thompson and they were blessed with six children: Jerry, Duane, Thomas, Carol, David, and Kae; thirteen grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.

In 1961, Tom started in the Bee Business with the help from his brother-in-law, William Robson. He continued with Casavan Apiaries until his passing. He was considered an outdoorsman, enjoying many hunting, fishing, and camping adventures.

Tom loved raising his family in the small town of Wessington. He was always involved with community projects and helping anyone needing anything. Tom was active with the Wessington Fire Department for over 50 years. He was an ordinary person always doing extraordinary things for his community. He was truly a “Home Town Hero”!!

Blessed to have shared in his life are his children, Jerry (Andi) Casavan of Indianapolis, IN, Duane (Peggy) Casavan of Stickney, Thomas (Shellie) Casavan of Grasston, MN, Carol Rowen of Wessington, and Kae (Jeff) Larus of Rapid City; grandchildren: Jami (Kara) Casavan, Kimberlee Casavan, Josh (Jiliana) Casavan, Joseph Casavan, Briditte (Cale) Setness, Amanda Casavan, Elise (Loren) Schmidt, Tommy and Ryan Casavan, Callie Jo (Lance) Moser, Betsy (Rafael) Clemente, Kayti (Rob) Ammerman, Stevette Black Bear, Jessy and Tabitha Larus.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolynn; son, David; and great-grandson, Cooper.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements.

Norma Jean Moser

Norma Jean Moser, 81, of Miller, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the Highmore Health in Highmore.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2017 at the St. Lawrence Community Church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, rural Wessington. Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Norma Jean was born August 12, 1935 to Lew E. and Elizabeth (Inez) Anderson in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. She grew up on a small farm near Gann Valley. She attended grade school in Buffalo County Country School, then high school in Wessington Springs, graduating in 1952. Norma then attended and graduated from Spearfish with a degree in teaching. She taught in rural school of Rose Hill until she married her true love, Elden (Fudder) Moser on July 7, 1954. They were married for sixty precious years before his passing in 2015. To this union, they were blessed with six children, three daughters and three sons. She was very proud of her 22 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. She cherished all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a large family, several in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

She never had time for hobbies or other events because she was always busy with children, cooking and canning. She did not work outside her home until her children were grown then she worked as a house keeper for over 20 years. She was a true caregiver for her husband, children and several others.

Norma is survived by her children: Linda (Leon) Snay of Miller, Cindy (John) Bowar of Huntsville, Alabama, Larry (Shirldene) Moser of Wessington, Eugene Moser of Ree Heights, Lawrence (Shannon) Moser of Highmore, and Barbara (Marlon) Weyand of Miller; 22 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Kelsey; sisters-in-law: Ida Moser, Elaine (Darrell) Peterman, Erma Woodruff, Sherry (Larry) Van Zee, Evelyn Moser, and Verda Anderson; brother-in-law, Richard (Ardessa) Moser; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her dear husband; parents; In-laws: Pauline and Henry Moser; brother, Robert Anderson; sister, Pat Oakley; brothers-in-law: Leroy, Clarence, Bud Moser, and Leonard Oakley; and two infant nephews: Robert Anderson and Darwin Oakley.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Norma’s arrangements.