Shirley Mae (Davis) Jones

Shirley Mae Jones, 83, of Kearney, passed away at her home Sunday, July 5, 2020. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., July 11, 2020 at the Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dean Pofahl officiating. The burial will follow the service at the Kearney Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to AseraCare Hospice of Kearney.

Shirley was born May 20, 1937 in Miller, South Dakota to Edison and Bernice (Witte) Davis. She grew up on the family farm near Miller, South Dakota, and graduated from Miller High School in 1955. Shirley married Jack Jones in Miller, South Dakota on July 14, 1957. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Tuesday. She received her C.S. Degree in South Dakota in 1958. They lived in Niobrara, Nebraska, Audubon, Iowa, Malvern, Iowa, and then Kearney for the last 37 years. Shirley worked as the lead waitress at the Kearney Holiday Inn and the Younes Center for over 25 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney and in 1994 became an honorary member of Dobytown Kiwanis. Shirley was a faithful Husker fan. She selflessly never forgot a birthday or anniversary for her family. Her tacos and chili were legendary. Shirley genuinely touched many lives and will be greatly missed. In typical Grandma fashion, Shirley took her last breath in her home surrounded by her family listening to “Choices” by George Jones. It was peaceful and exactly what she would have wanted.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Jack Jones of Kearney; daughter, Sandy (Alan) Byers of Council Bluffs, IA, Peggy Leu of Nebraska City, NE, Sharon (Tom) Jones of Omaha, NE, Cathy (Keith) Bryant of Centennial, CO; grandchildren; Jason (Mindy), Bryan, Christopher (Tina), Sarah (Dustin), Jennifer (Joe), Staci (Justin), Brittany (Matt), Carissa (James), Aaron, and Kelsey; great grandchildren, Emily, Mallory, Cami, Henry, Brecken, Teegan, Ashtin, Kade, Isla, Gatt, Reese, Riley, Raygan, Tyler, and Wyatt; brothers, Russell and Gary Davis of Miller, SD; sister, Donna Welch of Pierre SD; sisters-in-law, Beverly Jennings of Pierre, SD, Helen Raber of Longmont, CO, Ruby Gooden of Gilbert, AZ; many other family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Roger and Ronald Davis, and sister, Diane Hague.

Elizabeth “Bette” Wallman

Elizabeth “Bette” Wallman, age 87, of Miller, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Center at Miller.

On July 14th, a family only service was held at the Kuhler Funeral Home.

Bette was a spark of joy to all she came in contact with. She embraced Christianity with a kind and caring attitude and also unconditional love. Bette earned a BA and MA in music. She served several towns in SD and MN. She enjoyed teaching 3rd-8th elementary grades. She was also successful with grades 9-12 in that many students and groups received superior at regional contests.

After teaching for many years, Bette chose to teach private vocal lessons and enjoyed it greatly. In 1972, John Wallman responded to a newspaper ad for vocal lessons by Bette Goudy. She and John met in November. John proposed on Ides of March 1973 and married June 23.

During years in Madison, Minnesota, Bette played organ and keyboard for congregation and choir. She also accompanied other singers and was a devoted choir member for several years. Her beautiful voice stood her in good standing as a soloist. John was the tenor section input as choir members came and went. He was at his best when singing with Bette several times.

Bette enjoyed traveling. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in Winnipeg, Canada and the 25th in San Francisco. They also took in local concerts, praise musicals as well as many genres including opera.

Bette is survived by her loving husband; brother, Gary (Pat) Goudy; sister-in-law, Jean Tonneson; one niece and seven nephews.

Greetings may be sent to 669 Dakota Ave. N Huron, SD 57350-4615

Gordon Pollock

Gordon Pollock, 84, of Miller, passed away Monday, July 6, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Rev. Max Miller officiating. Burial with military honors at Howell Cemetery, rural Miller.  A walk-through public visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

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

Carol Ann Waight

Carol Ann Waight, age 62, of Miller, SD, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Carol Ann Waight, the daughter of George and Ida (Fail) Martin was born on April 28, 1958 in Albany, Georgia. She attended school and graduated from High School.  Carol worked as a regional manager for Denny’s Restaurants for many years. She also owned and managed her own restaurants over the course of her career.

Carol loved gardening, was a hard worker, and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a talented singer and sang in several quartets.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her children, Greg Parker of Independence, MO, and Julie Cochran of Miller; two grandchildren, Zander Fells of Miller and Brooklynn Parker of Independence, MO; two brothers, Jerry (Judy) Martin of Wolsey, and Mike (Sue) Shea of Iroquois; one sister, Naomi (Gene) Williams of Charleston, SC; and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers and a sister.

Don Bahr

Don Bahr, State Champion boxer, 40-year veteran of law enforcement, creator of art from agates, and prolific writer of sweet notes to the love of his life, PJ, joined Heaven unexpectedly on June 24, 2020.

Born in 1944, Don attended school in St. Lawrence and Miller and grew up with siblings, Jerry, Joe, and Gloria. After two tours in Vietnam, Don fathered three children, Chad, Mia, and Wade. He later became dad to John and Mary when they were 5 and 3.

33 years ago, Don met Patti Johnle. They nicknamed each other PJ and DB and married on Christmas Eve in 1991. They texted each other like teens in love up to his last day.

A Celebration of DB’s life was held Monday, June 29 at Fountain Springs Church.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of DB, the family asks you love your spouse, children, and family as well as Don did.

Joe Poindexter

Joe Poindexter, 78, of Ree Heights, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Celebration of Joe’s life will be 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2020 at the Midway Drive-In at Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration and will bJe able to tune into radio station FM 89.1 to hear the service.  Private burial will be at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller.

Thomas Joseph “Joe” Poindexter was born November 7, 1941 at Big Spring, Texas to T.J. and Frances (Clements) Poindexter.  At the age of 8, the family moved to Pierre, South Dakota and in 1952, they moved to the ranch north of Ree Heights.  Joe graduated from Ree Heights High School in 1960.  He spent two years at Brookings for college before transferring to the University of Minnesota obtaining his Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine (DVM).  Joe returned to the ranch and started his veterinarian practice.

On August 22, 1964, he married Joyce Rogers at the Ree Heights Community Church.  This union brought four children: Janelle, Jolene, Jennifer, and Jay.  Joe and Joyce made their home on the family ranch where they farmed and ranched, Joe also working as a veterinarian and raising a family.

Joe’s faith in the Lord was an important and central part of his life.  He was a charter member and helped start First Baptist Church in Miller.  He taught adult Sunday School for nearly 30 years.  In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was known to have a sweet tooth, enjoying all sweets.  Joe loved working with his clients; always willing to spend extra time with clients and commented often how much he learned from them.  He loved his ranch and cattle, especially his dogs on the ranch.

Grateful to have shared in Joe’s life is his wife, Joyce of Ree Heights; children: Janelle (Jon) Jessen and daughters, Sydney and Sara of Ree Heights; Jolene (JJ) Schall and children, Jordan and Jesse of Onida; Jennifer (Mike) Runge and sons, Briggs and Kagan of Ree Heights; and Jay (Arla) Poindexter of Ree Heights; sister, Paula (Terry) Spilde of Highmore; brother-in-law, Orval (Millie) Rogers of Ree Heights; sister-in-law, Betty Haetten of Halstead, Kansas; special aunt, Sandra Poindexter; special cousin, Mike (Carole) Clements; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and clients.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents, T.J. and Frances Poindexter; parents-in-law, Ray and Gladys Rogers; and grandparents: Joe and Minnie Poindexter, and Wylie and Mattie Clements.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed to the Good Samaritan Society – Miller, 421 E 4th Street, Miller, S.D. 57362 or charity of your choice.

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

Theresa Arens

Theresa Arens, age 91 of Yankton, SD passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at her home. A private funeral mass with live streaming will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with the Rev. Fr. Larry Regynski as Celebrant. The live streaming address is: https://www.facebook.com/opsahlkostel/live. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Drive up window visitation will be 5 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 8 at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory in Yankton. Arrangements are under the direction of Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory in Yankton. Online condolences may be made at: http://www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.
Theresa was born October 12, 1928 to Bernard and Mary (Wiepen) Brand in rural Orient, SD. They returned to the family farm in St. Helena, NE in 1940. There she graduated from District 17, which was located at the end of their driveway. She married Ben Arens on July 8, 1946 in St. Helena, NE. In 1948, Ben and Theresa moved back to her childhood farm at Orient, SD, where they farmed for 50 years and raised their family together through the good times and the bad. Ben and Theresa were blessed with thirteen children. In 1994, Ben and Theresa retired and moved to Yankton, SD. She enjoyed playing cards, in particular Sheepshead, with family and friends. In retirement, Theresa remained active. Ben and Theresa enjoyed traveling together. She was a member of The Center and worked in the kitchen for many years. Her priorities were faith and family: she participated in Catholic Daughters and Right to Life events and spent countless hours with her grandchildren, especially by attending their musical and sporting events.
Theresa is survived by her twelve children: eight sons, Vern, Bill, Len (Donna), Mike (Tara), Jim (Donna), Tom (Terri), and Paul, all of Yankton, Louie (Michelle) of Orient, SD and four daughters, Delores Ballert of Lead, SD, Mary (Jim) Suing of Fordyce, NE, Rita (Mark) Nelson of Mission Hill, SD, and Kathy (Paul) Hejna of Yankton, SD; twenty-nine grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Liz Brand; and many nieces and nephews.
Theresa is preceded in death by her husband, Ben; one son, Joe; one son-in-law, Paul Ballert, and two daughters-in-law, Sandy and Carol Arens; one brother, John Brand; two sisters, Jean Mueller and Henrietta Arens; and three brothers and three sisters in their childhood.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to The Center (900 Whiting Drive).

Joshua “Josh” Joseph LaBau

Joshua “Josh” Joseph LaBau, 42, of Polson, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at his home. He was born October 12, 1977 to Val and Sally LaBau in Miller, SD.

Throughout his upbringing Josh lived in Miller, SD, Thousand Oaks, CA, Seattle, WA and Helena and Missoula, MT. Josh went to Helena High School and graduated in 1996. In 2011, he graduated from the University of Montana Pharmacy Program with High Honors after receiving his undergrad from UM. On June 24, 2011, he married Colleen Tone in Missoula. The couple lived there until Josh got a job with CSKT Tribal Pharmacy and relocated to Polson in late 2012.

Josh loved spending time with his dog Riley, being out on his paddleboard and mastering wake surfing on Flathead Lake. He was an avid Bills and Flyers fan. Josh found joy keeping busy with his next project out in the yard, socializing with friends over video games or pulling a prank on a buddy.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen; sisters and brothers Kari (Ron) Weber, Helena; Pat Andersen, Helena; Michael (Sylvia) Andersen, Minnesota; Ralph Andersen, Oklahoma; Rob Andersen (Pamela), South Dakota. Josh held his nephew Jon (Jennifer) Andersen, Helena dear to his heart, who grew up alongside him as a brother. Josh loved spending time with his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Shannon LaBau.

Services are pending due to the COVID-19 environment. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Polson, MT.

Geraldine Jeanette “Jerry” Van Zee

Geraldine Jeanette “Jerry” Van Zee, 89, of Miller, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller. Jerry spent Mother’s Day in Heaven.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private family funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the St. Lawrence Community Church with Pastor Jim Hofman officiating. Extended family and friends may view the funeral service on the churches Facebook page. Private burial will follow the funeral service at the St. Lawrence Cemetery.

A walk-through public visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Reck Funeral Home in Miller.

Geraldine “Jerry” Jeanette was born to Dorcie D and Nettie Marie (Carlson) Jenkins August 19, 1930 in Hand county. She attended school in Miller and was a proud member of the graduating class of 1948. Upon graduation, she moved to Pierre; while there in 1950 she met her “sister” Marlene Knudtson, who has been a constant blessing in her life.

On September 19, 1954 she married the love of her life, Kenneth Van Zee. They survived many ups and downs in their over 65 years of marriage. They started out their marriage on a farm south of St. Lawrence. From there they moved to Pierre for a few years before returning to the Van Zee farm east of St. Lawrence where they lived until they moved to Miller in 2006.

To this blessed union two amazing children were born: Kenette Kay on November 18, 1959 and Dean Alan on March 30, 1964. This led to their five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Throughout her life she had various jobs. She worked at the Green Lantern restaurant, Fairmont Ice Cream store, the Department of Health and the auditor’s office in Pierre, REA, Miller Implement, Midwest Supply, Pump N Pak, and Hand in Hand Daycare.
For most of her married life, they lived and worked on the farm where they spent countless hours in the field and milking cows. They happily retired from milking in 1996.

She was involved in a lot of clubs and organizations throughout her life. She became a member of the Community Church of St. Lawrence in 1955 where she taught VBS and Sunday School, participated in the Women’s Missionary Society, funeral committee, Bible studies and countless other groups.

Jerry moved into the Miller nursing home on March 28, 2017.

Blessed to have shared her life are her husband, Kenneth of over 65 years; two children: Kenette (Rod) Rogers of Ree Heights and Dean (Sherrie) of St. Lawrence; grandchildren: Nathan Van Zee of Miller, Lucas (Kyra) Van Zee of Ellendale, North Dakota, Mitchell Van Zee of St. Lawrence, Erin (Zach) Sybesma of Ree Heights, and Samantha Rogers of Ree Heights; one great grandchild, Brooklyn Charlotte Van Zee of Ellendale, North Dakota; sister, Marlene Knudtson of Pierre, and her children, Shirlene (Dennis) Smooke of Aberdeen and Bruce Knudtson of Custer.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dorcie on February 14, 1976, and her mother, Marie on November 7, 1995.

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

Donald Schaefers

Donald Schaefers, 95, of Rapid City and formerly of Polo, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Due to the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, a private funeral Mass will be held. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo, S.D.

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