Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 21
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 1:42 p.m.
V.R. Nelson
Jan, 20, 1921 April 28, 2012
Sioux Falls - V.R. Nelson, 91, professor of physics and aeronautics at Augustana College for 50 years, died Saturday, April 28, 2012, at his residence in Sioux Falls.
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Sioux Falls. Burial with military honors is at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.
Vernon Ronald Nelson was born to L. James and Cora (Bakke) Nelson on Jan. 20, 1921, at Webster. He graduated from Waubay High School, attended the University of Iowa, and graduated from Augustana College in 1944. He received his master's and doctorate degrees from the University of Colorado. He served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. His postdoctoral study was at Michigan College of Engineering; University of Illinois and University of North Carolina.
In 1946 he was appointed instructor in physics and mathematics at Augustana College, Sioux Falls. During a distinguished teaching career he served as chair of the physics and math department In the 1960s, directed by Nelson, Augustana operated the largest aviation ground school in the Upper Midwest and, in 1974, was selected as the test center for all aviation ratings.
He was the designer and builder of the first heart stimulator (defibrillator) used at McKennan, Sioux Valley, Mitchell and Parkston hospitals. He was a key figure in the design and installation of the electronic system at Zip Feed Mill, billed as the "world's most modern feed mill, " in Sioux Falls. He built the first transmitting equipment for Augustana's radio station, KAUR-FM . He was active as a consultant in accident reconstruction as well as the design and manufacture of gas controls for furnaces and water heaters. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Augustana Fellows, Augustana Booster Club, S.D. Academy of Science, American Institute of Physics, American Assn. of Physics Teachers, Natl. Science Teachers Assn., Sigma Xi National Research Honorary, and Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honorary. He served for many years as Federal Aviation examiner and was a certified FAA ground school instructor of private, commercial and instrument pilots. He was active in many local community agencies, including Good Samaritan Society and the United Day Care.
V.R. was the recipient of several honors and awards and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2008.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Nelson of Sioux Falls; a daughter, Cindy (Robert) Ellsworth of Madison; two grandsons; a great-grandson ; and a sister, Elaine McIntosh of Green Bay, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret (Meester) Nelson.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be directed to the Nelson-Ellsworth Scholarship Fund at Augustana College or First Lutheran Church Media Ministry.
Charles L. Christiansen
(October 1, 1915 - May 9, 2008)
Charles L. Christiansen, age 92, of Scottsdale, AZ, died May 9, 2008 at Scottsdale.
He was born October 1, 1915, at Madison, to Carl and Caroline (Boehmke) Christiansen. He graduated from Franklin High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University.
Charles was a veteran who served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force and also served in the Agency for International Development. Following his retirement from federal service, he worked for various U.S. corporations in the Middle East.
Survivors include three daughters, Caren (Jim) Pereira of Arizona, Janet (Steve) Castelpietra of New Jersey and Kimberly Christiansen of Texas; two sons, Charles Christiansen of Maryland and James (Sandy) Christiansen of Texas; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Paul (Audrey) Christiansen of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ann; and a half-brother, Ernest.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church on Satuday.
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 5, 2008 St. John Lutheran Church, Madison, South Dakota
Interment: Graceland Cemetery, Madison, South Dakota
Geraldine A. Gengler
April 4, 1919 - March 23, 2013
Geraldine A, Gengler, 93, of Brookings, passed away Saturday March 23, 2013 at White Care Center in White, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm Tuesday at Rude’s Funeral Home, in Brookings, with a Liturgical Wake Service starting at 6:30 pm.
Geraldine A. Theel was born on April 4, 1919 in Elkton, SD, the daughter of William and Adah (Anderson) Theel. She attended school in Elkton.
She was united in marriage to Milton Gengler on March 14, 1939. The couple moved to Sioux Falls, before living briefly in Montana and Pennsylvania. They then returned to Elkton where they farmed for a period of time. They made one more move to Le Mars, IA before moving to Brookings, SD. She always worked side-by-side with Milton in all of his business endeavors. They were blessed with five children, James, Patricia, Francis, Kathleen and Michael.
Geraldine and Milton traveled extensively in their retirement with their Winnebago Motorhome. They belonged to the South Dakota Ringneck Winnies Travel Club. She loved to bake and there was never a day in their home without chocolate chip cookies and lots of other goodies. Anyone could stop by for a minute and would end up staying for a delicious meal. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a friend with everyone she met. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing and planning all the family get-togethers.
She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and the ladies guild.
Grateful for having shared their lives are her children, Jim (Rita) Gengler, of Worthington, MN, Pat Vanderloo, of Sioux City, IA, Frank (Rolane) Gengler, of Rapid City, SD, Kathy (Stuart) Melby, of Brookings and Mike (Mary) Gengler, of Colman, SD; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Rose Marie McTague, Dorothy Johnson and Mary Kathryn Adams and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Milton; one grandson, Greg Gengler; a son-in-law, Rich Vanderloo; two brothers, Vinal and Vernon Theel and two sisters, Mary McCuen and Lois McClemans.
Dorothy 'Babe' Rook
June 18, 1916 - April 27, 2012
Rapid City - Dorothy 'Babe' Rook, 95, died April 27, 2012, at Fountain Springs Nursing Home, Rapid City.
Dorothy May (Oltmanns) Rook was the daughter of Mayflower and John Oltmanns. She was born on June 18, 1916 in Lake County, and spent most of her life in the Madison and Rapid City area.
She married William Rook in March 1935, and they raised their children on the family farm near Madison.
Besides assisting on the farm, she was a Stanley Home Dealer throughout the Madison area for numerous years. During this time, she belonged to the Lakeview 18, 1916, in Lake Ladies Extension Club and received honors for participating in 4-H for more than 20 years. After the death of her husband in 1971, she moved to Madison and then in 1977, she moved to Rapid City. She worked at Custer State Park until her retirement. After retirement, she did a lot of traveling with her sister, and she was happiest spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed the retirement center's Saturday Night Dance Club.
She is survived by her children: William (Donna) Rook, Fargo, N.D., Janet Hofeman of Madison, Joan (Ron) Kennedy of Fort Peck, Mont., and Jean Kennedy of Anchorage, Alaska; her 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren ; sisters, Velda Chin (California), Velma Robinson (Washington), and Joy Amouak (Oregon) and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, sister, brother, grandson, granddaughter, and great-grandson .
Memorial services will be held in June 2012 at Madison.
Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home.
John "Jack" B. Moberg
December 27, 1936 - April 1, 2013
John B. "Jack" Moberg, 76, lifelong resident of Brookings area, died on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Lake Norden, SD. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Rude’s Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.
John B. "Jack" Moberg was born on December 27, 1936 in Brookings, SD, the son of John B. and Golda (Bishop) Moberg. He grew up and attended school in Brookings, graduating from Brookings High School in 1956. He attended South Dakota State University and Dakota State University.
He was united in marriage to Marlys Headrick in Flandreau in 1958. They had three children: John, Marci, and Teresa.
He worked at S.D.S.U. Frost Arena for many years. He was very well-known for his ability to cook. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sportsman.
John is survived by his son, John W. Moberg of Sioux Falls, SD; two daughters, Marci M. Tingle of Sioux Falls, SD, Teresa L. Dirks of Dell Rapids, SD; six grandchildren, Chris Tingle, Ashley Tingle, Cody (Ariel) Ness, Dylan Moberg, Trenton Dirks, Brayden Dirks; one great-grandson, Lucas Kashmarek.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Anna Mae Johnston.
Kenneth Lentsch
Oct. 26, 1930 - April 28, 2012
Madison - Kenneth Lentsch, age 81, died at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls on April 28, 2012. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church with the Rev. Robert Vinslauski officiating. Burial with military honors is in the church cemetery .
There will be a parish scripture service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Weiland Funeral Chapel, which is in charge of the arrangements.
He was born at Winfred on Oct. 26, 1930, to John and Mary (Schoeberl) Lentsch. He married Joanne O'Hara at Ramona on Nov. 26, 1953.
He grew up on a farm by Winfred. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He returned to farming near Nunda. He also was a rural mail carrier for Nunda, Rutland and Ramona for 25 years. He was a 50-year member of the Nunda American Legion Post 105, Isaac Walton League and Sandpipers Camping Club.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne of Madison; two sons, Jeff (Darla) of Brookings and David (Eve) of Chester; two daughters, Mary "Jo Lynn" (Virtus) Strenge of Colman and Toni (John) Marko of Madison; nine grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; two brothers, Hank of Sioux Falls and Dick of Howard and a sister, Mildred Olson of Clark.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and a granddaughter - Valerie.
James D. Smolik
March 28, 1942 - February 28, 2015
James D. "Jim" Smolik, 72, of Brookings, SD passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2015 surrounded by family at the Brookings Health System, Brookings, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Friday, March 6, 2015 with a 7:00pm Rosary and Liturgical Wake Service to follow at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
James D. Smolik was born on March 28, 1942 to Tony and Viola (Alley) Smolik in Rapid City, SD. He attended Cathedral Grade School and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1960. He was a newspaper carrier for the Rapid City Journal and an active Boy Scout in his youth. He went on to attend the SD School of Mines in Rapid City, before transferring to South Dakota State University. He received his Bachelor’s degree in 1965, his Master’s degree in Plant Science in 1967 and a PhD in Plant Science in 1973, all from SDSU. During the years of 1965 - 1971, Jim was in the South Dakota National Guard, serving as a cook. He continued his career at SDSU as an Associate Professor in the Plant Science Department. His area of research and teaching was with nematodes and after discovering a new species, it was named in honor of him. Jim retired from SDSU in May of 2007. He was made a Professor Emeritus upon his retirement.
Jim married Anne (Wolff) Graves of Rapid City on July 16, 1988, becoming a stepfather to Mike and Matt Graves.
Jim was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church where he was involved in several ministries including teaching CCD, a Eucharistic Ministry, Sacristan and always willing to help with maintenance of the building and grounds. He was also involved with the Elks Club holding several offices over the years. He was a member of Dakota Rural Action.
Jim was very much an outdoor person, spending lots of time working in his yard, community garden plots, fishing, hunting, golfing, biking, digging for fossils on his uncle’s land in northwestern South Dakota, or hunting for agates in the Badlands of western South Dakota. An amateur paleontologist, he retrieved and re-constructed many dinosaur bones such as the one at the Brookings Children’s Museum. He was an avid birdwatcher and expert carpenter. He was always willing to share his knowledge of rocks, fossils, farming and the produce from his vegetable gardens. He was a loyal steward of the land believing in protecting our environment from pollution. He had a wonderful sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with people young and old alike.
His parents, infant brother, Joseph; twin sister, Joan; half- brother, Jack; father-in-law and two brothers-in-law preceded him in death.
Jim is survived by his wife, Anne of Brookings, SD; step-sons, Mike (Amber) Graves and their children, Ivy and Otto of Minneapolis, MN and Matt Graves of Jackson, WY; three sisters, Lynne Grabowska of Brookings, SD, Shary Bozied of Seattle, WA and Barb (Ed) Lee of Blaine, WA; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; an aunt; uncle; mother-in-law and many brothers and sisters-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dakota Rural Action or the Presentation Sisters.
Janice Irene Lengkeek
August 31, 1932 - January 8, 2015
Janice Lengkeek, 82, of Brookings, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at her home in Brookings. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church, Volga, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Janice I. Swenson was born on August 31, 1932, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the daughter of Carl and Olive (Sundal) Swenson. She was raised in Baltic, SD attended school in Lyons and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1950. She was united in Marriage to Gene Lengkeek on January 14, 1951. They were blessed with three children, Jerry, Pat and Greg. She raised the children and helped Gene for many years on the farm. She also worked for several years as a waitress at Sambo’s, Halstead’s and Pizza King in Brookings.
She was a member of Lake Campbell Lutheran Church and was a part of the Ladies Circle and a member of the Extension Club. She was an avid bowler and a Jackrabbit football and basketball fan, Kansas Jayhawks basketball and football fan and also followed the Minnesota Twins. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking and gardening. Most important to her, were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Grateful for having shared her life are her three children, Jerry Lengkeek, of Sioux City, IA, Pat (Mike) Lund, of Sioux Falls, SD and Greg (Susan) Lengkeek, of Sioux Falls; three grandchildren, Leigh, Lynn and Ashlee; four great-grandchildren, Braxton, Baileigh, Aspen and Aden and one sister, Evelyn (Derroll) Dennis, of Leesburg, FL.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gene, one son in infancy and one sister, Norma Heesch.
