Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 29
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 3:22 p.m.
Michael Paul Illg
August 7, 1952 - July 27, 2015
Michael Paul Illg, 62, of Brookings, SD, passed away peacefully Monday, July 27, 2015 surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held 7:00pm Thursday, July 30th, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Michael Paul Illg was born August 7th, 1952 to Paul and Dorothy (Eustice) Illg in Owatonna, MN.
Michael graduated from Marion High School (Owatonna) in 1970. Soon after, he was drafted and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served until 1975. He was temporarily stationed in Guam and served at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, SD. While stationed at Ellsworth AFB, he served as part of the search and rescue during the Rapid City flood of 1972. When discharged, Michael moved to Sioux Falls and began work as a surgical technician at Sioux Valley and McKennan hospitals. Michael moved to Brookings in 1987 where he was employed at Brookings Health Systems until his retirement in November of 2014.
Michael was united in marriage to Charmayne Hendrickson on July 9, 1990. The couple made their home in Brookings.
He was a loving husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle and a loyal friend. Michael loved attending gatherings with his family and found great joy in attending the many activities of his grandchildren.
Michael was active in the Brookings Lion’s Club doing enucleations for corneal transplants. He loved camping, vacationing with his wife, following Jackrabbit athletics in Brookings and on the road with the Back of the Bus Gang, reading historical books and playing games with his grandkids.
Michael is survived by his wife, Charmayne of Brookings, SD; three step-children, Tiffany (Will) Masteller of Selby, SD, Adam Kaderlik of Minneapolis, MN and Crystal (Shawn) Helmbolt of Brookings; five grandchildren, Tanner, Macy, Preston, Tate and Lincoln; his father, Paul Illg of Owatonna, MN; two sisters, Jeanne (Tom) Schoenbauer of Faribault, MN and Mary Jo Lindmeier of Rosemont, MN and two nieces and one nephew.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and his mother-in-law, Lillian Hendrickson.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials directed to the SDSU Athletic Department in Michael’s name.
Erma M. Sutton
October 29, 1921 - July 1, 2015
Erma M. Sutton, 93, of Brookings, SD, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Brookings Health System. Her funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2015 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Brookings, SD. Memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church, to be used for the Seminarian Scholarship Fund.
Erma Mae Johnson was born on October 29, 1921 in Kiester, MN, the daughter of Johannes A. and Sarah O.(Gudvangen) Johnson. She grew up in the Kiester and Blue Earth, MN, area. Her family moved to Brookings in 1941.
She met Percy Sutton and they were united in marriage on November 27, 1947.
Percy and Erma purchased their own farm in 1968, located in Sterling Township, just northwest of Brookings. They farmed and resided in Brookings County their entire 67 years of marriage, until declining health caused them to move to United Living Community, Brookings, SD, in the fall of 2014.
She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Brookings.
Erma is survived by her husband, Percy; 2 sons, Dennis (Jenny) Sutton and Steven (special friend Marilyn Kudera) Sutton, both of Brookings, SD; 1 daughter, Barbara (James) Nelson, of Parker, SD; grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) Sutton, of Fresh Meadows, NY, Andrew (Emily) Sutton, of Sioux Falls, SD, Kaitlyn Sutton, of Brookings, SD, Johnathon (Stacy) Nelson, of Sioux Falls, SD, Jeffrey Nelson, of Parker, SD; 8 great-grandchildren, Felicity, Anastasia, Edith, Gemma, Marcella, Malia, Emma and Elliott; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents; 1 sister, Ardis (George) Stratton; and her mother and father-in-law, Anna P. and Perry D. Sutton.
Stanley Kopecky
July 3, 1931 - August 18, 2015
Stanley Kopecky, 84, of Elkton, SD, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at Brookings Health Systems. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, at Rude’s Funeral Home. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stanley Kopecky was born July 3, 1931 in Elkton, SD, the son of Frank and Frances (Kalousek) Kopecky. He attended country school until the 8th grade.
Stanley married Elaine Kroeger on February 29, 1956 in Pipestone, MN. He farmed for 10 years before he started working at Kjellsen Chevy Garage. In 1970, Stanley and Elaine bought the Bushnell Garage. They ran the business until 1977. He then started working at the Big Stone Power Plant just before moving to Sioux Falls, where he was employed by Hander Plumbing. In 1989, the family moved back to Elkton and Stanley started working at South Dakota State University as a plumber. He retired in 1998.
Stanley enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, hunting, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Stanley is survived by his wife, Elaine, of 59 years; daughter, June (Dan) Stuefen of Aurora, SD; son, Steven (Kathy) Kopecky of Elkton, SD; daughter-in-law, Dawn Kopecky-Jackson; seven grandchildren, Jason, Shannon, and Alex Stuefen, Sarah (Derrick) Hehn, Adam Kopecky, Marcus and Jonathon Kopecky; two great-grandchildren, Hudson and Sawyer Hehn; brother-in-law, Emil (Bev) Kroeger and James (Bev) Kroeger and sisters-in-law, Carol Kroeger, Carol (Fred) Seldon and Reta Jensen.
Stanley was preceded in death by two sons, Stanley and infant son Stacey; his parents; four brothers, Frankie, Milo, Joseph and Fred; one sister, Emily Hammer.
LeRoy C. Johnson
May 20, 1924 - August 14, 2015
LeRoy Charles Johnson, 91, of Brookings, SD passed away August 14, 2015 at Brookings Health System, Brookings, SD. Funeral Services have been set for 2:00pm Sunday August 23, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 12:00pm until the time of services at Rude’s Funeral Home.
LeRoy was born May 20th, 1924 to George and Sophia (Kleimola) Johnson in Ironwood, MI, on the family farm, the second oldest of three brothers. He was raised on a Truck Farm and Perennial Nursery which grew and marketed perennials to the entire country.
He graduated from L.L. Wright High School in Ironwood, MI. He entered the United States Army on January 11th, 1943 and was attached to the British Army for one year in England. He served as a liaison in France for 1 ½ years and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on January 11th, 1946. He attended Biarritz American University in Biarritz, France. He received a degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University.
He was united in marriage to Marie Audrey Peterson on June 28, 1947 in Ironwood, MI.
He practiced his profession in Toledo, OH and Kansas City, MO and was a faculty member at Kansas University Department of Architecture. He joined the faculty at SDSU in 1965 where founded the Landscape Architecture Program. He was instrumental in developing the SDSU campus master plan and developed numerous landscape projects on campus, including the original plan for McCrory Gardens. LeRoy retired from SDSU as an Associate Professor in 1987.
During his retirement LeRoy enjoyed canoeing with his friends from B.A.R.F., golfing, ballroom dancing and teaching ballroom dancing in Lakeland, FL, where he spent the winters.
He is survived by his two sons, Charles L. (Jackaline) Johnson of Henryville, IN and Craig P. (Carol) Johnson of Brookings, SD; two daughters, Caryn E. Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD and Candace L. (Michael) Rechtenbaugh of Sioux Falls, SD; one son-in-law, James McGowan of Palm Springs, CA; three brothers, Robert Johnson of Pasadena, TX, Paul (Genevieve) Johnson of Cupertino, CA and James (MaryEllen) Johnson of Camden, NJ; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marie Audrey; a daughter, Catherine A. McGowan; an infant daughter, Sandra Marie and a grandson, Collin Bauman.
Jean B. Brandsrud
September 23, 1930 - July 18, 2015
Jean B. Brandsrud, 84, of Federal Way, WA, formerly of Brookings, SD passed away Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center in Federal Way, Washington. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings. SD. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jean B. Cleveland was born on September 23, 1930 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Raymond and Gladys (Roussell) Cleveland. Jean attended school in Aurora and Brookings, SD.
She married Russell Brandsrud in 1949. In 1966, she moved to Seattle, WA and was employed at Sisters of Providence for 22 years. She returned to Brookings in 1999.
She enjoyed cooking, reading, playing bingo and long drives through the countryside just looking out the window.
Jean is survived by her two sons, David (Marge) Brandsrud, of Easton, WA and Rick (Sue) Brandsrud, of Everly, Ia ; three daughters, Kathryn (Richard) Anderson, of Monroe, WA, Susan (Darrell) Lott of Federal Way, Wa and Linda Newby, of Covington, WA; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; three sisters, Sharon Wobbema, of Brookings, SD, Barbara Olson, of Colorado Springs, Co and Carol Shelton, of Adelanto, Ca.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert Cleveland.
Robert Patrick McMahon
July 10, 1935 - August 17, 2015
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the St. Thomas More Catholic Cemetery, Brookings, SD.
Robert "Pat" McMahon, of Schertz, TX, died peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2015, at the age of 80. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, TX, 78154.
Robert Patrick McMahon was born July 10, 1935 to Dr. Glen and Mary (Lien) McMahon in Brookings, SD. Pat grew up in Brookings, and graduated from Brookings High School in 1953. He interned at Kendall’s Drug Store, while pursuing a degree in Pharmacy at South Dakota State University, graduating in 1957. He joined the U.S. Army as a hospital pharmacist and his first duty station was Walter Reed Army Medical Center (AMC) in Washington, DC.
After earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan, he married Sharon Williams, of Clear Lake, SD.
During his 20-year Army career, Pat worked at Tripler AMC in Honolulu, Valley Forge General Hospital in Pennsylvania, Beaumont AMC in El Paso, and Brooke AMC in San Antonio. His decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, The Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, he began a second career with the State of Texas doing investigative work for the vendor drug program. Pat had a passion for interacting with local pharmacists and traveling throughout the state and retired after 25+ years.
An avid golfer, Pat loved the game and played his entire life. In recent years, he stayed active by golfing daily (walking the course), traveling to cooler climates, and staying abreast of current events. His pharmaceutical background lent itself to mixing excellent cocktails, which he created while entertaining friends and family. His favorite holiday was St. Patrick’s Day. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Pat is survived by his wife, Sharon McMahon; children, Kathryn and husband Jack Bird of Dallas, Laura and husband David Frankenfield of Oklahoma City, Robert and wife Angela McMahon of San Antonio; grandchildren, Lindsay Bird, Robert Bird, Olivia Frankenfield, Tyler Frankenfield, Katalina McMahon, Blake McMahon, Luke McMahon and Jack Bird III; brother, Mike McMahon and his family of Dallas.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that a donation be made in Pat’s name to The First Tee of Greater San Antonio.
Kyle Wilhelm Denker Hovey
April 28, 1990 - July 25, 2015
Kyle Denker Hovey, 25, of Bruce, SD died on July 25, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home, in Brookings. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:30 pm until the time of the service at Rude’s Funeral Home.
Kyle Wilhelm Denker Hovey was born on April 28, 1990 in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Anne Denker and later adopted by Rolf Hovey. He grew up in Bruce, SD and attended Sioux Valley Schools in Volga.
He was united in marriage to Sarah Waite on May 1, 2010 at the Old Sanctuary in Brookings, SD. To this union they were blessed with two daughters Violet and Allison. He worked at Advanced Insulation Solutions until the time of his death.
His greatest joys in life were his two daughters of which he treasured every moment spent with them. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed being outdoors as well as working on vehicles. He also had a great passion for music and car audio systems.
Kyle will be sincerely missed by his wife, Sarah Hovey, of Brookings, SD; two daughters, Violet Grace and Allison Jo Hovey, of Brookings, SD; his parents, Anne and Rolf Hovey, of Bruce, SD; two brothers, Luke Hovey, of Aberdeen, SD and Henry Denison, of Clackamas, OR; two sisters, Chantelle and Abigail Hovey, of Bruce, SD; four grandfathers, Terry Denker of Wauneta, NE, Philip Denison, of Clear Lake, SD, Robert McWilliams, of Lubbock, TX and Ronald Saathoff, of Southport, NC; two uncles, Michael Denker, of Bruce, SD and Don (Shelly) Hovey, of Overland Park, KS; three aunts, Jan (Dave) Johnson, of Watertown, SD, Louise (Mike) Zuiderhof, of Bruce, SD and Mary (Russell) Bjerke, of Volga, SD; father-in-law, John (Janet) Waite, of Elkton, SD; mother-in-law, Donna (Robert) Nelson, of Brookings, SD; one brother-in-law, Martin McClure, of Tucson, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Jennifer (James) Schulte, of Brookings, SD and Elizabeth (Amanda) Waite, of Pierre, SD and a host of relatives.
He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Doris Grieme McWilliams, Madlyn Waite, Jo Boyd; grandparents, Rolf and Elsie Hovey; uncle James Hovey and great-uncle Homer Williamson.
Betty L. Cimino
August 4, 1929 - July 2, 2015
Betty L. Cimino, 85, passed away July 2, 2015 at Edgewood Vista, Brookings, SD. A remembrance gathering is planned for the fall. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Betty Louise Huffman was born August 4th, 1929 in McIntosh, SD, she moved to Bushnell, SD, where she attended school until the 8th grade. She moved to New York and worked as a hairdresser.
She and her husband, Louie, owned a bagel shop until they moved to Bushnell in 1986 and spent their retirement enjoying winters in Florida and summers in South Dakota.
She is survived by one son, Dennis Dokken (Darlene) of Brookings, SD; a sister, Blanche Schei of Luverne MN and a sister-in-law, Jeanette Huffman of Brookings, SD; two grandchildren, Brian Dokken of Brookings, SD and Kimberly Dokken - Nelson (Josh) of DeSmet, SD; four great-grandchildren, Tyson Salzman, Josie Dokken, Tori Dokken and Lecsia Dokken all from Brookings and many nieces, nephews and special friends (human and furry).
