Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 31
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 3:46 p.m.
John R. Wood
September 6, 1923 - October 31, 2015
John R. Wood passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, October 31, 2015.
He was born on September 6, 1923 in Urbana, Illinois, to Kenneth V. Wood and Agnes Wood (nee Nacke) and grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, with five brothers and two sisters. He joined the U.S. Navy at 17, at the beginning of WWII, and served for 30 years; 20 active duty and 10 in the Reserves.
John attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1959, while serving in the US Navy. After retiring from active duty in 1961, John moved to Brookings where he obtained a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Techniques and Conservation along with a minor in Journalism in June of 1965 from South Dakota State University.
In 1967, John joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Washington DC, area where he served many agencies and presidential committees for 31 years. He retired from the USDA senior executive core in 1998 and returned to Brookings to farm full-time. He farmed successfully for over 40 years in the Brookings area.
John is survived by his beloved wife Kathryn M. Wood (nee Parsley) of Brookings; one son, John D. Wood of Temple Hills, Maryland; two daughters, Letitia Lefebure (husband Richard) and Teresa Wood, both of Frederick, Maryland; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard T. Wood of Atlanta, Georgia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, with a Liturgical Wake Service beginning at 6:30 pm.
Phyllis L. Miller
March 26, 1922 - October 24, 2015
Phyllis L. Miller, 93, of Wessington Springs, SD and formerly of Brookings, SD, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Weskota Manor, Wessington Springs, SD. Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service.
Phyllis L. Spry was born March 26, 1922 in Mitchell, SD the daughter of Jesse and Etta (Fargo) Spry. Phyllis received her education from Mitchell Senior High School in 1940.
She was engaged to Warren G. Miller in February of 1942 and attended South Dakota State College while he served in the Navy during World War II. Phyllis graduated from SDSC in March of 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.
She taught Home Economics in Alexandria, SD, until she and Warren were married on January 6, 1946 in Mitchell, SD.
In 1946, they moved to Clark, SD as he took a position as the Vocational Agriculture instructor in the high school. During that time, there was born to them a son, Robert James, in April 1948 and a daughter, Julie Ann, in November 1951 and her career as a mother and homemaker began.
In 1953 they moved to Pierre, SD when Warren became employed in the state government. They moved to Mitchell in 1959 where Phyllis continued to support Warren and raised her family. She was involved in church activities, Beta Sigma Phi and other volunteer programs. In 1969, they moved to Pierre when Warren became the Director of the South Dakota Wheat Commission. While there, Phyllis was active in their church and worked as a day care provider. In 1981 they moved to Brookings where they retired and both became involved with their alma mater, SDSU. She worked with the SD Press Association office and Warren as the Environmental Safety Officer.
On December 30, 2002, Warren passed away and Phyllis remained in their home until she moved to Wesley Acres in Mitchell, SD in October 2008. Her final move was to Wessington Springs, SD where she resided at the Weskota Manor Avera.
She was a member of the Morningside Community Church where she was active in the Church Circle, the church Federated Women’s Club, Christian Women’s Club and the "Knit-Wits" Crafts in Pierre. She was also active in the senior Citizens, the Mitchell Methodist Hospital Auxiliary and the Pierre St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary.
Phyllis is survived by her one son, Robert "Toby" Miller (Barb) of Scottsbluff, NE; one daughter, Julie (Elton) Kaus of Wessington Springs, SD; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Warren.
Lillie A. Workman
April 29, 1921 - October 24, 2015
Lillie Agatha (Trygstad) Workman, 94, of Brookings passed away Saturday, October 24, 2015 at United Living Community in Brookings, SD. Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2015 at First United Methodist Church, Brookings, SD. Interment will be held at Sterling Methodist Cemetery in rural Brookings. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rude’s Funeral Home.
Lillie Agatha Trygstad was born on April 29, 1921 to Nels and Emelia (Erickson) Trygstad at her parent’s farm home in Lake County, South Dakota. She was the youngest of four children, attended country school and graduated from Volga High School in 1939. After her education, she was employed at Ben Franklin store in Brookings.
On October 28, 1945 she was united in marriage to George Perso Workman at the Lake Campbell Lutheran Church where she had been baptized and confirmed.
Family was important to Lillie; she emphasized the value of strong family by hosting gatherings and enjoyed to be surrounded by family. She loved to have people around her and always enjoyed a good laugh. Lillie was active in community activities and church life, serving in leadership roles. She was a member of Extension Club for over 50 years as well as an honorary member, was a 4-H assistant leader, and member of Petal Pals Garden Club. Lillie was an active church member her entire life, serving on many committees. As a member of Sterling United Methodist Church she served as Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, on various committees and as Officers of the United Methodist Women.
She was creative and had many skills: she was a skilled seamstress and quilter, making costumes, tailored garments, and other clothing for family members and friends. She made many quilts stitched by hand and machine, many of which she gave away. She was also skilled at knitting, crocheting, tatting and embroidery. Her skill at making wedding cakes soon turned into a side business with making wedding cakes for family, friends and neighbors. She gardened all her life both vegetables the family could consume fresh, as well as freezing and canning them large quantities. She loved growing flowers, with which she would make arrangements to share with others. Lillie continued to have large gardens of flowers and vegetables well past her 80th birthday. She was a good cook and baker of breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls, pies and thousands of lefsa.
Lillie and George enjoyed traveling all around the USA including Alaska and Hawaii as well as many, places throughout the world for several years after their retirement. One of her favorite trips was to Norway from where her ancestors came.
She is survived by her children, Dorothy Williams (Robert) of North Oaks, Minnesota, Karen Carmichael (Dennis) of Brookings, SD; Judy Peterson (Brian) of New Hope, Minnesota, George, Don and Dan Workman of Brookings; 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and 4 sisters-in-law, Wilma Trygstad, Vida Reed, Anna Taylor and Dorothy Workman, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; brother, Melford; two sisters, Neva and Electa; brothers-in-law, David Workman, Homer Nagel and Leon Nagel.
Vivian B. Mitchell
August 8, 1939 - October 29, 2015
Vivian B. Mitchell, age 76, of Huron, formerly of Renton, Washington passed away October 29, 2015 at her daughter’s home in DeSmet. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Iroquois, on Sunday, November 8th, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at a later date.
Vivian Beverly Lane was born on August 8, 1939 to Theodore and Hattie May (Ritter) Lane in Goodwin, SD.
She married Clarence Giedd in 1954. To this union, was born six children.
She raised her family on a farm near Henry, SD. Vivian then later lived in the Seattle area for many years. Vivian enjoyed sewing, canning, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her quilting expertise was enjoyed by many, as she sewed one for most she knew.
Grateful for having shared in Vivian’s life are her six children, Judy Griffith of Huron, Jane Hein of DeSmet, June (Kirby) Page of Iroquois, Tim Giedd of DeSmet, Jeff Giedd of Huron, Mike Giedd of DeSmet; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank, Dick (Jeanne) of Watertown, Chet (Dora) of Yuma, AZ; sisters, Lila Giedd of Peoria, AZ, and Ella Barnette; and sister-in-law Lisa Lane both of Watertown.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; 5 brothers, Bud, Wayne, Ted, Dale and Doug; 2 sisters, Shirley Thompson and Patricia Kuester; brothers-in-law, Emil Kuester and Alfred Giedd; son-in-law Steve Hein; grandson Michael Giedd Hein; and great-granddaughter Georgia Jean Salter.
Amy Jo Jones
(October 1, 1976 - August 11, 2008)
Amy Jo Jones, age 31, of Rapid City, South Dakota, died Monday, August 11, 2008, at her residence.
Amy Jo Mette Dixon was born October 1, 1976, at DeSmet, South Dakota to Vernon and Sherry (Mette) Dixon. She attended school in Madison, and moved to Rapid City to live with her Uncle Roger. She graduated from Stevens High School and received her CNA from Western SD Vo-Tech graduating in the top 5 of her class. She worked at a nursing home in Rapid City for a few years. During this time, she had a daughter Willow. Amy Jo loved attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard & Vi Mette and Walter & Georgia Dixon.
Survivors include one daughter, Willow Seree Jones of California; her parents, Vernon & Sherry Dixon of Madison; two brothers, Jeromey and Brandon of Madison; five sisters, Tara of Madison, Leah of Madison, LeAnn of Madison, Laura of Brookings and Emma Lee of Madison; and seven nieces and nephews, Michael, Caitlyn, Kyler, RJ, Hannah, Landon and Dylan.
Visitation: There will be no visitation.
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM Friday, August 22, 2008 Ellsworth Funeral Home, Madison, South Dakota
Interment: At a later date.
Albert T. Ruen
(July 9, 1906 - August 25, 2008)
Albert T. Ruen, age 102, of Madison, died Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at Madison Community Hospital.
He was born July 9, 1906, at Filmore County, Minnesota, to Henry and Maria (Thorson) Ruen. He farmed in Lake County all his life. He spent many hours fishing, hunting pheasants, gardening and playing cards. He was a member of Sinai Lutheran Church.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Edwin Ruen; and two sisters, Luella Jones and Clara Pederson.
Survivors include four sisters, Tilla Dixon of Salt Lake City, Utah, Alma Ferry of Madison, Mabel Oines of Madison and Hazel Pinkerton of Salt Lake City; and several nieces and nephews.
MEMORIALS: may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Foundation.
Visitation: Begins noon Friday, August 29, 2008
Prayer Service at 7:00 PM Ellsworth Funeral Home
Visitation continues one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Saturday, August 30, 2008 Ellsworth Funeral Home, Madison, South Dakota
Interment: Graceland Cemetery, Madison, South Dakota
J. Duane Colburn
April 28, 1925 - October 11, 2015
J. Duane Colburn 90, of Brandon, formerly of Brookings, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2015, at Bethany Meadows in Brandon. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.
J. Duane Colburn was born on April 28, 1925 in Appleton, WI, the son of John and Laura (Rohm) Colburn. Duane grew up in Madison, SD and was a graduate of the Madison High School in 1944.
Upon graduation, he served in the United State Navy from 1944 until 1946.
JD was united in marriage to Eunice McCoy in 1946.
He continued his education at SDSU graduating in 1950. He then started the Vocational Agricultural Department at Willow Lake High School. After five years, he opened a new vocational ag department in Clear Lake, SD, where he taught for two years. In 1957, JD accepted a position in the Agronomy Department at SDSU, where he taught seed courses and was manager of seed certification and secretary for the Crop Improvement for 22 years. He owned several farms and considered himself a city farmer. JD retired in 1978 and was employed with RBA Seed Company as director of their operations in Hawaii. In 1979, JD was employed with Sokota Hybrids to direct their sunflower research. In 1989, his programs were sold to a French seed company for which he consulted for several years.
JD was an avid sportsman and was named Conservationist of the Year in 1979. He was a founding member of the Big Sioux Bowmen Archery Club of Brookings. He was also active in many groups including the American Legion, VFW, Society of American Agronomy, NRA, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Gamma Sigma Delta, South Dakota Bow Hunters, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.
Duane is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eunice of Brandon, SD; three sons, Zoell Colburn of Littleton, CO, Lorre (Vicki) Colburn of Sioux Falls, SD, Jon Colburn of Chandler, AZ; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Lee, his daughter-in-law, Connie, and two sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the Lee or Connie Colburn Memorial Scholarships at SDSU
Charles R. McMullen
November 28, 1942 - October 27, 2015
Charles "Chuck" R. McMullen, 72, of Brookings, SD passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at his residence, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Rude’s Funeral Home with a Prayer Service beginning at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Chuck’s name to the Brookings Humane Society, the Brookings Food Pantry, or the Brookings Wildlife Federation.
Charles Ronald McMullen was born on November 28, 1942 in Pierre SD, the son of Charles B. and Mary E. (O’Rielly) McMullen.
He grew up in the Pierre and Ft. Pierre area and graduated from Ft. Pierre High School in 1961. Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern State University and his master’s degree and doctorate from South Dakota State University.
He was united in marriage to Marcia Thompson on August 5, 1967 in Pierre, SD.
He was a champion in promoting the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. During his 36 years at SDSU, he served as department head and professor of biology and microbiology as well as Director of Academic Programs and Associate Dean of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. Chuck retired in 2002. In 2005, he was called out of retirement to serve ten months as Interim Dean for the College of ABS. He received many awards including Distinguished Alum, SDSU; Ag/Bio Teacher of the Year, SDSU; Teacher of the Year, The National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. He was also recognized for his service to many organizations, including The Oak Lake Field Station and The Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory.
He was a member of several clubs including The Lions Club, The Brookings Wildlife Federation, Brookings Car Club, and advisor for the SDSU parachute club and other campus organizations.
Chuck was a man with many interests. He loved Mustangs and especially the camaraderie of other car lovers he met at the Sturgis Mustang Rally. He was passionate about hunting and fishing and traveled to Canada and Alaska for fishing trips. As a member of Prairie Striders, he competed in many races, including nine marathons.
Chuck and Marcia enjoyed their travels to the Black Hills, Branson, Hawaii, Alaska, England, Wales, Scotland, where they attended the Edenborough Tattoo, and the country on his bucket list, Ireland. He especially liked the trip he and Marcia took to Disney World with their entire family.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Marcia McMullen, of Brookings, SD; son, Mark (Tina) McMullen, of Brookings, SD; daughter, Nicole (Mike) Ness, of Rochester, MN; five grandchildren, Tyler, Malena, Ethan, Connor, and Kirsten; three sisters-in-law, Karen (Chuck) Humphrey, Linda (Larry) Adams, and Sandy (Chuck) Schlueter; brother-in-law, Marvin Nystrom; and a host of other relatives.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents (Charles and Mary); parents-in-law (Harold and Alice Thompson); sister, Barb Nystrom; and sister-in-law, Debra Thompson-Norton.
