Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 35
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Helen Marie Town
January 20, 1936 - June 15, 2018
Helen M. Town (nee Miller), 82, of Brookings, SD, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018 at Brookings Hospital, Brookings, SD. Memorial Services have been set for 10:30am Saturday, June 30, 2018 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 9:30am until the time of services at the church. In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to two of Helen’s passions, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or the Lake Campbell Sportsman’s Club.
Helen M. Town was born January 20th, 1936 the daughter of Harry D. and Hazel I. Miller (nee Sackner) and married Ralph H. Town on June 18th, 1955.
Always active, Helen relished motherhood and raised three sons while moving around the country from one National Wildlife Refuge to another. Helen worked in various jobs from waitressing at 15, when she met a handsome youth named Ralph, to secretary of the National Appraisers Association of the United States and continued to work when Ralph retired to Brookings SD. She became active in her church, and greatly enjoyed gardening, cooking for her family and others, crochet, and a good hand of bridge. She raised chickens in her spare time as a nod to the Farm in central Virginia where she spent many enjoyable weekends with dear friends.
Helen is survived by her sons, Crisfor (Kerri) of St. Paul, MN and Charles (Paula) of Lakeville, MN; her grandchildren, Mathew, Halcyon, Hilary, Samantha, Gwendolyn, Rebecca, Alexander, Ezekiel, John Daniel, and A. Seraphim.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph, first born son, Chadwick Buford, and granddaughters, Heather and Megan.
David A. Steen
May 7, 1951 - July 14, 2018
David Steen, 67, of Brookings, unexpectedly passed away while on a fishing trip at the Missouri River on July 14, 2018. He was a lifelong resident and businessman at Steen Bookkeeping in Brookings. Memorial services will be 11:00 am Saturday, July 21, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, at Rude’s Funeral Home, in Brookings.
David’s family requests that all who attend come casually dressed to remember David.
David Allen Steen was born on May 7, 1951 in Brookings, the son of Leon and Donna (Kennard) Steen. He attended school in Brookings and graduated in 1970. David enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard and worked for the Brookings Parks and Recreation Dept. He married the love of his life, Julie Neuschwander on August 27, 1976 in Brookings, SD. The couple was blessed with three children, Kellee, Bobby and Danny. After his father’s death, David joined his brother, Craig at Steen Bookkeeping where he spent his 40 plus year career.
Over the years, David and Julie enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. He had a passion for going to the River, fishing with family, friends and especially his grandchildren. David was a strong, independent man, meticulously taking care of his yard and vehicles. He was an avid sports fan and a member of the original chain gang for SDSU Jackrabbit football. David was fortunate to work with his three children at the office and extremely proud to teach his children the value of hard work. He always enjoyed "One More Shirley."
Grateful for having shared his life, is his wife of 41 years, Julie Steen; daughter, Kellee (Brett) Torgrude; two sons, Bobby Steen (special friend, Ashley) and Dan Steen; his deeply loved and cherished grandchildren, Mesa and Cullen Torgrude and Allie Steen; mother, Donna Steen, all of Brookings; two brothers, Gary (Mary) Steen, of Colorado Springs, CO and Craig (Pam) Steen, of Volga, SD and his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Leon.
Donna J. Ahlers
December 28, 1955 - August 2, 2018
Donna J. Ahlers, 62, of Brookings, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2018, following a brief battle with cancer at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday at Rude’s Funeral Home with a Liturgical Wake Service beginning at 6:30 pm.
Donna Jean Knuth was born on December 28, 1955, in Flandreau, SD, the daughter of Don and Jean (Bird) Knuth. She grew up on the family farm near Elkton, SD, attended school in Elkton and graduated in 1974. She moved to Brookings, where she worked at White Mart for a number of years and later at Coast to Coast Warehouse for 19 years. She was united in marriage to Duane Ahlers on July 12, 1991, in Brookings, SD. She ran an in-home daycare and later retired.
Donna enjoyed tending to her vegetable garden and flower beds, canning vegetables, baking, camping, hunting, fishing, birdwatching and feeding them. She loved her Dachshunds and Black Labs. Donna was a very caring and loving person, she will be remembered for being a great-daughter, wife, sister and friend. She was an avid card player, playing cards with Duane, and making sure her camping trips were filled with card games, visiting and having a good time with her dear family and friends.
Grateful for having shared her life, is her husband, Duane Ahlers, of Brookings, SD, mother, Jean Knuth, of Flandreau, SD; three sisters, Kathy (Randy) Larson, of Armour, SD, Ginny (Dale) Groepper and Traci (Mike) Johnson, all of Brookings, SD; one brother, Dan Knuth of Elkton, SD and her many nieces and nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Don Knuth.
Gladys E. Drucker
April 13, 1917 - June 23, 2018
Gladys E. Drucker, 101, of Brookings passed away Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the United Living Community, in Brookings. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, July 16, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE at a later date.
Gladys Evelyn Drucker born on April 13, 1917 in Crofton, NE, the daughter of Charles and Hazel (Tague) Merchen of Valentine. The family moved to South Dakota where Gladys graduated from the White River High School. She continued her education at Southern State College at Springfield, SD receiving her BS Degree in elementary education. She taught for many years in various schools in Todd County, the first being He Dog Elementary at Parmalee in the early 50’s and moving on to Mission Elementary
Gladys was united in marriage with Howard L. Drucker in 1940 and had three children. Together they owned and operated two businesses in Mission (Drucker’s Texaco and 18-83 Drive In). They retired to Valentine, NE where they were active at the Senior Center for many years. Howard died in 1999. Gladys then moved to Brookings, SD to be near her daughter, Lois.
Gladys was a long-time member of the Methodist Church and active with the Eastern Star. She enjoyed hand work, bridge, and golf and was an avid reader.
Gladys is survived by her daughters Carol (Thomas) Buchl of Bella Vista, AR, Lois (Dennis) Blocker of Copley, OH, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, Merle, and two brothers.
Wilbert "Bill" L. De Vries
December 11, 1931 - July 18, 2018
Wilbert Leonard ‘Bill’ De Vries, 86, of Elkton, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at the Brookings Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, July 23, 2018 at Faith Reformed Church, in Brookings.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm Monday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, in Ireton, IA.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings.
Arlen E. Rosvold
October 6, 1935 - July 12, 2018
Arlen E. Rosvold, 82, Brookings, SD, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, Thursday, July 12, 2018. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Monday, July 16, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Arlen E. Rosvold was born in Granite Falls, Minnesota the son of Wilhelm and Selma (Lee) Rosvold. Arlen received his education in public school in Cottonwood, MN. He then entered the United States Air Force where he served during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the military he continued his education at VMI (Virginia Mechanics Institute) in Richmond, Virginia, where he received his apprenticeship for tool and die maker.
In 1958, he lived in Chester, VA where he was employed by, Revere Mold and Engineering until 1966. He was united in marriage to Jane C. Huver on June 10, 1967 in Nashau, IA. Arlen was also employed at Honey Well, D&R Tool and later Viking Industries in the Twin Cities area.
In 1975, they moved to Brookings, SD where he was co-owner and operator of Falcon Plastics for almost two years until working for 3M Company in Brookings for one year. In 1978, he started Royal Plastics, which is now owned by the 2nd generation.
Arlen was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Brookings, the VFW, the American Legion the B.P.O. of Elks and Brookings Civil Air Patrol. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, amateur ham radio, piloting small air craft for many years and telling stories. Arlen and his wife spent many enjoyable years wintering at Carriage Manor in Mesa, Arizona.
Arlen is survived by his wife, Jane Rosvold of Brookings, SD; two daughters, Melanie (Bill) Schweitzer of Chanhassen, MN and Renee (Rick) Novak of Brookings, SD; two sons, Steve (Genny) Peterson of Waukee, IA and Mike (Mary) Peterson of Brookings, SD; four grandsons and five granddaughters; six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dorothy.
Gary L Ponto
July 6, 1943 - July 21, 2018
Gary L. Ponto, 75, of Brookings, SD, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Brookings Health System, Brookings, SD. Funeral Services have been set for 10:00 am Thursday, July 26, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Gary L. Ponto was born on July 6, 1943 in Brookings, SD the son of Homer and Sarah (Overskei) Ponto. Gary grew up and attended school in Brookings, SD and graduated from Brookings High School in 1961. He continued his education for a short time at South Dakota State University.
Gary was united in marriage to Barbara Evans on July 5, 1974 in Brookings, SD. After their marriage they farmed near Brookings until his retirement in 1990. Barbara died on October 12, 1990 in Brookings, SD.
Gary was very active in the 4-H Club, an avid fan of the Twins, Vikings and SDSU Jackrabbits. He was in the Brookings Bowling Hall of Fame.
Gary is survived by his sister-in-law Karen Ponto of Rapid City, SD; nieces, Lori Ponto of Brookings, SD and Kristin (Dusty) Kiner of Rapid City, SD; two great-nieces, Brianna Even of Brookings and Allison (Cole) Carda, Northville, SD and a great-nephew, Sean Kiner of York, NE.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barbara, brother, Warren, son, Michael and niece, Jennifer Even.
Manley "Pete" Arthur Kirby
March 4, 1942 - July 7, 2018
Manley Arthur ‘Pete’ Kirby, 76, of Brookings, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the Arlington Care and Rehabilitation Center. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, July 13, 2018 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon. Pete requests that all who attend come casually wearing blue jeans.
Pete requested that memorials of canned goods be given to the Brookings Food Pantry.
Manley Arthur Kirby was born on a farm south of Aurora on March 4, 1942, son of Mann and Dorothy (Nebendahl) Kirby. He spent his early years in Aurora and received his education in Aurora.
Manley served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1963 at Corpus Christi, TX and Midway Island. After his honorable discharge he returned to the Aurora area.
He began employment with Sokota Hybrids (later owned by Agri Pro) and worked there for 31 years, where he spent many years working in sunflower research. He also worked for Larson Manufacturing for 13 years and 1 day. He retired from Larson Manufacturing in 2007.
His nickname was "Pete" and most people didn’t know his real name. He like to garden and give his vegetables to those who didn’t have any. Manley like to build wood storage sheds and do yard work. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
He married Leona Bjerke on March 20, 1964 at Blom Prairie Lutheran Church in Toronto, SD. To this union, two children were born, Shelley and Connie.
Manley is survived by his wife Leona Kirby of Brookings, SD; two daughters, Shelley (significant other, Patrick Bollweg) Pederson, of Sioux Falls, SD and Connie Babin, of Santa Monica, CA; two grandchildren, Laura Pederson and Kyle Pederson and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two sisters, Bonnie and Faye and two brothers, Bruce and Mark.
