Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 38
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 4:59 p.m.
Joyce A. Steever
January 23, 1928 - May 14, 2018
Joyce A. Steever 90, of Sioux Falls, SD formerly of Brookings, SD passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at Covington Heights Nursing Home, Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am, Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 9:30am to 10:30am Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home.
Joyce A. Kleemeier was born on January 23, 1928 in Luverne, MN, the daughter of William and Hortense "Babe" (Botkin) Kleemeier.
Joyce received her education in rural school near Kanaranzi, MN, attended high school in Magnolia, MN and was a graduate of the Bremerton High School in Bremerton, WA in 1946.
She was united in marriage to Bud G. Steever on September 19, 1947 in Brookings, SD. After their marriage, she was employed at the Brookings Steam Laundry for 15 years until working as a baker at the Brookings High School. Bud died on March 18, 2006 in Sioux Falls, SD.
She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Lake Campbell Sportsman Auxiliary. She enjoyed working on crafts, sewing, quilting and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Joyce is survived by two sons, Jimmie (Penny) Steever of Douglas, WY and Donald (Shirley) Steever of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Jamie Steever, Travis (Melissa) Steever, Jeri (Mike) Weis, Todd (Erin) Steever, Matthew (Sonja) Steever; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Payton, Alec, Tannen, Keira, Charlie, Ethan and Brecken.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Robert and William, one sister, Phyllis.
Norbert Lorenzen
December 10, 1931 - June 4, 2018
Norbert L. Lorenzen, 86, of Elkton, passed away Monday, June 4, 2018, at the Brookings Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elkton. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church beginning at 12:30 pm. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Norbert Ludwig Lorenzen was born on December 10, 1931, in Lester, IA, the son of Theodore and Bertha (Wulf) Lorenzen. He grew up near Lester, on the family farm. He attended country school and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1950. While in high school, he had a passion for playing football and baseball. He carried the nickname of ‘Ironman’ in school. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, where he served in Austria during the Korean War. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he began working as a farm hand for neighbors and relatives in Iowa. He began farming on his own near Elkton in 1955.
He was united in marriage to Margaret Zimmerman on June 3, 1956, in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple was blessed with three children, Jill, Todd and Larry.
He continued to farm near Elkton until he retired at 81 years old. Throughout the years, he raised dairy cows, hogs, sheep, chickens and towards the end, feeder cattle. Norbert spent his later years at Park Place Assisted Living and United Living Community in Brookings.
During his life, Norbert and Margaret enjoyed bowling in mixed doubles leagues and singles leagues. He was a member of the American Legion in Elkton for 61 years. He was awarded the FFA Farmer of the Year in 1976. He was an avid sports fan, most notably following the Minnesota Vikings and Boston Celtics. He was a collector of toy tractors, collecting every tractor he had ever driven and enjoyed attending farm auctions.
Norbert is survived by his two sons, Todd (Diane) Lorenzen of Missoula, MT and Larry (Tracey) Lorenzen of Antioch, IL; six grandchildren, Norbert, August, Frances, Justin, Jeffrey and Jared; three great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Mia and Owen; two brothers, Vernon (Penny) Lorenzen and Ted Lorenzen; two sisters, Donna Figoras and Elaine Ault and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ken, Loren and Dwight; his wife, Margaret and his daughter, Jill in infancy.
Verlyn W. Hill
February 23, 1920 - May 28, 2018
Verlyn W. Hill, 98, of Brookings, passed away Monday, May 28, 2018 at the Neighborhoods at Brookview. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, June 8, at the funeral home.
Verlyn wished that memorials be directed to the George Dokken VFW Post 2118 in Brookings, SD.
Verlyn was born on February 23, 1920 by Worthing, SD to Elmer and Alma (Stubstein) Hill. He grew up in numerous towns in eastern South Dakota, having moved 13 times in the 20s and 30s.
He attended Bushnell and Brookings High Schools and later attended the aviation mechanics school at South Dakota State University.
Verlyn was always proud of his military service stretching from May 4, 1941 to July 18, 1945. His military travels as a crew chief on C-47 aircrafts took him from California to Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, England, North Africa, Sicily, Italy and India. He was involved in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Italy and southern France. Among his many awards, were the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Clusters and the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation.
Verlyn was married to June Snyder on May 22, 1945. They had four children, Terrance, Donita, Lowell and Lorna.
Verlyn settled on a farm near Aurora, SD and farmed until going to assisted living in 2011. During his early years farming, he was employed in the winter months at various implement dealers as a mechanic.
Verlyn will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as rifle shooting. He was active in small-bore target shooting for many years. Going to Oshkosh EAA fly-ins was enjoyed until his health would no longer allow him to attend. He was a member of the American Legion as well as a life member of the VFW and DAV.
He is survived by his children, Terrance (Priscilla) Hill of Aurora, SD, Donita Graves, Wheatland, WY, Lowell Hill, of Bruceville, TX and Lorna (Lee) Roberts, of Gering, NE; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, his siblings, Arlene Siebring, Grand Rapids, MI, Lavonne Strasser, Sioux Falls, SD and Murl Hill, of Sioux Falls, SD and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, sister and brother.
Dorothy J. Van Hoorn
April 16, 1955 - April 16, 2018
Dorothy Jean Van Hoorn, 63, of Estelline, SD, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family. Memorial Services have been set for 10:30am Friday, April 20, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church, Nunda, SD. Memorial Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Dorothy was born on April 16, 1955, to Richard and Frances (Youell) Johnson in Volga, SD. She grew up on the family farm four miles south of Lake Campbell and attended country school. In the 9th grade, she began high school in Rutland, SD, and graduated in 1973.
After getting her Associate’s Degree from Watertown Business University, she got her first job in Sioux Falls, SD before moving back to Brookings to work at 3M.
She met James Van Hoorn in 1977 and they were married on September 30, 1978, in Nunda, SD. They made their home in Aurora, SD and were loving and devoted parents to two daughters, Jena and Kristin.
When Jena was little, she worked at SDSU, but after Kristin arrived she ran an in-home daycare where she raised the girls and watched the neighborhood kids as well! From 1990-1991, she and Jim took to driving semi as a team for Eaton Dakota going from Flandreau, SD to Ohio weekly.
She never missed one of the girls’ events: from basketball, volleyball, track, music and band performances. She loved to shop, especially when the deals, clearance or coupons, were good! She would often shop ahead and always knew what she would need!
Dorothy loved and always showed her pride for her final employer, Larson Manufacturing, in Brookings, SD. From the friends that became family and the hard work she did, she would not have chosen a different place to work. She retired after 26 years of service on September 28, 2017, which naturally, was self-proclaimed, "Dorothy Day!"
They enjoyed spending weekends camping at Lake Hendricks, when the girls were little. Eventually they purchased at Lake Poinsett in 1998, and in 2002, they moved from Aurora to their permanent home on that property. She enjoyed having company and was the "Hostess with the Mostess" for every occasion you could imagine! She would bring treats to work and make everyone’s favorites on their special days.
She was blessed to be the best grandma to Cadynce, Hartley, and Tobin. She enjoyed going to their schools and helping in class, going to their programs and events, and of course, spoiling them! Every visit to their house ended with a special surprise or activity and great-memories were always made!
Dorothy refused to let cancer stop her from living. She continued to work her very hard job and keep up at home while going through her multiple treatments. "I Refuse To Sink" became her motto, and it was perfect.
Her family would like to thank Sanford Cancer Center and Prairie Lakes Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful, loving care.
Survivors include her loving husband, James; two daughters, Jena (Mike) German of Aberdeen, SD and Kristin (Justin) Wittmayer of Sioux Falls, SD; three grandchildren, Cadynce and Tobin German and Hartley Wittmayer; two sisters, Lori (Jeff) Rice of Brookings, SD and Terri Douglas of Brandon, SD; one brother, Todd (Robin) Johnson of Colman, SD and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Frances; her father and mother-in-law, Siebe and Evelyn Van Hoorn and one brother-in-law, Ronald Van Hoorn Sr.
Bradley Allen Rogers
September 17, 1957 - May 5, 2018
Bradley Allen Rogers, 60, of Brookings, SD passed away Saturday, May 5th, 2018. Funeral Services have been set for 2:00pm Friday, May 11, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Rude’s Funeral Home.
Bradley Allen Rogers was born in Gettysburg, SD on September 17, 1957 to Dale and Phyllis (Comeau) Rogers. Brad graduated from Lemmon High School in 1975. He enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard, where he served for 13 years. He then went on to attend Mitchell Vo-Tech for agricultural studies. After graduating, Brad returned to Gettysburg to farm.
He married Charlene Storkson and they welcomed their son Brandon in 1982.
The family moved to Hettinger, North Dakota for a brief time, working at Orville’s implement in the parts department. From there he moved to the Sioux Falls area working at Tiger Mowers and Kenworth.
After moving to Brookings Brad married Karen Starkweather in 2012. Bradley and Karen worked for Brookings Health System. Brad enjoyed working as the Maintenance Supervisor at the hospital. He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and winter trips to his favorite place in Texas, South Padre Island. He liked working on updating their house and keeping a beautiful yard. He took pride in being able to "fix anything" and tinkering in the garage with the family dog, his little buddy "Snickers." Brad enjoyed playing cards and watching movies. In his younger years, he was involved in dirt track racing.
Brad fought a short battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away suddenly at home due to health complications on May 5th 2018. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen (Starkweather) Rogers of Brookings, SD; son, Brandon (Alison) Rogers, of Chester, SD; two step-children, David Starkweather of Volga, SD and Michelle (Michael Duxbury) Starkweather, of Brookings, SD; three grandchildren, Braxtin, Tobin, and Jasmin Rogers all of Chester, SD ; his parents, Dale and Phyllis (Comeau) Rogers of Sioux Falls, SD ; sister, Lori (Harv) Teinissen of Sioux Falls, SD; nephew, Dusty Ballenger of Harrisburg, SD; niece, Deidra Ballenger, of Sioux Falls, SD; mother-in-law, Linda (Dean) Urton, of Great Falls, MT and many great-nieces and nephew.
Brad was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Erik P. Apland
October 13, 1965 - May 14, 2018
Erik P. Apland, 52, of Annapolis, MD, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 14, 2018 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, in Annapolis. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 pm Monday, May 21, 2018 at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce, SD. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday at the church. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Erik Paul Apland was born on October 13, 1965 in Brookings, SD, the son of Glen and Ardyce (Esmond) Apland and grew up on the family farm near Bruce, SD. His passion for music was born when he started playing the piano at the age of five. He graduated from Sioux Valley High School in Volga, SD and completed degrees in classical piano performance from South Dakota State University and the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He exhibited great musical versatility by performing music ranging from classical to jazz as a soloist and in many ensembles. Erik taught choir at Brookings High School for a year before entering the field of jazz as the leader of show and dance orchestras on cruise ships. Later, he was bandleader and calliope artist aboard the historic steamboat "The Delta Queen". Erik joined "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band in 1998 as one of only three presidential pianists and in that capacity played at the White House for dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, with performances that were often televised nationwide. His personal highlight was playing for the Charles Schultz Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the Schultz family. This was especially exciting for Erik as he was a huge fan of the cartoon "Peanuts". Erik also was a pianist with the legendary Sam Butera band, based in Las Vegas. Erik settled in the Annapolis, MD area and continued to use his musical talents serving as the pianist for the Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Chorus, Peabody Ragtime Ensemble and Heritage Harbour Chorus. He was a full-time freelance artist and led musical worship from the piano at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, and Joy Reigns Lutheran Church.
Erik will always be remembered as a fine, decent, kindhearted, caring and funny son, brother, uncle and friend. He was known for his dry wit and enjoyed his worldly travels. No matter how far away from home he lived, Erik never forgot where he came from and would return every year to perform concerts with his close friend, Shawn Cable in Museum Park, in Bruce, on his mom’s porch, singalongs at Grace Free Lutheran Church, the Terry Redlin Center in Watertown and in De Smet, SD. He was a proud alum of the SDSU’s Pride of the Dakota Marching Band and continued to be a supporter throughout his life.
Grateful for having shared his life is his mother, Ardyce Apland, of Bruce, SD; two sisters, Karen Apland, of Esko, MN and Diane (David) Herrold, of Lake Andes, SD; his niece, Megan (Tim) Fulton, of Lake Andes, SD; nephew, Nathan Herrold, of Lake Andes, SD; three great-nieces, Jeralona, Sadie and Georgia Fulton, all of Lake Andes, SD and a host of relatives.
He is preceded in death by his father, Glen Apland.
Elroy Dragsten
June 30, 1925 - April 13, 2018
Elroy Dragsten wrapped in the loving arms of his wife (Ardis) of more than 66 years, was called by Jesus on April 13, 2018 at the age of 92 in his home in Brookings, SD. His fight with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia was met with complications he could not overcome. We believe he was carried over the threshold into heaven by Jesus and his son Rodney. Elroy was united with loved ones and friends he has not seen in a long time.
Born on June 30, 1925 Elroy loved growing up in Wallace, South Dakota where you could hunt from your front porch. He didn’t need to say the words ‘I Love You’, you knew by his actions you were truly loved. At first meeting him you would think he was shy, but you would soon learn that he was a friendly, witty man with true integrity and charm. He did not have to use many words to express his love or his seldom displeasure.
Elroy loved his country and served in the Navy during WWII as a 2nd Lieutenant. He earned his Civil Engineering degree from South Dakota State University (Jackrabbits) in June 1952 and belonged to the National Society of Professional Engineers during his lifelong career.
For a man who was never going to get married, he was smitten with Ardis (Rovang).
They were united in marriage on March 23, 1952. On March 4, 1953 they welcomed their son Rodney Elroy.
Soon after, their daughter, Heidi Inga was born on October 2, 1954. The family traveled wherever his engineering jobs took them, from Wausau, WI to Grand Marais, MN where Highway 61 travels to the Canadian border, which is an All-American road and National Scenic Byway. They decided to expand their family and Kathy Jo was born on June 16, 1962.
At the start of his career in 1952, he was assistant city civil engineer in Huron, SD. In 1953, he moved his family to MN, where he worked for the Minnesota Highway Department. He joined SJ Groves & Sons Co in 1959, as their civil engineer and moved his family to La Crescent, MN in 1962. The construction of Highway 61 from Dresbach to Dakota, in the Hiawatha Valley was built under his watch. The company later (1969) moved his family to Shakopee, MN, where he commuted to his downtown Minneapolis office. His career took a strange turn in which he decided to embark on a new and challenging profession. In 1971, he and Ardis became the owners of an A&W Drive-In in Pipestone, MN. The excitement of owning a business soon vanished. Elroy returned to his chosen occupation as a civil engineer and the position he loved most during his career…Chippewa County Engineer in Montevideo, MN from 1974 -1995. He was instrumental in the construction of the first bike path for Chippewa County in 1993.
He passed on his passion for water sports to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the earlier years, every Sunday was spent on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, WI and later at Big Kandiyohi (Willmar, MN), Serpent Lake (Deerwood, MN) and most recently Lake Pulaski (Buffalo, MN). His 18-foot Hobie Cat was a passion. He loved the quiet sail in the morning and evenings with wild rides on one hull, hiked out on the trapeze when the winds picked up. There was always a good reason to sail. He also water-skied until he was 81.
In retirement, at the age of 70 he and Ardis shared a home during the winter months in The Villages, FL. A golf cart ride or golf game was just outside his door. In his 80’s, to the delight of his family, he began another passion of writing stories of his life.
Elroy joins his parents Peder and Inga (Fiksdahl) Dragsten, his son Rodney Elroy Dragsten (2014), grandson Mitchell David Haugan (1995), brothers Palmer, Monroe, Arnold and sister Ardes Fjelstad.
Surviving are his wife Ardis; daughters Heidi (Thomas) Barcia (Reno, NV), Kathy Jo (David) Haugan (Brookings, SD); daughter-in-law Ann Dragsten (Monticello, MN); sister Irene Thorson (Elk Point, SD), grandchildren; Jennifer (Ben) Anderson (Becker, MN), Valerie (Shaun) Hickman (Otsego, MN), Nikki (Travis) Drahota (Becker, MN), Michael (Brooke) Barcia (Reno, NV), Tommy (Elisa) Barcia (Reno, NV), Johanna Haugan and Peder Haugan (Brookings, SD). He was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, June 1, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD at 2:00pm with a visitation 1-hour prior.
Larry D. Ziegler
July 8, 1945 - May 12, 2018
Larry D. Ziegler, 72, of Volga, SD, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 after a short battle with cancer, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am Thursday, May 17, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Volga, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the Church. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Larry Duane Ziegler was born on July 8, 1945 in Volga, SD the son of Richard and Mamie (Waage) Ziegler, the youngest of 10 children. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Volga. He attended Cottonwood Country School and was a member of the 1963 class of Volga High School. He later, received his GED. He joined the South Dakota Army National Guard, where he served until 1969. He attended Canby Vocational School where he received his degree. He worked at various jobs in South Dakota. In 1976, he started his own business doing custom baling and farming. He purchased his acreage near Volga in 1983, adding custom grinding to his business in 1988. Through the years in running his business, he was able to meet many people in the area who became lifelong friends. After several relationships, he was blessed with his daughter, Mamie in 1988, who was the joy of his life.
Larry had a passion for collecting cars and tractors. He loved taking them to shows and parades. In 2013, Larry began a special friendship with Donna Wilson. The two enjoyed spending time together, dancing, traveling, attending car shows and sharing family times. Larry especially loved his grandchildren, Sommer, Tyler and Clara. He appreciated his son-in-law, Chuck, for his affection for his daughter and dedication to his family.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Mamie (Charles) Riggins, of Bruce, SD; three grandchildren, Sommer, Tyler and Clara, all of Bruce, SD; one brother, Gerald (Marilyn) Ziegler, of Franklin, TN; five sisters, Aline Luckow of Sac City, IA, Evelyn Scharn of Lytton, IA, VerDell (Bob) Wiles, of Fairfax, VA, Arlys (Leonard) Eilts, of St. Paul, MN, Beverly (Bruce) Wosje, of Brookings, SD; special friend, Donna Wilson, of Badger, SD; sister-in-law, Carol Ziegler of Mitchell, SD; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Ronald; one sister, Clarice Wells; brothers-in-law Everett Luckow, Ed Scharn and George Wells; and sister-in-law, Judy Ziegler.
