Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary and Death Notice Collection
GenealogyBuff.com - Brookings County, South Dakota Obituary Collection - 40
Posted By: GenealogyBuff.com Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 5:17 p.m.
Colleen M. Haddock
May 1, 1929 - June 1, 2017
Memorial services for Mrs. Colleen Moore Haddock will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Rude’s Funeral Home. Mrs. Haddock, age 88, died on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the Brookings Hospital from injuries received in a recent fall.
Mrs. Haddock was born on May 1, 1929 in Brashear, TX to Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Moore. The family later moved to Vickery, TX where Colleen played on her high school basketball team and other athletic teams. Mrs. Haddock worked for many years as an executive secretary for Sun Oil Company, Morrison Mills, North Texas State University, Texas Women’s University, and others. Colleen had moved to South Dakota over six years ago. She lived at Edgewood Vista where she enjoyed the activities, other residents, and staff. Colleen was especially enthusiastic about any activity that involved ice cream.
Mrs. Haddock is preceded in death by her son, Philip T. Langham; her husband, J. Leon Haddock; her ex-husband, Edwin S. Langham; her parents, Henry E. and Evelyn Moore; her sisters, Mrs. Estelle Holmes, Ruth Crosby, Lucille Turner, Billy Stebens, and Florine Williams; and her brothers, Ray A. and Cleo Moore.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Leland Ray and Marie A. C. Langham (Aurora, SD), and two nephews, Paul Stebens and David E. Williams (Texas). Interment of her ashes will be at a later date in Springtown, Texas.
Her bright and inquisitive smile will be missed by all who knew her.
Albert Frank Jonker
March 6, 1923 - May 30, 2017
Albert Frank Jonker, 94 of Papillion, NE and formerly of Brookings, SD, passed away May 30, 2017 at the VA Medical Center of Omaha, NE. Funeral Services have been set for 2:30pm Friday, June 2, 2017 at Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Albert Frank Jonker was born March 6, 1923 in Brookings County, SD the son of John and Della (Appel) Jonker. Albert spent his early years and received his education in rural school in Brookings and Hamlin Counties.
Albert was united in marriage to Lena Blum on November 7, 1943 in Estelline, SD. After their marriage, Albert served in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer during the invasion of Okinawa. After the war, they farmed in Deuel and Brookings County until 1974. They then moved to Lake Preston, SD, where Albert was employed at Koch’s Meat Market for nine years. In 1986, they moved to Brookings, SD where he was employed at South Dakota State University as a custodian.
He was a member of the Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Member of the Lake Preston American Legion Porter L. Rich Post #0063. He especially enjoyed fishing.
Albert is survived by his daughter Karen Kaye (Vernon) Haugaard of Papillion, NE; two grandchildren, Tanja and Scott; two sisters, Marjorie Quam of Brookings, SD and Kathryn Torgerson of Estelline, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lena, one brother, Raymond, and one sister, May Bertelsen.
Michael P Reger
December 9, 1948 - January 27, 2017
A celebration of the life of Michael Reger, former Executive Vice President of Administration at South Dakota State University, will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017, in the Robertson Reception Hall of the SDSU Performing Arts Center. Mike died January 27, 2017, at the age of 68, at Estelline Nursing and Care Center in Estelline, SD. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Mike spent his whole, full life as a student, university administrator, avid reader, lifelong learner, and leader impacting others with his calm, steady presence, sharp intellect, and magnetic smile.
Mike was born on December 9, 1948, in Chicago to William and Barbara Reger. The Reger family moved to Villa Park, Ill., outside of Chicago, where Mike graduated from St. Francis High School. He spent many memorable summers with his siblings and grandparents at a lake near Eagle River, Wis.
After finishing high school, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1970 followed by a Master of Science in College Personnel Services in 1972, both from Western Illinois University. He earned his Ph.D. in 1983 in Higher Education Administration from Ohio State University and completed the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management in 1999.
Mike came to SDSU in 1979 as Associate Director of Housing from the University of Vermont where he had been Coordinator of Residential Life. He was appointed SDSU Dean of Student Affairs in 1985, Vice President for Administration in 1993 and in 2000, was named Executive Vice President for Administration.
While at SDSU, he supervised financial operations, human resources, communications and physical facilities, including the South Dakota Art Museum and the Agricultural Heritage Museum. During his 30 years with SDSU, more than 70 construction and renovation projects were completed.
He was instrumental in the SDSU move to NCAA Division I athletics and saw the implementation of a multimedia advertising campaign that contributed to a more than 30 percent growth in enrollment.
Additionally, he oversaw development and implementation of the University Master Plan that reshaped the campus, setting the stage for future growth of the university, while encouraging collaboration among students, employees, and colleagues.
Mike was an integral part of the University’s first capital campaign as well as other fundraising initiatives that tripled the number of scholarships to be awarded at SDSU.
In 2006, Mike received "The President’s Special Citation" for extraordinary contributions to higher education and excellence in student and administrative leadership."
He was famous for mentoring those he supervised as well as university students, his ultimate responsibility as vice president.
Among the many expressions sent at his retirement, words to describe Mike included unselfish, positive, caring, trusting, respectful, appreciative, honest, patient, and wise. One colleague said, "You may not have taught, but all learned from you."
Mike made it a priority to support those he supervised in their roles as parent or spouse. He thought it was important for workers to discover how to balance their home and professional lives in ways that allowed them to progress.
Mike married his wife Patricia in 1986. Together they enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends and family, hanging out on their deck with their dogs, and always supporting Jackrabbit events.
He gave Pat his unconditional love, being supportive, understanding, and considerate, including regularly sending her roses to show how much he cared.
Throughout their 30 years of marriage, Mike served as an inspiring role model and great friend for his stepson Paul Heer of Brookings.
One of his outside interests was a passion for hockey that began with his skating experience at the University of Vermont.
Such interest, skills and passion led to 17 years as referee-in-chief for the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association. He spent weekends training, evaluating and scheduling games. Each April Mike traveled to Colorado Springs to train other hockey referees and instructors from across the nation.
His professional work and outside interests led to his being an active and valued community member. Mike was a member of the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Brookings Optimist Club, where he served as president and regional lieutenant governor, and on the Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter board.
Among numerous awards, Mike received recognition as Patriotic Employer from the National Guard for his support of SDSU National Guard employees. He received an honorary letter from the SDSU Athletic Department for his support of Jackrabbit athletics.
In addition to his wife Patricia and stepson Paul, he is survived by two brothers, Dave (Dee) Reger of Sugar Grove, Ill., and John (Eileen) Reger of Elburn, Ill. and two sisters, Cathy (Rick) Anderson of Sycamore, Ill., and Libby (Dan) Faivre of DeKalb, Ill. and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial scholarship in his name has been established at the SDSU Foundation.
Delone A. Nelson
February 7, 1937 - March 20, 2017
Delone ‘Bun’ A. Nelson passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview, in Brookings, SD, at the age of 80.
Delone A. Wilson was born in Volga, SD, on February 7, 1937. She attended grades 1-8 in rural schools in the Bruce area. She attended high school in Brookings and graduated in 1955. She married her childhood sweetheart Ken O. Nelson on November 8, 1958, at First Lutheran Church in Brookings. She worked in the computer and payroll departments at South Dakota State University and later as a bookkeeper at Yorkshire Eye Clinic.
Bun is survived by her husband Ken O. Nelson, of Brookings; one daughter, Tiffany Dawn Olson, and her husband Tim, and two grandsons, Tyler and Truman, all of Sioux Falls, SD.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lois (Shearer) and Nathan Wilson.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Lutheran Church at 337 8th Street in Brookings at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 25, 2017. Memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the church service beginning at 10:00 am. Graveside services will be held at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Brookings or another organization of your choice.
Georgianna Perso
August 29, 1922 - March 17, 2017
Georgianna Perso, 94, of Brookings, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017 at the United Living Community, in Brookings. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at GracePoint Wesleyan Church, in Brookings. Visitation with family will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church.
Georgianna M. Delong was born on August 29, 1922 in Huron, SD the daughter of George and Muriel (Brown) Delong. She grew up in St. Lawrence, SD, until her family moved to a farm near Volga, SD where she graduated from Volga High School in 1940. She was united in marriage to Ralph Perso on March 10, 1942 in Brookings, SD. The couple farmed north of Brookings until 1955 when they sold the farm and moved to Brookings. She began working at South Dakota State University before joining Ralph in their business ventures, which included Perso Realty. She earned her Brokers License in 1968. Following Ralph’s death in 1974, she continued to own and operate Perso Realty Inc. until merging with Best Choice Real Estate in 1998, where she worked until her retirement in 2008. The joy of her life was working with the Brookings community and helping many families buy and sell their home.
Georgianna took great pride in being active in the Brookings community and in the Real Estate industry. She took a hands-on approach to bettering both.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookings where she served on the Administrative Board, was a Trustee and served as President of the Board of Trustees, as well as the secretary of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and served on many committees within the church.
She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star since 1945, where she served as Worthy Matron in 1950; the Christian Business and Professional Women, in Brookings, where she served as Finance Chairperson; the Brookings Chamber of Commerce, serving as Director in 1978, and held other various positions including Vice President, was the first woman to serve as President of the Chamber in 1980, and was involved on various other committees; a charter member of Altrusa Club, serving as the Treasurer, Director and a current member; The South Dakota Singles and Brookings Solo club, where she helped organize clubs in the 1970s; a member of National Guard Citizens Committee in Brookings; and the Business and Professional Women, serving as President and District President.
Through her company she also promoted a fingerprinting clinic for children in Brookings in 1983, where 1, 550 children were fingerprinted. Professionally, she was involved in numerous organizations including the East Central South Dakota Board of Realtors, serving as President in 1978 and was awarded Realtor of the Year in 1977; the Realtors National Marketing Institute, serving as state membership chairwoman; she created the Dakota Certified Residential Specialist, and served as South and North Dakota Chapter President; the State Director of South Dakota Association of Realtors; the National Realtors Associates, serving as Executive Director in 1979; and held memberships with South Dakota Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, and was known for her pot holders and dish towels; square dancing, playing cards and attending Jackrabbit athletic events with her family and friends.
Grateful for having shared her life are her four daughters, Janeane (Dean) Bartels, of Brookings, SD, Joann (Allan) Perso-Vostad, of Brookings, SD, Janette (Don) Quail, of Sioux Falls, SD and June (Mike) Redmond, of Brookings, SD; one granddaughter, Dawn (Dale) Werning, Forney, TX; eight grandsons, Josh (Lori) Bartels, of Sioux Falls, SD, Jeramie (Kami) Bartels, of Brookings, SD, Christopher (Jess) Quail, of Sioux Falls, SD, Zach (Brandi) Bartels, of Brookings, SD, Zeb (Cheryl) Bartels, of Toronto, SD Nick (Alicia) Redmond, of Brandon, SD, Matthew Quail, of St. Paul, MN and Drew Redmond, of Brookings, SD; 22 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph and sisters, Virginia Delong and Evelyn Leyson.
Coretta Kathleen Charitat
December 9, 1934 - April 18, 2017
Coretta Kathleen Charitat, 82, of San Jose, CA formerly of Elkton, SD, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Campbell, CA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00pm Monday, April 24, 2017 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton, SD. Visitation will be from 12:00pm Monday until the time of the Mass at the church. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Coretta Kathleen Mielke was born December 9, 1934 in Elkton, SD the daughter of Edwin and Kathryn (Kelley) Mielke. She grew up and attended school in Elkton, graduating from Elkton High School.
She worked in Elkton and Pierre, SD before moving to Washington, DC where she worked for the Naval Department.
She was united in marriage to Jean Charitat Jr. on June 23, 1963 in Arlington, VA. They made their home in Fairfax, VA for 14 years before moving to California.
She was a wonderful wife and mother.
Survivors include her husband, Jean Charitat Jr of San Jose, CA; her two children, Noël (Timothy) Seaton of Garden Valley, ID and Jean (Cheri) Charitat III of Freemont, CA; her brothers and sisters, William (Barbara) Mielke, Gatian Sweeney, Virginia (John) Beck, Gene Mielke and Dan (Marlys) Mielke; her sisters-in-law, Marilyn Mielke and Patsy Mielke and her six grandchildren.
Coretta was preceded in by her parents, three brothers, Charles, Allen and Edwin.
Thelma Bernice Dittman
March 24, 1928 - May 1, 2017
Thelma B. Dittman, 89, of Brookings, SD passed away on Monday, May 01, 2017. Funeral Services have been set for 10:00am on Friday, May 5, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. Rude’s Funeral Home will be assisting the family with the arrangements.
Thelma B. Dittman was born on March 24, 1928 in Eureka, SD, the daughter of Rudolph and Emelia (Pfeiffer) Kurle.
Thelma was baptized in December 1930 and confirmed in July 1941 at the Evangelical Church in Eureka. She grew up on a farm in McPherson County, near Eureka. She remembered her childhood as happy days, sitting on the back of the cook stove where she enjoyed doing her school work. Thelma attended Rosenthal #3 Rural Country School through the eighth grade where she was very proud of her achievements, graduating with the highest honors. She was united in marriage to Albert C. Dittman on September 26, 1948 in Eureka, and worked as a volunteer secretary for him at the North Central Research Station in Eureka. After moving to Brookings in 1971, she was employed for several years at the 4-Seasons Clothing Store.
Thelma was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she held many positions in the church. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Hospital Auxiliary, the Faculty Women’s Club, and a charter member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Art Museum, and the Extension Club. Thelma held many offices at the local, state, and district levels of the VFW Auxiliary and attended 16 national conventions. She was named Outstanding President at the VFW National Convention in 1977, and served on the National Publicity Committee. She was also named Outstanding District VFW Auxiliary Buddy Poppy Chairman for four years, Outstanding State VFW Auxiliary Historian for two years, and Outstanding State VFW Hospital Chairman by the National Organization. Thelma received the Outstanding Community Leader award from Modern Woodman, and received a Proclamation by Brookings Mayor Reed declaring "Thelma Dittman Day" in 2010 for being named the Community Service Volunteer of the Year in 2009.
She spent many days volunteering at the hospital and the local nursing homes. She enjoyed travel, sports, cooking, baking, gardening, and especially spending time with family and friends.
Thelma is survived by her two daughters, Bonnie Luecke of Brookings, SD and Vickie (Craig) McQuarie of Hoven, SD, seven grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband (Albert), two brothers (Erwin and Eugene), two sisters (Alice and Verna), one grandson (William), and one great-grandson (William).
