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Jill A. Pontius, DHS1957, 76, of Deadwood, SD passed into heaven on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at her home.

Jill A. Pontius

DHS1957
(August 30, 1 939 - January 9, 2016) 

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Jill A. Pontius, 76, of Deadwood, SD passed into heaven on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, January 14 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead, with visitation one-hour prior to services.

Jill was born Aug 30, 1939 to Lawrence and Verna (Traverson) Anfinson in Deadwood, SD. Her family moved several times throughout her childhood but returned to Deadwood where Jill graduated from Deadwood High School in 1957. After finishing her 2-year degree from Black Hills Teachers College, Jill married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Pontius, on June 26, 1959. She later went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in education from Black Hills Teachers College and was a substitute teacher for many years in the Lead-Deadwood public schools. She was a ski instructor at Deer Mountain during the early years of its operation.

Jill was a devoted wife and mother of three boys, and always active in serving the community. She was named outstanding Jaycette of the Year three different times and held almost every office in Jaycettes during the 10 years she was involved. As a follower of Christ, she served in her church, Trinity United Methodist, in a variety of roles – president of the local UMW group and treasurer at the district level, Sunday school and release time classroom teacher – and was quick to help wherever there was a need. Her compassion and generous heart often led her to reach out to others in need with meals, housework help, and care of the children. She always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma and great- grandma who will be greatly missed.

Jill is survived by her husband, Jerry, Deadwood; sons, David (Theresa) Pontius, Lead, Michael (Stephanie) Pontius, Brainerd, MN, Jim (Nikki) Pontius, Deadwood; brother, Lynn (JoAnn) Anfinson, Enfield, CT, and 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel of Lead. 

Jill Anfinson Pontius DHS1957

Frances Ann Torgrude Erickson (DHS1954), Age 79, of Sturgis, SD, died Oct. 23, 2015 at Sturgis Long Term Care ~ Reported by Shirley Kettelhut Rounesvell DHS1954

Frances Ann Torgrude Erickson

DHS1954

July 26, 1936 - October 23, 2015

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Frances Ann Torgrude Erickson, 79, of Sturgis, SD, died Oct. 23, 2015 at Sturgis Long Term Care. She was born to John and Pansy Marie (Trew) Wagner on July 26, 1936 in Deadwood, SD. She attended school in Deadwood, graduating from Deadwood High School in 1954. She married Conley Torgrude in 1957 and to this union four daughters were born. She married Carl Erickson in Reno, Nevada in June of 1981.

Fran was very active in her church, Bethel Lutheran, later renamed Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Lead, SD, serving as parish secretary for many years. She later joined Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis.

Fran began working for the U.S. Forest Service in 1978 at the Box Elder Job Corps Center near Nemo, SD, as the receptionist. When she retired in 2005, with 27 years of service, she was the Administrative Officer. She also worked for the Forest Service at the Nemo Ranger District at Deadwood, and the Spearfish Ranger District. Fran truly enjoyed working and greatly valued the relationships she established with her coworkers and the youth at the job corps.

Fran was involved in sewing, crocheting and crafting in younger years, but in later years, gravitated to more interactive pursuits such as playing cards (she loved pinochle), ballroom and square dancing, and singing with the church choir. She enjoyed traveling to group functions, meeting new friends, and reuniting with old friends and family. She retained a loving connection to her fellow classmates of the Deadwood High School class of 1954, especially with her dear friend, Loyola Moser Rundel.

Fran loved birds, and was especially partial to hummingbirds. She spent hours sitting on her back deck, or wherever they were, watching them flit back and forth.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Grace Marie, nephews Keith, Brian and James Davidson, and an aunt, Martha Wilkins. 

Fran is survived by her husband, Carl Erickson; daughters, Debbie (Kim) Smoot, Belle Fourche, SD, Connie (John) Schmitt, Grand Junction, CO, Tammie (David) Paulson, Clark, SD, and Pam (David) Carlson, Carol Steam, IL; step-children, Carla (Craig) Clement, Chandler, AZ and Warren Mark Erickson, Craig, CO; sisters, Kathryn LaBau, Spearfish, SD and Johnnie Lee Saunders, Vallejo, CA; 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Memorial services will Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015 at 10:30 AM, at Grace Lutheran Church, Sturgis. Lunch will follow, with inurnment following at 12:30 PM at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be made to the family at kinkadefunerals.com

Major William “Bill” Duane Fish, USMC Ret., 83, of Rapid City SD died on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

William Fish

DHS1950

August 7, 1932  -  September 30, 2015 

Rapid City SD - Major William “Bill” Duane Fish, USMC Ret., 83, of Rapid City died on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. 

Bill was the third son of Paul & Signe Fish, born in Deadwood, SD. In his beloved Black Hills, Bill and his siblings made a name for themselves as the “Fish Boys,” with their little sister Elaine along for the ride. Bill graduated from Deadwood High School in 1950. While in Deadwood, he met the love of his life, June (Zaiser) Fish. Following his high school graduation, Bill was awarded a scholarship and attended engineering school at the South Dakota School of Mines. However, life took him in a different direction and he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in 1953. 

Bill and June were married on June 30, 1954 in Santa Rosa, CA. Soon their family grew to include five wonderful and adventurous children. While stationed in San Diego, CA, Bill was selected to participate in and was selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Program. Bill and June were moved to Lincoln, NE where he obtained his Bachelors degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa. 

When Bill graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1961, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. While attending The Basic School in Quantico, VA, Bill was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. 

During his career with the Marine Corps, Bill was promoted to Captain and later Major. His career took him to California, Okinawa, Virginia, Hawaii, Vietnam, Maryland, and North Carolina. His work as a communications officer included working with the NSA and the 2nd Marine Air Wing. Between deployments and stations Bill and his family always returned to the Black Hills. By the time he retired in 1976, he had received many accolades for his service. 

Following retirement from the Marine Corps, Bill and June moved back to the Hills, where they’ve remained ever since. He continued his work as an electronics engineer working with Motorola and then Solar Sound until his final retirement. Bill not only enjoyed golfing with his friends and family, he loved riding through the Hills, always meeting a friend, and using his sharp wit and humor with those he loved.

In addition to his love and wife, June, and progeny, he leaves behind his sister, Elaine Casteel (Perry) of Shelbyville, TN; as well as his friend and brother-in-law Leonard “Peanuts” Newman and sister-in-law Claudette Newman of Rapid City; sister-in-law Anna Fish of Alexandria, VA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, Paul and Signe Fish; his mother and father-in-law, Herb and Lillian Zaiser; brother Donald Fish; brother John “Roy” Fish; brother-in-law Verne Zaiser and his wife Betty; and grandson Michael Paul Fish. 

Bill’s legacy continues to live with his children and their children: Rick Fish (Linda) of Albuquerque, NM; Kevin Fish (Veronica) of Deadwood; Ken Fish of Deadwood; Lauri Fish of Wilmington, NC; and Becky Bell (Mack) of Wake Forest, NC; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors 4:00 to 6:00 pm. on Monday, October 5 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City. 

A funeral service will be held at Osheim & Schmidt on Tuesday, October 6 at 10:00 am. with Chaplain Herb B. Cleveland officiating. 

The burial service will take place at 12:00 pm. at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors.

An online guest book for Bill may be signed at www.osheimschmidt.com

Helen Brandt Battiste DHS1955 passed away in Tucson AZ on January 31, 2014

Helen Brandt Battiste

DHS1955

Died January 31, 2014

Helen Brandt Battiste began her life in the Black Hills of South Dakota on June 17, 1937, and later moved to the Southwest, having fallen in love with Arizonia's Sonoran Desert.

Helen was a master's degree Registered Nurse for 50 years, working in behavioral health, and was an early pioneer in hospice nursing. She retired in 2007 from the Carondelet Hospice where she was a nurse case manager. 

Helen died in Tucson AZ on January 31, 2014.

She is remembered by friends and family members including son, Jack and his wife, Mary; grandson, Matthew; great- grandsons, Austin and Benjamin and her life partner, Josefina Ahumada.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Helen's life was held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St., Tucson, AZ.

Donations may be made in Helen's name to Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W 23rd St, Tucson, AZ 85713.

Alvin Max Oestreich DHS1950 passed away in Rapid City Regional Hospital on August 11, 2015

Alvin Max Oestreich

DHS1950

Died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015

Alvin Max Oestreich, 83, Hill City, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. He was born in Deadwood to Henry and Iva (Peyton) Oestreich. He graduated from Deadwood High School in 1950. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1954.

On January 16, 1952, he married Arlene Yost in Deadwood. They moved to Rapid City in 1954 and to their “home in the pines” near Hill City in 1988.

He is survived by 4 daughters, Sandra (Gary) Eschenbaum, Pueblo, Colo.; Jeri (Tom) Poland, Black Hawk; Tami (Mark) Skvicalo, Lead; Stacey Remily, Rapid City and son Norman (Patty) Oestreich, Hill City; nine grandchildren, Ashley (Tommy); Whitney (Marc); Elijah; Nicholas (Kristen); Cody; Max; Mark (Kari); Matthew (Keeli); LeVon and Sheena, and five great-grandchildren, Brynn, Max, Taylor, Diamond, and Nevada.

Geraldine “Jerry” Page Nelson DHS1955 passed away in Rapid City Regional Hospital on September 19, 2015 by Leatha Satterlee

Geraldine Page Nelson

DHS1955

June 16, 1936 - September 19, 2015

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Geraldine “Jerry” Lea Nelson of Rapid City passed away in Rapid City Regional Hospital due to pneumonia complications on September 19, 2015.

She was born on June 16, 1936 to Leonard (Spud) and Tina Page in Deadwood, South Dakota. She attended school and graduated from Deadwood High School in 1955. Jerry married LaVerne Theodore Nelson on June 1, 1955 and during their 21 years of marriage made their home in Lead, SD. They had two children, Claudia Jean Nelson Fredericksen and Brian LaVerne Nelson.

Jerry was involved in Girl Scouts as a Brownie and continued her involvement as an adult serving on the Black Hills Girl Scout Council Board of Directors, Camp PaHa SaPa Caretaker for two years, Day Camp Director, Neighborhood Chairman of Lead/Deadwood, Troop Leader, Trip Director for Girl Scout Council trips to Canada and Washington D.C., plus numerous troop trips to Canada, Medora, National Center West, Ft. Robinson, and 6th Grade Trip to Pierre. She also worked on numerous Girl Scout Council events such as a Council sponsored National Girl Scout event called “Do It In Dakota”; the Mall Festival, Super Saturday, and Heritage Trail. Jerry also served as a Camp Director at a Girl Scout camp in Indiana for one summer. She was one of the original people involved in the establishment and development of Camp Friendship for the physically and mentally challenged. She received the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Thanks Badge.

Jerry had a passion for bowling, she bowled on leagues in Deadwood and Rapid City for many years. Being on oxygen 24/7 did not prevent her from participating in the bowling leagues.

She was involved in the Episcopal Church in Deadwood while she was raising her children, belonged to a card club in Lead and was active in the Lead/Deadwood community. She moved to Rapid City and attended National American University and received an Associate Degree in Accounting and an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Jerry worked at several businesses in accounting and was forced into retirement due to her physical limitations. Jerry loved to camp, travel, play cards, gamble, go 4-wheeling, work her puzzles, be with her dogs and be with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her two children, Claudia (David) and Brian (Mel), all from Lead, good friend and companion, Bonnie, four grandchildren; Jeremiah, Davida, Brianna and Casey, and eight great-grandchildren: Ashley, Jeremiah Jr., Alejandra, Erica, Hannah, Payton, Keaten, and Kinsly.

A celebration of life will be held at 10am, Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. A lunch will follow at the V.FW. in Deadwood.

A memorial has been established.

Bob Heller Passed Away July 14, 2015 in Rapid City reported by Renee Bertrand DHS1964

RAPID CITY | Robert Eugene "Bob" Heller, 82, died July 14, 2015.

He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 16, at Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel.

Services at 10:30 a.m. July 17, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Canyon Lake Drive. 

Burial at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bob's Bio+ from Bob himself in the January 2008  dhsclassmates website.  Notice he usually typed in all caps! :

BOB HELLER'S BIO: 75 YEARS OLD. PLAY FOR FUN, TENOR SAX AND TRUMPET. NORTHERN HILLS BAND, NEW HORIZONS BAND, SAXY SENIORS GROUP AND THE 7TH CAVALRY DRUM AND BUGLE CORP AND THE SPEARFISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE BAND WHEN I HAVE TIME. I PURCHASED LAVERN CLARK'S ("BOSS") MARTIN TENOR FROM DORY AFTER THE BOSS PASSED THRU THE VALE. I'M VERY HUMBLE TO HAVE IT. MY WIFE PHYLLIS IS AN ARTIST AND A GENEALOGY RESEARCHER. SHE ENJOYS MUSIC BUT DOESN'T PLAY ANYTHING. I STARTED OUT WHEN THE BOSS SAW A C-MELODY SAX IN MY GAS STATION AND GOT ME STARTED IN 1963 AT A CONOCO STATION WE OWNED IN DEADWOOD. SINCE THEN I PLAYED FOR 3 YEARS WITH THE NORTHERN HILLS GROUP AND THEN QUIT. 2001 I STARTED AGAIN AND TOOK LESSONS AND STILL DO. TENOR SAX IS MAIN INSTRUMENT AND THE NORTHERN HILLS BAND IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. THANKS FOR INVITING ME TO THIS BLACKHILLSMUSIC GROUP. Favorite Music CONCERT AND BIG BAND SOUNDS


BESHARA'S GARAGE IS ME AND MY GIRL FRIEND, PHYLIS, MY WIFE NOW. ABOUT 1954, I THINK. I WAS IN AIR FORCE AT ELLSWORTH THEN.

Aministrator DickD View:

Bob Heller operated the Conoco Service across from the Deadwood School on the corner of Main Street and Pine Street.  He and DHS Band Teacher Laverne "Verne" Clark were close friends.  Verne would take pipe smoking breaks at the Conoco Station and swap stories with Bob.

Bob had a passion for roller skating and music.  He has been involved in Northern Black Hills Band and other private bands.  He had his own website about his music ventures but he was too busy to do much with his website.  Bob would send me interesting items for me to post on this website.

He was a jolly person and was always a part of Deadwood High School Reunions.

Bob with his signature bib overalls will be sorely missed !!  :]

Bob with hair in 2009

 

John Franklin Fillmore DHS1955 of Whitewood, SD passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital

John Franklin Fillmore, 77, of Whitewood, SD, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital, after a difficult battle with cancer and heart disease.  John was a classmate of Deadwood High School 1955.

 

There will be a visitation at Sturgis Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Sunday, May 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

 

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 4, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Whitewood Presbyterian Church. There will be a reception following the funeral at the Whitewood City (Hale) Hall. Internment will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

 

John was born September 30, 1937, at Spearfish, SD, to Millard and Muriel (Schaefer) Fillmore. His first home was in the Tinton area. His family later moved to Spearfish before moving to Casper, WY, for a few years. When he was 5, his family moved to Deadwood. He graduated from Deadwood High School in 1955.

 

In 1956, he joined the U. S. Air Force. He was stationed in South Carolina. While there, he met his bride-to-be at Myrtle Beach. He was transferred to Japan for 2 years. Upon returning from Japan, he married M. Anne Heaton on January 11, 1959. They moved to Whitewood in 1962, where he lived at his time of death. They had four daughters.

 

John worked in his father's hardware store before opening a grocery store in Whitewood. He graduated from Black Hills State College in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in education. He taught school for 7 years and worked as a salesman for Sears. In 1980, he opened The Donut Hole bakery in Spearfish. He sold the bakery in 1994 and semi-retired. He had several rental properties in Whitewood.

 

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, M. Anne Fillmore; daughters, Tracy (Marvin) Fillmore-Frey, Cindy (Lyle) Long, and Kim (Jim) O'Connor; sister, Jeanne Chambers; 11 grandchildren, Amanda (Wade) Smith, John (Connie) Long, Lyle (Darcy) Long, Chad (Jami) Anderson, Jake (Kristi) Heidrich, Josh (Jenn) Long, Jason (Valerie) Anderson, Bobbi Jo (Robert) Koyama, Tiffany (Jessie) Skavang, Kelsey (David) Schweiterman, and Garrett Weber; 4 step-grandchildren, Shanna Martin, Stephanie Johnson, Scot Johnson, and Jessica Frey; 26 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; an aunt; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Christy (Bob) Weber; step-grandson, Andrew "AJ" Frey; brother-in-law, Lloyd Chambers; and son-in-law, Tom Johnson.

 

A memorial has been established to the Whitewood Presbyterian Church.

 

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Charles "Chuck" Crotty DHS1956 Passed Away March 10, 2015, at Home Surrounded by His Family, Age 78

Charles "Chuck" Crotty, DHS1956

September 21, 1936 - March 10, 2015

 

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DEADWOOD | Charles Raymond "Chuck" Crotty, 78, passed away March 10, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.

Chuck was born Sept. 21, 1936, in New Underwood to Charles Arnold and Helen (Trotter) Crotty. During his childhood he was active in many sports such as basketball, football, and track. He also enjoyed swimming, hunting, fly-fishing, target shooting, and horseback riding. He graduated from Deadwood High School in 1956 and worked at the Homestake Slime plant after his graduation.

On July 13, 1957, he married Karen Marta and they started a family. Chuck was dedicated to serving his community by working as a Deputy in the Sheriff’s Department for many years and was a 1st Lieutenant in the National Guard. He became Sheriff of Lawrence County in 1974 and held the position for 20 years, retiring in 1994. As an adult, Chuck enjoyed being a member of the Lead Rifle and Pistol Club, team roping, and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his sister, Alice Fern (Dennis) Barker; his children, Greg (Jane) Crotty, Lead, Suzanne (Clint) Ruby, Gillette, WY, Charlene (Steve) Ommen, Sturgis, and Jay Crotty, Spearfish; grandchildren, Angela (Jesse) Besel, Patrick Crotty, Kyle and Christine Ruby, Paul, Danica, and Scott Ommen, and Garrett, Ryan, and Alex Crotty; and many great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with 6 p.m. vigil services Sunday, March 15, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lead.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, at the church. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Deadwood.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to provide a law enforcement scholarship at Western Dakota Vo-Tech for a Lawrence County high school graduate.

Georgia Lubisher DHS1939 , 94 of Spearfish, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Rapid City Regional Hospital

Georgia Lubisher  

(February 22, 1921 - February 28, 2015)

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Georgia Lubisher, 94 of Spearfish, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Georgia was born on February 22, 1921 to Philip and Mary (Kosch) Lubisher in Madison, (Humphrey) NE. The family moved to the Black Hills in 1936. She graduated from Deadwood High School in 1939. 

Following her graduation she became the receptionist for Dr. F. S. Howe, pioneer doctor in Deadwood. She put her secretarial skills from her high school training to work when she worked for the US Forest Service in Deadwood and also Fort Meade in Sturgis before becoming the Office Manager for Canyon Oil and Clark Tire Companies in Deadwood. She left that position to open a Public Accounting Service also in Deadwood. 

Leaving Deadwood in 1973, she relocated to Boise, ID to take over the position of office manager for G&S Construction. She remained in that capacity until her retirement in 1983. 

Georgia devoted many hours of service in her retirement years to volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital in the accounting department, receiving a certificate of merit for 2000 hours when she left Boise. She had also been active in a number of business and professional organizations throughout her career. 

Georgia returned to the Black Hills in 1998 and lived independently until she was forced to go into assisted living following a fall in 2012. 

Georgia was known for her loyalty, generosity and being fiercely independent. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Duane. She is survived by her sister Patricia Hungerford of Murphys, California 

 Arrangements are pending. 

 Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Services, Spearfish SD

Barbara Rich Larson DHS1959 died Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital - Reported by Margaret Crary Sager DHS1961

Barbara Larson

October 3, 1940 - January 6, 2015

Barbara M. Larson, 74, Deadwood, SD died Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital.

Barbara was born October 3, 1940 to Peter and Lillian (Hammer) Rich in Deadwood. She attended St. Ambrose School in Deadwood through the eighth grade, she went on to graduate from Deadwood High School in 1959. She then attended Black Hills State College for a year. During this time she met and later married Michael Larson on December 19, 1960. She then became a stay at home mother raising her two sons, Mark and Dan. They lived in the Deadwood area most of her life, with the exception of 17 years that they lived in St. Cloud, MN, while Mike worked at the VA medical center.

She was active in her church, passionate about theater and the arts, including time spent teaching tap dancing to senior citizens. She spent many summers playing Calamity Jane in the Trial of Jack McCall. She was a prayer warrior, who was very passionate about sharing her love of Jesus, her Savior and Lord. She was very devoted to raising her two sons and loving her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Mike, Deadwood; son, Mark Larson, Deadwood; grandchildren, Hannah Larson, Malachi Larson, and their mother Juli Larson, all of Breamen, GA; son, Daniel (Belinda) Larson, Spearfish, grandchildren, Savannah (Lance) Horst, Spearfish, Amber (John) Jones, Spearfish, Rebekah Larson, Dickinson, ND, Luke Larson, Deadwood; great-grandchildren, Asher Horst, Rhyker Horst, Seaira Frasier and Lamont Jones.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Funeral services will be at 11 am, Friday, January 9 at Lead Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery near Deadwood.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. 

Online condolences may be left at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com

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From the DHS1959 Bear Log:

Barbara Rich

Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Christmas Play 2, 3, 4; Class Play 3, 4; Dramatics 2, 3, 4; Oratory 3; Bruin Staff 4; Glee Club 4; Mixed Chorus 4

Patrica Thomson Schmidt DHS1960 Died September 18, 2014 in Rapid City SD as Reported by Margaret Crary Sager DHS1961

Patricia M. Schmidt 

October 2. 1942 ~ September 18, 2014

RAPID CITY | Patricia M. Schmidt, 71, died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, at the Hospice House in Rapid City, SD, surrounded by her family on a beautiful autumn evening, just as she always loved. We know that she was fishing as soon as her soul was free to soar.

Patricia (Pat or Patty) was born to Helen and Irvine Thomson on Oct. 6, 1942, in Deadwood, SD. She graduated from Deadwood High School in 1960. She continued her education in nursing and graduated in 1963 from St. John’s McNamara School of Nursing.

While attending nursing school, Patricia met Jerome "Jerry" Schmidt on a blind date. After dating for a year they became engaged. They married on Aug. 24, 1963, after she graduated from nursing school. Pat and Jerry went on to have five children and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

Patricia worked at St. John’s Hospital starting in 1963 for a year, then worked at Black Hills Rehabilitation. In 1970 she began a 10-year stint with the United Blood Services, where she helped start the Plasma Freeze Program. She then worked at Rapid City Regional Hospital, where she retired after 25 years of helping many patients and building many great friendships.

Patricia loved to spend her time camping and fishing with her husband and children. She loved picking berries and fruit for canning and jelly or syrup, a tradition which she shared with her own mom. She spent countless hours watching her kids play sports and simply being with her immediate and extended family. She always shared her faith of the Lord with her husband and kids, even up to her very last breath.

Grateful for sharing her life include her husband of 51 years, Jerome, of Rapid City; son, Jay (Becky) of Bardstown, KY; son, Calvin (Susan) of Rapid City; daughter, Gail, of Rapid City; son, Russell (Shalene) of Clarksville, TN; son, Andrew of Rapid City; brother, Jim (Sharon) Thomson of Rapid City; brother, Ed Thomson of El Cajon, CA; sister, Anita (Scott) Carlisle of Montrose, CO; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild with another on the way.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, followed by a vigil service and rosary at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home, 632 St. Francis Street, Rapid City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Rev. Grant Gerlach as celebrant. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Patricia requested that any donations be made in her name to Working Against Violence Incorporated (WAVI).

Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com.

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Carol (McCarroll) Perry DHS1961 died at age 71 in Orlando FL on July 21,02014 as reported by Margaret Crary Sager DHS1961

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLA. | Carol (McCarroll) Perry went home to her Heavenly Father July 21, 2014, in Altamonte Springs. She was born Jan. 26, 1943, in Rapid City, SD, to H.W. (Mac) and Emily McCarroll, who along with her sister, Connie Austin preceded her in death. She moved to Deadwood as an infant where her father owned the Ben Franklin Store from 1943-1964.

Carol graduated from Deadwood High School in 1961 and Black Hills State University in 1965. Upon graduation the McCarroll family moved to Orlando, where she taught elementary school for six years. She was then employed by the Greater Orlando, Greater Seminole, and Oviedo Chambers of Commerce and retired from Sprint.

She was a member of many civic and community organizations. She was involved in Republican politics and served as a volunteer or campaign manager for many Republican candidates. Carol was an active member and Deacon at Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church which she dearly loved.

She is survived by beloved daughters, Cherie (Greg) Seidule and Laurie (Bryan) Smith; niece, Joy (Alan) Ashlock; great-niece, Sydney; nephew, Ric Austin; brother-in-law, Don Rogers; and much loved grandchildren, Emily and Owen Smith and Nick and Tony (Tiffany) Seidule, all from the central Florida area. Carol is also survived by cousins, Bob Myhren (Lynette) of Monument, CO, Jeanne Myhren (Raleigh) of San Clemente, CA, and Kathy (Myhren) Henningsen (RC) of Las Vegas, NV.

Although Carol moved away many decades ago, her heart always remained in the Black Hills. She also leaves behind many cherished friends whose love, support and friendship greatly enriched and blessed her life.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. EDT July 28, at Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church

Memorials may be sent to the Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church, 3600 Aloma Ave., Oviedo, FL 32765 or Hope Helps, Inc., 149 E. Broadway, Oviedo, FL 32765.

Acknowledgements may be sent to Cherie Seidule and Laurie Smith at 1412 Barcelona Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708.

COMMENTS:

Margaret Crary Sager, DHS1961 July 24, 2014:

Hard to lose a classmate, makes us realize our own mortality!  She was always so good to all of us.  When we were little she had some major health issues and even went to Mayo's which in those days was a rarity!  Carol loved her visits to the Hills and Deadwood and came fairly regularly. Remember the Ben Franklin!  That was a major stopping place to and from school for little candy items, gum, pencils and other school supplies as well as toys!  Our moms bought household things there like dishes, mixing bowls, etc.

Rest in Peace and in God's love, Carol Ann.

Marge Bell DHS1958, July 24, 2014:

I am so sad to hear of Carol's passing. Just a month ago, I got a nice email from her about a planned trip to South Dakota - she loved going back home and meeting with her friends. She had a good life in Florida, with a loving family that gave her much joy. RIP, Carol.

DickD DHS1954, July 26, 2014:

I was shocked by Carol's sudden death.  Like Marge I received an email from Carol about her SD visit.  She told about her love and feeling of roots in SD.  Her wording in the email was upbeat and actually funny the way she worded the message.  Rest is peace Carol and enjoy your reunion with sister Connie!  :)

Marge Bell DHS1958:

Linda (Keehn) Maxwell DHS1966, Died in Belle Fourche at age 66 as reported by Margaret Crary Sager DHS1961

 Linda Maxwell 

(May 1, 1948 - July 12, 2014)

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Linda (Keehn) Maxwell DHS1966, age 66, passed away July 12, 2014 at Belle Fourche Health Care Center

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Linda was born May 1, 1948 in Flandreau, SD to Lew and Marion Keehn. Linda grew up in Deadwood, graduating from Deadwood High School and then attending Black Hills State College.

One of her fondest life adventures away from the Black Hills was living in Wasilla, Alaska where she made many life-long friends and memories. She returned home in 1980 to learn the fine art of being a Saloonkeeper, prankster and memory maker at the family business, Saloon No. 10.

In the page of Deadwood's history it will be noted that Linda was Deadwood's first female Reserve Police Officer. Her talents were many, but her most acclaim would be for her famous cheesecakes. She took home countless awards for 1st place. She proudly handed out her business card with the title "Cheesecake Diva". In January of 2009, with dignity and grace, she changed her title and business card to "Wheelchair Diva".

Linda had a heart of gold. She always marched to the beat of her own drum, but on the drop of a dime was there to help a friend in need. She loved her girlfriends and their escapades on the road. In her final years at Belle, she developed many new friendships with her caregivers. She was always ready with needed advice, a good joke and bottomless chocolate dish.

She is survived by her brother Gary, sisters Louie and Lori, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephew.

Linda will be greatly missed and admired by all. Her final lesson to us all is to live life to its fullest. Keep the faith. Love a giraffe.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 1 pm, at the historic St. John's Episcopal Church in Deadwood. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. Please join us following the burial for her "secret recipe cheesecake" and spirits at the Charlie Utter Theatre. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the ongoing repairs and improvements to St. John's Church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.

Gerald L. Karns DHS1958, 75, Deadwood, SD, died Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital reported by Margaret Crary Segar DHS1961

Gerald L Karns 

May 30, 1939 - May 31, 2014

DHS1958

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Gerald L. Karns, 75, Deadwood, SD, died Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital. 

Gerald was born on May 30, 1939 to Coye and Genevieve (Hanson) Karns in Bison, SD. He married Wyomia Jo Fruit on December 6, 1963. He started working as a machinist in 1958 and moved on to work underground for Homestake Mine and then for Boeing in the mid-sixties. In the late 60’s he became a concrete mason which led to building his own trade shop, Karns Machine, in 1972. He later became an independent machinist around the Black Hills. He was an avid flat track dirt bike race in his younger years, as he got older he had the same passion in wanting to produce minerals such as gold, silver, tantalite and rare earths at the Tinton Mine.

He is survived by his three daughters, Ashley (Bill) Griffith, Lead, Tawnee (Jarrod) Stark and Korrie (Johnny) Wise, Gillette; ten grandchildren and brother, Larry (Ricki) Karns, Spearfish. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wyomia, sons, Todd and Shane Karns, brother, Randy Karns and his parents.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 6, 2014 at the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Lawn Cemetery in Lead. A memorial has been established to the Twin City Animal Shelter in Lead.

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be left at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com