Chan Biggs DHS1960 passed away in Montana February 8, 2014

Chan Biggs' Obituary
1942 - 2014
DHS1960

Chanler Clarence - "Chan" - Biggs passed away early Sunday February 8, 2014  after a long illness. He was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1942, and spent most of his youth through high school in Deadwood, SD. Chan served in the U.S. Navy before graduating from Oregon State University and joining the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. He spent much of his career with the BLM working on the Missouri River and the Fort Benton and Lewis &Clark Visitors Centers.

Chan's knowledge of the Missouri River Breaks' flora, fauna, geology and history was encyclopedic. In 1984 he accompanied Jacques Cousteau and a film crew as they traveled the Missouri River between Fort Benton and Fort Peck dam filming a documentary about the Mississippi-Missouri system. He was also co-author of the 2001 book Montana's Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri River Guidebook, and was featured in William Least Heat-Moon's 1999 book River Horse. Chan cared passionately about the preservation of Montana's natural and cultural heritage and public understanding of that heritage. He was an active member in the National Association of Interpreters and served as the group's president in 1998.

Chan took great joy in introducing his children and other family and friends to the Missouri River, and his children believe to this day that teaching them to maneuver a jet boat through rocky waters or a canoe through rapids was his way of preparing them for life's challenges. Chan's family will also remember him fondly for his supporting role in the B movie “Ski Troop Attack”, a 1960 “classic” filmed in the Black Hills near Deadwood. Chan’s full bio on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) reads: “Chan Biggs is an actor, known for Ski Troop Attack (1960).” The curious and the doubters are invited to view the full length movie on YouTube.

One of his other great loves was singing in a barbershop quartet, performing at events large and small. He was also an honorary member of the Great Falls Garden Club, designing award winning yearbooks for their events.

Chan is survived by his wife, Patricia, children Michelle "Shelby" Zenahlik and Daniel Biggs, and three grandchildren, as well as three siblings: sisters Barbara Biggs (Denver), Patrice Williamson (Spearfish, SD) and brother Gary (Omaha). He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Frances Biggs, his brother Byron, and wife Kally.

Chan's family will welcome friends to an Open House in his honor on Saturday, February 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 3925 6th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations in Chan's honor be made to the Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument (www.missouribreaks.org) and the River And Plains Society, Inc. of Fort Benton, MT. Contributions can be sent to the family or directly to these organizations.

Duane Palmer DHS1952 Passed Away in Idaho January 27, 2014

Duane Palmer
DHS1952 
 Friday, January 31, 2014
Mountain Home News

Harlen Palmer, 80, of Mountain Home, passed away on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at the Boise ID VA Medical Center.

A viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 6, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, Feb. 7, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and burial with military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. ...

Reece Palmer DHS1954 Passed Away

Reece Spalding Palmer

November 22, 1936 - January 16, 2014

Obituary for Reece Spalding Palmer

Reece Spalding Palmer passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 16, 2014 at his residence in Tulsa, OK. He was born November 22, 1936 in Chamberlain, South Dakota to George and Ann Palmer. He graduated from Deadwood High School then served in the Navy from 1954 - 1957. He married Velida F. Brown in 1963 after his career led him to Oklahoma City where he was employed by the Shell Oil Company and Trend Engineering. He was a member of the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish and Meadowbrook Country Club in Tulsa. Reece retired as Vice President of Engineering for the Pro Quip Corporation in Tulsa in 1998. He is survived by his wife Velida of the home; three daughters Cari Hoover of Tucson, AZ, Shelley Washburn and her husband Joe of Arvada, CO, and Wendy Palmer of Tulsa, OK; his brother Eugene Palmer of Denver, CO; and his sister Georgia Ross of Ft. Collins, CO; grandchildren Donovan, David, Elizabeth, and Duncan Hoover, Madeline Allensworth, and Brooks Martinez. Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Schaudt-Teel Funeral Service Chapel in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers please direct contributions to St. Francis Hospice in Reece's name.

St. Francis Hospice
6600 S. Yale Ave., Suite 350
Tulsa, OK 74136

Note on check it is in memory of Reece

website:  

http://www.saintfrancis.com/Pages/Services-and-Specialties/Hospice.aspx

Funeral Information:

http://www.schaudtfuneralservice.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=67319#/obituaryInfo

Lillian Salmo Shea DHS1931 Passes Away at the Age of 100 by Margaret Crary Sager DHS1961

Lillian Shea

(May 25, 1913 - December 12, 2013) 

Lillian E. Shea was a life-long resident of the Deadwood-Lead area. She passed away peacefully on December  12,  2013, surrounded by family and friends, at the Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital.

Lillian was born May 25, 1913, at the family farm near Custer Peak to John Henry and Anna Senja (Hautamaki) Salmo. Lillian attended rural school in Polson School District and graduated from Deadwood High School. Lillian took commercial courses in high school and enjoyed a career in business administration for over 50 years. She started as bookkeeper for the Fish & Hunter Co. in Deadwood, a wholesale/retail building material and hardware company with yards in Rapid City, Belle Fourche, Lead, Deadwood, New Underwood, Wasta and Owanka.

James Shea worked for Fish & Hunter Co. also. He left to serve in the Navy Air Corps in 1941. He graduated in November from Pensacola, Florida, as a pilot. He and Lillian were married on January 13, 1945 while he was home on leave. They lived in Kansas and Florida during the war. He was transferred to Hawaii, the Pacific Theater.

When the war ended, Jim went to work for Porter Lumber Co. and Lillian returned to Fish & Hunter. They built their home on lower Main Street in Deadwood in 1948.

In 1960 they decided to open a retail building and hardware store, Shea’s Inc., on Deadwood’s Main Street. Lillian served as accountant and secretary. Jim was general manager and his brother Joseph was vice president and advisor.

In 1974 Lillian became bookkeeper and accountant for the Deadwood Development Co., the Wax Museum and the Trial of Jack McCall. Later as stockholder and owner, she and Jim continued operating all the businesses for many years. Lillian worked for Fish & Hunter Co. for over 50 years. They operated Shea’s Inc. for 37 years, the Deadwood Development Co. and the Trial of Jack McCall until 1996.

In 1997 James and Lillian retired. They sold all the property except their home and the Fountain House next door, which they restored to its original appearance in 2004.

In 1999 the James E. and Lillian E. Shea Charitable Trust was established to benefit residents of Lawrence County. The trust has donated thousands of dollars to those who have medical or catastrophic needs.

Lillian's life was a testimony of helping others, kindness to all, and she touched the lives of countless people in her century of life. Always humble and not wanting a lot of attention, she was so excited for her 100th birthday party in May and the large family reunion held in conjunction with the celebration. Lillian enjoyed planting flowers, feeding the birds and other small wildlife, and the companionship of the dogs they had. Lillian had a "Daily Prayer" that she copied and gave to many to make sure they knew Jesus as their Savior. She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for many years. Her husband, James Shea, preceded her in death in April, 2007. After his death, she lived alone in her own home until the time of her death.

Lillian was the last surviving member of twelve children: Henry Salmo, Helen Houlette, Edna Eitzen, Winnie Lyman, Anna Pascoe, Mayme Aarni, Ruth Kotti, Hazel Silfven, Reno Ikola, Sadie Whalen and William Ikola.

Lillian is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, including from this area Aileen Brunner, Nisland; Patricia Carstensen, Sturgis; and George Kotti, Hot Springs. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Bernard Shea, Brea, CA and sister-in-law Monica Jean Shea, Granada Hills, CA.

Visitation will be 3-5 P.M. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Vigil service will be at 7 P.M. on Thursday, at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church in Deadwood. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, December 20 at the church. Internment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Adams Museum in Deadwood.

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

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Joy Proctor Krautschum DHS1969 Passed Away November 5, 2013 ; Submitted by Margaret Sager DHS1961

SPEARFISH SD | Joy Krautschun, 62, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, at her home under the loving care of her family, friends and Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Joy was born May 10, 1951, in Deadwood to Dr. Thomas H. "Doc" and June (Stolberg) Proctor. While growing up in Deadwood, she was a member of the Deadwood swim team and traveled around the country winning countless swim meets as she went. Rumor has it she posted qualifying times for the Olympic Games in one particular event.

After graduating from Deadwood High School in 1969, Joy enrolled at BHSU and majored in music and physical education. She was a member of the BH homecoming royalty, a cheerleader, and was the first coach for the women’s basketball program at BH. Joy served many years on the BHSU Alumni Association Board. Her involvement with the University developed into a lifetime love and passion for the students, faculty, Swarm Day and many other university events.

Joy met Harvey Krautschun at BH and who knew what a life they would lead together. They were married on August 11, 1973, and to the marriage two children were born, Bart and Jamie. Joy was a totally devoted wife and mother. She taught Physical Education and Music in the Lead-Deadwood and Spearfish Schools, and later became Harv’s full time “boss” in their financial services business. From this role, she became an active member in the Spearfish Chamber Ambassadors.

Joy was very involved in coaching sports from soccer to gymnastics and was there every day for both Bart and Jamie. Joy picked kids up from school and would haul her soccer team to practice in her Ford pickup known as “the silver bus.” She coached her son’s soccer teams to two State Championships and helped her daughter set numerous records in track and field. She and Harvey hauled dozens of kids to-and-from sporting events across the state. All the kids loved to ride with the Krautschuns, because Harvey would get there fast and Joy always had the best snacks!

Joy and the family faced a huge challenge in 1995, when she suffered a heart arrhythmia. She was in a coma for several weeks. Joy spent several years in very intensive therapy where she learned to walk, talk, read and write all over again. She and several helpers, friends and family spent the next 18 years working to build and maintain her strength and conditioning. She loved children and was involved in the reading program in the Spearfish Elementary Schools. She also volunteered at the Spearfish Food Pantry. Joy was able to enjoy eight wonderful grandchildren and spoiled them all at every possible opportunity.

She lead a wonderful “Joyful, Joyfilled” life and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. She had a priceless sense of humor, a love of pets, flower gardens and baking.

Joy is survived by her husband, Harvey; son, Bart (Nicole) Krautschun; daughter, Jamie (Mike) Gibson; sister, Jill Quillian; brothers, Jack (Carol) Proctor and Jerry (Chana) Proctor; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. vigil services Friday, Nov. 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the church with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorials have been established to benefit Bella Pregnancy Resource Center, Hospice of the Northern Hills and the Black Hills State University Joy Proctor-Krautschun Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish.

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Rapid City Journal Obituary/Photograph by Sheri Sponder

David A. Fierro DHS 1967 Died in Salem OR October 6, 2013 at the Age of 65 by Margaret Sager DHS 1961

DHS1967 Annual Photo

SALEM, ORE. | David Andre Fierro, 65, passed away Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. He was born July 11, 1948, in Deadwood, SD.  Fierro lived in Salem, OR and passed away at the House of Troy in Salem, Ore., after a short battle with cancer 

David was born on July 11, 1948 in Deadwood. He is the son of Ysidro and the late Jennie Fierro. David attended school at St. Ambrose School for eight years and graduated from Deadwood High School in 1967. He also attended college in Great Falls, Mont. and graduated from Black Hills State University in Rapid City, with a paralegal degree. He was an excellent basketball player. He also enjoyed playing golf with his brothers and friends, when they had their annual Fierro Golf Excursions. David was also active in the Christian World Fellowship Church in Salem, Ore. and the New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Spearfish.

Survivors include his sons, Andre’ Fierro of Fort Meyers, Fla., Anthony Fierro of San Antonio, Texas and Maverick Fierro of Rapid City; three grandchildren, Isaiah Fierro, Ethan Fierro and Bentley Fierro; father, Ysidro Fierro; six brothers, Lawrence (Louise) Fierro, Peter Fierro, John Fierro, James (Mary Ann) Fierro, Richard (Joan) Fierro, and Michael Fierro; and four sisters, Margaret Arsaga, Virginia (friend, Don Stoltz) Fierro, Teresa (Tim) Martinez, and Anita Bennett.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jennie Fierro; sister, Caroline Fierro; and brother, Marty Fierro.

At David’s request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on April 18, 2014 at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Spearfish, followed by a reception at the church.

Al Veitl DHS1942 Passes Away in Virgina by Margaret Crary Segar

Charles "Al" Veitl passed away on Friday, August 30th at Loudoun CHospital, Leesburg, VA. He was 85.

Al was born in Deadwood, S.D., to Albert Veitl and Nina Allen Veitl. He joined the Navy in 1951 and served for four years on the USS Philippine Sea CVA-47 during the Korean War. In 1956 he married Gloria Fahrni, also of Deadwood. After graduating from Black Hills Teachers College in 1958, he taught at Custer High School and during the summers served in the National Forest Service as a seasonal fire control aide.

Al joined the National Park Service in 1960. He served at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, and at Colonial National Historic Park in Virginia. After completing a management training program in Washington, DC, he was named District Manager of the North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park. He then went on to become Superintendent of Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona; Superintendent of George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia; Associate Director for Operations-Midwest Region in Omaha, Nebraska; and Chief Ranger for Activities and Visitor Protection, Washington Office (DC). He retired in 1988 from the National Capital Regional Office, which comprises nearly 90,000 acres of parks, parkways, monuments, memorials, historical sites, and battlefields across DC, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

After retiring, Al stayed in Northern Virginia. He worked part-time as a contractor for the CIA and volunteered at Travelers Aid at Dulles International Airport. He loved to travel and over the years visited virtually every state in the union and travelled often to Europe. In 1998 he became a full-time Grandpa. "Bapa" was a devoted babysitter, playmate, chauffeur, and cheerleader for his two grandchildren; in 2007 he took them to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota where he grew up and where he and Gloria lived as a young married couple, including in an apartment over the Piggly Wiggly in Custer.

Al is predeceased by his parents, in-laws Sam Fahrni and Anna Michalik Fahrni, sister Betty Veitl Bennett, brother George Veitl, nephew Johnny Veitl, sister-in-law Patty Ann Fahrni Lee, niece Karolen Fahrni Wahl, brother-in-law and lifelong friend Leonard Fahrni, and family dogs Boo-Boo and Hoover.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria; his daughter Patti Veitl Dienna and her partner Bob Phillips; his son Todd and his partner Cheryl Porcelli; his daughter Martha Veitl Albers, her husband Paul, and their two children Grayson and Gretchen; and Clarence the Dog.

He is also survived by brothers Jack and Jim Veitl, sisters Janet Veitl Ewing and Joyce Veitl Shostrom, sister-in-law Helen Fahrni, brothers-in-law Larry Fahrni and Roger Lee, cousin and childhood friend/cousin Malcolm Allen, and a small nation of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A private service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Al's memory to the Association of National Park Rangers or the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation.

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