Obituaries

James Schade

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:38pm

James C. Schade Jr., born July 19, 1962, went to be with our Lord Jan. 9, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Jim, or Jamie as he was known by family, was born in Parma, Ohio and attended Catholic school, graduating in 1980.
A Boy Scout, his love of camping, fishing and hunting began early. Jim met the love of his life, Danielle, while in high school and soon after graduating, married and joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix, Ariz. 

Gary Christie

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:37pm

Gary Christie of Custer, S.D., passed away Dec. 25, 2025
Gary was born Jan. 3, 1942 in a birthing house in Custer to Margueritta Mae and William “Bill” Christie. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, David Eugene Christie. 
Gary is survived by his significant other, Debra Christie; children, Crystal and her husband Shawn Krueger; and Cory Christie; and  three grandsons, Elijah, Peyton and Cruz. 
His hobbies were hunting, fishing, trapping and rock hounding.
At his request there will be no services. 

 

Paul Spieker

Published by admin on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 3:30pm

Paul C. Spieker, of Custer, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Custer.
Paul was born March 4, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minn. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, a chapter of his life that reflected the steady strength and quiet patriotism he carried throughout the years.

Billy Joe Parsons

Published by admin on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 3:29pm

Billy Joe Parsons passed away peacefully Christmas Eve morning at Avantara Arrowhead Rehab Center in Rapid City, S.D., where he was recovering from and receiving rehab following a major stroke that he suffered Oct. 18.
Billy Joe Parsons was born in the back of an ambulance Dec. 16, 1959, to Greer and Marcella Parsons, while enroute to Rapid City. He was the youngest of five children. 
Bill was a 1978 graduate of Custer (S.D.) High School, where he played football and basketball. Bill worked in the lumber business as a lumber grader for many years.

Harold Kruse

Published by admin on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 9:40am
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold “Butch” Kruse, age 83, who left us peacefully Dec. 18, 2025, with his family by his side. 
Butch was born Jan. 20, 1942, in Hot Springs, S.D., where he spent most of his childhood. He later lived in Chadron and Minden, Neb.; Altoona, Iowa; Broomfield, Colo.; and eventually retired in Hill City, S.D.
Butch was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

David Hill

Published by admin on Tue, 12/23/2025 - 1:11pm

After a long and interesting life, David Hill fought a brief battle with cancer and then went home to rest with his Savior Dec. 15, 2025. 
Born April 12, 1944, David spent time in France, Japan, and in several different U.S. states. He earned a Master’s degree in English, and became an educator, working at various levels of the education system.  He came to the Black Hills in the early 2000s. He worked locally in education before retiring

Diana Hart

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:48am
Diana Leann Hart of Hill City, South Dakota, age 55, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at home Dec. 6, 2025. 
She was born  Jan. 2, 1970, in Hutchinson, Kan., to Theodore A. and Carol June Stoughton. She was a graduate of Buhler High School, Hutchinson Community College and Black Hills State University with a degree in education and an endorsement as a teacher of English as a Second Language. 

Larry Brazell

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:02pm

On Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, Larry Duane Brazell of Pringle, S.D., passed away at the VA Hospital in Hot Springs, S.D., at the age of 80 years.
Larry was born Nov. 7, 1945, in Chester, S.D., to Donald Wayne Brazell and Marjorie May (Sorenson) Brazell. He grew up on the family farm in eastern South Dakota (Wentworth, Chester, Volga area) and attended grade school at the Washington country school.
In 1958 his parents sold the farm and bought a ranch east of Hermosa, S.D., and moved there in December.

Melissa Rucktaeschel

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:01pm

Melissa Susan Rucktaeschel, lovingly known as Missy, passed away peacefully in her home Nov. 22, 2025, surrounded by her husband Rocky and niece Katie. She had bravely fought a courageous seven-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.
After beginning hospice care on Nov. 6, she completed her long journey on Nov. 22.
Missy will be remembered for her kindness, her strength and the love she poured into every person she met.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, S.D.

 

Lyle Reindl

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 12:18pm

Lyle James Reindl, 73, of Custer, S.D., died Tuesday, Nov. 18, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Jan. 8, 1952, in Wessington Springs, S.D., to LeRoy and Ellen (Meis) Reindl. The Reindl family moved to Custer in 1958. He was raised on the family ranch, and alongside his 10 siblings, and became firmly rooted in the community he loved. Lyle went on to graduate from Custer High School in 1970.