Obituaries

Gary Sharkey

Published by admin on Wed, 03/13/2024 - 9:20am

Gary Michael Sharkey, or “Sharkey,” as he was widely known, was born March 18,1953 in Valentine, Neb., to Michael and Helen Sharkey. He grew up devout in his Catholic faith on the family farm near Keyapaha, S.D., west of Winner, S.D. It was there that Sharkey developed his work ethic that he would carry through his entire life.
Sharkey was the oldest of six children and attended rural country school on horseback while making sure his siblings’ horses were also properly saddled and ready to go. He was active in 4H, church and sports throughout his childhood.

Russell ‘Sam’ Schultz

Published by admin on Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:24am

Russell Samuel “Sam” Schultz was born Oct. 28, 1939, to Nellie Mae and Russell Lewellyn Schultz in Rensselaer, Ind. He grew up in Kentland, Ind., and graduated from A. J. Kent High School in 1957. He loved athletics and played football, basketball and track. He excelled in track, breaking school and county records in the quarter mile and the high jump.

John Button

Published by admin on Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:23am

John Button was born May 1, 1956 in Waukegan, Ill., to Duane and Ann Button.
John was the oldest of four children and graduated from Carmel Catholic High School in 1974. Although he never went to a formal college program, John always had a strong desire to learn something new.
John married his lifelong partner, Stacey Behrens three times—Oct. 28, 1979, Nov. 3, 1979, and Aug. 19, 1990.
He operated Button Construction from 1973 to 1997 in Illinois. While in Illinois, John raised Red Angus, milked Holsteins, and began a Christmas tree farm.

Gary Roberts

Published by admin on Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:22am

Gary Dennis Roberts was born March 26, 1948, in Highland Park, Mich., to Andrew and Patricia (Briggs) Roberts. After serving 20 years in nuclear submarines he retired in 1990 from the U.S. Navy.  He also retired from the Idaho National Laboratory as a quality assurance engineer.

Randal Pence

Published by admin on Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:22am

In loving memory of Randal Drew Pence, AKA Randy, papa, dad, pops, gramps, and just “PENCE” in the classroom.
A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and retired teacher, Randy was loved by many. With heavy hearts, we announce his passing, leaving behind a profound void in the lives of his children and wife, Donna.
Randy was a man of creativity, integrity, humor, and unwavering love. He showered his children with endless encouragement, guidance, creativity and affection. He and Donna were their kids’ biggest inspiration.

Valerie Pulscher

Published by admin on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 3:22pm

Valerie “Val” Louise Pulscher was born Aug. 13, 1953, in Hot Springs, S.D., to the late Ernie and Eloise Pepin of Custer, S.D.
On April 14, 1973, Val married William “Bob” Pulscher, from Egan, S.D., and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in April 2023. They had three children: Shawn (married to Maureen Borbely), Cheyenne (married to Jeff Lawrence) and Sara (married to Pete Schaich), and were blessed with six grandchildren—Chloe and Alexie Lawrence, Nicholas and Jacob Schaich, and Lily and Cameron Pulscher. Val loved spending time with all of them.

Paul Schmitz

Published by admin on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 3:21pm

Paul Francis Schmitz was born Dec. 28, 1940, in Kenmare, N.D., to Leo and Evelyn (Ackerman) Schmitz.  
Paul married MaryAnn Weiker Oct. 22, 1965 in Custer, S.D.  He proudly served in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge. Paul purchased Leo’s Auto in Custer in 1979 and operated his business until his death.
Paul passed away Feb. 8, 2024, at his home in Custer. He was 83.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; and a brother.

Janis Baty

Published by admin on Wed, 02/14/2024 - 11:37am

Janis Mary Baty was born March 27, 1945, in Elgin, Ill., to John and Ruth (Witt) Theobold.
Janis’s life was a miracle. As a child, she suffered from many health issues and was not expected to live.
Her grandfather, Dr. Frank Theobald, cared for her and finally sought help in Chicago, Ill. It was then learned she had celiac disease and became the first documented case. She fought hard and was beyond grateful for the many sacrifices her family made to help her through her struggles.

Marvin Hammer

Published by admin on Wed, 02/07/2024 - 10:26am

Marvin Wallace Hammer was born the seventh child of Joseph and Irene (Aubert) Hammer Dec. 6, 1935, in Pringle, S.D.
At the age of 5, the family moved to Custer, S.D., so that the children could attend school.
Marvin graduated from Custer High School in 1954. While in high school, he worked summers for the U.S. Forest Service. After he graduated from high school he worked nine months on and three months off for the Forest Service, eventually going full time in 1958.  

Josephine Fox

Published by admin on Wed, 02/07/2024 - 8:57am
Josephine Ruth Fox was born June 29, 1929, in Anselmo, Neb., to Joe and Ruth (Roberts) Knoell.  
Josephine, of Hill City, S.D., formally of Chadron, Neb., passed away Feb. 3, 2024, at home in Hill City. She was 94.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Claris “Clancy” Fox; and her son, Bill Fox.
Josephine is survived by her children, Nancy (Steve) Macleay, Peggy (Randy) Sogge, Jim Fox, Pam (Juan) Rivera and Jeff (Sabrina) Fox; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.