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VIOLA BRUUN
Viola Bruun was born July 6, 1912, to Jacob and Anna (Unruh) Neufeld on the family farm in Childstown Township in Turner County.
When Viola was five years old, her family moved to Freeman, where she attended school and graduated from Freeman High School. She was baptized and confirmed in Bethany Mennonite Church where she later enjoyed teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and participating in Ladies Aid.
Viola attended Freeman Junior College and taught school in Turner County. On Aug. 4, 1934, she married Valdemar (Walter) Bruun in her family home. Walt and Viola had four children: Petrea, Walter Robert, Mary and Gerda.
Throughout her life Viola enjoyed music, and she encouraged her daughters to sing and to play the piano. She loved dogs, birds, flowers, and traveling. She especially cherished family visits and visiting with her grandchildren on the telephone.
Viola died Wednesday, July 3, 2003 at Avera Bormann Manor in Parkston.
Viola's family feels especially blessed to have been a part of her life. Family members include: daughter Gerda Prescott and husband Don, Parkston, sons-in-law: Dale Zimdars, Billings, Mont., and Ron Fystro, Irene; grandchildren: David Zimdars and wife Barbara and their son, Joshua, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Rebecca Zimdars and her children, Clair and Connor, Houston, Texas; Emily and husband Tyronne Bialas and son, Camden, Rensselaer, Ind.; Julia and husband Chad Focht, Overland Park, Kan.; Amy and husband David Hoines, Sioux Falls; and Kristin Fystro, Vermillion.
Viola lost so many dear family members before her death: her husband; her daughters, Petrea and Mary; her son, Walter Robert; her brothers: Wesley and John; her nephew John Charles, and her parents.
Her funeral was held Monday, July 7, at 10 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ in Parkston with Rev. Elmo Herman officiating. Organist was Mary Tiede with Elsa Sperlich as vocalist and Robert Neufeld as reader. Casketbearers were Tyronne Bialas, Chris Eisenbeis, Chad Focht, David Hoines, Michael Neufeld and David Zimdars.
Interment was at Freeman City Cemetery.
GERHARDT "GARY" STARK
Gerhardt "Gary" Stark, 76, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Freeman, died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Gerhardt, son of Carl and Paulina (Heibel) Stark, was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Freeman. He grew up and received his education there.
Gary entered the United States Army on Nov. 16, 1944, at Fort Snelling, Minn. He served in the European Theatre during World War II. Following his honorable discharge on Aug. 18, 1946, at Fort Sheridan, Ill., Gary moved to Sioux Falls, where he began his career as a truck driver. He retired from Munce Brothers Moving and Storage in 1985 after 30 years of service.
Gary was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Grateful for having shared his life are his special companion, Barbara Krumrei, Sioux Falls; a son, Robert Stark and his fiancˇe, Shirley Mays, Sioux Fall; a daughter, Pamela Neal and her husband, Girrel, Cantonment, Fla.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Erwin Stark and his wife, Bertha, Freeman; a sister-in-law, Linda Stark, Freeman; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Leon, Elmer and Duane.
The funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Sioux Falls, with burial and military rites at Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls.
CLARENCE P. GROSS
Clarence P. Gross was born on Feb. 5, 1923, to Paul and Justina (Walter) Gross on the home farm in rural Bridgewater.
He passed away at his home in Bridgewater on June 19, 2003, at the age of 80.
Clarence attended a rural grade school and graduated from Bridgewater High School. He entered the United States Army after graduation. Upon his discharge, he returned to the home farm and began what was to be his lifelong career. Clarence enjoyed farming; he loved his International tractors. He enjoyed seeing the changing seasons and this spring he enjoyed checking the progress of the field work, the blessings of the rains and seeing the countryside come back to life after the land's winter rest. He, as his father before him, was a farmer by birth and later by choice.
On Dec. 26, 1951, he married Laura Krueger in Freeman. They were blessed to share a life of farming the home farm, raising their five daughters and shared over 51 years together. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family in the Black Hills in observance of their 50th anniversary and just earlier this year when the girls, their husbands, many of the grandchildren, friends and neighbors came to share his 80th birthday.
Soon after his marriage, he joined the Zion Lutheran Church and remained a faithful member until his death. He served as a township supervisor for Union Township for many years. He was a Paid For Life member of the American Legion. Clarence was known as a quiet man, a loving family man who provided well for his family, a good friend and neighbor to have. His quiet sense of humor and respect for others won, in turn, their respect of him.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Laura; his five daughters: Terry and husband Walter Pappin and their children Nick and Sarah, Caldwell, Idaho; Peggy and husband Tom Foster and their children Justina and Paul, Lewiston, Idaho; Debra and husband; Larry Ruen and their children Justina and Jason Peters and Hailley, Rapid City; Elizabeth and Justyn of Lemmon; Kim and husband Wes Moos and their children Jordan and Mackenzie, Parkston; and Kalyn and husband Dennis Buse and their children Kassidy and Kasey, Bridgewater; his sisters-in-law: Bev Gross, Canistota, Agnes Hofer, Bridgewater, Wanda Krause, Hot Springs, Ark.; brothers-in-law: Al and wife Evy Krueger, Sioux Falls, Dr. J. R. and wife Colette Jackson, Prairie, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews who were very dear to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers: William in infancy, Walter and Joe.
GRACE KNODEL
Grace Knodel, 85, of Menno, passed away early Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center in Menno.
Her funeral was held Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno with Rev. David Ellis officiating. Pallbearers were her grandchildren. Burial was in the Menno Cemetery.
Grace was born Feb. 9, 1917, on the family farm near Yale to Dave and Elizabeth (Tschetter) Hofer. She was baptized as a teenager in the James River. She attended school through the eighth grade near Yale.
She married Roland Knodel Feb. 4, 1935. She was a homemaker for most of her life and then in 1979 went to work for 11 years at the Menno-Olivet Care Center. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Menno.
She is survived by her children: Sylvia (Leonard) Werkmiester, Armour, LeRoy, Menno, Kenneth (Judy), Lenexa, Kan., John (Connie), Menno, Jeanette (Gary) Lee, Irene, Mary Gross, Sioux City, Iowa, Shirley Knodel, Yankton, and Lyle (Donna), Yankton; 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and four great- great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Dennis; and brothers and sisters.
HULDA TIESZEN
Hulda Thomas was born Jan. 15, 1908, to Jacob L. and Susanne Nachtigal Thomas near Marion.
She was baptized in the faith in the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church. On July 18, 1926, she was united in marriage to Bernard D. Tieszen. They were devoted members of the EMB Church. They farmed near Marion where they lived until retirement when they moved to Marion. In March of 2000 Hulda moved to the Assisted Living Center of the Tieszen Memorial Home. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Ralph and Jerry.
Hulda enjoyed baking, sewing and quilting. She also enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She passed away Oct. 10, 2002.
Survivors include two sons: Dr. Ralph and wife Florence Tieszen, Birmingham, Ala., and Jerry and wife Doris Tieszen, Mason City, Iowa; six grandchildren: R. Leland and wife Francis Tieszen, Birmingham, Dr. Stuart and wife Susan Tieszen, Birmingham, Stephan and wife Judy Tieszen, Woodbridge, Conn., Kimberly and husband Jeff Engelken, Maple Grove, Minn., Pamela Snyder, Plymouth, Minn. and Monica and husband Tim Leahy, Omaha, Neb.; seven great-grandchildren; one sister Melba and husband Leo Deckert; special nieces: Violet Engbrecht and Betty Schmidt, both of Marion, Joanne Kruse, Brookings, Kathryn Pralle, Lake Norden, Barbara Rishling, Sioux Falls, Frances Thomas, Great Falls, Mont., Norma Figgins, Cascade, Mont., and Marva Becker, Sioux Falls, and other nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law: Ruth Thomas, Freeman, Alvina Knutson, Volga and Martha Maher, Dover, Del.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard in 1976; one grandson, Eric; four brothers: Henry, Caleb, Albert and Isaac; four sisters: Dorothy Heidner, Selma Toaves, Linda Tieszen and Helena Thomas.
MARVIN C. NEUHARTH
Marvin C. Neuharth, 74, of Menno, died Thursday, June 5, 2003 unexpectedly while fishing.
The funeral was held Tuesday, June 10, at Zion Reformed Church in Menno, with Rev. Herman Van Stedum officiating. Burial was in the Menno Cemetery with military graveside rites by Rames-Bender American Legion #152, Menno.
Marvin Calvin Neuharth was born June 19, 1928 in rural Menno. His parents were Philip and Katherina (Mehlhaf) Neuharth. He was baptized Aug. 26, 1928 by Rev. Huenemann and confirmed June 7, 1942, by Rev. Korn at Zion Reformed Church, rural Menno. He worked on the family farm and then served in the Korean War from Feb. 28, 1952 to Feb. 4, 1954.
On Dec. 14, 1955, he married Betty Langle of Clayton. They farmed for a few years near Freeman and then moved to Menno in March 1958. Marvin was employed at Farmer's Union, Fair Mfg. and Cenex Co-op. In 1982, he began his own business, Neuharth Heating, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, which serviced many communities. He received many awards and recognitions while owning his business. He was a commander of the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152. He also served on the Menno City Council for several terms. Marvin retired in 1999. He then worked periodically for Ruml Plumbing and the Hutchinson County Soil Conservation District.
He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, woodworking, restoring and driving his tractor and spending time with his family and friends. He especially adored and cherished his grandchildren.
Grateful for sharing Marvin's life are his wife, Betty, Menno; six children: Nancy and Charles Wollman, Yankton; Curt Neuharth, Sioux Falls; Betty (Betts) and Robert Berglund, Yankton; Lyle and Laurie Neuharth, Yankton; Cindy and Shaun Zanter, Menno; Patsy and Micah James, Yankton; eight grandchildren: Amy Berglund, Chelsea Neuharth, Jillene Wollman, Allie Zanter, Skyla Neuharth, Coleton James, Ian Berglund and Zachary Zanter; six sisters: Alma (Alton) Nieman, Ida (Victor) Schneider, Verlinda Huber, Erna (LaVern) Decker, Viona (Luverne) Buehner and Arlene Walz; two brothers: Elmer (Alice) Neuharth and Phillip Jr. (Virginia) Neuharth, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Leon and Ray Neuharth; three sisters: Beatha Stevenson, Elda Schultz and Norma Neuharth.
ELLA LOUISA STUCKEY
Ella Louisa Kapsch, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Schoppert) Kapsch, was born on June 6, 1912 on a farm near Clayton. Ella grew up in Clayton and received her education there.
Ella was united in marriage with Alfred P. Stuckey on Nov. 4, 1934, in Marion. In 1940, the couple moved to Sioux Falls where Alfred worked at a Chevrolet garage and Ella worked part time at Baker Shoe Store and Woolworths.
She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.
Ella passed away Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002, in Marion at the age of 90 years, four months and two days.
Grateful for having shared her life are two brothers: Henry Kapsch, Jr., Brandon, and Raymond Kapsch, Grantsburg, Wis.; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, on June 6, 1989; her parents; four sisters: Tillie Brown, Anna Adams, Margaret Zanter, and Alice Kapsch; and one brother, Tobie Kapsch.
The funeral was held Saturday, Oct. 12 at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls with Pastor Raymond Butterfield officiating and Jon Salberg as vocalist. Pallbearers were Curtis Kapsch, Roger Kapsch, Owen Zanter, Loren Kapsch, Fred Schoppert and Gerald Brown.
CHARLES KAUS
Charles Kaus was born March 26, 1925, to William and Johanna (Herrmann) Kaus at Stickney.
He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Charles married Carrie Uithoven on Feb. 15, 1950. This union was blessed with four children: David (Jean) Tucson, Ariz., William (Jeanette) of Freeman, Karen (Robert) Pidde, Freeman and Kathy Thomas, Parker.
He is survived by his wife; his children; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters; four sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
The funeral was held Tuesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marion. Father Kevin O'Dell was officiant with Rita McVay as organist and Nicole Pidde as vocalist.
Pallbearers were Alex Thomas, Brandon Thomas, Brett Pidde, Mark Butcher, Mike Uithoven and Bill Schroeder. Interment was at St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery.
GLEN MICHAEL HOFER
Glen Michael Hofer, 30, stepson of Mrs. Edna Hofer (graduate of Freeman College), passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on Sept. 23.
Glen, who was born with hemophilia (blood will not clot without medical intervention) and later acquired the dreaded HIV virus through a transfusion of bad blood, led a full and meaningful life. Glen was fun loving and his laugh lifted us all. His love for life and for Jesus touched us deeply.
He was the son of John and Edna Hofer of Winnipeg. (Glen's mother, Tillie Maendel Hofer, went to be wih the Lord in 1989 and John later remarried to Edna.)
Glen was born at Hillside Colony, but left with his parents at the age of four. He is survived by two sisters, Marlene (an adult) and Louisa (seven); a brother Jamie (11); and one nine-year-old nephew, Brady (grandson of Rev. and Mrs. Terry Miller). He is also survived by his grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Hofer of Treesbank Colony. His friends and extended family would be difficult to number, as they are so many.
A traditional wake, attended by close to 300, was held on Wednesday night, Sept. 25, by the Church at Winnipeg, of which Glen was a member. (Church at Winnipeg is a congregation largely consisting of former Hutterites.) Glen's coffin was lovingly built for him by Sommerfeld Colony, beautiful in its simplicity. Many colonies were represented at both the wake and the funeral.
Nearly 300 gathered again for the funeral on Thursday, Sept. 26. The eulogy was read by Elder David Wurtz Sr., Rev. Dustin Funk read the Scripture, a tribute was given by Michael Maendel, and Rev. Terry Miller (formerly of Freeman) officiated and brought the message, closing with the words of Jakob Hutter in 1535: "My heart is filled with thanks to God for the unfathomable grace and mercy He continually shows to you, to us, and to all believers."
Interment followed at Carberry Cemetery, where Glen was laid to rest next to his mother, Tillie. The grave was covered by the pallbearers, his closest friends: Robert Hofer, Darcy Dornn, David Wurtz Jr., Conrad Davis, Harry Dornn, and Michael Hofer. We know that our brother-in-Christ is now in the hands of our loving God, and there is no better place to be.
FLORENCE GETMAN
The funeral for Florence Penny Getman, 85, of Sioux Falls, was held Friday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. at Chapel Hill. Florence passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Lennox.
Florence grew up in Freeman. She worked for many years in Sioux Falls with several businesses including 15 years with My Cleaners and 10 years with Terry's Cleaners.
She is survived by a son, Gary Lee Arnold, Lolo, Mont.; one daughter, Bonnie Rae Hymans, Chancellor; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grand-children; and four great-great-grand-children; and two brothers: Hoover Wipf and Ted Wipf.
JOE E. HOFER
Joe E. Hofer, son of Paul A. and Anna Hofer was born Sept. 7, 1917, near Bridgewater. He spent his entire youth with his parents on the farm for 29 years. At the age of 17 he realized his lost condition and the need of a personal Savior during evangelistic meetings conducted by Frank Wiebe at the Salem Church. A year later he was baptized by Rev. David W. Tschetter and accepted as a member of the Salem KMB Church. He was a Sunday school teacher and treasurer of the Sunday school. In his later years he took an assignment with Alma as janitor of the church for 11 years. He took great pride in this job and faithfully served the church.
Dad received his education in a rural school and his high school education in Bridgewater, and one year at Freeman Junior College. He taught in a rural school for six years and then engaged in farming for 44 years until his retirement. He served his country in CPS working in different regions of the country.
In the year 1947 on March 2 he was married to Alma Glanzer and shared life together for 56 years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the whole family for one week at the Black Hills. To this union three sons were born: Dan of Austin, Texas; Orlando, Sioux Falls; and Earl of Wichita, Kan. His sons and grandchildren meant everything to him. He was so thankful of all their accomplishments. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
In September, 2002, Joe was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This was followed by radiation treatments. During this time he was a resident of the Lutheran Manor in Sioux Falls for 22 days. A few months later tumors revealed cancer which was followed by antibiotics plus chemotherapy. During all this he had no pain or side effects and in spite of the brain tumor he could remember things from long ago. He kept a positive attitude in spite of all this. His wife faithfully attended to his needs. It was a time of great testing. Through these trials nothing but good came out. His prayers were very heart touching. His longing to go home to be with his Heavenly Father were expressed many times.
He passed away July 15, 2003.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Alma; three sons: Dan and wife Jane and grandchildren, Lucy and husband Richard Sayles and Anne, all of Austin, Texas; Orlando from Sioux Falls; and Earl and wife Suzanne and grandchildren, Tim and Brittany, Wichita, Kan.; a brother, John W. and wife Bernadine, Bridgewater; sister, Ruth (Vernel) Gross, Huron; and sister-in-law, Rosella (Ed) Haebersma, Sioux Falls; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Paul A. and Anna Hofer; stepmother, Mary G. Hofer; brother, Solomon; nephews: Curtis Gross and Douglas Hofer; parents-in-law, Joe P. and Theresa Glanzer; brothers-in-law Ray and Clarence Glanzer and Joe T. Hofman; sisters-in-law, Lola Glanzer and Isabel Glanzer; and niece-in-law, Jan Glanzer.
The funeral was held Saturday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem Mennonite Brethren Church with Rev. Will Fadenrecht officiating and Mary Ann Gross as organist. Pianist was Chauni Glanzer with Tim Glanzer, Mary Glanzer, and Emanuel Glanzer as vocalists. Pallbearers were Dustin Ludens, Wayne Hofer, Serlyn Hofer, Doug Gilbert, Michael Hofer and Mark Glanzer.
Interment was at Salem MB Church Cemetery.
ROBERT WAYNE VOGT
Robert (Bob) Vogt, 72, of Dinuba, Calif., went to meet his Lord at sunrise on May 20, 2003, in the presence of his wife and four children.
Dad was born Dec. 19, 1930, to C. W. and Marie Heidebrecht Vogt in Corn, Okla. He attended Friendship country school during his early elementary education. He completed his elementary and high school training at the Corn, Okla., public schools.
He was the fourth of five boys, raised on a farm in a loving, Christian home. He received Christ as his Savior and Lord during revival meetings when he was a sophomore in high school. He rededicated his life to Christ the summer after graduation. From the time of his youth, he sensed God's call for Christian ministry.
He enrolled at Tabor College in the fall of 1948 and graduated in 1952. While a freshman at Tabor College, he met DeLoris Willems of Inman, Kan. They were married May 25, 1951. The Lord gave them four children: Keith, Cynthia, Randall and Denise
Dad had a lifelong interest in athletics, particularly basketball and baseball and excelled in these sports. This interest led to several years of coaching at Freeman Junior College from 1952-54. His love for sports continued throughout his life in the form of little league coaching, softball, handball and golf. In 2000, he was inducted into the Tabor College Athletic Hall of Fame.
He yielded to God's call to pastoral ministry and in 1954 enrolled in Central Baptist Seminary, graduating in 1957 with a degree in New Testament. He had a lifelong yearning to learn and in 1984 he received the doctor of ministry degree. He taught at Tabor College and Pacific College and served as campus pastor at Fresno Pacific for several years.
Dad loved music and he and Mom often sang duets in their church services. He pastored churches in Nebraska, Kansas, Oregon and California and often said that his 14 years as pastor of Dinuba MB Church were the highlight of his ministry. He served as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches for several years.
He leaves behind his wife of 52 years; DeLoris; four children and their families: Keith Vogt and his daughter Jennifer of Fresno; Stan and Cyndi Isaac and children Katie, Jordan and Kellen of Dinuba; Randy and LaVonne Vogt and daughters Sydney and Abby, Clovis, Calif; and Terry and Denise Bese and their children Lane, Lilly and Luke, Dinuba. He also leaves behind two brothers: Herb and wife Ella, Corn, and John and wife Hilda, Hillsboro, Kan.; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Winter, Fairview, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Wesley, Wichita, Kan., and Gene, Fairview.
Dad devoted over 40 year of his life to full-time ministry. While we shared his life with many others, his commitment to God and family will be cherished forever. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His greatest joy was in serving his Lord.
