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Michael Todd "Mickey" Imberi
When Michael Todd "Mickey" Imberi was in Mobridge High School he developed a passion for basketball - he walked, breathed and slept basketball. Every birthday or holiday list had sports cards, Michael Jordan or Nike on it.
And there was more. He enjoyed playing darts, tubing, jet skiing, camping, hunting, paint ball, history of golf, movies and spending time with his friends. From the fifth grade through the twelfth grade he was always on the honor roll, and received the Science Achievement award and the Spanish award.
Mickey became an avid camper at a young age when he spent summers with his grandpa and grandma Schultz. He loved to go fishing and snack late into the night by the campfire, eating the Oscar Mayer bologna and ice cream his grandparents fed him.
When he was just a little guy he would stand in front of the refrigerator with the door wide open, saying loudly, "What does Me-Me want?" as he called himself.
While attending MHS he participated in drama, and also worked at Merkels Foods and Gibson's.
After graduating from high school in 2002, he attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish, the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and was currently attending Mitchell VoTech, where he was named the North West Area School Scholar. The past two summers he returned to Mobridge and worked for Bestway Traffic, Inc.
When he came home after two years at college, the family dogs Chuckie and Jenny, or "My best girls" as he referred to them, were howling at the door ready to greet him with sloppy dog kisses. They most assuredly hadn't forgotten him.
Mickey died Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at the age of 21 near Mobridge, a shock to all who had known the young man with the big, flashy smile and sly humor. It recalled to their minds how he had loved to tell stories about hunting and his adventures with his friends. "...Some fact and some fiction," they said of his stories, smiling at the memories.
They also recalled that, even though he appeared thin, even skinny, he could pack away the food like an entire basketball team. Steak and the bowling alley pizza were his favorites and Mellow Yellow was his drink of choice at all meals.
He was born Jan. 13, 1983, in Breckenridge, Minn. As a small child he lived with his family in Aberdeen and came to Mobridge in March of 1985.
Mickey leaves his parents, Craig and Sandi Imberi of Mobridge; brothers Adam and Cody, both of Mobridge; grandparents Bill and June Imberi of Mobridge and Ruby Andreson, also of Mobridge.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Helen Schultz, Duane Andreson; his uncle Don Walter; and aunt, Michelle Schultz.
Mass of Christian Burial for Mickey was celebrated Friday, Oct. 29, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge with Fr. John Short as celebrant. The crowd attending overflowed the church.
Marge Mertz was organist. The church choir sang, Susanne Albers was soloist for "The Arms of an Angel," and Laura Walter played a piano solo, "Threads of Love."
Casketbearers were John Froseth, Scott Lindeman, Tony Cain, Lucas Neumann, Nathan Lutz and Travis Breszden.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service was held the preceeding evening at the funeral home.
Dean Schweitzer
Dean Schweitzer, who ranched and farmed near Timber Lake, gained quite a reputation during his years there and all of it was good.
"He was a jolly, joking fellow who attracted friends," one said. Another mentioned his generosity.
"He was always there for a friend in need," said another.
Still another remembered the good sausage Dean made.
The loss of Dean was deeply felt in the entire area when he died Friday, Nov. 11, 2004, at Mobridge Regional Hospital at the age of 65.
He was born Jan. 11, 1939, in rural Berlin, N.D., to John S. and Magdeline "Maggie" (Keller) Schweitzer. In 1941, he moved with his parents and sister to South Dakota. They initially lived in Glencross with his grandparents, SJ and Martha Schweitzer, until their house was built in 1945. Dean attended school in Glencross.
In 1961, Dean married Betty McMacken and they made their home in rural Glencross. Together they had three children, Faron, Gayla and Smoke.
Ranching, farming and butchering were Dean's life. He made his home on the farm where he had grown up.
Survivors include his wife Betty Schweitzer of Timber Lake; their children, Faron Schweitzer and wife Marilyn of rural Glencross, Gayla and husband John Hollenbeck of Bayville, N.J., and Smoke Schweitzer and wife Rachael of Shingle Springs, Calif; nine grandchildren; nine siblings, Cecelia and Roy Linderman, MaryAnn and Emil Biegler and Val and Sheila Schweitzer, all of Timber Lake, Martha Schweitzer of New Underwood, Kathleen and Wally Wortman and Marjorie and Ed Volden, all of Forrest Grove, Ore., Phyllis and Ed Cook of Hart, Texas, Harriet Schweitzer of Mitchell and Dwight Schweitzer of Rapid City.; a close friend, Ria Ducheneaux, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Magdeline Schweitzer.
Mass of Christian Burial for Dean was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 16, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake. Father Andrzej Wyrostek was celebrant. Eucharistic ministers were Ann and Matt Schweitzer. Servers were Bruce Schweitzer, Morgan Ducheneaux and Troy Long. Lector was Joe Schweitzer and the offertory was by the granddaughters Alicia, Marisa, Alyssa and Karlie.
Organist was Marlene Biegler. Hymns by the congregation were "On Eagles Wings," "May the Angels Be Your Guide," "Prayer of St. Francis," "Here I Am Lord," "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Fly Like a Bird" and "You Raise Me Up."
Casketbearers were Lyle Anderson, Shorty Bader, Ray Hollister, TJ Keller, Whitey Keller, Fred Kraft, Boyd Schweitzer, Ed Schweitzer, Frank Schweitzer, John Thill, Max Jung and Brother Yuker. Honorary bearers were all of Dean's family and friends. Ushers were Alan Biegler, Jiggs Biegler and Bill Yuker.
Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Glencross under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
A Scripture service was held Monday evening at the church.
Herman Aman
Herman Aman served his country well during World War II, serving almost five years. He entered the U.S. Army on May 23, 1941, and was a tank commander with the 16th Armored Division in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 12, 1946, at which time he returned to his hometown of Mound City.
Since December of 2003, Herman and his wife Frieda had been residents of Beverly Healthcare Center in Mobridge. Herman died at the center on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, at the age of 88.
He was born Sept. 12, 1916, to John J. and Christina (Eberhart) Aman near Mound City. He grew up in the area and attended rural school. Following his education he worked as a farm laborer in the Foxhome, Minn., area until entering military service.
After returning to Mound City after his discharge, he worked as a carpenter, mechanic and was also a school bus driver. For eight years he owned and operated Aman Motor Service in Mound City. Later, he went to work for the South Dakota Department of Transportation until retiring after 13 years of service.
Herman married Frieda Kundert on May 3, 1953. They lived their entire married life in Mound City until entering the Mobridge Beverly Healthcare Center.
He was a great storyteller, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and having coffee with his friends. Herman was also known for his sense of humor and the love for his granddaughter, the apple of his eye. He was a member of the Church of God of Mound City.
Survivors are his wife Frieda of Mobridge; daughter, Rebecca Aman of Tea; son John J. Aman and wife Kimberly of Freeman and granddaughter London Aman; brother, Walter Aman of Hillsboro, Ore.; sister Esther Bettger of Pella, Iowa; sisters-in-law Alice Kundert of Mound City and Lorraine and husband Robert Slocum of Rapid City; brother-in-law Otto Kundert and wife Esther of Winchester, Va., and Roy Kundert of Alcester; and special friends Ellsworth and LaVonne Etten of Fergus Falls, Minn.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Marie, in 1959, two sisters, three brothers, three stepbrothers, three stepsisters and his parents.
Funeral services for Herman were Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Mound City Community Center. Robert Nelson officiated.
Organist was Marilyn Brockel. The congregation sang "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden." Pat Russell and Diane and Lynette Thompson sang.
Casketbearers were Jim Kanable, Orval Kightlinger, Marvin Beck, Martin Mickelson, Lawrence Goehring and Lloyd Rueb. Honorary bearers were the staff of Beverly Healthcare Center. Ushers were Basil and LeVern Larson.
Burial was in the Mound City Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
A prayer service was held the preceding evening at the funeral home.
Bertha Kruger
Bertha Kruger, in her 93 years of life, was born on a farm near Pollock, where she grew up and was married when the Depression years came along. She and her family faced tough times, two of her children were lost to cancer after they were grown.
But through it all, Bertha remained quietly but firmly strong. For years the family held big get-togethers in her home. After the death of her husband on May 18, 1988, Bertha continued to serve her family, friends and church. The grandchildren she babysat adored her, and it wasn't just for the luscious kuchen, chocolate chip cookies and other goodies she supplied them.
In recent years, she loved to walk about the farm, even to ride in the 4-wheeler. She enjoyed making quilts and all the children and grandchildren benefitted from her skill. Reading was her relaxation and she loved playing cards with her friends.
Several winters were spent staying with her son and daughter-in-law, Col. Arthur Kruger and his wife Delores in Lawton, Okla. Then, for about three years she spent on the farm with her daughter Barb and Dean Wessel of Mound City. She entered the Good Samaritan Center in Selby in October of 1997. Bertha died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, in Selby.
She was born Jan. 2, 1911, on a farm south of Pollock, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Schmautz) Weber. In a small town, everyone knows everyone, and so it was that she knew Benhard Kruger while growing up. They were married in Pollock on March 25, 1928. They farmed southwest of Pollock until moving into Pollock in 1935.
Bertha was a member of the Birthday Club, and was a faithful member of the Pollock Memorial Presbyterian Church, a longtime member of its women's circle and helped wherever she could.
She leaves four sons and five daughters-in-law, Col. Arthur Kruger and wife Delores of Lawton, Norma (Kruger) Stermer of Davenport, Fla., Gary and Nancy Kruger of Cedar Springs, Mich., Larry and Vivian Kruger of Aberdeen and Rodger and Vicki Kruger of Lakewood, Colo.; five daughters and sons-in-law, Irene and Lawrence Ryckman of Pollock, June and Dwain Borr of Caledonia, Mich., Margaret Salzer of Glencross, Greydon Hugmeyer of Wyoming, Mich., Sandra and Larry Renner of Pollock, and Barbara and Dean Wessel of Mound City; 42 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Myrna Weber of Pollock; and one sister, Lorraine Vander Wal of Pollock.
In addition to her husband, Bertha was preceded in death by a son Donald in infancy, her son Bennie and her daughter Frances Hugmeyer, two grandchildren, two great-grandsons and her parents.
The funeral for Bertha was held Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Pollock Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Floyd Haan officiating.
JoAnn Meyer was organist. The combined church choir sang "What A Friend We Have in Jesus," and "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder." Hymns by the congregation were "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace."
Casketbearers were Bertha's grandchildren, Mark Salzer, Kelly (Kuger) Dunn, Marshall Renner, Nancy (Borr) Terpstra, Kari Wessel, Trent Kruger, Steven Kruger and Fred Ryckman. All the other grandchildren were honorary bearers.
Burial was in the Spring Creek Cemetery at Pollock under the direction of Myers Funeral Home of Linton, N.D.
Charles Woodrow "Woody" Tolkien
Charles Woodrow "Woody" Tolkien, who grew up in Mobridge, was destined to have a movie career. He was a character all through school in Mobridge, active in all the school plays, musicals; an extrovert who drew attention.
It was Woody who fell off the stage at his high school graduation ceremonies held at the Mascot Theatre back in 1933. Relating of the event continued for years, always bringing roars of laughter.
It was the boy Woody who took his friends "Bugs" Riddell and Walter Spilos to slip into his mother's kitchen and devoured the date filled cookies his mother had just made for her ladies group about to arrive. His gentle mother was furious and exasperated.
Acting had always been in Woody's blood. He attended North Park in Chicago and then hopped a freight for California where he appeared in many films with famous people. He had the satisfaction of being right where he always wanted to be.
Woody the musician, actor and artist, died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004, in Culver City, Calif., at the age of 89.
He was born Feb. 11, 1915, in Huron to Charles and Florence Tolkien. In 1917, the Tolkiens, with sons Woody and Cuthbert "Cub" moved to Mobridge where Charlie managed the Mobridge Wholesale Company (now One World).
The whole family attended St. James Episcopal Church and all sang in the choir. Woody never missed a Sunday until leaving for college in Chicago and then UCLA. While singing in St. Alban's Episcopal Church near the campus, the wife of "Pinky" Tomlin brought her husband to hear Woody. Pinky offered Woody the job as soloist with his orchestra. Woody also sang at the Hollywood Bowl in the 1930s.
When Pinky retired, Woody fronted bands in the midwest under MCA. He also toured and sang with Nick Stuart and Herbie Kay, famous bands of the day. While touring in the midwest, he struck up a lifelong friendship with Red Skelton. He would later be featured with Skelton in "The Show Off" at MGM.
While Woody was playing in Junction City, Kan., he met his wife, Martha. It was a marriage that lasted 64 years until his death.
While Woody was playing with Nick Stuart at the El Rancho in Las Vegas in 1945, Jimmie Durante brought movie producer Joe Pasternak to see Woody perform during the floorshow. Pasternak signed him to a contract at MGM.
At MGM, using the movie name Wilson Wood, he appeared in "No Leave, No Love" with Van Johnson, "Easter Parade" with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, and "The Barclays of Broadway" with Astaire and Ginger Rogers, "Song of the Thin Man" with William Powell and Myrna Loy, "Two Sisters from Boston," "Faithful in My Fashion" and others.
Woody and Martha lived on Fairbanks Way in Culver City for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Culver City Historical Society and The Sons of the Desert (Laurel and Hardy Fan Club). In addition to his musical and acting talents, he made original stained glass windows, miniature houses, and was a finished carpenter.
Woody and Walter Spilos remained close friends through the years and Spilos was a guest in Woody and Martha's home on several occasions.
Woody leaves his wife Martha; three children, Chris, Muffye and Eric; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
And yes, the Tolkiens are related to J.R.R. Tolkien of the Hobbitt fame, "Lord of the Rings" and other stories. Perhaps that is where Woody came by his talents.
His parents, who had moved from Mobridge to California after Charlie retired, preceded him in death.
