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James R. "Jim" Williams, age 80, of Philip, died Saturday, August 05, 2006, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital.
James R. "Jim' Williams was born December 29, 1925, in Pierre, South Dakota, the son of Elmer F. and Margaret (Jacquays) Williams. He attended the Elshere School through the seventh grade and the Hardingrove School in the eighth grade. Jim graduated from Philip High School in 1944. He worked around Haakon and Jackson counties for three years, which included two years for Uncle Bill (WHK) Williams near Cottonwood. In the spring of 1947 he moved back home and worked with his dad until the fall of 1950.
On August 29, 1950, Jim married
Elaine Pfeifer at the Catholic Church in Philip. On September 12th, he received greetings from the President of the United States to go on active duty in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War until July 17, 1952, when he returned to Milesville. In 1957, Jim and Elaine purchased the Charley Case place and lived there until October 1966. They moved to the home place until semi retirement in 1981. At that time, they moved to Philip.
Jim served on the ASCS board from 1958 to 1979 when he lost his fingers in a corn picker accident. He served on the Milesville Hall Board several years. In 1972, Jim was the one that got the Milesville Fire Department started and was Fire Chief until his move to Philip. He worked for Haakon County Highway Department for twelve years. Other part-time jobs in his retirement included working for the waterline company, many wood working projects, and for area farmers.
Jim was a member of the VFW Post #3069, the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173, the Knights of Columbus #2679, and the Philip Cancer Support Group, all of Philip.
Grateful for having shared his life include his daughters and their husbands Delia and Hugh Harty of Milesville, and Jane and Tom Aasby of Rapid City; a son, Peter Williams and his wife Patricia of Calhan, Colorado; three grandchildren, Moneik Harty of Black Hawk, Jim and Ed Harty of Piedmont; three sisters Mildred Jorgensen of Mitchell, Grace Stovall of Gatesville, Texas, and Mae Gades and her husband Arlie of Holloway, Minnesota; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Elaine on September 30, 2005; his parents; and his step-mother Pearl Williams.
Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Ron Garry officiating.
Interment with military honors by the VFW Post #3069 and the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173, both of Philip, will be at the Masonic cemetery.
A memorial is established.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
Elda Long
age 73 of Kadoka, South Dakota, died November 2, 2008, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.
Elda Velda Freiderick was born April 22, 1935, in Tripp County, South Dakota, the youngest of ten children born to John and Emma (Ensminger) Freiderick. Elda grew up and received her education in Tripp County. After her education, Elda left Tripp and moved to Philip where she worked at the Red Owl Supermarket.
Elda was united in marriage to Robert Lyle Long on October 14, 1956, and to this union were born two children Donald Robert on September 10, 1957, and Donna Marie on May 22, 1960.
The Long’s lived on a small farm seven miles north of Kadoka until 1981 when they moved into Kadoka, where they have since resided.
Even though Elda suffered from poor health most of her life, her determination and will to overcome obstacles was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband Robert "Bob" Long of Kadoka; one son Donald Long of Rapid City; one daughter Donna McCauley and her husband Mike of Rapid City; four grandchildren Heather, Robert, Amanda, and Mallory McCauley all of Rapid City; six sisters Hattie Freiderick of Parkston, South Dakota, Alvina Freiderick of Fresno, CA, Helen Burgdale of Yorba Linda, California, Edna Brake of Pittsburgh, PA, Laverna Zeeb of Sioux Falls, SD, and Linda Denke of Ft. Pierre; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Elda was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers Herbert as an infant, Reuben, and Melvin Freiderick.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Thursday.
(New funeral time) Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.
Interment will be in the Masonic cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
Grace Fischer
age 88 of Wall, South Dakota, died November 22, 2008, at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City.
Grace A. Fischer was born on November 23, 1919, to Claude and Mae (Madison) Goodsell on the family ranch north of Wall, South Dakota. She was the youngest daughter in a family of twelve children. Grace was educated in the rural school system and graduated from Quinn High School in 1938.
She was united in marriage to Walter H. Fischer on November 28, 1940, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church north of Quinn.
Grace was active in an assortment of volunteer organizations, including, but not limited to, the American Red Cross, Easter Seals Society, and the Women's Auxiliary of the Carroll McDonald American Legion Post No. 246 in Wall.
In the 1960s, she and her husband owned and operated the Star Cafe and Conoco Station in Wall. Chances are that if you stopped for a meal in Wall, you came in touch with Grace. In the 1970s and 80s, she worked with her husband as a private contractor in the construction and painting business until Walter’s death in June 1989. From that time until recently, she enjoyed traveling from coast to coast visiting her children and grandchildren.
Grace was a puzzle fiend and had puzzle books at her finger tips until her death. She also enjoyed embroidering. Mostly, her children and grandchildren enjoyed her cooking and silly sense of humor.
Grace is survived by her children, Norman (Joan) Fischer, Los Angeles, California; David (Pam) Fischer, Hartford, South Dakota; Arline (Bruce) Hammer, Pierre, South Dakota; Charlotte Fischer, Hayes, South Dakota; and Rita (Todd) Morris, Potomac, Maryland; and twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings
Visitation was from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 26, at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Duane Duley officiating
Burial followed in the Wall cemetery.
Betty "Jean" Schoniger, age 74, has fought her gallant fight with cancer and now, March 9, 2006, has triumphantly earned her rest with God. She faced terminal illness with the verse and gaiety that she brought to all challenges in life.
Jean was born January 30, 1932, in Philip, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Helen (Dorothy) West. She attended both grade school and high school in Philip and graduated in 1950. Upon graduation, Jean worked for her family at Dorothy Brothers. It was there that she met the love of her life, Leland E. Schoniger, Jr.
In 1951, on a cold wintry December 6, Lee and Jean were married
in Pierre, South Dakota. Although their plans to honeymoon in Minneapolis were foiled due to a raging snowstorm, they spent the next fifty-four years making up for it by traveling to such places as Aruba, Hawaii, Washington, DC, New Orleans for the Mardi Gras, Mexico and Canada. These were only a few of the honeymoons they shared.
Once Michael Lee, Beth Ann, Mary Lynn, and Bruce William arrived, those honeymoons turned into familyvacations. Traveling the entire West Coast, Canada, and short trips to the Hills became gifts from the heart and memories to cherish for a lifetime.
In 1966, Jean went to work at the Philip Clinic and made it her career until her retirement in January 1996. Family and friends often joked that she went to work initially to pay for central air for the home that Lee and her father had built. After thirty years, it was determined it was quite a costly system. When Jean wasn't working or spending time with family, you could find her kicking up her heels on the dance floor with her favorite partner, Lee.
As a member of First Lutheran Church, the Church Council, and WELCA, Jean understood that with the help of God, a group of individuals could accomplish many things. This is only one way she demonstrated her faith and her love for the community where she lived and worked her entire life. She was also involved in the American Legion Auxiliary and past charter member and president of the Haakon County BPW. In addition, she served as a member of Philip Health Services, Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital Association, Kadoka Nursing Home Association, and the Bad River Dance Club. Most recently, she was an active member of the Philip Cancer Support Group and Community Betterment Committee.
For our family, Jean was our garment of love, understanding, and grace. She taught us the power of the "Golden Rule", to be courageous in life, and to be the last one to quit. When she didn't realize we were watching, we saw how she led with her heart and actions, not words. What more could you ask of a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Although Jean was blessed with many dear friends, Pastor Ann Schlossnagle became one of her most treasured. Always there with words of encouragement, acceptance, and hope, Pastor Ann has been a pillar of strength to our family. She has given us peace in the belief that life has the last word.
Truly blessed and grateful for sharing her life are her husband Lee Schoniger of Philip; sons Michael Schoniger and his wife Janet of Littleton, Colorado, Bruce Schoniger and his wife Ann of Smithfield, Utah; daughters Beth Smith and her husband Mel of Philip, and Mary Ragland and her husband Tracy of Newcastle, Wyoming; a brother Michael West and his wife Marcia of Philip; and a sister Joan Cross and her husband Jerry of Buffalo, Wyoming. Fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren will also greatly miss their Grandma Jean, her personalized cards, homemade cookies and love for playing games.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen West; her sister, Kay West; and her granddaughter, Audra Nicole Smith.
Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Ann Schlossnagle and Pastor Tim Solberg officiating.
Private family interment was at the Masonic cemetery, Philip, South Dakota.
A memorial is established.
Cards and memorials may be directed to Lee Schoniger, P.O. Box 205, Philip, SD 57567
Kristina Evelyn (Thiemann) Anderson was born January 2, 1913 to Douglas Otto and June Elizabeth (Louison) Thiemann on her father’s homestead near Hilland, South Dakota.
She was baptized and confirmed in the Missouri Lutheran Faith. Evelyn received her grade school education at Plainview Country School one and one-half miles from their home. Her first two years of High School were at Marrietta Consolidated eight miles from her home. She graduated from Philip High School in 1932.
On March 23, 1935 Evelyn married
Otto Bernard Anderson at Martin, South Dakota. To this union was born two children, Bernard Dean "Bernie" and Jeannine June. That fall they moved to Custer, South Dakota where they lived for six years before returning to Hilland in the spring of 1941. In 1953 they moved to Spearfish until 1955 when they moved to Philip. While in Philip, Evelyn worked as a nurse’s aid at Philip Hospital when the new hospital opened January 1956 until retiring in 1970. She also helped at the funeral home for W.E. and Ruth Woodall and later for Jack and Gayle Rush.
Evelyn’s husband, Otto preceded her in death on March 18, 1981. Evelyn wrote the social news for the Pioneer Review from 1982 – 1998. In October 1998 Evelyn sold her home and moved to an apartment in Rapid City to be near her daughter and family where she remained until her death.
Evelyn was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Philip and Zion Lutheran Church of Rapid City, and the Bad River Senior Citizens of Philip.
Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Bernard Dean "Bernie" Anderson and his wife Julie of Aurora, Illinois; her daughter, Jeannine June Poloncic and her husband John of Rapid City, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Lisa Revnew and her husband Fred, Darrin and Eric Anderson, Carmen Thompson and her husband Ed, and Tyson Morgan; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a sister-in-law Joanne Thieman; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Kenneth Thieman and Ira Thieman; three sisters, Eunice Swisher, Elizabeth "Beth" Burns, and Helen Thieman in infancy.
Evelyn died Thursday morning, December 5, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Monday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor Robert Oettel and Pastor Duane Duley officiating.
Interment was in the Masonic cemetery, Philip.
The family requests memorials directed to Zion School or Redeemer Lutheran Church.
MINISTER:
Pastor Robert Oettel
Pastor Duane Duley
MUSIC:
Marilyn Millage – Organist
Elvera Moos - Vocalist
"I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry"
Congregational Hymns
"Abide With Me"
"I'm But A Stranger Here, Heaven Is My Home"
USHERS: Sonny Newman - Bob Long
PALLBEARERS:
John Poloncic - Ed Thompson
Tyson Morgan - Jason Morgan
Bob Burns - Samuel Palmer
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Masonic cemetery, Philip, South Dakota
Mary Elizabeth Whisler, age 91, of Midland, died Thursday, February 24, 2005 at the home of her niece in Eugene, Oregon, and went home to be with the Lord of her life.
Mary was born the eighth child of Eugene Whisler and Irene (Powell) Whisler, on July 7th, 1913 at the Whisler farm north of Midland. Here Mary lived almost all of her life caring for her parents in their last years and for her sister Dorothy. Mary was truly a daughter of the prairie. She was the last surviving member of the original Eugene Whisler family.
She graduated from Midland High School and attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls for one year before attending Northern Normal in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with her sister Dorothy. She taught rural school near Philip, schools at Kirley and the Little Prairie Dog School near her home. Then she returned home to care for her family.
On November 28, 2004, she went with her niece, Grace Lawton, to her home in Eugene, Oregon, where she remained until her death.
Mary had lived on the farm all her life except her schooling years. She moved to Eugene, three months ago and traveled to the coast. She wanted to walk in the Pacific Ocean but put her hands in it instead. She ate shrimp for the first time and loved it, and went to her first drive-thru restaurant.
Mary loved the deer, the pheasants, and the birds. She enjoyed watching and caring for each of them. She also was an avid reader, her conversations and use of words demonstrated her love for books. She enjoyed walking and running, and the outdoors was her best friend.
Mary is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews, Ralph Doud Jr. of New Mexico, Ed Doud of South Dakota, Richard Doud of South Dakota, Irene Stelting of Oregon, Natalie Schied of Arizona, Grace Audry Torres of Wyoming, Byron Whisler of California, Sharon McIntosh of Idaho, Mary Lee Hastie of Colorado, Dan Whisler of Iowa, Grace L. Lawton of Oregon, David Gorseth of Idaho, Paul Gorseth of Nevada; and numerous second, third, and fourth generation nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Glen, Lee, Oren, and Lisle; five sisters Grace Doud, Hazel Gorseth, Essie McKean, Goldie Whisler, and Dorothy Whisler; two nephews Clifford Gorseth and Art Gorseth; and one niece Koral Doud Sammons.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2005 at the Midland cemetery, Midland, South Dakota.
Rush Funeral Home of Philip is in charge of arrangements.
Steven L. "Steve" Kerns was born January 23, 1961 in Kadoka, South Dakota, the son of Daryl "Pete" and Linda (Dittman) Kerns.
He grew up and received his education in Murdo, graduating from Jones County High School in 1979. While in high school, Steve enjoyed competing in many sports.
After graduation, Steve worked various jobs in the Murdo area.
Steve was united in marriage to Cindy Morrison on September 4, 1982 in Philip, South Dakota.
They made their home on the Morrison farm/ranch twenty-two miles northwest of Philip. He worked with his father and mother-in-law Clark and Bonnie Morrison.
In 1992, due to health reasons, the family moved into Philip, where they have since resided.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Cindy Kerns of Philip; three sons, Jeremy, Shawn, and Dana Kerns of Philip; his mother Linda Kerns of Murdo; four brothers Mike Kerns of Murdo; Kim Kerns and his wife Lori of Black Hawk, Bart Kerns of Murdo, and John Kerns and his wife Carrie of Mesa, Arizona; four sisters Brenda Polk and her husband Glenn of Tucson, Arizona, Michele McNeely and her husband Jim of Murdo, Connie Kralicek and her husband Kelly of Dickinson, North Dakota, and Lori Nielsen of Murdo; his father and mother-in-law Clark and Bonnie Morrison of Philip; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his father Pete Kerns.
Steve died Wednesday morning, December 4, at the Maryhouse in Pierre.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services for Steve Kerns, age 41, of Philip, were held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Jeff Tippner officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic cemetery in Philip.
MINISTER: Pastor Jeff Tippner
MUSIC:
JoAnn Stilwell – Organist
Brockdon Porch - Guitarist
David Burnett - Vocalist
"Nobody Knows"
"Every Breath You Take"
USHERS: Clark Guthrie -Doug Jackson - Jeff Penticoff
PALLBEARERS:
Mike Moses - Jim McNeely
Dale Morrison - Ed Morrison
Dennis Kirchhevel - Kelly Kralicek
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Masonic cemetery, Philip, South Dakota
Gregory Thomas Fitzgerald was born August 29, 1949 in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Thomas and Eileen (Nelson) Fitzgerald.
He grew up on the ranch north of Milesville and received his elementary education at King Country School. He then attended Philip High School, graduating in 1967.
On June 13, 1968, Greg entered the United States Army and worked as a unit supply specialist. He was honorably discharged on May 3, 1970.
He was united in marriage to Bonnie O’Dea on June 1, 1974 in Philip, South Dakota, and to this union were born three children, Shawn, Scott, and Brittany.
They farmed and ranched north of Milesville until 1980. They then moved into Philip where Greg worked for Philip Livestock Auction until 1992. In February 1992, he started driving truck. That same year he moved his family five miles south of Philip to pursue his dream of living in the country.
Later he decided he needed more family time so Greg and Bonnie both made career changes as they started a new venture, opening the Dakota Bar & Grill.
Greg enjoyed being in the outdoors, whether it was with pigs, cows, or going to rodeos. Greg enjoyed working with livestock, and he loved watching his son, Scott, rodeo. In Greg’s later years, he cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter Taryn.
Greg was a member of the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Bonnie Fitzgerald of Philip; two sons, Shawn Fitzgerald of Memphis, Tennessee, and Scott Fitzgerald of Philip; a daughter Brittany Smith and her husband Brock of Philip; one granddaughter, Taryn O’Dea Fitzgerald; his parents, Thomas and Eileen Fitzgerald of Pierre; two brothers, Dean Fitzgerald and his wife Janice of Philip, and David Fitzgerald and his wife Maralynn of Philip; a sister Carla DeLeon and her husband Michael of Casper, Wyoming; eleven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Greg T. Fitzgerald, age 53, of Philip, died Thursday evening, November 28, 2002 at the V.A. Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Paul Bly officiating.
Interment with military honors by the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip was at the Masonic cemetery in Philip.
MINISTER: Pastor Paul Bly
MUSIC:
Rita O'Connell - Pianist
Beth Fitzgerald - Vocalist
"Adonai"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"The Lord's Prayer"
USHERS:
Dustin Hummel - Andy Fitzgerald
Stephanie Knutson - Jordan Schofield
PALLBEARERS:
Robert Baye - Frank Parsons
Dave Schofield - Glenn O'Connell
Chuck O'Connor - George Fitzgerald
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS: Masonic cemetery, Philip, South Dakota, American Legion Post #173, of Philip
