STURGIS HIGH SCHOOL
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1958 Yearbook

1957 Yearbook 1

1957 Yearbook 2

WHERE THEY ARE NOW

CLASS OF 1958

STURGIS HIGH SCHOOL

STURGIS, SD

(Other year obits below)

1956 Yearbook 1

1956 Yearbook 2

click for: 1958 Classmates Bios and Pictures 2008

2008 List from Reunion Committee

Alice Albrecht - Sturgis, SD

Leslie Auer - Whitewood

Joyce Bachand Evans - Christiana, TN

Wayne Bachand - Newcastle, WY

Phil Barker - Newport News, VA

Phyllis Barker Wright - Highland, CA

Sharon Bartlett Holdahl - Newberg, OR

JoAnn Bauman Barnett - Littleton, CO

Mickie Blair - Sidney, NE

Mary Braithwaite Crawford - Sundance, WY

Leland Brink - Belle Fourche, SD

Larry Broel - Walla Walla, WA

James Brown - St. Peter, MN

Geri Burdick Todriff -Kingman, AZ

Ginny Caldwell Prascher - Sturgis

Lloyd Cash - Bolivar, MO

Dane Christensen - Whitewood, SD

Kirk Cordes - Wall/Creighton, SD

Patty Corum Mancino - Hatfield, PA

Dan Davidson - Sierra Vista, AZ

Carol Dempsey Lee - Sturgis, SD

Joann Dempsey Watson - Sturgis, SD

Joe DesJarlais - Sturgis, SD

Frank Dobesh - Belle Fourche, SD

Betty Dodson Tesch - Rapid City, SD

Phyllis Duly Jachowski - Germany

Sherrol Ellefson Lichte - Montrose, CO

Jerry Fenner - Red Bluff, CA

Frankie Ferguson Baker - Faulkton/Wecota, SD

Lou Ann Gesinger Clark - Phoenix, AZ

James Goodwin - Greeley, CO

Mary Gully Ferolo - Dixon, IL

Bill Gunlock - Maple Grove, MN

Len Hanson - Sturgis, SD

Janice Hardy - Mexico/Denver

Marvin Harwood - Oceanside, CA

Delno Hodgman - Piedmont, SD

Deo Holtry - unknown

Danny Howe - Cheyenne, WY

Fern Hughes Blow - Sturgis, SD

Jerry Humble - Sturgis, SD

Frank Huntley - Murphy OR

Marlys Isaacs Coburn - Wichita, KS

Bill Jones - Sturgis, SD

Ralph Jones - Richmond, KY

Andra Jordan Sims - West Des Moines, IA

Jean Jorden Millen - Warrensburg, MO

Daryl Keith - Baldwin Park, CA

Kathy Kenstler Fox - Whitewood, SD

Donald Kost - Gillette, WY

Darlene Lamberton Kirkpatrick - Lamar, MO

Mary Pat Lane Bielmaier - Mesa, AZ

Matilda Lapp Franks - Milwaukee, WI

Carol Lehman Drybread - Sturgis, SD

Judy Levi Ellis - Meridian, ID

Bud Mathison - Sheridan, WY

Audrey McDaniels Estes - Hot Springs, SD

Butch Merritt - Wrangell, AK

Ann Miller Dennis - San Diego, CA, Fairbanks, AK

Gloria Moshis, unknown

Don Nesland - San Francisco, CA

Gene Nonnast - Whitewood, SD

Bucky O'Connor - Rapid City, SD

Patsy Oliver - unknown

Joy Olson Conway - Sturgis, SD

Norma Orr Weyer - Sturgis, SD

LaVon Outka Williams - Bonners Ferry, ID

Janet Pellegrin Larive - Buckeye, AZ

Gloria Raetz Roberdeau - Brandon, SD

Jessie Richardson Russell - Sturgis, SD

Billie Rae Ritchel Morgenegg - York, PA

Carole Rogers Walker - Boise, ID

Fritz Sammeli -

Dwain Sanders - Port Orchard, WA

Sharon Schmidt Ross - Sturgis, SD

Cathy Schummer Duffy - Fargo, ND

Orra Secrest Barden - Sturgis, SD

Kathleen Selwinder - Northglen, CO

Kay Simons Ingalls - Mud Butte, SD

Vonda Simons Jensen - Sun Lakes, AZ

Gayle Southworth - Alameda, CA

Russell Speers, De Berry, TX

Merlyn Sperle - Sturgis, SD

Vera Stone Lieseth - Grand Junction, CO

Verna Stone Wiler - Moab, UT

Dean Strong - Belle Fourche, SD

Janet Symonds Brink - Belle Fourche, SD

Dick Symonds - Belle Fourche, SD

Dale Thein - Littleton, CO

Mary Tobin - Warren, MI

Harold Waterland - Howes, SD

Geraldine Weisz Barry - Sturgis, SD

Darlene Welke - Spearfish, SD

Bill Wendt - Lakewood, CO

Karen Westberg Rossow - Whitewood, SD

Donna Whitford Seymour - Wheatland, WY

Larry Wildberger - Phoenix, AZ

Robert Willert - Amery, WI

Connie Williamson Weaver - Fresno, CA

Wes Williamson - Colorado Springs, CO

IN MEMORY

Arlene Abbott Nash
October 14, 2005

JoAnn Baumann Barnett
March 28, 2010

Janice Bonsell Gorsuch
January 2008

Johnnie Brink
May 8, 1993

Jack Crowser
June 25, 2008

David Donaldson
August 28, 1999

Anabel Ferguson McKenna
April 23, 2003

Bruce Harlow
August 21, 1996

Delbert Hastings
April 1970

Marshall Howard
December 14, 1996

Danny Howe 2009

Elizabeth Ingrahm

Maureen Kentzler Schaffer
June 2, 2008

June Kinkaid

Sharon Ogle Blondi
February 15, 2004

Marlys Orr Prosper

Duane Peterson

Susie Kestler Pfleger
September 1988

Ron Pfleger
September 1988

Gene Reichert
September 2007

Alice Shove Schroeder
March 6, 2002

Sidney Smith

Loretta Stetler
November 23, 2003

Lester Tippey
January 15, 2000

Jerome Tysdal

Joy Olson Conway, SHS 58

JoAnn Barnett

(Died March 28, 2010)

E. JoAnn Barnett of Littleton, CO passed away after a sudden illness on March 28, 2010 at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver. She had lived in the Denver area with her family since 1983.
JoAnn was born on September 10, 1940 in Belle Fourche, SD. Her parents, Evallyn and Bennie Baumann, moved the family to Sturgis in the 1950’s where JoAnn graduated from high school in 1958. She graduated from the National College of Business (National American University) in 1959 and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumi in 1979.

JoAnn married Don Barnett on February 17, 1972 in Rapid City, and relocated briefly to Riverton, WY before moving to the Denver area. In Rapid City and Denver, JoAnn worked as a senior office manager for several law firms and was a Certified Professional Secretary. She was an officer at the Rushmore State Bank in the early 1970’s and employed by the Mona S. Goodwin Law Firm from 1993 until her death.

She is survived by her mother Evallyn Wolf of Belle Fourche, SD; her husband of 38 years Don Barnett of Littleton, CO; her sisters Louise Chaffee of Whitewood, SD and Bonnie Harrison Baumann of Rapid City; her daughters D’Anna Catterson (Ron) of Evergreen, CO and Debra Ferguson of Cheyenne, WY; and her beloved grandchildren Jocelyn, Madeline and Jared Catterson. She was preceded in death by her father Bennie Baumann and daughter Pamela K. Ferguson.

JoAnn was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother and was taken away from her family much too soon. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday April 2nd at Trinity Lutheran Church (402 Kansas City Street, Rapid City) and internment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis. Visitation will be on Thursday April 1st. from 5-8 PM at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 2700 Jackson Blvd. One of her favorite volunteer projects was as a counselor with with MetrocareRing, a food pantry for the homeless and a social service agency. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to MetrocareRing, 1100 east 18th Ave., P O Box 300459, Denver, CO 80203.

Connie Williamson Weaver's Brother (she was Class of 58)

Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.
Published in the Rapid City Journal on 3/29/2010

Obituaries

Marilyn Maxine Dobesh
(September 17, 1944 - March 2, 2010)

Having touched many lives on earth, Marilyn Dobesh joined her Father in heaven on March 2, 2010 due to complications with lymphoma. Marilyn loved her family, her church and people in general. She provided a source of guidance and strength to those around her. Cooking and then sharing a meal with those who were hurting was also a big part of Marilyn’s life. She loved to help serve community meals, deer hunters and branding parties.

Marilyn Maxine Crago was born in Deadwood, SD on September 17, 1944 to Della (Horton) and Walter Crago. She grew up on ranches in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. She attended first grade at Spearfish Normal School and later attended the Crago School northwest of Belle Fourche and Baroid School at Colony, Wyoming. While attending Belle Fourche High School, Marilyn was a cheerleader, homecoming queen attendant, student council president, and Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters. She graduated in 1962.

On August 28, 1962, Marilyn married her sweetheart, Frank Dobesh. They raised four children, as well as welcoming over 80 foster children into their home over the years. Marilyn was active in community activities, including Town ‘n Country Extension Club, teaching Sunday and Bible School, and along with Frank was a counselor for BYF and MYF. She taught every age youth group, but enjoyed the smallest learners the most! Marilyn spent hours helping with “Grandpa Frank’s Children’s Messages” given during the Sunday Service. She attended a community Bible Study for several years and believed strongly that the Lord would take care of her and her loved ones.

Marilyn was instrumental in organizing the AFS chapter, which brought foreign students to Belle Fourche. She was so committed to the implementation of this program that she convinced her parents to serve as the host family for the first exchange student, Aud Willoch, from Norway. She and her family later hosted two AFS students, Michelle Parsons from South Africa and Herman Amaza Tapia from Chile. Their home was opened to many foreign exchange students from various programs, as well as agricultural trainees.

4-H was also an important part of Marilyn’s life. She was a member for many years, served as a Leader for 20 years, and Vice-President of the State 4-H Executive Board. Marilyn was an active ranch partner, using her 4-H livestock judging skills to select beef and sheep breeding stock. She was President of the South Dakota Cattlewomen’s Association, Parliamentarian of the American National Cattlewomen, and served on the Board of Directors of the Beef Industry Council. In 2001 she was selected for the South Dakota Eminent Homemaker Award. The South Dakota Ceres Fraternity chose her as a Prominent Woman in Agriculture in 2009, and she was inducted into the SD 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame the same year.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 47 years, Frank Dobesh, four children: Misti (Kerry) Wahl of Dillon, MT and sons Trent and Garrett; Boe (Lisa) Dobesh of Belle Fourche and daughters Brandy (Scott) Daniels and son Troy of Sundance, Ashley and Dusti; Clint (Sherri) Dobesh of Dell Rapids, SD and their children Breona, Michael, Mallery and Karley; and Dane (Kristi) Dobesh of Belle Fourche. She is also survived by her mother, Della Crago Courtney and her husband James Courtney of Belle Fourche; one sister, Marcia (Howard) Heinje of Wilmot, SD; a brother Clifford (Chris) Crago of Belle Fourche, sisters-in-law Sue Crago and Barbara (Kent) Robinson, both of Belle Fourche, and many nieces and nephews. Very special to her was her mother-in-law Bernice Dobesh of Spearfish and her friend Grandma Georgia Tessness of Belle Fourche. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Walter Crago and her brother, Lester Crago.

Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. Friday, March 5 at Kline Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at the First Baptist Church in Belle Fourche with Pastor Anthony Bradseth officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche.

The family will establish a memorial for the ministering to the youth.

From: http://www.klinefuneralchapel.com/index.cfm

Jerry Lee Chaffee

December 8, 1940 - February 18, 2010

1959

Jerry Lee Chaffee, 69, Sturgis, died Thursday, February 18, 2010, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be Monday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. A service of remembrance will be held Monday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A private burial will follow at the Chaffee Family Ranch Cemetery.
Jerry was born December 8, 1940, in Sturgis, the only child of Vinal and Edith (Oliver) Chaffee. He grew up on the family ranch in Union Center and attended grade school on the ranch. He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1959.
Jerry married Louise Baumann in Sturgis on April 20, 1960. They lived in Union Center for five years before moving to Sturgis.
Jerry was a certified real estate appraiser. He also established Chaffee Bail Bonds in 1965. He continued those businesses until his death. Jerry partnered with Mike Bradley in the Oasis, Fireside, and Gunners bars in Sturgis. He was a long time real estate investment partner with Keith Smit. He was also a partner with Fred McFarland in Western Land Brokers for many years.
Jerry was very active in the community, and was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church, Knights of Columbus, South Dakota Professional Appraisers Association, Elks Lodge, Sturgis Area Business Alliance, and South Dakota Buckaroos.
His survivors include his wife, Louise; one son, Kirk and his special friend, Helen Usera, and his family, son Jeremy Chaffee and Jeremy's son, Mason, daughter Megan (Zac Bell) and their children Kaiden Kirk and Brooklynn; two daughters, Kim (Dan) Heisinger and their daughters, Katie (Clint) Walker and Kellie Heisinger, and Kerry (Shaun) Skinner, and their daughters, Amanda and Sarah, all of Sturgis; step grandchildren, Wendy (Charlie) Fox, Randy (Kaycee) Heisinger, Angie (Marty) Stover, Rachel Heisinger; mother-in-law, Evallyn Wolf, Belle Fourche; sisters-in-law, JoAnn (Don) Barnett, Denver, Bonnie Baumann Harrison, Rapid City; and cousin, Sharon Chaffee Herron, Union Center.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials have been established to the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Bank and Union Center Community Center.

Courtesy of Kinkade Funeral Chapel

ad: Note those preceding him in death...

David L. ‘Dave’ Howe

David L. “Dave” Howe, 59, Lincoln, Neb., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2010, at home of corticobasal degeneration with his family by his side.

A wake to celebrate Dave’s life was held Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home in Lincoln, Neb. His funeral was Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, at Sheridan Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Neb. Dave requested that his body be left to science.

David was born March 20, 1950, in Rapid City, the ninth child of Robert M. ‘Bob’ and Etta Howe. David grew up in Sturgis, attending St. Martin’s and St. Francis’ grade schools and graduated from Sturgis High School in 1968. He attended South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City until 1972, when he accepted a position with Quisenberry Department Stores and moved to Lewiston, Idaho, and later to John Day, Ore. He married Teresa Pereira on Jan. 29, 1974, and had two children: Robert II and Bernadine. During the following years, he lived in Oregon and in the Napa Valley area in California, became a CPA, and received a master’s degree from Phoenix University.

In 1998, David moved to Vermillion, where he was reunited with his high school sweetheart, Betsy Hackert Gertonson, and both attended USD. He and Betsy were married in Vermillion Jan. 6, 1999. Both Dave and Betsy received advanced degrees from USD in 1999, and moved to Lincoln, Neb., where Dave accepted a position with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He served as assistant dean of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences until his disease required his retirement in 2008.

Originally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, later evaluations altered that, and late in 2009, his diagnosis was changed to corticobasal degeneration. In early February, Dave’s health abruptly deteriorated.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betsy”; son, Robert Martin II (Amanda), Erie, Colo.; and daughter, Bernadine (Dave) Kappel, Fort Riley, Kan.; three stepdaughters, Lara Wooley, Erie, Colo., Karoline (Jim) Neil, Casper, Wyo., and Amanda (Jared) Wyatt, Grant, Neb.; two stepsons, Alan (Robin) Gertonson, Amarillo, Texas, and Peter Gertonson, Golden, Colo.; grandchildren¬¬, Bailey and Jacob, Fort Riley, Kan., Terrell and Taye, Erie, Colo., Brody, Kiran and Maira, Casper, Wyo., Alec, Aaron and Ashley, Amarillo, Texas; two brothers, Robert D. (Joan), Arlington, Va., and Stanley (Barbara), Belle Fourche; and four sisters, Reina (Joe) Diaz, Casa Grande, Ariz., Helen (Duane) Lindquist, Keldron, Leona Schroeder, Columbus, Neb., and Earla (Gordie) Karels, Lincoln, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his father, Robert ‘Bob’; mother, Etta; and brothers, Patrick and Daniel.

Courtesy Meade County Times

I've written newspapers to see if we can get an obit.... a.d.

Krebs, Louisa Mesa

RAPID CITY -- Louisa Mesa Krebs, was called by her heavenly Father on Feb. 15, 2010. Lou was born June 21, 1922, at Fort Stockton, Texas, to Francisco and Dolores (Urquidi) Mesa. She spent her childhood years in Fort Stockton and moved to Las Cruces, N.M., where she graduated from Las Cruces High School and New Mexico A&M University. Upon completion of her degree, she relocated to the state of South Dakota in search of "change and adventure." After teaching assignments in Tripp and Sturgis, she met and married Ernest Krebs and moved to Rapid City, where she enjoyed her greatest passions: her son, Frank, and over 30 years as a home economics educator. Louisa is survived by two brothers, Frank Mesa of Las Cruces andHenry Mesa of El Paso, Texas; two sisters, Eva Avalos and Ophelia Chavez, both of Las Cruces; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Whalen, Mary Lou Poloncic and Phyllis Krebs, all of Rapid City; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and a very special family community of neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, in 1991; her son, Frank, in 1990; and a brother, Will. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a Christian wake service at 7 p.m. today at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Blessed Sacrament Church, with the Rev. Dan Juelfs presiding. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. A memorial has been established for Blessed Sacrament Church and the Rapid City Catholic Schools.

ad: She was our Home Ec teacher in 1958!

Paul Frederick Kenstler

February 12, 1933 - February 5, 2010

Paul Fredrick Kenstler, 76, Rapid City, died Friday, February 5, 2010, at his residence in Rapid City.

Mass of Christian burial will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2010, at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father John Lule officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Bell Fourche Veterans Honor Guard.
Paul was born February 12, 1933, at Faith, SD, to Fredrick Joseph and Mary Grace (McDermott) Kenstler. He grew up on the family ranch and attended school in Faith and Sturgis. He worked as a ranch hand until joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country honorably and was discharged. He returned home and worked on the ranch until he moved to Tucson, AZ, where he worked in a copper mine. He moved to the Black Hills and was employed as a gold miner at Homestake. He also was an offshore driller for oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico before returning to the prairie. He worked for his aunt, Rose, on the Karnen ranch prior to retirement. He moved to Rapid City in the fall of 2009 to stay with family.
Survivors include his brothers, Maurice and Kevin Kenstler, both of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Joanne Grubl and Kathleen Fox (Class of 1958), both of Whitewood, SD, and Carole Wilkes, Seattle, WA; also numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Maureen (Class of 1958).
A memorial has been established.

from Kinkade Funeral Chapel website .../kinkadefunerals.com

Sandra Kay Kost

July 18, 1941 - November 11, 2009

Sandra Kay Kost, 68, Gillette, died Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Prayer services will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2009, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2009, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Rev. Michael Fox and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Inurnment will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Sandy was born July 18, 1941, at Sturgis, SD, to Lilburn and Jennie (Brink) Weimer. She lived and attended school in Sturgis. She married Cecil Bruse, March 3, 1960, and to this union four children were born.
On December 10, 1971, she married Donald Kost. They were married 38 years. During those years, the family lived and traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world.
She had been residing in Gillette, WY for the last 24 years.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Kost, Gillette, WY; children, Robbin (Glen) Spring, Union Center, Loren (Donna) Bruse, Sturgis, Ann (Jerome) Klein, Gillette, WY, and Christina (Rick) Harter, Rapid City; ten grandchildren, Kelly, Kasey, Kayla, Kerry, Tyler, Jennie, Cassandra, Kade, Sierra, and Shelbi; three great-grandchildren, Mariah, Shaniah, and Alanah; two sisters, Janice Weimer, Sturgis, Connie (Dennis) Fawcett, Ree Heights; one brother, Marc Weimer, Spearfish; one brother-in-law, Richard Logue, Colorado Springs, CO; two stepdaughters, Debbie Kost, Sturgis, and Valerie Jorensen, Texas; and numerous, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lilburn and Jennie Weimer; sister, Cheryl Weimer Logue; and granddaughter, Sarah Marie Austin.
A memorial has been established to the Masterson Place at 2325 E. Yellowstone, Casper, WY, 82609.

Sandra Weimer

Sperle, Helen C.

BISON - Helen C. Sperle, 95, Bison, died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at Sturgis Area Senior Center. Survivors include three daughters, Ruth Jones, Dowling, Mich., Leona Knutson, Seaford, Va., and Lorraine Brackett, Virginia Beach, Va.; one sister, Edna Martin, Spearfish; three brothers, Albert Kolb, Spokane, Wash., Herbert Kolb, Bison, Walter Kolb, Spearfish; three stepsons, Neil Sperle, Rapid City, "Ronnie" Sperle, Sturgis, and Keith Sperle, Cheyenne Wyo.; two stepdaughters, Marjorie Childer, Algona, Iowa, and Hope Dowling, Rapid City; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour before services at the church. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bison, with the Rev. Lloyd Lemke officiating. Burial will be at the Bison Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at www.funeralhomeofthenorthernhills.com.
Published in the Rapid City Journal on 8/15/2009

Marian Agnes Barker

Marian Agnes Barker

December 15, 1914 - July 31, 2009

Service to be held:

Tuesday, August 11, 1009, at 2:00 p.m.

Marian Agnes Butler Barker entered peacefully into the presence of Jesus on July 31, 2009, at her home in Sturgis, SD.
Born December 15, 1914, to Burtis and Agnes (Jameson) Butler near Faith, SD, she was one of six girls and two boys. Marian graduated from Faith High School in 1931. She remained one of two alumni to celebrate her 78th high school reunion. She attended Spearfish Normal College before beginning her teaching career. Later in her 50's, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Black Hills Teachers College, receiving high honors. Mrs. Barker was a devoted and highly respected teacher, having taught the township one room school near Faith, various rural schools in Meade, Pennington, and Lawrence Counties, and later in the Sturgis school system.
Marian married Loyal Barker July 12, 1936, in Faith, SD, and soon after moved to Ohio where their son, Duane Burtis, was born in 1937. In 1939, they relocated to Iowa where her husband, Loyal, operated a plumbing business and lived on the Barker home place near Corning. Twins, Phyllis and Phillip, were born in 1940 and Ronald Loyal in 1942.
In 1946, the family returned to South Dakota and Marian lived in Sturgis for most of her remaining years. She enjoyed reading and reciting poetry, was an avid reader, and a blue ribbon gardener.
Through her deep love of her Lord Jesus, she became a loving role model for her family, wide circle of friends, and her local church, Church of God of Prophecy. She served for many years as Women's Mission Leader, Sunday school teacher, and church pianist. She and Loyal brought the message of Christ's love and redemption to many small South Dakota towns, making many friends and helping to establish churches.
Marian and Loyal enjoyed many years traveling throughout the US, visiting family and escaping the cold SD winters. Until this spring, at 94 years old, she still traveled by air to visit her children in Tennessee, Virginia, and California.
Her love for children made her the epitomy of a storybook grandmother and great-grandmother, planning countless family reunions and annual camping trips to Camp Hannah. She enriched the lives of her grandchildren, Scott Barker, Apple Valley, MN, Todd Barker, Falls Church, VA (deceased), Vanessa Wright Suess, Lodi, CA, Stephanie Wright Montgomery, Highland, CA, Brent Wright, Indio, CA, Julie Barker Oaks, Johnson City, TN, Lori Barker Corbett, missionary in Fukuoka, Japan, Amy Barker, Newport News, VA, Melanee Barker and Robin Barker McPherson, Cleveland, TN, and Dusty Barker, Crawford, NE. Thirteen great-grandchildren eagerly awaited her yearly visits when she would draw, do arts and crafts with them, and cheer at their athletic events, Bryan Barker and Matthew Barker, Evan Suess and Ian Suess, John Montgomery IV, Chloe Montgomery, and Zane Montgomery, Taylor Oaks and Logan Oaks, and Georgia McPherson and Frances McPherson.
Marian leaves behind one daughter, Phyllis and husband, Stan, Highland, CA, two sons, Phillip and wife, Betty, Newport News, VA, and Ronald and wife, Pamela, Cleveland, TN; daughter-in-law, Catherine Barker, Apple Valley, MN; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families and a host of friends too many to number.
Family members gone on before are her devoted husband of 50 years, Loyal Barker; cherished son, Duane Barker; loving grandson, Todd Barker; her parents, Burtis and Agnes Butler; two brothers, Leonard Butler and Baby Burtis Butler; and three sisters, Marjorie Gabrielson, Dora Walter, and Ruth Shroyer.
Visitation will be Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with the family present from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Delbert Bock, Isabel, SD, and Pastor Linda Grenz, Sturgis, officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

From the Kinkade Funeral Home Website

Kathleen
Sperle-Coyne
STURGIS — Kathleen Marie Sperle-Coyne, 44, Sturgis, died Friday, July 10, 2009, at home.
Survivors include her father, Merlyn “Ron” Sperle, Sturgis; and a brother, Ronald Sperle, Belton, Mo. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at The Church of Christ,
with the Rev. Chris Nelson officiating. Black Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Services
is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.black hillsfuneralhome.com.

Crowser

Service to be held:

Friday, June 27, 2008, at 11:30 a.m.

February 24, 1940 - June 25, 2008

Jack B. Crowser, 68, Sturgis, died June 25, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be Thursday from noon until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 27, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at the First Wesleyan Church in Sturgis with Pastor Dwight Peterson officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Jack was born in Custer, SD, on February 24, 1940, to Clifford and Dorothy (Olson) Crowser. The family moved to Tilford and later to Sturgis where Jack graduated from Sturgis Brown High School. He enlisted in the US Navy and served his country from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1962. Jack returned to Sturgis where he worked with his dad who owned Cliff's Painting Service. Jack eventually took over the business and continued painting until his retirement.
Jack married Marlyn Dahlquist in Sturgis on February 27, 1965. They lived and raised their family in Sturgis.
He was a board member for Serenity. Jack was an avid bowler. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and dedicated a lot of his time to being with his family. Jack was always there for anyone who was in need. He served his Lord well.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, two infant children, and one sister, Darlene Kinyon.
A memorial has been established.
(Kinkade Funeral Home)

Maureen Schaffer
(March 9, 1940 - June 2, 2008)

Maureen (Kenstler) Schaffer 68 of Whitewood passed away Monday, June 2, 2008 at her home.

A celebration of the life for Al and Maureen Schaffer will be 2:00 pm Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Hale Hall in Whitewood. Refreshments and luncheon with the family will be provided. A funeral mass will be 10:00am Monday June 16, 2008 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with Fr. Arnold Kari as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis.

Survivors include her children Jaelyn Black of Webb City, MO, Mike DeMille of Denver, CO, DJ Chord, Sandy DeFino, and Kathy Chord all of Cleveland, TN, 3 sisters Joann Grubl, and Kathy Fox of Whitewood, Carol Wilks of Seattle, WA, 3 brothers Kevin Kenstler, and Maurice Kenstler of Las Vegas, NV, Paul Kenstler of Newell, SD, 14 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Al Schaffer, and parents.
Black Hills Funeral Home, Sturgis, SD

1958

Gene Paul Reichert

July 1, 1940 - September 2, 2007

Gene Paul Reichert, 67, Billings, MT, died Sunday, September 2, 2007, near his home due to an ATV accident.

Gene was born July 1, 1940, in New Underwood, SD. He attended first grade at the Doyle School located near Hereford, SD. Due to the distance from his home, at the age of six he spent his first year of school boarded 12 miles from home during the school week. The next seven years, he attended the Reichert School which was relocated several times over the years. He attended high school in Sturgis, SD, where he was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, and graduated in 1958. Following high school, he volunteered for the draft and joined the United States Army, where he served in Germany. During this time, he made many of his life long friends. Gene was very proud of his service to his country.

In 1963, he married Joan Tines and from this union two children were born, a daughter, DeLynn and a son, Monte. During the next several years he farmed, ranched, and did various agricultural custom ventures including hay moving. In 1974, the family moved to Union Center, SD. From 1974 to 1980, he built and operated Central Feeds, the first custom feed mill in Central Meade County.

During the 1970's, he acquired his pilot’s license and purchased a 1949 Aeronca Sedan. The first hours on this classic aircraft were flown during the blizzard of 1949. Gene enjoyed many hours flying his plane hunting coyotes and fox.

In 1980, Gene moved to Billings, MT, where he married Mona Vig, to whom he was married from 1981 to 2005. They started Gene Reichert Trucking, which they operated for nine years. Through the years, Gene was involved in many trucking endeavors. He was ahead of his time in the trucking industry in safety and fuel efficiency programs. His motto of "Lead, follow, or get out of the way" was impressed on many over the years. The past nine years, Gene was leased to Industrial Transfer and Storage Company of Great Falls, MT. Gene put on well over a million miles with this company and earned numerous awards for safe driving.
In the 1990’s, Gene earned his US Coast Guard Captains License, and for several years conducted tours on the Big Horn Lake. He was an active member of Continental Owner Operated, LTD (COOL) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). Gene loved adventures in hunting, horseback riding, boating, and 4-wheeling. Gene enjoyed gardening and his beautiful flowers and productive vegetable garden attested to his green thumb. He was a member of the NRA, New Underwood American Legion, and South Dakota Saddle Tramp Association.

Gene not only loved his children and grandchildren but always had a special place in his heart for other children that entered his life. There are many great adventures with family and friends which will be remembered fondly by everyone.

Services will be held on Monday, September 10, 2007, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located in Sturgis, SD, with Rev. Denzel Nonhof and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.. Burial with full military honors will follow at the National Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Kinkade Funeral Chapel Sunday, September 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will also be held in Billings, MT, on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Eagles Lodge from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Survivors include one daughter, DeLynn Reichert Willis, New Underwood; one son, Monte (Loni) Reichert, New Underwood; grandchildren, Jesse and Sadie Willis and Marissa, Lacey and Radley Reichert; one sister, Judy (Wayne) Bundorf, Henderson, NV; and his best friend and canine side kick, Jack.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mildred Reichert, and close friend and mentor, Walter Sipes.

(courtesy of Kinkade Funeral Home)

Caldwell, Albert T.

SPEARFISH - Albert T. Caldwell, Spearfish and formerly of Sturgis, died Monday, June 15, 2009, at the Dorsett Nursing Home in Spearfish. Survivors include his wife, Fern Caldwell, Spearfish; two daughters, Darlene Miles, Spearfish and Elaine Baden, Tempe, Ariz.; one brother, Dana Caldwell, Rapid City; and one sister, Virginia Prascher, Sturgis. Arrangements are pending with Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Published in the Rapid City Journal on 6/16/2009

This is the guard unit that the boys from the class of 1958 joined during high school.

South Dakota says goodbye to the 109th Engineer Group

By Duke Doering, Journal correspondent

The 109th Engineer Group of Rapid City, which recently returned from a one-year deployment in Afghanistan, takes on a new name today.

Today’s ceremony, at 2 p.m. at Range Road Armory in Rapid City, will close the books on the old unit and give it a new name as the 109th Regional Support Group.

The 109th Engineer Group will be redesignated soon, the National Guard said.

Federally recognized on Sept. 15, 1956, the 109th Engineer Group was organized as the command and control headquarters for the engineer units in the state. At that time, they were in command of four engineer battalion units, the 153rd, 211th, 137th and the 109th Engineer Battalion.

Col. William J. Brown of Sturgis, a combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was appointed the first commander. Brown retired July 5, 1960. Sturgis Brown High School was named after this longtime Sturgis teacher and high school principal.

Another early commander was Theodore Spaulding, a World War II prisoner of war who was captured in the Philippines in early 1942, survived the Bataan Death March in 1942, and was finally released from the coal mines in Japan in 1945.

Eighteen commanders have held the group commander position, including the current commander, Col. Timothy Reisch, who in his full-time job is the South Dakota Director of Corrections in Pierre.

The command of the group has passed through several well-known local residents including Bob Helmer, an insurance agent from Belle Fourche who was commander from 1978 to 1982, and former city council member and local pharmacist Stanley Petrik was commander during the period of 1986-1989.

Raymond Carpenter, currently a two-star general at the National Guard Bureau, commanded the unit in the late 1990s.

When the call to federal active duty came in 2004, Col. Nancy Wetherill was the commander of the 109th Engineer Group. The unit departed Rapid City on April 2, 2004, trained at Fort Carson, Colo., then airlifted to Afghanistan where they arrived on May 15, 2004.

From their base camp, the unit fanned out throughout Afghanistan to plan and supervise construction of roads, airfields, school houses and medical facilities.

According to Sgt. Maj. Tad Auker, "The mission of the Army engineers was to improve the infrastructure the country. We had plumbing, heating, and electrical jobs in addition to the road and drainage improvement."

The one-year tour in the war zone caused the members to be very vigilant when traveling the roads. On Nov. 20, a rocket attack struck the 109th compound, but fortunately, there were no serious injuries.

The unit returned to a “Welcome Home” parade in Rapid City on May 13, 2005.

The unit also mobilized for Desert Storm. The 109th Engineer Group arrived in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 15, 1991. After a brief orientation, the unit moved to a tent compound in the desert on Jan. 24, 1991, where they lived for several months, preparing for the invasion of Iraq and liberation of Kuwait.

Lt. Col. Bucky O'Connor, who was the group's executive officer during the Gulf War, said, "While we were in Saudi Arabia, we learned to react to SCUD missiles that were being fired at us as we trained and prepared for the ground war for the liberation of Kuwait. My primary concern was about the troops driving the main highway, Tapline Road, through Saudi Arabia. The civilian drivers seemed to have no regard for speed limits, passing on the right, stopping for red lights or general rules of the road."

Fortunately the unit suffered no fatalities or serious injuries during the Gulf War.

In June 1991, the unit returned home to a heroes welcome by the citizens of Rapid City. Several donated convertibles drove the troops from the airport to the Stevens High School gymnasium for the welcome home ceremony.

National Guard units are dual-role, commanded by the governor in peacetime and the president in times of national need. The 109th Engineer Group has been called by the governor many times. Most recently, the unit supported flood recovery at Hermosa in late August of 2007, where the unit assisted homeowners in the recovery effort. National Guard heavy equipment was used to load debris and transport it to the Rapid City landfill.

Over the years, the unit has supported the firefighting mission of more than a dozen forest fires in the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park. Probably the most significant state mission was the call to assist during the disastrous flood in Rapid City and other Black Hills communities on June 9, 1972. Fortunately, the 109th Engineer Group was already in Camp Rapid for the two-week annual training period. The group, along with the state's transportation units drove their 6 x 6 trucks throughout the area of Rapid Creek rescuing people and getting them back to safe areas.

The number of lives saved by the National Guard that night was never known for sure, but might have been in the hundreds.

The units remained on duty with the city for the following week of its 1972 annual training, using the heavy equipment to search for victims, remove cars and wrecked homes from the creek-bed and grading mud and gravel from the city streets.

So after a rich tradition, the well-known 109th Engineer Group will take a new name, 109th Regional Support Group and a change in mission effective Sept. 8, 2007.

“As a part of the overall Army transformation plan, all engineer group headquarters will be eliminated,” said Col. Tim Reisch, 109th Engineer Group commander. “Instead of commanding and controlling engineer units, the new mission of our unit will be focused on providing logistical support.”

In its new mission, the 109th RSG will command two battalion-sized units, the 881st Troop Command located in Sturgis and the 152nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Pierre. It will serve as a higher headquarters for 18 units representing about 875 soldiers in nine communities. Its units specialize in transportation, aviation, aircraft maintenance, medical treatment, firefighting and public affairs.

“These units are particularly valuable resources that can be employed by the governor in response to local emergencies and homeland defense,” said Reisch who noted the “South Dakota’s own” 147th Army Band will fall under the new command.

(Rapid City Journal, September 8, 2007)

http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPageHistory/1,13506,104136|887795,00.html (another great history of this guard unit)

BACK

Class of 1958 Bios for the 50th Reunion in 2008

Bios, Page 1 includes Bill Gunlock, Jim Brown, Kay Simons Ingalls, Ann Miller Dennis, Cathy Schummer Duffy, Betty Dodson Tesch, Marlys Isaacs Coburn, Jerry Fenner, Bud Mathison, Jack Crowser	Page 2 includes Jerry Humble, Jean Jordan Millen, Gloria Raetz Roberdeau, Larry Wildberger, Mary Ann Braithwaite Crawford, Joe DesJarlais, Sharon Schmidt Ross, Sherrol Ellefson Lichte, Punky Secrest Barden	Page 3 includes Merlyn Sperle, Andra Jordan Sims, Johnnie Brink, Leland and Janet Brink, Dick Symonds, Vonda Simons Jensen, Phyllis Barker Wright, Phil Barker, Jim Goodwin, Lloyd Cash, Russell Speers, Matilda Lapp Franks	Page 4 includes Lou Ann Gesinger Clark, Bob Willert, Mary Ann Gully Ferolo, Marvin Harwood, JoAnn Baumann Barnett, Janet Pellegrin Larive, Gene Reichert, Don Nesland, Dale Thein
Page 5 includes Judi Levi Ellis, Larry Broel, Frank Huntley, Billie Rae Ritchel Morganegg, Ginny Caldwell Prascher, Frank Dobesh, Joy Olson Conway, Dan Davidson, Gayle Southworth, Donald Kost, Dwain Sanders	Page 6 includes Audrey McDaniels Estes, Ronald Merritt, Harold Waterland, Janice Bonsell Gorsuch, Kathleen Selwinder, Delno Hodgman, Frankie Ferguson Baker, Patty Corum, Bill Jones, Ralph Jones, Darlene Lamberton	Page 7 includes Kirk Cordes, Bruce Harlow, LaVon Outka Williams, Connie Williamson Weaver, Bucky O'Connor, Carol Lehman Drybread, Mickie Blair, Donna Whitford Seymour, Leslie Auer, Phyllis Duly Jachowski	Page 8 Leo Hansen, Sharon Bartlett Holdahl, Geraldine Weiss Fischer, Norma Orr Weyer, Vera Stone Leiseth, Verna Stone Wiler, Karen Westburg Rossow, Geri Burdick, Joyce Bachand Evans, Wayne Bachand, Darlene Welke, Kathleen Kenstler Fox, Maureen Kenstler Schaffer, Jessie Richardson Russell, JoAnn Dempsey Watson

Class of 1958, Where they are Now.

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