Remembering Grandpa Don Crapser

Rest in peace Grandpa. You will be missed dearly but left quite a legacy for us all to remember.  

You spent countless hours and miles running grandkids around town to hit up every park - yep EVERY single park in town. We spent many Friday and Saturday nights at the rollerskating rink, where you were on skates just as much – if not more – than we were. The employees at McDonald’s knew your name and knew that we were getting Happy Meals or maybe just ice cream, but definitely the Happy Meal toy. This Grandpa and his grandkids all had a full set of every Happy Meal toy set. 

If there was a train coming through town, you were within sight of the tracks. You had the grandsons hooked on Thomas the Train, because you had all the Thomas movies! There are bookshelves at the house containing every Disney movie and Kid Songs sing-a-long video ever made. And let’s not forget those home videos – that camcorder was with you for every school concert and family gathering. When you didn't have the camcorder, the the Polaroid camera was there.

When you weren’t driving us all over the place or recording our every move, you could be found relaxing with a book or newspaper. You loved chatting with family and friends, which sometimes meant that excursions with you lasted a little longer. If we needed you, we could always call. And call, we did!  How many times did you hear “Grandpa, can you come pick us up?” 

Thank you for the good times, Grandpa! You will forever be in our hearts.

Grandpa Don's obituary:

Donald F. Crapser, 87, of Brookings, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the Brookings Hospital. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Rude’s Funeral Home, in Brookings. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, at Rude’s Funeral Home. 

Donald F. Crapser was born on January 28, 1929 in Brookings, SD, the son of Oral and Leola (Workman) Crapser. Donald received his education in the Brookings schools and in 1942 moved to Bell Gardens, CA and graduated in 1948. In 1948, he moved back to Brookings, SD. He served in the United States Army from 1951 until 1953. He was united in marriage to Jeannette Carter on January 18, 1951 in Ivanhoe, MN. In 1953, they moved to Hamilton, OH where he was employed at the ArmCo Steel Co. After returning to Brookings, he was employed at Meester Auto, Jackrabbit Oil Co. for 24 years and the Martin Oil Co. until his retirement in 1994. 

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookings and the American Legion. He was a leader and a scout master in the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed rendezvousing, hunting and trap shooting with his sons, his brother, Fay and his Workman cousins. He also liked fishing with his grandkids and many friends. He would take his grandchildren to the roller skating rink every Friday and Saturday night, and he would out-skate the kids every night. 

Donald is survived by his wife Jeannette of Brookings; two sons, Eldon Crapser (Loretta), of Brookings, SD, William Crapser (Nancy), of Sioux Falls, SD; one daughter Donita Fleming, of Brookings; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one brother Maynard Crapser, of Long Beach, MS; one sister-in-law Bernita Crapser, of Sioux Falls, SD and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Fay and Larry, one sister Betty DeBord, and one granddaughter, Shannon Christopherson.

Remembering Jeannette Waage

Heaven gained an amazing angel yesterday.  The oldest member of the John & Ida Waage family, Jeannette Waage, is now at peace.  She celebrated her 99th birthday on November 15th.  Aunt Jeannette with be greatly missed by the entire Waage family.

Jeannette (Langmeyer) Waage's Obituary from Skroch Funeral Chapel is as follows:

Jeannette T. Waage, 99, Brookings, SD, formerly of Colman, SD, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2013 at The Neighborhoods at Brookview. She was born November 15, 1914 in Kingsbury County, SD to Anton and Theresa (Fecht) Langmeyer. She attended country school and graduated from Carthage High School in 1933. She attended Eastern Normal and taught rural schools until her marriage to Joseph Waage in 1939. They farmed in Moody County until Joe’s passing on November 3, 1964. She remained on the farm until moving to Colman in 1971. Jeannette moved to Sunchase Apartments in Brookings in 2008 and to The Neighborhoods at Brookview on October 22, 2013. She enjoyed doing crafts at the Colman Senior Citizens Center and was an avid baseball and Minnesota Twins fan.  

Jeannette is survived by two daughters, Jonetta (David) Negstad, Arlington and Janis (Jim) Knutson, Rapid City, seven grandchildren, Nancy (Tim) Nelson, Barbara (Gale) Hojer, Neil Negstad, Wayne (Angela) Negstad, Ryan (Rebecca) Knutson, Jaima Knutson and Jonathon Knutson, 11 great-grandchildren, four sisters, Arlene Larson, Burke, Viola (Dale) Wagner, Virginia Billet, and Mary Collins, all of Brookings and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, parents, a brother Andy, and a sister Berneda Scroggins.  

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday at Colman Lutheran Church with visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Sunday at Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Brookings. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Colman. 

Joseph & Jeannette Waage

Remembering Pearl Harbor and Lyle Jorenby

Today, on December 7th, we pause to remember the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It shocked our nation as the Japanese attempted to prevent the U.S. from interfering with Japanese military actions overseas, but we rose to the challenge and the rest is all part of our history.


In the Jorenby family we also celebrate the birth of Lyle Jorenby, who celebrated his 19th birthday on the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

Two months later Lyle became the man of the family, when his father passed away leaving him to help his mother care for his nine siblings ranging from 17 years to 4 months of age.  He loved and cared deeply for his family.  He enjoyed spending time with family.  In fact it is a pretty safe bet that Lyle didn't miss very many family reunions over the years, especially since he and his wife Mildred hosted reunions for many years.

Lyle worked hard both on and off the farm. He enlisted in the Navy and served his country proudly during World War II.  He started in the rank of Fireman First Class on the USS St. Paul and was in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered in September 1945.  Lyle was a genuinely happy man and generously aided many friends, neighbors and distressed travelers over the years.

We sadly laid the man we loved to rest a mere four weeks shy of his 91st birthday.  Lyle Franklin Jorenby will be greatly missed.


Obituary of Lyle Franklin Jorenby:

Lyle F. Jorenby, 90, of Brookings, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the Brookings Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings. 

Lyle with his dad Norman Jorenby in 1923.

Lyle Franklin Jorenby was born December 7, 1922, the oldest of 10 children of Norman and Stella (Waage) Jorenby, in Brookings County, SD. He and his family farmed in various locations around Volga during the Great Depression. 

After graduation from Volga High School in 1941, Lyle worked on the family farm and was celebrating his 19th birthday when the news came of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His father died 2 months later, leaving Lyle to help his mother with the raising of his 9 siblings, who ranged in age from 20 months to 17 years. He entered the service in July 1944, enlisting in the Navy, training at Naval Station Great Lakes and at Naval Station Newport. Lyle left Boston on the newly commissioned cruiser USS St. Paul serving in the rank of Fireman First Class in May '45. He saw action in Japan's home waters and was on the St. Paul in Tokyo Bay when Japan signed the terms of surrender in Sept. 1945. After occupation service in Japanese waters and in Shanghai, the St. Paul returned to the U.S. in January '46, where Lyle dis-embarked, was honorably discharged, and returned to civilian life. 

Lyle then worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for 8 years as a gandy dancer and then as a section foreman. He met Mildred Peterson at a dance at the old National Guard Armory in Brookings and was united in marriage to her on April 18, 1952 in Sioux Falls. They made their first home in Lake Preston, where their 3 children were born. 

After Mildred's father died, the family moved in 1956 to the farm Mildred grew up on northeast of Brookings. Like many farmers of that era, they raised beef and dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, and chickens. They later specialized in beef cattle, specifically Angus and Charolais. Lyle was able to share many farm duties and stories with Mildred's brother Robert, who farmed and lived with his family, in the early years, on the farm next to Lyle and Mildred. 

Lyle and Mildred retired in 1990 and bought a house in Brookings. They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Vegas, California, and closer spots, and were active in church, and in the wellness and walking programs at SDSU. Lyle worked part-time as a driver for the Brookings AgFirst Farmer's Coop for a number of years after retirement. He was primary caregiver for Mildred during her struggles with Alzheimer's until her admission to a nursing home in 2008. Due to diabetic complications, Lyle lost his right leg on the day of his wife's funeral, Veteran's Day in 2009, and lost the other leg a year later. He was admitted to Brookview Manor on his 87th birthday, moved to The Neighborhoods at Brookview in 2013 and lived there until being admitted to the Brookings Hospital on November 8th, 2013, where he passed away on November 10, 2013. 

Lyle was mostly a quiet, unassuming man, a hard worker who was happiest when planting or harvesting crops, watching TV, playing old records, reading, or doing picture puzzles with family, then going to social functions with Mildred after retirement. On the farm, in the winter, after Mildred went back to work, he became the chief cookie-baker and supper-starter. He loved his kids and grandkids, and liked to tease them, as well as the workers he met later at Brookview. Lyle offered assistance to distressed travelers and neighbors, pulling many a driver out of snowdrifts, as well as out of mud holes during the county road rebuilding project in front of the farm, all without complaint. 

Lyle is survived by sons Howard (Cheryl) and Kevin of Brookings; brothers Cliff (Lori) of White and David of Brookings; sister Marge (Alton) Quam of Volga; grandchildren Andy and Kristi Finkhouse of Rapid City, Destiny, Josiah, and Jeremiah Jorenby of Brookings, and Hope Folkens of Brookings; as well as several in-laws, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mildred; daughter Cynthia Finkhouse; brothers Donald, Carroll, Burt, and John; and sisters Betty Bovee and Sharon Watt. 

Sunday's Obituary: Joyce Anderson

In memory of Joyce Anderson, wife of Glen Anderson who is a Waage cousin:

Joyce Irene Anderson, 80, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Flandreau Medical Center. She was born June 7, 1932 in Hendricks, MN to Martin and Gina (Sommervold) Christopherson. She attended country school through the eighth grade. Joyce married Glen Anderson on February 24, 1949 in the Christ Lutheran Parsonage in Hendricks. They lived near Elkton, SD and Joyce worked at the Staurolite Inn in Brookings. They moved to Rapid City in 1960 but returned to Elkton in 1961 where they lived on the farm. They moved to Edgewood Vista, Flandreau, SD in October 2012. Joyce worked at Royal Plastics and Sunchase until her retirement in 2007. Joyce enjoyed gardening, garage sales, cooking, antiques, shopping and loved her family.

 Joyce is survived by her husband Glen, son Jim, Elkton, daughter Pat (Rick) Ehret, McMinnville, OR, four grandchildren, Tara (Chris) Quincy, Krystal (John) Demay, Brooke Ehret, Jade Ehret, three great-grandchildren, Caden, Emma Joyce and Hailey, and three sisters, Helen Hemish, Alice (Jim) Leuning and Marcella Lang. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, her parents, four brothers, Harry, Clifford, Kenneth, Leonard and four sisters, Cora, Pearl, Viola and Vada.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church, Hendricks, MN with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7 pm Monday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau, SD.  

 

Obituary from http://www.skrochfc.com

Sunday's Obituary: Ada Gossau

In loving memory of Aunt Ada, here is the obituary of Ada B. Gossau from the Leola (Workman) Crapser's files.

 

Ada B. Gossau
Ada Blanche Gossau, 71, died Saturday, Nov. 28, 1987 at the Estelline Community Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sterling United Methodist Church, rural Brookings with the Rev. Penny Ritter officiating.  Burial will be at Sterling Methodist Cemetery.  Visitations may be made from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Rude's Funeral Home; the family will be in attendance.  Visitations also may be made preceding services Tuesday at the church.

Ada Blanche Gossau was born Sept. 10, 1916, in Sterling Township, Brookings County, to Jessie and Blanche (Heard) Workman.  She attended rural school in Sterling Township and graduated from Brookings High School.  She then moved to Chicago and spent several years there working in factories.  She also lived in California for a year.  She married Charles T. Gossau on June 2, 1947, in Pipestone, Minn., and the couple made Brookings their home.  She worked at various jobs in Brookings until retiring in 1980.  Mr Gossau died May 1, 1987, in Sioux Falls.  She enjoyed bowling, fishing and craft work.

Survivors include one daughter, Margaret Gossau of Brookings, and two sisters, Mrs. Sara (Raymond) Laganella of Philadelphia, Pa., and Mrs. Leola Crapser of Sioux Falls.  She was preceded in death by her husband and one brother.

Sunday's Obituary: Sharon N Luze Watt

Grandmas hold onto our hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.  Grandma, you will be missed.

In Loving Memory of Sharon N. Luze

Sharon N. Luze Watt, age 72, of Volga, died Monday, September 10, 2012, at Brookview Manor in Brookings. Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church, rural Volga, with interment of cremated remains in the church cemetery. Visitations will be from 5-7 P.M. Friday at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Support Group at the Brookings Hospital.

Sharon Noreen Luze Watt was born May 29, 1940, in Volga, South Dakota, the tenth child of Norman and Stella (Waage) Jorenby . She received her education in the Volga Schools and was a graduate of Volga High School in 1958. She was united in marriage to Curtis Luze on January 30, 1959. She provided daycare while raising their four children. Sharon then worked at the Brookings HyVee Store for 27 years before she retired. She was married to James Watt, Sr. in June 1996.

Sharon was a member of Lake Campbell Lutheran Church. She loved baking, sewing, and working on the family tree. She liked spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her two sons: Allen (Lisa) Luze, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Bryon (fiancé, Misty Moser) Luze, of Brookings South Dakota; two daughters: Loretta (Eldon) Crapser and Linda (Ron) Horst, all of Brookings; stepsons: Cordell (Stacey) Watt, James Watt III, and Jerad (LaJuana) Watt; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; three brothers: Lyle, Cliff (Lori), and David Jorenby; one sister, Marjorie (Alton) Quam; and two sister-in-laws; Garnet Jorenby and Lois Jorenby; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Carroll, John, Don and Burton; one sister, Betty Bovee; and one sister-in-law, Mildred.

Sunday's Obituary: Curtis D. Luze

 

Grandpa, you will be missed.

In Memory of Curtis D. Luze

Curtis D. Luze, age 73, passed away at the Sanford Medical Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Friday, August 31, 2012 at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.

Curtis was born on March 4, 1939, in Brookings, SD, the son of Harold and Irene (Christianson) Luze. He received his education in the Brookings Schools and was a graduate of the Brookings High School in 1957. After receiving his education he served in the National Guard for 26 years. He was employed at various places in Brookings until 1971 when he was employed at 3M. He continued working at 3M until his retirement in 1994. Curtis was then employed at Conveyance Vans in Brookings. Curtis was united in marriage to Sharon Jorenby on January 30, 1959.

Curtis was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Brookings American Legion Post #74. He enjoyed woodworking, cabinet making and traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He was survived by two sons Allen (Lisa) Luze of Sioux Falls, SD, Bryon (his fiance’, Misty Moser) Luze of Brookings, SD, two daughters Loretta (Eldon) Crapser, Linda (Ron) Horst all of Brookings; 15 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and one brother DuWayne (Sandy) Luze of Tacoma, WA; along with several nephews and nieces.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Joan.

 

Sunday's Obituary: Bernard Singsaas

Bernard Singsaas - Louisville, Colo.

Bernard Singsaas, 86, died of natural causes Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, at the Balfour Retirement Community in Louisville, Colo., after a short stay in the Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties care center.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Singsaas Church near Hendricks, Minn.

Bernie was born on the family farm in Oak Lake Township, near the Minnesota border, son of Ingebrigt Singsaas, from Singsaas, Norway, and Christine Trooien.  He attended a one-room school house then boarded in the nearest town to graduate from Astoria High School.  He worked on the farm and at odd jobs and then graduated in accounting from a one-year business school before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in January 1942.  he served in Navy construction battalions in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and, after four years, left the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer.

Bernie married Carole Maxine Bailey on Aug. 5 1950, in Witchita, Kan., after a four-month courtship while he was hospitalized following a car crash that almost killed him.  Carole died in September 1965, and Bernie never remarried.

He worked as an office manager for nearly 30 years with Peter Kiewit and Sons, a construction company with headquarters in the U.S. and Canada, which took Bernie and his family to many locations, including Vancouver Island, Utah, Montreal, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Colorado, Arkansas, Arizona, New Orleans, Nebraska, Montana, and Alaska, as well as Kansas.  Family vacations by car crossed every other state.

He was an avid reader, bridge player, playing in many bridge tournaments and achieving Lifetime Master status, and traveler, doing extensive research on the family history in Norway.  After retiring to San Diego, he enjoyed daily golf games between frequent travels that took him to most countries and all seven continents, making many friends along the way.  He sold his car and golf clubs and moved to Boulder County, Colo., in 2001, just before his 81st birthday, to be close to family.

Survivors include  two daughters, Christine Howard of Louisville and Cathryn Grimland of Loveland, Colo., and six grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, a son Steven Eric Singsaas, and all eight siblings.


From the Brookings Register, Sept 13, 2006

Sunday's Obituary: Irene Knutson

Irene M. Knutson
(March 30, 1918 - October 24, 2005)

Irene M. Knutson was born on March 30, 1918 in Deuel County, SD the daughter of Martin and Ingeborg (Singsaas) Christianson.  She died on Monday, October 24, 2005 at Brookiview Manor in Brookings at the age of 87.  Irene received her education in rural school in Brookings County, SD.  In 1936, she married Harold Luze in Brookings.  Harold died in 1970.  She was united in marriage to F. Gordon Knutson on June 20, 1976 in Brookings.  Irene was employed at SDSU in Student Housing for 29 years before retiring in 1983.  She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Brookings, Sons of Norway and Mission Interest.  She enjoyed reading, quilting, sewing, traveling to Alaska and several trips to Norway.  She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Irene is survived by her husband Gordon of Brookings; two sons Curtis Luze of Brookings, DuWayne Luze of Tacoma, WA; 20 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, one daughter Joann Mennis, three brothers Ervin, Ernest and Vernon and four sisters Julia, Thelma, Merle and Alice.

Funeral services 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 27, 2005 First Lutheran Church Brookings, SD Rev. Nyla Schoeld, Officiating.

Visitation: 4PM until 7PM Wednesday Rude's Funeral Home Brookings, SD

Interment: Greenwood Cemetery Brookings, SD



CORRECTION: At the time of Irene's death she had 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Sunday's Obituary: Norma Sharp

Norma Ann Sharp

August 23, 1937 - May 7, 2012

Mrs. Norma Ann Sharp, 74, of Philadelphia, MS died Monday, May 7, 2012 at Neshoba County Nursing Home in Philadelphia, MS.

She was a native of Brookings, SD and had been a resident of Philadelphia, MS since 1973. She formerly worked at Nemanco, Inc. and Wells-Lamont Corp. in Philadelphia, MS. Mrs. Sharp was Methodist by faith. She was a classic example of an army wife. She raised their family while her husband served in the military for 24 years, including tours in both Korea and Vietnam, until his retirement.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Sharp; parents, Pete and Hazel Carter; and brother, Larry (Bubby) Carter.

Survivors include daughters, Lori Sharp Vowell (Brian) of Columbus, MS and Angela Sharp Kelly (Jerry) of Philadelphia, MS; sons, Danny Sharp (Sharon) of Atlanta, GA, Joe Sharp (Donna) of Philadelphia, MS and Randy Sharp of Philadelphia, MS; grandchildren, Brent Vowell, Katie Vowell, Gunner Vowell, Mariah Kelly, Randi Kelly, Shondae Walker, Megan Day, Chris Sharp, Chad Sharp, Mandy Sharp, Colby Sharp, and Jaden Sharp; great-grandchild, Destiny Sharp; sisters, Dee Hust of Las Vegas, NV, Jeannette Crapser of Brookings, SD and Kay Cox of Brown City, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Obituary from McClain-Hays Funeral Home

Sunday's Obituary: John E Jorenby

In loving memory of uncle John E. Jorenby, who passed away on July 26, 2011.

John E. Jorenby was born on October 29, 1934 in Volga, SD to Norman and Stella (Waage) Jorenby. He grew up and attended school in the Volga area. After finishing school, he served in the US Army. John spent his career working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in South Dakota and California before transferring to the Bureau of Land Management which led him to work in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. After retiring, he moved to the cabin he built in Trout Creek, Montana but eventually found his way back to Wyoming.

He was preceded in death by his son, Terrence L. Jorenby, his grandson, Dalton Taylor Jorenby, brothers, Carroll, Donald and Burton and his sister Betty Bovee.

John is survived by his daughters, Tamara Jorenby of Bozeman, MT, Tracey (Scott) Maryland of Casper, grandsons Kaycee, Lucas, Tyler, Stryder and Oryan, brothers, Lyle, Clifford (Lori), David, sisters Marge (Alton) Quam, and Sharon (Jim) Watts all of South Dakota.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 30th at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper WY. Memorials may be made in John’s name to the charity of your choice.

http://www.newcomercasper.com/obituary.asp?src=value&obitid=49973&fname=John&lname=Jorenby&city=Casper&st=WY

Sunday's Obituary: Hannah Dempster

The obituary of Hannah Dempster was published in the Brookings register on 22 November 1915:

Mrs. Hannah Dempster Dies

Mrs. Hannah Dempster passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Boyd, 1018 Williams Street, Monday evening after a lingering illness.  Hannah Gray was born Sept 2, 1830, at Moyarget, County Antrim, Ireland, and departed this life on Nov 22, 1915 at the age of 85 years, 2 months and 20 days.  On Oct 31, 1950 she was united in marriage to George Dempster with whom she came to America in 1883 when the family settled in White, SD, where they lived for about a year.  From there they moved to Brookings.  Mr. Dempster passed away 9 years ago and since that time, Mrs. Dempster had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Boyd, all of Brookings.  Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dempster, seven of whom survive their mother.  The children are Mrs. Henry Getty, Mrs. Lawrence McGarry, William J. Dempster, and Mrs. Margaret Boyd, all of Brookings.  Mrs. Charles Fish of Castlewood, Mrs. Frank Glenn of Aurora, and George C. Dempster of Estelline. 

Mrs. Dempster was a woman of strong character and impressed her personality on those with whom she came in contact, always leaving the impression of being a woman of clear faith and positive conviction.  She was always hopeful, looking on the bright side of every situation and able to see the humor of life where others saw only sorrow and disappointment.  She was a consistent Christian whose faith was strong, a Christian who tried daily to apply her faith to her life.  She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and always attended the services with unbroken regularity until the death of her husband.  She had been growing feeble with the infirmities of age but never lost interest in her children and the friends who were about her.  The deceased leaves to mourn, besides her immediate family, one brother Charles Gray of Brookings, also a large number of relatives and friends who extend their sympathy to the bereaved family in this time of sorrow.  The funeral services were yesterday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Boyd.  Services were conducted by Rev. Wm. A. Mast.  Internment was in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary: George Dempster

The obituaries of Geroge Dempster published in the Brookings Register in November 1906.

George Dempster was born March 17, 1830 near Ballymoney county, Ireland.  He was united in marriage in Ireland October 31, 1850 with Hannah Gray.  They came to America in 1883 and settled with his family and having been a linen weaver in his native country followed his trade here by weaving carpets.  A family of six daughters and three sons came to bless the home of whom five daughters and two sons with the widow and mother live to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father.  The deceased was a devout Christian. The weight of years wore heavily upon him and he was resigned to the change from a transitory life to eternal happiness.  He passed away Tuesday morning, November 27, 1906, and the funeral was held Wednesday.  It is a pleasure to add that Mr. Dempster was one of God's noblemen - a gentlemen and a true friend to the needy.  He had a host of friends who will miss his genial smile and cheery voice. 


George Dempster died at his home in this city (Brookings, SD) Tuesday morning at six o'clock.  Mr. Dempster had been feeble the entire summer, and had an attack of partial paralysis a couple weeks ago which was the direct cause of his death.  The funeral was held from the house yesterday afternoon and the remains were laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.  Rev A. M. Work of Watertown, a former pastor of the Presbyterian church here had charge of the services.  Mr. Dempster was born in the County Antrim, Ireland, March 17 1830.  He came to America with his family in 1883 coming direct to Brookings County.  The family lived on a farm near White until the fall of 1884 when they moved to Brookings, where they have since resided.  Mr. Dempster is survived by a wife and seven children, Mrs. Henry Getty, Mrs. Boyd, and Mrs. Lawrence McGarry of this city, Mrs. Glenn of Aurora, Mrs. Fish of Oakwood township, and George and William of this city.

Sunday's Obituary: Madala Wicks

Obituary and notice of death for Mrs. Madala Wicks from The Roland Record in 1932

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, December 28, 1932.

MRS. WICKS DIED SUNDAY
HAD LIVED IN ROLAND COMMUNITY FOR OVER HALF CENTURY

Mrs. H. T. Wicks died at 6:00 o'clock Sunday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Julia Christianson north of Roland, where she had been staying since she suffered a stroke about three months ago.

The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:30 at the Christianson residence and at 2:00 o'clock in Bergen church with Rev. M. O. Sumstad in charge.

Mrs. Wicks would have been 86 years of age if she had lived another month and had lived in this community for more than fifty years. An obituary will be published next week.

Also from The Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, January 4, 1933.

MRS. H. T. WICKS

Mrs. Madala Wicks wss born January 11, 1847, in Skaanevigs prestegjeld, Norway, her parents being Torres and Elizabeth Vika. She grew to womanhood in Norway and on April 3, 1870 was married to Hactor T. Wicks coming to America the same year and settling in Lisbon, Ill.

They came to Iowa in 1875 and lived on a farm northeast of Roland until 1882 when they moved to a farm 4 1/2 miles north of Roland where they lived 34 years. In 1916 they retired from the farm and moved to Roland to spend their remaining years. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary April 3, 1920. Mr. Wicks preceded her in death, on July 23, 1924.

She suffered a stroke a apoplexy 8 months ago and since then has been failing. The last 3 months she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Julia Christianson, passing away on December 25th being 85 years, 11 months and 14 days old. She has been a member of Bergen Lutheran church since coming to this community.

Mr. and Mrs. Wicks had 10 children two of whom, Millie and Thomas, died in infancy. Those left to mourn her death are Mrs. Ben Borwick, Mrs. Andrew H. Twedt, Tom H . Wicks, Mrs. John Waage of Brookings, S. D., Mrs. Julia Christianson, Mrs. J. E. Jacobson, Theo. H. Wicks and Mrs. G. T. Halverson of Belmond. She also leaves 58 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren, 3 half sisters, Mrs. Ole Wicks of Roland, Mrs. Theo. Carpenter of Story City and Mrs. Golla Orton of Norway, 3 half brothers, Thomas Wicks of Clarion, Tom Wicks of Story City and George Wicks of Elmore, Minn.

The funeral was held at the Christianson home and at Bergen church Thursday afternoon, Rev. M. O. Sumstad officiating. Interment was made in the Roland cemetery. Pall bearers were Ben Borwick, Andrew H. Twedt, J. E. Jacobson, Theo. Wicks, Tom Wicks and G. T. Halverson.

Among those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mrs. Ida Waage, Thomas and Viola Waage of Brookings, S. D., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ziergler and 2 children of Volga, S. D., Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Halverson and 2 children of Belmond, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Wicks and son Cryder Wicks and sons Orville and Everett of Kanawha, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wicks, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hill, Mrs. Knute Munson and Mr. and Mrs. Elias Olson and daughter Bernice of Clarion, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Arthur of Eagle Grove, Mr. and Mrs. Selmer Norem and Clarence Norem of Radcliffe, Mr. William Mackstad and Mr. Keneil Swenson of Nevada.

Source: Iowa GeneWeb Story County Obituaries, (http://iagenweb.org/boards/story/obituaries/index.cgi?read=272157) on 2/3/2011.

Sunday's Obituary: May Shrode Reep

The Obituary of Mrs. May (Shrode) Reep from Leola (Workman) Crapser's files:

Mrs. May Reep Dies McIntire Resident

May Shrode, daughter of Conrad and Barbara Workman Shrode, was born May 1, 1873, on a farm near McIntire, Iowa.  She was one of eight children, three of whom are still living: Eugene and Charles Shrode of Riceville, and Mrs. Sadie Eliason of Zion, Illinois.

May joined the McIntire Methodist church on September 22, 1889, and was married there on November 17, 1901, to William Reep.  to this union were born four children: Mary Reep of Mason City, Iowa; Rev. Louie Reep of St. Joseph, Missouri; Mildred Reep, who died at the age of two and Rev. Ora Reep of Silver City, Iowa.

Mrs. Reep is well-known to this community, having lived here all her life except for the past three winters when she has made her home with her daughter Mary who teaches in Mason City.  She had just recently transferred her membership to the Wesley Methodist church in Mason City, where the Rev. Peterson showed her much kindness.

May died at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 1956, in Park hospital, Mason City, after one day's illness.  She lacked just 12 days of being eighty-three years old.  Left to mourn her passing are two brothers and one sister; her three living children; two grandchildren, Norma Lou and John Reep; nephews and nieces and many friends.

The funeral service for Mrs. Reep was held in the McIntire Methodist church at 2 p.m., April 21.  Conducting the service were the Rev. Misses Luella G Kroether and T. Janet Surdam, co-pastors of the Riceville-McIntire charge.  Mrs. Viva Newhouse and Mrs. Alden Harshbarger sang "Lead Kindly Light" and "Abide With Me," accompanied by Mrs. Riley Sloan.

Interment was in Riverside cemetery, Riceville, the casket being carried by Gayloard Aspel of Ostrander, Minnesota, Harold and Kenneth Aspel of McIntire, Wilbur Danforth of Osage, Peter Johnson of Little Cedar, and James Ellis of LeRoy, Minnesota.

After the services, the McIntire Methodist Woman's Society of Christian Service served lunch to relatives and friends.

Sunday's Obituary: Norman Jorenby

The death notice and obituary of Norman S. Jorenby from Stella Jorenby's scrapbook

Norman Jorenby Dies This Morning
Norman Jorenby, well known farmer who grew to manhood in this community, succumbed at his farm home two miles west and one south of Volga early this morning.  he had been ill for some time with heart trouble and other complications.
Funeral arrangements are being made for Saturday afternoon.  Further details were not available as we go to press.

Funeral Saturday for Norman Jorenby
Funeral services were held Saturday at the Lutheran church for Norman Jorenby, who passed away at his farm home early last Thursday morning.  Rev. Karl Kildahl officiated and interment made in the Lutheran cemetery.

Norman Sanford Jorenby was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Jorenby at Dows, Iowa on June 8, 1902.  At the age of 10 he came with his parents to Volga, S.D. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.  He attended the Volga Public Schools.

On February 8, 1922 he was united in marriage to Miss Stella Waage and to this union were born ten children: Lyle, Donald, Carroll, Betty, Marjorie, Burton, John, Clifford, David and Sharon.  After his marriage he commenced farming with the exception of one year, spent the rest of his life on farms near Volga.

He passed away February 12, 1942 following a lingering illness at the age of 39 years, 8 months and 4 days.

He is survived by his wife, Stella, and ten children; his mother, Mrs. Belle Jorenby; three sisters, Mrs. Henry Swiggum of Blanchardville, Wis., Mrs. Carlton Leite, and Miss Ruth Jorenby of Volga; and four brothers Harold, Oliver, and Everett of Volga, and Raymond of Seattle, Wash.  his father and three brothers preceded him in death.

Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the funeral were: Mrs. and Mrs. Raymond Jorenby of Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Henry King, Dan and Oscar Rud of Valley City, N.D.; Mrs. Lena Jacobson and son, Marvin, of Nevada, Iowa; Mrs. Henry Opstvedt of McCallsburg, Iowa; tom Wicks of Radcliffe, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Kiner of Madison; Mrs and Mrs. Tom Waage and family of Colman; and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Anderson of White.

Sunday's Obituary: Blanche Workman

The obituary of Blanche Workman From Leola (Workman) Crapser's files:

Mrs. J Workman Died Monday After Few Days Illness

Mrs. Jesse Workman passed away Monday at the Municipal hospital where she was taken Saturday.  Cause of death was dropsy and heart trouble.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at the home at 2:00 o'clock, and at the Rude funeral chapel at 2:30 in charge of Capt. B. A. MacNichol of the Salvation Army.  Burial will be at Greenwood.

Blanche D. Heard was born to Frederick and Annette Heard May 2, 1885 in Shiloh township, Grundy county, Iowa, the third child in a family of six.  She was called to her heavenly rest in Brookings July 16, 1945, after a short illness, aged 60 years, two months and 14 days.

She was educated in the Grundy, Hardin and O'Brien county schools of Iowa.  She taught in the Osceola county, Iowa, rural schools one year and also a year in the Brookings county schools.

She was united in marriage to Jesse Workman Dec. 15, 1903, at Grundy Center, Iowa, and they came to Brookings county and settled on the Workman farm, 10 miles north of Brookings where they made their home until 1925, when they moved to Brookings.

To this union were born six children, two dying in infancy.  Surviving are Leslie; Leola Crapser, Bell Gardens, Calif.; Ada Gillman of Brookings, and Sara Loganella of Philadelphia.

Besides her husband and four children, she leaves to mourn her loss, seven grandchildren; two sisters, Ethel of Melvin, Iowa, and Lelah of Grundy Center; and one brother, Dale of Lake Wilson, Minn.

Her father, mother and two sisters preceded her in death.  She also leaves a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.  She was a wonderful wife and mother, a good neighbor and friend, in the best meaning of the term, "a good woman."

Mrs. Workman was made a soldier of the Brookings Salvation Army corps Aug. 21, 1927, and held the following local officers positions until her death: home league treasurer; recruiting sergeant since Jan. 15, 1940; cradle roll sergeant, since Jan. 1, 1940, and company guard since May, 1941.

Sunday's Obituary: Emma Rittman

Below is the Obituary for Emma Rittman From Leola (Workman) Crapser's files.  Handwriting on the side of this article indicates Dec 12, 1918, likely the day the article was published.


Mrs. John Rittman Died Last Night

Mrs. John Rittman died at her home in this city Wednesday night of influenza, at the age of fifty-six years.  Funeral services will be held at the home Saturday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. I. M. Hargett, and also at the Sterling church, and the body will be laid to rest in the Sterling cemetery beside her husband.

Mrs. Emma Rittman was born in Indiana April 1, 1862, and died at her home in Brookings, 706-6th street, after a short illness.  She came to South Dakota in 1880 and was married to John F. Rittman of Sterling township, where they lived until his death in 1908.  Mrs. Rittman remaining on the farm until last fall, when she purchased city property, upon which she spent about $4,000 in improvements and fitting it with modern comforts, preparatory to enjoying a rest after many years hard work on the farm.

She gave her heart to God early in life and united with the German Methodist church of Northfield, Minn.  She was a devoted christian woman and recogized as a staunch church woman in her community and was a member of the Woman's Missionary society of her church and was always ready and willing to do her part in any christian service.

Mrs. Rittman was the mother of ten children, two boys and eight girls, six of whom are still living.  Those living are, Nora, now Mrs. Joseph Conn of Eureka township.  Ella, Mrs. Wm. Cochran of Lansing, Minn.  Minnie, Mrs. Frank Billet of Sterling township.  Fred, who is in the Expeditionary Forces in France, and Lydia and Emma who are at home.

She leaves her son, five daughters, three brothers and four sisters and many other relatives and friends to mourn her sudden death.

Sunday's Obituary: Martin B Christianson

From the Hendricks Pioneer,  30 August 1962 edition; accessed from Footnote.com (www.footnote.com/image/42057202).

Funeral Rites For M.B. Christianson

Funeral services for Martin B. Christianson were held Monday, August 20, at Calvary Lutheran church in Hendricks with Rev. H. R. Schafer officiating.  A family service preceded the 2 p.m. rites.  Interment was in the East cemetery at Hendricks with DuWayne Luze, Curtis Luze, Lyndon Nelson, Roger Grimlie, Donald Grimlie and Don Mennis serving as pallbearers.

Mrs. Carvel Johnson served as organist, and also accompanied a mixed quartet comprised of Mrs. Wilbert Blake, Mrs. Clarence Nygaard, Hans Hegstad, and Carvell Johnson.  The quartet sang "Does Jesus Care", and Msrs. Johnson and Hegstad sang "Den Store Hvide Flok."  Mrs. Teddy Mathison sang "Beyond the Sunset" at the family service.

Martin B. Christianson was born in Alamaca county, Iowa, September 9, 1876, to Bore and Johanna Chrisitianson.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  He was united in marriage with Ingeborg Singsaas November 28, 1905 by the Rev. Salenstin*.  To this union were born five daughters and three sons.  He died at the Hendricks hospital August 17, 1962, at the age of 85 years, 11 months and eight days.  He had made his home at the Hendricks Retirement Home since the fall of 1958.

To mourn his passing he leaves four daughters, Thelma of Sioux Falls, S.D., Merl (Mr.s Alvin Oien) of Hot Springs, Mont., Alyce (Mrs. Hjalmer Grimlie) of Astoria, S. D., and Irene (Mrs. Harold Luze) of Brookings, S. D.; two sons Ervin of Missoula, Mont., and Vernon of Fort Peirce, Fla.; three brothers, Emil, Anton and Selmer of Hendricks; three sisters, Mrs. John Fjerstad of Watertown, S. D., Mrs. Oliver Sommervold of Toronto, S. D., and Mrs. Julia Tiller of Hendricks.  There are also 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, one daughter, one son, and his parents.

To his family he was known as a kind and loving father, and will be missed by those remaining.  Blessed be his memory.

Editor's note: In a previous article on Ingeborg Singsaas the pastor was listed as "Rev. T. K. Solensten", which I believe is the correct spelling.

Sunday's Obituary: Barbara Shrode

The following obituary was acquired from Vernice Danforth's book titled Conrad Shrode's Civil War Diary And Genealogy, printed in May 1976:

Mrs. Barbara Shrode

Barbara Workman was born at New York state February 25, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Aspel, near McIntire, Iowa, April 12, 1926 at 8:30 a.m.

When a girl she moved with her parents to Broadhead, Wisconsin, where she grew to womanhood, and joined the Evangelical church of which she remained a life member.

She formed the acquaintance of Mr. Conrad Shrode and when he was home on a furlough, after being honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment in the Civil war, she was united in marriage to him, March 9, 1864.

He soon after re-enlisted and served his country until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged December 16, 1865.  to this union were born eight children, one died in infancy and one daughter, Libbie Cole, died about eight years ago.

Her husband, after years of public and private service to his country here below, left at the call to the better country on July 10, 1913.

They spent most of their lives together on a farm in Jenkins township, Mitchell county, Iowa.  In 1910 they moved to Riceville, Iowa.  After Mr. Shrode's death, Mrs. Shrode resided in their Riceville home until failing health made it advisable for her to be no longer alone.  Then she went to live with her daughters,  Mrs. may Reep, of McIntire, for two years, thence among other children, spending the last part of her life with her daughter, Mrs. Ella Aspel, where she quietly went to sleep on April 12, 1926.  She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Sadie Eliason, of Zion City, Illinois; Mrs. Ella Aspel and Mrs. May Reep of McIntire; and three sons, William, of McIntire; and Eugene and Charles of Riceville, Iowa.  Also one sister survives of the family of seven children, Mrs. Sarah Eastman of McIntire.  Besides these she leaves twenty-six grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church at Riceville on Wednesday, at 2:00 p.m., cunducted by the Rev. Felterand Rev. Mr Pease of Limes Springs, a former pastor.  Interment was made in the beautiful Riverside cemetery, at Riceville, Iowa.