Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour Obituaries

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Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located in the heart of Armour, South Dakota. With a rich history and a commitment to serving families with dignity and respect, Koehn Bros has established itself as a pillar of the community. The funeral home is situated at 821 Main, Armour, SD, 57313, making it easily accessible to families from all over the region.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Harriet Louise Adel - June 19, 1925 - March 02, 2024

Departed: 03/02/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Armour – Harriet Louise Adel, 98, went to her heavenly home Saturday, March 2 at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg. Funeral service will be Monday, March 11 at 11:00 am at Geddes Community Church in Geddes. Burial will follow the service at the Presbyterian Cemetery south of Delmont.

Harriet Louise Nadenicek was born on June 19, 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio to Rev. Joseph and Mary (Homolka) Nadenicek.

Her father died on January 1, 1929, when Harriet was three years old. A few years later, the family moved to South Dakota, settling in Yankton. Harriet graduated from Yankton High School and attended what was then Southern State Normal College in Springfield, receiving a two-year teaching degree.

Harriet got a teaching job in Delmont, where she met Larry Adel. They married on August 15, 1946, and had seventy-two years together, until Larry passed away in 2019. They had three boys: Mark, Greg, and Jeff.

Harriet gave up her teaching job when she started having children, but she remained a teacher all her life. She taught her own children, and was very proud of them for all attaining post-secondary degrees. But any time there were children around, Harriet was teaching them. She did it naturally, without even really thinking about it. Teaching was not what she did. It was who she was.

Most of Harriet and Larry’s seventy-two years of marriage were lived on the family farm. Although she was a “city girl”, Harriet came to love the farm. Eventually, they retired and purchased a house in Armour in 2006. They spent ten happy years in that house, then moved to Avantara Armour in 2016. Harriet remained there until the facility closed in September of 2022. She then moved to Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, SD, where she lived until her passing.

Harriet had a strong faith in the Lord. She served the Delmont United Methodist church for many years, leading the Sunday school, leading the women’s group, playing the piano for worship services, and in many other capacities.

Her family will always remember her wonderful cooking, her support of their activities in music and sports (although not particularly a sports fan, she always cheered on her boys and spent many hours working in the concession stand at the Delmont ball park), and the things she taught them. Most of all, her family will remember all the love she shared with Larry and with them.

Harriet is survived by her sons: Mark (Sue) of Ashland, NE; Greg (Kim) of Blacksburg, VA; and Jeff (Wanda) of Gettysburg, SD; by her grandchildren, Melanie (Scott) Simpson of Ashland, NE; Aaron of Ashland, NE; and Jay Ritchie of Detroit, MI; by her great-grandchildren, Cori and Evelyn Simpson of Ashland, NE and Arabella and Aila of Ashland, NE, by her sister-in-law, Betty Nadenicek of Kingman, AZ, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Nadenicek; by her husband, Larry Adel; and by her siblings, Paul, John, and Joe Nadenicek and Martha Medema.

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Elaine Maybelle Murray Johnson - March 11, 1947 - February 28, 2024

Departed: 02/28/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Elaine Maybelle Murray Johnson, 76, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, February 28 at Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour. Memorial service will be Saturday, March 2 at 12:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am, at Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour. Burial will follow the service in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour.

Elaine was born March 11, 1947 to Sigward and Margaret (Newberg) Lee in Valley City, ND. She attended and graduated from high school in Luverne, ND. She was united in marriage to Russell Gene Johnson on May 15, 1971 in Huron, SD. Elaine lived in Aberdeen, Huron, Armour and Corsica. She worked at several daycares and eventually had her own daycare in their home where she cared for and loved many children. She also worked at Krull’s Market in Armour in the produce department. She loved watching her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. She also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Timberwolves and Vikings on TV and word find books.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Russell of Corsica; 2 sons: Terry (Tracy) Plecity of Colman, SD and Matthew (Jennifer) Johnson of Corsica; 8 grandchildren: Tyler Plecity, Mariah Plecity, Nolan Mingledorff, Jessica McDermott, Hunter Johnson, Haley Johnson, Heather Johnson and Hadynn Johnson; a sister, Jeanette “Dolly” (Alan) Erickson of Bismark, ND; and in-laws: Bonnie Munger of DeSmet, SD; Cathie Johnson of Lubbock, TX; Jeanette Johnson of Huron, SD; and Roger (Kathy) Johnson of Sturgis, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Richard Lee and Gene (Margaret) Lee; and in-laws: Gene (Shirley) Schaffer; Bob (Lorna) Johnson; Owen Johnson; Don Johnson; and Craig Munger.

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Herbert J. Ruff - March 03, 1938 - February 18, 2024

Departed: 02/18/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Corsica – Herbert J. Ruff, 85, went to his heavenly home Sunday, February 18 at Good Samaritan Center – Corsica. A private, family service will be held at a later time.

Herb was born March 3, 1938 to Henry and Mary (Heck) Ruff. He attended Valley #13 Country School through the 8th grade and graduated from Armour High School in 1956. He joined the Army National Guard and served in the United States Army for 2 years. He was united in marriage to Mary Kay Talbot on September 1, 1962 in Armour. Herb worked for the Armour Veterinary Clinic and Douglas Feed Mill and eventually began farming. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus and was an avid golfer.

Grateful for having shared his life are special friends, Pat and Beth Harrington and their children, Riley, Sydney and Grady.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and an infant son, Robert.

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Dennis John Oberbroekling - March 29, 1949 - February 18, 2024

Departed: 02/18/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Dennis John (Smiles) Oberbroekling was born on March 29, 1949, to Paul and LaVonne (Ahrens) Oberbroekling in Wagner, SD. He graduated from Geddes High School in 1967. After granduation he and his brother Raymond worked on a wheat harvest crew for two years. When he returned, he worked for Chuck Eitemiller, Elvern Varilek and Maynard Bridges as a hired hand.

On June 11, 1984, Dennis married Carol Meis. To this union three children were born. Dennis moved his family to Draper, SD in 1985, where he worked on a ranch for Floyd Fuoss for four years. He then returned to Geddes to take over the family farm. In 2000 he started to work for the Geddes Farmers Elevator, where he worked until retiring in 2020.

Denny loved to fish in the summer time. He enjoyed his kids and grandkids sporting events, throwing darts and hunting pheasants with his friends from Missouri.

Denny passed away in his home Sunday, February 18 surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife Carol of almost 40 years, children Kevin Oberbroekling of Geddes, Renee (Jeffrey) Thies of Hay Springs, NE, Brian (Jennifer) Oberbroekling of Geddes, and Tyler Oberbroekling of Geddes. Grandchildren Caden Oberbroekling, Bo Thies, Randi Oberbroekling, Hunter Thies, and Lauren Oberbroekling. Siblings Kathy Thompson of Armour, SD, Mary Holzinger of Laurel, Montana, and Eugene (Jayne) Oberbroekling of Boise, Idaho. In-laws Susan (Rick) Dufek, Janis (Pat) Westendorf, and Mark (Laurie) Meis. God children Brian Huggins, Jennifer (Oberbroekling) Soucy and Mackenzie Oberbroekling.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Paul and LaVonne (Ahrens) Oberbroekling; his brother, Raymond Oberbroekling; sister, Susan (Sam) Anderson; in-laws, Harold (Lefty) and Lavern Meis; brother in-laws, Terry Thompson, Neal Anderson and Jim Meis.

Funeral Services for Dennis Oberbroekling, age 74, of Geddes, SD will be Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Geddes, SD with burial in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery. Prayer service will be Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 7 pm with visition from 5-7 pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

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Carol Alderman - December 18, 1945 - February 05, 2024

Departed: 02/05/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Carol Ann Alderman (Dawirs) (78) crossed over through death to her eternal home in heaven on February 5th, 2024. Carol was born on December 18th, 1945, in Maryland, to Harvel and Olwen Dawirs, the oldest of three children. After graduating from high school she went on to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida State University. While working in a science lab at Florida State, she met her future husband, Jerald Alderman. They were married in 1967. After becoming a registered nurse, she worked at various places where Jerald was stationed for the Air Force. Two children were born to them, Roy and Michelle.

After Jerald’s retirement from Fairchild Air Force Base as Lieutenant Colonel in 1989, they moved to their final retirement home on five wooded acres in Deer Park, Washington in 2005. They loved their home and made many memories there with her kids and grandkids.

When her husband of 54 years passed away in 2021, she began making plans to relocate and join her daughter and son-in-law in South Dakota where he is serving as the Pastor of The Lighthouse Fellowship in Corsica. She arrived in August of 2022 and resided with the Hayashi family until her death.

Carol was hard working, generous, and very particular. She was kind, understanding and empathetic and she had a special way of helping people through their insecurities. She loved reading, watching the Hallmark Channel, any animal shows, and Hogan’s Heroes.

Carol loved traveling around the US in their RV. They visited many national and state parks, but one of her favorites was Yellowstone National Park. She enjoyed hiking in nature and sitting on her deck watching the birds and all the beautiful wildlife God had made.

Carol’s faith was important to her and she was active in the churches where they were stationed. She also volunteered in various other organizations over the years.

After her relationship to Jesus, Carol’s greatest love was her family. They were the joy of her life. It was dear to her to hear that her kids and grandkids knew Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

She is survived by her brother John (Debbie) Dawirs, sister Barb (Marty) Humphries, son Roy (Mickey) Alderman, daughter Michelle (Jon) Hayashi, Grandchildren Zeon, Keera, and Tiberius Alderman, and Elizabeth, Jonny, David, Sarah, and Anna Hayashi, numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

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Lucille Marie Noteboom - November 29, 1924 - February 01, 2024

Departed: 02/01/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Lucille Marie (Menning) Noteboom, 99, went to her heavenly home Thursday, February 1, while under hospice care, at her home in Corsica. Funeral service will be Monday, February 5 at 11:00 am at Christian Reformed Church in Corsica with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery in Corsica. Visitation will be Sunday, February 4 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm, with a prayer service at 4:30 pm, at Christian Reformed Church in Corsica.

Lucille was born November 29, 1924 to Simon K. and Minnie (DeVries) Menning at their family farm in Corsica, SD. She attended school through the 8th grade and then took piano lessons instead of going to high school because her parents didn’t feel it necessary. Lucille also worked at Kiel’s Market. Lucille was united in marriage to Peter Junior Noteboom on August 8, 1947 at Grace Reformed Church. She totally enjoyed playing organ and piano, and played for church services for over 72 years. Music was one of her passions.

Peter and Lucille were blessed to do a lot traveling through the states and many foreign countries. They also enjoyed traveling south for the winter for many years. At the age of 60 she obtained her GED. She was a member of Dorcas Women’s Society, Priscilla Club, and attended Coffee Break Bible study. Lucille loved the Lord and felt God should be first above all things. Her main desire was for her family and friends to know the Lord as their personal Savior.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Gwendolyn Meeter, Sharon (Ivan) Van Marel, Daniel (Jeanne) Noteboom, Laura (Troy) Noteboom, and a daughter-in-law Donna Noteboom. Lucille was the loving grandmother of 16 grandchildren along with their 13 spouses: Rachel (Troy) Waterfall, Nathan Meeter, Jodie (Chris) Sweeney, Jonathan (Erin) Meeter, Clarissa (Scott) Van Binsbergen, Jason (Heidi) Van Marel, Leah (Timothy) Nydam, Justin Noteboom, Jessica (Cody) Lieuwen, Stacey (Aaron) Manthey, Jenna (Josh) Neugebauer, Tiffany (Michael) Mailey, Micah Noteboom, Aaron (Jessica) Noteboom, Angela (Preston) Broughton, Amanda (Patrick) Draisey; 40 great-grandchildren and their 3 spouses: Andy (Shannon) Waterfall, Haylee (Cole) Jensen, Savannah and Jessa Waterfall, Stephanie (Joey) Craft, CJay, Jaden, and Jack Sweeney, Whitney, Andrew, and Adam Van Binsbergen, Katelyn, William, and Benjamin Van Marel, Lydia and John Nydam, Tayden and Ty Noteboom, Brynlee, Bryce, and Brielle Lieuwen, Thomas and Matthew Manthey, Adeline and Ella Neugebauer, Boden, Colton, and Lee Mailey, Peter, Jack, and Emersyn Noteboom, Aleyna, Nora, Bennett, and Kannon Broughton, and Madelyn, Hannah, and Everly Draisey; 5 great-great-grandchildren: Landon and Lila Waterfall, Theo, Isabelle, and Mateo Craft; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Peter; a son Michael Noteboom; a son-in-law Dean Meeter; 8 siblings and their spouses; Clarence (Elizabeth) Menning, Jennie (Fred) Lightenberg, Evertt (Gertie) Menning, Viola (Marion VandenHoek and John Goemaat), Lloyd (Bernice) Menning, Art (Irene) Menning, Grace (Lyle) Groen, and Pearl (Ray) Brink; father-in-law Marion Noteboom; mother-in-law Pearl; step-mother-in-law Violet; a sister-in-law Joyce Noteboom; and a brother-in-law and spouse Marvin (Lanay) Noteboom.

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Mardell Dockendorf - October 13, 1936 - January 27, 2024

Departed: 01/27/2024 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Mardell Dockendorf, 87, of Corsica passed away on Saturday January 27, 2024 at Aurora Brule Care & Rehab in White Lake, SD. There will be a Celebration of Life Mass on Saturday, April 6, at 11 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour, SD, with a lunch to follow.

Mardell was born on October 13, 1936 to Walter and Bertha Bormann on the family farm north of Corsica. Growing up, she attended Beulah School, a nearby rural grade school, and helped on the family farm. She graduated from Corsica High School in 1954. She worked for her brother, Delmar, at the City Café in Corsica. She later worked at Corsica Livestock in the business office on sale days. On October 19, 1957, Mardell married Dale Dockendorf at St. Willibrord Catholic Church in rural White Lake. To this union, three sons were born: Randall, Thomas & Patrick. Mardell enjoyed attending her sons’ sports, school events and other activities. She was active in Altar Society at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Armour. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Corsica and co-chaired the annual poppy sales, coordinating volunteers selling on Main Street and around the community. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Mitchell. She was an avid bowler and was a member of the local league. Mardell, along with her husband, Dale, were active with Catholic Aid Assn. (Catholic United Financial) of St. Paul, MN. Through Catholic, Aid, they hosted an annual bus trip to Minnesota Twins baseball games at the Metrodome.

She is survived by her sons Randy Yankton, SD, Tom, Riverside, IL, Pat Corsica, SD, grandsons Rex & Vince of Riverside, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mardell was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; brothers and wives Donald (Bernice) Borman, Delmar (Eunice) Bormann, Walter(Dale) (Donna Mae) Bormann and sister and husband Beverly (Gilbert) Bamberg, in-laws Leo (Frances) Dockendorf, Dallas (Elaine Ries) Dockendorf, Sylvester Dockendorf, Marcella Dockendorf, June (Scott) Bradstock; and three nephews, Leon Dockendorf, Darryl Dockendorf and Mark Bormann.

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Karen Dee McFarland - January 26, 1938 - December 31, 2023

Departed: 12/31/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Sioux Falls – Karen Dee McFarland, 85, went to her heavenly home Sunday, December 31 at Ava’s House. Funeral service will be Friday, January 5 at 11:00 am at Armour Community Church in Armour. Visitation will be Thursday, January 4 from 5 to 7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service at Armour Community Church in Armour. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Karen was born January 26, 1938 to Don and Hattie (Whittemore) Weber. She attended and graduated from Delmont High School. She was united in marriage to Gerald McFarland on March 22, 1957. They lived and farmed near Armour. Karen worked at Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour for 32 years. She was a member of Armour Congregational Church and enjoyed spending time at the river, pontoon rides, bon fires and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Grateful for having shared her life are her 2 children: Delon (Rhonda) McFarland of Pukwana, SD and Danette (Dave) Wright of Armour; 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; 2 brothers-in-law, Lowell and Don McFarland; and a sister-in-law, Yvonne Bowen.

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Cornelius "Cornie" Schelling - May 17, 1936 - December 19, 2023

Departed: 12/19/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Corsica – Cornelius “Cornie” Schelling, 87, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, December 19 at Ava’s House is Sioux Falls. Funeral service will be Friday, December 22 at 10:30 am at the Christian Reformed Church in Corsica. Visitation will be Thursday, December 21 from 5 to 7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service at the Christian Reformed Church in Corsica. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Cornie was born on May 17, 1936 to BD and Marie (Ymker) Schelling on a farm near Rock Valley, Iowa. 3rd born of 8 children, he and his family migrated to a farm west of Armour, SD when Cornie was 17. On March 6, 1958, he married Jean, his loving and faithful wife of 65 years. He served in the Army National Guard and auctioneered at livestock barns. In 1959 Cornie and Jean purchased their farm southeast of Armour. He always contributed his success to the blessings of the Lord. In his later years, Cornie enjoyed helping on the farm. He taught his family that God was always to be put above all things. His words and actions demonstrated that God was to be revered and thanked for the blessings from our Creator.

Grateful for having shared his life and legacy are his wife, Jean, son, Bernard (Genevieve) Schelling of Armour, SD; daughter, Jacqueline (Dennis) Niewenhuis of Corsica SD; and son, Sheldon (Julie) Schelling of Kansas City; and two sisters, Betty Powell and Marlene Zomer. A great joy in Cornie’s life were his 10 grandchildren and his 28 great grandchildren.

Preceding Cornie in death were his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, granddaughter, Jessica Schaeffer, and grandson, Vincent Ries.

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Patricia Ann Loneman - October 29, 1930 - December 10, 2023

Departed: 12/10/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Bridgewater – Patricia Ann Loneman, 93, went to her heavenly home Sunday, December 10 at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater. Funeral mass will be Saturday, December 16 at 10:30 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. Visitation will be Friday, December 15 from 5 to 7 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Patricia was born October 29, 1930 to Thomas and Anna (Griffin) McDonald. She was raised on a farm near Letcher, SD and graduated from high school in 1948. Patricia married Leo Loneman on February 6, 1952 and they began their life together farming near Armour, SD. Pat stayed busy raising five children and helping with the farm. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour, was a member of the Alter Society, and an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister for many years. Her faith was a central part of her life that she passed on to her children. Pat shared the last years of her life with her new family at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD.

Grateful to be blessed with a wonderful mother are Mary (Duane) Verzani, Mitchell SD; Paul (Mary Lou) Loneman, Menno SD; Carol (Greg) Hansen, Hospers IA; Mark Loneman, (Dawn Sommer) Sioux Falls SD; Tammy (Tim) Kaltenbach, Miller SD. She is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Patricia was preceeded in death by her parents, husband Leo, a grandson, Eric Loneman, a sister, Veronnica and 2 brothers, Thomas and Urban.

The family will be forever grateful to the caring staff at Diamond Care Center and Avera Hospice for your kindness and compassion while caring for our mom at the end of her jorney.

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Calvin John Boluyt - August 30, 1999 - December 06, 2023

Departed: 12/06/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Corsica – Calvin John Boluyt, 24, died Wednesday, December 6 in an auto accident. Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 12 at 10:30 am at Netherland’s Reformed Congregation in Corsica. Visitation will be Monday, December 11 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm, at Netherland’s Reformed School Gymnasium in Corsica. Memorials would be preferred in lieu of flowers and may be sent to Calvin's family in one of two ways: 1 - Use the following link and electronically donate to their GoFundMe account https://gofund.me/6cb59fcb 2 - You can donate by sending a check, made out to Danielle Boluyt, to the following address: BMO Bank PO Box 260 Corsica, SD 57328

Calvin was born August 30, 1999 to Steve and Sarah (Spaans) Boluyt in Grand Rapids, MI. He grew up on the farm and had a deep love for farming. He attended the University of Northwest Ohio and graduated in 2018 with a degree in farm mechanics. He was united in marriage to Danielle Blom on March 8, 2019 in Corsica, SD. The couple made their home on a farm near Corsica where they were raising the 2 daughters, Avriella (3) and Sophia (1). Calvin worked for Jon’s Repair near Armour, SD. He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and farm.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Danielle of Corsica; 2 daughters, Avriella and Sophia; parents, Steve and Sarah Boluyt of Sand Lake, MI; 6 siblings: Craig Boluyt, Crystal Mol, Kendra (Matthew) Mol, Karleen (Ben) Klaasen, Katrina (Mike) Schierbeek, and Kevin Boluyt; in-laws, Nolan and Janelle Blom of Corsica; sisters and brothers-in-law, Shawna (Anthony) Spaans, Brianna (Jacob) Koenen, and Kendra Blom; grandparents, Darold and Joanne Den Boer and Cornie J. and Bev Blom; 25 nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman and Clazina Spaans and William and Jane Boluyt.

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Helen Bigge - July 13, 1925 - November 05, 2023

Departed: 11/05/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Armour - Helen Bigge, 98, went to her heavenly home Sunday, November 5 at Avera Bormann Manor in Parkston. Funeral mass will be Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Helen was born July 13, 1925 to John and Margaret (Eggers) Bigge on the family’s farm near Armour, SD. She grew up on the farm and attended country school near there through the 8th grade. She continued living on the farm with her parents and took care of her sister, Frances, who had polio. Through the years, Helen had many jobs including house cleaning, babysitting and working in the laundry for the nursing home. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and Altar Society. She loved taking care of her Christmas Cactus, enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and helped out at the Senior Citizen Center. She enjoyed baking and will be remembered for her Rice Krispie bars and Haystacks.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sister, Mary Peters of White Lake, SD; 2 nieces, Kathy Kokesh of Wagner, SD and Mary (Darren) Meeks of Rapid City, SD; a nephew, Dale (Lori) Peters of White Lake; and many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Frances and Agnes, and 3 brothers, George, Lawrence and a brother in infancy.

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Henry "Hank" Rus - June 18, 1946 - October 14, 2023

Departed: 10/14/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Corsica – Henry “Hank” Rus, 77, died Saturday, October 14 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 18 from 5 to 7 pm at Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour. A private, family service will be held at a later time.

Henry was born June 18, 1946 to John L. and Henrietta (Van Voorst) Rus on the family farm near Corsica, SD. He grew up on the farm and attended country school near there through the 8th grade. He worked for the Sale Barn, Vanden Hoek Construction, and Van’s Service. He was united in marriage to Marcia Bolt on September 10, 1969 in New Holland, SD. The couple moved to the Rus family farm where they made their home, farmed and raised their 3 children, Shawn, Chad and Richaille.

Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Marcia of Corsica; 3 children: Shawn (Roxy) Rus of Dell Rapids, SD; Chad Rus of Corsica; and Richaille (Derek) Smith of Faucett, MO; 6 grandchildren: Samantha (Joe), Jager, Gabriella, Deziree, Ryleigh, and Emersyn; 4 great-grandchildren: Wesley, Lane, Hadley, and Rhett; and 4 siblings: Arlene Vanden Hoek of Plankinton, SD; Jack Rus and friend, Cheryl of Corsica; Shirley Van Voorst and friend, Arlyn of Rock Valley, IA; and Arnie (Wanda) Rus of Chamberlain, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jeanette (Marlin) Johnson; a brother, Lerry Rus; and 2 brothers-in-law, John Van Voorst and Norman Vanden Hoek.

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Lawrie Lee Lefers - April 21, 1946 - September 28, 2023

Departed: 09/28/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Corsica – Lawrie Lee Lefers, 77, went to his heavenly home Thursday, September 28 at Good Samaritan Center – Corsica. Funeral service will be Monday, October 2 at 10:30 am at Christian Reformed Church in Corsica with burial following in Harrison City Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, October 1 from 5 to 7 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Christian Reformed Church in Corsica. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Lawrie was born April 21, 1946 to Edmond and Florence (DeBoer) Lefers in Chester, SD. As a youth, his family moved to a farm near Corsica, SD where he grew up. He attended Corsica Christian School through the 8th grade. At the completion of his schooling, he began helping his parents on the farm and worked for COOP. He was united in marriage to Bev Hubers on February 14, 1969. The couple farmed near Harrison, SD where they would live and raise their family. Lawrie was a member of Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder and deacon. He was also a member of the Gideons and served on the school board. He loved spending time with his family and visiting with anyone and everyone.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Bev of Corsica; 5 children: Keith (Leanne) Lefers of Lennox, SD; Karla (Tom) Prinsen of Sioux Center, IA; Kevin (Marissa) Lefers of Corsica; Troy Lefers of Lennox; and Janel (Nick) Menning of Mitchell, SD; 12 grandchildren: Bethany (Jared) Eggers, Calvin (Makayli) Prinsen, Allison (Jace) Pulse, Megan Lefers, Ashlyn Lefers, Presleigh Lefers, Slater Lefers, Denver Lefers, Emory Lefers, Jevyn Lefers, Micah Menning and Morgan Menning; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Roger Lefers of Chicago, IL and Wayne (Janet) Lefers of Corsica; and 2 sisters, Norma (Clare) Lubben of Holland, MI and Donna (Glen) VanderLey of Pella, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul; brother, Dean; sister-in-law, Donna Lefers; and 2 nephews, Galen and David Lefers.

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Kenneth Edward Voigt - July 19, 1945 - September 25, 2023

Departed: 09/25/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth Edward Voigt, 78, passed away on 09/25/2023. Ken was born in Avon, SD, to Milton and Doris (Hinckley) Voigt on 07/19/1945. He joined the South Dakota National Guard in 1962 and graduated from Avon Public School in 1963. After graduating he attended basic training in Ft Ord, CA, marking the beginning of a long career in the military. Ken was married twice in his life. He was married to Doris Dummer from 1970 until 1977 and had one child, Monica. He then married Sharon Fernau in 1978 until 2008 and had a son, Dean.

After graduating basic training Ken worked at Jurrens repair as a mechanic for several years before attending Southern State College, in Springfield, SD. While in college, he played football and got a degree in teaching. He taught school in Naper, NE, before transitioning to a full-time position in the South Dakota National Guard. A notable highlight of his career was his acceptance into the “Captains to Europe” program which led him to be stationed in Baumholder, Germany. After three years he returned to the United States and settled in Armour, SD. He worked as the training NCO in Platte, SD before transitioning to the role of a recruiter for the Army National Guard. He continued to serve in this position until his retirement, amassing an impressive 33 years of service. His commitment to his country and his accomplishments in the military, including achieving the rank of Captain and earning the Recruiter of the Year award, are indicative of his dedication and pride in his service to the nation.

During his retirement, Ken spent his time restoring Studebakers, watching the Minnesota Twins and substitute teaching. At the time of his passing, he was residing at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Ken is survived by his daughter Monica (Jon) Rotert, Bridgewater, SD, son Dean Voigt (Amanda), Tea, SD, sister Jan Wagner, Sun City, AZ, Bev Archambeau, Sturgis, SD, Brenda Voigt, Rapid City, SD, brothers Wally Voigt and Bruce Voigt, Avon, SD, and grandchildren, Kelsie and Garrett Rotert, Kylia and Kayden Voigt. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Barb.

A private family burial will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, on November 3rd.

An open house to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on 12/02/2023 from 11:00-1:00 at the Blue Moon in Armour, SD.

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Francis Michael Thury - December 12, 1927 - August 28, 2023

Departed: 08/28/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Armour – Francis Michael Thury, 95, went to his heavenly home on Monday, August 28 at his home in Armour. Funeral mass will be Saturday, September 2 at 10:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. Visitation will be Friday, September 1 from 5 to 7 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Francis was born December 12, 1927 to Frank and Theresa (Laber) Thury in Parkston, SD. He attended Parkston High School, graduating in 1945. After graduation, he worked for his uncle, Henry Friedrich, on the farm. He was united in marriage to Delores Krueger on December 1, 1955 in Parkston. He served his country in the United States Army at the end of World War II and at Camp Richardson from February 7, 1946 until being honorably discharged on May 24, 1947. He returned to Parkston where he worked for Priebe and Sons picking up eggs and cream and later for Wudel Oil. He moved to Armour, SD in 1957 where he worked for Wudel Chevrolet for 14 years, Nolz Chevrolet and Nikodym Oil Company. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church where he served as a Lector, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and served on the Armour City Council. He loved to play baseball and played until his arm gave out at which time the doctor recommended bowling! He bowled a long time in Armour and on traveling teams and was the secretary of ABC. When not coaching legion baseball, he could be found in a boat fishing or in a goose pit. He also loved to play pinnocle with the guys uptown and could not wait to win those dimes! He enjoyed mowing and insisted that he be the only one to do it.

Grateful for having shared his life are his 4 daughters: Rebecca Thury of Armour; Barbara (Russ) Ledeboer of Armour; Louise (Mark) Van Den Hoek of Mitchell, SD; and Mary Thury of Minneapolis, MN; 8 grandchildren, Georgia Thury-Anderson, Logan (Alexis) Ledeboer, Allyson Ledeboer, Tori (Tony) Grier, Marti Bannwarth, Chad (Kate) Van Den Hoek, Elijah and Ava Grathwol; 6 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings: Gereldine Pichart of Sioux Falls, SD; Maxine Hohn of Sioux Falls; Linus (Ruth) Thury of Lakewood, CO; Larry (Jan) Thury of Sioux Falls; Benedict Thury of Denver, CO; and Janet (Russell) Trunde Tsukamoto of Las Cruces, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores in 2016; 2 brothers, Norbert and Kenneth; and 4 sisters, Marcella Herrmann, Florence Hoeltzner, Theresa Schmidt, and Marcia Thury.

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Kenneth Permann - September 15, 1935 - August 25, 2023

Departed: 08/25/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth Permann, 87, went to his heavenly home Friday, August 25 at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston. Memorial service will be Tuesday, October 3 at 10:30 am at Armour Community Church in Armour.

Kenny was born on September 15, 1935 to Edna (Meyer) Permann and Theodore Permann. He was married to Mary Ann (Breen) Permann in Webster, SD on December 28, 1967. Kenny worked for the Armour Independent Telephone Company for many years and served as Mayor of Armour, SD for several years.

He is survived by two children: Mary Permann of San Diego, CA and Dean Permann (Lori) of San Diego, CA; two grandchildren: Lexi Permann (Rossi) of Moreno Valley, CA and Alli Permann (Rahul) of Las Cruces, NM; one sister: Lenora (Robert) Krumm and one brother: Delbert Permann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann, baby Mark, his brother Neil and sisters-in-law Linda (Neil) Permann and Judith (Delbert) Permann.

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Beverly Jean Melmer - August 23, 1929 - August 22, 2023

Departed: 08/22/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Beverly Jean (Isaacson) Melmer was born on August 23, 1929, and passed away on August 22, 2023, just a day shy of her 94th birthday. Bev was one of four siblings born to Earl and Eva Isaacson. Bev was preceded in death by her two brothers Eldon (Hap) and Dick Isaacson and her sister Dian Madison. Bev understood hardship at an early age as her family struggled with poverty and alcoholism. These struggles served as a foundation for Bev and strengthened her for the years ahead.

Bev married Wesley Melmer in Dante on August 26, 1947. They lived in Lake Andes, Pierre and settled in Geddes, South Dakota in 1962. Melmer’s Market was their source of income for nearly 20 years while they raised their five children: Dennis, Bob, Rick, Jan & Lisa. They lost their oldest son Dennis in a car accident in 1968 and Bev held his memory close to her until her last day. Wes Melmer passed away on November 11, 1996, less than a year before they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She remained independent with household and lawn duties and loved her daily crossword puzzle, listening to Daniel O'Donnell and a good card game with grandkids. Bev remained a contributing member of St. Ann’s Alter Society until her move to Platte.

Bev had a strong work ethic and was at her best when she was serving others. She cared for her aging parents and her Aunt Eileen at the end of her life. She nurtured her grandchildren that lived close to her during their younger years. She was a master in the kitchen and was famous in the Melmer household for her chicken and dumplings, pea salad and cookies.

Bev was proud of her children and was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren with more on the way. Bev is survived by her children Bob (Jeanne) Melmer and children Mitch and Phil (Haley) and their mother Ann Melmer, Rick (Valerie) Melmer and their children Tara (Ross) Rollinger, Megan (Jerry) Smith and Sean (Kristi) Melmer, Jan (Scott) Dimick and Lisa Millar and her children Sam (Maddy). Lauren (Alex) Welbig, Spencer (Kelli), Delaney (Ricky) Knecht and Kally. Bev loved her son-in-law Bill Millar who passed away in 2022. The Melmer family celebrates the life of Beverly Melmer and wanted to thank all who cared for her in her later years, especially her wonderful caregivers at Twilight Vista Assisted Living Center.

Funeral services have been set for Friday, August 25th at 2:00 pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Geddes, South Dakota. Coffee and cookies will be served after the funeral and a private burial service will be held at Lake View Cemetery in Lake Andes. The family would request a memorial in lieu of flowers.

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Deborah Bosma - July 27, 1961 - August 20, 2023

Departed: 08/20/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Armour - Deborah "Deb” Ann Bosma, 62, passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Daugherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Armour Community Church in Armour with committal service following in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour. Visitation will be Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 5 - 7 PM at Armour Community Church in Armour with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.

Deb was born July 27, 1961 in Parkston, SD to Alvin and Effie (Korevaar) Uttecht of Armour, SD. She was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Armour. She attended country school near their farm northeast of Armour before moving into Armour and attending Armour Public Schools. She graduated from Armour High School in 1979. Deb attended SDSU for one year before attending Lake Area Vo-Tech where she graduated with a degree as a Dental Assistant in 1981. She worked in Mitchell, SD as a Dental Assistant until she married her high school sweetheart, Dave Bosma, on August 20, 1983. They moved to the farm southwest of Armour. She worked at the Armour Nursing Home and Agland Coop in Armour for several years before working full time alongside Dave farming. When Dave became sick, Deb cared for him until his passing in 2010. She worked part time as a nursing aid at Douglas County Memorial Hospital and Fairway Seed, later retiring to tend to her own medical needs. Deb continued to live on the farm with her dog Chloe.

Deb enjoyed working on the farm alongside Dave, was active in Women in Action (WIA), volunteered at the Lorain Theatre, was involved with the church playing piano and bells for services, enjoyed watching gameshows and house renovations, doing daily Wordle, watching and feeding the birds, and spending time in the Black Hills. After she was unable to regularly attend church, she remained engaged watching church services streamed online. She always put other’s needs ahead of her own. She was a proud Grandma and loved her family and friends dearly.

Deb is survived by her 2 sons, Joshua Bosma of Armour and Matthew (Megan) Bosma; 2 grandchildren, Jackson and Cooper Bosma of Mitchell, SD; mother, Effie Uttecht of Armour; a sister, Cindy (Marty) Bigge of Armour; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and cousins.

Deb was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Bosma; father, Alvin Uttecht; and mother-in-law, Anna Marie Bosma.

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Leona Ann Bruner - December 21, 1929 - August 09, 2023

Departed: 08/09/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Mitchell – Leona Ann Bruner, 93, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, August 9 at Edgewood Mitchell Memory Care Center from Alzheimers Disease. Funeral mass will be Monday, August 14 at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Geddes. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Leona Ann Slaba Bruner, oldest of three children, was born to Charlie and Rose (Tucek) Slaba on December 21, 1929. She loved her family, church, school and community and was very involved with multiple activities and events with these organizations. She attended school in Geddes and graduated high school in 1947. After graduation, she received her teaching certificate from Notre Dame in Mitchell, SD. It would be some years later after multiple summer school sessions that she received her teaching degree from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD.

At her best with students, she was a teacher who wanted to share her passion for education and make school a positive experience for several generations of students in country school and the Geddes School District. “Mrs. Bruner” , or "Radar" (an endearing nickname given to her by her students) was a dedicated and committed teacher in her over 40 year teaching career and wanted to provide a fun, engaging, learning environment for her students and encourage each student to believe in his or her own abilities. Over the years, many Geddes students kept in touch with her through letters, cards and visits, always remembering a funny story or a special event or a “teaching moment” that helped shape that student’s life. She also enjoyed mentoring new young teachers coming in to the Geddes school system.

Leona married her high school sweetheart, Tom Bruner, on November 29th, 1950. Two children were born to this union, Tom Jr. and Diane. Tom and Leona lived their entire life in Geddes. Tom Sr. passed away suddenly on May 12, 2003.

Leona spent countless hours decorating and caring for St. Ann’s Catholic Church for Sunday services, special holidays and bazaars. She and Tom also built and decorated numerous floats for annual homecoming celebrations, community celebrations and class reunions. Leona was only a phone call away when organizations needed a volunteer. And she usually enlisted Tom to join these adventures. She was also active in the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, Geddes Civic Club, St. Ann’s Altar Society and Red Hat Society.

Tom and Leona spent many afternoons and evenings playing cards with their hometown friends and family, treasured their time together as dance partners and took short road trips for dinner and dancing. Her spicey personality resulted in a woman of strong character, tireless work ethic and a “get it done” attitude.

While the final chapter of her life with dementia and Alzheimers was very trying for her and her family, nothing will diminish the love, kindness and generosity she gave to others and her family.

Leona is survived by her son, Tom Jr. of Geddes and Diane (Don Edwards) Larson of Yankton. Her grandchildren Jennifer (Justin Dietrich) Larson of Yankton, Barry (Faith) Larson of Sioux Falls, SD, Brett Larson of Omaha, NE and Tom (Meredith) Bruner III of Eden Prairie, MN. Also great-grandchildren Max and Sienna Dietrich, Eliana, Barrett and Ashton Larson, and Gabriel Bruner, brother Charles Slaba, brother-in-law Ed and Betty Bruner, sister-in-law Rose Slaba and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her husband Tom Sr., son-in-law Barry Larson, brother Bob Slaba, in-laws Bob & Lorraine Bruner, Wilma Slaba and Rich & Sharon Bruner.

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Herman Walter Woerpel Jr. - December 18, 1947 - August 02, 2023

Departed: 08/02/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Armour - Herman Walter Woepel, Jr., 75, a proud veteran of the Navy and 50-year member of the VFW, passed away of kidney disease Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Memorial service will be Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 pm at Fairfax City Hall with burial to follow in Highland Cemetery at Fairfax.

The son of Herman and Nettie (Monroe) Woerpel, Herman grew up in Fairfax, S.D. He was born on December 18th, 1947 in Mitchell, S.D. and attended school in Fairfax where he was active in sports. He excelled in hurdles and to this day still holds the school record for the Broncs. During his Junior year in high school, Herman joined the National Guard. He graduated in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He spent 4 years in the Air Force, one of which he spent at PHU CAT Air Force Base in Vietnam. He joined the United States Navy in 1971 and served until being honorably discharged on July 31, 1988. He had many adventures while serving in the Philippines, Spain, Japan and finally in Homestead, Florida. Upon retiring, he moved back to Fairfax. He attended Mitchell Votech where he got a degree in Accounting. He held a variety of jobs including working at Fort Randall Casino and finally working for the Cenex in Fairfax.

Grateful for having shared his life are his sister, Arzella Kulm of Fairfax, his 6 nieces and nephews: Jason (Angela) Kulm, Pam (Greg) Blume, Amy (Steve) Harrington, Becky (Shon) Koch, Ted (Corine) Kulm and Tom (Marie) Kulm, 14 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ronald Kulm, parents, Herman and Nettie (Monroe) Woerpel, and infant nephew, Todd Kulm.

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Janet Rowe - July 05, 1943 - July 26, 2023

Departed: 07/26/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Janet Rowe, of Corsica (formerly of CA), was born on July 5,1943 to Jella and Jennie (DeBondt) Fluit in Larchwood, IA. Janet married Dennis Rowe in San Francisco, CA on May 11, 1978. Together they spent many years moving around the United States with the military. While in Sacramento she was a secretary for the military.

Visitation will be held Friday August 4, 2023 from 5 - 7pm at Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour, SD. A funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:30am, also at Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

She is survived by 2 children: Loretta Ymker, Annette Hoogendoorn, and one step daughter Bekah Oberdorf. Surviving siblings are: Gerald Fluit (MI), Bernard Fluit (MI), and Mary Lawson (IA), She has 3 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, Clazina Van Ginkel, John Fluit, Tunis Fluit, James Fluit and one granddaughter, Amy Ymker.

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Edward Kolecka - October 13, 1932 - July 12, 2023

Departed: 07/12/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Armour – Edward Delano Kolecka, 90, went to his heavenly home Wednesday, July 12 at Douglas County Memorial Hospital. Funeral mass will be Monday, July 17 at 10:30 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour with visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Edward Delano Kolecka was born October 13, 1932 at his rural home in Charles Mix County to Edward Sr. and Helen (Dolezal) Kolecka. He graduated from Armour High School with the class of 1950. After high school, Eddie joined the United States Navy. He attended training at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii before going on to Korea where he spent time on two aircraft carriers (Valley Forge and USS Boxer) during the Korean War. While on the carrier, he worked as metal smith in the squadron maintenance department. He was united in marriage to Lucille M. Kellner on December 31, 1953. They started married life while Eddie was still stationed in Alameda, CA at the Alameda Naval Base. Life soon brought them back to South Dakota where Eddie helped his father with the farm and rented his own farm ground. He purchased his first farm in 1965. They were blessed with 3 daughters, Jeannie, Barbara and Linda. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, music and dancing. He stayed true to his Czech (Bohemian) culture/hritage as he loved to polka. Lucy and Eddie were quite the dancers, as some would say – light on their feet!!! He was also quite the storyteller and his quick wit was his crowning glory. He had a gift for making others laugh. He also loved going to farm auctions and was always on the lookout for a bargain. As the years passed and Eddie grew older, his love of life never faded. Eddie was a longtime member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church as well as the VFW and American Legion.

Those left to cherish his memory are his 3 daughters: Jeannie (Jim) Wahl of Clear Lake, IA; Barbara (Randy) Kraemer of Armour; and Linda (Dan) Rager) of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Andrew Wahl, Maria (Andrew) Peers, Joe Kraemer, Carolyn (James) Keltgen, and Karly Rager; step-grandchildren: Amy and Ryan Rager; great-grandchildren: Addy Reichling, Lucy Keltgen, Lily Peers and Carter and Zach Rager; special friend, Bernice Bialas; and several nieces, cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Lucille and a sister, Dorothy Kolbach.

Memorial may be directed to Douglas County Memorial Hospital or Aseracare Hospice Amedisys Company.

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Nellie Breukelman - March 23, 1926 - July 12, 2023

Departed: 07/12/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Corsica – Nellie Breukelman, 97, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, July 12 at Good Samaritan Center – Corsica. Funeral Services will be Saturday July 15,2023 at 1:00 pm at the Praire’s Edge Methodist Church in Stickney with Pastor Marlin Sapp and Pastor Bill Hoffman officiating. There will be a visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Aurora Center Cemetery, Aurora Center SD. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Stickney.

Nellie was born March 23, 1926 in Aurora County to Ed and Marie DeWaard. She attended school in Aurora County through the 8th grade. On Feb. 23, 1953 she married Gerald Breukelman at her parents home. They lived in Stickney. Gerald passed away Sept. 18, 2005. Nellie stayed living in Stickney in the home they built together. Together they enjoyed fishing, hunting and rock collecting. Nellie also enjoyed quilting, embroidering, crocheting ,baking, playing cards and reading. Since she had no children, she enjoyed taking care of her neices and nephews children, and also friends children. She was an active member in her church and community and will be missed by all who knew her. In January of 2020 she became a resident at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Corsica. Nellie was baptized and made profession of faith as a teenager in the Aurora Reformed Church. After marriage she joined the Stickney Methodist Church where she was a faithful member until the time of her death.

Surviving and grateful for sharing in Nellie’s life are her sister-in-law Viola of Mitchell, and her sister-in-law Viola Breukelman of Apple Valley Calf. and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, her brothers Dick(Wilma,Coby) and Adrian and sisters Anna (Fred) Scholten, Gertrude (Ben) Weibenga, Irene (Herman) Nydam and Cornelia (Robert) Ligtenberg . Also 2 infant sisters Edna and Edna. Also her brothers and sisters-in-law Henry (Geneva) Breukelman, John Breukelman, Carl (Kathryn) Breukelman, Earl Breukelman, and Loretta (DeLoyce) Bedford.

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Pamela Wagner - May 08, 1948 - July 10, 2023

Departed: 07/10/2023 (Armour)

Obituary Preview: Pamela Conway Wagner went to her heavenly home Monday, July 10, 2023. Her memorial mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour, SD on Saturday, July 15 at 10:30 am.

Pam was born on May 8, 1948 to Bill and Burnetta Conway of Orient, SD. She grew up on the farm near Orient along with her sister, Susan (Suzi). She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Orient.

She was the life of the party at all family gatherings as well as with friends. Pam's three nieces, Lisa, Lori and Daline were important to her and they had much fun doing all kinds of things together. Her Kolaches and German Chocolate cake was always a big hit to all who enjoyed her baking.

Pam's little dog, "Precious" will miss her dearly.

Preceding Pam in death were her parents, Bill and Burnetta Conway and her infant nephew, Kip Brueggeman.

She will be missed by her sister, Suzi and Ron Brueggeman, nieces, Lisa and Bob Simpson, Lori and Garry Peterka, and Daline and Jay Gellhaus and their families. Also missing her are her many friends including Troy and Tara Ziebart and Greg and Betty Putnam.

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Personalized Funeral Services

The team at Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour understands that every family is unique, and every life is precious. That's why they offer personalized funeral services that cater to the specific needs and wishes of each family. From customized ceremonies to special requests, the funeral home's experienced staff will work closely with you to ensure that your loved one's farewell is nothing short of extraordinary.

Facilities and Amenities

Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour boasts modern facilities that are designed to provide comfort and convenience to families during their time of need. The funeral home features spacious visitation rooms, a chapel for memorial services, and ample parking for guests. Additionally, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, ensuring that music, videos, and other multimedia elements can be seamlessly integrated into the service.

Cremation Options

Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour recognizes that cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families. As such, they offer a range of cremation options to suit individual preferences. From direct cremation to cremation with a memorial service, the funeral home's experienced staff will guide you through the process with sensitivity and care.

Pre-Planning Services

At Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour, they understand the importance of planning ahead. By pre-planning your funeral arrangements, you can spare your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during an emotional time. The funeral home's pre-planning experts will work with you to create a personalized plan that reflects your wishes and budget.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, and the grieving process can be long and arduous. Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour recognizes this and offers a range of grief support resources to help families cope with their loss. From counseling services to support groups, the funeral home's compassionate staff will be there for you every step of the way.

Community Involvement

Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour is deeply committed to the local community and actively participates in various events and initiatives throughout the year. From sponsoring local charities to hosting educational seminars on end-of-life care, the funeral home is dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported them for so many years.

Contact Information

If you're looking for a trusted and compassionate funeral home in Armour, South Dakota, look no further than Koehn Bros Funeral Home - Armour. To learn more about their services or to schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact them at (phone number) or visit their website at (website URL). Their experienced staff is always available to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance during your time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, details about their life, and information about funeral or memorial services. Obituaries are often published in newspapers, online, or in other public forums to share the news of a person's passing with friends, family, and community.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing important information to those who knew them. They can help to notify people of the passing, provide details about funeral or memorial services, and offer a sense of closure for those who are grieving.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased, although it can also be written by a funeral home or other professional. The writer should have a good understanding of the person's life and be able to convey their personality, accomplishments, and relationships in the obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, charitable donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform where it will be published. Generally, obituaries range from 100 to 500 words in length. It's best to check with the publication or platform for specific guidelines on word count and formatting.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. Photos can help to personalize the obituary and make it more engaging for readers.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

To submit an obituary to a newspaper, you'll typically need to contact the paper's obituary department directly. They will provide you with guidelines on format, word count, and submission procedures. You may need to provide proof of death, such as a death certificate or funeral home documentation.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise that allows you to reflect on your life and legacy. Keep in mind that your loved ones may still want to add or modify information after your passing.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication or platform. Some newspapers charge by the word or line, while others offer package deals or flat fees. Online platforms may offer free or low-cost options for publishing an obituary.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it's difficult or impossible to make changes to an obituary once it's been published in print. However, online platforms may allow you to edit or update an obituary after publication.

What if I find errors in the obituary?

If you find errors in an obituary that has already been published, contact the publication or platform immediately. They may be able to correct the errors online or issue a correction in a subsequent print edition.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary is a celebration of the person's life, so feel free to include humorous stories or personal anecdotes that capture their spirit and personality.

Should I include information about charitable donations?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and support a cause that was important to them.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time it takes for an obituary to be published can vary depending on the publication or platform. Some newspapers publish obituaries daily, while others may have weekly deadlines. Online platforms may publish immediately after submission.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes, many people choose to publish an obituary online only, either through a funeral home website or a dedicated online platform. This can be a cost-effective option that still allows you to share news of the passing with friends and family.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're not comfortable writing an obituary yourself, consider asking a friend or family member for help. Many funeral homes also offer assistance with writing and submitting obituaries.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the deceased can be a touching addition to an obituary. Just be sure to verify copyright permissions if necessary.

How do I handle multiple marriages or complicated family relationships in an obituary?

This can be a sensitive topic! It's best to approach these situations with honesty and tact. Consider seeking guidance from a trusted friend or family member if you're unsure how to navigate complex relationships in the obituary.

Can I include information about pets in an obituary?

Absolutely! Pets are often beloved members of the family, and including them in the obituary can be a touching tribute.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

If you want to keep the funeral private, you can still publish an obituary without including details about the service. Simply indicate that the funeral is private or by invitation only.

Can I republish an old obituary online?

Yes, many online platforms allow you to republish old obituaries from past issues of newspapers or other sources. This can be a meaningful way to preserve family history and memories.

How long will my online obituary remain available?

The length of time that an online obituary remains available varies depending on the platform. Some websites archive obituaries indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period of time.

Can I create a memorial website or page for my loved one?

Yes! Many online platforms offer tools for creating memorial websites or pages where friends and family can share memories, photos, and condolences.

What if I need help finding resources for planning a funeral?

If you need help finding resources for planning a funeral, consider reaching out to local funeral homes or online resources like Funeralwise.com. These organizations can provide guidance on everything from choosing a casket to planning a memorial service.