Franklin Simpson September 9, 1929-January 27, 2023

Franklin Owen Simpson, 93, went to be with the Lord Jesus on Friday, January 27, 2023.  He was grateful to be able to spend his final years in his house, surrounded by his family while staying active and productive.  Franklin could often be found mowing, raking, and gardening up to his final weeks.  Always a fan of sunshine, fresh air and beautiful views, Franklin’s common winter refrain was, “I’m planning for spring.”

He was born on September 9, 1929, in Ipswich, S.D. to Reverend John Franklin and Lovenah Simpson.  Franklin’s mother was born in a sod house on a homestead in the plains of South Dakota; Franklin would carry that pioneering spirit with him his entire life.

Franklin attended Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) where he met, as he would say, “A girl from Alabama.” Doris Burns was the love of Franklins’ life, and he married her on May 7, 1949. The happy couple would embark on a lifetime of adventures that would center around family, business and, above all else, “Going about and doing good.”

In 1965, Franklin and Doris would establish Simpson’s Printing. Their dedication to business would inspire a family love of entrepreneurship and decades of new ventures and growth. Real estate was always a favorite pursuit of Franklin — developing the 200 acres of the Fountain Springs Business Park, among other projects. He was also a founding partner of the local NBC affiliate, NewsCenter 1.

Franklin and Doris were a pioneering force in founding what would eventually become Fountain Springs Church.  As Franklin further developed real estate and grew his businesses, he sought out opportunities to do good.

Franklin further served his community by representing his home in the S.D. Legislature — first elected to the S.D. House of Representatives in 1974 and then to the S.D. Senate in 1976. During Franklin’s tenure, he served on the Appropriations Committee.  He had a reputation in politics of being able to negotiate with an ideal combination of tact and toughness.

Franklin’s bride, Doris, went home to the Lord after over 50 remarkable years of marriage. He would later marry Carol Fitzgerald in 2003, and they spent many happy years together.

The aspect of Franklin’s life that would always make him beam with joy was his family. “I’m a rich man,” he would say whenever he saw any of his children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.  Franklin is survived by his five sons and daughters-in-law, Dan and Kathy, Paul and Terri, Mark and Kathy, Jim and Jayne, and Dave and Val.  Along with his five boys, Franklin was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  

Noah and Theodore Holmes - January 9, 2023

Noah and Theodore are the infant sons of Gavin and Rachel Holmes. Rachel wrote the following piece.

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“How are the boys doing?” The lady asked unknowingly.

“Well, they’re doing really well. They’re up in Heaven with Jesus” I answered.

The lady froze and by the look on her face you could tell she felt terrible for asking. But the thing is, I was glad she asked. Yes, I teared up when I was answering, but not just because I was sad Noah and Theodore weren’t here on earth with us, but because I was happy. Happy that people know about our two little boys and happy that I get the chance to talk about them. I will never pass up the chance to talk about them even if talking about them brings tears to my eyes.

You see, the thing about tears is they don’t always come from a place of sadness. They can come from a place of many other emotions and when I get the chance to talk about my boys my tears always come from a place of joy and peace with some sadness mixed in.

Joy, from the very first day when Gavin and I found out we were expecting and the inexplainable amount of joy we had because we finally conceived after a year of trying. To the day I first felt them kick, and then seeing Gavin’s face light up when he finally snuck a fast one on the boys and he was able to feel them kick, cause everyone knows that babies are always so active in the womb until dad tries to feel it. There was joy the day they were born, when we finally got to meet the boys who kept us on our toes the entire time they were alive. And I can’t explain the amount of joy there was in the room when Noah opened his little eyes for the first time to the sound of mom and dad’s voice. Or the joy there was when we were able to hold Theo, even when the first time would also be the last.

Peace; peace has a way of sneaking up on you. One moment you’re terrified of a certain outcome and the next your body feels light as a feather with no worldly explanation at all. I emphasize the word worldly because there is a reason for the peace and it’s because God gives it. So many times throughout my pregnancy my mind was going a mile a minute and when I actively sought after God for peace he granted it. I remember the night Noah passed like I am still in the moment. There Gavin and I were, doctors explaining to us Noah had significantly gotten worse and they were telling us that with the significance of Noah’s brain bleed they could not tell us what his quality of life would be. They could not tell us if Noah would ever be able to walk or talk or even feed himself. As they continued to try to stabilize Noah, Gavin and I were left with a decision no parent should ever have to make - do we stop the interventions and let Noah leave us (which felt like we’d be giving up on our boy) or do we never give up our hope and trust in God that we will be able to carry this cross whether the doctors were wrong or not. We never had to make the decision, God made it for us, as we watched Noah continue to decline quickly. And as we held Noah for his final moments here on earth, one of the saddest moments of our lives, I sought after God and I once again felt peace and as Noah took his last breaths the only thing running through my head was, “he’s healed.” Him and Theo were both healed, our prayers had been answered, not in the way we hoped but sometimes what we think should be isn’t how God’s plan is. That’s not to say it doesn’t still hurt but there is peace in the hurt, I promise.

The joy and peace was and still is never ending with those two, I could write pages on it. I’m here to tell you that in the sadness there is still joy, peace, and happiness. Jeremiah 1:5 is written, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” In the eyes of the world, the boys were sick, but in the eyes of Jesus, the boys were complete. So I ask this, never be afraid to ask me about Noah and Theo. Even if talking about them brings tears to my eyes never means I don’t want to talk. You see, I used to be afraid of the tears, now I embrace them. Because tears mean you have something, or in our case, someone to care and love for and that’s the greatest gift of all.

John Lintz March 7, 1947-January 25, 2022

John Ross Lintz passed away on January 25, 2022, due to complications from surgery.

The second child and oldest son of Jack and Elouise Lintz, John was born on March 7, 1947, in Vallejo, California. He was just a toddler when Jack and Elouise moved their young family to South Dakota, where they raised John and his siblings Linda, Tom and Jim on their picture-perfect ranch along Grace Coolidge Creek.

Boyhood along the creek meant fishing, hunting, wild plum and berry picking, and he enjoyed those outdoor pleasures his entire life.  Growing up with a sister, two younger brothers plus his Lintz cousins meant adventure, misadventure, and physical competition, especially on the driveway basketball court. 

John was an exceptional all-around athlete, but he was custom-built for basketball and played competitively – emphasis on the word competitive - for more than 40 years. The future South Dakota Basketball Hall of Famer was a standout Rapid City Cobbler and University of South Dakota Coyote, played in 15 straight state amateur tournaments for the Rapid City Macy’s, and played Senior Olympic ball with the Legends, who won the national five-on-five title in 1997.   

Professionally, John was a builder.  He worked concrete for Lintz Bros. Construction, he built houses, including his own, sold Morton Buildings, and supervised a multitude of large projects for a local contractor until his retirement. In retirement, he found his dream job mowing the Hart Ranch golf course.

Like all good men, John’s true loves were his family and his dearest friends. He married Sheri Oleson and became a father to daughter Jennah.   John and Michelle Poe were married on November 16, 1974, and they welcomed daughters Jordan and Ashley.  John became the penultimate “Girl Dad,” playing the role of mentor, coach and cheerleader in life and in his daughter’s pursuits of music, softball, basketball, volleyball, golf and (reluctantly) soccer. 

John leaves behind his beloved wife and partner of 47 years, Michelle, daughters Jennah Lintz, Jordan Lintz (Russ Colon) and Ashley Lintz (Matt Mickley); sister Linda Lintz; brothers Tom Lintz (Kelley) and Jim Lintz (Brenda); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.

His parents Jack and Elouise Lintz and niece Annalee Ventling passed before him and surely welcomed him in Heaven.

John Lewis September 16, 1936 - October 28, 2022

John Franklin Lewis, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022 at the age of 86 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was born on September 16, 1936, in Stamps, Arkansas, to Ethelyn (Futrell) and Wyatt Lewis, surrounded by the oil fields of southwest Arkansas, where his father worked for Humble Oil and John secretly fostered his love of flying.

“While in high school, he used to sneak off to learn to fly,” said his nephew, John Hightower, who became a pilot, inspired by his uncle. “Whatever it was he did to earn money, he spent it on flying lessons.”

On graduating from Stamps High School, John headed to the University of Alabama where he was part of the school’s ROTC program. It was at the University of Alabama where he met Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Elliott. The two would marry in Tuscaloosa on August 17, 1958. The following year, John graduated with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Troy State University, while attending the Air War College in Montgomery, AL.

John joined the Air Force in 1959. Over his nearly 30-year military career John and Betty were stationed throughout mostly the southern U.S. and various assignments around the world, including Texas, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, England, Thailand, Germany, and the Philippines. During his first years in the Air Force in Texas he trained other pilots as a T-38 flight instructor. During the Vietnam War, John served as a forward air controller. In addition to piloting numerous different planes, some of his many career highlights include being Squadron Commander (“Jake 01”) of the 704th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Sembach Air Base in Germany, serving as the 13th Air Force Director of Operations and Intelligence for Southeast Asia, time spent with the Royal Thai Air Force, and bringing the first F-100s to Sioux Falls for the South Dakota Air National Guard in 1970.

Although he rarely talked about them, John earned many honors during his service including the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and an Air Medal. He retired from the Air Force in October 1988 while teaching at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. He then spent the next decade working for Northwest Airlines in Eagan, Minnesota, directing the training of pilots on DC-10s and Airbus 320s.

In retirement, John never forgot his fellow veterans, volunteering at the local Veterans Administration Hospital while living in the Twin Cities, providing an ear and moral support for those receiving treatment. He later spent several joyous years volunteering in the Emergency Department at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN.

A gregarious man, John made friends wherever he went and kept in close contact with many right up to the end. Before moving to Sioux Falls to be closer to family, most mornings John could be found with his coffee group at the Caribou Coffee on Cliff and Cedar and on Wednesdays at Jensen’s Café in Burnsville with his breakfast group. He especially loved Asian food, often sharing his enthusiasm with friends and family. Over the years, his children, friends, and neighbors would “gift” John and Betty a number of cats that he begrudgingly became very attached to.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; oldest child, Graye; sisters, Jeanne Hightower, Margaret Szakasits.

He is survived by his son, Wyatt Lewis, of Largo, FL; daughter, Rebecca (Todd) Schultz of Sioux Falls, SD; his seven grandchildren, Hayley, Michelle, Joshua, Jacob, Katie, Kiefer, and Kenna; his nieces, nephews, many friends; his recent fiancée, Audrey Burnett of Sioux Falls, who brought him much joy in his final months.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital for the care and compassion they showed John in his two prolonged hospital stays, as well as the caring and dedicated staff of Trail Ridge Retirement Community where John spent most of the last year of his life.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of John’s Life at East Side Lutheran Church, 1300 E. 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD, on Monday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. followed by lunch then a brief committal ceremony with full military honors at 2:00 p.m. at The South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 25965 477th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s honor to Rainbow Bible Ranch, 14676 Lonetree Road, Sturgis, South Dakota 57785.

Walter Gene Tackett July 8, 1939 - July 18, 2022

Walter Eugene “Gene” Tackett, 83 of Waverly, Ohio passed away peacefully in his home on St. Anthony’s Lane and entered the gates of heaven on July 18, 2022.
Walter was born on July 8, 1939, the son of Eskle Tackett and Myrtle Tackett (Salyers) in Scioto County, Ohio. He was married to Agnes Barker-Tackett for 19 years, they had four children together. He was married to Hazeleen Tackett for 12 years and continue a loving friendship throughout the years.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Eskel Tackett, mother, Myrtle Tackett, brother, Robert Tackett, sister, Betty Conley, and son-in-law James Copping.
Walter raised four children, Maryanne Copping, Anthony “Tony” E. Tackett Sr. (Kimberly), Loretta “Lori” Watson (David), Timothy “Tim” W. Tackett (Debbie), he has thirteen grandchildren Anthony E. Tackett Jr. (Courtney), Dorothy Isbell (Kyle), Timothy Chad Tackett (LeAnna), Christopher Deiss, Andrew Deiss, Tanner Tackett, Taylar Beard (Russell), Christian Copping, Carley Deiss, Tucker Tackett, Miley Watson, David Watson Jr. (Allison), and Jeffrey Watson and ten great-grandchildren Darcie Isbell, Charli Tackett, Alanna Watson, Joel Isbell, Taytim Tackett, Theo Beard, Dash Watson, Judson Beard, Tilly Tackett, and Ruxin Tackett
Walter entered the workforce as a farm hand and loved working farms before he took a job at Water Works in Marysville, Ohio. He enlisted into the Air Force in 1962, where he began a 20-year career as an F15E Crew Chief /Quality Control Section Chief and retired in 1982 at the rank of Master Sergeant. After his military service, Walter worked for Gino’s Pizza, Good Year, and Teledyne Brown Engineering as a quality control inspector. He also drove a truck for Fletcher Trucking Company in Circleville, Ohio for 15 years until he fully retired in 1998.
Walter loved his Heavenly Father, family, his loyal friend, Jax Watson Tackett of 10 years, camping, fishing, shooting his guns, watching Life Time movies, driving his golf cart around town, and traveling. He had many friends, but he cherished his lifelong best friends, his brother-in-law, Paul Barker, and military buddy Stan Raridon. This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later Dad/Grandpa/Great-Grandpa/Papaw.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022 at Boyer Funeral Home, Waverly, Ohio with Pastor Keith Boothe officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Union Cemetery, Denver Road, Waverly, Ohio. Military honors will be conducted by Wright-Patterson AFB Honor Guard and American Legion Post #142.
Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Rainbow Bible Ranch in Sturgis, South Dakota

Roger Crago December 18, 1941 - January 11, 2022

Roger Crago, 80, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, January 11 at his home in Stickney. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 15 at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Stickney. Visitation will be Friday, January 14 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service at the United Methodist Church in Stickney. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Stickney.

Roger was born December 18, 1941 to Lyle and Adeline (Schnabel) Crago at the family’s farm, which is now the New Holland Post Office, in Douglas County, SD. He grew up on the farm and attended Baker #41 country school near Mt. Vernon and Armour High School through the 11th grade. He was united in marriage to Sharon K. Tolsma on July 10, 1967 at Aurora Reformed Church in Aurora Center. He worked for various farmers and drove truck for Spaans Trucking and Punt Trucking. He was inducted into the United States Army on March 8, 1967. He had basic training and EIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After EIT, he was transferred to Sacto Army Depot in Sacramento, CA where he was a stock clerk. He was sent TDY to Ft. Knox, KY for 6 months where he was involved with the testing of some equipment to be used in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on March 7, 1969 and moved to Stickney. He worked as a foreman for Reynold Construction in Sioux Falls until 1982 when he, Sharon and the girls moved to Deadwood. He worked for Lien Construction for several years before working for Wharf Resources, an open pit gold mine near Lead. He worked there until he was injured in a fall in August of 1997. Roger was a member of the Deadwood Fire Department, a 50 year member of the American Legion and was a member of several car clubs. He enjoyed showing his cars and tractor pulling with his 300 International that he bought from Adrian DeWaard and restored himself.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Sharon of Stickney; 2 daughters: Kimberly K Cotton (special friend Jeremy Wozny) of Lincoln, NE and Heather Jo (Craig) Hall of Phoenix, AZ; 6 grandchildren: Rylan Cotton, Haylee Cotton, Trevor Cotton, Skylar Swanson, Cade Hall and Carson Hall; and 9 siblings: Marjorie Crago of Tucson, AZ; Keith Crago of Mitchell; Elaine (Russel) Skinner of Rapid City; Jerald (Nickie) Crago of West Bend, WI; Lyle Jr (Sherri) Crago of Rochester, MN; Doug (Lori) Crago of Mitchell; Dennis (Janice) Crago of Stickney; Leslie (Arla) Crago of Stickney; and Nancy Crago of Mitchell.

Seth Rhoden June 3, 2022

Seth Ira Rhoden, 34, of Union Center, SD, died Friday, June 3, 2022, in Union Center, SD.

Graveside services will be Sunday, June 5, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Red Owl Cemetery with a lunch to follow after committal at Union Center Community Baptist Church.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdvU55gPvWM

                             

                                                   To Seth’s & our circle of family, friends, neighbors, & acquaintances:

     As we reflect on the past few days, we continue to be amazed and overwhelmed with the extraordinary acts of kindness and extension of love given.  We’re incapable at this point, of privately acknowledging the various ways each individual reached out to us...so…THANK YOU…

     Thank you if you belonged to one of those incredible response teams and poured everything you had into Seth and for us all.  Your skill and labor of love did not go unnoticed. Thank you to the special individuals that came that morning to care for us.

     A huge thank you to Jim and Meriah (Kinkade’s) for handling our requests quickly and working through a tough situation with simple grace and encouragement.

     Thank you if you came to Red Owl and stood on either side of the road thereby forming a passageway which led to the cemetery gateway…We will NEVER forget what that welled up in us. And wasn’t it an amazing sight to set your eyes on… the fresh spring green landscape, that only God could paint?  (Think:  Red Owl Dam, grazing cow/calf pairs, REAL clouds with pockets of sunshine, birds.)  Thank you for sharing that moment as we sang and as John, Ken, Levi, Cody, Wyatt, Loren, Larry & Gary, took hold of the cedar chest and walked Seth’s flesh to his cove under the 34-year-old cedar tree.

     Thank you for being part of the gathering at church. As we entered the doors…was there not an overwhelming fullness of his glory as well as a full church?

     Thank you, my sister and brother and their special 10… who after having just finished seeding one more field in the Red River Valley… drove in the wee hours... just to spend 8 BLESSED hours with us in SD… before returning.  And so “Thanking you” seems totally small as your gift of music was totally HUGE... you all offered yourselves while Jesus’ comfort was offered & poured into many a broken heart. (And I might inject here…they weren’t the only ones that are CRAZY or have a CRAZY love for us... who came 100’s of miles one way & drove off to make a one-day round trip of it!) Thank you.

     Thank you to the people that spoke (And the guys and gals that didn’t. There are several. John & I & you know who “you” are.) We remain forever grateful to each who prayed through the years and to each, who personally invested into Seth, thereby giving him a richer quality of life, he would not otherwise have had.

     Thank you, thank you, thank you for food, food, and more food… the spread there on the table (please know I’ve read the list of individual names and hereby acknowledge the unlisted as well, and those who brought food and/or flowers to our house.  And then there is MONICA… who unhesitatingly says YES! (Friday night) to processing (all day Saturday) BEEF for Sunday. Those are unbelievable “I’ll help you” words.

     And until I went to church the following day, Monday morning, I was truly unaware of the several gorgeous flower, herb & plant arrangements… after seeing about a full year of dead brown, living color is extra special and refreshing.

     And thank you to many- any- all who helped in various ways… those who served, cleaned up, going the extra mile.  Some I saw... most I didn’t.

     And then there are these ongoing visits, unlimited texts, and phone calls, as well as innumerable precious cards and extremely generous memorials…and hugs and more hugs. They all have this basic theme running…expressing to all of us Rhodens how deeply we are watched over, prayed over, cared for (dare I say LOVED) … and so we are gratefully abiding in this.  We sincerely pray God’s blessings upon each of you as well.  God help us all… we are extremely needy… LORD… may your strength come so we can face and endure tomorrow.

     And Seth, I would’ve told you (just in case you couldn’t see from up there…It was clear to all down here... that…after God…you… yes you! … were the most honored man at the homecoming!)

“The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and even for evermore.”  Psalm 121:7-8

 

A few noteworthy additions:

• By God’s standards- thou shalt not kill- includes life in the womb, our neighbor’s and our own.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe Jesus’ blood covers ALL our sin- past, present, and future…and therefore is able to cover this sin as well.  As we lay Seth’s body to rest, we are learning to rest in the promises of God and in the finished work of Seth’s Savior.

Benjamin Wyatt Gillham April 10, 2019 - June 27, 2021

Benjamin Wyatt Gillham was born on April 10, 2019 at 2:06 a.m. at Sterling Regional Med. When Brandee found out she was pregnant with him the scripture that became his life verses were Psalm 127:3-5: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” Benjamin means “son of my right hand” and Wyatt means “warrior.” Ben has been such a reward, a true delight, and brought pure joy to our lives. We have been blessed to know him and we are thankful that he was added to our quiver. He was our second miracle child that the doctors said we would never have following Brandee’s bout with cancer.

Ben was the fourth son born to Roy and Brandee Gillham of Peetz, Colorado and was fiercely loved by his parents. His three older brothers, Jake Timothy (13), Matthew Dean (11) and Waitley Thomas (4) Gillham will miss him for the rest of their lives.

We will cherish every single time we said yes to a hug or a “nuggle” (Ben couldn’t say his “s’s”). He was, by nature, a servant as he loved to help with any process that was going on. Ben was fiercely independent and despite being the fourth lil’ cowpoke he wasn’t only trying to keep up but wanted to surpass them. He could pull up his pants and get his boots on faster than his older brother and worked to beat everyone out the door.

When Ben would smile he would lift his little chin and say the loudest “cheese!!!!” in the room. He was not going to go unnoticed. His blonde hair and blue eyes were brilliant and he was so easy to love. We told him daily, “You are my favorite Ben in the whole wide world,” and this will always be true. 

He recently told us he was not a baby anymore but a “big boy.” This child was simply pleasant to be around and enough of a rascal to add some spice to our family. Everyone who knew Ben loved him. After we told Ben we loved him he would repeat and say, “I love you “ho” much!” (again… no “s”).

Two years is not enough time. This pain seems unbearable. We wanted our son’s testimony to be his own, not ours, but we don’t get to choose. God’s character has not changed because of this extreme sense of loss. He is still good and Ben gets to experience heaven earlier than we ever would have expected.

Ben departed this earth on Sunday, June 27th at 5:44 p.m. at Children’s Hospital wrapped in the loving arms of his parents and surrounded by family.

Ben is survived by his parents: Roy and Brandee Gillham, brothers: Jake, Matt, and Waitley Gillham all of Peetz, CO, great-grandma: Jo Ann Pfaltzgraff of Peetz, CO, grandparents: Nita Gillham of Peetz, CO, and TJ & Rocky Best of Black Forest, CO, family: Aunt Jessica & Uncle Brandon, cousins Harley, Camryn and Roman Renaud of Black Forest, CO, Aunt Brittney & Uncle Nate, cousins Marley, Palmer & Emery McAllister of Colo. Spgs, CO, Uncle Daniel & Aunt Sarah, cousins Sam & Luke Gillham of Castle Rock, CO. Ben was preceded in death by his Aunt Heather Best and Grandpa Richard Gillham. There are so many other friends that are truly “family” that should be listed here.

Edna Schaer Gordon November 18, 1927 - June 11, 2022

      Edna went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

            Edna was born on November 18, 1927, in Broken Bow, Nebraska to James Earl (Pat) Reed and Nancy Armenta (Ditson) Reed. Her father who was born on June 3, 1887, to Frank and Amy (Jacobson) Reed, passed away on June 29, 1937, when Edna was only 10 years old.

            Her mother Nancy was born on May 24, 1894, in Fairfield, NE to William and Mary Jane (Campbell) Ditson, passed away on April 24, 1986, in Grand Island, NE.

            Edna was the seventh of ten children – all are deceased. They were Audrey, Louise, James, Robert, Harlen, Hellen, Edna, Norma Lois and Wilma.

            Edna started working at a very young age, first baby sitting and then working in a creamery, candling eggs. She went to work at the Lewis Café at the age of 14 and worked there until she was 15 years old. Edna started working at the Holcomb’s Drug store until the second semester of her junior year, when the family moved to Valentine. She worked in the confectionary until school was out and then they moved to Gordon where she graduated high school in 1946. She worked at the Thompson Drug store and continued to work there for a total of 4 ½ years.

            Edna married Benjamin H Schaer on October 3, 1948, in O’Neil, Nebraska. They moved to the farm south of Gordon after they were married. To this union were born three children, Teala Rose, Benny Lee and Verla Sue.

            Edna was baptized, confirmed and became a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Gordon on June 25, 1950. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the Ladies Aide.

            Edna owned and operated a floral shop in Rushville, Edna’s Flowers and Gifts for 11 years, from 1972 until 1983. Prior to opening her shop she worked at French Flower and Gifts in Gordon, where she learned the fine art of flower arranging. After selling her business, she retired to the farm, where she raised many beautiful flowers and enjoyed gardening. She had a special fondness for the newborn calves, colts and kittens.

            Edna was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the Lone Butte Extension Garden Club, the Lucky Strike Bowling team, the Tri-State Cowgirls Association, and she served on the Sheridan County Fair Board.

            Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin, her parents, Pat and Nancy Reed and all of her siblings, Audrey, Louise, James, Robert, Harlen, Hellen, Norma, Lois and Wilma.

            She leaves to morn her daughters: Teala Onstott and Verla Schaer; Son: Ben and wife Barbara; Grandchildren: Jennifer, Suzie and husband, Dean Harris, Chris and wife, Kimberly, Brad and friend, Brianne Wilson; Jason Onstott and wife Tonya, Justin Onstott and wife, Dawn; Nine great grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, good friends and neighbors.

            Memorials will be shared with St. Jude’s Children Hospital and the Rainbow Bible Ranch, near Sturgis, South Dakota and can be sent in care of Chamberlain Funeral Home, Gordon.

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Lewis June 22, 1936 – May 12, 2022

Betty was born on June 22, 1936, to Henrietta (Johnson) and Calvin Elliott in Tuscaloosa, AL, where she grew up. Many of her favorite childhood memories were of times spent with her cousins on the old home place near Emelle. Betty attended Agnes Scott College her freshman year then transferred to the University of Alabama. There she met John Lewis; they were united in marriage on August 17, 1958.

Betty spent the next 30 years as an Air Force officer’s wife, traveling the world living throughout the U.S., and in England, Germany, and the Philippines, raising their three children, and volunteering in multiple capacities. In 1989, they moved to Minnesota where she enjoyed the next 30 years volunteering at church and the Dodge Nature Center, traveling, birding, gardening, and pouring into her grandkids and neighborhood children.

The final few years of Betty’s life were spent in the memory care unit at Trail Ridge. We are grateful for the love and care given to her by the staff there and, in her final days, at Dougherty Hospice House.

Betty is especially remembered for her kind and genteel nature, her love of books and nature, and her cooking and gardening skills. She was always the ultimate hostess, making everyone feel welcome. Her greatest desire was for her children and grandchildren to know Jesus as their personal savior.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, John Lewis; her children, Wyatt and Rebecca (Todd) Schultz; her grandchildren, Hayley, Michelle, Jacob, Joshua, Katie, Kiefer, and Kenna; her sister, Rosa Wrenn; and her nieces, nephew, cousins, neighbors, and friends. Betty was preceded in death by one of her children, (Graye).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Rainbow Bible Ranch at 14676 Lone Tree Rd, Sturgis, SD 57785.

Allen Shcoenwald May 22, 1958 - April 22, 2022

Allen Schoenwald, 63 of Marion, S.D., died on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, S.D. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Freeman, S.D. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 22 at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Chapel, Marion, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. 

Allen Ray Schoenwald was born on May 22, 1958 at Freeman to Ferdinand and RoseMary (Mohr) Schoenwald. He grew near Marion where he graduated from Marion High School in 1977. He farmed in the Marion and Dolton area. On May 31, 2008 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Schuster at Marion. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Dolton township board.  

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Jeanette; three children: Steve (Jill) Schuster, Ramsey, Minn., Richard (Camille) Schuster, Andover, Minn. and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Peterson, Princeton, Minn.; three grandchildren: Mason, Brayden and Raelynn; a brother Dean (Sheryl) Schoenwald, Marion; and two sisters, Laurie (Scot) Petersen and Jody (Gary) Luke, all of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Keith.  

Lloyd Dale July 28, 1938 - December 4, 2020

William Lloyd Dale, Lemmon SD, age 82, moved to his heavenly home December 4, 2020. He was surrounded by family members at the Bismarck Sanford Hospital.

He was born July 28, 1938 at Burke SD to Bill and Alice (Chastain) Dale. June 6, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Jean Hofer from Onida, SD. He worked for Carol’s dad for the summer and then moved to Denver, CO to pursue studies in TV electronics. While there, their first son, William Lloyd III (Bill) was born. After a move to Wall, SD and then to Gopher, SD they made the decision to return to Aberdeen where Lloyd continued his education at NSU. 

In 1963, Lloyd accepted a teaching position in Lemmon, SD. While there, their second son, Shannon Lee was born. With a love for YHWH’s word and truth, and with a heart and mind that is passionate to know Jesus’ true purpose and mission, Lloyd Dale had invested thousands of hours of time and energy into the study of Scripture, with emphasis on history and prophecy. He spent many hours on his website lloyddale.com. With this background and an insatiable appetite for truth, he brought fresh insight into the understanding of Scripture. He is a graduate of a Christian High School (Sunshine Bible Academy, Miller, SD.) He also earned BS and MS degrees, and did postgraduate work in South Dakota, Colorado, and Massachusetts and started working toward a Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies.

While in College, he served approximately two years as Bacteriologists at St Luke’s hospital in Aberdeen. Following his graduation from college, he spent 17 years as a teacher in government (public) schools in South Dakota, seven years as a pastor in North and South Dakota, and 27 years (as of 2014) as a Bible researcher, writer, and teacher. As a successful Biology teacher, he was active in all facets of education including the South Dakota Education Association, wherein he served on numerous committees at the local, state, and national level. He served 5 years on the Board of Directors, one year as full-time president of SDEA, and one year as a full-time registered lobbyist for SDEA. He was named an “Outstanding Biology Teacher” in South Dakota in 1969, as well as receiving other recognitions and awards during his teaching career including, but not limited to: Outstanding Educators of America, Outstanding Young Men of America, Jaycees: Outstanding Young Educator, Outstanding Young Religious Leader, Golden Liberty Award, Two National Science foundation Grants, Certificate for forty years of continuous breeding of registered Quarter horses, and a private pilot’s license.

After Lloyd left the teaching profession he pursued other passions. Lloyd served as a full-time lobbyist for home schooling and Christian schools during the 1981 and 1982 South Dakota legislative sessions. Lloyd and his lovely wife “Jeanie” continued to reside on their small ranch in western South Dakota. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and loved being involved in their rodeos, golf, and computer interests.

Lloyd is survived by his wife, Carol; two sons Bill (Jackie) Dale of Timber Lake, SD; Shannon (Erin) Dale of Mobridge, SD; four grandchildren Jesse (LaNay) Dale of Timber Lake, SD; Tucker (Sadie) Dale and great-grand daughter Rayne of Ryder, ND; Tanner Dale of Timber Lake SD; Emily Dale (Nathan Hollenbeck) and great-grandson Jameson of Trail City, SD. Sister, Lorna (Jim ) May of Inver Grove Heights, MN as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Alice Dale, his brother Byron Dale, and Carol’s parents, Josh and Mary Hofer. 

Cynthia “Cindy” Foster December 17, 1956 -January 3, 2022

Cynthia “Cindy” Foster, 65, of Fulton, SD, died Monday, January 3, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, January 8, at Harvest Community Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Fulton. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday, at Harvest Community Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Cynthia, “Cindy” (Wieczorek) Foster was born to Wallace and Noreen (DeJong) Wieczorek on December 17th, 1956, in Mitchell, SD.

Cindy loved growing up on the family farm, homesteaded by her great-grandfather in 1882, south of Mt. Vernon, SD. The oldest of four children, she was a hard worker, daily helping to gather half of the eggs from the family’s 10,000 laying hens.

Cindy attended a one room schoolhouse two miles from home until the 4th grade, when a new two room school, Baker, was built. She then attended Baker school until 8th grade. She attended high school in Mt. Vernon, graduating in 1975 with valedictorian honors.

After high school, Cindy attended MidAmerica Nazarene College in Olathe, KS, transferring to SDSU, then DWU where she graduated with honors double majoring in Biology and Chemistry.

On July 7th, 1979, she was united in marriage to Arlen Foster at First Church of the Nazarene in Mitchell. To this union one daughter, Bethany, was born. Arlen & Cindy farmed near Fulton, raising crops and cattle. Cindy was involved in and held board positions within many community organizations, including the local Beaver Township board, South Dakota Association of Towns & Townships, South Dakota Farm Bureau, and her local church. She also worked for 23 years as the Miner County Director of Equalization clerk.

Cindy’s passion for agriculture and education were very apparent by how many years she served in those arenas. Cindy first became involved in SD Farm Bureau as the co-advisor of the Davison/Hanson County Young Farmers & Ranchers committee in 1983. She went on to serve as the county women’s co-chair, the District 2 women’s committee representative, and the state women’s committee vice chair. In 2008, Cindy ran a strong campaign and was elected the Women’s Leadership Chair, a position she still presently held.

Cindy also served as the Davison/Hanson County Farm Bureau president from 1997-present. Many students remember Cindy as the Farm Bureau Youth Camp leader, a program that was very dear to her heart. Ultimately Cindy served in some capacity with the American and South Dakota Farm Bureau organizations for nearly 40 years.

Cindy also served on the board of directors for the South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships from 1997 to present, she served as the president from 2009-2011 and as the secretary from 2013-present.

Cindy’s love language was gift-giving. Many remember her gifting them a solar-powered figurine, a piece of Tupperware, some Watkins products, a tote from 31 Gifts, or a gift from Mary & Martha.

She loved music, she could sing and play many instruments, but she especially loved playing the organ on Sundays for church and accompanying her Aunt Liz while she played the marimba for special music.

Cindy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Arlen of Fulton; daughter, Beth (Justin) Joramo of Boise, ID; six grandchildren: Kelsey, Ashley, Caleb, Allison, Emma, and Josh Joramo of Boise, ID; father, Wally Wieczorek of Mitchell; two sisters: Crysti (Perry) Luna of Mt. Vernon, SD and Cheri (Rich) Wyatt of Bismarck, ND; one brother: Curt (Leanne) Wieczorek of Mt. Vernon, SD; three sisters-in-law: Marlene Helsel of Dexter, KS, Sharon Foster of Spring Arbor, MI, Eulyla Foster of Fulton; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Noreen; parents-in-law, Gordon & Gertrude Foster; and two brothers-in-law: Welby Foster & Dave Helsel.

Emanuel Jacob Fisher December 8, 2021

December 6th, our strong little boy, Emanuel Jacob Fisher went home to be with Jesus. Although our time with him on this earth was short, he was dearly loved and cherished. He was strong, feisty, and brave. The joy he brought to us will never be forgotten. His dark, bushy hair, big hands, little button nose and broad shoulders, made us beam with pride. Such a perfect and handsome little man. We thank Jesus for letting us share in his life, for the honor of being his parents, and for the nine months we got with him on this earth. His name, Emanuel, is special to us, as it means “God with us”. The presence of the Lord sustains and holds us. His middle name, Jacob, is after his Daddy, who will always be so proud and thankful for his first-born son. He will always be so loved by all. He is survived by his parents, Jacob and Molly (Reinhold) Fisher. Grandparents, Marvin and Sherri (Longenecker) Fisher, and Larry and Robin (Paulton) Reinhold. His many loving Aunts and Uncles, Rachel Reinhold, Danny Reinhold, Caleb Reinhold, Julia Reinhold, Kiersten Reinhold. Joel and Ashley (Labrier) Fisher, Wilson and Whitney (Fisher) Gongola, Dawson and Ashley (Eubank) Fisher, Daniel and Jen (Crutchfield) Fisher, Lydia Fisher and Isaiah Fisher. And his cousins, Elizabeth, Weston, Nora, Jude, Karaliese, Brielle, Kylie, Declan, Blaire and Jack. And by so so many dear family and friends, that love him and have been touched by his life. He was laid to rest in Prospect, VA on the farm that his Daddy (Jacob Fisher) grew up on. A memorial has been established to Rainbow Bible Ranch, where his Mommy (Molly Reinhold) grew up

Melvin Roghair September 2, 1937 - December 6, 2021

Melvin Henry Roghair was born September 2, 1937, at the home of his aunt, Renie VanRooyen, in Okaton, South Dakota. He was the first child of Jacob Henry Roghair and Grace Weaver Roghair, also the first grandchild of Henry and Cornelia Roghair. Until the age of fourteen the family lived northeast of Okaton. He attended all eight grades at the Okaton School. While he was taking correspondence courses for high school, he helped build the family’s new house on Hansen Creek northwest of Okaton. Mel started driving tractor at about age ten with a John Deere “B”, followed by a John Deere “A” and then a Caterpillar D4. In 1955 the Okaton State Bank made available a scholarship which provided the opportunity for Mel to go to Aggie School at Brookings where he graduated from high school in 1957.

Mel was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1961, and discharged as a Spec 4 in August 1963. During that time he served in the Military Police in Germany. Mel played basketball with the Okaton High School team and later with the Aggie School team. In later years he played Town Team basketball for Murdo and softball in leagues out of Murdo, Kadoka and Draper.

In August 1965, a red-headed 19-year-old girl from a ranch on Bad River came to teach at Scovil School north of Okaton where Mel’s baby brother, Jerry, was a first grader. It must have been love at first sight for both Mel and Clarice. They were married on November 19, 1966 and recently observed their 55th anniversary. After honeymoon travel, which included Denver, Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole, they made their home in a little rented house on a windy hill northeast of Okaton. Their first three children, Marty, Laurel and Chane, were born while they lived there. In February 1976, they moved to the Little House on the Pete and Doris Daum farm. Brice was born while they were still in that little house where his older three siblings slept in a triple bunk in the living room. The family moved into the Big House in July 1976. Brad arrived in 1979 and Lonnie in 1981. When Lonnie was born, Clarice remarked to Mel, “Well, you now have a basketball team and one cheerleader. I’m glad we aren’t going for a nine-man football team.

Children too numerous to name were fostered by Mel and Clarice, but on February 15, 1996, a brown-eyed 9-month-old baby girl came to live with them. That baby, Jessie Lynn Harrison was adopted by them on February 14, 2015.

Mel’s trust in Jesus as his Savior began at a very young age. He attended church, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School faithfully as he grew up. Over the years, he led the Okaton Church Youth Group, taught Sunday School, and held positions of Sunday School Superintendent and church board member of the Okaton Evangelical Free Church. For many years he was on the board of Byron Bible Camp. He was also on the advisory board of Sunshine Bible Academy and the Board of Directors of the Farmers Union Co-op of Draper, Presho and Reliance.

He started working as an enumerator for Ag Statistics in 1984 and became a supervisor a few years later. He enjoyed traveling over his 12-county area working with his crew of enumerators and visiting other ranchers and farmers in the area.

Mel felt very blessed with his seven children, their spouses, thirty grandchildren and soon-to-be-eleven great-grandchildren. Even when his failing health slowed him down, he still enjoyed being a part of “cattle working” if only to guard a gate or have a lap full of little granddaughters.

Although tractors had replaced workhorses by the time Mel was old enough to farm, he learned to ride while chasing the redhead from Bad River and enjoyed using horses to move cattle. Mel’s favorite cattle were Herefords. Chickens were also a big part of his life, raising them for meat and eggs. He enjoyed giving egg demos for grade school kids.

In November 2016 Mel and Clarice celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a weekend at the Moreau River Sanctuary with nearly all of their large family present. They observed their 55th (Emerald) anniversary just two weeks before Mel’s death.
Following a stroke that left him unconscious on December 3, Mel passed from this earthly life to heaven’s glory on December 6, 2021.


Left behind to celebrate Mel’s life are:
His beloved wife, Clarice
Marty Mel and Cristen (Giovanetto) Roghair
Jacob and Shiloh
Laurel Sue and Darin Schriever
Caleb and Cathy Schriever
Jaylin, Notice, Micah, Asa, Josiah, Zachariah and expected baby
Josh and Ellen Schriever and daughter Sybil
Susanna, Luke, Anna, Maryanna and Joanna
Daniel and his fiancée Lexi Wiersma
Chane Leslie and Tricia (Byers) Roghair
Dakota and his son, Easton; Naomi, Bo, Levi and Chance
Brice Evan and Anne (Lopez) Roghair
Savanna and Luke Rech & daughter CeiLee
Maria, Kate and Rope
Brad Scott and Shawna (Carroll) Roghair
Darian, Annalee, Mesa, Jubilee, Riata, Trinity and Enoch
Lonnie Jack and Becky (Gleason Cunningham) Roghair
Abigail, Aidan, Allison and Corban
Jessie Lynn Harrison-Roghair

Brothers: Lawrence (Evelyn), Richard (Violet) and Jerry (Connie)
Sisters: Lorraine (Arnold) Stoel, Alice (Ronny) Jakeway and Lois Ferris.
Brother-in-law: Clinton (Sharon) Caldwell


Mel was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Stan Caldwell and Joe Ferris, infant great-granddaughter, Louisa Jenel Schriever (Josh & Ellen’s firstborn), and a number of infant grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. CDT on Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo with a visitation one hour prior.

Following a luncheon, burial will be held at the Plum Thicket Hill Family Cemetery.

Scott Morgan June 7, 1953 - November 23, 2021

Anthony “Scott” Morgan, 58, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 in Wichita Kansas. He was born at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, KS to Gary Morgan and Sondra Morgan Wasinger on June 7, 1963.

Scott spent his first years of elementary in Coldwater Elementary, and then went to Ashland Elementary when his mother remarried Robert York of Ashland. He rode Jack Millams bus from the ranch 7miles from town. Scott went to OU football camp in 8th grade, and his love for football began. Scott graduated from Ashland with the class of ’81. He participated in football and tennis through his 4yrs of Highschool. His senior year he went to state in football, where his team beat Olpe for State Champs Title. He also went to state finals his senior year where he took 3rd in state.

Scott participated in 4H from 5th grade through his sophomore year. He worked hard on the ranch with his Grandpa Russell and Uncle Frank. Learning chores, breaking ice and feeding livestock. His first 4H project he showed his foal, Wildfire Plaudit. He tried riding steers in “lil britches” rodeo, to Jr. Rodeo, graduating to bulls his senior year. He went to Bud Sankey riding school his freshman year of college. His rodeo career was short lived but he enjoyed it.

After graduating with his class of ’81, he went to Wichita State University and pledged Beta Theta Pi. One Thanksgiving while home, he borrowed a “moosehead mount” out of the Randall Place barn, thinking it would make a nice mount at the fraternity house. He drove it back to Wichita in the hatchback of his 280ZX. He admitted to the adventure eventually.

Scott loved to snowski and kayak in the mountains. He managed to float the Roaring Fork and conquered Cemetery Rapids on one of their trips. His sister recalls him, as well as his dad Gary, breaking numerous bones in skis, usually just falling off the seats on the lift.  his He became a lead salesman for corporate aircraft in Ft.Lauderdale, and loved the industry. He met his future wife in Ft. Lauderdale, Lori Morgan. He then moved to South Africa as he loved to travel. He oversaw the building of a resort and was the Property Manager there for a few years. He loved that job and was very proud of his accomplishments for his dad Garys company.  He and Lori ended up moving back to Florida when they found out they were expecting their first born. Tyler was born in Sept of ’94 and became the apple of Scotts eye from that day forward.

Scott shared many years with his dear love Rita Rinicker from LA. She was a great friend to him for years and wanted the best for him always. He moved back to Wichita the last 3 years of his life, to be close to his sister Kristen. He loved his little sister and they became quite the team. Scotts love for his roots in the country, were brought to life with his sister, in her jeep, cruising country roads and her taking pictures. He would call South Dakota every other day, to check in on his mom and dad Bob, and little brother Kristopher. One thing Gary and Kristen remember about holidays, was that he was always the first one to call on New Years, or Birthday, all holidays to tell his loved ones how much he loved them. He spent a lot of his younger years, with his aunt Helen, as they felt more like siblings than aunt, Helen said. But overall, the apple of his eye was his son Tyler. He did what he could to be close to Tyler growing up, and as he grew older Scott thought he should move closer to his sis and his dad Gary.

Our Scotty was called to the heavens too soon for many of us, but God has his plan. He was preceeded in death by all of his grandparents, Marjorie & Russell York of Ashland, Barbara & Dale of Coldwater, and Elmer Morgan of Coldwater.

He is survived by his birth father Gary Morgan of Wichita; Mother Sondra & Stepfather Bob York of Sturgis SD; Sister Kristen York Arick & BrotherNLaw Shane Arick of Park City, KS; Brother Kris York of Sturgis, SD; Aunt Helen and Pat Sims of Thornton, CO; Viva & Whitey McGee of Wichita, KS; Uncle Dale Wasinger of Ellis, KS; Uncle Frank & Sue York of Ashland, KS; Aunt Jane & Dick Hart of Carbondale, CO; His nephews, Dagon Arick, Dalton & Wife Jaime Arick, & Donovyn Arick of Wichita, KS; his great niece of Dagons, Madi Arick, Wichita, KS; And many step siblings, nieces, nephews & cousins. AND COUNTLESS FRIENDS! Scotty never met a stranger, and if you gave him the time of day, he would consider you his friend forever forward…

Roger Dent January 25, 1952 - August 24, 2021

Rainbow Bible Ranch is honored to share in the life and memory of Roger Dent

Roger M. Dent, 69, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on August 24, 2021, at Lee Health in Cape Coral, Florida.
He was born in Davidson County, South Dakota, on January, 25, 1952, to the late Wilson M. Dent and Genevieve M. Strong.
He married the late Jacklyn P. Bradley on June 5, 1974, in North Stonington, Connecticut.
He served in the USCG for 20 years from 1974 to 1994, entering through the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut and retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
He is survived by a son, Justin Dent and his fiancee Dannika Smith, of Groton, Connecticut; a daughter, Jillian McHugh and her husband, Shawn, of Portsmouth, Virginia; and grandchildren, Candice Dent, Brixton Dent, Achilles McHugh, Caitlin McHugh, and Sylas McHugh.
Due to the current health climate, no funeral services are scheduled. Roger will be laid to rest next to his late wife at the Connecticut Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger's honor to the Rainbow Bible Ranch, 14676 Lonetree Road, Sturgis, SD 57785 (605) 923-2367.