Henry E. Smith Jr.

SAN DIEGO - Henry E. Smith Jr., beloved family man and hero to our country, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at the age of 85, due to complications from congestive heart failure. After spending a day of singing and laughing with visiting family, he passed peacefully at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Residence in San Diego, Calif., where he enjoyed the company of his friends and loving sweetheart, Margie Sutherland.

Born in Excelsior, W.V., on Nov. 8, 1922, to Anna Elizabeth and Henry Smith, he was one of six children. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and served with a patriotic fervor that stayed with him his entire life. Service during World War II took him to the battles for Tarawa and Guadalcanal, among others and on the island of Saipan. Henry was wounded but escaped with his life, unfortunately losing his left arm. He was honored to have Admiral William Halsey present him with the Purple Heart.

Henry continued to serve his country as a National Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans in Huntington, W.V. He spent his life devoted to helping injured, sick veterans and their families receive their rightful benefits. He met Mary Alice Benge in Cincinnati, Ohio, and married her in 1947. Together with their family they moved to Lincoln, Neb., where Henry retired from the DAV in 1980.

They enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, camping, hunting, fishing, going to the beach, tinkering with his cars and attending motor sports events.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice; two brothers, Emery and Paul; and two of his sisters, Katherine and Betty Jane. He is survived by his sister, Marjorie Cheek; as well as by his four children, Terry Steele, Custer, Julia Sisson (Michael), Rapid City, Margie Smith-Haas (Paul), Del Mar, Calif., and Henry E. Smith III (Susan), Lincoln, Neb.; seven grandchildren, Kori, Kadie, Antonia, Chantelle, Trent, Adam Henry and Lucas; four great-grandchildren, Taira, Teagan, Carter and Caroline; and three great-great-grandchildren, Baily, Kelsey and Jarret.

Henry will be laid to rest with his wife Mary Alice who passed in 1998.

A patriot, a hero and a man of Baptist faith (he loved to sing the Lord's Prayer!), Henry E. Smith Jr., will be missed by his loved ones.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 9, in Lincoln. The Lincoln (Neb.) Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

June Burnham

HIGHMORE - June Burnham, 81, Highmore, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller.

Survivors include two daughters, Connie Dewey, Rapid City, and Jill Baird, Sturgis; one son, James "Bud" Burnham, Highmore; one sister, Donna McDonald, Highmore; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT today at Luze Funeral Home in Highmore. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 9, at United Methodist Church in Highmore with the Rev. Jenene Earl officiating. Burial will be at Highmore Cemetery.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at www.familyfuneral home.net.

Nathan J. Moritz

RAPID CITY - Nathan J. Moritz, 88, Rapid City, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Survivors include one son, John Moritz, Rapid City; three daughters, Michaela Moritz, Rochester, Minn., Lisa Moritz, Marion, Iowa, and Georgeann Estman, Rapid City; and four grandchildren.

Services are pending with Osheim & Schmidt-Funeral Home.

Anthony DeSimone

STURGIS - Anthony DeSimone, 84, Sturgis, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Sturgis Regional Hospital.

He served 26 years in the U.S. Army, including a tour of Vietnam.

Survivors include two sons, Ransom Kalin, Willis, Texas, and Anthony DeSimone, Lead; one brother, Alfonso DeSimone, Dover, Pa.; and three granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth.

Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors provided by the Sturgis Honor Guard.

Aldinger Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

An online is available at www.aldingerfuneralhome.com.

Robert C. 'Shorty' Lopez

RAPID CITY - Robert C. "Shorty" Lopez, 80, died at a local nursing home on Friday, June 6, 2008.

He was born April 20, 1928, in Aguilar, CO to Vincent and Mary (Cordova) Lopez. Shorty served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953, and was honorably discharged at a PFC.

Shorty retired from Hubbard Mill in Rapid City after 35 years of employment.

His children are: Janice Lopez, Roska, Mesa, AZ, Robert J. "Porkie" Lopez, deceased, Priscilla Gakin, Rio Rancho, NM, Rosalie Zeolla, Layton, UT, Thomas Lopez, Casper, WY, Chuck Little Bull, Keystone, Kevin Lonehill, Rapid City, Brian Little Bull, Rapid City, Myrna Marvin, Rapid City, Robert L. Lopez, Gillette, Vincent Lopez, Rapid City, Albert Lopez, Rapid City, Alberta Lopez, Rapid City, Janet Lopez, Rapid City, and Mary Lopez, Rapid City. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters, 30 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June, 10, at the funeral home with Chaplain Bill Zandri officiating.

Burial will follow in Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273.

Friends may sign his online guest register at www.osheim schmidt.com.

Arden Upton

FORT WORTH, Texas - Arden Upton, 71, passed away Monday, May 5, 2008, at a local hospital.

Services were held May 9, at Mount Olivet Chapel, with burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Arden was born April 20, 1937, in Dawson, Minn., to Alice and Birdie Upton.

He and his wife, Norma, were owners and operators of their own trucking company.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Upton; daughter, Ann Dawkins; sons, Alan Upton and Todd and Debbie Upton; grandchildren, Jason Black and wife, Kerri, Joe Black, Emilie Jackson and husband, Noah and Erin Upton; great-grandchildren, Jessica Black, Haley Black and Jarrett Black; brothers, Allen and Marion Upton and William and Carol Upton; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Cheyenne.

Edward Phillip Armstrong Sr.

CUSTER - Edward Phillip Armstrong Sr., 73, Custer, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine, Custer; four sons, Edward Phillip Armstrong Jr., Alliance, Neb., Joseph Donald Armstrong, Rochester, Minn., Richard Paul Armstrong, Palo Verde, Calif., and Robert Patrick Armstrong, Omaha, Ark.; one daughter, Karen Parsons, Rapid City; two sisters, Rose Ann Zandol, Santa Clara, Calif. and Theresa Francois, San Marcos, Calif.; numerous grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Monday, June 9, at St. John's Catholic Church in Custer with the Rev. Peter Kovarik officiating. Burial will be Tuesday, June 10, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Custer is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at www.mccolleys chapels.com.

Andrena B. Knutson

PHILIP - Andrena B. Knutson, 91, Philip, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Survivors include two sons, John Knutson, Quinn, and William "Bill" Knutson, Brookings; four daughters, LuAnn Baker, Seattle, Wash., Lavonne Hansen, Howes, Linda Gebes, Milesville, and Becky Brech, Quinn; one sister, Ruby Cook, Rapid City; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, at First Lutheran Church in Philip, and for one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, at the church, with the Rev. Frezil Westerlund officiating. Burial will be at Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial has been established.

Rush Funeral Home of Philip is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneral home.com.

Betty L. Murray

NISLAND - Betty L. Murray, 82, Nisland, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2008, of a long term illness at home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born Betty Larraine Haas on Dec. 26, 1925, in Syracuse, NY, to Morris A. Haas and Mildred G. (Rice) Haas.

Betty was a long time Lead and Deadwood resident. She and her family moved to Galena in 1961.

She was married to Gerald Murray of Lead from 1971 to 1998. At that time she became ill and moved in with her son Scott.

She is survived by two sons, Scott Turo, Nisland, and Robert (Kathleen) Turo, Minn.; one daughter, Rochelle Cerone, Belle Fourche; eight grandchildren, Shawna (Mike) Maxfield, SD, Misty Ebright, Black Hawk, LaRain Turo, Sioux Falls, Dalane Cornell, WY, Lorri Cornell, Watertown, NY, James Cerone, NC, and Randy (Amy) Cerone, Hosmer; eight great-grandchildren; and two cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beverly Dobbs and brother Morris Jr.

No services are planned; cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life at 7 p.m. Friday, June 20, starting at her son's house in Nisland.

Special thanks to people at Northern Hills Dialysis in Spearfish and Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 6, Belle Fourche, SD, 57717.

An online guestbook is available at www.blackhillsfuneral home.com.

Leone Q. Klov

ELKO, Nev. - Leone Q. Klov, 91, Elko, formerly of Rapid City, S.D., died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at NNRH Hospital in Elko.

Survivors include one grandson, Chris Johnson, Elko; and several great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 10, at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. A procession to the cemetery will leave from Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 8:45 a.m.

Maureen Kenstler Schaffer

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

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

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

She was preceded in death by her husband Al Schaffer, and parents.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Black Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sturgis.

Friends who wish may sign Maureen's online guest book at blackhillsfuneral.com.

Bonnie Stephens Rock

HOT SPRINGS - Bonnie Stephens Rock died Sunday, June 1, 2008, at her home in Hot Springs, after a three-year battle with cancer. She made this journey with courage and dignity.

Bonnie was born Jan. 6, 1943, in Minneapolis, to Winfield R. and Janet O. (Simons) Stephens Jr. She was raised and went to school in Edina, Minn., graduating from Edina High School in 1960. She went on to attend the University of Colorado and the University of Minnesota.

Bonnie married John Rock on March 29, 1969 in Edina. Bonnie and John shared a wonderfully exciting life. John's career with General Motors sent them traveling around the world. They made many life long friends along the way. Bonnie was a beautiful lady of style and grace. John was a big presence with an engaging personality, together they made a magnetic couple.

Bonnie was well known for her tireless volunteer work with charitable organizations. Whether she was living in Connecticut; Melbourne, Australia; Michigan; Mazatlan, Mexico; or Hot Springs; Bonnie was the "Go To Lady." She would get the job done with perfection. Mostly, Bonnie will be remembered for her enormous capacity to give to those she loved. She simply sought to provide help in time of need or brighten the day with a special gift. Her kindness will never be forgotten.

Bonnie was an animal lover, her home was the ultimate animal sanctuary. Many stray dogs and cats found her doorstep. She never turned them away and welcomed them into her family. Also, she was an accomplished equestrian, she showed her saddle-bred horses and harness ponies all over the country. She always gave a breath taking performance, usually bringing home the blue ribbon.

Bonnie was a part of our family and our hearts for 65 wonderful and unforgettable years, she will never really leave us. A light has gone out in our world but heaven will be a little bit brighter as Bonnie takes her final journey to join her adoring husband, John and beloved father, Win.

Bonnie is survived by one brother, Winfield R. (Nancy) Stephens of Long Lake, MN; four sisters, Pamela (Peter) Starrett of Snohomish, WA, Stephanie Stephens (Robert) Houston of Edina, Kristine (William) Gonzalez of Leawood, KS, Janney Stephens (Richard) Stucki of Victoria, MN; along with many nieces and nephews; also, Cockie, Kai, Dakota, Rocky, Cassie, C-For, Shelley and Butterscotch.

She was preceded in death by husband, John and father, Win.

The family wants to thank Bonnie's many special friends for all their love and help. Our gratitude goes out to Theresa Maas for her endless and loving care of both Bonnie and John.

A memorial has been established in Bonnie's name to benefit the Cascade Volunteer Fire Department or the Hot Springs Humane Society.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

Ferne Louise Wenckus

BELLE FOURCHE - Ferne Louise Wenckus, age 84, of Belle Fourche, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital surrounded by her family.

The funeral service will be held 10:30 am Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche with Rev. Gail Arnold officiating. Visitation will be held 5 to 7pm Monday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in Pine Slope Cemetery, in Belle Fourche.

Ferne Louise Enloe was born November 13, 1923 in Griffin, North Dakota. Ferne grew up on a family farm near Rhame, ND and graduated from the Bowman High School. Following her graduation she taught school at a country school in Ludlow, SD. Ferne attended college in Tacoma, WA and later at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. She was married to Walter Wenckus on April 28, 1946 in San Francisco, CA. To this union, three children were born: Faye, Karen, and Mark. Following their marriage, Ferne and Walter lived in San Francisco and later in Spearfish. In 1960 they settled in Belle Fourche, where Ferne established the Office Emporium. For 34 years, Ferne owned and operated the Office Emporium, retiring in 1994.

Ferne was proud to have been the first woman member of the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce and to also have been chosen Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women's Club. On February 12, 1997 Mayor Donald Keil issued the Ferne Wenckus Day Proclamation in Belle Fourche. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church where her greatest love was for the church's mission work. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and she loved music. She had the ability to play piano by ear and she enjoyed playing at several school dances.

God used Ferne to bless many people in her life, especially her family. She loved her grandchildren very much and will be remembered for being "Grandma Fun" to all of them. She will be greatly missed by her family and always remembered.

Ferne is survived by her daughters, Faye (Curtis) Corkin of Richardson, TX, Karen (Ford) Hall of Coffeyville, KS; son, Mark (Billie Jo) Wenckus of Stewartstown, PA; brother, Willis (Margaret) Enloe of St. Paul, MN; sisters, Arlene Herber and Wilma Gabrielson both of Rapid City; 8 grandchildren: Lindsay, Ford III, Ashley, Jonathan, and Mark Hall, William, Kimmie Jo, and Bailee Jo Wenckus; and 11 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Florence Buckley.

Memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church.

An online guestbook is available at www.funeralhome ofthenorthernhills.com.

Irene Herrman

WINNER - Irene Herrmann, 87, Winner, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Sunday, June 8, at Mason Funeral Home in Winner with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Services will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 9, at Winner Church of The Nazarene.

Burial will be at Winner Cemetery.

Albert 'Al' Schaffer

WHITEWOOD - Albert "Al" Schaffer 93 of Whitewood passed away April 3, 2008 at the Sturgis Regional Senior Care Center.

As per Al's wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of the life for Al and Maureen Schaffer will be 2:00 pm Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Hale Hall in Whitewood. Refreshments and luncheon with the family will be provided. A funeral mass will be 10:00am Monday June 16, 2008 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with Fr. Arnold Kari as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

At the time of his passing he was survived by his wife Maureen Schaffer of Whitewood, his son Steve Schaffer of Rapid City, daughter Lucinda "Cindy" Verbeek of VA, brothers Edward Schaffer of Zell, SD, Arthur "Art" Schaffer of Ashton, SD, George Schaffer of Culver City, CA, sister Edna Noonan of Washington, MO, numerous grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by wife Lillian, and parents.

Friends who wish may sign Al's online guest book at blackhillsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted with Black Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sturgis.

Dennis R. Jensen

RAPID CITY - Dennis R. Jensen, 61, Rapid City, died Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Jensen, Rapid City; one son, Cory Jensen, Denver; and one daughter, Jennifer McBride, Cleveland.

Services are pending with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Dale J. Timmons

RAPID CITY - Dale J. Timmons, 89, Rapid City, died Friday, June 6, 2008, in Rapid City.

Survivors include three daughters, Sue Timmons and Mary Timmons Olson, both of Rapid City, Pat Timmons Kasch, Algona, Iowa; and two sons, Frank Timmons and John Timmons, both of White Owl.

Services are pending with Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Thomas Bell

SUN CITY, Ariz. - Thomas Donald Bell, 88, Sun City, Ariz. and Spearfish, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, at a hospital in Sun City.

Survivors include three sons, Tim Bell, Dale Bell and J.D. Bell; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; and his companion Velna Martin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, at the Methodist Church in Spearfish, with the Rev. Peter Moe officiating.

Bernice Ventling

BILLINGS, Mont. - Bernice Ventling went to be with the Lord whom she loved and lived for on June 4, 2008 at Valley Health Care in Billings, Montana. Bernice Elnora Shroll Ventling was the second of 10 children born to Thomas and Louisa Shroll at Twin Falls, Idaho on October 22, 1913. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter just 6 weeks ago, her son David, one sister and five brothers. Two sisters, Jean and Janice and a brother Glen survive her.

Bernice was united in marriage to Walter Ventling on June 25, 1930. Four sons were born to this union, Leonard (Anita) of Billings, Montana, W. Dean (Charlotte) of Lakeland, Florida, Paul (Janice) of Champion, Ohio and David who was killed in a truck accident in 1986. Bernice was loved and cherished by 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.

Bernice was a faithful wife and mother and her family was of highest importance to her. She was a licensed minister with the Wyoming District of the Assemblies of God and was a capable teacher and often filled the pulpit in the various Assemblies of God churches she served alongside her husband at Lander, Rawlins, Worland, Jackson and Buffalo, Wyoming. She was invited many times to minister in churches of other denominations. Walter and Bernice moved to Billings, Montana from Buffalo, Wyoming in 2002. They had a host of friends whom they loved and whose lives they touched throughout their lifetime. Bernice also worked in the IGA bakery and the Soldiers and Sailors Home in Buffalo. Several of her hand crafted quilts won competitions at local fairs. She enjoyed sewing which included making over clothing. Her sons remember many "darned" socks and patched pants which had been fixed to perfection. She enjoyed decorating cakes which adorned birthday parties and weddings. One of her specialties was making cinnamon rolls that were enjoyed by many, especially the ones that were sent to the hunting camp.

Life was filled with many blessings for Walter, Bernice and family: always keeping in mind, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

Her life will be honored at a memorial service at the Buffalo New Life Assembly of God on Friday, June 13 at 1 p.m. with visitation starting at the church at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo. Should you desire, memorials may be designated to Buffalo New Life Assembly of God or to Gideon's International. They may be sent c/o Len Ventling, 3114 17th Street West, Billings, Montana 59102 or to New Life Assembly of God, P.O. Box 290, Buffalo, Wyoming, 82834.

Condolences may be shared with the family on-line at www.remingtonletcherfuneralservices.com.