Custer County Chronicle

Susan Naef

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:48pm

Susan Bowen Naef, 75, died after a long battle with cancer at Honor Health in Scottsdale, Ariz., Thursday, April 23, 2026. 
She was born March 13, 1951, in Fulton, Mo., the daughter of Harold C. Bowen and Doris Fieldhouse Bowen.
Susan graduated from LD Bell High School in Hurst, Texas, in January 1969. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington for a semester before moving to Chadron, Neb., to attend Chadron State College, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education in May 1972 and then later, a Master’s degree in Counseling in May of 1995.

Dixie Augustine

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:47pm

Dixie L. (Harn) Augustine, 70, from Wagner, S.D., passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
She was born July 6, 1955, the daughter of the late Harold L. Harn and Colleen R. (Treloar) Hicks. 
Some of the best memories of Dixie are those with family and friends visiting during Wagner Labor Day Celebrations and trips to the Black Hills. Dixie and family shared a love for fishing and spent many good times at various fishing holes in the Hills.

Daniel Herriges

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:47pm

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel D. Herriges.  
He was born in West Bend, Wis., Dec. 16, 1952, and left this world April 29, 2026, in Custer, S.D., at the age of 73. 
A loving husband, father and grandfather who grew up in Wisconsin where he met and married the love of his life, Marlene “Mars” Wanke, before moving to the Black Hills in 1977.  

Clara Thompson

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2026 - 2:46pm

Clara Grace (Love) Duncan Thompson, known as “Little Clara,” was born on Jan 1, 1923, to Wesley and Maude Love, in a small cabin on Upper French Creek Road in Custer, S.D. 
There is a lot to say about one who has lived to be 103 years old.  Clara was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great grandma, lived to meet her great-great grand kids and was also a great-great-great grandma. She was loving, gracious, giving, independent, strong-willed, determined and disciplined. And she gave everything she had to the family.
Clara died April 27, 2026.

Dale Ballard

Published by admin on Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:41pm

Dale Russell “Russ” Ballard, known to his parents and sister as “Butch,” was born Aug. 9, 1944, in Douglas, Wyo., to Dale and Wilma (Nunn) Ballard.  He was raised in the shadow of Laramie Peak in the small village of Esterbrook, Wyo.

John Hoover

Published by admin on Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:40pm

John Charles Hoover, 76, of Custer, S.D., passed away peacefully April 25, 2026, at Custer Care and Rehab due to complications from advanced dementia.
John was born April 6, 1950, in Pierre, S.D., to Charles and Helen Jean (Small) Hoover. He grew up on the Hoover Bros family farm near Onida, S.D., alongside his older sister, Jane, and neighbors Russell and Marcella Hoover and their three daughters. Those early years shaped his strong work ethic and deep love for family.

Dale Zweber

Published by admin on Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:39pm

Dale Alan Zweber, 74 of Custer, S.D., passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home in Custer.
Dale was born Nov. 29, 1951, in Hoven, S.D.,  to Ray and Doris (Beringer) Zweber.
Dale attended grade school and high school in Hoven while being raised on the family farm. He graduated with the Hoven class of 1970.

John Fejfar

Published by admin on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:39pm

John Fejfar, 71, of Show Low, Ariz., passed away peacefully April 11, 2026.
Born on May 14, 1954, in Yankton, S.D., John lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family and humility. John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Ione.  Together they built a life centered on love and shared values.

Shari Otto

Published by admin on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:38pm

Born Feb. 21, 1969, to Orin L. Otto and Barbara Wilkins Otto in Powell, Wyo., Shari Lynn Otto died of natural causes March 8, 2026, in Hot Springs, S.D. 
Predeceased by her father, Orin, Shari is survived by her mother, Barbara Otto; sister, Shelly (Steve) Engelbrecht; brother, Mike (Jenni) Otto; the absolute treasures of her life, her daughters Jessica Griffith and Sarah Griffith;  and her two kitties, Oscar and Felix.
Shari was truly a free spirit. Always cheerful, she just wanted everyone to be happy.

Jerry Smith

Published by admin on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:38pm

Jerry Smith, 74, of Concord, Neb., passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
The visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, from 5-7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Allen, Neb.
A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held Friday, April 24, at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. The burial with military honors will be held in Eastview Cemetery in Allen.