Custer County Chronicle

JoAnn McKenna

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2026 - 9:22am

JoAnn Alice McKenna, 85, passed away May 21, 2026. She was born Jan. 16, 1941 in South Dakota to parents William and Inga (Goff) Holbach. 
JoAnn was intensely proud of her Irish heritage. Her paternal great-grandfather immigrated from Ireland because of the great potato famine of 1845– 52, while her maternal relatives hailed from Scotland and came to America about the same time.
The family homesteaded land in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Joann’s family settled near the town of Custer, S.D.

Judy Kretzschmar

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2026 - 12:04pm

Judy Rose Kretzschmar, age 74, peacefully passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 at Touchmark at All Saints in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Judy Rose was born July 31, 1952, in Watertown, S.D., to Ray and Ruth (Peterson) Brower of Willow Lake, S.D. 

Stacy Reynolds

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2026 - 12:03pm

Stacy Ann Reynolds came into this world accompanied by her twin sister, Susan, July 21, 1957.  They joined twin brothers, Larry and Chris.  
Growing up in the greater Los Angeles area, the two girls embarked on a childhood journey only possible in the mid 60s America. With all the antics and associated adventures, Stacy immediately assumed the role of the “evil” twin (in a very loving capacity).
In their late teens both the girls migrated to Nebraska. Stacy returned numerous times over the years to California, the last time to provide end of life care for her mother. 

Lois Murphy

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2026 - 12:03pm

Lois Faye Murphy, 80, of Custer, S.D., passed away Aug. 12, 2026. 
Lois was born June 26, 1946, in Sayre, Pa., to Andy and Vivian (Cowell) Bidlack joining her brother, Wayne.  
Then, several years later, her younger brother Warren came along and she helped raise him, becoming like a second mother to him. With no sisters, she spent her childhood roller-skating and making tracks around the neighborhood with her friend, Gloria, and cousin, Shirley. She didn’t need a car; her horse, Brownie, was her mode of transportation.

Helen Sandberg

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 1:46pm

Helen Lou Sandberg 93, of Custer, S.D., passed into the Lord’s arms Aug. 8, 2026.  
Helen will be missed by her family and friends.  Her daughters say she was the strongest woman they ever met.  In every unforeseen situation she went through, she would always say, it could have been worse, and God will help us through. 
Helen L. Sandberg was born to Langdon and Esther (Howard) Landis  Feb. 3, 1933, at home in Wamblee, S.D.

Charles Goodsell

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 1:45pm

Charles (Chuck) E. Goodsell, age 96, died Aug. 3, 2026 at home in Pringle, S.D., surrounded  by his family. 
Charles was born in Quinn, S.D., to Clarence L. and May E (Mallisch)  Dec. 10, 1929. 
The family moved many places while his father was employed building Air Bases with the WPA. Charles attended school in South Shores, SD and joined the U.S. Navy in 1950. He was  stationed on the USS Tawakoni (ATF-114). He traveled throughout the Pacific on tours of  duty from Honolulu Hawaii to Bikini Atoll, Japan, and Korea. He was honorably discharged  in 1955. 

Edward Himrich

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 12:38pm

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Edward Aaron Himrich, who departed this life peacefully July 29, 2026, at the age of 92 from late-onset Parkinson’s Disease. His wife and daughter were by his side as he passed away. 
Born Jan. 13, 1934, in Selby, S.D., Ed was the beloved son of Edward and Emily Himrich. He was one of nine children who grew up working on a farm operated by his family.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; several siblings; and his sons, Mark Himrich and Matthew Himrich.  

Betty Benson

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 12:38pm

Betty Benson, the bookkeeper and baton twirler, nicknamed P-38 Lightning because she could outrun all the boys in high school, passed away from natural causes July 25, 2026, with her family, at Monument Health Hospital in Custer, S.D., at the age of 94. 

William Young

Published by admin on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 12:03pm

William “Bill” H. Young, 85, of Custer, S.D., died July 22, 2026, at his home. 
He was born March 18, 1941 to William and Lorene (Neville) Young in Madison, S.D.  He grew up on a farm in Winfred, S.D., with his brother, Mark.

Gregory Hadlock

Published by admin on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 12:03pm

Gregory Earl Hadlock was born June 25, 1987, in Custer S.D., to Janet Hadlock (Warne) and Raymon Earl Hadlock. 
Gregory went to be with our heavenly father July 22, 2026.
Greg attended school in Custer. He enjoyed writing songs and poems. Greg was an excellent athlete and loved the Broncos.
Greg’s life’s work included being a sawyer, a mason and mining. He was currently working for GJ Holsworth in Rapid City, S.D. He furthered his education by achieving a diploma in fire science and continued working toward a diploma in plumbing.