Custer County Chronicle

Jim Daggett

Published by admin on Tue, 12/31/2024 - 10:07am

Jimmy “Jim” Lee Daggett was born Aug. 12, 1952 to Lewis and Shirley (Johnson) Daggett in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Jim grew up in the Lennox (S.D.) area, graduating from Lennox High School in 1970. After that he attended the police academy in Phoenix, Ariz.
Jim began his career in law enforcement in 1972.  While working for Minnehaha County in South Dakota he met Debbie Mikkelsen, who was working for the courthouse.  The two were married Sept. 27, 1980. They had two children, Melissa and Shawn.

Raymond Gellerman

Published by admin on Tue, 12/24/2024 - 8:52am

Raymond Eugene “Ray" Gellerman was born June 1, 1931, in St. Paul, Minn. Ray was the ninth of 11 children born to Raymond and Winifred Gellerman.
He attended St. Mark’s Catholic School, Cretin High School and Central High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army as a corporal in the Korean War.
After his service, Ray pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., and later a Master’s degree from Mankato State University.

Karen Rittberger

Published by admin on Tue, 12/24/2024 - 8:51am

Karen Rittberger was born July 15, 1957, to Myron and Deloris (Hettich) Lehr, in Roscoe, S.D.
Karen always referred to herself as a “Prairie Queen” and in 1976, Karen moved out east of Buffalo Gap, S.D., on a ranch that she and her dad purchased.
Karen loved being outdoors, whether it was riding horses, haying, branding calves or just working around the ranch. It wasn’t uncommon to pull into her driveway and watch her walk across the corrals with two or three bottle calves trotting after her.

Ervin Goldammer

Published by admin on Wed, 12/18/2024 - 3:14pm

Ervin Edward Goldammer was born Dec. 30, 1927, to Louie and Martha (nee Olawsky) Goldammer. He farmed from a young age on his parents’ and uncle and aunt’s farms.
He married Ella Gocken Sept. 5, 1948. He continued to farm northwest of Mitchell for many years, retiring and moving to Custer, S.D., in 2001.

Wilma Rhoades

Published by admin on Wed, 12/18/2024 - 3:13pm

Wilma Jean Rhoades was born in Canyon City, S.D., Aug. 2, 1934, to William and Violet Cutler.
Wilma graduated from Lead (S.D.) High School in 1952. After graduation she moved to Eugene, Ore., to attend Bible School. It was after Bible College she had the calling to move to Las Cruces, N.M., to do missionary work. Wilma worked 30 plus years in the motel industry, starting at Calamity Peak, Custer (S.D.) Motel and ending with Travelodge.

Ruth Kujawski

Published by admin on Wed, 12/18/2024 - 3:12pm

Ruth Anne Kujawski of Custer, S.D., born Aug. 24, 1953, went to be with the Lord Dec. 15, 2024.
Ruth was born in Oakland, Calif., to Clarence and Imogene Campbell.  She was the youngest of three and had a genuine love for life and people.

Larry Matthesen

Published by admin on Wed, 12/11/2024 - 9:39am

On April 24, 1943, Louie and Priscilla Matthesen and daughter Virginia were blessed with baby Larry Dean Matthesen. He was later joined by his brother, Craig Reid Matthesen.
From elementary school to obtaining a Master’s degree, Larry attended school in Chadron, Neb. Larry served as his class president from seventh to 10th grade. He also earned his Eagle Scout honor and was active in all sports, with basketball being his favorite.

Leo Volin

Published by admin on Wed, 12/11/2024 - 9:38am

Leo Flynn Volin was born April 27, 1961, in Ekalaka, Mont., to Charles (Toots) and Delores (Peggy) Volin. He was the youngest of five children. That same year, the Volin family moved from their Homestead ranch by the Little Missouri River near Camp Crook, S.D., to the big city of Rapid City, S.D.

Calla Hanson

Published by admin on Wed, 12/11/2024 - 9:37am

Calla Lucile Hanson was born May 14, 1932, to Esperance and Roy Donegon at their home in Hot Springs S.D.
Calla was a feisty Irish woman who embodied the gift of gab well before ever setting eyes on the Blarney Stone. She was known for sassy retorts and could still send a zinging barb to her children and their spouses until just days before her passing.

Leslie Nunez

Published by admin on Wed, 12/11/2024 - 9:30am

Leslie Nunez, 65, of Mitchell, S.D., passed away Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at his home under hospice care.
Funeral services were Dec. 6 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Mitchell.
Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D., at a later date.