Custer County Chronicle

Dale Houstman

Published by admin on Wed, 07/24/2024 - 9:15am

Dale Francis Houstman was born July 31, 1962, in Duluth, Minn., to Francis Houstman and Lois (Short) Houstman Bester.
He graduated high school from Duluth East in 1980 and earned a BS degree in wildlife management in 1984 from Eastern New Mexico University.  He served two years in the Peace Corps in (what was then) Zaire, Africa.

Ruth Baer

Published by admin on Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:23pm

Ruth I. Baer was born Dec. 2, 1930, to William and Lydia Feickert at their homestead in Leola, S.D. Following graduation from Leola High School (Class of 1948) she married Andrew Baer in 1951.
Anxiously awaiting her arrival “on the other side” are husband of (62) years, Andrew; Jan Baer and Mike Baer.

Angie Wager

Published by admin on Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:21pm

Angie Dee Wager was born in Aurora, Colo.,  Sept. 27, 1964, to Donald L. and Barb (Dulin) Craig. Angie attended schools in Buffalo Gap and Hot Springs, S.D. She was the proud mother of Justin Craig of Fort Collins, Colo., and Josh Wager of Box Elder, S.D.

Carmen Keupp

Published by admin on Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:20pm

Carmen Rae (Griffiths) Keupp was born May 10, 1936, to Evan and Helen (Donegan) Griffiths. She graduated from Custer  (S.D.) High School in 1954. She loved reconnecting with her classmates over the years, always making a point to plan their class reunions to make sure they stayed in touch.

Joan Kirkham

Published by admin on Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:19pm

Joan Kirkham was born Aug. 19, 1934, in Frederick, Ill., the daughter of James Ezekiel and Margaret Caroline Irvin Bishop. She married Edgar Kirkham April 8, 1952, in Beardstown, Ill., and he preceded her in death Jan. 10, 2016.
Joan grew up near her husband’s family in Frederick, and they had quite the village between both big families. She attended Brick School where she met Helen Litner, Patricia Schwalb, and Marilyn Seymour and they all remained close lifelong friends.
Joan then attended Beardstown High School class of 1953, and soon after was married to Edgar.

Elma DuChateau

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 9:48am

Elma DuChateau was born in Hot Springs, S.D., June 6, 1934, to Lawrence and Ebelina (Raske) Hiller.
In 1935, Elma and her family moved to a farm near Custer, S.D., where she attended country school as a child.  Except for a handful of years in other Black Hills communities, Custer remained her home.
Elma met Eugene (Gene) Hammer in 1948 at Custer High School (CHS) and they quickly became high school sweethearts.  After high school graduation Gene enlisted in the National Guard and was soon called to active duty.  

Sheryl Spooner

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 9:48am

Sheryl Lyn Spooner was born Aug. 17, 1981 in Custer County, S.D.
Sheryl attended school and graduated Custer (S.D.) High School, class of 1999.  She was very athletic and involved in several sports including wrestling, volleyball, basketball, softball and most recently she joined the Jefferson Rowing Team.  She made any athletic activity look easy and earned many awards and medals. She loved coaching youth teams.

Barbara Bertschinger

Published by admin on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 8:44am
Born on July 7, 1935, Barbara Bertschinger was a middle child—one of 10 children born to Margaret (Schneider) Schramm and Arthur B. Schramm.  
Barbara’s early years were spent on the family farm near Utica, S.D., not far from Yankton. Family, faith and education were prioritized by her parents.   Her mother, Margaret, had been a school teacher prior to her marriage, while her father, Art, was a highly respected successful farmer and businessman.

John Britton

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 11:30am

John Richard Britton was born in Lead, S.D., Jan. 14, 1928, to John Charles and Marion Henrietta (Pomeroy) Britton. He lived in southwestern South Dakota on various farms, working with family. At 14 he left home, went to Nebraska and worked with farmers and ranchers. He returned to his family before leaving after joining the U.S. Army. John was a WWII veteran, having served in occupied Japan during the reconstruction after the bombing.

Duane Meyer

Published by admin on Tue, 07/02/2024 - 11:30am

Duane E. Meyer was born Nov. 29, 1937, in Iowa to Elbren and Millie Meyer.  He proudly served in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge.
Duane, of Custer, S.D., passed away June 27, 2024, at his home in Custer, S.D. He was 86.
He was preceeded in death by his daughter, Lynettte Perkins.
Duane is survived by his wife, Patty of Custer; son, Todd Meyer; and his grandson, Matt Perkins.
Per Duane’s wishes, no services will be held.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer..