Obituaries

Ruth Swedlund

Published by admin on Thu, 01/26/2023 - 12:56pm

Ruth and her twin brother Raymond were born in Brown County, S.D.,  Dec. 4, 1923, to parents Albert and Mabel Ofstedal.
The Ofstedal children, Marion, Sylvia, Raymond and Ruth, attended the local country school as young children and then attended high school in Ellendale, N.D.
The Ofstedals and many of their relatives and friends were long time members of Aurdal Lutheran church.
After graduation from high school she worked for a short time and then received notice she had received a scholarship to South Dakota State University.

Michael Murray

Published by admin on Thu, 01/26/2023 - 12:55pm

Michael Travis Murray was born Nov. 26, 1995, in Rapid City, S.D., to Peter and Dawn (Kainz) Murray.    
He grew up in Custer, S.D., loving animals, sports and the outdoors.  He attended Custer High School where he played football and wrestled.  He enjoyed cooking and writing.
After graduating Michael left to fulfill his dream of being a Marine. He proudly served in the U.S. Marines with 2/6 Golf Co. until his honorable discharge with the rank of corporal in 2018.
Michael, of Longmont, Colo, passed away Jan. 15, 2023. He was 27.

Ramona Roadifer

Published by admin on Thu, 01/19/2023 - 10:08am

Ramona Louise Roadifer was born  Dec. 8, 1928, in Wahpeton, N.D., to Henry and Myrtle Haugen.
She was the youngest of five children and the only girl. The family moved to Custer, S.D., when she was 10.

Penny Knuckles

Published by admin on Thu, 01/19/2023 - 10:03am

Penny Lynn (Ward) Knuckles was born in Ohio in January 1951 and was raised in New Jersey.  
While studying biology at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania she chose Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota as a place to work as a park ranger in 1972. There, she met Dennis Knuckles, also a ranger, and a 50-year partnership began. Penny finished her degree and she and Dennis were married in the pines near Jewel Cave in December 1973.  

Gerald Woodford

Published by admin on Thu, 01/19/2023 - 10:03am

Gerald “Gary” William Woodford was born Nov. 26, 1945, to Ted and Bonnie (Ayers) Woodford in Hot Springs, S.D. He spent most of his childhood in the Custer, S.D., area, graduating from Custer High School in 1964. He left briefly to attend Black Hills State College and obtained a degree in business administration.  

Joyce Baker

Published by admin on Thu, 01/19/2023 - 9:58am

Joyce Belle Severson Barker (Stish) was born May 8, 1922, and at the age of 100 she went to join her beloved husband, Dallas A. Barker, on his birthday Jan 11, 2023.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, S.D.

Louella Peterson

Published by admin on Thu, 01/12/2023 - 9:47am

Louella Edna Peterson was born in Ridge, Mont., and moved to Newcastle, Wyo., where she graduated high school in 1963.
After high school she attend business college in Rapid City, S.D.
While she was at a dance in the Spencer Hall she met Ervin Peterson. Ervin fell for her because she was as country as him. On Oct. 18, 1967, Lou and Ervin married in Newcastle. The couple had three children— Gary, Brett and Chad.

Joyce Naugle

Published by admin on Thu, 01/12/2023 - 9:47am

Joyce E. Naugle was born Nov. 22, 1939, in New Underwood, S.D., to Herman and Clara (Wiley) Zaugg.  
After graduating high school she attended beauty school. Joyce and Bob Naugle were married in 1958 and they had four great kids—Dan, Patty,  Darcy and Tom.

Louella Peterson

Published by admin on Thu, 01/12/2023 - 9:44am
Louella Edna Peterson was born in Ridge, Mont., moved to Newcastle, Wyo., where she graduated high school in 1963. 
After high school she attend business college in Rapid City, S.D.
While she was at a dance in the Spencer Hall she met Ervin Peterson. Ervin fell for her because she was as country as him. On Oct. 18, 1967, Lou and Ervin married in Newcastle. The couple had three children— Gary, Brett and Chad. 

Steven Eckholm

Published by admin on Thu, 01/12/2023 - 8:53am
Steven William Eckholm was born to Roger and Fran Eckholm June 12, 1944, in St. Paul, Minn.
By the time he was a toddler, his family had moved to Rapid City, S.D., where he spent his entire childhood, grudgingly attending school, riding his bike, ice skating, exploring the nearby wilderness areas, playing baseball on the 1959 Pony All Star League and the 1960 Black Hills Colt League. His talent with golf clubs won him a few trophies and skiing at Terry Peak became a passion.