Obituaries
Obituary listings for 2012
For previous year, click here
For 2005-2010 Name and date list, click here
For earlier years, please contact our office.
Richard L. ‘Dick’ Vande Bossche
age 85, of Edgemont, SD, died January 28, 2012, at the Niobrara Health and Life Center in Lusk, WY. Dick was born on August 9, 1926, to Henry and Mayme Paul (Miles) Vande Bossche in Mitchell, SD. He lived in Mitchell for his elementary and high school years. He graduated from Notre Dame High School.
After high school, Dick enlisted in the Navy and spent two years in the service and was a veteran of World War II. After leaving the Navy, he attended college at the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD, for one year. He then moved back to Mitchell to begin his lifelong career as a mortician. He received his degree after going to college in Chicago attending Worsham Mortuary College.
Dick married the love of his life, Joanie Schuver, on August 16, 1949. After their marriage, they moved to Hot Springs, SD, to work for McColley’s funeral homes. After working a few years in Hot Springs, they took over the funeral home in Edgemont. They stayed in Edgemont until their retirement from the business in 1989. Dick and Joanie also ran the Inn by the River in Hot Springs until their complete retirement and moving back to Edgemont. They enjoyed their retirement life doing craft projects, were active members of St. James Catholic Church, and traveling to one of their seven children’s homes to visit grandchildren. He lost the love of his life on January 19, 2006.
Dick then moved over to Lusk, WY, where his was embraced by the community as a life-long member. His family is eternally grateful for their love and support of Dick of his final years of his life in Lusk. He was an avid fan of the athletic teams of Lusk and loved giving his advice to all who would listen. Dick committed himself to his community throughout his life. He served on the parish council of St. James, was a member of the Lions Club, a third degree Knight of Columbus, member of the hospital board, member of the American Legion, served two terms as mayor and six years on city council of Edgemont. He was also very instrumental in establishing the ambulance service in the Edgemont area and was the ambulance service for many years. He was the Volunteer Fire chief for 9 years and served for 15 years. Dick started the blood bank in Fall River County. He was recognized by the State of South Dakota for his 51 years of service.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife, one sister, and his parents.
Rosary and wake service will be held 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at the St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Thursday, February 2, 2012, at St. James Catholic Church with Father Peter Kovarik officiating.
Committal services will be held 10:00 am, Friday, February 3, 2012, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
A memorial has been established in Dick’s name to benefit the St. James Catholic Church and Niobrara Health and Life Center Extended Life Facility.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley’s Chapel of the Hills in Edgemont, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.
Donald Martin Harding
As the family of Don comes to grip with their loss, they realize even more what an impact he had on their lives.
Donald Martin Harding passed away early Christmas Day. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he delighted in making Christmas special for his family, even during lean years.
Don was born on December 20, 1924 to Chloe and Ruth Harding. He spent most of his growing up years at Sanator near Custer where his father worked. There he became a proficient figure skater when the baseball field was transformed into a skating rink in the winter.
A memorial service was held at the State Vet’s Home on Friday, December 30 with Chaplain Loyd Nielson officiating. A second memorial service will be held in Hot Springs at a later date.
A memorial has been established to the Edgemont Community Church and the Fountain of Life Church in Hot Springs.
Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com
Harold Honadel
Memorial services for Harold Arthur Honadel will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Blanch Beck Memorial Chapel in Pioneer Manor Nursing Home with Pastor Bill Morel of Family Life Church officiating. A second memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Edgemont Odd Fellows Hall in Edgemont, South Dakota.
Mr. Honadel, age 89, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home of natural causes.
Harold Honadel was born on February 13, 1922 in West Point, Iowa the son of Arthur and Christiana (Klingler) Honadel. He was raised and educated in the Edgemont, South Dakota area. Harold married Betty Ellen Martin on July 23, 1963. He worked for Robinson and Putnam ranching, Northwestern Engineering, Susquehanna Western and for the South Dakota State Highway Department. Harold owned and operated the Edgemont Laundromat. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Edgemont Volunteer Fire Department, Edgemont City Council, Edgemont Senior Citizen Center and the Eagles Club. Harold loved gardening, playing cards, bowling and golfing. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Harold is survived by his children: Sue (Gary) Peters of Gillette, Wyoming and Dr. James (Lena) Martin of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; special friend, Josephine Spencer of Edgemont, South Dakota; brother, Alfred (Dorothy) Honadel of Spearfish, South Dakota; sisters-in-law: Wyoma Honadel of Newcastle, Wyoming, Iva Belle Honadel of Evanston, Wyoming and Maxine Honadel of Glenrock, Wyoming; two grandchildren: Blaine (Cathe) Peters and Tessa Peters; 1 great-grandchild, Samuel Peters; Josephine Spencer’s family; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, twin brother, Howard Honadel; brothers: Richard Honadel and Glen Honadel; sisters: Alice Dahl and Betty Scott.
Memorials are suggested to benefit the Edgemont Senior Center in Harold’s name. Donations and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.
Bertha Lee Witte, 81,
Edgemont, died Dec. 3. 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
She was born July 21, 1930 in Hahira, Georgia. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Earl “Joe” Witte; four sons, Thomas (Colleen) Witte, Houston, Texas; Steven (Nancy) Witte, Elizabeth, Colorado; Paul (Teresa) Witte, Rapid City; Russell (Hope) Witte, Hot Springs; one daughter, Joyce (Larry) Williamson, Piedmont; daughter in law, Grace Witte, Hot Springs, 22 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Christine (John) Wynn, Topton, North Carolina; brother, Richard (Joyce) Williams, Valdosta, Georgia; brother-in-law, Carl “Pete” (Betty) Witte, Chadron, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Phyllis McDill, Cheyenne, Wyoming; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James (Berner) and Sula (Warner) Williams; her son, Harold Witte; her brothers, James, Warren and Franklin Williams; and her sisters, Grace Goth and Jane Williams. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, with a Christian Wake Service following at 7 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont, S.D.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at the church with Father Peter Kovarik presiding. Interment will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established. Her online guestbook is available to sign at www.osheimschmidt.com