Custer County Chronicle

Joan Roberts

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:02am

Joan Marie (Schultz) Roberts burst into the world Oct. 29, 1937, one of five siblings and the eldest daughter of Russell and Nellie Schultz.
Born between two boys, brother Max and brother Sam, she was more tomboy than princess, scorning dolls and playing house for outdoor play and athletic endeavors. Baseball became her passion leading her to become an outstanding member of the local women’s softball team and an avid, lifelong Cubs fan. She was also quite accomplished on the coronet and often shared her gift at school, church and community events.

Kenneth Zumbaum

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:02am

Kenneth  K. Zumbaum was born March 25, 1939, in New Underwood, S.D., to William and Lyndall (Asbrock) Zumbaum.   
He graduated from Galatia High School in Illinois in 1956 and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 and served until his honorable discharge in 1962.
Kenneth was a Mason, member of American Morgan Horses and a lifetime member of the VFW. His career started with the Burlington Northern Railroad until he settled in Custer, S.D., where he delivered propane and later worked at Custer State Game Lodge.

Clarice Larson

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:01am

Clarice “Cary” Ann Larson was born Nov. 4, 1944 in Minnesota to Carl and Edna (Bendt) Larson.
Cary lived a good life at Wedgewood (assisted living) in Custer, S.D., from 1999 to 2023 until she moved to a nursing home in Rapid City, S.D., where she passed away.
She loved to crochet, put together puzzles, hang out with her friends and she always beat everyone at cribbage and then would laugh about it.

Louis Henderson

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:01am

Louis Dale Henderson was born Aug. 16, 1946, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Elvin and Elsie Henderson.
Louis was a Dairyman in Ellicott, Colo., for over 30 years. He was well known for his ability to select quality cattle.
Henderson won many awards for “top producing herd” and “top butter fat” of Colorado. After retiring from the dairy business, Louis found himself in South Dakota, where he lived the remaining years of his life.

Melita Graber

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 9:55am

Melita Luise Graber was born in Harrow, Ontario, Canada, March 23, 1937, to Jacob and Maria Goerzen.  
She married Richard Graber of Hutchinson, Kan., Dec. 27, 1958.
Melita passed away at her home in Rapid City Oct. 7, 2023, at the age of 86.  
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Edith Penner; and brother, Gert Goerzen.

Penelope Inglis

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 8:52am
Born Nov. 15, 1944, in Veblen, S.D., to Lloyd “Frenchie” and Florence Tyler, Penelope F. “Penny” Inglis was a happy little girl who liked riding horses and going to the local movie house on weekends. She loved all the movie stars and adorned her walls with their pictures.
Always a hard worker, she earned her 5¢ tickets working at the local café. Too small at age 9 to reach the sink, she stood on soda crates to do the dishes. By the time she was 12 she was the weekend short order cook.

Dan Kelley

Published by admin on Wed, 10/04/2023 - 9:56am

Dan Kelley made everything fun. We could always count on breakfast in bed during our travels since our Captain Dan would bounce out of bed with energy and happiness. It didn’t matter if we were ice skating at Stockade Lake across from our family home in Custer, flying to Steamboat in our Cessna with friends or to Jackson Hole to do white water rafting, we all could count on dad to have good humor.  
We hope, as you listen to Lone Star’s cassette tape, you’re able to have good, fun memories of Dan. The person who loved his family and friends.

Duane Straw

Published by admin on Wed, 10/04/2023 - 9:24am
Duane Lewis Straw was born May 11, 1958, in Wallace, Idaho, to the parents of Loite and Viola Straw. 
Duane grew up with his 11 other siblings in Hill City, S.D.—Annette and husband Duane of Hill City, S.D., Floyd Straw and Mary of Fairburn, S.D., Donna Coppess of Belle Fourche, S.D., Donald Straw of Rapid City, S.D., Donavin Straw of Bridgewater, S.D., Diane Vanderbeek and Gene of Provo, S.D., Bonnie Goodroad of Nisland, S.D., Dennis and Kiki Straw of Hill City and brothers deceased, Danny Straw of Hill City, Ronnie Straw of Hill City and Derwin Straw of Rapid City.

Gail Bissell

Published by admin on Wed, 09/27/2023 - 3:16pm

Gail Bissell was born Nov. 28, 1951, in Torrington, Wyo. She spent the majority of her life in Custer, S.D., as well as several years in Wyoming, Montana and Kentucky.  Family, her Christian faith, nature and service to others were the most important elements in her life. Gail had a big heart, a warm smile and delighted in helping others.
Daughter of Bill and Darlene Sager, Gail was the eldest of three girls, including middle sister, Kerry and youngest, Billie.

Russell Dean

Published by admin on Wed, 09/27/2023 - 3:15pm

Russell Dean was born June 19, 1943, in Custer, S.D.
Russell was a man of many talents, logging, mining and over the road trucking, along with so many other jobs.
In his free time, Russell enjoyed pursuing his hobbies. He had a passion for antique cars and would spend hours tinkering with them, ensuring they were in pristine condition.