Custer County Chronicle

Mary Owens

Published by admin on Wed, 05/01/2024 - 8:46am
Mary Jane Owens was born Sept. 30, 1942, in Portland, Ore. She married Harold E. Owens Nov. 26, 1962. Together they celebrated 51 years of marriage. 
She and Harold lived in Hill City, S.D. for the past 23 years until his passing July 6, 2014. She remained there until just recently when she returned to North Platte, Neb., to be closer to her daughter and her family.

Jo Murner

Published by admin on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:23am

Jo Murner was born in Mott, N.D., Sept. 14, 1930, to Gale and Cora (Olien) Rounds.  She and the family moved to Rapid City, S.D., where Jo graduated from Rapid City High School.
On Oct. 23, 1948, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Murner in Rapid City. To this union four children were born—William, David, Lorri and Kimmie. Bill preceded her in death March 18, 2016.

Wyoma Semler

Published by admin on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:23am

Wyoma “Marie” Zingg Semler, 87, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024 in Rapid City, S.D., with her loving family by her side. Services are pending at this time and will be posted soon.
Champion Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyo., has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at championfh.com.

John Burke

Published by admin on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:22am

John Michael “Bones” Burke was born in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 5,  1958, to Thomas and Lorraine Burke.
The Burke family moved to Custer, S.D., in 1972 and it quickly became “Home.”  
John loved the Hills and the community, and made many lasting friendships that he cherished. He graduated in 1976 from Custer High School.

Eileen Wilson

Published by admin on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:54am

 Eileen Marjory Wilson was born in Chicago, Ill., March 19, 1946, to Rev. John and Marge De Vries.
She lived her early years in Hitchcock, Geddes, Gregory, Sioux Falls  and Lead, S.D., where her father served Methodist and United Methodist Churches. Her early life was shared with sister, Jeanne, brother, Don, and sister, Bev.
After graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, she was a student at Dakota Wesleyan University. While working part-time in the dining hall, she met Peary Wilson, also working there, with whom she kidded and grew to love.

Mary Woytassek

Published by admin on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:52am

Mary Zelle (Nielsen) Woytassek was born in Rapid City, S.D., Nov. 2, 1932, when her parents E.M. “Swede” Nielsen and Neme (Lewis) Nielsen lived in Scenic, S.D.
Mary attended grade school in Scenic. In 1942, the family moved to Edgemont, S.D., when the Black Hills Ordnance Depot was being built. She finished school in Edgemont, graduating from Edgemont High School in 1950.
She attended the University of Denver and South Dakota State in Brookings, S.D., and then became a statistical clerk at BHOD, where she met and married Jim Woytassek.

Betty Peplinski

Published by admin on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:50am

Betty Peplinski was born March 26, 1933, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to Leonard and Jeanette (Loonstra) Romanski. She married Robert H. Peplinski Aug. 29, 1959. Together they raised a son and a daughter, Bob and Beth.
The family moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1982, where Betty worked for the South Dakota Department of Tourism. An avid crafter, she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch and more. Betty loved all animals, especially her girls and “deer” friends.
Betty passed away in her home at Lone Elk Ranch in Pringle, S.D., April 5, 2024. She was 91.

Donna Reese

Published by admin on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:47am

Donna Jean Reese was born Feb. 17, 1933, in Pringle, S.D., to George W. Barnes and Catherine (Rice) Barnes.  
Jean went to school in Pringle and Custer, S.D., and played the clarinet in the Custer school band.

John Dyvig

Published by admin on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:37am

John “Jack” Dyvig leaves a legacy of strength, love and faith.
Jack, of Sioux Falls, S.D., passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Touchmark at all Saints in Sioux Falls. He was 89.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Martha Dyvig; beloved wives, Charlotte and Cheryl; son, Leigh Dyvig; stepdaughter, Kirsten John; granddaughter, Marci Eng; and one great granddaughter.

Paul Schmitz

Published by admin on Wed, 04/17/2024 - 8:36am

Paul Francis Schmitz was born Dec. 28, 1940, in Kenmare, N.D., to Leo and Evelyn (Ackerman) Schmitz.  
Paul passed away Feb. 8, 2024, at his home in Custer. He was 83.
A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, April 20, at the VFW in Custer.