Gene was born March 4, 1929, to Harry and Ruby (Critser) Gerard . Following graduation from Kennebec High School in 1947 he joined his parents in farming south of Kennebec. On July 8, 1949, he married his only sweetheart Esther Venekamp, youngest daughter of John and Ethel Venekamp, at Presho Methodist Church. Most of their married life was spent south of Kennebec farming and ranching as they raised their 6 children and actively participated in the community. Following Gene’s retirement, they moved into Kennebec. Gene served on several boards through the years including township, school, production organizations and the Kennebec Elevator. He was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party and greatly enjoyed those political discussions he passionately initiated.

Brian “Koz” Joseph Konzem, 62, of Pierre, SD died Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Ft. Meade VA Medical Center in Sturgis, SD.

Virgil Clark Johnson passed away peacefully with family by his side Saturday August 8th, 2020 at the age of 95. A memorial service will be held at a later date to allow friends and family to celebrate Virgil’s life.

Matthew Corwin Shroyer, 42, passed away July 31, 2020, after a battle with cancer. Matthew was born in Chamberlain, SD on July 12, 1978.

David Murray Moore, 95, passed peacefully in Winner, SD on July 18, 2020 surrounded by his children. There was a memorial service on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the Vivian Auditorium.

Word was recently received that on June 21, 2020 Richard Murphy of Rapid City, SD, had passed away after several years of battling cancer. Richard was married to Karen McBrayer daughter of Monna and Jack McBrayer former residents of Lyman County.

Jean Ann Brakke, 83, of Presho, passed away Sunday, July 12 at Good Samaritan Society at Prairie Creek, in Sioux Falls, SD. Jean Ann was born at the Chamberlain Hospital on March 21, 1937 to Jake and Minnie (Fosness) Boschee. They lived on a farm near the White River-currently owned by Norval and Debbie Millard. The family, including little brother Ronald, moved to Presho while the kids were quite young. Jean Ann attended Presho Public School, graduating from PHS in 1955. Jean Ann played clarinet and saxophone in the band, and played on the PHS girls basketball team, which was invited to play at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Quite a trip in the mid-50’s!

John Meinen, 61, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, July 13, 2020 at his home in Mitchell. A graveside service was held at Friday, July 17, 2020 at Vivian Cemetery in Vivian, SD. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

It is with great sadness that the family of Dale Shannon Copeland announce his unexpected passage on July 11, 2020. Dale was born July 23, 1971 in Greenwood, NC to Jack W Johnson and Alta Jean (Maxwell) Copeland. After his father’s early death, Dale was raised on a ranch in Kennebec, SD by his loving adopted father Wayne Copeland and his mother Alta, and then with his sister Teri.

David Murray Moore, 95, life-long Vivian resident passed peacefully at the Winner (SD) Hospital on July 18, 2020 surrounded by his children. Dave had been a resident of the Elder Inn Assisted Living in Winner since August 2016.