Obituaries

Michael Hindman

Published by admin on Wed, 04/12/2023 - 11:01am

Michael “Mick” Hindman was born March 17, 1947, in Plymouth Indiana to Louise and Elson “Babe” Hindman.  
Mick was a lifelong learner. His love of medicine ignited in the Air Force as a medic. He graduated from the nursing program at University of North Dakota after the service and immediately went into the brand new dual certified Physician Assistant-Nurse Practitioner program (1976). As a PA he stopped counting deliveries at 200.

Roseellen Hamaker

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2023 - 11:12am

Roseellen Mae “Rosey” Hamaker was born May 26, 1955, in Omaha, Neb., to Myron and Stella (Scott) Campbell. Rosey grew up in a music-loving family.  
As a child she played the clarinet and she and her siblings in their spare time would have a jamboree. Rose had a love for life, a laugh that would brighten up any room, an enjoyment for gardening, a passion for helping people and her greatest joy was being with her family and friends.   
Rosey, of Custer, S.D., passed away March 29, 2023, at Monument Health Hospice House in Rapid City, S.D. She was 67.

Michael Matson

Published by admin on Wed, 03/29/2023 - 10:59am

Michael Albert Matson was born Jan. 6, 1948, in Rapid City, S.D., to Marion B. “Pat” Matson and Nellie M. (Fish) Matson, the first of 10 children.
While Bernie said Mom loved all 10 of her children as though each one were her favorite, we all knew Mike was really Mom and Dad’s favorite! He could do no wrong and was the first to do all the milestones.  

Joshua Kainz

Published by admin on Wed, 03/29/2023 - 10:59am

Joshua John Kainz was born in Hot Springs, S.D., Feb. 18, 1986. He graduated from Stanley County High School, GO BIG BUFFS!
Josh worked as a scaffolder and in blasting and worked his way up to foreman. Josh loved his music and would express himself through what he was listening to that day. He loved to golf and play pool any chance he got and was an avid Broncos fan. Josh loved to dance and sing. He was told a few times he sounded like Josh Turner, so you could imagine how big his head got when he sang.

Benjamin Raver

Published by admin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 11:07am

Benjamin James Raver was born Oct. 22, 1954, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Lloyd and Gladys (Brown) Raver.  He was raised on the family ranch that his grandparents, Benjamin and Daisy Di Raver, homesteaded on Ruby Creek west of Custer, S.D.
Ben attended school in Custer where he was an avid wrestler.  He graduated in 1972 and went on to college at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D. There he received a scholarship in drama to attend an acting school in Mankato, Minn.

Patricia Fritz

Published by admin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 11:06am

Patricia Alvina Fritz was born March 18, 1934, to Herman and Marcella (Schriver) Blaeser. She met the love of her life, Donald Fritz, in 1951 and they married in 1952.  
They farmed together for 50 years in the Gary, S.D., area and retired to Custer, S.D., in 2002, loving their brand new home. Patricia was known as Patricia, Ma, Pat and Mom. She will be remembered for her pretty smile and always being welcoming, caring, fun and loving.
Patricia, formerly of Custer, passed away March 10, 2023, at Pine Hills Retirement Community in Hot Springs, S.D.

Kenneth Schmitz

Published by admin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 11:05am

Kenneth “Ken” Nick Schmitz was born September 10, 1948, in Kenmare, N.D., to Leo and Evelyn (Ackerman) Schmitz.  
Ken was first and foremost a family man. He deeply loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Ken always stayed connected and in the know regarding events, milestones and achievements. He would proudly share the successes of his family to anyone who would listen. He thoroughly enjoyed his walks in nature around his beloved home of Custer, S.D.

Lewis Proctor, Jr.

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:02am

Lewis J. Proctor Jr. was born July 18, 1945, in Bedington, W.V. to Lewis Sr. and Frances (Harpine) Proctor. He graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1965. After graduation, Lewis joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, S.D., with a deployment to Okinawa.
Lewis met his wife, Shirley Ennis, while stationed in Rapid City in January, 1967, and the couple was married in Custer, S.D., on Thanksgiving Day 1967. Two sons were born to Lewis and Shirley while living in South Dakota: William in 1969 and Bradley in 1971.

Michelle Gudeta

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:01am

Michelle Kristine Gudeta was born to Rick and Adriana in 1993 in California. Her family moved to Custer, S.D., when she was in second grade. After graduation, she attended college in Chadron, Neb., and lived there until now.
Michelle was known by her loyal, kind heart; her smile and sense of humor touched everyone she met. She made friends easily yet had a small circle of close friends; she was always ready to help anyone who would need it. She had a highly independent, courageous and compassionate nature and an insatiable thirst for learning and experiencing new things.

Benjamin Raver

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:00am

Benjamin James Raver was born Oct. 22, 1954, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Lloyd and Gladys (Brown) Raver.  He was raised on the family ranch that his grandparents, Benjamin and Daisy Di Raver, homesteaded on Ruby Creek west of Custer, S.D.
Ben attended school in Custer where he was an avid wrestler.  He graduated in 1972 and went on to college at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D. There he received a scholarship in drama to attend an acting school in Mankato, Minn.