Kober Funeral Home http://koberfuneralhome.com en Louie Ernest Schulz [05/24/1920 - 02/21/2012] Louie E. Schulz, 91, of Vermillion, SD, passed away, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Sunset Manor/Health Care Center in Irene, SD after a brief illness. Louie was born to Karl and Sophie (Wenzel) Schulz on May 24, 1920 in Bloomfield, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at First Trinity – (Mo. Synod) Lutheran Church in Bloomfield. He attended country school in the Bloomfield area. He was a farm laborer for many years. He hauled hay and shelled corn for a living as well as working for a short time for the City of Vermillion. He retired in 1969. Louie’s life partner for over 20 years was Kate Ann Brown. She brought much happiness and great companionship to him. Kate passed away June 17, 1980. Having lived and worked in the area for most of his life, Louie was a familiar face in Vermillion. He has made his home at Town Square Apartments since 2003. Louie is survived by one nephew, Earl Johnson of Martinsburg, Nebr., three nieces, Eunice (Roger) Johnson of Wakefield, Nebr., Evelyn (Joe) Calvillo of Sioux City, IA, and Erma Johnson of Pasadena, TX; many great and great-great-nieces and nephews and numerous of friends he enjoyed so much. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Louise Johnson and his life partner, Kate Ann Brown.

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]]> John "Joe" Sealey [08/29/1950 - 02/17/2012] John Kenneth “Joe” Sealey, 61, died of cancer Friday, February 17, 2012 at his home in Meckling SD. Friends and family were at his side. Joe was born August 29, 1950 in Vermillion to John and Agnes (Roberts) Sealey. After previous marriages, Joe found his soul mate Alice (Dunnam) Peters of Alcester. On February 28, 2007 they were married in Vermillion, SD and made their home in Meckling. Joe grew up on the family farm and attended Meckling School until it closed in 1965. Joe attended Wakonda High one year and graduated from Vermillion High School in 1969. He went to Southern State College in Springfield for four years, after which he went to work at the Chevy Garage in Vermillion. In addition to helping on the farm, in 1975 he went into partnership with his father’s business, Sealey’s Friendly Service, keeping the local farmers equipment running until 1991. Joe worked in the fields and as a mechanic for Freeburg Trucking and then Mount Trucking. In 1999, he partnered with Dale Heimes and started Spirit Mound Construction. The business closed in the summer of 2011 when Joe’s health began to fail. He was a member of the Vermillion IOOF Lodge #3 and Rebekah Lodge #28 since 1968 and a lifelong member of the Bergen Lutheran Church. Joe enjoyed being an auto mechanic, particularly working on cars, until electronics became more important than twisting wrenches. His old remodeled Chevy pickup was his pride and joy during the 70’s. Carpentry was his second love. In addition to designing and building his own house and helping his sister and brother-in-law build theirs, it became a career. He and his friend Dale Heimes made construction into a successful business. Joe had an instinct and the math skills to be a creative carpenter. He knew how to build and repair just about anything, including all the plumbing and electrical skills to complete the whole project. Joe had a soft spot for animals. Whether it was his 4-H calves and sheep, the several dogs, his cat in the shop, to the Alpacas and dog, Saffyre, they all took to him. 20 yr old Sydney, the cat, was his loyal friend at his bedside. He enjoyed the camaraderie of playing softball and bowling for Toby’s Lounge, hunting, demolition derbies, Bull-a-ramas, playing pitch for turkeys in Gayville, the catfish fries and sports betting pools at Bunyan’s, and most of all, his Green Bay Packers. His last big hope was to see them play in this year’s Super Bowl. Joe loved music, particularly country and the 60’s. He would often break out in song, in his deep bass voice, with his favorite tunes on the radio. He loved his family and his family loved him. Joe was a man of “heighth and heart.” Survivors include Alice, son, William “Bill” (Susan) Sealey, grandchildren, Emma, Robert and Hayden of Sioux Falls, his parents, John and Agnes Sealey of rural Meckling, brother, Michael of Vermillion, sister, Jane (Michael) Slattery of rural Meckling, brother in law, Ron (Joan) Huot of rural Centerville, uncles, George Sealey of Hot Springs and Dwight Joslin of Sioux City, aunt, Henrietta Sealey, great aunt, Goldie Sealey, nieces and nephews, Randy (Nancy)Huot, Cliff (Sherrie)Huot, Ladonna (Donovan)Leach, Kim (Jim)VanderWoude, Nick (Cindy) Slattery, Tom (Jean) Slattery, Jim (Carmen) Slattery, 16 grand-nieces and nephews, partner, Dale Heimes, Alice’s children, Becky, Michael and Jessie and his many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Sealey, his sister Nancy Huot, grandparents, Fred and Caroline (Demann) Sealey and William and Dena (Anderson) Roberts, uncles, Harold Sealey and Ole Linsley, and aunts, Norma (Roberts) Linsley and Berniece (Roberts) Joslin.

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]]> Marvin Howard Cleland [08/10/1917 - 02/14/2012] Marvin H. Cleland, 94, of Bennington, NE, formerly of Vermillion, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, NE. Marvin was born August 10, 1917 in Vermillion to Walter and Ida (Abild) Cleland. He graduated from University High School in Vermillion. He moved to Rockford, Illinois in 1940 and married Julia Reierson on July 4, 1941. Marvin returned back to Vermillion, S.D. to farm in 1942 where he farmed until 1985. Marvin also worked in Denver, Colorado as a mechanic, and an electrician and in a local grocery store in Vermillion. In 1994, he retired and moved into the Dakota Gardens Apartments in Vermillion. Marvin was a charter member of the Eagles Lodge in Vermillion and was an active member of a dance band for 40 years. Marvin is survived by his two daughters and their spouses, Lynn (Marlin) Ashmore of Omaha, NE, and Connie (Merle) Ashmore of Valley, NE. He is also survived by his sister, June Prusa of Canby, MN; his 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Julia, and his two brothers, Leslie and Elvin both of Vermillion.

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]]> Darrel Loren Christopherson [02/12/1924 - 01/29/2012] Darrel Loren Christopherson, 87, of Vermillion, SD, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012. Darrel Loren Christopherson was born February 12, 1924, to Fred and Clara (Millage) Christopherson in Vermillion, SD. On his 17th birthday, he joined the U.S. Navy. When he joined, he was so young that his father had to sign for him to enlist. On December 7, 1941, " A day that will live in infamy", he was on the ship USS Vestal, a repair ship tied up to the USS Arizona, when it was hit by a Japanese bomb. He also served on the USS Yorktown and retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service. After retirement, one of Darrel's favorite pastimes was teaching school children to "Remember Pearl" The family then returned to Vermillion, where Darrel served the community for the next 20 years, working for the Vermillion Police Department, retiring after. He married the love of his life, Beatrice Fiumara, on November 26, 1945, in Pittsburg, PA. To that marriage, four children were born. Sharron Peters of Albuquerque, NM, Ray (Bev) Christopherson of West Fargo, ND, Kathi (Steve) Larson of Yankton, SD, and Rick (Jan Koehn) Christopherson of Vermillion. He is also survived by his sister, Marietta Muckey. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, Laura Peters, Kaleb Christopherson, Kourtney Christopherson, and Clark Willits. On January 16th, Darrel made his last visit to the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, accompanied by Beatrice, Kathi, Kaleb, and Kourtney. He was warmly welcomed on every airline flight and he was treated like a hero throughout his visit in Hawaii. On his final trip, he was thanked for his service to his country, signed people's books about WWII and Pearl Harbor, and had his picture taken with strangers who just wanted to have their photos taken with a true American hero. Darrel died in his sleep January 29, 2012, 6 days after he returned from visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii, and 14 days before his 88th birthday. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him, (and his family is grateful that he was able to fulfill his "bucket list".) He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Clara Christopherson; his brothers, Raymond, Gordon, Alvin, and Kenny Christopherson; and his sisters, Delores Hewitt, Fern Nasz, and Florence Fredrickson.

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]]> Howard Rayford "Curly" Hammitt [02/16/1925 - 01/27/2012] Howard Rayford "Curly" Hammitt, 86, of Elk Point, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 27, 2012 at his residence. Curly was born on February 16, 1925 in Alcester, SD, to DeeCort and Bessie (Durkee) Hammitt. He graduated from Alcester High School in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy for three years as a radioman. After his time in the service, Curly spent more than 60 years operating service stations, one in Alcester and two in Elk Point. On September 9, 1949, Curly married the love of his life, Dorothy Twedt in Alcester, SD, where they lived for three more years before moving to Elk Point. Curly was an active member of the community. He participated in the American Legion, V.F.W., Masons, and the Elk Point Country Club. He was an avid sports fan and supported all of the local teams. He was a dedicated golfer and was on the course everyday that it was open and the weather was fair. He was also known as the man to go to when you needed something fixed. Curly is survived by his children, Mark Hammitt of Yankton, SD, Laura (Ron) Baker of Sioux Falls, SD, Jane (Steve) Allard of Elk Point, SD, Kurt (Ann) Hammitt of Elk Point, SD, and Paul (Louise) Hammitt of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; his grandchildren, Heidi (Lance) Edwards, Carly Baker, Mikale Baker, Ben Baker, Marni (Rob) Law, Alissa Allard, Blake (Leslie) Allard, Nick (Erin) Hammitt, Matt (Ericka) Hammitt, Molly Hammitt, Derek Hammitt, and Paula (Ben) Sass; 14 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Douglas (Marene) Hammitt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Twedt) Hammitt; his parents, DeeCort and Bessie Hammitt; three sisters, and six brothers; one grandson, Cory Hammitt.

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]]> Mildred Lucille Herren [12/06/1919 - 01/22/2012] Mildred Herren, 92, of Vermillion, South Dakota passed away at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo, North Dakota on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Mildred was born the oldest child of Ambrose and Mary Elizabeth Ward on December 6, 1919 in Carlinville, Illinois. After graduating from the then two-year Blackburn College in 1939, she taught school in several rural schools and in the Illinois communities of Chesterfield and Virden. During the summers, she attended classes at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; in summer of 1942, she met her husband-to-be, Norman Herren. She married the young ensign on January 26, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana. She was teaching in Winchester, Illinois, when Norman returned from the war. His career in the building supply industry led them to Fremont, Nebraska and then to Vermillion (1954). Mildred received a B.S. from the University of South Dakota in 1955 and that fall began teaching third grade at Jolley School in Vermillion. During her thirty years at Jolley, she continued her education at USD, earning a Masters in 1969 and thirty plus hours of additional credits. Mildred retired from teaching in 1985, but never retired from life and gave many hours of service to others. She was a member of the Library Board, treasurer for the Friends of the Library and worked eight years in the children's summer reading program. She was secretary of the Hospital and Care Center Auxiliary for several years and president for two years, moderator at First Baptist Church for two years, secretary of American Legion Auxiliary for nine years and president for two years. She was treasurer and secretary of Southeast Area Retired Teachers and a member of PEO and Delta Kappa Gamma. She received the Reminiscent Teacher Award in 2003 and the Delta Kappa Gamma Order of the Rose Award in 2007. Mildred and Norman enjoyed living in Vermillion, surrounded by their many friends and remaining engaged in numerous activities. They lived independently in their own home until December 2009, when health issues forced them to move to Fargo. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Bill Ward of Carlinville, Illinois. She is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, Norman; her son, Stan Herren (Karen Froelich) of Fargo, ND; her daughter, Norma (Jim) Woodall of Louisville, KY; her grandsons, Patrick (Amanda) Woodall of Magnolia, DE, and Jason Woodall of Lexington, KY; her granddaughter, Jill (Nathan) Colvin and her great-granddaughter, Liesl Anne of Waynesville, OH; her sister, Dorothy Mefford of Litchfield, IL; her brother, Elmer (Letha) Ward of Carlinville, IL and her sister-in-law, Arlene Ward of Carlinville, IL.

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]]> Donald Milton Ahrendt [10/20/1917 - 01/14/2012] Donald M. Ahrendt, 94, of Vermillion, SD, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Sanford Vermillion Care Center. Don was born on October 20, 1917 to William and Elsie (Dean) Ahrendt. He grew up on a farm near Meckling, SD and graduated from Meckling High School in 1934. He married Theresa Krol on June 4, 1938, and to their union, four children were born; Patricia (Leonard) Girard of Vermillion, SD, Larry (Gloria) Ahrendt of Pierre, SD, Donald (Debbie) Ahrendt of Fort Dodge, IA, and Paul (Valerie) Ahrendt of Sioux Falls, SD. Donald worked for Clay Union Electric Corp. He began there shortly after the introduction of the Rural Electric Corporation to Southeast South Dakota and his career spanned a period of 34 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa "Tess" (Krol) Ahrendt; his brother, Leo Ahrendt; and his sisters, Clara Burrell and Dorothy Bruce. In addition to his children, he is survived by 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Ronald Ahrendt of Roseville, CA and Russell Ahrendt of Sergeant Bluff, IA; his sisters, Maxine Burrell, of Madison, SD, Lois Nelson, of Citrus Heights, CA, Marion Zambon of Rapid City, SD and Carol Nuss of Alliance, Nebr.

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]]> Marjorie A. Walsh [04/10/1922 - 01/11/2012] Marjorie A. Walsh, 89, of Elk Point, SD, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at WEL-Life Assisted Living in Elk Point. Marjorie Adeline Eidem was born April 10, 1922 in rural Union County, South Dakota, the tenth and youngest child born to Gilbert and Mary (Jensen) Eidem. She attended LaMont Country School and graduated from Elk Point High School in 1940. On April 29, 1941, she was united in marriage to Robert C. Walsh in Elk Point. They had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary before Robert's death in 2006. After their marriage, the couple moved to the Walsh Family Farm where Marjorie took a very active part in the farming operation. Marjorie enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and morning coffee with her neighbors and friends. In 2008, she moved into WEL-Life Assisted Living in Elk Point where the staff and other residents became a part of her extended family. Survivors include her two sons and their wives, James (Jane) Walsh of New Ulm, MN, and Patrick (Cheryl) Walsh of Elk Point; her grandchildren, James (Kelsey) Walsh of Ellicott City, MD, Jody Walsh of Minneapolis, MN, Jason (Becca) Walsh of Sioux Falls, SD, Susan (Todd) Walsh-Radel of Tea, SD, Dominic Bonaiuto of Alexandria, VA, Robert (Allison) Walsh of Vermillion, John Walsh of Chester, OH, and Jeffrey Walsh of New Ulm, MN; three great-grandchildren, Sophia Walsh, Sebastian Bonaiuto, and Vincent Radel; her sister, Florence Wagner of Vermillion, SD, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, her brother, Herbert Eidem, and her seven sisters, Blanche Eidem, Alma Wagner, Gladys Cole, Alice Guy, Mildred Martinson, Grace Holscher, and Bernice Cwyner; and her one granddaughter, Jessica Bonaiuto.

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]]> Aldna M. Ufford [02/07/1908 - 01/04/2012] Aldna M. Ufford, 103, of Rochester, MN, formerly of Vermillion, SD passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Samaritan Bethany Home in Rochester, MN. Aldna was born February 7, 1908, to J. Alfred and Selma (Hoyer) Anderson in Clay County, SD. She attended Vermillion High School and the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, and was a rural school teacher for 18 years until retiring in 1958. She married Fred W. Ufford on November 4, 1931 in Vermillion, South Dakota. Fred died October 29, 1985. Aldna was a member of the First Methodist Church in Vermillion and a member of the Eastern Star and Just-2-B Club. She loved doing puzzles, word search and jumble. Aldna is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Paul Sodt) Horlocker, of Rochester, MN; her two sons, Wayne (Ally) Ufford of Tucson, AZ, and Keith (Judy) Ufford of Chisago City, MN; eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; her infant son; four brothers, Rudy, Irving, Clif, and Sidney; and three sisters, Irene Burton, Austrid Smith and Olivia Peak.

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]]> Hazel G. (Peterson) Vennard [06/27/1919 - 01/04/2012] Hazel G. (Peterson) Vennard, 92, of Vermillion, SD, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Sanford Vermillion Hospital in Vermillion, SD. Hazel was born on June 27, 1919, in rural Clay County, SD, to August and Emma (Carlson) Peterson. While growing up in Clay County she attended Newdale Country School. Following school, Hazel met and married Lyman (Ted) Vennard. Their vows took place on September 18, 1939, and they shared many happy years together until his passing. Hazel is survived by her children, Donald (Yang) Vennard, Delmer (Karen) Vennard, Marilyn (Roger) Peterson, Nancy (Thomas) Scheinost, Larry (Carla) Vennard, Ruth (Paul) Bremer, Lois (John) Hazen, Dale Vennard, Susan (Michael) Welter, Dean (Sherill) Vennard, Wayne Vennard, and Willard (Barbara) Vennard; her sister, Verne Keller; her brother, Lloyd Peterson; 31 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyman Vennard; her parents, August and Emma (Carlson) Peterson; her sons, Edward Vennard, and Lester Vennard; her grandchild, Steven Vennard; her brothers, Raymond Peterson, and Evert Peterson; and her sister, Signe Henrickson.

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