Howard Moore, 92, of Mitchell, formerly of Artesian, passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. 

Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 21, at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial was at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian. Visitation was Wednesday at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a prayer service. The family asks that memorials be made to the Midwest Honor Flight, Sanborn County 4-H, or Sanborn Central Scholarship Foundation.

Howard Austin Moore was born on April 3, 1932, in Wessington Springs, to Walter and Esther (Wetzel) Moore. His family later moved to the Mitchell area, where Howard attended Betts and Riverside Schools. He completed two years of high school in Letcher and graduated from Artesian High School in 1950.

Howard entered the U.S. Army on Aug. 12, 1952, and served in the Korean War with the 147th Field Artillery. He was severely burned in December 1954, suffering burns over 80 percent of his body. After extensive treatment and recovery in Japan and Texas, he was honorably discharged. Returning to civilian life, Howard resumed farming and raised Registered Angus cattle. He also managed the Green Door in Fedora, alongside Bob Trusty for two years.

On Dec. 21, 1957, Howard married Myrna Moschell at Bethany Lutheran Church in Howard. Together, they raised four children in Artesian. In 1960, Howard was appointed as a rural mail carrier in Artesian, a position he held for 28 years. He balanced his postal duties with part-time farming and cattle raising until 1994, when he turned the farm over to his son, Jerry.

Howard was deeply involved in his community and faith. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing and coaching in baseball leagues. He was an active member of the First Lutheran Church, serving in various leadership roles, and a lifetime member of the Artesian American Legion. He also belonged to the Elks and Moose Lodge. One of his biggest honors was participating in the Midwest Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2019 as part of Mission 5.

Howard took joy in supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their school and community events. An avid outdoorsman, Howard enjoyed hunting and fishing trips, and he enjoyed playing pitch and pinochle. Holiday traditions, especially oyster stew on Christmas Eve, held a special place in his heart. In his later years, Howard cherished the friendships he made at the Avera Brady home.

Howard is survived by his children, Chloe Andenas of Howard, Jerry (Pam) Moore, of Artesian, Roger (Judy) Moore of Minong, Wis., and Cheryl (Roger) Schmit of Artesian; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Bechen of Mitchell; and brother-in-law, Richard (Bonnie) Moschell of Kenosha, Wis.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Myrna; sister, Marg; brothers, Melvin and Earl; son-in-law, Mads Andenas; and many other loved ones.

Gladys Kieser, 96, of Wessington Springs, passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at Weskota Manor Avera in Wessington Springs. 

Funeral services were Monday, Nov. 25, at Wessington Springs Methodist Church. Burial was at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Wessington Springs. Visitation was Sunday at Wessington Springs Methodist Church with a prayer service. Arrangements were by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Gladys Darlene (Leischner) Kieser was born to Edward and Esther (Hoffman) Leischner on May 28, 1928, at the Marie McVey Maternity Home in Wessington Springs. She was baptized Oct. 14, 1928, in the New Zion German Congregational Church in Bates Township, Hand County and confirmed in 1942 in the Congregational Church of Wessington Springs. Gladys graduated from the Wessington Springs High School in 1946. After graduation, she was employed in the office of the South Dakota Health Department in the Capitol in Pierre.  She then took an office position in the AAA (now FSA) Office in the Jerauld County Courthouse. Two years later, she served as Teller and Bookkeeper at the Bank of Wessington Springs until August of 1950. 

Gladys married Kenneth L. Kieser on Aug. 27, 1950.  They lived on the Kieser homestead farm southeast of Wessington Springs until 1993. At the age of 60, she joined the work force again and was hired by the Soil Conservation Office to help with the Wetland Inventory in Jerauld and Sanborn Counties. In 1988, she began working part-time for Bridgman Law Office and worked there until 2000.

Gladys’ passion was music, and she loved to sing. She loved the Lord, and her church was a priority in her life, serving in various positions, was a member of UMW, and sang in church choirs for 48 years. At the age of 75, she was introduced to painting, which became another passion. Ken and Gladys enjoyed traveling.

Gladys is survived by children, Randy (Linda) of Torrington, Wyo., Debbie (Dale) Kunkel of Loveland, Colo., and Jeffry “Hub” (Laura) of Wessington Springs; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her brother, Dale Leischner of Buffalo, Wyo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; parents; parents-in-law, Ward and Lulu Kieser; sisters, Rella Beaudoin, Jean Jones, and Betty Klaus; three brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law.