Rickey Peterson, 72, of Woonsocket, passed away Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. 

Graveside services with military honors will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 1, at Spring Hill Cemetery in Gann Valley. Arrangements are with Basham Funeral Service.

Rickey Allen Peterson was born June 20, 1952, in Torrington, Wyo., to Alfred and Dorothy (Heller) Peterson. 

He spent much of his life in Sanborn County attending school in Lane. In 1972, he enlisted in the Army, serving honorably until his discharge in 1974. He later continued his commitment to service in the National Guard for several years. In his younger days, Rickey found joy in hunting and fishing.

On May 21, 1974, Rickey married the love of his life, Patricia Ann (Uphoff) Peterson. Together, they built a home in Woonsocket, where they raised their family. Rickey embraced Patricia’s daughter, Sherry, as his own, formally adopting her, and the couple went on to have three children together: Allen, Samantha, and Aric. Rickey lived a life defined by love, service, and family.

He is survived by his children, Sherry (Brandon) Peterson-Luthi, Allen Peterson, Aric Peterson, and Samantha (Corey) Minor, and three grandchildren.

Rickey was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia. 

Viola “Vi” Mae Goergen, 87, of Woonsocket, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. 

Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, Feb. 17, at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket. Burial followed at St. Wilfrid Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday, also at the church, with a prayer service. Arrangements were with Basham Funeral Service.

Viola “Vi” Mae was born in Mitchell, to Harold and Edna (Robbins) Smith on Nov. 28, 1937. The Smith family lived on a farm near Cuthbert, where Vi grew up.

She attended grade school from kindergarten through eighth grade in Cuthbert. She attended ninth through 12th grade in Woonsocket, where she graduated. After high school, she attended the National School of Business in Rapid City, where she achieved a secretarial degree. During college, Vi worked at the Bean Bag Grocery Store in Rapid City. After returning to Woonsocket, she worked at Van Dykes, Prairie View Health Care, and Karen’s Kitchen.   

She was united in marriage to Donald Houghton on Aug. 25, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Woonsocket. They were blessed with two children, Sandy and Doug.

Donald passed away in April of 1958. Vi married Leo Goergen on Nov. 9, 1960. Vi and Leo were blessed with four children, Lee, Kathy, Gary, and Brian.  

Vi loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a life-long fan of the New York Yankees and an avid watcher of game shows on TV.

She is survived by her children, Sandy (Kevin) Hahn of Wakonda, Doug (Elizabeth) Houghton of Dover, Fla., Rayna Goergen of Woonsocket, Kathy (Pete) McWhorter of Woonsocket, Gary (Julie) Goergen of Omaha, Neb., Brian (Chantelle) Goergen of Alexandria; one sister, Karen (Jim) Mattke of Huron; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Houghton; husband, Leo Goergen; son, Lee Goergen; great-grandson, Rory Goergen; her sisters, Helen Linke and spouse Lloyd, Eileen Linke and spouse Harold, Ruth Gaetze and spouse Ivan; brother, Wayne Smith and spouse Ila; and several nieces and nephews.

Gayland Robert “Frenchy” Trudeau, 98, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Feb. 15, 2025.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5-7 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Tea, with a time of sharing at 6 p.m. and Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas in Tea. In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions/dedications are preferred, or donations to the charitable organization of your choice.

Frenchy was born in Woonsocket on Feb. 9, 1927. He started dating Bernice the night she was voted “the most beautiful girl” at a Ruskin Park dance and married her on Sept. 14, 1949. He was drafted to the Marine Corps in January of 1952, during the Korean War. Frenchy was discharged in January 1954. Then, he returned to his farming career. In December 1958, Frenchy became a rural mail carrier, covering a 125 mile/day route in the plains of South Dakota.

Frenchy was a husband of 75 years and father of 11 children, a Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church, Marine Corps Veteran, farmer, rural mail carrier, school board member, 4-H Leader, Facebooker, jokester, dancer, and card player. He was not shy about his opinions nor short on sharing so much of his knowledge and experience with others. Religion was an important part of life for Frenchy.  He prayed daily for years. He also prayed his daily Rosary, naming each of his 90+ family members until he passed away.

Frenchy is survived by his wife of 75 years, Bernice (nee Anderson); 11 children, Mark (Sheri), Mike, Cyndi Ault, Lori (Thomas) Cobb, Denise (George) Sechser, Kevin (Ruby), Ann (Lee) Knigge, Trent, Ryan (Edana), Eric, Travis (Deonne); 26 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, Cleo and Helen; sister, Mary Midgard; brothers-in-law, Ed Midgard and George Fuerst; sister-in-law, Ava Fuerst; grandson, Gabriel Ault; and great-grandson, Isaiah Orsten-Sechser.