Bobby D. Jensen, 88, of Alpena, passed onto his heavenly home on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at the Weskota Manor in Wessington Springs with his family by his side.

His funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket, with burial at the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Wessington Springs. Visitations were held on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket with a prayer service and one hour prior to the service at the Church on Wednesday. 

Bob was born to Clifford and Nellie (Heggen) Jensen at Storla. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Storla. He moved to Alpena with his family in 1941 and met the love of his life, Ruth Hindman.  They married in October of 1952 and were fortunate to spend 69 wonderful years together. To this union, five children were born, Steve, Valerie, Craig, David and Vicki. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army becoming a paratrooper, and he was honorably discharged in 1954.

Bob farmed, trucked, and ran a cow-calf operation. He was a successful businessman and expanded his career and purchased grain elevators in Lane, Plankinton, Armour and Woonsocket. He was a jockey and owned and raced quarter and thoroughbred horses and won many races.

He was a member of the Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket. He also served his community as a county commissioner and served on the WMMC and HRMC boards. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Alpena.

Most of all, Bob loved his family and loved telling them stories.  Attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities was a highlight. He felt his most accomplished things in life were instilling a strong work ethic, love, faith and honesty to his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 69 years; five children, Steve (Joan) of Alpena, Valerie (Glen) Hohn of Woonsocket, Craig (Peggi) of Wessington Springs, David (Kathy) of Alpena, and Vicki (Orv) Harmdierks of Wessington Springs; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; one brother, Les (Mary) Jensen of Alpena; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, (twin-sister) Betty Jean Jensen, Marian (Jensen) Anderson, Ardis (Jensen) Grace, and Nellie at birth; three brothers, John Jensen, Lloyd Jensen and Willis Jensen; granddaughter, Stephanie Jensen; and daughter-in-law, Vicki Jensen.

Alice M. Eckmann, 86, of Cavour, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. 

Her memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Welter Funeral Home in Huron.

Alice Mae Eckmann was born in Huron on Nov. 12, 1935. She was the first child born to Michael Waldner and Winnefred Bowder. When Alice started the second grade, her parents moved to Richmond, Calif., to work in the Kaiser Shipyards. Alice stayed with her grandparents and joined her parents later. After World War II, she and her parents moved back to Huron. Alice graduated from Huron High School in 1955. She played the violin and bass violin in the school orchestra. She later attended Huron College.

Alice married Melvin Magnus Eckmann on June 15, 1955, in the American Lutheran Church where they were baptized as infants, confirmed and were members of the church. After marriage, Alice and Melvin resided on the farm south of Cavour. To this union, one son was born.

Alice began work as a homemaker and helped with all the farm chores. Alice was the top salesperson for North Western House Wares in Huron. Later, she worked for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and was honored in Fargo as the top salesperson in her district. Alice also did Home Healthcare. 

Alice made wedding cakes for several weddings. She took a course in stained glass at college, and later, she took private lessons on China painting, entering her pieces at the State Fair, where she won the top ribbon in her category; her China painting was sent to Oklahoma City, Okla., to the World Organization of China Painters for one year on display. Alice loved to sew, and she designed and made several beautiful garments. Alice liked to crochet, embroider, and do Norwegian needle work (harsdanger). She loved to go fishing, fly kites and listen to the birds. Alice loved to garden and can produce. She loved to go ballroom and square dancing and belonged to several dance clubs with her husband. She also played dice with family members.

Alice is survived by her son, Dennis; one granddaughter; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Heesen of Sioux Falls and Jean Iverson of Colorado; two nephews and two nieces.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin, of 57 years; and two brothers-in-law, Everett Heesen and Dale Iverson.

Edna Baade, 98, of Mitchell, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. 

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.