Robert “Bob” Siedschlaw passed away September 30th, 2021, at Greenhouse Living in Sheridan, Wyo., at age 76 after a long illness with dementia. 

Bob was born June 23, 1945, in Huron, S.D. He grew up in Woonsocket, S.D., surrounded by his parents, Wenton and Betty Siedschlaw and five siblings. He was active in Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout Rank) and kept those principles throughout his life. He loved helping others whenever the opportunity arose. This act of servanthood was evidenced by his career in the Army National Guard, Sturgis Fire Department, Lawrence County Search and Rescue, Shriner Clown squad, Fraternal Order of Masons and as a longtime member of the Sturgis First United Methodist Church.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 54 years, Jill, and their two children and grandchildren, Jay and Jennifer (Abigail and Jacob) of Otsego, Minn., and Molly and Al Mason (Gillian, Karly and Quinn) of Sheridan, Wyo. Bob is survived by one brother, Kurt (Joni Tschetter) Siedschlaw; two sisters, Bonnie (Larry) Traetow of Fairmont, Minn., and Nancy (Lonnie) Nack of Aberdeen, S.D.; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dick Siedschlaw; sisters, Mary Alice and Marjorie Siedschlaw; brother-in-law, Thomas Selland; nephew, Scott Siedschlaw; and nieces, Katie and Andrea Traetow.

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family requests that you help another person the next time you see someone in need, don’t hesitate or be afraid of helping or serving. Bob would be honored to know you helped someone through his example. Don’t let those moments of opportunity pass you by, be the change you want to see in the world!

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sturgis First United Methodist Church and inurnment at Black Hills National Cemetery with Military Honors tentatively set for June 25, 2022.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheridanfuneral.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Sheridan Funeral Home.

Robert Lee Koepke, 76, of Mitchell, passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at his residence under hospice care.  Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 1, at Will Funeral Chapel; visitation will begin one hour prior. Burial will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

Robert was born Sept. 29, 1944, in Sioux Falls to Alvin and Norma (King) Koepke.  He graduated high school and attended college.  He married Carol Desmet on Sept. 10, 1966.

Robert enjoyed hunting, target shooting and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He truly loved learning about history, watching the history channel and reading books. He also loved having coffee with his coffee buddies and watching wrestling.  Robert once won Dakota Cash and gave the majority of the money away to his children; which pleased him very much to be able to share his good fortune.  

Robert is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Jeff (Laura) Koepke, Janene (David) Wingert, Susan Thompson; 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be sent to Avera Hospice and the Salvation Army.

James “Jim” A. Spelbring, 65, of Forestburg, passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Sanborn County 4-H building in Forestburg. Burial was in Eventide Cemetery at Woonsocket. Minister Diana Senska officiated. Visitations were held Monday, Sept. 27, with prayer service at the Basham Funeral Home in Woonsocket.

Jim was born in Parkston on June 12, 1956, to Charley and Burnette (Knutson) Spelbring. His family spent a short time in Ethan before moving to Forestburg, where he spent the rest of his life. Jim attended Forestburg School as a Buccaneer, where he proudly held the Freshman 100 record. While growing up, he was a “sheep catcher” for his dad and spent a lot of time at his Uncle Vernon’s farm. He was known as “Spelly” to all his friends in and around Forestburg.

He married Kathy Mackey in 1983, and out of this union, his two daughters were born. He later married Dawn Brick in 2002. He worked for Sanborn County as a road grader before working for Commercial Asphalt and later for Loiseau Construction, where he earned the nickname “Watermelon.” He also spent many years doing upholstery work. 

In the last few years, he worked for Shane Baysinger hauling melons, and then later buying and selling his own melons and pumpkins. He had many hobbies that included old cars, all things John Deere and attending auctions. He had many hounds throughout his years that he considered his other children. 

Jim is survived by his daughters, Annie (Steve) Schoenhard of Chamberlain and Meghan (Aaron) Olson of Platte; two grandchildren; brother, Rodney (Beverly) Spelbring of Gillette, Wyo.; sister, Shirley Olson of Artesian; brother, Mike (Barb) Spelbring of Pierre; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn Spelbring; his parents, Charley and Burnette; his brothers, Donald, Edward, and Everett; his sister, Peggy; and brother-in-law, Doyle Olson.