Michael F. Houlihan, 93, passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2019, in Orange, Calif. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Columban Catholic Church in Garden Grove, Calif. 

Michael Houlihan was born March 28, 1926, to Mike M. and Gertrude (Coughlin) Houlihan in the Lane area. He grew up in South Dakota working on the family farm and later went into the United States Navy, where he served several years. Michael later moved to California, where he was employed with Northrop for 35 years. A true Irishman, Mike found joy in telling and retelling a good story.

Michael is survived by his children Patricia, Beth and Mike; four grandchildren; one brother, Leo of California; and one sister, Roseanna Burnison, of Sioux Falls. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Pat and Joe; and his sisters, Marie, Gertrude, Ellen and Bernice.

Gene Denison, 90, of Huron, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, at Prairie View Healthcare Center, Woonsocket. His memorial service was Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Riverview United Methodist Church, with military honors by the Virgil American Legion Post 268 and the Huron Veterans Council. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery. His visitation was Monday, Dec. 2, at the Kuhler Funeral Home.

Gene William Denison was born July 14, 1929, to William “Jake” and Ingabelle (Evenson) Denison at Virgil. He spent his youth in Virgil playing baseball and basketball, riding motorcycles, driving truck and working at the local elevator. He spent a summer tinning grain elevators. He graduated from Virgil High School and Huron College.

Gene married Norma Bonesteel on June 10, 1951. They enjoyed a short time together prior to his tour of duty in Korea with the 45th Infantry Division. He was awarded a Bronze Star.

On his return home, Gene and Norma went to Vermillion where she taught school, and he completed his Master’s degree in political science. He used that degree to return to Huron College to teach political science and history for many years. After receiving his doctorate from the University of South Dakota, Gene served as Dean of Students.

Gene served as Mayor of Huron from 1960 to 1965. During his term, Huron approved the new library, the new high school, the Diversion Dam, and several other projects. He completed his career as the Beadle County Director of Equalization. 

Gene and Norma enjoyed a long retirement, traveling and being in Huron. He spent his last few years with dementia; although losing his memory, he retained his personality.

Gene is survived by his wife, Norma; two sons, Matt and Jeff; and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Jeff’s wife, Susan; and his brother, Virgil.

Violet Adeline Hansen, 97, of Huron, passed away Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at the Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. At her request, cremation has taken place and a service will be held later, with burial at the Union Cemetery in Wakonda. Arrangements are under the care of Kuhler Funeral Home of Huron and Hansen Funeral Home of Irene. 

Violet Adeline Thompson was born July 25, 1922, to Albert and Bergatha (Jordahl) Thompson on a farm southwest of Colman. She attended Ash Grove Country School and graduated from Colman High School in 1940. During the War, she worked at the Sioux Falls Air Base and the Ogden Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. In her later years, she worked at Mette Cold Storage in Madison and Sinai Locker Service in Sinai.

She married Virgil W. Hansen on May 8, 1976. They lived for many years in Sinai. In August 1991, they moved to Wakonda. She was very active at First Lutheran Church, the Senior Center and with Heritage Manor Auxiliary. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She loved to knit and crochet.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her daughter, Barbara (Larry) Lionberger; son, Eugene (Kelly) Johnson; five grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1997; her parents; a son, Robert Remes; three sisters; and three brothers.