John Michael Thomson, 36, formerly of Lake Andes, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, at his home in Sioux Falls of natural causes.

Funeral Mass was held on Monday, Jan. 21, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Lake Andes. Rosary/Wake services were Sunday, Jan. 20, at the church.

John Michael Thomson was born Aug. 5, 1982, in Brookings, the son of Robert and Julie (Howard) Thomson. John graduated from Andes Central High School in 2000. He attended Mitchell Technical School from 2001-2003, graduating with an Associates Degree in computer system technology. John continued his education at Dakota Wesleyan University, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business.

John worked various accounting positions at Furniture Outlets USA, POET, Davison County Auditor’s office, and ELO. John moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, to live with his brother. He returned to Sioux Falls and worked at various positions.

Grateful to have shared his life are his parents, Robert and Julie Thomson of Lake Andes; brothers, Steven (Lacey) of Dell Rapids, and Michael (Kate) of Kaneohe, Hawaii; three nieces; one nephew; grandparents, Margaret Thomson of Lake Andes, and Patrick and Marlene Howard of Woonsocket; uncles and aunts; and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas A. Thomson; uncles, Rodney and Joseph Howard, and William Koenig; and cousins, Nicholas Dumdei, and Jacob and Vincent Addison. 

Duane Leland Morgan, 90, of Artesian, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, in Mitchell.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial was at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian. Visitation was held Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Duane Leland Morgan was born Sept. 3, 1928, to Virgil and Blanche (Ferguson) Morgan in Mitchell. He grew up on a farm south of Artesian. Duane attended high school in Artesian, graduating in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. He returned to the Artesian area and farmed. 

Duane was united in marriage to Virginia Kay Wendt on Oct. 9, 1960. The couple had six children and continued to farm until his retirement.

He enjoyed building and flying his own planes and spending time with his family.

Duane is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia; six children, Dennis (Donna) Morgan, of Artesian, Darla (Pat) Kiner, of Mitchell, Daryl (Anna) Morgan, of Abilene, Texas, Dale (Marie) Morgan, of Artesian, Darren (Anita) Morgan, of Abilene, Texas, and Dean Morgan, of Forestburg; 13 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Doris Hart, of Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bethal; three brothers-in-law, Les Fawcett, Doug Hart, and Robert Wendt.

Lee Goergen, 57, of Woonsocket, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket. Burial was in Eventide Cemetery, Woonsocket. Visitation was at the church on Tuesday, Jan. 22, with family present. The family requests donations be given to the Woonsocket Volunteer Fire Department.

John “Lee” Goergen was born Sept. 3, 1961, to Leo and Viola Goergen. He lived and worked in Woonsocket his entire life. 

On Feb. 4, 1984, he married Rayna Boschee and they had one son, Brandon. 

Lee was an active member of the Wide Awake Hose Company for 35 years until his passing, where he served in various officer positions including Chief for several years. He enjoyed his job as Sanborn County Highway Superintendent for 22 years. Lee also served on the Woonsocket City Council for several years.

Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, watching Western movies, tinkering on his race car, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Rayna; son, Brandon (Jennifer); two grandchildren; mother, Viola; sister, Mary Katherine (Pete) McWhorter; brother, Gary (Julie) Goergen; brother, Brian (Chantelle) Goergen; half-sister, Sandy (Kevin) Hahn; half-brother, Douglas (Elizabeth) Houghton; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Slick.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo; father- and mother-in-law, Elmer and Judy Boschee; and several aunts and uncles.