Dennis Zoss, 73, of Letcher, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Avera McKennan and University Health Center in Sioux Falls after battling cancer.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 14, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Garden in Mitchell. Visitation was Friday, Jan. 13, at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Dennis Jacob Zoss was born in Mitchell to Jake and Erma (Adams) Zoss on April 28, 1949. He grew up on the family farm north of Letcher. Dennis attended Logan Township School until becoming a Forestburg Buccaneer. He graduated in 1967. Dennis went on to Southern State College in Springfield, graduating in 1971. While at Southern State College, he wrestled and still has the record for quickest pin for heavyweight. He was a proud Southern State College Pointer.

After college, Dennis married Paula Schmoll. To this union, three children were born. Dennis made his home on the family farm until his passing. Dennis worked in manufacturing for a major part of his life. Dennis enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and watching Jeopardy. Dennis also enjoyed his coffee group after church on Sundays. He loved to attend events in which the grandchildren were participating.

Dennis is survived by his children, Amanda (Dan) Neugebauer of Sioux Falls and Kimberly Lofgren (Chad Evans) of Mitchell; bonus daughter, Kelsey (Dzenan) Berberovic of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren; his siblings, Don (Susan Hershberger) of Sunshine, Ariz., Maurice (Deb) Zoss of Loomis, Jackie (Al) Bowling of Anchorage, Alaska, and John (Donna) Zoss of Layfette, Ind.; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dennis is preceded in death by his son, Darin Zoss; parents, Jake and Erma Zoss; and sister, Noretta Tines.

Lyle Pence, 102, of Mitchell, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 14, at Will Funeral Chapel. Burial was in Westlawn Cemetery in Letcher. Visitation with a prayer service was held Friday, Jan. 13, at Will Funeral Chapel.

Lyle Pence, son of Herman and Alta (Driggs) Pence, was born Nov. 12, 1920, in Letcher. He attended school in Letcher, graduating in 1938. 

He served in the US Army during World War II and drove truck. Lyle served in Iran and Iraq, bringing supplies from shipping ports to be trucked north through the mountains of Iraq and Iran to support the Russians, who were fighting the Third Reich Forces.

He returned to farm in the Letcher area at the close of World War II. Lyle was united in marriage with Darleen Johnson on Sept. 30, 1947, in Mt. Vernon. He carried mail on the Letcher route for many years.

Lyle loved to visit with people. Lyle had a sharp mind and could remember people and events that happened in his life and the lives of those around him. Lyle was thankful for farming, the Post Office, the love of music and his neighbors. He attended the Letcher Community Church for over 60 years and sang for church occasions. 

Lyle is survived by his children, Clinton (Holly) Pence of Mitchell, Murray (Jackie) Pence of Vancouver, Wash., and Ricky (Sue) Pence of Sioux Falls; a son-in-law, Gary Fawbush of Madison; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren; a brother, Delmar (Wanessa) Pence of Kingman, Ariz.; sisters-in-law, Verna Feistner and Donna Johnson; and nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darleen; a daughter, Linda; a grandchild, Kassia Darleen; brothers, Darrel and Arlan; a sister, Elaine; and his parents, Herman and Alta Pence. 

Lyle Pence, 102, of Mitchell passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Will Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery in Letcher. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on Friday, Jan. 13, at Will Funeral Chapel.