Clifford L. Alt, 71, of Fresno, Calif., passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Clifford was born on March 22, 1951, to Aaron and Ellen (Pearson) Alt, in Huron, S.D. During his first year of college, Cliff met the love of his life, Ada Jensen, from Woonsocket. They were united in marriage on August 12, 1972 in Huron, S.D. The couple soon started their family and lived in Forestburg until 1985 when they decided to move to Fresno, California. After moving to Fresno, Clifford worked for Case IH, later switching over to Pioneer Equipment Co., where he sold farm equipment for the past 20 years. 

Cliff loved nothing more than spending time with his family, immediate and extended.  Some of his favorite pastimes over the years included playing softball, taking trips on his Harley Davidson, spending time on his boat, visiting relatives and hunting in his hometown of Forestburg, playing with his grandchildren, challenging anyone to a game of corn hole, and, of course, having a good conversation over a cold Coors Light.  His smile and laugh were infectious, and his personality unmatched.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ada Alt; children, Carter, Erin (Jamey), Cole (Janelle), Ashley, and Jordan; grandchildren, Clover, Cash, Cannon, Aubriella, and Avery; and siblings, Richard, Linda, and Nancy. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Rodney.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. 

Elvina Johnson, 78, passed away on Dec. 9, 2022, after a brief stay at Weskota Memorial Hospital in Wessington Springs.

Elvina was born to Fredrick “Fritz” and Hattie (Guerke) Brandenburg of rural Plankinton on March 15, 1944. She enjoyed her time as a girl growing up on the farm with her sister and their dogs and horses. She graduated from Plankinton High School and attended Stewart’s School for cosmetology in Sioux Falls. 

Elvina started a family and was a mother to two sons. She was employed and later self-employed as a beautician. She engaged in many employment opportunities, doing everything from bartending to improving home interiors. She was a talented seamstress, sewing drapery and clothing, along with upholstering furniture. She was able to move back to the country, where she kept horses and calves and eventually got into raising Labradors, golden retrievers and Weimaraner dogs. She received letters and cards from people across the country who received puppies from her.

Elvina is survived by her sons, John Harless of Woonsocket and Mike Johnson of Delmont; and sister, Arlene Brandenburg of Mitchell; five granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Kirsten Harless; an infant great-granddaughter, Harper Gillen; and two nieces, Terri Eimers and Teresa Geroy.

Nancy J. Baysinger, 83, of Forestburg, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.

Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 19, at the Artesian Community Center. Burial followed at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Artesian. Visitation was Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Artesian Community Center.

Nancy Jane Baysinger was born on Jan. 15, 1939, to Paul and Gladys (Porter) Bauer, at the Bosley Home in Woonsocket. She was ill off and on for the first four years of her life, but once she got rid of her tonsils she was “on the go.” Her family moved from Woonsocket to a farm owned by Andrew Peterson. She attended the McDonald School in Jackson Township through the eighth grade. She then attended Forestburg High School where she graduated in 1957. She spent her summers helping her dad on the farm. Nancy enjoyed roller skating and dancing at Ruskin Park during the summers as well.

While in high school, Nancy met the love of her life, LaVern “Bulgie” Baysinger. They were united in marriage on Oct. 29, 1960, at the St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket. The couple then moved to Fort Riley, Kan., while Bulgie served in the Army before returning to Forestburg in 1962. Together, they had three children, Marli, Shane, and Thad. In 1973, they had an opportunity to rent a farm southeast of Forestburg, which they operated for many years. Nancy loved the farm and farming. While Bulgie worked in town, she managed the farm until he retired from his job in 1985. They continued to farm and have livestock together until selling the cattle in 1998, before eventually retiring completely. Following retirement, they enjoyed a fishing trip with family in Alaska. Nancy enjoyed crafting, camping, taking care of her large flower garden, and helping haul melons with her son, Shane.

She is survived by her daughter, Marli Baysinger; two sons, Shane (Lynette) Baysinger and Thad (Shawna) Baysinger, all of Forestburg; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie Rogers of Woonsocket; one brother, Roger (Marilyn) Bauer of Billings, Mont.; one brother-in-law, Dick (Arlene) Baysinger of Mitchell; one sister-in-law, Janet Eining of Sioux Falls; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bulgie in 2019; and one brother-in-law, Ralph Rogers.

Arrangements were with the Willoughby Funeral Home in Howard.