Rapid City Journal from Rapid City, South Dakota • 6

Tuesday, December 9,2008 TODAY'S OBITUARIES Darrell James Coleman, infant Porcupine Karen J. Comes Killing, 52 Aurora, Colo. Elmer LeRoy Herber, 87 Spearfish Donald A. L'Esperance, 89 Rapid City Oliver Charles Harris, 92 Hot Springs Harold S. Neff, 81 Hill City Calvin N.

'Chad' Reid, 83 Sturgis Geneva F. Schoenrock, 89 Fairbury, Neb. Bertha M. 'Bert' Soper, 80 Hot Springs Robert E. Sundstrom, 92 Custer Andrew Frank Szilvasi, 78 Sturgis Janice M.

Weinkauf, 66 Rapid City Harold S. Neff HILL CITY Harold S. Today's services Neff, 81, Hill City, died Sun- Donald Roy Chord Sr. day, Dec. 7, 2008, at Foun- 10:30 a.m.

at Central Meade tain Springs Health Care Cen- County Community Center in ter. Union Center Survivors Neff, include two sons, Emmid W. Dreaming Bear Doug Red Wind, 10 at Brother Rene and Bob Neff, Clermont, a.m. three daughters, Georgiana Catholic Hall in Oglala Neff and Sue Jarvis, both of John Delbert Hamling Hill City, and Wanda Larson, 10 a.m. at Foothills Community Mantorville, grand- Baptist Church in Piedmont children; 12 great-grandchil- Arthur "Art" Hoff 10 a.m.

at dren; and 1 one sister, Donna St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freed, Albuquerque, N.M. Arrangements are pending Spearfish. with Osheim and Schmidt Fu- Floyd F. Peck 11 a.m.

at neral Home. McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs James "Jim" Perrett 10:30 a.m. at Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Rapid City Elmer LeRoy Herber Dennis C. Shot 10 a.m. at St.

SPEARFISH Elmer LeRoy Agnes Hall in Manderson. Herber, 87, Spearfish, died Eugene Lee Stretches -1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at CST at St. Luke's Episcopal Spearfish Regional Hospital.

Church in Fort Yates, N.D. Arrangements are pending Brianne Lynn Ziegler with Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Ser- 10 a.m. at Mother Butler Cenvice of Spearfish. ter in Rapid City. MAYOR: L'Esperance called a strong civic leader in the city.

From Page Al serve and spark a sense of community service in his family. of us have been involved in community service in some way, shape or form," he said. "Dad always instilled in us a sense of giving back to the community. His legacy would be that's what he taught his family to That and to appreciate vintage automobiles and be optimistic, said nephew Jerry Apa of Lead. He remembers a pair of purple Mustangs, a 1929 Buick, and has a 1937 Ford four sedan that he got from his uncle.

As a youth, L'Esperance broke both legs in a fall down stairs, forcing him to use canes to get around, Apa said. "In spite of that handicap, he was always cheerful. He was very seldom disagreeable. He was just a great State Sen. Stan Adelstein knew L'Esperance for over 50 years and worked with him politically on a number of things.

Adelstein said he and L'Esperance shared a love for Rapid City, and would often talk about ways to make the town grow. "He was also one of these, I guess we'd call them 'centrist He had no prejudice about any other point of view. He talked keeping the party all-inclusive, and was really concerned, before anyone else was, about people who were poor." Adelstein said L'Esperance always felt he had a responsibility to the customers of his plumbing company, Mellgren Plumbing, of which L'Esperance was office manager and from 1949- 1986. Adelstein said L'Esperance was willing to respond himself, or find someone to respond, at any hour of day or night. "The central thing about Don L'Esperance is i he combined intelligence, caring, strong opinions and courtesy," The Rapid City Journal is published daily by the Rapid City Journal Co.

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Don loved woodworking and working on his antique cars, including membership in the Historical Auto Club of the BH. Don served on a multitude of boards, nonprofit associations and other clubs. including the SD Association of HVAC Contractors, the YMCA, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Elks Lodge 1187 Board of Trustees (and a 65-year member of the Elks). Don was very proud to have served on the Rapid City Council from 1953-1956, during which time he also served as the second youngest Mayor and served in the SD House of Representatives from 1957- years, retiring in 2004 from Black Hills Neurology. Jan loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and her heart was always in nursing.

She enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening, bicycling, fishing and especially dancing. Jan was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Black Hills Singles Club and Starting Over Singles Club. She is survived by her daughter, Tonya Burns and husband Bill of Sioux Falls and their children Marissa, Benjamin and Olivia; her son, Troy Weinkauf and wife Lynette of Rapid City and their children Geneva F. Schoenrock FAIRBURY, Neb. Geneva F.

Schoenrock, 89, Fairbury, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, in Fairbury. Survivors include three daughters, Geniva Richardson Burns and Maxine Schoenrock, both of Rapid City, S.D., and Mary Podoll, Albuquerque, N.M.; one son, John Schoenrock, Lincoln; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Edna Molthan, Lincoln. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl. Services will be at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Zion United Church of Christ in Gladstone, with the Rev. Deb Valentine officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family's choice.

Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Karen J. Comes Killing AURORA, Colo. Karen J. Comes Killing, 52, Aurora, died Saturday, Dec.

6, 2008, at home. Arrangements are pending with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, S.D.. Robert E. Sundstrom CUSTER Robert E. Sundstrom, 92, Custer, died Monday, Nov.

24, 2008, in Custer. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Survivors include his daughter, Starla Sweet, Custer; his son, Brent Sundstrom, Newcastle, eight grandchildren; and two stepdaughters, Patsy Barber, Anchorage, Alaska, and Bonita Carr, Hazen, N.D. Graveside services were held at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle Nov.

29, under the direction of Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle. 1962. Don was very active in the Republican Party at both the local and state levels and dearly loved both his community and his state. Don received the Jaycees local and state Distinguished Service Award and the local and district Sertoma Service to Mankind Award. One of Don's most personally fulfilling, proudest and cherished achievements was serving on the study committee to merge St.

John's and Bennett-Clarkson hospitals and upon completion of the merger into Rapid City Regional Hospital, serving on the Board of Directors from 1973-1978, including Chairman from 1974- 1977. Don was preceded in death by Eileen, his wife of 62 years, and one grandson. Don is survived by his five children, David (Delsie) of Rapid City, Judi Pzinski (Stan) Danielle and Jenna; two sisters, Judy Werkmeister and husband Gary of Madison and Cynthia Thompson of Brookings. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Larry and infant brother Stanley. Visitation will be from 4 p.m.

to 6 p.m. today at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Faith Lutheran Church in Rapid City, with Pastor Howard Stockman officiating.

Family and friends may sign Jan's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com Andrew Frank Szilvasi STURGIS Andrew Frank Szilvasi, 78, Sturgis, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at home. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Szilvasi, Sturgis; three daughters, Diane Cripps, Youngsville, Cathy Barker, Texarkana, Texas, and Jeanne Pawlowski, Sturgis; one son, Andrew T. Szilvasi, Pierre; nine grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; one brother, George Szilvasi, Midland, and two sisters, Mary Veres, Ellwood City, and Sister Elizabeth Szilvasi, Akron, Ohio. A private family service will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. An online guestbook is available at www.kinkadefunerals.com. Bertha M.

'Bert' Soper HOT SPRINGS Bertha M. "Bert" Soper, 80, Hot Springs died Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospice House in Rapid City. Survivors include two sons, David Soper, Hot Springs, and Kelly Soper, The Dells, one daughter, Penny Wager, Hot Springs; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 p.m.

to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec.

12, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Peter Dahlberg officiating. Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. An online guestbook is available at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

Obituary questions Call the Journal's obituary desk at 394-8420 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. of Four Corners, WY, Keith (Enola) of Rapid City, Mary Anne Waba (Don) of Gillette, WY and Jim (Shirley) of Rapid City; two sisters, DeDe Binder of Rapid City and Audrey Nichols of Atlanta, GA; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday; Dec. 11, at the First Wesleyan Church, 202 E.

St. Francis, with the Rev. Steve Selfridge and the Rev. Mike Schultz officiating. Burial will follow at Mt.

View Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Don's name to the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation. Friends may sign his online guestbook at www.osheim schmidt.com. Calvin N. 'Chad' Reid STURGIS Calvin Norman "Chad" Reid, 83, Sturgis, died Sunday, Dec.

7, 2008, at the Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Muriel Reid, Sturgis; two daughters, Renee Herrman, Dupree, and Daina Sorgani, Belleville, five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Arrangements are pending with the Black Hills Funeral Home Cremation Services of Sturgis. Journal obituary policy The Rapid City Journal offers obituaries as a way to inform friends throughout the area about the death of a person. Obituaries also offer families the opportunity to provide a final public memorial.

The Journal offers two kinds of obituaries: A standard obituary will list the name, age and residence of the deceased, along with surviving spouse, children, brothers and sisters, number of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and funeral arrangements. Names of spouses preceding them in death and memorials established will also be listed. Obituaries for veterans will detail their service and display an American flag. There is no charge for this obituary. A memorial obituary, for which there is a charge, allows family or friends to fashion the obituary to their particular specifications.

In addition to information for the standard obituary, you may add information about the person's life, work, community activities, awards or honors, special interests or whatever else you feel is important. You also may include other survivors, close friends or pallbearers. You may also include a photograph in this obituary. Your funeral counselor has a form for this obituary, including a sample that might be of help when writing your tribute. As part of our service for those purchasing memorial obituaries, the Journal provides a laminated copy of the memorial obituary at no extra cost.

The Journal will publish either the standard obituary or the memorial obituary, not both. The name and city of the funeral home in charge of arrangements must be given for verification purposes. The Journal requires a written copy of the obituary to ensure accuracy. The staff of Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home wishes to extend an invitation to you and your family to attend our Holiday Service of Remembrance Friday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

632 St. Francis, Rapid City Please Dec. call the you funeral I home at 343-0145 by Friday, BEHRENS FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY 12 if plan to attend and would like a SINCE personalized memory candle. "Your Trusted Home Town Funeral Home for 135 Years" rapidcityjournal.com Donald A. L'Esperance RAPID CITY Donald A.

L'Esperance, 89, passed away on Dec. 6, 2008. He most recently had been living at Clarkson Mt. View Nursing Facility. Don was the son of Joseph and Katherine L'Esperance.

He married Eileen Forrette on Nov. 27, L'Esperance 1941. They had five chil- dren. Upon graduation in 1938 from RC High School and after attending college in Rapid City, Don was bookkeeper for Independent Bindery from 1940- 1941; office manager for Kenosha Transport from 1941- 1942; administrative assistant to the US Corp of Engineers from 1942-1944; Janice M. Weinkauf Weinkauf RAPID CITY Janice M.

Weinkauf, 66, Rapid City, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at the Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House. Janice was born Jan. 30, 1942, in Worthington, MN, to Peter and Lillian Weinkauf (Goedtke) Greenhoff Jr. She graduated high school and went on to earn her LPN degree.

She worked at several places as a nurse for over 40 he said. "He could differ with people, but he always did 1 it courteously. He was always willing to give you time to discuss something you thought was important." Chuck Lien said L'Esperance was a strong civic leader who held a strong faith and good Christian morals and principles. "I particularly liked his sense of humor," Lien said. "He always had a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous streak in him that was very refreshing.

He caught me off guard all the time, and I always had a good laugh." Lien and L'Esperance were both delegates to Republican conventions over about a 20- year period, and also served together on the board of St. John's McNamara hospital before the merger with BennettClarkson hospital into Rapid City Regional Hospital. L'Esperance served on the RCRH board of directors from 1973- 1978 and was chairman from 1974-1977. "He was very positive, very unselfish," Lien said. "I've got a lot of good memories.

He was completely trustworthy. They don't come any better. He's what you'd hope your idol and best friend would be like." Alderwoman Karen Gundersen Olson said L'Esperance was a close family friend of John Olson, her father-in-law. When she first ran for a Rapid City Council seat, Olson said she sought L'Esperance's advice due to his experience in city government and his practical knowledge about how government works. "He had a lot of insight into how things work.

One of the things he said is you have to be patient when you're in public life. Not everybody agrees with you," Olson said. "But Don was one who believed a good idea has a life of its own. He said sometimes something you think is great may take awhile for everyone else to come around. But if you stay in there, a good idea Olson, during the campaign, would have morning meetings at Meadowbrook Country Club for people to come and talk to her about any issue.

Often L'Esperance would be the only person to show up, despite enduring physical pain and having trouble getting around. She said L'Esperance had a dry sense of humor and was a good storyteller, so the two would often sit and drink coffee during those meetings and talk. "He thought it was really important for people in government to remain honest, and not to sell out," she said. "He said not to worry if you're not the most popular person at the moment, because good things would come around. He was a nice guy.

I liked him a lot." Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415, or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com Oliver Charles Harris HOT SPRINGS Oliver Charles Harris, 92, Hot Springs, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII.

Survivors include his wife, Genevieve Harris, Hot Springs; three sons, Alvin Harris, Beaver, Leonard Harris, Gordon, and Timothy Harris, Hot Springs; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, with the Rev. Jake Jacobson officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.

A memorial has been established to benefit the Bethesda Lutheran School in Hot Springs. An online guestbook is available at www.mccolleyschapels.com. Darrell James Coleman PORCUPINE Darrell James Coleman, stillborn infant, Porcupine, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at the Pine Ridge Hospital. Survivors include his parents, Kennen Brown Thunder and Isiah Coleman, both of Porcupine; sister Matea Coleof Porcupine; his maternal grandparents, Romaine Dupreis and Kenneth Brown Thunder, both of Eagle Butte; his paternal grandparents, Tisha (Carlos) Vega, Oaks, and Lalo Romero, Columbus, and his paternal greatgrandparents, Wilson and Ella Coleman, Porcupine.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Kennen Brown Thunder residence in Porcupine, with the Rev. Emerson Spider Jr. officiating.

Burial will be at the Native American Church Cemetery in Porcupine. Sioux Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In Our Care: Robert Alfred Eidse: Arrangements are pending. Holiday Service of Remembrance will be 3 PM, Sunday Dec. 14th.

BEHRENS WILSON FUNERAL HOME 6 CREMATORY SINCE 1879.