Dorothy Jane Miller, daughter of Lydia (Bender) and Simon J. Miller, was born March 11, 1931 in Gulfport, Miss. She grew up in Gulfport graduating from Lyman High School in 1950. She attended one year of college in Goshen, Ind. She held various jobs around Gulfport after college. Unsure of what she wanted to do she decided to volunteer with MCC. She chose to go to Brooklane Farm in Hagerstown, Md. While there she met Robert Thomas who was also a volunteer. They were married on Dec. 14, 1956.

Naomi Hofer, 93, of Bridgewater, S.D., left this earth for her heavenly home on April 3, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 14 at First Baptist Church of Emery, S.D. Visitation will be Thursday, April 13 at the church from 5 to 7 p.m., with a time of sharing at 7 p.m.

Luverne Mammenga, 91 of Menno, S.D., died Thursday, April 6, 2023 at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, S.D. A mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, April 12 at St. Boniface/Idylwilde Catholic Church, rural Freeman, S.D., followed by burial with military honors at the church cemetery. 

Barbara “Barb” Jean Olesen, 73, of Turkey Ridge, S.D., passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Sanford Hospice Cottage on April 9, 2023 after a brief courageous journey with cancer. A funeral service was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on April 13 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Hurley, S.D. Visitation was scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. April 12, also at the church. Interment will be at Spring Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery of rural Viborg, S.D, which overlooks the Turkey Ridge Valley and the Olesen Farm.

Paul K. Hofer, Jr. passed away at Freeman Regional Health Services on April 1, 2023 at the age of 75. Paul was born on July 24, 1947, at St. Joseph Hospital in Mitchell, S.D. He was the last of the 10 children born to Paul K. and Margaret (Gross) Hofer. He attended school in Spencer, S.D., graduating in 1965. After graduating high school, he started his career in farming with his brother Dwane Hofer while working part-time at the Spencer Elevator. In 1967, he bought his own farm where he raised crops, cattle and hogs for many years.

Calvin Ray Hofer was born to his parents John A. and Marie (Pullman) Hofer on Nov. 1, 1939. He joined two older sisters and two older brothers. He was later joined by two brothers and a sister who completed the family. Calvin grew up on the family farm with his siblings. He attended Cottonwood District 96, a rural country school ¾ of a mile north of Silver Lake through the eighth grade. He then attended Freeman Academy, graduating in 1957. Following graduation, Calvin enrolled at Freeman Junior College in the Teachers Education Course.

Luella D. Auch age 96 of Menno, S.D., passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at her son’s home. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm., Friday, March 10 at Salem Reformed Church, Menno, with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery.

Delores Bezug, 92, of Menno, S.D., died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center after a lengthy illness. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno with Rev. Brian Mosemann officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Menno. Burial will be at the Menno Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

James R. Herman, 79, of Olivet, S.D., entered Heaven on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Freeman Regional Health Services after a short battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Olivet United Methodist Church in Olivet. Condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home of Menno is in charge of arrangements.

Frederick “Fred” Daniel Sarutzki, age 74, died on Feb. 16, 2023 at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D. A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. on Friday before his service.