Gene LeRoy Gross was born on July 2, 1939, to Jacob S. and Elizabeth (Kleinsasser) Gross in Freeman, S.D.  Gene married the love of his life, Labelle Streyle, on June 11, 1961. In this union they had one daughter, Kandy Rae. Gene started his adult life owning a radiator and repair shop in Wagner, S.D. In 1983 they moved to Winner, S.D. and purchased the Westside Motel. They operated the business for 34 years before retiring in 2017.

Dave Janssen, 54, of Freeman, S.D., passed away unexpectedly on June 14 at his residence. A funeral service will be held on Monday June 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of rural Freeman. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 19 in the church fellowship hall.

Harris Hugo Haar, 87, passed away at the Wagner Good Samaritan Center on June 6, 2022, surrounded by his family. Harris was born at home in Freeman, S.D., on Dec. 2, 1934, to Hugo C. Haar and Henrietta (Mensch) Haar, joining his older sister Harriet and later cousin Lois in the family. Harris was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Freeman. He attended St. Paul’s Christian Day School from the first through the eighth grade then was confirmed in the Lutheran Church at Freeman in 1949.

Samantha Jo Herrboldt was born on Sunday, Nov. 2, 1986 in Freeman, S.D., to Terry Herrboldt and Sara Dangel Herrboldt. Just two days after she was born, it was noted in the local newspaper, Little Samantha Jo Herrboldt was the youngest to attend the Olivet Soup and Pie Supper. Her Grandma Frances was holding her on her lap and would not let anyone else hold her as she told people “She is fine right where she is, on my lap” because she was so excited for a new grandbaby! 

Beverly Kaufman A memorial service for Beverly Kaufman, 88, of Sioux Falls, S.D., will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at Faith Baptist Fellowship in Sioux Falls. A private family burial will be in the Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery in rural Freeman, S.D.

August 14, 1938, began the adventure of a lifetime for Morris Graber. Born in Freeman, S.D., to Waldo and Annie Graber. Morey and his two brothers, Kermit and Loren, helped their parents on the family farm. But Morey was destined for another path. He left the farm, began his formal education at Freeman Junior College, and completed it at the University of South Dakota with a master’s in education.

Loxi L. Wolf age 72 of Hartington, Neb., died on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Arbor Care Center in Hartington. A funeral service was held Monday, June 6 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hartington with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Burial was at St. Anthony’s cemetery in Fairfax, S.D. Pallbearers were Jim Wolf, Jared Wolf, Jon Wolf, Adam Herrboldt, Jake Rempfer, and Ken Kneifl.

It is with gratitude for a rich and adventurous life that we announce the peaceful passing of Barry Hertz on May 7, 2022, just shy of his 73rd birthday. Barry touched the hearts and minds of so many people throughout the course of his life. His smile, his goofy sense of humour and his deep and abiding love of the natural world are just a few of the qualities for which he is remembered. He was a gentle and humble person, widely regarded as a gifted teacher and musician, with an inquisitive mind and a creative spirit.

Thelma Hofer was born in rural Bridgewater, S.D. on June 29, 1931 and passed away May 28, 2022 in Peoria, Ariz., at the age of 90.

Our mother, Naomi (Becker) Ensz, went to be with the Lord on May 24 reaching the age of 100. Mom was born Oct. 27, 1921 at Marion, S.D., to Isaac Becker and Eva P. Becker. She attended the Schartner Country School for eight years. She then attended one year of high school in Freeman, SD. She also took a course of Bible Study at the Freeman College.