In Loving Memory: July – September 2020

In Loving

M emory A quarterly tribute to the loved ones whose memory lives on forever in your heart. ~ July 2020 – September 2020 ~

Special Section

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Black Hills Pioneer • October 2020

A Quarterly Tribute

In Loving M emory George Adamson Age 95 July 4, 2020

During this time of uncertainty, when traditional celebrations

Nels ‘Richard’ Afdahl Age 86 July 16, 2020

Lois M. Anderson

Roger Arpan

Age 87 November 16, 2019

Age 63 July 3, 2020

of life are being put

Evelyn Faye Bartlett Alexander Age 89 July 7, 2020

Herbert Matthew Aslesen Age 85 August 10, 2020

on hold, we feel it is important to honor the memory of our loved ones.

Guy L. Balo

In Loving Memory

Age 88 June 27, 2020

is a quarterly section

James Bellantino Age 64 Sept. 21, 2020

devoted to remembering

Bonnie Clair Lashier Bently Age 91 August 4, 2020

those in our area that have passed.

This edition includes those whose obituary appeared in the Black Hills Pioneer

Bert Bossert

Genevieve H. Brechtel

Age 83 March 23, 2020

Age 91 Sept. 1, 2020

Kurt Norman Brick

Bradley Brice Bruns

Mitchell R ‘Mitch’ Chapel

Age 64 July 1, 2020

Age 67 August 31, 2020

Age 80 Sept. 12, 2020

Joann Dierkson

Karen Beth Dittus

Shirley Ann Donner

Age 74 July 5, 2020

Age 67 August 8, 2020

Margot Elizabeth

Braden Curtis Erickson

Mary-Ann Boe Age 93 August 13, 2020

between July 1, 2020 and Septeber 30, 2020.

In Loving Memory is produced by the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper, 315 Seaton Circle Spearfish, SD, 57783, (605) 642-2761 (800) 676-2761 www.bhpioneer.com

Letitia Lister, publisher Mark Watson, managing editor Sona O’Connell, advertising manager Katie Hartnell, layout The publisher will not be responsible or liable for misprints, misinformation or typographic errors herein contained.

Publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising deemed not to be in the best interest of the publication. © 2020 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

Age 85 July 23, 2020

Frances Lorene Eggers Age 82 Sept. 2, 2020

Age 1 Month Old Sept. 13, 2020

Age 38 July 1, 2020

October 2020 • Black Hills Pioneer

A Quarterly Tribute

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In Loving M emory Frank Arnold Goelich

Peggy Flynn

Ruben Fuerst

Dennis L. Gasper

Age 67 April 22, 2020

Age 93 February 20, 2020

Age 74 August 5, 2020

Ethel Glendola (Williams) Goodwin

Kathryn ‘Kay’ Hall-Kendall

Roger George Hanson

Todd Gary Heisler

Age 83 June 28, 2020

Age 77 Sept. 16, 2020

Age 50 August 29, 2020

Eldon Herring

Nancy Karen Hildebrand

Beverly Ruth Hogarth

Age 68 July 16, 2020

Age 89 August 22, 2020

Robert ‘Bob’ W. Johnson

Eileen Dyce Jones

Age 94 June 30, 2020

Age 96 July 19, 2020

James Kaiser

John ‘Johnny’ Pious Kari

Age 80 Sept. 5, 2020

Delanie Dale Herr Age 89 July 23, 2020

Katherine Helen Horvath Age 98 Sept. 9, 2020

Joyce June (Josephson) Jones Age 89 Sept. 17, 2020

Age 104 July 1, 2020

Emily Jennings Age 91 July 24, 2020

Richard Warren Jones Age 98 Sept. 8, 2020

Dorothy Keim

Loretta Klein

Age 92 August 26, 2020

Age 82 July 10, 2020

Katherine ‘Cora’ Kuhlman

Gary L. Lanphear

Age 87 July 26, 2020

Age 68 July 21, 2020

Age 78 July 10, 2020

Age 62 August 20, 2020

Age 102 August 30, 2020

Ginger L. (Schuster) Knight

Kim Terese Koan

Age 53 July 11, 2020

Age 55 July 25, 2020

John LaVoy Jr.

Wanda ‘Jean’ Lewers-Brail

Age 93 Sept. 26, 2020

Age 88 Sept. 3, 2020

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Black Hills Pioneer • October 2020

A Quarterly Tribute

In Loving M emory Everywhere There was no time to say goodbye.

But this I ask – please do not cry.

Remember me as you think best, The happy time – forget the rest.

Look for me and I’ll be there, And you will find me everywhere: In the gentle touch of breeze That cools the skin or swirls the leaves.

In the scent and colour of flowers That gave to me such happy hours.

On sunny days, under sunny skies of blue, Just think of me, I’ll be with you.

In winter when there’s cloud or mist, The rain will give to you my kiss.

As wood smoke lingers in the air, Look for me and I’ll be there.

Where seagulls cry above the sea And surf rolls in so endlessly.

Among towering trees that soar above, In all these things that I once loved.

Look for me and I’ll be there.

You’ll feel my presence everywhere.

by Tara L. Collacchi

Esther Lux

Delores Mahoney

Age 87 Sept. 4, 2020

Age 77 Sept. 20, 2020

Richard Meyer

Dean Wendell Miller

Age 85 August 10, 2020

Age 86 August 30, 2020

Clayton Nels Overland

Shirley Page

Age 87 Sept. 16, 2020

Shary Porter Age 60 August 27, 2020

Duayne W. Robley Age 99 August 22, 2020

E. Dean Snyder Age 86 August 2, 2020

Tom Mahoney Age 77 Sept. 16, 2020

Richard William Murphy Age 61 June 21, 2020

Walter S. Pharr Jr

Age 81 Sept. 9, 2020

Age 70 July 13, 2020

Patricia Ann ‘Trish’ Pyburn

Marjorie Reif

Age 67 July 12, 2020

Albert G. Ruff Age 86 Sept. 2, 2020

Paul Leslie Speed Age 74 July 30, 2020

Carol Janet Taggart

Mary Tech

Age 83 Sept. 22, 2020

Age 92 July 14, 2020

Age 91 August 4, 2020

Meverette Delouris ‘Mev’ Shipley Age 104 August 19, 2020

Ernest D. Sundstrom Age 90 July 17, 2020

Willie Ellen Thomas Age 96 April 2, 2020

October 2020 • Black Hills Pioneer

A Quarterly Tribute

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In Loving M emory Gale Edward ‘Jack’ Van Sickel Age 93 Sept. 15, 2020

Deelda ‘Woodle’ Watson Age 87 May 26, 2020

Joshua Richard Weisz

Kathryn ‘Kay’ Winifred Wagner Age 101 July 16, 2020

Bryan Lee Watts Age 50 July 13, 2020

Viola ‘Nan’ Whatley

Age 33 July 10, 2020

Age 67 July 6, 2020

Louise (Lindeman) Wiedenmeyer

Blake Williams

Age 91 August 19, 2020

Age 26 July 18, 2020

Pamela Jean (Hansen) Williamson

David Lee Zwetzig

Age 66 July 5, 2020

Age 71 August 5, 2020

Things to know before drafting a living will

During the prime of their lives, people typically don’t give much thought to scenarios in which they become ill or are facing the end of life. Sickness and mortality are not easy conversations to have, but it is important for everyone to approach these heavy topics with close family members so that individuals can rest easy knowing their needs will be met if or when their health falters.

An advanced healthcare directive — also known as a living will — is a legal document in which a person lists the specifics of medical care and comfort actions they desire should the individual no longer be able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity. The legal advice resource Legal Zoom says the living will may list certain things, such as whether life support is desired or if pain medication should be administered. A living will should not be confused with a traditional will, which is a legal document that explains wishes for financial and personal assets after a person dies.

Living wills also differ from living trusts, which address how assets will

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be managed if a person becomes incapacitated.

A living will is not always a necessity if a person does not have strong feelings about decisions made on his or her behalf while not cognizant.

However, for those who do want to have a say in care, a living will is the best method for ensuring choices will be carried out. The following are some other questions people should ask themselves concerning living wills.

• Do I want to remove the burden of tough choices from my loved ones? A living will relieves grieving loved ones of the responsibility of making challenging decisions of invoking life-saving procedures or not — particularly if they’re not sure what you desire.

• Do I have firm feelings about life-saving methods? A living will allows you to spell out preferences on insertion of feeding tubes, if you want specialized hydration, if you want to be hooked up to life support if brain function is minimal, and a host of other scenarios.

• Is cost preventing me from drafting a living will? Cost need not be a factor in setting up a living will.

You can download a free template from any number of online legal sources. Local hospitals often have forms as well, which can be notarized for only a few dollars. These forms are generally comprehensive and can help you answer all the questions and write in specifics.

• Have you selected a trusted person to carry out wishes? A health care proxy, according to the American Bar Association, is a person appointed by you with the authority to make decisions for you if you are unable to express your preferences for medical treatment. Together with the living will, the health care proxy, also called a durable medical power of attorney, can fulfill your wishes accordingly.

A living will is an important component of medical and estate planning.

We are here for you during this difficult time Trusted Family Funeral Service Since 1957

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Black Hills Pioneer • October 2020

A Quarterly Tribute

C oping with the loss of a loved one while social distancing

Coping with the loss of a loved one can be challenging in the best of times, but many people have had to confront such challenges at a time that is unlike any other in modern history.

By the start of the second full week of May 2020, the World Health Organization reported that roughly 279,000 people across the globe had died from the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Many of the 215 countries, areas or territories that reported cases of COVID-19 implemented social distancing measures in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. While such efforts no doubt saved lives, they also left many people without traditional means of grieving their deceased loved ones. For example, in March the Church of England limited the number of people who could attend funerals to immediate family members only, while restrictions on gatherings in the United States made it difficult if not impossible for more than 10 people to grieve together in person.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that grief is a normal response to losing a loved one. In addition, the American Psychological Association says that research has shown that social support can help people recover from such losses Though traditional funerals and family gatherings may not be possible as the world responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, those who have lost loved ones can embrace various strategies to cope with their loss even while stay-at-home orders remain in place.

Host calls with family members and friends The videotelephone and chat service Zoom has helped millions of people stay connected with loved ones while social distancing. Schools and universities even employed the service when in-person classroom sessions were canceled to stop the spread of the virus. The CDC recom-

mends grieving families employ such technology to connect with each other in the wake of a loved one’s death.

Share stories Grieving family members are urged to share stories and pictures much like they would during wakes and funerals. Share them during group conference calls and/or via social media, emails or other modern modes of communications. Connecting in such ways can ensure no one is forced to grieve alone.

Seek support from your community The CDC recommends seeking support from faith-based organizations or other trusted community leaders and friends. While in-person

church services may not be available, many local religious leaders have made themselves available to congregants and even non-congregants who may need help grieving. Local community organizations may have grief counselors available to help people cope with loss.

Take part in an activity that meant something to you and your deceased loved one The CDC notes that doing something in memory of a loved one can help people cope. For example, plant flowers in honor of a deceased parent with whom you shared a love of gardening.

Confronting the loss of a loved one during the COVID-19 outbreak can be challenging. But families can still overcome this challenge even if they cannot gather together in person.

October 2020 • Black Hills Pioneer

A Quarterly Tribute

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Tips for writing an obituary Coping with the death of a loved one is never easy. Even those comforted by the acknowledgment that a recently deceased friend or family member lived a full life may still struggle with the sense of loss that comes with the passing of a loved one.

Upon the passing of a loved one, an individual is often tasked with writing an obituary. Some people may find writing an obituary is cathartic, providing an opportunity to tell a loved one’s life story and indicate how unique the deceased was.

Because writing an obituary is not something people are asked to do every day, it’s understandable if many men and women don’t know where to begin. Obituaries do not necessarily have to follow a formula, but the following tips can help people compose an obituary that conveys who their deceased loved one was and how much this person meant to friends and family.

Contact your local newspaper Some newspapers may have obituary guidelines that govern things like writing style and obituary length. Before writing an obituary, contact your local newspaper to determine if they have any such rules in place. Some newspapers may only publish obituaries written by their own staff members.

Do not feel obliged to include cause of death While acquaintances who first learn of a person’s death via an obituary may be curious about cause of death, loved ones of the deceased do not have to include such information if they are uncomfortable doing so. Many obituaries never

include such information, so readers likely won’t expect it. Those who are comfortable including such information in the obituary may find it helps them avoid having to answer numerous inquiries about the loved one’s demise at the ensuing visitation and funeral services.

Include biographical information Obituaries are typically more than simple announcements of death. Some simple biological information can shed light on who the deceased was and his or her personal and professional accomplishments. Avoid getting too detailed, as newspapers may not accept obituaries that are very lengthy. But biographical information like full name, place of birth, family (i.e., spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.), military service, place of employment, charity work, and hobbies can give readers an accurate idea of the life your loved one lived.

Include donation information Well-wishers who read the obituary may want to send flowers or make donations to express their condolences. Include the family preference regarding flowers or donations in the obituary. When requesting donations be made to the deceased’s favorite charity, include the charity’s full name and contact information or a website in the obituary.

Include visitation and funeral information Be sure to include the day, location and visitation hours for viewings. If the funeral will be public, include the day and time of the funeral as well.

Have the obituary ready one to two days before the services are scheduled Publishing the obituary a couple of days in advance of visitation hours gives loved ones of the deceased time to arrange to visit and pay their respects.

P icking

a final resting place Many people choose burials; others cremation.

Either way, you should be comfortable with your final resting place.

Consider your family’s needs and preference because, after all, they are the ones who will be visiting your gravesite or, likely, possess your urn. Don’t think of the decision as unsettling or even scary, but rather as necessary to help your family members choose your final resting place.

Burial

The burial process comes with plenty of issues to consider, the first being convenience.

Families choosing burials may do so to ensure they can visit the body for years to come. Nature also is an important part of the cemetery experience, so finding one with beautiful landscaping or expansive forestry can help provide a peaceful, natural environment for family members and friends to visit.

Cremation

The cremation choice is popular because of its convenience and the opportunity for family members to display a decorative urn holding the ashes of their loved one.

If an urn isn’t your top option, you could always plan a special day that includes the spreading of

your ashes across the ocean, mountaintop or river.

When planning such an event, consider who in your family will be able to attend and if anyone may be upset about not having an exact place to pay respects to the body. You should also pay attention to any local, state and federal regulations that may govern the distribution of your ashes.

Consider a marking

Whether the body has been buried or cremated,

a marker that bears the name, dates of life and loving inscription will help loved ones reminisce over fond memories and shared experiences.

You can also plan ahead of time to customize a marking with specific colors, shapes and sizes. And don’t forget to get creative with the marker’s design.

Find out if your funeral director knows of local production companies and make an effort to work with them to ensure a special maker.

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Black Hills Pioneer • October 2020

A Quarterly Tribute

P re-planning mistakes to avoid

© ADOBE STOCK

It’s never too early for Americans to begin the steps of pre-planning for their death.

While it can be a difficult subject to approach, ensuring your assets and financial wishes are organized will make things easier for your family. Unfortunately, creating your final plan is not a one-time situation. It requires diligence to ensure it is updated and on track.

To get a good estate plan in place, you should hire a financial advisor who is an expert in the process. They will give you advice about updating your insurance policies, assist in keeping records and create a will. When choosing an expert, it’s imperative that you feel comfortable because an optimal pre-planning strategy can be incredibly personal.

Check out these tips from the Institute on Aging to help avoid common mistakes when developing your plan.

Don’t avoid a discussion with family

This journey is not one to make alone. While it may be an uncomfortable conversation to have with loved ones, their input toward what happens after your death can help you make easier decisions.

F ind an

One topic you must address is who feels most comfortable when taking control of medical and financial matters if you are unable. There are two roles that must be filled when pre-planning.

A healthcare power of attorney is someone with the responsibility of making medical decisions when you cannot. It’s crucial to be clear with your wishes about remaining on life support and related circumstances.

A financial power of attorney is tasked with performing legal and financial duties such as transferring money, paying bills and delegating funds for other expenses.

When having this discussion, it’s essential to calm loved ones with the assurance that nothing is wrong but you are adamant about having a concrete plan in place.

Don’t forego funeral planning

Ensuring your funeral is planned and paid for will create peace of mind for your family in their time of grieving.

It also is a beneficial way to create a service that celebrates your life as you see it. Sit with a funeral director and plan the ceremony, burial or cremation options and disclose details of how you want to be remembered.

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estate attorney

The intricate details required to make documents legal are not worth gambling when estate planning. Your best bet is to work with an estate attorney who can ensure your belongings and finances are handled per your wishes after death.

Modern technology makes claims that those concerned with creating end-of-life plans can easily create documents through free or affordable websites.

But a local attorney is a safer bet.

When you’re researching local attorneys, it’s beneficial to meet with a few experts to gauge your compatibility. During your meeting, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys encourages you to ask these questions to understand an attorney’s qualifications and experience regarding estate planning.

• Does the practice emphasize a particular area of law?

• What percentage of the firm is devoted to special needs planning?

• How long has the attorney been in practice or the field?

It’s imperative to be clear with the goals you aim to accomplish when pre-planning so you’re both prepared to create a solid strategy.

What is an estate planning attorney?

When becoming an estate lawyer, a bar-certified attorney must specialize in estate planning to understand how to direct clients through the process. They are experts in the federal and state laws required to create documents legally.

Complex details Working with an expert estate lawyer is imperative when preparing your pre-planning strategy. Since each state may set its specific regulations and re-

quirements, their expertise is invaluable to ensure your assets are covered to full protection.

Some areas feature differing laws regarding property rights for spouses, rights for children to inherit and responsibilities for estate and inheritance taxes.

Avoid DIY planning When creating a concrete estate plan, it’s best to avoid DIY methods to save a few bucks. Since your final arrangements are meant to ensure your financial obligations and assets are legally appointed, mistake-free documentation is crucial.

An expert estate attorney can not only draft secure documentation, but they will stand by it and update it as requirements change, or at a client’s request.

Preserve your families history by placing an obituary in your local newspaper Placing an obituary in the newspaper may seem overwhelming, but it tells the community how to pay their respects and can notify distant family and friends that your loved one has passed. An obituary memorializes a life in a lasting tribute, a permanent record of their legacy, available for history and genealogy purposes for generations to come.

View and place obituaries at www.bhpioneer.com/obituaries, contact us at obits@bhpioneer.com or call 605-642-2761 to find out more.