News & Notes Farewells Tammy R. Benjamin, 51, of Freeman SD passed away peacefully on December 20th, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital with her family at her side. Tammy Schrag was born in Sioux Falls, SD to Doug and Candace Schrag on December 15, 1970. She committed her life to our Lord and Savior at a very young age and was baptized on May 22, 1988 at the SalemZion Mennonite Church. She graduated from Freeman Public High School in 1989 and received her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Sioux Falls University and went on to receive her Masters degree in Reading Recovery from Black Hills State University. Tammy married Dan Benjamin on June 20th,1998 and through this union produced her two greatest joys in life, daughter Ashlyn on October 26,2001 and son Tyce, born April 22, 2006.
Her children were the light of her life and brought her incredible joy and happiness. She was particularly excited for her upcoming Grandma duties and so loved her future granddaughter whom we have all yet to meet. Faith in Christ was the foundation of a life that grew Tammy into the kind, compassionate, unselfish soul that so many of us will cherish forever. She had a particular love of children, in earlier years, she was the go to babysitter for so many families in the area. It is this love of kids and her kind, helping spirit that attracted her to the teaching profession where she was able to share her bright, bubbly personality with young minds in the elementary school system. Tammy always enjoyed the little things in life. From Chinese food to the family pets, Blossom and Speedy. She always enjoyed a good trip to Sioux Falls to do a little shopping and planting flowers in Spring with her beloved children was always a favorite time of year. When she wasn’t taking care of the craziness of raising her own family, she would always
be seen in the seats of a cattle show watching her niece and nephew do what they love. Providing some comfort during this difficult time is knowing Tammy spent a heavenly Christmas with her father, Doug, whom she loved so dearly. Grateful for having shared her life, she is survived by husband Dan, children Ashlyn and Tyce. Mother Candace Schrag, her husband Vernon. Brother Cory Schrag, wife Melissa, children Samantha and Jaxon. Sister-in-law Deana Benjamin, son Kai. Sister-in-law Kris Williams, her husband Troy, their children Trelyn, Riley and Silas. Sisterin-law Lindsey Tuschen, husband Alan, children Emma, Hadleigh, Kenzie, Willa and Trent. Mother-in-law Tammy Mutchelknaus, husband Rob. Father-inlaw Bill Benjamin, wife Cindy and son Ford. She is preceded in death by her loving father Doug Schrag and Grandparents Paul and Ada Schrag and Grandparents Ben and Mildred Schrag. =
Leon Carl Mosteller, 78, of rural Bern, Kansas was born August 22, 1943, in Humboldt, Nebraska to Oliver and Eleanor (Dick) Mosteller. Leon was raised on the Mosteller Family Farm near Bern, Kansas and attended Bern Public School from 1950-1961. He graduated from Bern High School with the class of 1961. After graduation, Leon worked with his dad on the family farm before joining active duty with the U.S. Army on February 15, 1966. He served his country while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War until being honorably discharged on January 26,
1968. Leon then served in the U.S. Army reserves until his discharge on February 16, 1972. On June 15, 1975, Leon was united in marriage to Karen Threlkel at the United Church of Christ in Centralia, Kansas. To this union three children, Ross, Robert and Karla were born. The couple raised their family on the Mosteller Farm where Leon was the 4th generation of Mosteller men raising Shorthorn Cattle. Leon was the custodian/bus driver for Bern schools from 1988-2011 and then drove bus for Sabetha public schools from 20112021. Leon was known for his ability to carry on a conversation with anyone and everyone. He was proud of his family and was a presence at any activity they participated in. He especially enjoyed the county fair and was known by many for always being there to lend a helping
hand or share a story. Leon was definitely one of a kind and will be remembered by many. Leon passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021, at Sabetha Community Hospital in Sabetha, Kansas having reached the earthly age of seventy-eight years, four months, and nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents. Leon is survived by his loving wife Karen Mosteller of rural Bern, KS; sons: Ross Mosteller and wife Tonya of rural Bern, KS; Robert Mosteller of rural Bern, KS; daughter Karla Kramer and husband Justin of rural Seneca, KS; grandchildren: Lane, Madilyn, and Lindy Mosteller of rural Bern, KS; Brecken, Latham and Nola Kramer of rural Seneca, KS; Lorraina of rural Wetmore, KS; and other relatives and numerous friends. =
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shorthorn country = february 2022
