Roberts County Obituaries
Mireau, Moses
A Real Pioneer Gone Beyond
Moses Mireau, who years ago was chairman of the board of County Commissioner of Roberts County, having served with L. S. Hougen and Fred Dittes in that capacity in the late eighties, passed away in Ortonville on December fourth.
Mr. Mireau had an interesting career that would fill a book, which is of especial importance to our readers for the reason of his association with this section of the county in the early days.
The Ortonville Journal of recent date had the following to say about him: “Moses Mireau was born of French parents in the Province of Quebec, Canada, in April 1834 or 5, and died Dec. 4, 1915, at his home in Ortonville at the ripe age of 81 years. His parents gave him an academy education and wanted him to study for the priesthood, but his religious conceptions changes and altered the whole course of his life. Early in life he came to Minnesota to work for various traders, until 1862, when he attempted to establish an Indian trading post on Big Stone lake, but the Indian war broke out and compelled him to flee for his life. He was the last man, and some say the only white man to escape from an upper window in the house at Redwood Falls which was surrounded by Indians. He took refuge among the trees and was not found. He came back to Big Stone Lake in the winter of 1865 or 6 and located two miles above Hartford in 1867 and Linden Beach in 1869.
The deceased was probate judge in 1880 of Grant County S. D., and County Commissioner for several years. In 1896 he came to live in Ortonville where he spent the evening of his life. He owned the boat livery.
Because of his heroism and zeal in the Indian war the state of Minnesota awarded him a pension. Those who knew him intimately and for a long time crown his old age with these words of commendation: “He was a man well informed and well liked by all who knew him. No one could say aught against Moses Mireau. Most honest man I ever knew. Never wronged any man. Whatever he told you was the truth.”
Source: The Wilmot Republican (Wilmot, SD); Friday, December 24, 1915, page 1
Contribitor: Suzanne Folk
Manley, Mattie
MATTIE MANLEY
SISSETON - Services for Mrs. Mattie Manley, 79, who died Thursday, will be Monday at 2 p.m. in the Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton.
The Rev. Alfred Ostroot will officiate. Burial will be in the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Claire City.
Mrs. Manley was born July 22, 1885 in Lac Qui Parle County, Minn.
Survivors include one brother, Gilbert Ulstad, Appleton, Minn.; four sisters, Martine Hanson, Otego, N.Y.; Mrs. Axel (Alvina) Berkland, and Mrs. Johnny (Otilde) Bordson, both of Duluth, Minn.; and Mrs. Birdeen (Amanda) Johnson, Madison, Minn.
Bader Funeral Home in Sisseton is in charge of arrangements.
Source: The Aberdeen Daily News (Aberdeen, SD); Sunday, August 9, 1964
Contribitor: Jim Dezotell
NATHAN DARIUS MANLEY
SISSETON - Services for Nathan Darius Manley, 90, were held at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mr. Deitsche officiating. Burial was at the Sisseton cemetery.
Mr. Manley died Oct 10 at his home in Sisseton. He had been a resident of Sisseton 19 years following his retirement from farming. He was born April 23, 1870, at Tunnel, Wis.
Surviving are his wife, Mattie Manley; one daughter, Mrs. Charlie Ellis, Shevlin, Minn.; two sons, Rolland, Kalispell, Mont., and Clifford, Sisseton; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Cahill Funeral Home was in charge.
Source: The Aberdeen Daily News (Aberdeen, SD); Monday, October 17, 1960
Contribitor: Jim Dezotell
Ekman, Victor
Victor Ekman Passes At Graceville, Sunday
Victor Ekman, resident of Lake township for many years, passed away at the Graceville hospital early Sunday morning, August 14, after four days of hospitalization. He was 77 years of age and had been in
failing health the past year.
Deceased is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Byron Overby of Binford, N.D., who was called here Saturday, and by two sons Alvin and Harold of Wilmot. Mrs. Ekman preceded him in death three years ago.
Funeral services were conducted at the home on Wednesday.
Obituary will appear in the Enterprise next week.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, August 18, 1949
Rice, Robert
Soil Conservation Aid Dies In Heart Attack
The community was deeply shocked to learn that Robert Rice, 41, had passed away suddenly from a heart attack at his home in the Tallakson apartments about 9:45 Monday evening.
Mr. Rice, who had not been too well for the past several months, was thought to be well on the road to recovery, and was able to return to his duties at the Roberts County Soil Conservation office and had
spent all day Monday looking after his work as conservation aid, which position he had held in the county for the past seven years. That evening he had spent the hours with is family and retired to bed, when
he was suddenly stricken and passed away.
He is survived by his wife Mildred and two daughters, Marjorie and Roberta, one sister and two brothers. – Sisseton Courier
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, August 18, 1949
Nelson, Karrie
Mrs. Nelson Obituary
Karrie Halvorson Nelson was born in Norway in March, 1864. When 18 years of age she came to the United States and settled with her parents in Nobles county, Minnesota. There she was married to Anton Nelson in 1894. The one child was a step-daughter, Mrs. John Olson of Fergus Falls.
About 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Nelson moved to Roberts county and settled near Madsen’s beach and for the past twelve years Mrs. Nelson has lived on the shore of Big Stone lake at Hudson Bay, eight miles east of Wilmot.
Death occurred on Tuesday, May 2, 1933, and deceased was 87 years and two months old.
Mr. Nelson died March 6, 1920.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 11, 1933
Hills, Lauren
Lauren Hills
Lauren Hills was born July 4th, 1854, at Plymouth, Wisconsin, and passed away May 8th, 1933, at his home in Corona, aged 78 years, 10 months and 4 days.
He leaves to mourn his passing two daughters by his first marriage, Mrs. Edith Foster of Sioux Falls, and Mrs. Ethel Clark of Glenbulah, Wis., two daughters by his second marriage, Florence, Mrs. Gilbert Hass of McAllen, Texas; Corinne, Mrs. Ray Sample of Corona; and two step sons, Bert Clark of Jamestown, North Dakota and Dick Clark of Corona; three grandchildren, three sisters, a host of friends.
Mr. Hills was a pioneer, having come to South Dakota in 1879 and has lived in this community nearly 54 years.
Mr. Hills has been in failing health for the last two years and has been confined to the house the greater part of that time.
He was a kind and loving father, a good neighbor, a highly respected and influential citizen, and will be greatly missed by all.
It is to be very much regretted that his daughter Mrs. Hass could not be present.
Funeral services conducted by Rev. Gugin and Rev. Schmidt were held Thursday afternoon from the home. A great many friends from the surrounding territory were present at the services and there was a
profusion of floral offerings. Burial was made at Milbank.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 18, 1933
Rodeen, Christine
Mrs. Charles Rodeen
Christine Johnson was born in Alpaca, Wis., Sept. 3, 1837. She came with her parents when quite young to Norway Lake, Minn. where they resided until the Indian outbreak and was driven to the southern part of Minnesota, where she grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage to Chas. J. Rodeen on Nov. 11, 1881, at Minneapolis, and came as a bride to Wilmot, where they homesteaded.
In 1888 they moved to Big Stone lake where they resided for two years, moving to a farm south of Peever, April 16, 1891, where they lived until 1909. They then moved to Peever where she passed away on May 14, 1933. Her husband and five children are left to mourn her departure.
Hers was the active life of a faithful wife and mother. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and in the church work where she labored so faithfully.
She was always ready to give a helping hand wherever there was a need, and there were few homes in Peever and vicinity that she has not helped in sickness. Her passing marks the close of a well-spent life.
The funeral was held at Peever Wednesday, with Rev. Gugin of Corona officiating.
We extend our heartful sympathy to the aged husband and children.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 18, 1933
Christianson, Anna
Two Elderly Ladies Die Here During Past Week
The community was grieved this week to hear the death of two old residents: Mrs. Andrew Christianson, and Mrs. Lauritz Fjerdingstad.
The obituaries were crowded out this week because of the Senior Edition, and will appear in next week’s issue.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 18, 1933
Mrs. Andrew Christianson
Anna Christine Hansen was born in Denmark on July 27, 1852. In 1875 she came to this country and settled in Negaunee, Michigan and there
married Andrew Christianson on Oct. 7, 1877.
In 1879 her husband came to Roberts county and filed on a homestead in Springdale township. The next year she and two children came to their new home where they resided until 1919, when they moved to Wilmot. In 1925 she came to live with her daughter, Mrs. Sena Hegna, with whom she made her home until her death on May 15, 1933.
Her husband, Andrew Christianson, died March 24, 1922 and three children preceded her in death.
She leaves seven children: Mrs. Sena Hegna, Mrs. Amelia Anderson, John and Albert and Christ of this city, William of Kelso, Wash., and Mrs. Anna Miller of Mohall, N. D.
The funeral was held on Thursday, May 18 at the Lutheran church and interment was made in Bo cemetery.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD) -Thursday, May 25, 1933
Fjerdingstad, Mrs. Lauritz
Two Elderly Ladies Die Here During Past Week
The community was grieved this week to hear the death of two old residents: Mrs. Andrew Christianson, and Mrs. Lauritz Fjerdingstad.
The obituaries were crowded out this week because of the Senior Edition, and will appear in next week’s issue.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 18, 1933
Mrs. Lauritz Fjerdingstad
Karen Fjerdingstad was born in Haugsand, Eker, Norway, and came to the United States in 1905, and settled in Lynn Lake, near Webster. In 1913 she moved to Merrill, Wisconsin, where Mr. Fjerdingstad died in 1923. Since that time she has made her home with her children. Death occurred Saturday, May 13. The surviving children are: Mrs. Asta Olsen, Notodeen; Mrs. Marie Hansen, Oslo; Mrs. Borghild Kougsgaard, Kougsberg, Norway; Mrs. Allette Adams and Mrs. Sigrid Foss of Wilmot.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 16, by Rev. Nerison and burial was made in Bo cemetery.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 25, 1933
Campbell, Mayme
The community was shocked last Wednesday evening when it was learned that Mrs. Mayme Campbell of west Spring Grove township had passed away very suddenly from a heart attack. Mrs. Campbell had taught her home school for many year, she and her daughter, Irene, living together in that district. Irene drove to the school house as was her daily custom to get her mother after school Wednesday. Upon reaching home she went to her chores at the barn, as she has a large amount of stock. Her mother remarked that she would reset some plants in the garden, and went out for that purpose. When Irene returned, her mother had not returned to the house as usual to prepare supper. And upon investigation she found her lying in the garden. She at once called the boy who works for them and they got Mrs. Campbell into the car and drove at once to Waubay. But the doctor said she had passed way before they placed her in the car. The funeral was held at Ortley on Saturday and interment made there. She leaves to mourn her passing four daughters, Myrtle, who lives in the Black Hills, Verna and Helen, of Agency township and Irene at home, a sister living in the Black Hills and her father in Minnesota. Also several grandchildren. Mrs. Campbell was affine Christian woman, a splendid neighbor and friend. She has taught the same school for about eighteen years and was considered one of the very best teachers we had in the county. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD);Thursday, May 4, 1933
Burdine, Frank
Obituary
Frank Edward Burdine, whose death was briefly mentioned in last week’s Enterprise, was born at Britton in Marshall county, South Dakota, May 4th, 1888. Soon after that he came to this community to reside and for thirty years made this his home, moving to St. Paul about fifteen years ago and has been engaged in the restaurant business there. Some time ago he disposed of his interests. On Tuesday a week ago he was being shaved at a barber shop in St. Paul and was about to raise himself in the chair was stricken with a brain hemorrhage. His condition was serious at once and he was taken to a hospital where he died the following morning. He was in his 46th year.
Deseased is survived by his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Burdine of this city, three brothers, John of St. Paul, Thomas in Washington, William of this city, and five sisters, namely Mrs. Wm. Bowell and Mrs. Myrtle Michael of St. Paulk Mrs. C. A. Land of Durand, Ill., Mrs. Leonard Bernett of Wilmot, and Evah Burdine of Chicago.
Interment was made in a St. Paul cemetery.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD); Thursday, July 27, 1933
Stowell, Flora
Mrs. Flora Stowell Died Tuesday Evening
Mrs. Flora Stowell, old and respected resident of this city, passed away Tuesday evening after an illness of several weeks. The end was not unexpected, as her condition has been growing steadily worse for
several days in spite of all that medical aid and loving friends could do for her.
An obituary is not available at the time of going to press on Wednesday evening, but will appear next week.
The funeral will be held from the Presbyterian church, of which she was a devoted member, on Friday at two o’clock.
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD); Thursday, February 28, 1924
Kelley, Dennis
Dennis Kelley, of Peever, aged about 90 years, for 25 years a resident of Roberts county, was killed February 16th by being hit by a train at Los Angeles, Calif., where he had gone to spend the winter. Further details of his sudden passing are not available.
The remains will be brought back to Roberts county for burial by his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bateman. It is expected to arrive at Peever Friday evening and services will be conducted there Saturday morning,
after which the remains will be brought to Sisseton for burial – Sisseton Courier
Source: The Wilmot Enterprise (Wilmot, SD); Thursday, February 28, 1924
Barnes, Daughter
A young daughter of J. W. Barnes, at Wilmot, drank a large quantity of gelseminum and died within a few hours thereafter.
Source: The Aberdeen News (Aberdeen, SD) - Friday, March 5, 1886
Horr, Arthur
Brakeman Horr Crushed, Dies
Wilmot Man is Caught Between Cars on Sisseton Branch Road
Milbank, S.D., May 7 – Arthur Horr was fatally injured shortly after midnight by being crushed between the bumpers of two cars on a mixed train on the Sisseton branch, and died while being taken to Minneapolis for treatment. He was a brakeman on the train which was about to start on its way to Sisseton. He had to go between the cars and was caught and terribly crushed.
A special train was immediately made up, Horr put on board and the train was started t=for Minneapolis where the man could get proper attention and medical aid. When the train reached Renvill, Minn., Horr died and the body was brought back to Milbank.
Horr lived at Wilmot and leaves a wife, parents, a sister and two brothers. He was a young man and was in line for promotion.
Source: Aberdeen Daily News (Aberdeen, SD) - Tuesday, May 7, 1907
Mueller, LeRoy
Wilmot – The funeral for LeRoy Mueller, 75, Wilmot, will be at 2 p.m. today at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Wilmot. The Rev. Harold Hintzman will officiate.
Burial will be in the Wilmot cemetery under the direction of Mundwiler Funeral Home of Milbank.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. To noon today at Mundwiler Faith Chapel in Wilmot and for one hour prior to the service at the church.
He died Tuesday, June 27, 1989, at St. Bernard Hospital at Milbank.
LeRoy Jacob William Mueller was born to Edward and Anna (Luff) Mueller on Nov. 4, 1913, at Ortonville, Minn. He attended school there.
He married Dorene Rohlfs on Feb. 24, 1938, at Webster. He farmed in the Corona and Wilmot area until 1961, when they moved into Wilmot. He was employed by the city of Wilmot and the Wilmot Public Schools until his retirement in 1980.
Source: Aberdeen American News (Aberdeen, SD) - Thursday, June 29, 1989
Matteson, Amanda
Mrs. Amanda M. Matteson died at the home of her son Chas. H. Matteson at Summit, on Thursday, Nov. 6 of general debility from old age. Mrs. Matteson was a pioneer resident of Day county coming here with the very earliest settlers. She and her two sons, Chas. And Frank taking land near Butler and resided there a number of years. She was well-known and much loved for her sweet and patient disposition in those days when life was a real struggle, a gentle, unselfish woman always. Mrs. Matteson was quite a traveller in later years while her children went their several ways, having made the journey from New York to Tacoma several times. Her last years were spent in the home of her son at Summit, where she enjoyed every comfort and attention, which kindly solicitude could suggest. She is survived by her two sons, Chas. Of Summit and William of Tacoma, and two grand-children, Samuel Matteson of Milbank and Pearl Matteson of Bozeman, Mont. After the funeral service at Summit, the remains were taken to Butler and laid to rest near her daughter and grand-daughter, in a plot on the old homestead.
Source: Aberdeen Sunday American-News (Aberdeen, SD) - Sunday, November 23, 1924
Bjork, Mrs. Orlando & Daughter
Mother And Child Killed
Explosion of Coal Stove In Farm Home Near Rosholt Takes Two Lives
Rosholt, S.D., Sept. 2 – Mrs. Orlando Bjork, was fatally burned yesterday afternoon in her farm home near here, and her three year old daughter was instantly killed when a coal stove exploded, setting fire to the house and burning it to the ground.
Mrs. Bjork died last night at a Wheton, Minn., Hospital.
Source: The Aberdeen Morning American (Aberdeen, SD) - Wednesday, September 3, 1924
Dobson, Mable
Mable M. Dobson, aged 40, of Rosholt died yesterday afternoon at 2:30 in a local hospital following an operation. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at Rosholt with the Rebekah lodge in charge.
Mrs. Dobson is survived by her husband, Grover C. Dobson, a son, Charles a daughter, Arvada, and father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. John Glasuer of Rosholt.
The body is a Wilson's Undertaking Parlors.
Source: Aberdeen Evening News (Aberdeen, SD) - Friday, March 12, 1926
Burdick, Mrs. F. A.
Mrs. F. A. Burdick died at Sisseton on Thursday after an illness of a year and a half of consumption. She was 43 years old and leaves a husband and six children and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. Mrs. Burdick was well known in Aberdeen, being the daughter of Joseph Grace of Plana.
Source: Aberdeen Weekly News (Aberdeen, SD) - November 23, 1899
Contributor: FoFG MZ
Krause, Donald
Donald Dean Krause
age 75, residence: Peever, SD
Born: 11 Feb. 1931 in Doland, SD
Died: 16 Oct. 2006 at home in Peever, SD
Parents: Richard Krause & Laurene Finch
Military: US Navy, Dec. 1950 – Oct. 1954
Marriage: 12 Aug. 1961 to Inez Wicklund in Minneapolis, MN
Employment: Republic Airlines
Children: Sheryl Baker, Duane & wife, Kim Krause, Claira & husband, Jeff Palm, Charles Krause
Siblings: Mrs. Twyla Tribbit, brothers, Clayton & wife, Ila May Krause, Leroy Krause & Arlyn and wife, Ann Krause
7 grandchildren
Preceded in death by parents, 2 infant children, 3 brothers, & 1 sister
Source: The Sisseton Courier (Sisseton, SD) - October 25, 2006
Contributor: FoFG MZ
Horton, Mrs. Bert
Word has been received in this city of the death at St. Paul Sunday of Mrs. Bert Horton of Sisseton and formerly of Aberdeen. Mrs. Horton, who has been ailing for some time passed away at a St. Paul hospital. The remains will be taken by Mr. Horton to Sisseton for internment.
Source: Aberdeen Weekly News (Aberdeen, SD) - December 9, 1915
Contributor: FoFG MZ
Allen, S. E.
Browns Valley, Minn., Dec. 19. – Major S. E. Allen, 85, died at his home here today. He had long been prominent in the affairs of the northwest and for a number of years was Indian agent at the Sisseton agency, Roberts county, South Dakota. He was prominent in Masonic circles.
Source: Aberdeen American (Aberdeen, SD) - December 20, 1922
Contributor: FoFG MZ
Peever, Tom
Sisseton, Dec. 31. – Tom Peever, owner of the Peever Mercantile company, one of the largest department stores in the state, died at his home here late last night. He had been ailing for some time, and all his relatives were at the bedside as his death was hourly expected. He was well known in Masonic circles and was a member of Aberdeen consistory No. 4. A special Pullman coach has been chartered, and a large number of friends and relatives will accompany the remains to Henderson, Minn., tomorrow, where internment will be made.
Source: Aberdeen American (Aberdeen, SD) - January 1, 1909
Contributor: FoFG MZ