Martin Anton Sik

Martin Anton Sik, age 91, died Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno. Burial was in the St John Cantius Catholic Ceme­tery, Wilno. Visitation was Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 5 p.m. at the Birk Fu­neral Home in Hendricks and resumed Wednesday one hour prior to the ser­vice at the church. Military honors were provided by Peden-Cole American Le­gion Post 109 and Canby- Porter Military Honor Guard.

Martin Sik was born on June 5, 1920 to John and Kate (Sadergaski) Sik. He lived with his parents inMarbleTownshipand at­tended country school inLincolnCounty. He was Baptized, received First Communion and was Con­firmed in St. John Cantius Church in Wilno.

He met Lydia McCoy and they were married on June 30, 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Oct. 3, 1942. He served in World War II, in the 255th Infantry Divi­sion. During his service, he was stationed inItaly,Sic­ily,France and Germany. He was awarded six Battle Stars on his European Theatre Ribbon. Martin was honorably discharged on Oct. 5, 1945. He was a lifetime member of the Post 109 American Legion of Gary, S.D., the VFW of Canby and of St. John Can­tius Catholic Church.

After serving his coun­try, Martin and Lydia moved to a farm by Ivan­hoe and he started truck­ing. In 1947 they bought a farm by the Marble Store and they started the life of farming. He continued to drive truck but started out with a “little junk yard” on the farm. In 1957 they sold the farm and bought the Marble Store and Garage. They operated both of them until 1964, when the Marble Store was sold and moved across the highway. After that, they ran the Marble Garage and Wreck­ing Service. Martin ran the Marble Garage until he re­tired.

Martin enjoyed hunting, playing cards, going on va­cations, his dog Lucky and visiting with family and friends. His family was his world. His all-time favor­ite thing was fishing. They would drive hundreds of miles to get that “big one,” but a lot of times he would have to turn around and drive back home without catching anything.

He passed away on Sun­day, Jan. 22 at the Hen­dricks Nursing Home at the age of 91 years, seven months and 17 days.

Martin is survived by his wife of 70-plus years Lydia Sik, son David of Canby, daughter Linda (Kenneth) Hennen of Porter and son Marvin (Brenda) of Doug­las, Wyo.; grandchildren: Michael Sik and Krista (Ryan) O’Riley, Susan (Jeff) Danielson, Christine (Larry) DeVos, Kimberly Jelen, Allison (Ron) Myhre, Pat (Sherry) Evans, Jason Evans and Ryan (Diana) Evans; 15 great-grand­children; two great-great-grandchildren; brother Vincent Sik of Hendricks and two sisters, Eleanor Wiering of Elk River and Rozy Thompson of Ivan­hoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary (Sik) Lacek, broth­ers-in-law Anton Lacek, Joe Bednarek, Jim Wiering and Albert Thompson, son Dennis Sik, grandson Pat­rick Sik and grandson-in-law Thomas Jelen.

Blessed be his memory.

Dr. James Krier

Memorial services for Dr. James Krier, D.V.M., of Omaha,Neb., formerly of Hendricks, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson.

Full obituary will be published next week.

Meta Anna Kahnk

Meta Anna Kahnk, age 90 of Delano, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 24, 2011.

Memorial services were held on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Iten Funeral Chapel in Delano. A gathering of family and friends was held from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home prior to services.

Meta was born Sept. 24, 1921 inLakeBenton, the daughter of Rudolph and Emma(Brandt) Hamer. She was united in marriage to Donald George Kahnk on July 18, 1945.

Metawas preceded in death by her husband Don­ald, her daughter Donna (Kahnk) Kirchenwitz and a grandson, Robert Kirch­enwitz. She is survived by her sons Melvin and David Kahnk; five grandchildren: Patricia (Jeffrey) Yantes, Deborah Mannion, Angela (Jeffrey) Templin, Kathy Kirchenwitz and special friend Joel Hagemeyer and his daughter Aubriauna and Daniel Kirchenwitz; five great-grandchildren: Kevin, Billy, Graydon, Grac­ey and Breana.

Helen (Solem) Reinert­son

Helen (Solem) Reinert­son passed away on Mon­day, Dec. 26, 2011 at the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks. Funeral ser­vices will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6 at the Hen­dricks Nursing Home Cha­pel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Beth­any Cemetery, Astoria S.D. A time to visit over coffee will be held at the nurs­ing home following the service. Helen had been a resident there for the past five years. The Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake, S.D.is entrusted with the arrangements.

Helen was born on Oct. 30, 1921 on the family farm southeast of Astoria, S.D.in Brookings County. She was the daughter of Iver and Anna Marie (Westmoe) Solem. She joined two older brothers, Elroy and Ohmar. She attended el­ementary and high school inAstoria and graduated in 1939. She attended Dakota State College in Madison,S.D., where she received her teaching de­gree. She taught at country schools #103 near White, S.D. and #70 by the Sing­saas Church.

In 1943 Helen became an employee of the third region of the Civil Aero­nautics Administration inAkron,Ohio. In 1944 she transferred to assistant aircraft communicator at O’Hare Airport inChicago, ll. In 1945 Helen resigned this position to return to the farm after the death of her mother. She went back to college to earn her Mas­ters Degree then returned to teaching. She taught in White, S.D.,Madison,S.D.andWorthington.

Helen married Mor­rell Reinertson in June of 1958 at theSingsaasLutheranChurch. They moved to Estherville,Iowawhere Helen taught second grade and Morrell worked at John Morrell. Helen continued teaching in Estherville until her re­tirement in 1988. Morrell passed away in 1990 and Helen continued to live in Estherville until her move to the Hendricks Nursing Home in August 2006. The move to Hendricks got her closer to her brother and sister-in-law, Ohmar and Leona Solem.

Helen and Morrell en­joyed many activities during Helen’s summer breaks. They traveled ex­tensively throughout theUnited Statesand Helen always sent postcards and brought back souvenirs for her niece and nephew. She enjoyed photography and had a camera ready to capture events and family. Helen enjoyed watercolor painting, counted cross stitch, knitting, baking and entertaining. Helen loved to read and she would usu­ally bring a bag or two of books to her brother after she had read them. She participated in many of the activities at the nursing home and enjoyed when family came to visit.

Helen and Morrell never had children of their own but she had an impact on hundreds of children as a teacher. She had a good sense of humor and a quick wit that was enjoyed by her family and friends.

She is survived by a niece, Natalie Westegard, her spouse Terry and great-nephews Andrew and Michael. She is also survived by great-nieces Cristina (Anthony) Silva, Katie Solem (Brock Van Damm) and Jessica Solem (Chris Haugen)and other nieces, nephews and cous­ins. Preceding her in death were her parents, spouse, brothers and nephew.

Walter Panka

Walter Panka, age 87 of Ivanhoe, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Hen­dricks Hospital in Hen­dricks.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. on Mon­day, Dec. 12 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno with Father Ron Huberty as celebrant. Visi­tation was from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 with a prayer service at 5 p.m.; rosary followed at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno and continued one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial was in St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery, Wilno.

For online condolences, please visit our website at www.birkfuneralhome. com.

Walter L. Panka was born in Lincoln County on Aug. 21, 1924 to John and Veronica (Janiszeski) Panka. He was baptized at St. John Cantius Church in Wilno. At age four he moved with his parents and sisters to St. Cloud, then returned to Ivanhoe at age eight, where he re­ceived First Communion and attended school until seventh grade. The next year the family moved to Wilno, where he attended school, was confirmed and graduated eighth grade. During the next few years he lived on several farms while his dad worked for those farmers. After his sister Martha was married and moved to a farm with her husband Paul, Walter liked the farm life they had so much that he talked his parents into buying a farm in Marble Township.

Walter was united in marriage to Evelyn Citter­man on June 19, 1951 in Wilno. To this union they were blessed with five chil­dren. The couple lived and farmed in Lincoln County for 40-plus years, where they raised their family. They retired in 2001 and moved to Ivanhoe. Church was very important to Walter. He served as an altar boy, helped his dad with janitorial duties and was an usher. Walter en­joyed farming, fishing for bullheads, carpentry work and telling stories. He al­ways looked forward to Sundays when the entire family would gather for dinner.

Walter is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ev­elyn Panka of Ivanhoe; their five children: Joann (Randy) Swanson of Fargo, N.D., David (Maureen) of Ivanhoe, Gene (Diane) of Canby, Donna Giere of New London and John (Car­men) of Ghent; 13 grand­children: Brian Schlap­kohl, Dawn Paulsrud, Alan, Michael, Daniel and Adam Panka, Victoria Harrison, Scott and Melissa Panka, Logan and Emily Giere and Braeden and Ava Panka, and seven great-grandchil­dren: Laura, Jack, Emma, Allyson, Abigail, Nathan and Madilyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sis­ters Emily and Martha and brothers Harry and Frank.

Blessed be his memory.

Gene Miller

Gene Miller, age 72 of Hendricks, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Hendricks Hospi­tal after a courageous bat­tle with cancer.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hendricks with Rev. Bruce Mueller of­ficiating. Visitation was 5-7p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Birk Funeral Home in Hendricks with a prayer service at 7p.m. Visitation resumed one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial was in the Hen­dricks City Cemetery.

Gene Robert Miller was born June 14, 1939 in Min­neapolis to parents Lewis and Marguerite (Nichols) Miller. He was united in marriage to Millie Thom­sen on Aug. 26, 1989 in Coon Rapids.

Gene enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and just being outdoors in nature. He also enjoyed cars, es­pecially hot rods. Gene’s friends meant the world to him and he treasured the time spent visiting with each and every one of them. Gene had a true love for the Lord and he found comfort within his faith.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hendricks, where he was president and treasurer.

Grateful for having shared Gene’s life is his wife of 22 years, Millie Miller of Hendricks; his daughter Angella (John) Fuller and their children Connor, Andy and Rachel of Becker; his son Robert Buelow of Carlisle, Iowa; one sister, Lois (Butch) Belmore of Crystal; sis­ter-in-law Mary Miller of Oakdale and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Marguerite Miller and one brother, Lewis “Jerry” Miller.

Blessed be his memory.

Harold Mickelson

Harold Mickelson, age 97 of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Saturday, Nov. 19. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Wild Flower Presbyterian Church with burial follow­ing at Hills of Rest Memo­rial Park. Visitation was at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Survivors include his daughter Sharon (Francis) Eliason of Tampa, Fla., son Paul Mickelson of Sioux Falls, S.D., five grandchil­dren, 13 great-grandchil­dren, one great-great-grandchild and sisters Ida Goodroad of Brookings, S.D., Wilma Gerth of Wa­tertown, S.D. and Erlis An­derson of Astoria, S.D.

Kermit S. Kirkvold

Kermit S. Kirkvold, age 84 of Casa Grande, Ariz., died on Nov. 28 at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center.

The memorial service was at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at Sonland Lutheran Church, Casa Grande, with the Rev. Duane Bottjen of­ficiating.

Mr. Kirkvold was born on Dec. 7, 1926 near Brook­ings, S.D., on a farm, and to parents Peder and Emma (Singsaas) Kirkvold. He moved to Hendricks in 1942 and graduated from Hendricks High School in 1944. He worked with his father at a service station until he was inducted into the army in February 1945, during World War II. He was discharged in 1946, continued working with his father at the station as partners and bought his share in 1960. He sold the station in 1990.

Kermit married Mavis Nelson on Aug. 18, 1950. They raised two of Mr. Kirkvold’s cousins as fos­ter children.

Survivors include his wife Mavis; two sons, Brian Kirkvold of South Dakota and Alan Singsaas of California; a daughter, Janet Swenson of Oregon; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, JoAnn Kirkvold, and a sister, Clarice Bruns.

J. Warren Funeral Ser­vices, Cole and Maud The Gardens Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Gene Miller

Gene Miller, age 72 of Hendricks, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Hendricks Hospi­tal after a courageous bat­tle with cancer.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hendricks with Rev. Bruce Mueller officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Birk Funeral Home in Hendricks with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visita­tion will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Hendricks City Cem­etery.

Grateful for having shared Gene’s life is his wife of 22 years, Millie Miller of Hendricks; his daughter Angella (John) Fuller and their children Connor, Andy and Rachel of Becker; his son Robert Buelow of Carlisle, Iowa; one sister, Lois (Butch) Belmore of Crystal, and many good friends.

Blessed be his memory.

Brian L. Ruhd

Brian L. Ruhd, age 55 of Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Brandt, S.D., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 in the Highland Lutheran Church, Brandt, S.D., with Rev. Carlene Rhody offi­ciating. Burial was in the Highland Lutheran Cem­etery, rural Brandt. Visi­tation was from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 in the Highland Lutheran Church in Brandt and resumed one hour prior to the ser­vice. The Houseman Fu­neral Home in Clear Lake, S.D. was entrusted with the arrangements.

Brian Leon Ruhd was born on Dec. 31, 1955 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Dar­rell and Annie (Schepker) Ruhd. Brian was baptized on Jan. 29, 1956 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids with his sponsors Lee and Marian Ruhd. The family moved to the Brandt, S.D. area where Brian graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1974. He continued his educa­tion at cosmetology school in Minneapolis. Following his graduation he was em­ployed in the Minneapolis area as a hair stylist. Brian then moved to Sioux Falls, S.D. and worked at Don and Co. as a hair stylist. He then started traveling throughout South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa sell­ing hair products to salons. Later he attended SDSU in Brookings, S.D. where he received his Bachelor of Science of music educa­tion in May of 2001 and a Masters of Education in December of 2002. While at SDSU, he participated in the Statesmen and Madrigal Choirs, where he enjoyed performing and entertaining, includ­ing his personal recitals. Upon graduation from SDSU, Brian was a substi­tute teacher for schools in Clear Lake, Sioux Falls and Brookings, S.D., teaching music and ESL (English as the secondary language). Brian resided in Sioux Falls due to his many challenges with health issues.

He enjoyed going to school, music of all variet­ies, computers and, most recently, quilting and sew­ing. He was always on the ball sending cards for spe­cial occasions and always wanting to know what the nieces and nephews were up to.

Brian is survived by his father Darrell Ruhd of Brandt, S.D.; siblings: Terry (Cherie) Ruhd of Brandt, S.D., Darla (Greg) Toben of Clear Lake, S.D., Brad (Tammy) Ruhd of To­ronto, S.D., Peggy (Dwight) Buller of Hendricks, Neal (Polly) Ruhd of Clear Lake, S.D. and Patsy (Don) Cas­sels of Clear Lake, S.D.; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; special friends include Lori (Bear) Watkins of Sioux Falls, who had been Brian’s caregiver for the past four years, Kevin Ball of Salt Lake City, Utah, Dennis Seen of Minneapo­lis and Curtis Skjong of Chicago, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his mother Annie Ruhd, niece Sarah Buller and several aunts and un­cles.