Irene B. Becker was called to her heavenly home on July 15, 2020. She was born March 22, 1931 in Mt. Lake, Minn. to Benjamin H. and Anna I. (Penner) Ratzlaff. Irene was the seventh child in a family of eight children. She graduated from Mt. Lake High School in 1949. After high school, Irene spent two years as a volunteer at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) headquarters in Akron, Pa., where she met her future husband, Harold Becker. On Nov. 9, 1956, Harold and Irene were married at the Mt.

Wayne Walter Decker was born on Dec. 2, 1932 in Hutchinson County, South Dakota to John T. and Lydia (Walter) Decker. He attended Highland District #78 and Parkston High School. He abandoned his high school career at the age of 16 to work alongside his dad on the family farm near Milltown, S.D. He was drafted into the United States Army near the end of the Korean War and served his basic training in Fort Campbell, Ky. Because the war ended, he did not have to serve in active military service and was able to return home to his life on the farm.

Dr. Patty Sue Herman passed away peacefully at age 70 on June 24, 2020, after a long battle with a very rare neurological disease. She left this life to join her parents on the date of their wedding anniversary and will be greatly missed by her loving brother and sisters, as well as other friends and relatives. Patty is survived by her sister Joanne (the late David) Ziarek of New Berlin, Wis., brother James Herman of Menno, S.D., and sister Judy Herman (Greg Houda) of Moran, Wyo.

Larry Donald Graber, age 90, formerly of Yankton, S.D., died Monday, March 16, 2020 surrounded by his family at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, S.D. A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton. Interment of ashes was in Freeman Cemetery.

Gwynn Marie Bodewitz was born on Jan. 10, 1949 in Sioux Falls, S.D. to Henry and Etoyle Aljets, the third of seven children. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loving family after a two-year battle with cancer. She was baptized on May 22, 1949 at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls by Pastor Curtis Schleicher. She was confirmed at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls on June 19, 1963 by Pastor Carl Paul. She attended elementary school in Sioux Falls until fourth grade and then continued at Valley Springs Elementary.

Myrtis Marie Miller, 89, of Freeman, S.D. passed away on June 19, 2020 at the Oakview Terrace of Freeman. Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. with COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing to be observed, followed by private family services at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman, with burial at the Missionary Church Cemetery to follow.

Phoebe Walter Wagner was born Nov. 8, 1926 to Jacob F. and Sarah (Hofer) Walter, on a farm northwest of Freeman, S.D. on Highway 44. She was called to her heavenly home on May 13, 2020. Phoebe was the 10th child in a family of 11. Phoebe attended Gross District #54 school near their farm. She attended Freeman High School. After schooling she went to Chicago and worked several different jobs there for about five years. 

Jerome Waltner, 82, passed away peacefully on May 13 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital due to complications from Influenza B. He was born Dec. 3, 1937 in rural Hurley, S.D. to Harry and Amanda (Kaufman) Waltner.  His early years were spent at the farm working with his brother, sister and parents. He attended Norse District 38 Country School one mile from the family farm until eighth grade. He graduated from Freeman Academy in 1956. He graduated with honors from South Dakota State College (SDSU) in 1960 and was crowned Hobo (Homecoming) King in 1958 and 1959.

Martin "Marty" Preheim was born February 21, 1965 to Neal and Bernita (Graber) Preheim in Freeman, S.D. He was born with Cerebral Palsey, which was caused by lack of oxygen during childbirth. It led to lifelong physical and mental challenges for Marty. He spent the first 15 years at home and spent time at childrens' hospital to help him manage his disabilities. From the age of 16 until his passing he lived in Sioux Falls at Lifescape, which was formerly Achieve, and Sioux Vocational Services, an agency that helps people with disabilities.

Leora Ann Ortman, age 95, of Freeman, SD, died April 30, 2020 at Oakview Terrace.  Due to current health care precautions, there will be private grave side services at the Salem Zion Mennonite Church.  A public service and celebration of her life will be held once gathering concerns have ceased. Born to Joseph J. and Marie (Albrecht) Graber on June 22, 1924, Leora grew up on a farm a few miles northeast of Freeman SD with her two sisters, Elta and Bernita, and two brothers, Hilbert and Johnny.