THOUGHT FOR TODAY

If speaking kindly to plants helps them grow, imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do.

TOURNAMENT TIME ROUNDUP

GIRLS BASKETBALL

In Class “AA” the regular season is still in progress. The top 16 teams will be seeded 1 through 16 for the SoDak 16 round of eight games (16 at 1, 15 at 2, 13 at 3, etc.) on March 1 that will determine the eight qualifiers for the state tournament March 7-9.

In Class “A” Stanley County’s season ended with a 48-24 loss to Miller in the first round of Region 6A. Playing in Thursday’s semifinals for the right to advance to the SoDak 16 next week are Mobridge-Pollock vs. Crow Creek and Miller vs. McLaughlin.

In Class “B” Sully Buttes lost to Potter County, 62-50, in the second round of Region 6B, ending the Chargers’ season. Playing in the semifinals for the right to advance to the SoDak 16 next week are Lyman vs. Potter County and Highmore-Harrold vs. Herreid-Selby Area.

BOYS BASKETBALL

In Class “AA” the regular season is still in progress. The top 16 teams will be seeded 1 through 16 for the SoDak 16 round of eight games (16 at 1, 15 at 2, 14 at 3, etc.) on March 2 that will determine the eight qualifiers for the state tournament March 14-16.

Stanley County and the other teams in Region 6A will be seeded for first-round games next Tuesday, Feb. 27. Those four winners will clash in two semifinal games next Thursday, March 1, and those two winners will move into the SoDak 16 round of eight games March 5 to determine the eight qualifiers for the state tournament March 14-16.

Sully Buttes and the other teams in Region 6B will be seeded for first-round games next Monday and second-round games Tuesday, Feb. 27. The four Tuesday winners will play in two semifinal games next Thursday, March 1, to determine the eight qualifiers for the state tournament March 14-16.

GIRLS WRESTLING

At the state girls tournament in Sioux Falls this weekend Pierre will have 10 girls competing: Shaylee Speck at 100 pounds; Sydney Uhrig at 107; Dani Ringstmeyer at 114; Lexie Hillmer at 126; Kezrey Benning at 132; Jayda Steinke at 138; Ireland Templeton at 145; Abbigail Lewis at 152; Emalee Larson at 185, and Heavenly Thompson at 250.

Sully Buttes will have three girls competing at the state tournament: Cateri Yellow Hawk at 126 pounds, Tahnie Yellow Hawk at 132, and Cheyenne Fuller at 138.

BOYS WRESTLING

At the state boys individuals wrestling tournament this weekend in Sioux Falls, 13 Pierre Governors will be on the mats: Gable Uhrig at 106 pounds, Walker West at 113, Jacob Mason at 120, Lincoln Schoenhard at 126, Alex Oedekoven at 132, Tristan Spencer at 138, Max Hunsley at 144, Jaxon Ducheneaux at 157, Lucas Chamberlin at 165, Trey Lewis at 175, Chance Carda at 190, Elijah Boutchee at 215 and Lucas Colman at 285.

Stanley County has six wrestlers going to the state “B” tournament: Will Myers at 132 pounds, Spencer Sargent at 138, Taiten Shaw at 150, Hayden Roggow at 157, Colton Brady at 165 and Rylan Shrake at 175.

Sully Buttes has one man headed into the state tournament. He is Bryson Heuertz at 165 pounds.

GIRLS HOCKEY

The state girls varsity tournament will be played in Watertown next weekend, March 1-3.

BOYS HOCKEY

The state boys varsity tournament will be played in Brookings March 8-10.

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

Boys wrestling: At the Region 3A tournament held in the Riggs High gym, the Governors qualified men for the state tournament in 13 of the 14 weight classes. Alex Oedekoven, Tristan Spencer, Lucas Chamberlin, Trey Lewis and Chance Carda each won his individual regional championship. Jaxon Ducheneaux and Elijah Boutchee also reached their championship matches but placed second. Third-place medalists were Gable Uhrig, Walker West, Jacob Mason, Lincoln Schoenhard and Max Hunsley. Lucas Colman placed fourth. At 150 pounds Brock Moser placed fifth.

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Girls/boys wrestling: at state tournaments, Sioux Falls.
— FRIDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. Sioux Falls Roosevelt.
Girls/boys wrestling: at state tournaments, Sioux Falls.
Boys basketball: at Sioux Falls Roosevelt.
— SATURDAY
Girls/boys wrestling: at state tournaments, Sioux Falls.

Girls basketball: The Governor girls lost to Mitchell, 49-48, and defeated Sioux Falls Jefferson, 51-47.

Boys basketball: The Governors lost to #1 Mitchell, 74-50, and lost to Sioux Falls Jefferson, 64-47.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

Wrestling: The Buffaloes qualified six men for the state tournament by placing fourth or better in their weight classes at the Region 4B tournament held in Parkview Gym. Hayden Roggow and Colton Brady were runners-up in their weight classes. Will Myers, Spencer Sargent and Rylan Shrake were third-place medalists. Taiten Shaw placed fourth in his class. Other SCHS placers were Landon Bame, sixth, and Tayten Walker, sixth.

This week’s schedules:
—- THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY
Wrestling: at state tournament, Sioux Falls.
— FRIDAY
Boys basketball: at Little Wound.
— TUESDAY
Boys basketball: First-round game of Region 6A tournament.

Girls basketball: The last regular-season game at Little Wound was canceled. On the opening night of Region 6A Tuesday, the Buffaloes lost to Miller, 48-24. SC’s final record is 2-18.

Boys basketball: The Buffaloes defeated Lyman, 63-49. They end their regular season at Little Wound this Friday in a game postponed from last week.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

Boys basketball: The Chargers won a big game over Faulkton Area on Thursday, 67-60, but then were handily beaten by James Valley Christian at the Warner Classic, 51-19, trailing 28-6 at halftime. The boys’ record is 11-8 with one regular-season game remaining Friday.

Girls basketball: The Charger girls beat Faulkton Area, 56-51, in the last regular-season game and finished as the fourth seed in Region 6B, giving them a home game vs. Potter County in the second round of the regional tournament this past Tuesday. But the Chargers lost, 62-50, ending their season with an 11-10 record.

Wrestling: At the Region 4B tournament in Fort Pierre, Bryson Heuertz placed fourth at 165 pounds to qualify for the state tournament. In girls’ wrestling three Chargers are headed to the state tournament—Cateri Yellow Hawk, Tahnie Yellow Hawk and Cheyenne Fuller.

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Girls/boys wrestling: at state tournaments, Sioux Falls.
— FRIDAY
Boys basketball: at North Central.
Girls/boys wrestling: at state tournaments, Sioux Falls.
— SATURDAY
Girls/boys wrestling: at state tournaments, Sioux Falls.
— TUESDAY
Boys basketball: Second-round game in Region 6B tournament.

WORDS OF WISDOM

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.
— Sydney J. Harris

BASEBALL UPDATE

Minnesota Twins spring training games, all at 12:05 p.m. CST:
Friday: University of Minnesota.
Saturday: Pittsburgh.
Sunday: Boston.
Monday: New York Yankees.
Tuesday: Philadelphia.
Wednesday: Baltimore.
Thursday: Atlanta.

HOCKEY UPDATE

Oahe Capitals boys varsity: The Caps took a 10-2 trimming at the hands of Rushmore. Jarron Beck and Aidan Dozark had the two Oahe goals, and Spencer Anderson made 29 saves. The Capitals were outshot 39-16. Back home the Capitals won over Yankton, 5-3, as Dozark scored twice and Beck, Dylan Dodson and Devin Dodson once apiece and Anderson made 11 saves. In an 8-4 win also over Yankton, the Dodson boys each had two goals while Beck, Dozark, Barret Schweitzer and Grayson Hunsley each scored once. Anderson was goalie for 17 minutes, making four saves, and Jaxon Jungwirth was in the nets for 34 minutes, making six saves. The Capital boys end the regular season with a rough road trip—at Brookings at 5:45 Friday, at Watertown at 6 p.m. Saturday and at Sioux Falls West at 1:45 Sunday.

MIDCO SPORTS NETWORK LIVE GAMES THIS WEEK

— THURSDAY
Men’s basketball: USD vs. Kansas City, 7 p.m.
Men’s basketball: SDSU vs. Denver, 7 p.m. (MS2).
— FRIDAY
Men’s hockey: UND vs. Minnesota-Duluth, 7 p.m.
Men’s hockey: Augustana vs. Alaska-Anchorage, 7 p.m. (MS2).
— SATURDAY
Men’s hockey: UND vs. Minnesota-Duluth, 6 p.m.
Men’s hockey: Augustana vs. Alaska-Anchorage, 6 p.m. (MS2).

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

• Last week and this week I am a substitute accompanist for a chorus composed of Rapid City home-schooled students in grades 9-12. One of the pieces they are preparing is “River in Judea,” and that immediately brought back memories of my son Jason’s senior year at Riggs High, and the rest of you in Will Hanson’s chorus in the 1991-92 school year will likely recall it, too. I remember the chorus sang it at the evening concert that concluded the Riggs chorus festival on a Saturday in March 1992. I remember that night well because, when we got home from the concert, I flipped on the TV in time to see Kentucky score a basket with a couple seconds left to take a one-point lead over Duke in the NCAA Tournament’s East Regional final. But you may know what happened next. Grant Hill in-bounded the ball beneath the Kentucky basket, threw a 3/4-of-the-court strike to Christian Laettner in the free-throw circle at the other end. He faked one way, whirled the other, shot the ball, made the basket, broke Kentucky’s heart and sent Duke on to the regional and on to their second national championship. And that’s what “River of Judea” reminded me of.
• I know that some of you theater-goers in the Pierre area come out to Rapid City for shows occasionally. If you have plans to come out to see Black Hills Community Theatre’s spring musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” you need to order your tickets now. They are going fast! The musical will be staged at the Performing Arts Center’s Historic Theater on the weekends of March 15-16-17 and 22-23-24 (that’s a Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday matinee each of those two weekends). “Fiddler” is a classic of the Broadway theater with a great story, great production numbers and a plethora of beautiful songs. To make ticket reservations you can call 605-394-1786 or go to www.bhct.org and click on “Buy Tickets.” And if you come to the show, tap me on the shoulder out there in the lobby, and I will personally escort you to your seats!
• Friends and relatives of Karen LaFurge, Marj (Schmidt) Thompson, Malik Hachem (Rachel LeBeau’s son) and others who have birthdays next Thursday should do the celebrations up right. These folks won’t have another birthday until 2028.
• As I mentioned last week, I have had no access to Facebook for two weeks. So if you have news of weddings, engagements, births, promotions, graduations, trips, achievements by your kids or grandkids or anything else we all would enjoy reading, you must SEND THEM TO ME at parkerhome16@hotmail.com. If you post your good news on Facebook, that’s great, but I won’t see it.

COUNTDOWN

1 day: Pierre Players’ “Clue: On Stage” (Feb. 23-March 2).
1 day: Minnesota Twins spring training opener (Feb. 23).
3 days: Pierre Concert Series, “Yu and I” (Feb. 25).
5 days: Georgia Morse Middle School musical, “The Lion King Jr.” (Feb. 27-29).
8 days: Zesto opens (March 1).
8 days: State girls varsity hockey tournament, Watertown (March 1-3).
9 days: NSIC men’s/women’s basketball tournaments, Sioux Falls (March 2-5).
14 days: State girls basketball tournaments, AA Sioux Falls, A Brookings, B Rapid City (March 7-9).
15 days: Summit League men’s/women’s basketball tournaments, Sioux Falls (March 8-12).
16 days: State boys varsity hockey tournament, Brookings (March 8-10).
17 days: The Oscars, ABC-TV (March 10).
17 days: Daylight Saving Time begins (March 10).
21 days: State boys basketball tournaments, AA Sioux Falls, A Rapid City, B Aberdeen (March 14-16).
24 days: St. Patrick’s Day (March 17).
29 days: Sioux Falls Storm season opener (March 22).
30 days: All-State Band concerts, Pierre (March 23).
31 days: Palm Sunday (March 24).
32 days: Pierre track/field season opener (March 25).
35 days: Minnesota Twins regular-season opener (March 28).
36 days: Good Friday (March 29).
37 days: Pierre softball season opener (March 30).
38 days: Easter (March 31).

COLLEGE SPORTS ROUNDUP

South Dakota State men’s/women’s track (Rylan McDonnell, Lydia Hill, Jessica Lutmer): We could locate no results of SDSU’s last-chance meet held last Friday. The Jackrabbits will be at the Summit League championships in Fargo Friday and Saturday.

Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball (Nick Wittler): The Tigers lost to Morningside, 84-79. Nick did not see action in the game. DWU was 14-12 overall and 9-9 in the GPAC heading into a game vs. Dordt last night. The Tigers go to Jamestown Saturday, then play in the opening round of the GPAC tournament next week.

Black Hills State men’s basketball (Jackson Edman): BHSU won a pair of home RMAC games, 82-73 over UC-Colorado Springs and 75-63 over Regis. Jackson did not see action in either contest. Now 13-11 overall and 11-7 in the conference, BHSU goes to Fort Lewis Friday and to Adams State Saturday.

Northern women’s basketball (Katie Bourk): The Wolves won twice, 61-47 over Winona State and 92-87 over Minnesota State. Now 19-7 overall and 15-5 in the NSIC, Northern ends the regular season with a trip to Augustana Friday and Wayne State Saturday. The first round of the NSIC tournament will be played at campus sites next Wednesday.

South Dakota State swimming (Morgan Nelson): Idle last week, the Jacks are at the Summit League championships in Minneapolis now through Saturday.

Dakota Wesleyan wrestling (Aric Williams, Tyson Williams): Four Tiger wrestlers, two of them from Pierre, have qualified to compete in the NAIA national tournament in Park City, Kan., Feb. 29-March 2. At the GPAC conference championship, Aric Williams won a decision and a pin to reach the semifinal of his weight class. He lost a 5-4 decision there, but won twice more, 7-6 and by technical fall in the third-place match at 141 pounds to advance to nationals. Tyson won a 10-6 decision first, then lost a semifinal match 8-5. He qualified for nationals the hard way, by winning three straight subsequent matches—by 14-4 decision, by pin and by another pin. He won his third-place match and had the opportunity to challenge the second-place man, did so and beat him

South Dakota men’s basketball (Max Burchill): The Coyotes lost to Omaha, 91-84. Max went 0-for-2 in threes and 2-2 at the stripe for two points with a rebound and two assists. In an 83-80 loss to St. Thomas, he was 4-of-5 (2-of-2 in threes) for 10 points with two boards and a blocked shot. Now 10-17 overall and 3-9 in the Summit, USD is home vs. Kansas City Thursday and Oral Roberts Saturday.

University of Sioux Falls women’s wrestling (Toby Bryant): Toby’s qualifiers, idle last week, will be at the national regional in Denton, Texas, Sunday.

Georgia Tech women’s basketball (Caleb Currier): The Yellowjackets beat Clemson, 64-63, and lost in overtime to North Carolina State, 86-85. Now 15-12 overall and 6-9 in the SEC, Georgia Tech hosts Louisville Thursday and Wake Forest Sunday.

Mary women’s basketball (Chloe Lamb): Mary lost to Concordia-St. Paul, 53-46, and beat Minnesota-Duluth, 86-69. Now 18-10 overall and 14-6 in the NSIC, Mary goes to Wayne State and Augustana this weekend.

South Dakota State wrestling (Regan Bollweg): The Jackrabbits lost to Missouri in a dual, 21-19. The regular season ends with a home dual vs. NDSU Sunday.

Augustans swimming (Ella Ward-Zeller): At the NSIC championships Ella placed eighth in the 100 backstroke in :57.99 and 15th in the 400 individual medley in 4:45.05. The Augie women won the conference meet for the second straight year. Selected swimmers will go on to the NCAA championships in Geneva, Ohio, March 12-14. For the others the season is over.

University of Sioux Falls men’s wrestling (Josh Rydberg): The Cougars lost to Minnesota State in a dual, 39-7. Josh did not wrestle there. Now 2-11 overall and 0-8 in NSIC duals, USF hosts Southwest Minnesota State Thursday.

Dakota State men’s track (Houston Lunde): At the NSAA conference meet, the Trojan men won the conference title for the third straight year. Houston placed eighth in the weight throw at 51’1 3/4″. Except for eight athletes going to nationals, the DSU indoor season has ended.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I think that when the dust settles, we will realize how little we need, how very much we actually have and the true value of human connection.”
— Charlie Brown in “Peanuts”

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Thursday, Feb. 22:
Kevin Kalil, A. J. Rounds, Steve Radabaugh, Bob Stalley, Ted Massey, Kathryn Hardwick, Amy (Robinson) Ryan, Memphis Murphy, Britt Palmer, Ben Jensen, Travis Scharnweber, Luke Schuetzle, Karly Harris, Jackie Decker, Arlo Rosenau, Stu Larson.
— 10th anniversary, Brennan/Amber (Russell) Priest.

Friday, Feb. 23:
Jessica Lewis, Mick Hofer, Sarah (Linn) Hyde, Kayla (Pochop) Riswold, Megan (Vockrodt) Bauck, Dave Bonde, Darren Larson, Renee Knapp, Nathan Bradley, Mary Carter, Anniston Lowery, Cash Anderson, Arlo Beck, Chloe Tibbs
— 14th anniversary, Garrett/Adrienne James.

Saturday, Feb. 24:
Zach Frisby, Phoenix Malone, Rob Stoeser, Karin (Porter) Bartell, Piper Dooley, Brian Pope, Jane Cass, Andrea Spaid, Everett Miller, Chris Peterson, Dave Potter, Michael Authier, Heidi Nelson, Loryn (Schuetzle) Lichty, Joe Wilson, Hope Davide, Jayne (Knox) Kraemer.

Sunday, Feb. 25:
Max Hunsley, Tom Gerken, Willie Gloe, Chandra (Lesmeister) Miller, Steve Thompson, Caitlyn McKay, Patsy Handcock, Christy (Sobolik) Luskey, Troy Buschbom, Greg Campbell, Glynnes Sargent, Clara (Stoeser) Kinzie, Julie Smith, Len Cooper.

Monday, Feb. 26:
Jade Bartel, Tyson O’Daniel, Amelia Rounds, Peyton Shibley, Austin Gross, Diane Deis, Stacey Mancuso, Justin Stephens, Zach Parsons, Tye Johnson Evelynn Dekker, Torey Garrett, Kit Bramblee, Valerie (Coyle) Hawley, Jill (Taylor) Bischoff.

Tuesday, Feb. 27:
Nick Marso, Patrick Olson, Tyson Pierce, Terry (Lamster) Horning, Seth Deal, Vada Smith, Isaiah Shoup, Leah Parsons, Sheryl Johnson, Macy Bryant, Sara (Stulken) Kehrwald, Steven Jonas, Amanda Barber, Jim Bright, Andrea (Viken) Urbach.

Wednesday, Feb. 28:
Terry Miller, Dawn (Henderson) Holmes, Mitch Irion, Anna (Van Duzer) Yost, Harry Decker, Karen (Van Camp) DeJabet, Kayla Klemann, Andrew Chick, Nancy Peck, Kyler Tieszen, Derek Van Roekel, Bre Ripperger.

Thursday, Feb. 29:
Karen (Rawstern) LaFurge, Marj (Schmidt) Thompson, Malik Hachem.

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Delores “Dee” Wheeler, 91, died Feb. 16 at Edgewood. Her funeral is being held this (Thursday) morning at 10 a.m. at the Isburg Funeral Chapel.

Wilmer “Bud” Hettinger, 87, died at Avera Maryhouse on Feb. 18. A graveside service with military honors is planned for 1:30 MST on March 15 at Black HIlls National Cemetery. Bud grew up at Eaton, Colo., and earned a degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953-56. He married Jane Nelson in 1958. Bud worked for International Harvester and as an adjuster with State Farm Insurance. He is survived by his son, William (Kathy) Hettinger of Pierre; his daughter, Wendy (William) Otheim of Hartford; his brother, Bill Hettinger of Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Arthur; his parents, and his brother, Ron.

Pierre’s mayor, Steve Harding, has been appointed to the State Lottery Commission.

Donald L. Waba, Jr., the partner of Blunt native Joan (Flansburg) Kimbley for the past 15 years, died Feb. 3 after a stroke. A native of Watertown, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Special Forces during the Vietnam War. He was also a sheriff’s deputy and a police officer. He is survived by three children from two marriages, one grandchild and five great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Friends can contact Joan Kimbley at 708 Kiowa Ave., Gillette WY 82718.

Pierre native Jim McLain, who is a teacher in the Sioux Falls school system, was one of the actors who appeared in “The Premiere Premieres,” two one-act plays written by local playwrights, which were performed last weekend by the Premiere Playhouse in the Orpheum Theatre.

Pauline Manus, who with her family lived in Pierre for 25 years, died at home in Rapid City Feb.15. A graveside service and burial will take place this Friday at 2 p.m. at Pipestone, Minn. A memorial service will be held at a later date at First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City. Pauline grew up at Bremerton, Wash. At Washington State University she met Louis Manus, and they were married in 1962. In 1971 they moved from Pullman to Dover, N.H., then in 1974 to Pierre. While in Pierre, Pauline worked for 19 years as a librarian at Rawlins Library. She also taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church. In 2000 Lou and Pauline moved to Rapid City. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Lou Manus; her daughter, Tanya Manus of Rapid City, and two sisters, Clare Roush and Judy Gormanson. She was preceded in death by her sons, Fredrick and Eric; her parents and two brothers.

It’s show time! Pierre Players’ first show of 2024, “Clue: On Stage,” opens this weekend with performances Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. The play continues next week with evening shows Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 29 and March 1-2. For ticket reservations call 224-7826.

Lorraine Ellwein, 96, died Feb. 11. A memorial service was held Monday at Lutheran Memorial Church. Born in Massachusetts, Lorraine graduated from Mitchell High School, attended business college and worked for Northwestern Bell. In 1946 she married Philip Ellwein, and they moved to Pierre. They owned and operated the Coca-Cola Bottling Company until retiring in 1980. Lorraine worked as a model for local clothing businesses, volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital, the Capitol and the Cultural Heritage Center and was an avid golfer and bowler. She is survived by four children, David (Norma) Ellwein, Stephen (Shirley) Ellwein, Kathryn (John) Harris and Peggy Ellwein (Brian Wickman); eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a sister and a brother and their spouses.

Jacki (Pfeil) Burki died Feb. 12 at Highmore Healthcare. Her funeral was held Monday at Feigum Funeral Home. Jacki graduated from Harrold High School in 1955 and married Roger “Sonny” Burki that year. They lived on a farm south of Harrold. After her husband’s death, Jacki came to Pierre in 2010, then to Highmore Healthcare in 2014. While in Pierre, she worked at the Capitol Cafe and cleaned homes. She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Dave) Ogle of Harrold; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a brother, Bob Pfeil. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a sister, Marge Manley.

Darla Mayer will be retiring as business manager of the Pierre school district at the end of the school year. (News courtesy of KCCR Radio)

Shirley (Coull) Varilek, 95, died Feb. 12 at Edgewood. Her funeral was held Tuesday at First United Methodist Church. Shirley attended school in Vivian and at Southern State College, then taught in rural schools. Later she worked at Dakotamart in Pierre. In 1946 she married John Varilek, and they raised five children. He died in 1993. Later she married Bob Gebhart, and he died in 2001. Shirley was an avid hunter and camper. Survivors include her daughter, Kathy Meyer of Gretna, Neb.; her sons, Terry (Mary) Varilek of Pierre, Tim (Marla) Varilek of Parker, Colo., and Greg (Lori) Varilek also of Parker; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a sister, Caroline Sorenson of Pierre. She was preceded in death by her husbands; her daughter, Vickie Maskovich; her parents and five siblings.

Sharon (Gravatt) Zeller, 73, died Feb. 16. Sharon grew up on the Crow Creek reservation. She is survived by five children, Kimrae (Shannon) Coyle of Pierre; Kray (Wendi) Zeller of Valley, Neb.; William (Teresa) Zeller of Pierre; Torry (Carrie) Zeller of Pierre; and Terra (Dallas) Zeller of Pierre; her sister, Carol, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth Zeller; seven siblings, and two grandsons.

Donald Lungren, 88, died Feb. 16 at Peaceful Pines assisted living center in Fort Pierre following a brain bleed after a fall. He graduated from Vale High School in 1954, earned a degree in agriculture education and ROTC at SDSU, obtained a master’s degree in curriculum and administration from SDSU and earned a doctorate in school business administration at USD. He worked as a school administrator in Elkton, Spearfish, Clark, Vermillion and Crow Creek in South Dakota and at Storm Lake and Estherville in Iowa. He also worked at Hogen’s Hardware in Pierre. He is survived by his siblings, Marian (Dan) Ruff of Spearfish, Jim Lungren of Rapid City and Brenda (Randy) Kolb of Watertown. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents and a nephew. No funeral or memorial service will be held. His cremains will be buried next to his wife at Elkton.

PONDER THIS

It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company.
— George Washington