Hoff man Herefords

Gary Rausch Gary Rausch

Gary G. Rausch, 62, of Onaka, SD died Sunday, August 1, 2021, from injuries sustained in an accident near his farm.

Gary was born November 22, 1958, to Duane and Janice Rausch of Onaka, SD. Gary grew up with his 12 brothers and sisters on their family farm in Onaka, SD, where his passion and love for cows began. He attended his early years of school in Onaka, but finished his schooling in Cresbard.

While in school, he met and fell in love with Twila Baker. They were married in February 1979. For the first two years of their marriage, they lived in Onaka, at which point they moved to their family farm where they remained.

Gary loved Hereford cows, sporting events, hunting, never missing a meal, and winning AM radio trivia. However, Gary’s peak happiness came from watching his kids and grandkids compete in various sporting events. He coached both teener and legion baseball, including being selected to coach the all-star game in Milbank, SD. Gary was a member of the parish council for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Onaka and was a member of the Clark Township Board. Gary loved the Twins, the Vikings, and very much enjoyed the “Minneapolis Miracle.”

Gary was a kid at heart and could often be found instigating mischief. The sparkle in his eye always gave him away. Gary was a “talker” and could often times be found in lengthy conversations with complete strangers. He loved going to bull sales. He loved the road trips, the comradery, and the lifelong relationships.

Gary is survived by his wife, Twila Rausch; mother, Janice Rausch; mother in law, Frankie Baker; siblings, Rick Rausch (Linda), Jeannie Hiem (Leonard), Cindy Schlosser, Pam Holt (Kevin), Shellie Melius (Owen), Kay McGaugh (Scott), Deb Owens (Joel), Tim Rausch (Teresa), Kristie Beal (Jon), Peg Goetz (Lee), Troy Rausch (Lovette), and Chad Rausch (Cortney McEntyre); children: Melissa Larson (Chris), Mark Rausch (Erin), Nicole Hieb (Austin); and his beloved grandchildren: Kalen Larson, Talon Larson, Amari Larson, Everly Larson, Kendall Rausch, Opie Hieb, and William Rausch; brother in law: Clyde Baker (Traci); sister in law: Darcy Swier (Greg); and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Duane Rausch; father in law, Elroy Baker; brother, Robert Rausch; sisterin-law, Carmen Rausch; brother-in-law, Mike Schlosser and his precious granddaughter, Amaya Larson.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wecota, SD, St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery Fund in Onaka, SD or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoven, SD or just go have yourself a steak in memory of Gary.

Randa Haak

Randa Renee Haak, 17, passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021, in Chamberlain, SD as a result of a tragic car accident that occurred just a mile away from her home.

Randa was born on May 12, 2004, in Chamberlain, SD, to her parents Jerri Ann (Knippling) Haak and Garin Haak. She was her Grandpa Randy’s birthday buddy and namesake and was the oldest of five siblings in a loving ranch family. In her early years, she spent her days at Grandma Susie’s house and was doted upon by everyone in the family. She was a true daddy’s girl and loved to make Garin’s favorite foods for him. Like a typical ranch kid, Randa loved animals,

fishing, hunting, and being outdoors with her family. She was a master organizer with many creative talents, and she spent countless hours in her room working on craft and engineering projects. She enjoyed her craft weekends with her Grandma Renee getting 4-H projects ready. Memories of hunting together will always be precious to her family, especially her many deer hunts with her parents. Her wit, honesty, and maturity were unique for someone her age. She was the best big sister and cousin and took care of everyone around her.

In her short life, Randa learned a lot about the importance of serving others. She was about to start her senior year at Chamberlain High School. Randa was an excellent and busy student, participating in volleyball, track, softball, as well as being a dedicated basketball student manager. She was also involved in SD Girls State, FFA, 4H, and HOSA. She had a knack for making a great poster board and took pride in her work and accomplishments in those activities. She coached youth softball, basketball, and soccer. This last year, she started teaching CCD classes which ignited a love of education in her. Randa loved being a lifeguard and teaching swimming lessons. She was on her way home from the pool when she passed. She was a great role model for the youth she served and was loved by many kids in the community.

Randa is survived by her parents, Jerri

Randa Haak Ann & Garin; her 4 younger siblings: Rayden, Jocie, Jera, and “best friend” Alesa; her grandparents, Randy & Susie Knippling, Renee & Jerry Buck, and Deb & Dale Kopman; her great grandparents Jerry & Ardith Knippling and Lillian Koistinen; her aunts and uncles: Regan Ciarlotta, Ryan (Carrie) Kysar, Darin (Sara)Kysar, Brydon (Liz) Haak, Raelyn (Daniel) Cichosz, Trenna (Jeff) Sarkinen, Shonell (Brandon) Dallum, Kristi (Ryan) Decker, Cole(Amy) Knippling, Sarah(Tyler) Daniel; and by her many, many cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Craig Haak; and her great-grandparents Lois and Buster Deuter, Ray and Thelma Haak, Jerry & Lola LaJoure and Kathy Mederios, and Wilbur Koistinen.

Her parents ask that in lieu of flowers, donations in Randa’s Memory are made to Randa R. Haak Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o First Dakota National Bank, Chamberlain, SD or visit the family’s Go Fund Me page on Facebook.

Verona Vroman

Verona Vroman, age 94 of Buffalo SD, died Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Belle Estate in Belle Fourche.

Verona Martha (Heck) Vroman was born in Tolstoy, SD on Sept 26, 1926 to Eugene and Frieda Heck. Eugene was born in 1883 and came to the US from Haubersbronn, Germany in 1909. Frieda was born in 1888 and raised in SD. They were married in 1916 in Tolstoy where he owned a shoe repair and harness shop. Eugene and Frieda had five children: Ruth, Esther, Walter, Verona and Virginia. Later, Eugene moved the family and the leather repair shop to Gettysburg, SD. There, Verona and her siblings attended school and helped in the shop. Frieda passed away in 1937. Esther came home from college to help her Dad care for the family until Eugene was remarried in 1938 to Louisa. With this marriage, Verona gained step-siblings, Russell and Virginia Jo.

Verona was 13 when she accepted the Lord, was baptized, and attended the Church of God. Her unwavering faith and relationship with God was of utmost importance to her throughout her life. She graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1945, and the family moved to Mitchell, SD. While visiting her sister, Esther Wammen, in the Slim Buttes, of South Dakota she met Bill Vroman. The two wrote letters and dated for about a year before they married on November, 7, 1947 in Mitchell, SD. They honeymooned in Sioux Falls, SD, returning to the XX Ranch in Harding County to a log house to begin their life together.

Bill and Verona had 4 children: Larry Bill, May 12, 1949; Linda Kay, January 21, 1951; Ross Gene, September 15, 1952; and Mark James, September 1, 1956. Ross was born with Cerebral Palsy-Hydrocephalus and passed away at the age of 13. The couple spent the majority of their years on the ranch with their three kids, raising beef cattle, ponies and horses. Verona’s specialties included packing picnic lunches, cheering and keeping score at the numerous rodeos the kids competed in. She also timed at the Regional High School Rodeo for several years.

Verona was active in the Slim Buttes Cowbelles and Eastern Star where she held various offices. Bill and Verona faithfully attended church services as well as other church related functions. Verona loved the tradition of hosting a live Nativity Service for the community in the barn every Christmas. The evening always concluded with singing Christmas carols and having refreshments in the house. The family vacations included a trip to Missouri to visit Verona’s father Eugene, and to Seattle to visit brother, Walt and his family during the 1962 World’s Fair. Verona helped plan trips to the National High Rodeo Finals in MN, NV, OK, KS, and TX.

Bill and Verona enjoyed taking trips with the Elite Club, traveling to Branson, Nashville, Alaska and Washington, DC. Every winter for 40 years, they drove to AZ to visit their daughter Linda, her family and friends. In 2000 Bill and Verona retired to Buffalo where they enjoyed lunching and card games at the Senior Citizens. They were always happy to host coffee guests or grandkids’ overnight stays and they rarely missed academic or sporting events the grandkids were involved in. Bill and Verona spent their last few years at Peaceful Prairie Estates and Belle Estate where she passed away at the age of 94 on June 19, 2021. Verona loved hosting many family reunions at the ranch. Her cooking and baking were known and appreciated by branding crews, hired hands and anyone one who stopped by the house.

Verona is survived by her daughter Linda (Bill) Otis of Buckeye, AZ; son, Mark (Jo) of St. Onge, SD; 7 grandchildren: Taylor Vroman, Ryan (Kelcee) Vroman, Seth (Jen) Otis, Trent (Kim) Otis, Nikki Vroman, Lisa (Chance) Kvistad, Lona (Jake) Downs; 10 greatgrandchildren: Jace, Mollee, Tyson, Reese, James, Kayden, Mylee, Harlan, Alexa, Jace; sister, Virginia Malde of Spearfish; and brother, Walt (Jeannie) Heck of Seattle WA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Claudia Vroman of Buffalo. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill in 2019; sons, Ross and Larry; sisters, Esther Wammen, and Ruth Johnson.

Verona Vroman