Custer County Chronicle

Travis Bies

Published by admin on Fri, 02/06/2026 - 9:24am

Travis Bies, 59, of Fairburn, SD, passed away February 3, 2026. Visitation will be Sunday, February 8, 5-7pm at Kirk Funeral Home.

Celia Shanahan

Published by admin on Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:27am

Celia M. Shanahan, 69, of Custer, S.D., passed away at her home Jan. 25, 2026.
Celia was born May 2, 1956, in Champaign, Ill., to Francis and Theresa (Eickstien) Woodworth. She was raised in Tolono, Ill.,, lived many years in Ramona, Calif., and most recently resided in Custer.
Celia was a hairstylist for many years. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. She created beautiful art and jewelry which was inspired by Custer State Park, a park she loved. Celia will be remembered for her kindness, her resilient spirit, her fun personality and her friendliness.

Jane Slagle

Published by admin on Wed, 02/04/2026 - 9:26am

Jane Slagle was born Oct. 2, 1933 and died Feb. 2, 2026.
The funeral memorial service for Janie will be held at Mountainview Baptist Church, 122320 Aviation Way in Custer, Saturday, Feb. 7  at  10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.
Graveside committal service is at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 9 at the Newcastle, Wyo., cemetery.
 

Jan Stevenson

Published by admin on Wed, 01/21/2026 - 1:27pm

Janice “Jan” Stevenson, age 71, departed this life Dec. 30, 2025, at her home (Custer Care and Rehab) in Custer, S.D., with several family members close at hand.  
She was predeceased by her parents; two sisters (Joyce Aldridge and Georgette Nelson); and her youngest son, Travis Stevenson.  
Jan was born June 8, 1954, in Casper, Wyo., to Gladys and George (Bud) Nelson.

James Schade

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:38pm

James C. Schade Jr., born July 19, 1962, went to be with our Lord Jan. 9, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Jim, or Jamie as he was known by family, was born in Parma, Ohio and attended Catholic school, graduating in 1980.
A Boy Scout, his love of camping, fishing and hunting began early. Jim met the love of his life, Danielle, while in high school and soon after graduating, married and joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix, Ariz. 

Gary Christie

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:37pm

Gary Christie of Custer, S.D., passed away Dec. 25, 2025
Gary was born Jan. 3, 1942 in a birthing house in Custer to Margueritta Mae and William “Bill” Christie. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, David Eugene Christie. 
Gary is survived by his significant other, Debra Christie; children, Crystal and her husband Shawn Krueger; and Cory Christie; and  three grandsons, Elijah, Peyton and Cruz. 
His hobbies were hunting, fishing, trapping and rock hounding.
At his request there will be no services. 

 

Paul Spieker

Published by admin on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 3:30pm

Paul C. Spieker, of Custer, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Custer.
Paul was born March 4, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minn. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, a chapter of his life that reflected the steady strength and quiet patriotism he carried throughout the years.

Billy Joe Parsons

Published by admin on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 3:29pm

Billy Joe Parsons passed away peacefully Christmas Eve morning at Avantara Arrowhead Rehab Center in Rapid City, S.D., where he was recovering from and receiving rehab following a major stroke that he suffered Oct. 18.
Billy Joe Parsons was born in the back of an ambulance Dec. 16, 1959, to Greer and Marcella Parsons, while enroute to Rapid City. He was the youngest of five children. 
Bill was a 1978 graduate of Custer (S.D.) High School, where he played football and basketball. Bill worked in the lumber business as a lumber grader for many years.

David Hill

Published by admin on Tue, 12/23/2025 - 1:11pm

After a long and interesting life, David Hill fought a brief battle with cancer and then went home to rest with his Savior Dec. 15, 2025. 
Born April 12, 1944, David spent time in France, Japan, and in several different U.S. states. He earned a Master’s degree in English, and became an educator, working at various levels of the education system.  He came to the Black Hills in the early 2000s. He worked locally in education before retiring

Larry Brazell

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:02pm

On Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, Larry Duane Brazell of Pringle, S.D., passed away at the VA Hospital in Hot Springs, S.D., at the age of 80 years.
Larry was born Nov. 7, 1945, in Chester, S.D., to Donald Wayne Brazell and Marjorie May (Sorenson) Brazell. He grew up on the family farm in eastern South Dakota (Wentworth, Chester, Volga area) and attended grade school at the Washington country school.
In 1958 his parents sold the farm and bought a ranch east of Hermosa, S.D., and moved there in December.