Custer County Chronicle

Dale Ballard

Published by admin on Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:41pm

Dale Russell “Russ” Ballard, known to his parents and sister as “Butch,” was born Aug. 9, 1944, in Douglas, Wyo., to Dale and Wilma (Nunn) Ballard.  He was raised in the shadow of Laramie Peak in the small village of Esterbrook, Wyo.

John Hoover

Published by admin on Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:40pm

John Charles Hoover, 76, of Custer, S.D., passed away peacefully April 25, 2026, at Custer Care and Rehab due to complications from advanced dementia.
John was born April 6, 1950, in Pierre, S.D., to Charles and Helen Jean (Small) Hoover. He grew up on the Hoover Bros family farm near Onida, S.D., alongside his older sister, Jane, and neighbors Russell and Marcella Hoover and their three daughters. Those early years shaped his strong work ethic and deep love for family.

Dale Zweber

Published by admin on Wed, 04/29/2026 - 12:39pm

Dale Alan Zweber, 74 of Custer, S.D., passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home in Custer.
Dale was born Nov. 29, 1951, in Hoven, S.D.,  to Ray and Doris (Beringer) Zweber.
Dale attended grade school and high school in Hoven while being raised on the family farm. He graduated with the Hoven class of 1970.

John Fejfar

Published by admin on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:39pm

John Fejfar, 71, of Show Low, Ariz., passed away peacefully April 11, 2026.
Born on May 14, 1954, in Yankton, S.D., John lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family and humility. John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Ione.  Together they built a life centered on love and shared values.

Shari Otto

Published by admin on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:38pm

Born Feb. 21, 1969, to Orin L. Otto and Barbara Wilkins Otto in Powell, Wyo., Shari Lynn Otto died of natural causes March 8, 2026, in Hot Springs, S.D. 
Predeceased by her father, Orin, Shari is survived by her mother, Barbara Otto; sister, Shelly (Steve) Engelbrecht; brother, Mike (Jenni) Otto; the absolute treasures of her life, her daughters Jessica Griffith and Sarah Griffith;  and her two kitties, Oscar and Felix.
Shari was truly a free spirit. Always cheerful, she just wanted everyone to be happy.

Jerry Smith

Published by admin on Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:38pm

Jerry Smith, 74, of Concord, Neb., passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
The visitation will be held Thursday, April 23, from 5-7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Allen, Neb.
A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held Friday, April 24, at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. The burial with military honors will be held in Eastview Cemetery in Allen. 

Kathleen Bryan

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:11pm

Kathleen “Kitty” Marie Hamilton Bryan was born Sept. 8, 1940, in Pine Ridge, S.D.  
She went to her true home to be with her Lord and Savior April 4, 2026, in Rapid City, S.D., at the age of 85. 
Her first day in heaven was Easter Sunday.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Do not let your  hearts be troubled… In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a  place for you.’”
— John 14:1–2

Mildred Hamm

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:30am
Mildred Hamm, 95, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026 in Custer, S.D.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Little White Church in Hill City, S.D.  Burial will follow at Hill City Cemetery.
Please visit OsheimSchmidt.com.

Janice Marteny

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:59am

Janice Marteny, 88, of Custer, S.D., passed away at Rapid City Monument Health Hospital March 29, 2026.
Janice Lee Stratton Marteny was a cherished soul who touched the lives of many during her 88 years.  A devoted mother to her seven children, she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and unwavering faith, following her beloved husband to heaven.  

Naomi Miglia

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:59am

Naomi Kay Miglia, a cherished housewife and devoted family woman, passed away peacefully March 28, 2026, in Newcastle, Wyo.
Born April 20, 1940 in the close-knit community of Custer, SD., to Harold and Nellie Elfstrom,   Naomi lived a life defined by love, dedication and service to those around her.
Memorial services for Naomi were April 6 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newcastle. 
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 South Railroad Ave., Newcastle, WY 82701.