Ella Ida (Papendick) Koepp died peacefully April 17th, 2022, at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. Interment was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church.
Ella was born in rural Freeman, South Dakota on March 1, 1921, to Rudolph and Mary Papendick. She attended Lutheran Prochail School in Freeman and at age 8 moved with her parents to Bridgewater, South Dakota. While in Bridgewater, she attended school and worked at the Canistota Bakery and also as a waitress at the Ortman Hotel and Restaurant. Ella met her husband, Lawrence Koepp, while he was in the service through a writing program to enlisted soldiers. He was overseas and Ella befriended him quickly. They were married on October 9, 1945, in Canistota. Lawrence and Ella then bought a farm one mile West of Garretson, South Dakota; where they lived for most of their time together.
While Lawrence and Ella lived on their farm, Ella was active in the local Neighbor’s Extension Club and a member of the church circle at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. Ella was also a 4-H Club leader in Garretson, engaging youth, along with her three children, with agricultural awareness. Weekends were often spent with family and friends playing Pinochle. Ella also enjoyed swinging underneath the old cottonwood tree on their property with her grandchildren. In her spare time Ella crocheted afghans for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her later years, Ella became an avid Minnesota Twins fan and would rarely miss a game.
Ella is survived by three children: Vince Koepp of Columbia, IL; Ruby (Steve) Niklason of Bryant, SD; and JoAnn (Alan) Engelbrecht of Brandon, SD. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Trappor (Emilee) Masson; Amanda (Michael) Piesche; Haley Koepp; Jason (Whitnea) Engelbrecht; and Maggi Engelbrecht; and her brothers, Robert Papendick, Norm Papendick, and Arnold Papendick. She is also adored by her four great-grandchildren: Rosalee Masson; Anna and Kayla Engelbrecht; and Dakota Piesche.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, brothers, Mike, Helm, and Herb, her sister Lena. She also was preceded in death by several nieces and nephews.
Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson, handled the arrangements.
This year's senior volleyball and basketball players were transported to all games by Garretson School bus driver Tom Godbey, who opted to be sole transport for girls’ volleyball and basketball for the past six years after discovering that they were his favorite teams to drive for. Accompanying Godbey (front center) are (left to right) Maren Bonte, Jaelyn Benson, Mya Long, Lily Ranschau, Samantha Shellum, Erin Steen, and Aaliyah Leedy.
March 26 at the local Combine was the setting for this year's girls' volleyball and basketball senior appreciation supper.
I dubbed last year's seniors the "Magnificent Seven." And after what the volleyball players put us through at this year's State Tournament, I nicknamed them "The Cardiac Kids."
Last year's supper was supposed to be a one-time deal for bringing the girls volleyball and basketball programs back, respectively. Then I got to thinking that there was support there for turning things around, which included the underclass women.
This group had a lot to do with that and should be recognized also. After all, when it all started in junior high, they were right there with the 8th graders, last year's seniors, getting up at 5:00 a.m. for a 6:00 practice. Then, putting in a full day of school and doing it all over again the next day. They were right there in the mix of things and I didn't realize it at the time. So I apologized to them for that.
The torch was passed to them for the winning ways of the two sports and to run with it. And run with it they did. All the way to Rapid City, SD and a second-place finish in the State Tournament. And then they ran home with the conference basketball trophy from Baltic.
Well, actually they didn't have to run home, because I drove them home. My logbook says I transported the girls’ teams 64 times over the course of their high school career. And out of those 64 trips, I must say that it [the Big East Conference ride] was one of the most memorable. It was a very loud and joyous trip home with high fives and fist pumps abounding.
Yeah, they also deserved an appreciation supper.
And I might add, over the course of their career, it was a pleasure to watch their game improve over the years and watch them grow from young girls to mature women.
I would like to update you on the records of GHS girls’ sports in recent years.
Prior to last year's seniors' arrival, the three-year span in girls’ volleyball was a record of 1-67. The next year they went 41-33. With this year's record of 23-2, that puts it up to 64-35.
In the same period of time in basketball they went from 9-52 to 39-35. This year's record upped it to 54-44 with a conference tournament title for icing on the cake.
At the conclusion of the supper I had personal words with each one of them. Which I felt I could do after transporting them for six years, including junior high. But that shall remain private.
I will tell you what I told them before I proposed a toast to them. I thanked them for their behavior on the bus over the course of six years. And for their respect towards me. They always said "hi hi Tom" when getting on the bus. And always thanked me when getting off the bus. And that it meant a lot to me.
It was an honor with pleasure to transport the future of our society.
You girls have done well!
-submitted by Tom Godbey
UPDATE 5/5/2022: Story updated to clarify it was the Big East Conference bus trip home that was a highlight, as Godbey did not drive bus to Rapid City for the State volleyball tournament.
Whereas, Chief Warrant Officer Four Brian L Maschino's dedication to service has made him a valuable asset to this state and country; and,
Whereas, we have very few occasions to recognize these patriotic individuals who leave the comforts of their home and family to nobly serve a cause greater than themselves; and,
Whereas, Chief Warrant Officer Four Maschino has devoted over 42 years of his life making sacrifices that demonstrated no mission was too hard, no challenge was too great, and through tests and trials he emerged stronger than before; and,
Whereas, his loyalty and leadership as an Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer and his service in Operation Enduring Freedom have made him a cornerstone in the Armed Forces of this country, and it is a privilege to honor his success, his sacrifice, and his service; and,
Whereas, Chief Warrant Officer Four Maschino continues to give of himself, and our future is brighter thanks to his dedication; and,
Whereas, it is fitting and proper as Governor to commend Chief Warrant Officer Four Brian L. Maschino for over 42 years of dedicated and outstanding service to this state and country:
Now, Therefore, I, Kristi Noem, Governor of the state of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim April 4, 2022, as Chief Warrant Officer Four Brian L. Maschino Day in South Dakota.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the state of South Dakota, in Pierre, the Capital City, this twenty-eighth day of February in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two.
Signed, Kristi Noem,
Governor
Attest: Steven J. Barnett,
Secretary of State
Editor’s Note: We at the Gazette heard about this proclamation by word of mouth a few weeks ago, and sent a request to the Governor’s Office to send us a copy of this official document to reprint for our readers, which they did, late last week.
In March, Garretson Elementary teacher Jodi Neugebauer received notification that she was one of three state-level finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
"Jodi Neugebauer is one of three K-6 mathematics teachers selected to represent our state's best," stated Allen Hogie, SD PAEMST Mathematics Coordinator. "As a State-Level Finalist, Jodi is automatically a candidate for the National Presidential Award. The teacher selected as the state's Presidential Awardee will be notified officially by the White House. This will take place after a national committee reporting to the National Science Foundation makes its selection from the state-level finalists submitted by each state."
Patience is then required, as notification of the award winners is not quick.
"I may not know the results until summer, but it is an honor to be a finalist," said Neugebauer.
The selected teachers are then invited to Washington, D.C. for a recognition event, and honored by the White House and the Administration.
"She was nominated because someone thought she was a teacher who exhibits a passion for the subject she teaches; who approaches her work with creativity and imagination; and who strives daily to improve her practice," said Hogie.
Neugebauer is an extraordinary teacher, who has been teaching since 2008, with virtually all of that time in the second grade in Garretson. She was recognized as a Teacher of the Year by the Garretson American Legion Henry G Fix Post #23 and District 7 American Legion in 2015, is National Board Certified, and receives regular accolades from fellow educators and parents.
In her teaching, Neugebauer tends to use themes and teach across curriculums with plenty of real life and hands on learning, engaging her students with different learning styles.
"I love teaching and everything I do is for the students," said Neugebauer. "I want my classroom to be as interactive and hands-on as possible. I want students to have fond memories of learning and going on different adventures throughout the year even though we rarely leave the classroom. I teach the students that our imagination can take us anywhere. I strive to use my creativity when planning my lessons so students want to come back to school and learn more!"
Upon finding out she was nominated, Neugebauer was also asked to send a video of her teaching, which she recorded during "Arctic Week."
For this lesson, Neugebauer said, "We were collecting data using temperatures, telling time, and reading data from experiments but a large focus is in measuring using inches and centimeters. The lesson I recorded was measuring icicles (paper) to the nearest inch and half inch and then comparing and contrasting the measurements."
The theme lasted over the week and through different subjects.
"We were scientists that spent a week in Antarctica and got to use our lab coats and different experiments and activities," Neugebauer continued. "The students also worked with other “scientists” who would leave different tasks for them overnight. For example, the icicles that we measured were collected overnight by the other scientists.
"I find that when I make the activity real world and when the students get to “work” for someone else they are highly engaged and motivated. It makes it a fun learning environment. While in Antarctica, students of course get to meet some penguins through reading activities such as Mr. Poppers Penguins, along with researching different types of penguins and writing research papers about them to share with the scientists they are working for."
She also answered a series of questions that revolved around five aspects of learning, which included purpose, student engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, assessment for student learning, and classroom environment and culture.
"I had the opportunity to answer a series of questions based around each of these dimensions to prove what I was teaching, how it aligned with the scope and sequence of the year, the standards that I am required to teach along with how I assess the students, engage the students and build my classroom environment and culture," Neugebauer said.
"PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States," states the PAEMST website (PAEMST.org). "Since 1983, more than 4,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Presidential awardees receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington DC to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation."
Neugebauer, along with the other two state-level finalists, will also be recognized in South Dakota at a STEM Ed conference in Huron towards the end of February 2023.
When asked about Neugebauer, Elementary Principal Teresa Hulscher responded, "Any Garretson student who has had Jodi Neugebauer as their second grade teacher, has benefited from her creativity and passion for teaching math and science. She models life-long learning to her students with continual professional development and provides opportunities for project-based learning, problem-based learning, and invention and collaboration. She is very deserving of this honor and Garretson students are lucky to learn with her enthusiasm for teaching."
Anyone--principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public--may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form available on the PAEMST website. For more information visit www.paemst.org.
The new Annie’s location is at Depot Square, less than a block north of the school on Depot Avenue.
After a big remodel, the fourth business to be located in Depot Square, located at the corner of 3rd Street and Depot Avenue, has opened. Annie's Coffeehouse has returned after a hiatus, owned and operated by Anne Pedersen Webber.
Annie's has been a popular establishment, first opening in Rowena, SD then moving to Garretson. She opted to move into other work for a few years, shutting down the corner location that now houses The Combine. However, the coffeehouse kept calling to her, and she opted to come back, making the announcement to the local business community last fall.
The new location is located less than a block from the school, and has a wide variety of drinks and treats, including scones, rice krispy treats, and cookies. Drinks include coffee, frappes, fruit drinks, wine, and beer options.
Annie's will be open Tuesday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 or 3:00 p.m., with the possibility of later afternoon hours when an outdoor deck is completed. It will also be open Wednesday and Friday evenings with flatbreads and pretzels.
Anne Pedersen Webber, owner and operator of Annie's Coffeehouse, visited with JR and Richelle Hofer during a soft opening on Tuesday morning.
Annie's Coffeehouse has re-opened in Garretson after a hiatus, Garretson Elementary teacher Jodi Neugebauer has been selected as a state finalist for a Presidential award in Math and Science, Garretson track & field placed well despite a skeleton crew, plus much more!
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Annie's Coffeehouse has re-opened in Garretson after a hiatus, Garretson Elementary teacher Jodi Neugebauer has been selected as a state finalist for a Presidential award in Math and Science, Garretson track & field placed well despite a skeleton crew, plus much more!
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, April 7th at 7:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Tony Grandy with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Welch offered an opening prayer. 31 members were present. Special guests included the Post new members and Hugh “Homer” Holmes, who is a candidate for the Department Alternate NEC chair.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment. A motion was passed to donate $500 to the Jerome Johnson Scholarship Fund. Motions also passed to donate $30 to the Shrine Circus, and $100 to the Garretson Swimming Pool. Service Officer John Schmidt reported no new concerns to report. The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy. She reported that we currently have 204 paid members. Our total goal is 212. This is 96% of our goal and well ahead of our Department goals.
Bob Bennett, the Americanism Officer, reported that he has one confirmed Boy’s State participant. The Post has approved to pay for the $60 transportation cost. There are no applications at this time for the Youth Trooper Academy. Our street flag order is currently on backorder. Our Legion endowment is now at a level that will support a $750 scholarship award. It was discussed if we could otherwise fund two $500 scholarships, for a total of $1000. In the past the Post has awarded the scholarship to the winner of the Oratorical Contest. A motion passed to fund one scholarship for $750 to the winner of the contest. At the Garretson School Awards Presentation on May 5th we will recognize our Boys State candidate, the Educator of the Year, and two Citizenship Awards.
Legislative Officer Paul Evenson has reviewed the Asset and Infrastructure Committee Report for changes to Veterans facilities. It recommends increasing long term care beds in Sioux Falls and reducing surgical care to only same day surgery. They recommend changing the Emergency Room to an Urgent Care Clinic, and closing Fort Meade and the Wagner Outreach Clinic. There is a proposed new Rapid City medical facility. The Department is developing a resolution addressing these recommendations for the State Convention. Our Post Honor Guard has been requested to perform two funerals this month at the State Veterans Cemetary. An awards presentation will take place on Thursday, April 14th recognizing all of the Honor Guard teams.
Jeff Konechne gave the baseball report. He was pleased to report that practice is scheduled to start on May 1st, with games later in May. Jacob Schweitzer stepped down as coach for the 15 to 16 year olds, and Jay Swatek has signed on to coach for the Legion ball team. Some of the teams are struggling to get full rosters. Flandreau may join our kids and possibly provide a coach. At the District meeting it was discussed that some fans and parents showed poor sportsmanship last year. It is asked that this be addressed immediately if we see it occur.
The District 7 meeting was held in Valley Springs March 19th. Thanks to Andy Lyngen for leading the Flag Retirement Ceremony April 3rd, following the Legion breakfast. He coordinated with the Boy Scouts who participated. Andy is looking for volunteers to assist with the flag folding demonstration for the Boy Scouts on April 12th.
The American Legion National Commander Paul Dillard will come to our Post for breakfast on April 26th at 7:45. Legion members are encouraged to attend. A check for $5000 was presented on April 5th to the Blue Dragon Academy for their future expansion. The carpet replacement will take place after work is done to the walls. Discussion took place about painting the lower walls in the meeting room and stairs. It was decided to do further research on what the Montrose Post had done, and other options. Beth Welch reported that 10 books remain out. The first drawing will take place at the May meeting. It looks like all the tickets will be sold!
The next Post breakfast will be June 5th. Our next Post meeting will be Thursday, May 5th with the meal at 7 pm and the meeting following at 8 pm. Hugh “Homer” Holmes addressed the membership on the role of the National Executive Committee and his candidacy for that seat. Kris Frerk was nominated as our Post Good Samaritan of the Year and will be considered at the District and Department levels! Commander Grandy presented Department Commander hat pins to the Honor Guard, Boys State attendees, Baseball representatives, and members who recruited a new member.
The Post 23 Officers were nominated and the Post passed a unanimous ballot for the following officers: Commander – Nancy Grandy; 1st Vice – Beth Welch; 2nd Vice – Jon Schmidt; Adjutant – Tony Grandy; Finance – Jim Kurtz; Chaplain – Tara Hough; Americanism – Bob Bennett. The District 7 Vice Commander Andy Lyngen swore in the new slate of Post Officers. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 9:17 pm.
The Blue Ink is Garretson High School's weekly student newspaper, and is released on the school website each Friday. Due to no school this Friday, this week's Blue Ink was published a day early, and the Gazette found this issue to be an important one to highlight.
Fly high, Benton.
“Over the years I have gotten to know Benton and his family pretty well. From going to daycare with each other at a young age, school, babysitting, and even getting so close that he was like another brother to me. Benton had the sweetest heart and the kindest soul, as he matured fast for his age. I know a lot of people have gotten to know Benton as well as he grew up. From being one of the football managers and bat boys for baseball, I know he has made a great impact on not only mine, but a huge amount of other peoples lives too. To the Howe and Linneweber families, I pray that you are filled with peace and comfort as you navigate through this new journey of life. You all have a huge amount of support behind you which is something you should be very proud of. You all helped raise a wonderful young boy that so many people knew and loved as well. And to Benton, I hope you are proud of yourself and everything you’ve accomplished in your 11 years. Like making it to your first state wrestling tournament, your first communion, shooting your first deer, attending your first NFL game, and racing in your first motocross race because we sure are down here, especially your amazing parents who raised you and your brothers who were there with you. You have touched so many lives in amazing ways and we will all miss you like crazy, but now it is time for you to give it your all up there. We all love you buddy.”-Maren Bonte
“I’d just like to say he really showed us what it really means to be a role model, he was always looking up to the older guys and it’s just heartbreaking that he won’t be able to physically represent this school in the future.” - Cooper Long
“Benton was just one of those kids that lifted spirits. He had a smile that would light up a room instantly. We often go to the football games and parents would come up to us and tell us how much it meant to those kids that we were there and how much they looked up to us, but to be honest if it was the other way around. Benton was taken way too soon and will be missed greatly by everyone that he ever interacted with.”- Ryan Flanagan
“[Benton] knew he was good and he was full of life and happy and excited to be there and he lit up the gym with his smile.” - Mya Long
“Every time Benton would walk into a room he would always bring a smile to your face. He always found a way to make you laugh on your bad days and smile even harder on your good days. Benton was by far one of my favorite elementary kids just for how much we had connected and shared our feelings over the past year. Benton always would put 110% in whatever he did. I always remember hanging out with him in the wrestling room or walking by each other in the hallways. Benton would always have something funny to say. Ever since the first day Benton started to snap me he would always send me videos of him in his room dancing and singing to some of his favorite songs, which my favorite would have to be the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg video that he made and sent me that was more than 5 minutes long. Benton was always a kid that you would ask to do something and you knew it would get done. I loved how much Benton and I had in common throughout all of the agriculture to sports we always had something to talk about. My most memorable and heartbreaking moments with Benton that I have experienced and am able to remember him by is with one final video he sent me. This video showed him and his friend having a great time in the back of a car laughing and enjoying life together. This will be something that I will continue to watch to remind myself of the better days with Benton here on earth. Rest in Piece Benton you will always be in my heart and every time I watch your video I’ll be reminded of your presence.—Drew Pederson
On April 12, the Garretson Blue Dragon track and field team headed to Salem to participate in the McCook Central Jack Rasmussen Relays. Seven teams participated, including Freeman, Bridgewater-Emery, and Howard. While the overall event went well, it was interrupted at the end due to the weather. Two heats of the Girls' 200m were run, but the event was not scored or places awarded, and the 3200m and 1600m relays were not held.
Garretson placed well despite the circumstances, with several participants getting first and second place. The girls team won second place overall with 98 points, while the boys team took 5th place with a total of 52 points.
Their next meet was on Tuesday in Beresford (results not available at press time), and they will compete in the Tom Main Meet at Chester on Saturday.
Preston Bohl (left) and Sam Schleuter (right)Tayler Benson (right)
Final Results:
Girls 100m dash: Hannah Frewaldt, 8th place with a time of 13.89 seconds, earning 1 point.
Girls 400m dash: Kylie Christensen, 10th place with a time of 1:12.11.
Girls 800m run: Erin Steen, 5th place with 3:13.89 and earning 4 points for the team. Eliza Potter, 6th place at 3:21.22 and earning 3 points.
Girls 1600m run: Tayler Benson, 1st place with a time of 6:17.62 and 10 points. Erin Steen, 3rd place 7:06.09 and 6 points for the team.
Girls 100m hurdles: Lily Ranschau, 1st place with 16.19 seconds, earning 10 points.
Girls 300m hurdles: Lily Ranschau, 2nd place with 50.68 seconds, 8 points.
Girls 4x100m relay: The Garretson relay team placed third with a time of 55.65 and earned 6 points.
Girls 4x200m relay: The team placed first with a time of 1:59.42, earning 10 points.
Girls 1600 sprint medley: The team placed first with a time of 5:03.95 and received 10 points.
Girls High Jump: Logan Bly placed second with a jump height of 4'6" and earned 8 points. Kylie Christensen placed fourth with a jump of 4'2" and earned 5 points.
Girls Shot Put: Oliviyah Thornton, second place with a throw of 34'6.5", 8 points.
Girls Discus: Oliviyah Thornton, fourth place with a throw of 91'9", earning 5 points.
Team Ranking: 2nd overall with 98 points. Freeman, the top place, had 105 points.
Boys 100m dash: Treyton Chester, 9th place with a time of 11.66 seconds.
Boys 400m dash: Treyton Chester, 4th place with a time of 59.81 seconds, earning 5 points for the team.
Boys 800m run: First place was awarded to Preston Bohl, who came in with a time of 2:15.95, earning 10 points. Carter Siemonsma was second with a time of 2:27.77 and earned 8 points.
Boys 1600m run: Preston Bohl, second place with a time of 4:59.32 and 8 points.
Boys 300m hurdles: Sam Schleuter, second place with a time of 47.61 seconds and 8 points.
Boys 4x800m relay: Garretson placed first with a time of 9:48.26, earning 10 points.
Boys Shot Put: Tyler Edmundson placed 10th with a throw of 31'1.5".
Boys Discus: Tyler Edmundson, 9th place with a throw of 89'10".
Team ranking: Overall, the boys were 5th place with 52 points. The overall winner was McCook Central/Montrose with 158 points.
