Zach Ferguson

Zachary Curtis “Zach” Ferguson, age 30, of Rapid City, SD, passed away September 4, 2015, in Hot Springs, SD.
Zach was born May 15, 1985, in Custer, SD, to Timothy and Deadra “DeeDee” Ferguson.
Survivors include his children, Aiden Ferguson of Watertown, SD; Daniel Nelson; Zalten Ferguson and Kaynen Ferguson; all of Rapid City; Zach’s mother, DeeDee (Scot) Geyer of Edgemont, SD; father, Timothy Ferguson of Independence, MO; grandparents, Beverly McBride of Edgemont; Bruce & Julie Ann Bown of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters, Lindsay (and special niece, Madelyn) of Independence, MO; Rylee Ferguson of Morgantown, WV; step-sister, Alexias Geyer of Pierre, SD.
A visitation was held Monday, September 7, 2015, at the United Church in Edgemont.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at the United Church in Edgemont with Rev. Thomas Peacock officiating. Interment will follow at the Edgemont Cemetery.
A memorial in Zach’s name has been established to benefit his children. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral Home in Edgemont. Written condolences may be made at www.chamberlainmccolleys.com.

Vincent Janssens

Vincent M Janssens, age 63, returned Home peacefully on August 30, 2015. Vince lived with passion and principle and was never one to be limited by convention.
He was quick to smile, offer assistance or lend a sympathetic ear. The mischievous twinkle in his eyes, quick wit and lightheartedness endeared him to everyone he met. It was his passion for flying that brought him to the States in 1969 from his home in Belgium at the tender age of 17, barely speaking English, where upon he spent two years in flight instruction at Merced Airport while acquiring an AA at Merced College.
At 21 he landed his dream job of ag pilot with Hamilton Dusters in Merced. His ag flying career would span the next 33 years and include a three year partnership with Bettencourt Flying Service, followed by a successful eight year partnership at J&M (Janssens & Mauzy) Flying Service. After selling J&M, Vince flew for the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District for 17 years, retiring in 2007. We once asked Vince how many hours he’d logged in the cockpit. He said he stopped counting at 35,000.
Vince was a dedicated family man. At 20 he met the love of his life, Cheryl, and they spent the rest of his life together raising their family. He loved cooking, family gatherings, the mountains and fishing. He loved Ol’ Timey Music and taught himself to play the banjo. He also taught himself to make banjos which he loved to give away to aspiring musicians. He and Cheryl enjoyed retirement between South Dakota and California visiting friends and family, fishing and playing music in the bands Downwind Express, The Badger Set Band, Summer Sage and The Jug Band.
Vince is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Janssens; and family: Kelli, Robert, Jacob & Montanna Carabello; Traci, Lou, Ryan & Leeanne Ortega; Michael, Susanne, Bryan & Mitchel Salles; and Frederic & Melanie Janssens; and his siblings and family Luc, Genevieve, Gabrielle & Georges Janssens; Phillip, Manu & Ivan Janssens; Manu, Emmanuel & Sophie Janssens; and Nanette Frank.
Vince did not want a memorial service; he would prefer a raised glass in toast of a fond memory or a favorite tune picked in his honor.
In lieu of flowers Vince preferred a contribution to the Multiple Sclerosis Center at UCSF Foundation: For the Department of Neurology, 220 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor, Box 0248, San Francisco, CA 94143-0248 or the Fairview Hospice of Princeton Minnesota, fairview.org/foundation.
Beloved husband, father, friend, partner, mentor, musician and bright light, we are blessed to have been in your circle of love. You will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed.

Lora Olofson

Lora Jean (Howe) Olofson, age 60, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Custer, SD, on Saturday, August 29, 2015, with her husband at her side.
Lora was born in Des Moines, IA, and raised in Cheyenne, WY, and graduated from Central High School there in 1973. Lora was a career civil servant and was lucky enough to live in some of the most beautiful places on earth, our country’s national parks and forests. She worked for such places as Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Lassen Volcanic, Bryce Canyon, and Wind Cave national parks and most recently Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.
Lora was an avid reader and musician, an outdoor sports enthusiast, an animal lover, a very knowledgeable gardener, and an excellent baker giving friends and family delicious treats over the years. She was a kind, gentle person who was loved by many and will be missed dearly. Lora is survived by her husband of 34 years, Kurt Olofson, her mother, Janet Reed and sister, Karen Christopher of Homer, Alaska and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, In lieu of flowers, Lora would appreciate your donation to benefit the Humane Society.