We bid farewell to Wayne on Friday, February 9th, 2024, one week after his 82nd birthday, at St Vincent Hospital due to complications from surgery. Wayne was born February 2, 1942, in Orrville, Ohio to Ross and Irene Clapper Brillhart. Wayne was the middle child of six children. In 1946 at the age of four, his family moved to Montana to the Three Mile area of the Bitterroot Valley. A couple of years later his dad purchased a ranch a Lolo, MT, where he spent the next twenty years. He attended Lolo grade school, graduated from Missoula County High and then on to Northern Montana College in Havre, MT. He graduated in Farm and Ranch Management. This is where he met his wife Shirlee Cure,

Harley Edward Zens, 73, of Canova passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024 surrounded by his family. Funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Church of the Epiphany in Epiphany, SD. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 26 from 5-7 pm with a 7 pm prayer service also at the church. Harley Zens was born on January 13, 1951 as the oldest of 4 children to Clement and Elsie (Ehlke) Zens. He attended country school near their family farm until its closure after he completed the third grade and then attended St. Mary’s Catholic school in Epiphany, SD through the 8th grade. After parochial school, he attended and graduated from Canova High School in 1969. Following high school, he

James “Jim” Dale Bellis, 67, of Aurora, MO passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, after a decade-long battle with cancer. He was born in Aurora on March 20, 1956, to Dale and Dorothy Bellis; the oldest of three children. Brought up on the family farm raising cattle, agriculture became one of the passions of his life. Active in FFA, he served as a chapter president, area president, and state secretary. He was mentored by his agriculture teacher, Mr. Jim Golding, who introduced him to Hereford cattle, helped him pick out his first Hereford that started his herd, and empowered him to go to college at Mizzou to become an agriculture teacher. He was a mentor to many aspiring agriculture students. He worked at Wheaton

Scott Kennedy, age 70, of Philip, SD, died on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in a horse accident in Wickenburg, AZ. Scott James Kennedy was born on February 10, 1954 in Rapid City, SD. Scott was the fourth child of Howard & Dorothy Kennedy. He attended school in Philip from elementary through high school, graduating in 1972. During his school days, he played football, baseball, basketball and rodeoed. His basketball team went to state his senior year, which was quite a highlight to his life thus far. Scott started team roping after graduating high school. In the fall of 1973, the Kennedy families bought a ranch in Faith, SD. Shortly after high school graduation, at the age of 19, Scott moved to Faith with his cousin,

James Dewey Bennett, 90, of Knoll Crest Farms, Red House, Virginia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at his residence on Knoll Crest Farm. He was the devoted husband of Barbara Scott Bennett for 66 years. Born on April 11, 1933, in Campbell County, Virginia he was the son of the late Paul Dewey Bennett and Hannah Baldwin Jennings Bennett. He was an active member of Providence Baptist Church. James proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1957, one month early to get home in time for planting. Upon his return, he married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara. Over a 60-year career in the beef seedstock cattle business, James was a

Gayla Renee Berens, born on January 20, 1954, in Quinter, KS, peacefully returned to the embrace of our Heavenly Father on December 27, 2023 after spending Christmas surrounded by her family. Gayla’s life was a testament to her faith and devotion to God. Through her actions, she demonstrated a deep love and care for her family and neighbors, always placing their needs before her own. Gayla’s selflessness and compassionate nature inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her. In the face of adversity, Gayla remained steadfast, displaying resilience, perseverance, and an unyielding trust in God’s plan. Her determination and unshakeable faith were a shining example of what it means to walk with grace and strength. Gayla leaves behind her husband, Wayne, and her father,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our esteemed Cattlemen’s Congress Board Chairman, Jarold Callahan. A devout agriculturalist, life-long leader, and champion of the cattle industry, Callahan has easily become one of the most outstanding figures in the livestock world. Callahan’s unparalleled vision and unwavering devotion to the cattle industry were the driving forces behind the founding of Cattlemen’s Congress, evolving into the ‘World’s Largest and Most Elite Show.’ As the CEO of Express Ranches, the world’s largest seedstock operation, Callahan stood as one of the most influential figures in the cattle industry. His dedication extended to serving as a beacon of inspiration for the upcoming generation, urging them to think creatively and venture beyond conventional boundaries in the livestock industry.

Jessie David Howard, a coach and rancher of Sabinal, TX passed away on December 11, 2023 at the age of 90. Born February 24, 1933 in Concan, TX to Mary Elizabeth Coleman Howard and Jessie S. Howard. He attended Sabinal High School where he participated in everything from FFA, basketball and football under Coach Ralph Curtis. His love of sports lead him to a lifetime of adventures in playing and coaching. After high school he earned a scholarship to Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. On his way to register for his second year in college he stopped by the post office where he received a letter, he was drafted by the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was in the US Army for

Clarence Edward Caraway, was born May 17, 1944 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to George John Caraway and Harriett Winifred (Platner) Caraway.  He attended grade school at Marion Rural Independent, one year of high school at Alburnett Iowa and graduated from Linn Mar High School in Marion Iowa in 1962.  He was active in 4-H and FFA and developed his love for fitting and showing cattle.  He worked at Colonial Bakery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa while helping his dad on the farm.  He moved to Redfield, South Dakota and worked for Walter Schultz and continued his love of Hereford Cattle.  In 1966, he came to Minnesota and was hired at Delaney Herefords as a herdsman where he showed cattle all over the upper Midwest.  On June

Brock Smedra, 47 of Miller, NE passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 as the result of a motor vehicle accident near Miller, NE. Brock David Smedra was born October 7, 1976 in Kearney, NE to David and Linda (Winter) Smedra. He was raised near Miller, NE and attended Ansley High School, graduating with the class of 1995. Brock then attended Nebraska College of Technical Agricultural and later Panhandle State University in Oklahoma. After graduation Brock returned to the family ranch, Zero Hereford Ranch Inc. He was a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s and Sandhills Cattle Association. Brock was an avid Husker fan and enjoyed cooking, hunting and riding his Harley. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, David and Linda Smedra of Miller:; sisters,

Judith Fiedler So sad to see you go……. yet our hearts are filled with peace! Judith A. Fiedler, 88, of Stanford, MT, traveled over the “Great Divide” on Friday, December 15, 2023, with her daughters by her side. Judy was born on April 18, 1935, in Salinas, CA, to Armin and Marion Neubert, and joined older brother, Armin Jr. to complete the family. She spent her early childhood in California where her family owned a produce cold storage facility. In 1950, she and her Folks moved to their “RW Ranch” out of Stanford, Montana. Judy spent all but a few years of her life on the RW, in the foothills of the Little Belt Mountains, always able to see her beloved “Baldy” and “Sleeping Lady”.

Jerry Delker Jerry Delker, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born on June 28, 1939, to John and Anna (Geist) Delker in Tolstoy, SD. Jerry’s journey began in 1957 when he completed his high school education at Hoven High School. While serving at Offutt Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska, he pursued his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. It is there that he developed his passion for leadership and entrepreneurship. His love story with his soulmate, Darlene Arbach, began on September 30, 1958, and they raised a family of seven children together. In 1962, Jerry and Darlene returned to Hoven, South Dakota, where they established their

Robert Harrell April 30, 1938 – November 12, 2023 Robert L. (Bob) Harrell passed away peacefully November 12, 2023 of natural causes, following several years of overcoming the effects of strokes in his later years. Born in Grants Pass, Ore. the son of Lyle Harry Harrell, an Oregon State Police officer and his mother, Frances Marie Harrell. At the age of 10 Bob, sister Barbara Mae and family moved to Baker City, Oregon where he graduated from Baker High School with many lifelong friends and fond memories. After graduating from Baker High School, Bob attended Stanford University on a football scholarship. He married his his high school & college sweetheart, Edna Rogers in 1959, then after graduating in 1960, he realized his dream of joining

Cobbie Magness HURON — Gordon “Cobbie” Magness, 90, of Huron, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at First Presbyterian Church with burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Lawrence. His visitation, with his family present, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at First Presbyterian Church. A Prayer Service will begin 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the church. Gordon Earl “Cobbie” Magness, Jr., went to be with the Lord Nov.5, 2023. Cobbie was born in St. Lawrence on June 23, 1933, to Gordon “Cobb” and Novella Magness. Cobbie was a fourth generation Magness auctioneer and learned the auction business from his family. He graduated

Odell Gelvin Odell Wesley Gelvin, a longtime Fairland Area Herdsman passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, he was ninety-five. Odell was born on November 8, 1927, in Morris, Oklahoma to Elmer and Clara Gelvin. He married Anna Kathryn “Kate” Heatley on February 23, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They moved to Fairland in 1965. Odell was a Herdsman at heart. He worked in Ranching and Farming all his life. Odell was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fairland. He loved his family and enjoyed sports. He rarely missed one of the grandkids’ ballgames. After Kate’s passing Odell married Betty (Walker) Gelvin. Mr. Gelvin is preceded in passing by his parents Elmer and Clara Gelvin, his wife Kate Gelvin, his son

Daniel Daniels Daniel Ray Daniels, 60, of Malad City, Idaho was called home on October 29, 2023, while surrounded by his family at home after a courageous battle against cancer. Danny was born on February 9, 1963, in Malad, Idaho to Rex and Gloria Daniels. He grew up on the family ranch where he spent his time working side-by-side with his father and siblings. He attended Malad High School where he enjoyed activities such as FFA, Ag, and the automotive department. He graduated from Malad High School in 1981 and continued his education at Bridgerland where he was certified in diesel mechanics. In high school, Danny met the love of his life, Teresa Ann Tracy. They were married on October 8, 1982, and later sealed

Betty Walker BETTY JO MAYES WALKER McMinnville resident and Warren County native Betty Jo Mayes Walker, age 89, was born September 8, 1934 and died suddenly September 25, 2023 at her residence. A retired secretary with Tennessee Department of Human Services and a member of Central Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Mary Pearson Mayes. She was married to Sam Eugene Walker on August 16, 1958 who preceded her in death on July 21, 1997. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Carrie Blanks, Edna Woodlee, Frances Bell, Charlene Smith and Lucille Blankenship and brothers, George, Willie and Howard Mayes. Mrs. Walker is survived by son, Eric (Rhonda) Walker of Morrison, TN;

Don Crays A Mass of Christian Burial for Don will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tobias, Nebraska with Father Robert Barnhill presiding. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 1:00 p,.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home – Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska. Visitation will cease at 6:00 p.m. for the Praying of the Rosary but will continue following the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Praying of the Rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home – Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska with Father Robert Barnhill leading

Norma Tenold Norma Tenold, 83 of Reva passed away on September 7, 2023. Visitation will be on Tuesday at 4:00pm with family service at 6:00pm at the Centennial Chapel of the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Hettinger. The Funeral Service for Norma will be held at 2:00 pm with viewing at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Slim Buttes Lutheran Church near Reva. Burial to follow at Slim Buttes Cemetary. The Funeral will be live streamed on the website www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com and can be viewed by going to Norma’s obituary and clicking on “view funeral service here”. NORMA ANN VIKEN was born on September 20, 1939 in Hettinger, ND to Oscar and Nora (Ellingson) Viken.  She attended the Swanson grade school in the Ellingson

Susan Loehr Susan D. Loehr, age 62, of Peoria, passed peacefully away with her family and close friends at her side on Sunday, August 13,2023 at 10:37 a.m. at her residence after a 5 year courageous and valiant battle fighting several kinds of cancer. She was born May 6, 1961 in Columbia, MO to Ronald E. and Doris I. (Simpson) Hill. She married P.T. “Pete” Loehr on June 5, 1999 in Bloomington. He survives along with Susan’s mother of Bloomington, three siblings: Jenny (Roger) Scott of Bloomington, Douglas (Kayla) Hill of Skaneateles, NY, David (Lindsay) Hill, Sr. of Shorewood, IL, and one sister-in-law, Ann (Mark) Jackson of Decatur. She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews: Meghan (Derick) Moser, Lauren (Charles) Gauthier, Alexandra (David)