Frontier Days Honorees

John B. Wacek was born October 10, 1951 to Bernard and Maryetta Crume Wacek. John grew up in White River and attended school in White River graduating from WRHS in 1969. He attended the School of Mines and graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado with a degree in Electrical Engineering. John worked in Anchorage, Alaska and in Atlanta, Georgia during the construction of the new airport. He returned to White River in 1980 to help his father with the family business at Wacek Electric. Over the years John was always available to help people who had electrical problems. John was a great help to the American Legion Post with the sound system and arena lights during Frontier Days, as well other electrical issues at the rodeo grounds. He also helped the American Legion Post with the lights at the Veteran’s Memorial at the White River Cemetery. John would come to the aid of anyone who had an electrical problem and wouldn’t accept any payment for his services. John’s hobby was photography and was always behind the camera. He loved taking all types of pictures, especially wildlife and scenery. He had a natural knack for taking and editing pictures. You could ask John something about the history of White River or Mellette County and he could probably tell you or he would find the answer. John was a member of the Lions Club and made the pancakes at the pancake feeds and popcorn at Frontier Days. He also enjoyed following White River High School sports.

Alvin “Sonny” Wayne Tucker was born April 24, 1931, to Lonnie and Edna (Stevens) Tucker, on the Steven’s homestead, on Horse Creek, in Mellette County, South Dakota. He was the first born of twin boys. “Sonny and Buddy” had free reign of the prairie at a very young age, until the day Sarah Bordeaux found them teasing a rattler with sticks! After that, at times, they found themselves tied to a close line, so their parents, could get their work done and still keep an eye on “double trouble!” In 1937, the family moved to the Happy Hollow Community, east of White River. In 1943, Lonnie built a house in town for the family to be closer to school. Alvin played and loved all sports. He played with a lot of talented local athletes and was a member of the State B Boys BB Consolation Championship team in 1949, under coach Littau. Alvin graduated from White River High School in 1949. Alvin continued being a Tiger for years, by being the “spotter” for Alan Laird, at WR Tiger Football games. On February 23, 1952, Alvin married Nadine Sumners in Pierre, South Dakota. He was drafted during the Korean War and chose to enter the Marine Corp. He was discharged in 1954 and returned to White River. There he helped with the family farm and cared for his mother, father and father-in-law until their deaths. In 1957, he went to work for the Soil Conservation Service in White River, where he worked for 33 years until his retirement in 1988. Alvin loved the land and respected the people of Mellette, Todd and Jones counties. Through his job and his hands-on experiences, he was able help farmers and ranchers make improvements, such as: staking dams, designing shelter belts, wind breaks, pipelines and irrigation systems; while at the same time working the family farm. He was a member of the White River Fire Department, Masonic Lodge 3181 and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #94. He volunteered many hours staking graves and working towards improving the cemetery. Alvin worked diligently on the Frontier Days Rodeo for many years. He poured his efforts into planning, taking part in the color guard in the parade, taking tickets, hanging up flags, parking cars, sweeping the bowery, hauling ice and setting up the Legion Stand. Both Alvin and Nadine took pride into making a great Frontier Days, getting others involved, visiting with friends and family, and having fun. Alvin was often heard telling his kids and grandkids, “A little sweat never hurt anyone!” He served on the Mellette County Development Board and was the leading force in setting up a nursing home for the community. Despite his illness he continued to serve on the West River Lyman-Jones and SD Rural Water Boards until his death, striving to get safe, quality water for the communities. To him, helping people wasn't a hobby or a chore, but a way to live life. His family, the land and his community were the center of his life. Whenever help was needed you could count on “Sonny!” Alvin Tucker’s family would like to thank the American Legion for their countless hours of planning and the hard work of keeping the great tradition of Frontier Days alive and thriving. They would also like to thank the American Legion for choosing Alvin, “Sonny”, as this year’s honoree. We know he is humbly smiling from ear to ear!

Russell Olson was born on March 4, 1926 to Butryx and Esther (Johnson) Olson at their home in White River. At that time, he joined 4 brothers (later they would expand their family to include another brother and a sister) which led to many adventures and lots of mischief through the years. Born and raised in Mellette County, Russell attended White River School graduating from high school in 1944 where he was active in basketball, band, dance band and he worked the projector at the theater as a side job. After completing high school, he attended one year in Brookings before returning to White River where he owned and operated a trucking business with his brother Eugene from 1946 to 1951. In 1951, he joined the US Army, serving until 1953. During this time, he spent time in Baltimore, MD and was deployed overseas to Japan. During his time overseas, he had some fun playing on the baseball team. After his return to the states, he returned to White River where he would meet Wanda Barry at a dance in Mission. She would later become his wife on September 26, 1954. They purchased and moved to the ranch northwest of White River where they would raise their two sons, David and Clifford. Ranching and farming were Russ’s true passion. He loved everything about the land, livestock, everyday challenges and especially the hard work. Even well into his 80’s, Russ would check on the daily operations and lend a hand by running equipment or checking on the cattle. Russ was very community oriented and was instrumental in organizing and starting the Mellette County Health Clinic. He also served on the County Commissioners. He was a very active member in the Methodist Church and enjoyed singing, participating in the community and church choirs. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and the America Legion. One of Russ’s greatest pleasures was his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. He loved the opportunity to spend time with them and share his love for the land and the hard work that came with ranching. Grandpa Russ always had an extra snack for them in the lunchbox to share in the middle of the afternoon for a quick break. He also became an avid sports fan – attending the many activities that the grandkids were involved in and even helped shuttle them around when needed. Russ always enjoyed the festivities of the Frontier Days Weekends – from the rodeo to the parades and wagon trains. He especially enjoyed taking tickets at the rodeo – it gave him a chance to visit and see old friends (and make some new ones) as they came through.

Eugene (Gene) was born December 30, 1924 in White River, SD the fourth child of Butryx and Esther (Johnson) Olson. Gene graduated from White River High School in 1942 and enrolled in aircraft mechanics training in Kansas City, MO. He then joined the US Army Air Corps for WWII. After the military he returned to White River and engaged in ranching and trucking with his brother Russ for a few years. Gene married Kathleen (Kay) Danker and they operated the Olson Market grocery store for 17 years until the big fire of 1971. Gene then worked construction and later for the Farmers Coop Oil Association in White River. Gene was a lifetime member of the White River Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He and Russ also sang for many funerals as members of the men’s quartet. He was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge. He also served as the White River mayor many years ago. Gene loved to tell stories of early Frontier Days when he was a kid. He remembered the large encampment that formed to the east of White River in the days leading up to the big celebration. He helped take tickets at the rodeo for many years. Gene never forgot about White River and loved to reminisce about his life there. He always said White River had some of the best people. Gene passed away in April of this year in Brandon SD.

Clellan “Buzz” Bechtold was born in 1932 in Murdo, South Dakota to Julius and Grace Bechtold. He attended grade school and high school in Mellette County graduating from White River High School in 1951. During those years he excelled in basketball, football, track and rodeo holding a state record in hurdles for many years. His love of the rodeo circuit began when he was a young boy training horses. He was called upon many times by individuals wanting him to come train a horse. He was in on the forming of the SDRA and was an active member in those days. He was a state champion team roper and was awarded many runner-up titles in calf-roping. He was an adamant participant in the rodeo circuit and he and his family traveled to many events. His wife Marge was the official timekeeper for most rodeos. The love of horses ran in his family as his brother was a jockey and his Dad was a steer wrestler and bronc rider. One year for Frontier Days he eyed a saddle they were awarding to the all-around cowboy so he decided to participate as he wanted that saddle. Unfortunately, he had never ridden a bareback in a rodeo and the bronc immediately brushed him up against the fence straight out of the gate and the horse won. Buzz was never one to sit still as in the 60’s he and Marge built a motel in Mission and ran it for many years. He also had many other jobs and titles. He was a licensed brand inspector, cattle rancher, lineman for the REA, Deputy Sheriff of Todd County, Mayor of Mission and owner and operator of a milk truck company. After many years of rodeo, he hung up his spurs and begin golf where he was instrumental in building the Mission golf club. Also, over the years he built and sold many homes and commercial buildings. He will always be remembered for his love of music, his trick roping skills and his entertainment of others. Buzz passed away on October 30, 2018. He left behind his wife Margie (Pearsall) and children Crystal, Monty and Cindy along with 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and his sister Devota Hutchinson.

Larry Veldon Harrison was born June 17, 1945 to Veldon “Tuff” and Mildred (Trautman) Harrison in Aberdeen, Washington. When Larry was 5 months old, his family moved from Washington to the family farm northeast of White River where he was raised with 2 younger sisters, Patti Stromer and Peggy Honn. He attended Prosperity Flats School through the 8th grade. He then attended White River High School and graduated in 1963. Following high school, Larry attended college at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He later transferred to South Dakota State University where he graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 1969. After college, Larry married Karen Hiatt. To this union, one daughter, Olivia Marie was born. Larry worked in Sioux Falls as a Pharmacist until he came back to the family farm in 1977. He purchased Ranchland Drug in 1978 from Maurice Hiatt. Besides pharmacy supplies, flowers, and many gift ideas, Larry also sold a large variety of veterinary supplies to the local ranchers. Whatever the need was to the citizens in the community, Larry always willingly contributed. He supported many events at the White River School, local churches, various organizations in Mellette County and the surrounding area. Larry later married Linda Blom in White River on January 27, 2017. Larry was diagnosed with cancer in June of 2015 and passed away August 13, 2017 at the age of 72.

Marvin William Starkjohann was born December 19, 1930 to William and Ethel (Phillips) Starkjohann in White River SD. Marvin was raised on the family ranch West of White River with his two older sisters Dorothy and Lois. Marvin graduated from White River High School in 1948. Marvin worked on the family ranch until he enlisted in the Air Force on December 14, 1951. In the USAF he was part of a air crew which flew intelligence gathering missions during and after the Korean War stationed in Japan and Guam. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force on December 1, 1955. Marvin returned to the family ranch and eventually purchased the property from his Dad. He married Verna Chamberlain on October 23, 1960 and they had four children-- David, Jeffrey, Clifford, and Tamra. Marvin and Verna were divorced in 1976. Marvin for over 50 years has contributed to the community of White River by being a member to numerous organizations including the American Legion ,Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, The United Methodist Church and many others too numerous to mention. Marvin was always willing to help at whatever function that benefited the community. For many years he would work at the unsaddling chute area during the Frontier Days Rodeo. He would also be a part of the Color Guard on horseback for the Rodeo. Marvin also would help a neighbor that needed it even if it meant putting what he was doing on hold. Whether it was working cattle in the spring and fall, haying, or harvesting he was always willing to help where needed. Marvin loved the ranchers way of life. He had a special fondness for horses and cows. He always had a cow that he could pet and feed cattle cake out of his hand. It was pretty hard on him when his body wouldn’t let him ride a horse anymore. He cherished the land that provided him a living raising cattle and wheat and forages to feed the livestock. It was the hardest thing he had to do when he had to leave the ranch for health reasons. Marvin passed away on January 11, 2016 at the age of 86.

Harold Krogman age 96 of White River, SD passed away December 28th 2015 at his home. Harold was a life long resident of Mellette County. He was born on the family homestead ten miles north of White River on March 14, 1919 to Frank and Agnes “Macke” Krogman. He was the youngest of fifteen children. Harold was taken out of the house by his father at the age of nine and told, “I don’t want to see you hanging around here anymore” – and so began the years of herding sheep. He attended school through the 8th grade. When asked why he didn’t attend high school, he replied “My dad told me he needed me to stay home and work.” Harold was drafted into the United States Army in 1941 four months prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He went to Ft. Hancock New Jersey then to Ft. Monmouth where he was trained to do hand key Morse Code. He returned to Ft. Hancock as a Morse Code operator. He was discharged from the Army December 5th, 1945 while stationed in San Diego California and hitchhiked his way home to White River. Harold’s first year out of the Army was spent working for his brother Louie on the Webb place. Harold met Bessie Petr at the Pallmaters farm sale in 1946, and they were married December 1st 1947 in Winner SD. They spent the first year living on the Louie Krogman ranch then returned to Bessie’s family homestead. Four children were born to this union: Harold Jr., Ed, Ben, and Kristi. Harold enjoyed fishing at home but his love of fishing also took him to the Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and the far reaches of northern Canada. In years past, he spent days horseback tracking bobcats, hunting coyotes or trailing coon with greyhounds or coon dogs at his side. Then came the dog box in the Ford pickup loaded with greyhounds off for a day of coyote hunting. As a youngster, he was well known for flushing out skunks and smelling like one! Harold was an avid rattlesnake trapper. He trapped hundreds, selling them to Reptile Gardens. He was Frontier Days rodeo chairman for 35 years. Harold was a World War II veteran who always kept up on the news around the world. He was forever concerned about our country, the troops overseas, and the economy. He was a member of the American Legion for 71 years. For all those who knew him, or came in contact with him, we know he was an elaborate storyteller who loved to share. Grandpa Harold’s love for his entire family and his ranch life was exemplified everyday of his life. His favorite times were those with all of his family gathered around. Harold lived a full life of always planning, always positive, and always persistent. When asked about his life, he replied “I have no complaints, I’ve had a good life.”

Warren Astleford attended country schools and graduated from White River HS where he was a standout student athlete. He was also noted for his roping ability and horsemanship, participating in area rodeos and breaking horses for spending money. He served in the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters Seventh Army during WWII, seeing action in Northern Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, the Swiss Alps, and Germany. Those 3 ½ years provided experiences both poignant and humorous that he still retold many years later. In 1948 he married Joyce Siegmund in Hollywood CA on the Bride and Groom radio program, a forerunner of today’s reality TV. They bought the family ranch and built new quarters along Butch Creek in northwest Mellette Co. They built a second house in WR for school. Warren spent most of his time on the Crown S Ranch, commuting to town for school activities and family time. He was active in the Freemasonry on the state and local level, and attained the level of 33rd degree Mason. He recited funeral rites for many Master Masons over the years in western SD. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #181 for 67 years. Warren was a past worthy patron of Order of Eastern Star, and served as the associate guardian for Job’s Daughters. He was active in the United Methodist Church, was a lifetime member of the American Legion and was proud to carry the US flag at the Frontier Days Rodeo. He was a past member of Stock Growers Association and Frontier Twirlers. He loved the Crown S ranch with its deep draws and rolling hills. He was a skilled cattleman that could move a herd of cattle singlehandedly. He worked tirelessly to improve the land with windbreaks, erosion dams, and sound grazing practices. He took great pleasure in his family and church, friends and colleagues, books and horses, the shelterbelts and gardens he planted, his cattle herd and the beauty of nature.

Marvin Terrance Williams was born in 1921 in a sod house near Kepa-Paha, South Dakota. He grew up around the Winner area with his 11 brothers and sisters. Marvin served as a paratrooper during WWII in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. He jumped behind enemy lines in Germany and France and also participated in the taking of the Rhine and Market Garden. After the war, Marvin and his wife, Dorothy moved to a ranch near Pierre, South Dakota. Marvin worked for a rancher there before buying his own ranch located northeast of White River, South Dakota. He lived there over 50 years and raised his 4 children; Merlin, Karen, Doreen, and Judy. Marvin was actively involved in various clubs and organizations including the Otterman Legion Post 94 in White River, South Dakota. During his 65 years as a member of the Post 94, he held several positions including District 9 Commander, Post Commander, Chaplain, and Vice State Commander. Over the years he was a good supporter and hard worker of the White River Frontier Days Rodeo. He also helped in getting the 50 state flags for the Legion so they could be display at the White River Frontier Days. Marvin often took his horses to carry the American and Legion flag in parades and rodeos.

Don Hight was born in 1920. He was one of 10 children of Charles and Edith Hight, who lived on ranch just north of the town of White River. Don attended grade school and high school in White River and graduated in 1939. After Pearl Harbor was bombed, Don signed up with the U.S. Army, instead of waiting to get drafted. He then attended paratrooper school at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Don was sent off to Europe and made jumps over the Rhine River near Wesel, Germany, during World War 11. Don always knew that he wanted to be a rancher. When he got home from the war, he went to work for his uncle, Ray Eveleth, on a ranch seven miles south of Murdo. Before long, Don bought that ranch from him. Through the years, he added on to the ranch with more land and more livestock. The old two-story ranch house became home to Don and Adeline, who were married in 1949, and their two children, Dan and Cheryl. Don bought his first 50 head of buffalo cows from Lynn Farnham. There was no buffalo fence on the ranch, and those cows wanted to go back to Faith every night for a while. So every morning, Don would gather them up and bring them home. Those cows finally settled down once they started calving. After Lynn passed away, Don bought the rest of his buffalo cows. From that first bunch of buffalo cows, the Hight's raised a bottle calf they called "Babe." She was a special pet for many years. When Babe was small, the family would occasionally put her in the car and take her to McCurdy's Restaurant in Murdo during the tourist season. If Babe got separated from her family, she could always find them in the crowd of strangers. Babe and the collie dog were also good friends and played together a lot. The Hight's raised several other bottle calves through the years. Two of those calves, "Sarn" and "Chief," went on to be in Jerry Olson's trained buffalo acts, In 1962, Don captured the world's attention by trailing over 1800 head of cattle from Westover to Winner, a distance of 70 miles. Shortly after, Don and Adeline flew to California, where Don was featured in an episode of the Rawhide TV series. One of the things Don tells is that he had never missed White River Frontier Days from the time he was a little kid, even during the war! And that was true until just a few years ago.

Bob and Pat Adrian were longtime supporters of White River and the annual Frontier Days celebration. Pat passed away on March 26, 2012, and Bob followed on June 9, 2012, 54 years after their marriage. Bob was born on October 29, 1933 at the family ranch southwest of White River, SD to Earl and Elizabeth Adrian. He served two terms on the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission, was a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Mission, a member Of the SD Stock Growers and the VFW in White River. Bob was also active in the American Legion Otterman Post 94 and ran the beer stand at the Frontier Days Rodeo for many years. Pat was born in Reliance, South Dakota on July 20, 1938 to Walter and Dorothy Grimshaw. The family moved to the Mission, SD area in 1947. On October 12, 1957 she married Robert Adrian and was blessed with four children. In 1970 Pat was elected to the state beef council. Later she was hired as the Executive Director of South Dakota Beef Industry Council and held that position for 33 years until she retired in 2007. Pat was a long-time member of SD Cattle Women, and served as an ambassador for the cattle industry on the state, national and international levels through her work. Pat's work in the agricultural arena has also been felt in the South Dakota Livestock Association (known today as the S.D. Cattleman's Association) where she served as part-time Executive Director from 1980 to 1985. In 1982, she was appointed as Agriculture Marketing and Development Director for the South Dakota Department of Economic Development. Pat's awards are numerous and include being recognized by Beef Magazine as one of "25 People Who Made A Difference in the Cattle Industry" in 1989. In 2000 she was inducted in the SD Hall of Fame.

Although he wasn't a resident of Mellette County, Delmer Volmer's friendship with the people and his love of cattle and the land gave him reason to be a lifelong supporter of Mellette County and the Frontier Days rodeo. In fact, he spurred the idea of the "In Memory Of..." section of the rodeo program, and with his generous contributions, made it a reality. Now, it is fitting to recognize and honor Delmer here, as he passed away on April 17, 2011, at the age of 80. Delmer Herman Volmer was born January 22, 1931, at his folks' farm at Draper, South Dakota, the son of Frank and Mary (Rubin) Volmer. Delmer grew up on his folks farm, graduating from Draper High School in 1949. While in school, he participated in baseball, basketball, and football. Delmer had a boy deliver a note to a cheerleader and it was given to Delores by mistake, but turned out to be a good mistake. Delmer was united in marriage to Delores Magnuson on August 30, 1949, at the Draper Catholic Church. They were blessed with five sons and one daughter. Delmer and Delores started their lives on the farm at Draper then Delmer went to auctioneer school in Mason City, Iowa, beginning a lifelong career in the auction business. In 1958, they bought half interest in the Presho Livestock Auction. In 1960 they bought full interest in the sale barn, then in 1972 he built the new sale barn and operated it until retirement. Delmer thoroughly enjoyed the livestock business and looking at his customer's cattle. He enjoyed going to any type of auction. Delmer employed several people over the years and was always willing to help someone out. In his later years his favorite part of the day was going to look at his cattle.

Herman Paul Stromer, better known as "Bud" was the youngest child of John and Jennie Stromer. He was born in Booneville, Iowa on May 28, 1923. Bud and his family moved to South Dakota in 1923 and lived in Mellette County along the Little White River. As a young man he worked for Bill and Agnes Jensen on their ranch. He met Donna Faye Nielsen during the neighborhood card parties. They were married May 17, 1944. He continued to work for Bill Jensen for a few years. Then Bud and Donna moved down by the Big White River where they started ranching. Betty was born in 1946. In 1952 the family built a home along the Little White River, and Candy was born in 1953. Bud enjoyed all aspects of ranching, especially working with the neighbors on the yearly activities. He was involved in community events, with the Frontier Days Rodeo being his favorite. Bud and Donna have been long time supporters and sponsors of several events over the years. They never missed a rodeo performance. After he became ill, Bud was able to continue ranching and stay home with the able help of Clifford Hight and son-in-law Kenn Risseeuw. Bud passed away on October 15, 2009 at the age of 86.

Courtesy of Delmer Volmer - Presho, SD

Smokey Jensen, White River, S.D., won his first buckle at Belvidere, S.D. in 1950, winning the Calf Roping. After graduating in 1950, he went to college for two years and then into the Army for two years. Smokey was the SDRA Steer Wrestling Champion in 1961, 1962 and 1965, and also the Team Roping Heeling Champion in 1965, roping with Wayne Cornish. He was Runner-up in Steer Wrestling in 1960 and 1966, Runner-up in Calf Roping in 1960 and 1965, and Runner-Up All Around in 1965. Smokey and his good friend Glen Hollenbeck worked as pick-up men for Jim Sutton Rodeos for several years. Following a lengthy bout of emphysema, Smokey passed away on June 1, 2008.

Courtesy of Delmer Volmer - Presho, SD