Bev Sawinsky, 1936-2021
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Dec 27, 2021 | 2:26 PM / 755 views
Bev Sawinsky, 85, Selby, SD, died Thursday, December 23, 2021 at her residence.
Beverly Ann Countryman, daughter of Jane (Rehorst) and Eugene Countryman, was born at Belle Fourche, SD on August 17, 1936. She was brought up in Belle Fourche and was valedictorian of the Belle Fourche High School Class of 1954. She furthered her education at South Dakota State University where she graduated with a Mathematics Degree in 1958, along with a lifelong love of Jackrabbit sports. Bev married William John “Bill” Sawinsky, Jr. at Belle Fourche on October 25, 1958. The couple lived in San Antonio, TX and El Paso, TX while Bill completed his enlistment in the US Army. In November 1960, they settled on the Sawinsky farm six miles south of Selby. Bill died September 11, 1994 and in 1997 Bev moved into Selby where she lived the rest of her life. Bev had varied interests. She had diverse collections, from nativity scenes to hippopotami to ladybugs. She was a skilled musician; she (along with her future husband) was in the SDSU Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band, she served her church as organist for 57 years, she sang in the Dakota Wind Choir, and she played drums in the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band as a life-long member for 65+ years. She was a master gardener. She was a huge fan of crossword puzzles and sudoku. Many jigsaw puzzles were completed under her watch. She crocheted, cross-stitched and knitted numerous items (too many to count) for friends and family. Bev was also very involved in athletics. Along with being a Jackrabbit follower, she was also an avid fan of the Twins, Vikings and Selby Lakers. Until just recently, she spent many years as the clock/scoreboard operator for the Selby basketball and football teams. She followed track and field (her favorite sport) very closely, however it could also be said that her favorite sport was whatever season it was.
Bev is survived by two sons—William “Bill” (Connie) Sawinsky of Webster, SD and Steven John (Christine) Sawinsky of Selby; one daughter, Laura Sawinsky of Herreid, SD; one sister, Kay (Dan) Heck of Belle Fourche; two grandchildren–(Kendell and Jayda Sawinsky); three step grandchildren—Mikel Seefeldt, Jeff Seefeldt and Jennie (Clay) Fenenga; and four step great-grandchildren—Summer and Logan Seefeldt and Derek and Jori Fenenga. She is also survived by nieces and nephews David (Jane) Heck, Bryan Heck, Debra (Mike Marquardt) and Eileen (Kurt) Kuhlmann.
In addition to Bill, she was preceded in death by her father, Eugene, in August 1988 and her mother, Jane, in March 1982.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Selby United Methodist Church led by Pastor Darla Hadrick. Interment follows at Selby Memorial Gardens. Pianist will be Darleen Zabel and the congregation will sing “What a Day That will Be” and “The Church in the Wildwood”. There will be a recording of the Selby Men’s chorus singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and Vi Lemburg will sing “How Great Thou Art”. Ushers will be Steve Zabel and Tom Fiedler.
Bev’s “coffee table” friends will be honorary bearers.
Casketbearers will be Gary Fahrni, Scott Simons, Al Bohle, Justin Bauman, and Kim Kightlinger all of Selby; and Dan Biel of Java.