Dixie lee Berzel, age 77, of Whitewood, SD, formerly of Ismay, MT passed away on Friday, June 23 at Belle Estates In Belle Fourche, SD.
Dixie was born November 5, 1945 in Terry, MT to Art and June Reukauf. She attended country school and then finished her schooling in Terry, MT. Dixie was involved in High School rodeo and was the National All-Around and Pole Bending Champion. She not only breakaway roped, but tied calves down as well. She was also known to pick up a heel rope when Fred needed someone to fill in. She hazed many steers for Fred and others that went to the Berzel Ranch to steer wrestle. She spent many hours with a video camera videoing practice sessions and rodeos for ReAnn and Fred. Dixie loved to barrel race and was very passionate about It. She was always training a great horse which she gave to her daughter when the horse was ready. She was the reserve champion in the Badlands circuit in 1979 and was also a Montana Circuit finalist. She loved to knit and sew and do needle work. Dixie married her husband Fred September 21, 1964 in Terry, Montana. They lived and ranched for three years there before moving to their new ranch in Ismay. They raised horses and cattle. After living in Ismay for 27 years, they moved to Whitewood, South Dakota. Even though she was semi-retired, she still loved to barrel race and sew and in 2008 found her greatest joy, being a grandma to Rylee. In August of 2022, she and her dog Kate moved to Belle Estates assisted living where she was treated like the treasure that she was. Dixie loved her small family and especially her grand-daughter Rylee, who was the light of her life. She loved her dog Kate, who was her most loyal companion right until the end. The staff and residents of Belle Estates became were very special to her.
Dixie is survived by her daughter ReAnn (Tommy) and Rylee Crane of Whitewood; her dog and most special friend Kate, sister Lila (Cliff) Glade of Olerichs, South Dakota; niece Cheyenne (Shane) and Stone Wilson of Absorkee, Montana; Wyatt (Darcey) Quanah, Ira, and Odessa Glade of Miles City.
She was preceded in death by her father Art Reukauf and mother June Reukauf, husband Fred, daughter Kaylynn, and son Wade.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 29, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 30, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 29, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 30, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Lynn McMillan says
My cousin Dixie’s mother ,June McMillan married the pick of the Reukauf’s at least in terms of calf roping and pitch.
Lon & Vicki Reukauf says
Berzel Family,
Our hearts are breaking at the news of your precious mother and grandmother’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her. She was such a friendly, determined, spunky lady with a hearty chuckle we adored. Dixie and my father Walt had a special relationship. Sending prayers of comfort for each of you.
Peggy R. & Earl M. says
ReAnn, Tommy, and Rylee,
The Redman/Berzel connection goes back many years. It started when Fred and Dixie bought their big ranch near Ismay, Montana. Many great memories rose out of having the Berzels as wonderful neighbors. May you find comfort in the many warm memories you have of your Mom and Grandma May time heal your sorrow, may family and friends ease your pain. You are, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Greg and Cindy Ban says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
Lonnie and Linda Hall says
Our condolences to the family of Dixie.
We have many good memories of Fred and Dixie from back
In the day. May she RIP
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
ReAnn,
I am so very sorry to hear about your momma’s passing! My prayers are with you! I pray that you may be comforted with many wonderful memories of both your mom and dad!!
D'Ann Witcher says
To ReAnn, Lyla and family My deepest condolences on your loss. Dixie was a beautiful person , friend and competitor I will always admire her horsemanship and treasure her friendship. Treasure your memories . May Dixie rest in peace
Tanya Dorvall says
Our thoughts and prayers to you all during such a difficult time. Dixie was not only a dear friend but was truly my hero. Your mom and dad were such great neighbors to our family. IWe sure went thru a lot together. Sure am going to miss this beautiful lady. Love and Prayers🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️
Christine Whitlock Keltner says
sorry to hear———-I have special memories of my friends from cherry creek, may you hold your memories close.
I know Chris and Dixie are catching up on times past.
Sherry Oster says
Dear ReAnn and family;
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. My sincere sympathy.
Sherry Oster
Eileen Rieger says
Reann, Tommy, Rylee, Lila and Cliff and families, Thoughts go out to you. Remembering Dixie when she was our neighbor. Our girls spent much time together. Dixie never forgave us for teaching Reann to frost Christmas cookies! I know you will miss her greatly.
Whisper L Kelly says
My sincere condolences. She was a great lady! Love and prayers sent your way.
Karlys Irion says
Lila, ReAnn and families, Dixie was a great friend and I’ll miss her yearly winter visits in AZ. She was a tough barrel racer back in our day and so kind to all. Prayers and Condolences to all of you. Karlys and Corky Irion
Sandy Garrett says
Dixie was a joy to know. I respected her greatly as a cowgirl barrel racing director and friend. Loved her happy spunky personality. There’s a new cowgirl angel in Heaven kicking up her spurs! Condolences to Reann & family and Cliff & Lila and family.
Diana Elwood says
Dear Family, I have so many fond memories of Dixie, she was a great horsewoman and fun to be around. May God bless and keep all of you.
Rosanne Rieger says
Reann, Lila and families. I am so very sorry for your loss. We go way back to being neighbors, birthday/swimming parties, card parties and brandings. Swapping recipes and chatting on the phone. Always enjoyed visiting with Dixie and had a great last visit not long ago. Rest in peace Dixie.
Lynette OConnor says
ReAnn and family! So hard to lose the head of the family! Our thoughts and prayers to all!
Ashlee Ehr Miller says
I have many fond memories while growing up in the rodeo trail with my family that include both Fred and Dixie. I always enjoyed the visits with Dixie and later crossing paths and reminiscing about the old rodeo days. I am proud to know her and I am so very sorry about her passing.
Ed Mahlum says
Dear Lyla and ReAnn, I was a first cousin to Dixie and Lyla. I watched them rodeo one time up here in Kalispell. I think I made 3 of the family reunions. Two back east and one on the west side at Flathead Lake. I enjoy keeping up with the family, mostly through Rob in Terry, and Russell out in Wisconsin. Yes, we are getting up there. I do genealogy and enjoy reading the books and letters my mom, Nellie Reukauf, left to me as grandpa Art would call it “Prairie Days.”
Marge (Livengood) Griebel says
ReAnn and family, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother. I haven’t seen Dixie for many years but have a lot of memories from when her and Fred lived on the ranch south of Ismay. May God grant you strength and comfort.
Jo Beaty says
In 1973 Dixie let me borrow her wonderful horse, “Chili”, to compete in barrel racing at the Montana High School Rodeo and also the National High School Rodeo Championship. I will never forget her generosity. She was a wonderful woman and taught me so much about barrel racing.
Linda Gilbert says
Dixie was always a ray of sunshine!! Loved visiting with Lila and her about all the good times! Heaven gained a great cowgirl!!
Roxie Haines says
Met Dixie at Belle Estates. One morning she was drinking Diet Coke and I told that stuff would kill her and she told me that she thought she was on her way out anyway! She was a hoot and a nice person. We’ll miss her. My mom is in Belle Estate’s. God Bless
Meg English says
I so enjoyed getting to know Dixie! She was friendly, kind, and always up for a visit! I will miss her and Kate deeply at Belle Estates! I am so very sorry and saddened that I will not see her again.
Carrie Bickle says
ReAnn and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. Gosh do I have wonderful memories of being neighbors across the creek from you all. And the countless time I spent with your Mom tuning up my barrel horses. What a gal she was. Sending you a big hug and my deepest sympathy.
Carrie Bickle