October 13, 1946 ~ December 27, 2023

Ordell G. Swenson, 77, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, following a series of health issues.

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a time of sharing at 7pm. Funeral Services will be 10am, Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Swedona Covenant Church Cemetery, rural Brandon, with Full Military Honors.

Ordell Glenn Swenson was born on October 13, 1946, on a farm near Garretson, to Alvin Leroy and Hazel Thelma (Oien) Swenson. He attended three area country schools in the Garretson and Dell Rapids areas, before finishing in Brandon from 6th grade until graduating in 1964. He was drafted into the United States Army on December 6, 1965. He was honorably discharged in December 1967. He met Viola Krueger in Brandon, at the Til Huset’s Bar. They were married on December 5, 1969. He started working for Queen City in August of 1970 until retiring in 2008 at 62. He attended two years of business college.

Ordell is survived by his four children, Darla Swenson, Karen (Grant) Hanisch, Glenn Swenson, and Donald (Sara) Swenson; five grandchildren, Kole Hanisch, Kaylee Hanisch, Kyle Hollingshead, Cody Swenson, and Jesse Swenson; and brother, Harold Swenson.

Ordell is preceded in death by his wife, Viola Swenson; parents, Alvin and Hazel; and one sister, Rosalie Peterson. 

October 11, 1951 ~ December 17, 2023

Patricia A. Kurtenbach, 72, Brandon, died at her home, on Sunday, December 17, 2023, surrounded by her family, from complications from COPD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God, with visitation beginning at 10am.

Patricia (Pat) Landreth, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was born October 11th, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina.

She married Dale Kurtenbach on August 5th, 1995, in Brandon SD, where they lived.

Pat worked from home while raising her daughters and then had many jobs throughout her working years. She worked as a painter, house cleaner, a nanny, and finally, she worked at Citibank until retirement.

Pat loved life, family, the beach, and the Lord. If there was a beach, she enjoyed it. She enjoyed time with her family, country dancing, family vacations, beach vacations with her husband (Dale), and loving and caring for their joined family of five daughters.

Patricia is survived by their children, Shawna Boehmer (fiancé, Chad), of Brandon, SD, Amy (Kevin) Lawrence, of Brandon, SD, Ashley Redard, of Frederick, CO., Emily (Jake) Stenzel, of Frederick, CO., and Halie (Reed) Kurtenbach, of Broomfield, CO.; ten grandchildren, Breanna (Kendrick) Hart, Brayden Boehmer, Mariana Lawrence, Phin Lawrence, Paizley Lawrence, Jax Stenzel, Ryder Stenzel, Jameson Stenzel, Benjamin Redard, and Juda Redard; six great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Bryleigh, Veda, Khloe, Kamiya, and Aaliyah; three siblings, Carol (Dennis) Puetz, Sioux Falls, Sylvia Long, Sioux Falls, and Phil (Robbin) Landreth, Lake Ozarks, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy Landreth, and Judy Stunes; and her brother, Jimmy “Buddy” Landreth.                                     

November 22, 1958 ~ December 12, 2023

Kathy L. Brennan 65, OF Brandon, SD, died Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center, after a brief health struggle.

A Celebration of Life will be held 5-7pm, Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Inurnment will be 11am, Friday, January 5, 2024, at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery, Sioux Falls.

Kathy Lynn Terrell was born to Donald and Marilyn Terrell on November 22, 1958, in Joliet, Illinois. After graduating from Dallas City, Illinois High School, she enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served for three years before starting her family.

After leaving her home state of Illinois, she moved, lived, and raised her two children in Texas, Colorado, and South Dakota. She was an avid gamer and fiercely competitive. She loved playing games such as cribbage, which she always had to win. She also loved any dice or card games. Kathy loved being outdoors, fishing, and camping, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She was also known for her love of Dachshunds and her witty comebacks.

She is survived by her two children, Roxanne and Joshua; two grandchildren, Skylynne and Kellen; and three brothers, Richard, Robert, and Michael.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, father, and two beloved puppies, Rusty and Dusty.

Thank you for your service, thank you for your love, and thank you for making us who we are.

We love you, mamma!

Your Hug Meant the World

June 6, 1996 – December 17, 2023

Evan D. Mallatt, age 27, died on December 17, 2023.

A Celebration of Evan’s Life-Visitation will begin at 10:30am ~ 12:30pm, Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Celebration United Methodist Church, Brandon, SD, with a time of sharing at 12:30pm, followed by Full Military Honors. Evan’s parents request guests wear their best t-shirts, jeans, and cowboy boots in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the USO Care package program (www.USO.org) in memory of Cpl. Evan D Mallatt. A GoFundMe has been set up under ‘Evan Mallatt Memorial Park’. You can access the link by clicking HERE.

Evan Dale Mallatt was born in Sioux Falls, SD on June 6, 1996, to Tim and Colleen (Engel) Mallatt. He grew up in Brandon, SD, and graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 2014. After high school, he spent time working at the Brandon Lumber Company before joining the US Marine Corps. He was in the Marine Corps from 2015 to 2020 where he worked as an air framer, performing helicopter maintenance on AH-12 Viper and UH1Y Venom. He was deployed on two tours.  The first was to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, and the second was on the USS JP Murtha (LPD26) to the Middle East. Through the Marine Corps, he gained the brotherhood of several close friends who supported each other during that time and have continued to do so.

Not only did Evan establish true friends through the Corps, but he also made many through nonmilitary means. After leaving the Marine Corps, Evan joined Neumiller Harvesting out of Bowdon, ND for two years and loved it. To be closer to home, he did a couple of short stints, farming in Presho, SD, and excavating in Tea, SD.

When Evan started driving a truck for Grimmius Family Trucking, it was there he found his calling and decided to go out on his own. He purchased a truck this past Mother’s Day weekend and started his own company, Low Fuel Trucking, and hauled feed to cattle yards for Moser Farms in Larchwood, IA.  

Pastime favorites were spending time with family and friends, going snowmobiling, tractor-threshing bees, and wrenching on anything that had an engine, whether it needed it or not. He was part of Lee Goos Jr.’s sprint car racing team and enjoyed the camaraderie with all who took part. Evan also enjoyed going to concerts of mostly Country music acts. When Evan set his mind to do something, he did it.  He did his research, whether it was on the internet, talking it through with Dad and Mom, or his friends. Evan enjoyed teasing everyone, especially his mama.

He gained his work ethic by working at the print shop at the age of 10. His teenage years were the beginning of perfecting his mechanical skills by hanging out at the Bowman Hot Rod shop with friends and family. During high school, he and his dad worked on one of their many father/son projects. They completely tore down and rebuilt a 1946 B John Deere tractor purchased through good friends. Once finished, they hauled it around to many threshing bees to ride through parades. It always made us smile having a tractor in town. We are a small family, but we have been surrounded by friends who are considered family throughout Evan’s life.

At the young age of 27, he had accomplished a lot of his dreams of being successful. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone. He will be greatly missed.  For more memories, please visit Evan’s Facebook page.

Evan will be deeply missed by many.

Evan is survived by his loving parents, Tim and Colleen Mallatt, Brandon; grandparents, William Mallatt, and Roberta Engel; uncle, Jeff Engel; aunt, Tracie (Dave) Johnson & family.

Evan is preceded in death by his grandpa, Jerry Engel, and grandmother, Janet Mallatt.

A statement from Neumiller Harvesting: “Evan worked for us for two years. He was a hard-working guy, always willing to lend a hand, and he always had a story on the tip of his tongue. We would appreciate you taking a second out of your day to send prayers his family’s way.”

Evan was not just a great friend; he exemplified the qualities of an exceptional person with an unwavering work ethic and a willingness to help others.

His infectious smile and positive outlook were constants, capable of brightening even the darkest days. Evan’s legacy is that of a beacon of kindness, leaving an enduring impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to call him a friend.’

His selfishness in the realm of friendship made him a valuable companion, and many considered themselves fortunate to have him in their lives. Evan’s storytelling prowess added a unique charm to his character, turning simple moments into vivid narratives.

(Credit-SNBC13news.com)

August 12, 1945 – December 11, 2023

Michael Eugene “Mick” Edwards age 78, died peacefully on December 11, 2023, at his home after a very short battle with leukemia. Mick was born in Sioux Falls on August 12, 1945, to Harold Eugene Edwards and Irene Milda Finton. The second child of six, Mick was very close to his siblings growing up and will be missed dearly.

Mick stayed in the city he loved his whole life. He contributed to his community by owning a TV repair shop, and a body shop with his brother Danny. Mick also worked for the city of Sioux Falls for 31 years before retiring. Mick will be remembered for his loyalty to his friends and family and his compassion for all animals. He took in many rescue cats and dogs and enjoyed watching his birds and squirrels, making sure they had water all year long. He had a gift of making you feel like you were his best friend and the most important person in the room.

He will be missed by his wife, Gayle; sister, Shirley; brothers, Calvin, and JR; daughters, Roxy and Barbie (Dan); sons, Earl (Nancy), Daniel (Elaine), and Mick; sixteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mick was preceded in death by Sandra, his wife of 28 years, brothers Danny, Gary, and Tom, his parents, Harold and Irene, and son Mitch.

A private memorial was held by immediate family members. Please consider a thoughtful donation in Mick’s name to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

June 27, 1957 ~ November 22, 2023

Nancy Jo (Houlihan) Earhart, 66, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after a brave battle with lung cancer. 

Nancy was born in Aberdeen, SD, on June 27, 1957, the third child of parents John (Jack) and Arvilla Houlihan (Thurow).   The family moved to Sioux Falls in 1970, where Nancy graduated from Lincoln High School.  Nancy then attended college at Northern State University in Aberdeen.  After being diagnosed, she moved from Columbus, Ohio, where she had lived for decades, back to Sioux Falls to be closer to family. 

Nancy worked as an accountant and office manager for several companies in Columbus including Chepri, Center for Reliable Energy Systems, Air Force One, Inc. (HVAC contractor), and Electronics Automation Corporation.  Prior to that, she worked for a Financial Planner and Citibank in Sioux Falls, and a traveling magazine sales crew that took her to almost every state in the country.  Nancy was a smart, good-humored person who enjoyed meeting her mom, sisters, and other extended family in Las Vegas, whenever possible over the years.   But her greatest joy was being a mom to Mark.

Nancy will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her son, Mark, Sioux Falls SD; mother, Arvilla Houlihan, Sioux Falls; sisters, Joan Houlihan-Fernette (Tom), Anchorage AK, Sandra Houlihan, Anchorage, Linda (Brian) Evans, Sioux Falls; and sister-in-law, Karen (Randy) Reinartz, Sioux Falls; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.   

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Jack Houlihan; and brother, Terry Houlihan.

April 24, 2002 ~ November 22, 2023

Zachary Harris, 21, Kansas City, KS, departed this life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

Zachary Elijah Harris was born to Eliza Harris on April 24, 2002, at Providence Medical Center.

He was currently employed at UPS.  Zach gave his life to Christ at a young age! He was a country boy at heart! He loved with his whole heart! Zach had a passion for cars and anything worth building. If it produced results, he was all about it! He loved family more than anything! Zach loved to cook and could do it great! He was an old soul at heart so he had a music playlist out of this world! 

Zachary is survived by his son, Elijah Harris (Abigail Stamey); his mother, Eliza Harris; his dad, Brian North; and by his three siblings, Mckelle Gravelle, Mckaila Gravelle, and Isaiah Harris.

Zachary is preceded by his grandparents, Mary and Major McGruder; as well as his two uncles, Marshall McGruder and Zachary Parin.

February 21, 1939 ~ December 4, 2023

Marcia L. Tubergen, 84, Sioux Falls, was welcomed to her Heavenly home in the early hours of Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Village, after a brief illness with Alzheimer’s Disease.  

Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am, Friday, December 8, 2023, at First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, with burial following at the Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Rehoboth Christian School or the Luke Society. www.lukesociety.org        

Marcia Lou Zwygyhuizen was born on February 21, 1939, the second of four children to Peter and Douwina (Faber) Zwygyhuizen, in Grand Rapids, MI.  Grand Rapids is where she would call home all through her formative years as well as her high school and two college years where she attended Calvin College and Reformed Bible College.   During that time, she met the man who would become her husband, Roger Tubergen, while roller skating.  Three months later they were engaged and not long after, they would be married on September 1, 1960.  That marriage would be blessed with four children; Roger, Rodney, Luanne, and Norma.   

During the years, Marcia would find herself re-adjusting her home as moving became a necessity with her husband’s job.  From Michigan – came a new home in Alto, Wisconsin which brought many memories and many friends as well as a new job at the school in which her children attended as a school secretary.  Then came yet another move – to Orange City, IA – with it brought new friends, a new church, and new memories.  While her children attended school, she worked part-time at Unity Christian High School, as a librarian.  Then, following her passion for sewing, she worked part-time at Ben Franklin in the fabric department.  She had a gift for creating beautiful displays that included samples that she made whether it was an apron, a blanket, a pillow, or a dress.  They showcased her incredible talent. Upon her husband’s retirement, they moved to Sioux Falls, SD where they made their home for close to 25 years.  All through her life, no matter where she was, she was always involved with her church whether it was with the choir, Bible study, or the coffee break nursery ministry she led a life of service.

Marcia is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roger; four children,  Roger (Shar), Rodney (Glenda), Luanne (Jim) Wuestewald, and Norma (Robert) Spanton; grandchildren, Nichole (Dirk) De Koning, Heidi Tubergen, Jessica Tubergen, Morgan (Tim) Lange, Danielle (Matt) Tubergen,  Matthew (Brooke) Wuestewald, Emily Wuestewald, Ross Vander Weide, Kelsey Vander Weide, Caitlin (Brandon) Zervas, Brady Dalen, and Madison (Danny) Angeles; step-grandchildren, Erin (Travis) Rup, Kyle Spanton, and Kaelynn Spanton; great-grandchildren, Claire and Garrett De Koning, Tori Sneller, Carlee, Chase, and Colten Lange, Wesley Zervas, Wren Dalen, and Lucas and Wyatt Angeles; Marcia’s sisters, Maxine Doornbos, and Sherry (Rick) Bode; her brother, Raymond Zwyghuizen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Floyd (Dee) Tubergen, Wayne (Kim) Tubergen, Marlene De Good, Arlene (Earl) Vander Wood, Glenda Tubergen, and Casey Vander Maas.

   Marcia is preceded in death by Dick Tubergen, Shirley Vander Maas, Sue Zwyghuizen, and Alvin Doorbos; and brother-in-law, Jim De Good.

January 14, 1972 ~ November 18, 2023

Mark A. Buchanan, 51, Brandon, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023, at his home from a recent illness.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10:30am, Wednesday, November 22, 2023, also at Heartland Funeral Home, with burial following at Brandon Lutheran Cemetery.

Mark Alan Buchanan was born in Pipestone, MN, on January 14, 1972, to Robert and Pamela (Royce) Buchanan. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Sioux Falls, where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1990. He worked in many different areas of the construction business and most recently built his own company, Door Doctor.

In 1994 Mark had his first child, Bobby. In 2005 Mark married Gina which immediately expanded his family by adding Brad, Macy, and Austin. In 2011 Mark and Gina welcomed Kian and the family was complete.

He loved the outdoors, fishing at Mantrap Lake, and pheasant hunting with his boys. He created the largest collection of tubbies (fishing lures) you can imagine and competed in a local pool league.  He also enjoyed traveling, including several trips to Disney World throughout his life. Mark was a family man in every aspect and loved spending time with all of his children and grandchildren. He never missed any of their sporting events; whether it was football, basketball, or soccer, he was always there to cheer them on. He enjoyed going to the family lake house at Lake Brant, which he had completely remodeled as he was an excellent carpenter. He could strike up a conversation with anybody and would help anyone and everyone out of the goodness of his generous heart.

Mark is survived by his wife, Gina; Brandon; his five children, Brad, Macy, Bobby, Austin, and Kian; grandchildren, Jackson, Sage, and Brayden; his parents, Robert and Pamela Buchanan, Sioux Falls; one sister, Jody (John) Kersey, Sioux Falls; nephew and niece, Jack and Katie; and aunt, Pat Buchanan, Rochester.

Mark was reunited with his beloved grandparents, Bud and Ronnie.

August 23, 1947- November 10, 2023

Dr. Eldon A. Lenz Jr., 76, Garretson, died Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Palisades Manor in Garretson.

Celebration of Life for Eldon will be 5-7pm, Friday, December 8, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30pm.

Eldon Albert Lenz Jr. “Boopsie” “Boobs”, was born in Watertown, SD, he moved to Chester SD in 1958 where he finished his primary education, graduating in 1966. He then became a member of the Army National Guard from 1967-1972.

Eldon married his first wife, JoAnn (Miller) Dickinson, in August 1968. They lived in Sioux

Falls, and had two children. Eldon furthered his education with a B.S, M.Ed., at South Dakota State University, a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Counseling, and Writing a Dissertation: A Cognitive Psychological Group Therapy Approach to Counseling of Male Adolescents in a Residential Treatment Facility. He used his degree when working at Southeastern Mental Health Center, Custer Youth Forestry, and West River Behavioral Health. He provided counseling at West Central High School and taught graduate school at Indiana University Southeast. When living in southern Indiana, he met and married his second wife, Debra Spence, during the winter of 1994, where they lived on a hobby farm and raised three children.

Eldon’s time on earth was spent hunting, fixing cars, caring for animals, especially horses, going to the rodeos, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and watching MMA fights. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and loved ones.

Eldon is survived by his five children, Chase Lenz, Amber (Robert) Spalding, Nadia (Kevin) Sweeten-Lewis, Lucas (Lauren) Sweeten, and Spence Lenz; his eleven grandchildren, Kyle (Rachel) Spalding, Tayler Lenz, Cierra (William) Hinks, Kiley Lenz, Alexander Spalding, Jayden Lenz, Maddox Lewis, Corbin Spalding, Payton Lenz, Shelby Spalding, and Novak Tisiga; his five great-grandchildren, Michael Spalding, Gabriel Spalding, Isaac Lenz, Piper Hinks, and Eli Spalding; and his two brothers, Donald Lenz, and Michael (Rosemary) Lenz.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Lila (Thompson) Lenz, and his sister, Sharon (Lenz) Ruiz.