December 5, 1969 ~ November 7, 2023

Danielle M. Karber, 53, Brandon, joined her Heavenly Choir, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of her Life will begin with Visitation at 11am, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Celebration United Methodist Church, Brandon, and a service at Noon. A lunch of Danielle’s desires will follow with more fellowship and celebration. Brett asks that “Casual Tropical” attire be worn in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any gifts to Metavivor (A 100% Non-profit organization) for Metastatic breast cancer patients’ support and research (metavivor.org and click on the DONATE button) or the Celebration United Methodist Church Praise Band account in Danielle’s Memory.

Danielle Marie Kruse was born December 5, 1969. She was raised in Volga, SD, and then moved to Toronto, SD. She graduated from Deubrook High School in 1988. She was very active in athletics, cheerleading, singing, band, and theater. Danielle then attended and graduated from Nettleton College with a Fashion Management Degree. She began working in retail in Sioux Falls, and while doing this she met her husband, Brett Karber. They were married on February 16, 1991, in Sioux Falls, and had one son, Nick. Danielle later worked at Gateway Computers, as a tech support manager, Z-Wireless, as the comptroller, Bethany Meadows, as an accountant, and at Henkel, as their office manager and human resources.

Danielle had a very special and loving relationship with her son, Nick and Jenna, as well as her stepson, Corey and Cara, and their children.

Danielle “Dani” loved to travel with Brett and on many occasions, they went to Jamaica (3 times), Hawaii, the Caribbean, Florida, and Las Vegas. In more recent years, they purchased a motorhome and traveled some of the U.S. Her other love was food and going to many restaurants, diners, drive-ins, and dives to try different food. Danielle was also an excellent cook and even won a soup contest with over 150 different entries with her famous Zuppa Toscana. She loved Food Network shows and with Brett, watched them all.

Danielle also shared her talent for singing in church praise bands. The long-term membership of Alter Ego became her life and her other family. She loved her pets; Remy, Toby, and Spike.

Danielle will be deeply missed by her husband, Brett; son, Nicholas (Jenna) Karber, Haw River, NC; stepson, Corey (Cara) Karber, Garretson; several grandchildren; father-in-law, Jack Karber, Pierre; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike Karber, Hartford, Hollie Karber, Mitchell, Kim Vuchetich, Sioux Falls, Jason Karber, CA, Jodie Karber, ND, Jamie Karber, Pierre, Paul Karber, Pierre, Pam Karber, Pierre, and Phil Karber, Pierre; aunts and uncles, Dale (Netah) Kruse, Carol O’Block, Leroy (Belinda) Kruse, Katherine (Fred) Prahl, and Barbara (Richard) Tarp; and many cousins.

Danielle is preceded in death by her parents, Milan and JoAnn Kruse; cousin, Erika (Prahl) Cromwell; and mother-in-law, Bette Hoekman and her husband, Alvin Hoekman.

May 26, 1942 ~ November 7, 2023

George Lynn Pesicka Jr, 81, Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully, on November 7, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life will be held 5-7pm, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, with a time of sharing at 6:30pm.

George Lynn Pesicka Jr was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on May 26, 1942, to George Sr and Viola (Barnhart) Pesicka. He was the oldest of seven siblings growing up in Riverside. George started his career as an early teen, working alongside his father in the garbage hauling business. He then went on to work at John Morrell for over 20 years, making many friends along the way. Finally, he worked at Sanford (Sioux Valley) Hospital, in the laundry department, until his retirement.

In his early life, racing was a big part of George’s life. Racing car number 75, he enjoyed spending long hours with his dad, brother Mike, and brothers-in-law working to make his race car better and faster. You could often find George and his pit crew working on the race car in the garage. After his racing years, fishing became George’s main hobby. He loved to fish, whether from the boat, the shore or on the ice. He was an expert at cleaning and frying the fish he caught and hosted many fish fries over the years. He loved the Green Bay Packers and cheered them on every weekend. His favorite times were cheering loudly for the Packers, with his son, Travis, win or lose. George loved his family beyond measure. He enjoyed going to his grandkid’s sporting events and cheering them on. Fry-N-Pan was his favorite morning spot. It made his day spending time with his breakfast buddies just shooting the breeze.

George is survived by his six children, Christi (Ralph) Green, Florida, Joni Pesicka, Sioux Falls, Karen Pesicka, Sioux Falls, Lynnette Grandison, Sioux Falls, Tracey (Brian) Sherman, Tea, SD and Travis (Brenda) Pesicka, Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Heather Morris, Heath Gruhlke, Brandi Ellefson, Lorenzo Sebastian, Richard Wibeto II, Lacey Perdew, Zach Moncrief, JD Moncrief, Shawn Sherman, Alyssa Sherman, Keira Sherman, and Mason Pesicka; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Pat (Bill) Mulroy, Beresford, Mike (Sheila) Pesicka, Sioux Falls, Fanny Spielman, Sioux Falls, and Pam (Mike) Stoops, Sioux Falls; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special friend, Wayne.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr and Viola; his siblings, Shirlene, Kate, and Julie; as well as his fishing buddy, and Karen’s significant other, Jamie.

November 29, 1931 ~ October 29, 2023

Ronald Luttge was born November 29, 1931, in Mineola, New York, to Dr. Louis and Ruth Luttge. He grew up on Long Island, in the town of Bethpage where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. Ron played football, basketball, and (his first love) baseball. He attended Farmingdale High School and later went on to Hofstra College and the University of Maine. While working at the local lumber yard, between semesters, a lovely young woman caught his eye (which she promptly ignored). He and his one true love, Joan Wiggins, were married not long after and their adventures were just beginning.

Ron soon joined the Air Force, and after basic training in Rome, NY he and his new wife were assigned to Lowry AFB in Denver. His military career took him from Denver, to Maine, and on to LA (for training with Hughes Aircraft), and then back to NY. Later, Ron was assigned to LADD AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife loaded up their Nash Rambler, and their two young sons, and drove the two weeks to Alaska.  They found themselves on a very primitive ALCAN highway (before it was paved), changing flat tires as well as diapers. Eventually, a third son was born and the Luttge’s found themselves back on the road headed east, where their last child, a daughter, was born. Ron’s time in the Air Force found him working on the F86 Sabre, the F100/F101 Voodoo, the F89 Scorpion, and the F4 Phantom, among others. He was a fire control systems specialist that maintained the weapons system (missile and guns) with the targeting systems (radar, infrared, and gunsights) on the jets. Ron’s final assignment brought them full circle back to Colorado, where he finished his career as a technical training instructor utilizing all the skills and experience, he had acquired over the years.

After 14 years in the Air Force, Ron was offered an opportunity to work for Westinghouse Defense Operations. His career took him all over the United States and the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and England. While traveling for work, he took advantage of every opportunity to bring his family with him on assignment. Joan once estimated the family had moved over 20 times, before Ron retired from Westinghouse in the early 1990’s, ending his career as a Supervisor for Westinghouse Field Engineering and Service. He and his wife moved to South Dakota, where they appreciated a quieter life, surrounded by rural countryside and plenty of opportunities for him to continue his love of hunting (pheasants) and working his dogs (Springer Spaniels) in the field (the real joy of “hunting”).

Ron was known for his intelligence, sense of humor, lightning-quick wit, and his intense devotion to those he loved. He loved a good practical joke (case in point: When working in AK, he and his buddies collected several dead ravens and stuffed them upright into a snowbank that lined the runway. When a visiting General asked what was up with the ravens, he was told the crew had trained them to “stand at attention” to welcome incoming guests. The General, needless to say, was impressed.) He cheered, cursed, and swore off (never for very long) the Denver Broncos, the New York Yankees, and the New York Rangers. He believed, strongly, that honesty was not the best policy, but the only policy. Ron saw the world in black and white, and right and wrong. No gray spaces. He was an old-fashioned man living in a modern world, and they did not share space well. Ron was proud of his children and amazed at the good fortune he found in his wife. His health had begun to decline in recent years, and he passed away on October 29, one month to the day, of his 92nd birthday. He and Joan lived, traveled, and loved together for 71 years. He will be missed every day. The family will be honoring Ron with a small, private military ceremony.

September 15, 1943 ~ November 1, 2023

Edwin “Ed” M. Lewis, 80, Brandon, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, after suffering from recent health issues.

A Memorial Service will begin at 11am, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Risen Savior Catholic Church, Brandon, followed by Military Honors.

Edwin “Ed” Michael Lewis was born in Adrian, Minnesota on September 15, 1943, to Bill and Ella (Masagi) Lewis. The youngest of eight, Ed was endearingly called “Eddy Mike” growing up in Adrian, where he played basketball and enjoyed time outdoors. Ed graduated from St. Adrian High School and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he was a member of the ROTC program and graduated with a degree in History. He met his wife Ann, and they were married in Huron, South Dakota. 

His successful career in the United States Air Force took him on many exciting adventures. Ed, Ann, and their three children, Michael “Mike,” Brian, and Theresia “Terri,” spent time in Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Colorado, California, and Australia. Ed also spent time in Alaska and Greenland as part of his Air Force work. 

Ann and Ed ultimately settled down in El Segundo, California, raising their kids in “Mayberry USA.” While balancing family and a career, Ed also managed to obtain two masters degrees and a Ph.D. in Space Studies (On-Orbit Servicing of Satellite Payloads was his dissertation topic). An avid reader and writer, Ed was simultaneously brilliant yet humble, and he truly loved to learn.  

Ed was a family man with a warm smile, an excellent sense of humor, and a heart of gold. An engaging and witty conversationalist, he was approachable and kindhearted. Ed was the true patriarch of the family, sharing wisdom, unwavering love, and many laughs with his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to go above and beyond to support his family.

Ed recently got to celebrate his 80th birthday surrounded by family in Brandon, S.D, where he retired after many years in California. 

Ed is survived by his three children, Mike, Brian, and Terri; and nine grandchildren, Taylor, Gina, Courtney, Brian, Chaise, Skyler, Bella, Henry, and Kody. 

Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Ann; his parents, Bill and Ella; and his seven older siblings, Don, Ray, Paul, Carl, Joe, Patricia, and Bill.

He will be greatly missed, and his family and friends will cherish their time with him forever. 

July 5, 1945 ~ November 3, 2023

Bernard “Bernie” Dale Stoltenberg, 78, died peacefully on November 3, 2023. He was a long-time resident of Brandon, SD.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Bernie will be buried next to his mother and uncles in New Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone, MN.

Bernie “Bernie” Dale Stoltenberg was born in Hendricks, MN, to Anna Mae Stoltenberg on July 5, 1945. He grew up on a farm outside of Verdi, MN, and was raised by his mother, his grandmother, (Dena Stoltenberg), and his uncles, (Donald, Clifford, and Lester). Bernie’s biological father, Ivan K. Johnson, was not a part of his life. Bernie played 9-man high school football for the Verdi Trojans and graduated in 1963. In 1964, he married Joan Lange and started a family in Luverne, MN, raising three children who turned out pretty well. He started working for Luverne Truck Equipment that same year as a welder. He eventually became shop foreman on his way to becoming the purchasing agent for the factory. His name is on two patents issued to Luverne Truck Equipment; one from 1980, for a running board, and another in 2012, for an adaptable vehicle step assembly. He moved from Luverne to Brandon when the company relocated there and following his divorce in the early 1990s.

Bernie retired from Luverne Truck Equipment after a 50-year career. While in Luverne, he also served on the Luverne Volunteer Fire Department. He once rescued a pickup truck full of Miller Lite from a semi-truck accident on Interstate 90. He played 4-H softball for a time. He loved to fish, whether from shore, in a boat, or through the ice. He was an expert at cleaning and frying the fish that he caught. They were delicious. He also loved the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, and playing video poker.

Bernie is survived by his three children, Jodi (Tim) Nelson, Scott (Shelly) Stoltenberg, and Paula (Darrin) Lindblom; four grandchildren, Zach and Abigail Nelson, and Grace and Josie Lindblom; and his ex-wife, Joan Stoltenberg.

October 16, 1954 ~ October 30, 2023

Dennis Sterk, 69, of Brandon, SD, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 6, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church (1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57103).

Dennis Lee Sterk was born to Peter and Marie (Muilenburg) Sterk on October 16, 1954, in Platte, SD. He graduated from Platte High School in 1972, and then moved to Kansas shortly after to work with his brother-in-law, Delbert, moving and setting up mobile homes. He then moved to Sioux Falls where he met Goldie Trautman, and they were married on May 1, 1976, at Wesley United Methodist Church, and in 1979, they had a son, Greg. Dennis worked for the City of Sioux Falls Street Department. Later he worked for Black Top Paving for 20 years. After that, he worked at Sweetman’s Construction (Knife River) until his retirement. After his retirement, he developed throat cancer which he battled for three years before being declared cancer-free. At that time, he was diagnosed with dementia.

Dennis loved the outdoors and his farm. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, downhill snow skiing, riding his Harley Davidson, and most of all, farming his acreage. When he wasn’t doing farm work, he was busy building multiple farm buildings himself.

Dennis would give the grandkids and Greg rides in the tractor bucket and loved campfires with the family. He loved teasing his daughter-in-law and grandchildren and even after getting dementia, he still loved teasing back and forth with Ash, who loved teasing back.

Dennis loved working on crafts with Goldie, including their “bear trap” and helping to make their house into a home. They always had pets in the home and after moving to the farm, they would adopt kittens that would show up. Two very special animals to Dennis were his dog, Jack, and his kitty, Sox.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Goldie Sterk, Brandon; one son, Greg (April) Sterk, Pierre; grandchildren, Alex Woolley, Sioux Falls, Lucas Sterk, Pierre, and Ashley “Denzel” Sterk, Pierre; sisters, Wilma Liestra, Lawrence, KS, Jeanette Johnson, Platte, and Darlene Iedama, Platte; and one brother, Mervin (Patty) Sterk, Wentworth.

Dennis is preceded in death by father, Peter Sterk, and mother, Marie Sterk, Platte; sister, Heretta Leinan, Platte; brothers-in-law, Ron Leinan, Sacramento, CA, Dennis Iedama, Platte, Delbert Liestra, Lawrence, KS; and best friend, Earl Hirzel.

August 21, 1941 ~ October 24, 2023

Abelena “Lena” Weisbeck, 82, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Sanford USD Medical Center.

A Graveside Service will be held for her in Rapid City.

Abelena “Lena” Arguello was born in Rapid City, SD, on August 22, 1941.

Lena loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and traveling. She was inducted into the State and World Hall of Fame in 2006 for her pool-playing skills. She was on the winning team winning the world championship in Las Vegas. She will be greatly missed by all who know her. God bless her.

Lena is survived by her husband, Rodney Weisbeck, Sioux Falls; two sons, Mike (Susan) Tanner, Yankton, and Rick (Linda) Tanner, Sioux Falls; sister Rosie Cox, Rapid City; brothers, Alex Arguello, Sioux Falls and Kenney Arguello, Rapid City; Uncle Paul and Aunt Trinne; stepdaughters, Barbara Tafoya and Brenda Anderson, both of Omaha, NE; and several relatives in Rapid City.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Francis Arguello; and her daughter, Tami Crate.

Online condolences at www.heartlandfunerals.com

April 7, 1939 ~ October 21, 2023

Mylis R. Husby, 84, died Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Ava’s House Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD, after a twenty-nine-year battle with cancer. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, Oct 30, 2023, 11:30 am, at Grace Lutheran Church, (3300 E. 18^th St., Sioux Falls, SD), with a lunch to follow at the fellowship room at the church.  Memorials can be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or St. Francis House Charity in Sioux Falls. To watch live, click here… https://www.facebook.com/GraceLutheranSiouxFalls

Mylis Ruth Scott was born in Ramona, SD, on April 7, 1939, to Joseph and Elva (Heuer) Scott, as their only child.  She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Oldham Lutheran Church.  On June 1, 1957, she united in marriage to Jewel Husby and they made their home in Aberdeen, SD.  Mylis worked as the assistant manager for 24 years, at Maurice’s Clothing Store.   Jewel and Mylis also owned and operated an apartment rental business for 38 years.  In 2001 they sold their rental business and retired to Sioux Falls, SD. 

Mylis is survived by her children, Jon Husby, and Karla (Dan) Brown, of Sioux Falls; grandson, Marshall (Giezelle) Brown, Pierre; granddaughter, Kallie (Joe) Kroeger, Mankato, MN; foster grandson, Hazen Brown, Sioux Falls; and two great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Camille Kroeger, Mankato, MN; one special sister-in-law, Donna Lange, Sioux Falls; and 21 nieces and nephews. 

Mylis was preceded in death by her husband Jewel, her parents, four sisters-in-law, and five brothers-in-law, and their spouses.

March 25, 1955 ~ October 20, 2023

Dallas D. Granberg, 68, of Valley Springs, SD, suffered recent health issues and passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Sanford Health Ava’s House.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon. Funeral Services will be 11am, Thursday, October 26, 2023, also at Spirit of Truth. Burial will follow at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery. A link to watch live is at the following…. https://youtube.com/live/9xIhV9VUZaY?feature=share

Dallas Dale Granberg was born at Valley Springs Hospital on March 25, 1955, to Vernon and Donna (Rueb) Granberg in Valley Springs, SD. He attended Brandon Valley High School and graduated in 1973. Dallas continued his education in Mitchell, SD, to become an electrician at Mitchell Technical Institute. In the meantime, he also worked at John Morrell and married the love of his life, Linda Lange. They were married on May 26, 1979, at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, SD. They resided in Sioux Falls, SD, before building their first house on an acreage outside of Valley Springs, where they raised their three children: Evan, Emily, and Danielle. His electrical certificate allowed him to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Sioux Falls, become a commercial journeyman, and work at job sites in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa.

In 2006, Dallas took medical retirement to be able to enjoy time at home working on electrical projects, photography, and woodworking. Dallas also enjoyed camping with his family, friends, and pets. In March of 2022, Dallas and Linda finished building their new home to enjoy their retirement together.

Dallas is survived by his wife, Linda; and three children, Evan Granberg, Minneapolis, MN, Emily Granberg, Sioux Falls, Danielle (Darrick) Thomas, Valley Springs; grandchild, Daxton Thomas; and his brother, Richard (Dee) Granberg, Pierre, SD.

Dallas is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Donna Granberg, Valley Springs, SD; and his brother, David Granberg, Valley Springs, SD. 

November 24, 1963 ~ October 14, 2023

David W. Brannan “Little Ozzy” loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left this world suddenly on October 14, 2023, on a beautiful fall afternoon, while visiting his son in Towner, ND.  

Visititation with family will begin at 5 pm, Monday, October 23, 2023 at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, with a Scripture Service at 7pm. Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church (901 N Tahoe Trail, Sioux Falls, SD). Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls with Military Honors.

David Wayne Brannan was born to Wayne “Ozzie” and Julie (West) Brannan in Sioux Falls, on November 24, 1963. After graduating from high school, he went on to join the SD Air National Guard where he spent 23 years serving his country being deployed overseas several times. He worked full-time as a diesel mechanic in Sioux Falls, along with the military. After 22 years as a diesel mechanic\ fleet manager, he left for the oil fields to start a new journey. His son Joey, soon followed, and they had many memories together. Everyone knew the Brannan Boys. Five years ago, they both decided to run their own trucks, and Brannan Trucking was started. Till the end of his life, you could see Dave trucking down the road in his red Peterbilt, loving the business that they created.  

In the 38 years he spent with the love of his life Shari, they lived seven years in Sioux Falls, and eighteen years in Brandon, raising their kids in the community. In the past six years, they built their dream home on Big Stone Lake in South Dakota, where they currently reside. 

Throughout Dave’s life, you could see him playing baseball, watching sports on TV, golfing, hunting, fishing, or bowling. He loved to live life and he did it to the fullest. Fishing, is his favorite thing in life, as many will tell you about his competitive edge. Let’s just say, many poles were broken and went in the water, while everyone laughed as they caught all the fish and he didn’t get one bite on his. Every year, you could find him searching for the perfect lure to out-fish everyone in the boat. He will be missed for his quick-witted comebacks about everything you said to him. His last day of fishing was a few weeks ago with his dog as his captain, limiting out on perch and enjoying a perfect day out on the water. 

Dave’s greatest accomplishments in life were raising his children. He was a hands-on man, as his family was everything to him and he would have told you so. You could find him coaching his kids, and being the loudest cheerleader at every marching band competition, music concert, football game, track meets, bass tournaments, and anything else his children were a part of.  

Becoming a grandparent to Riley in 2019, meant so much to him. This last March, his second grandson, Wyatt, was born. Although he only had a short time with those boys, he loved every minute of being a grandpa. 

Everyone who knew Dave were drawn to him as he brought so much joy to everyone around him. His goofy humor will always be remembered by all.  

Words that I could hear Dave saying to you today would be; “Tomorrow is never promised, don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life” and he made a beautiful life.  

Dave is survived by his wife of 34 years, Shari Brannan, Bigstone City, SD; two children, Chelsey “pookiebear” Brannan, Harrisburg, SD, and partner, Jess Peterson, and Joey “little buddy” Brannan and future daughter-in-law, Trista Collins, Towner, ND; two grandsons, Wyatt and Riley Brannan; along with many more loving family members. 

Dave was preceded in death by his son, Mathew David Brannan; mother, Julie Brannan; father, Wayne “Ozzie” Brannan; and brother, Douglas Brannan.