January 8, 1942 ~ August 10, 2023

Jerome “Jim” Jennings, 81, Salem, SD, formerly of Hartford, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at his home. 

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Memorial Service beginning at 7pm.  Private burial will be Friday, September 1, at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Humboldt.

Jim Eugene Jennings was born in Richland, CA, on January 8, 1942, to I.B. “Buck” and Gladys (Cheney) Jennings. Jim attended and graduated from Bancroft High School, Bancroft, SD. After graduation, he attended school for the automotive mechanic industry. In 1964, Jim married Audrey Glynn and from this marriage three children were born; Sheri, David and Brian. They were divorced in 1970. In 1970, Jim married Johanna “Joann” Merrill and he gained four stepchildren; Ken, Jerry, Cindy, and Steve. They moved to Flandreau, SD, and lived there from 1970-1975 and they had two additional children together; Dawn and Jerrett. After leaving Flandreau, they moved to Casper, WY, and later Glenrock, WY, where they made their home for over 10 years while Jim worked for Del’s Alignment, in Casper. They moved to Parker, SD, in 1986, for 2 years where Jim worked for the John Morrell Company until layoffs occurred, and then at Wheelco Brake in Sioux Falls, SD. Jim and Joann moved to Hartford, SD, in 1988, where he continued working for Wheelco Brake and then later, Tammen Oil, in Hartford. After retirement, Jim continued working part-time for the West Central School District as a transportation driver. Their home was sold in Hartford, in 2016, and they then moved to their current residence in Salem. 

In his younger days, in Flandreau, Jim was a member of a bowling team and played on a softball team. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life and was a member of the Crooks Gun Club, where he shot trap for many years. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Joann Jennings; sons, Ken Merrill, Muskegon MI, Steve (Ginny) Merrill, Rapid City, SD, David (Angie) Jennings, Canton, SD, Brian (Steph Schuttloffel) Jennings, Canton, SD, Jerrett (April) Jennings, Sioux Falls, SD; one daughter, Dawn (Todd) Price, Humboldt, SD; one sister-in-law, Mary Jennings, Bancroft, SD; 29 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, I.B. and Gladys Jennings; step-mother, Caroline Jennings; brother, Delbert Jennings; twin sister, Sandra Cramer; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Cramer; daughters, Sheri Gatto, and Cindy Elliott; son-in-law, Stephen Elliott; son, Jerry Merrill; grandson, Jordan; and great-grandson, Jordan David.

April 25, 1947 ~ July 31, 2023

Ronald A. Reyelts, 76, Sioux Falls, died on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

Visitation with the family present will be 4pm – 6pm, Monday, August 7, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. A time of sharing memories will begin at 5:30, followed by Military Honors. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Ronald Allen Reyelts was born on April 25, 1947, to Albert and Ruby (Walker) Reyelts in Sioux Falls. Ron received his education in Sioux Falls. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was a decorated soldier who proudly served as a Marine in the Vietnam War, before being Honorably Discharged in August 1970. Ron married Audrey Mielitz in 1981. She had two daughters, Kimberly and Lori. Later, they had Tiffany and Tonya.

Ron was employed at Overhead Doors. He went on to complete classes at MCT, to become a semi-truck driver. He was an over-the-road driver for Willards and Metz Bakery before retiring from Metz Bakery. He returned to work part-time at First Rate Excavating before retiring for good.  Ron loved fishing at Lake Thompson with his family and friends who became family, hunting, camping, his pets, Brownie and Holly, and spending time with his grandkids.

Ron is survived by his two daughters, Tiffany Flannery, Sioux Falls and Tonya Reyelts-Doese, Sioux Falls; two step-daughters, Kimberly (Oliver) Narum, Sioux Falls and Lori Anderson, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren, Nick (Val), Lindsey, Meghan, Rachel (Wesley), and Cody; six great-grandchildren, Leondre, Octayviah, Dauhrio, Avianna, Anneiva, and Joseph.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents, Albert and Rudy (Walker); brothers, Lawrence and Darrell; and sisters, Donna and Dorothy. 

September 24, 1976 – June 29, 2023

   Autumn L. Van Buskirk, 46, Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, in the care of Dougherty Hospice, with her husband and family by her side.

   Autumn’s memory was honored in her hometown of Farmington, NM, on July 20, 2023, with many loving family and friends in attendance.  For now, and ever, we love you and will miss you.

   Autumn was known to be loving and light-hearted; always bringing laughter to those she knew and, at only two days old, she gave her first smile. Autumn found her passion early and excelled at both school and softball, dedicating countless hours and effort. As a successful fastpitch softball pitcher, her skills and dedication earned her a full-ride scholarship at MS State, and right on through her Master’s Degree, at the University of Mississippi for Women, in 2001.  Along the way, Autumn established many Division 1 Fastpitch pitching records that still hold today.  Autumn was awarded the MVP of the entire SEC fastpitch program in 1998 and was inducted into Farmington High School’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

   Always adventurous, in 2003, she and Chad were married in Key West, FL, amidst a month-long sailing trip down the Florida Coast.  Autumn worked for the American Cancer Society during the years of 2006-2012. She then became a stay-at-home mom after giving birth to her first son, Miller Keane, in 2012.  Two years later, her second son, Colin Hayes, was born.  Autumn was a dedicated, caring, and very attentive mother.  As a daughter, sister, wife, and friend, she remains fun-loving and bright in the memories of us all.

   Autumn is survived by her husband, Chad Van Buskirk; their two sons, Miller and Colin, and a step-son, Joseph Van Buskirk; her parents, Larry and Lynda Anderson; grandparents, Gerald and Jean Anderson; and three siblings and a step-brother, Gerrod (Jessica), Jamie, Dennis, and Ted (Lindsey) Triplett, remain in her hometown of Farmington, NM, and Wellington, CO. 

   Autumn was also loved by her surviving parents-in-law, Myron (Joan) Van Buskirk; brothers-in-laws, Mike (Karna) Van Buskirk, and Steve (Shannon) Van Buskirk, of Sioux Falls, SD; and sister-in-law, Karen Van Buskirk; nieces and nephews, Bjorn (Kirby) Sellner, Sophia, Kyle, Hunter, Jacob, and Simon Van Buskirk, Sioux Falls, along with Witten and Harper Anderson, and Jaeden and Savannah Triplett, in CO and NM.  

May 13, 1976 ~ July 31, 2023

Teresa A. Sheldon, 47, Brandon, gained her wings on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls.  She had a courageous fight with cancer and was surrounded by love. 

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church, with a short time of Sharing at 7pm.  Memorial Services will begin at 11am, on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church. Click here to watch live brandonvalley.online.church In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (givenow.iis.org). 

Teresa Ann Sheldon was born May 13, 1976, to Wayne and JoAnn (Schnabel) Sheldon. Teresa was a daughter, loving mother, sister, friend, and aunt.  Teresa had an infectious funny spirit and a strong will to fight and kick cancer’s butt.  She enjoyed most spending time with family and friends. She surrounded herself with God’s love and faith and enjoyed her fellowship time at the church.  If talking was a sport, Teresa had it mastered!  She loved all things gardening and taking care of her lawn and flowers. 

Teresa’s greatest accomplishment was raising her beautiful daughter, Olivia.  She loved watching Olivia’s Color Guard performances with the Brandon Valley Band. Teresa was even able to join a special performance with Olivia’s Color Guard. 

Teresa last worked at PAI and had many friends in her workforce.

She sincerely appreciated the love and support of the many nurses, doctors, and techs at Mayo Clinic, Sanford Hospital, and Ava’s House that cared so lovingly for her during her two years fighting cancer.  She would like to extend a special thank you to each of these amazing people she considered family.   

Teresa is survived by her (daughter) Oliva Green, (sister) Katie Meeker (husband Kelly Meeker), (niece and nephew) Kellen and Kora Meeker, (parents) Wayne and JoAnn Sheldon, and uncles and aunts. 

Teresa is preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Glorena Schnabel, Ralph and Beverly Sheldon, and her uncle Dennis Schnabel

September 8, 1943 ~ July 24, 2023

Donna R. Gullickson, 79, Sioux Falls, SD, died Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Celebration of Life will be 2 to 4 pm, Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, South Dakota.

Donna Rae Redmond was born September 8, 1943, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Lacey and Goldie (Conn) Redmond. She attended Washington High School and studied at Nettleton Business College. She married Gerald Nagel in 1961, and together they had five children. She was united in marriage to Donald Gullickson on June 12, 1970. Together they added two more children to the family.  They made their home in Dell Rapids, South Dakota.

Donna was a stay-at-home mom until they moved to Sioux Falls in 1979. She then started working outside the home as a waitress at The Red Lantern for several years, and then went to work manufacturing jobs at Balance Systems and Hutchinson Technology, until she retired. Throughout her years she also helped her husband, Don, with his garage door business and catering business. Following her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She would take the grandkids all the time to the park, the movies, and to McDonald’s playland; basically, anything that was fun. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed going to her daughters’ homes and just hanging out and visiting. She loved traveling to Florida, Missouri, and Minneapolis to visit family and friends.

Donna is survived by five of her children, Jeff (Judy) Nagel, Coca, Florida, Kevin Nagel, Port St. John, Florida, Kristy (Russel) Lofswold, Hartford, South Dakota, Dawn (Alicia) Meyen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Don (Ellen) Gullickson Jr., Merritt Island, Florida; grandchildren, Travis Cunningham, Dean Nagel, Christy Nagel, Tonya Mahlum, Nichole Castle, Riley Nagel, Matthew Chytka, Mason Skari, Shantel Skari, Levi Moeller, and Makayla Gullickson; and her brother, Bob (Shirley) Redmond.

Donna is preceded in death by two sons, Gerald “Jerry” Nagel, and Tracy “Chuck” Nagel; her parents, Lacey and Goldie Redmond; and siblings, Linda Krogmann, Beverly Dibben, Dennis Redmond, and Michael Redmond.

November 26, 1938 ~ July 24, 2023

Carol L. Cope, 84, Brandon, passed away peacefully, Monday, July 24, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her three daughters and her sister.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Monday, July 31, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be 10:30am, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, also at Heartland Funeral Home, with visitation beginning one hour prior.  Interment will follow at the Canton Lutheran Cemetery, Canton, SD. To view this service live, click here.

Carol Lea Hetlet was born on November 26, 1938, in Inwood, IA, to Olaf and Lilly (Enger) Hetlet. Carol graduated from high school. Carol met a young man named Richard Cope, who traveled to South Dakota from Florida to try pheasant hunting. Dick returned to Florida for one month before coming back to South Dakota for Carol. They married the following July 5, 1959, in Huron, SD. Dick and Carol were married for 59 years before Dick’s passing. In 1975, the family moved to Brandon, where they lived in the same house for 43 years. Dick and Carol opened several businesses selling t-shirts, fudge, jewelry, and other items in Deadwood, Sturgis, Okoboji, and Sioux Falls.

Carol and Dick loved to travel and they took trips all over the country including, Hawaii, Alaska, Norway, and trips to Florida to visit relatives. Carol was very close to her family, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished visits from all of her family and especially enjoyed family gatherings. Carol often referred to her daughters as “my three treasures.”

Carol is survived by her three daughters, Tami (Kevin) Goembel, Worthing, Kris (Kevin) Mielke, Canton, and Wendy (Jim) Metzger, Brandon; six grandchildren, Dallas (Erica) Goembel, Dani (Nate) Finney, Matthew Mielke, Ryan Mielke, Kaycee Metzger (fiancée Josh Price) and Kenzie Metzger (fiancée Jordan Ide); five great-grandchildren, Thomas, Samuel, Brynn, Bennet and Kolsen; one brother, Jerry Hetlet; and one sister, Linda Grieme.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents; and her brother, Dennis.

September 6, 1931 ~ July 23, 2023

Raymond W. Neuroth, Sr., 91, Sioux Falls, peacefully passed away July 23, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones at the Bethesda Nursing Home in Beresford.

A private family service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established in Ray’s honor.

Raymond William Neuroth, Sr., was born September 6, 1931, to Michael and Julia (Werner) Neuroth in Beresford, SD. He graduated from Beresford High School in 1949. Ray married Elizabeth Schaubach on October 27, 1951, in St. Cloud, MN. For a short time, he went to the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD, after serving in the Air Force. He spent most of his career in the sanitation business, mainly with A-1 Sanitation Service that he owned with his brother, Gene. In 1967, bought the Zesto drive-in Mitchell, SD, where the whole family was involved in the business. Ray later returned to Sioux Falls to go into the sanitation business with his sons-in-law, Craig and Owen, known as the ROC boys.  

Ray enjoyed pheasant hunting, going golfing, playing cards, watching sports on TV, and going to his grandchildren’s games and activities. 

Ray is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elizabeth; his four daughters, Brenda (Craig) Bainbridge, Carlotta (Owen) McKittrick, Barbara (Scott) Phillips, and Juliann Neuroth Body; one son, Ray Neuroth II; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Rugowski and Arlene Rinkel; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Joseph and Mary Schaubach; his siblings; Les, Iona, Jim, Jay, Mag, Bernie, and Gene; son-in-law, Michael Body; and granddaughter’s husband, Ivan Prosper. 

February 18, 1958 ~ July 21, 2023

Vicky L. Wenzel, 65, Brandon, died Friday, July 21, 2023, after a lengthy battle with health issues, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Services will begin at 1:30pm, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church.  Burial to follow at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to the Sioux Falls Humane Society in Vicky’s honor. Please click https://brandonvalley.online.church/ to view the livestream.

Vicky Lynn Meade was born to Charles and Shirley Craig on February 18, 1958, in Abilene, TX. They moved around quite a bit, but Vicky graduated high school in Oklahoma City. After graduation, she attended beauty school in Oklahoma. Later on, she opened her own beauty shop in Oklahoma. She met her husband, Tim, online before people met online on dating websites.  Eventually, on June 28, 2000, Tim and Vicky married in Sioux Falls. Vicky worked as a school bus driver in Sioux Falls for ten years.

Vicky loved her rottweilers, loved watching her shows, and Netflix series. She also liked to go “Off Roading” in her Subarus. Tim and Vicky spent their honeymoon at a Subaru convention on the West Coast. Her favorite thing to do was to spend time with Tim while they went shopping, antiquing, and browsing. She really enjoyed watching monkeys and wildlife videos on YouTube. She was known to hold to her opinions devoutly.

Vicky is survived by her husband of 23 years, Tim; granddaughters, Emma, Grace, and Kira; brother, Barry (Kathy) Harper, Oklahoma City; and nieces and nephews, Ashlee, Ryan, Jarred, Catherine, and David.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Darla; one brother, David; and granddaughter, Katie.

December 8, 1964 ~ July 15, 2023

Mark R. Perleberg, 58, Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully, at his home, on July 15, 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 am, July 29, 2023, at American Lutheran Church in Huron, SD. Mark’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mark Perleberg Memorial at GoFundMe.com.

Mark Rance Perleberg was born Dec 8, 1964. He was adopted at 3 weeks old by loving parents Rance and Lois Perleberg. Mark was raised in Huron, SD. He attended school there from kindergarten until he graduated in 1983. He was an avid athlete in a variety of sports and excelled at football, baseball, swimming, and wrestling. Mark attended SDSU, where he met and later married Deb Pederson. They raised three beautiful children.

Mark had diverse careers throughout his life including over 25 years with UPS. Mark was a volunteer EMT and firefighter for many years in Parker, SD. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, and traveling. Mark was known for being laid back, easy to talk to, and kind.

Mark is survived by his three children, Dawn (Casey) Lems, of CO, Jeffrey (Chasity) Perleberg, Aurora, SD, and Gregory Perleberg, Harrisburg, SD; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; parents, Rance and Lois (Bloodgood) Perleberg, Huron, SD; one sister, Juletta (Mike) Bradley, of SD; and many friends including his good friend, Lisa.