September 21, 1964 ~ September 21, 2020

Lynn A. Paulson, 56, Mount Vernon, SD, died Monday, September 21, 2020, surrounded by family at his home after a long battle fighting liver disease.

Visitation will be held 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2020, at Salem Lutheran Church, (200 East 4^th Ave.) Mount Vernon, SD.  Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 25, at Salem Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Hauges Cemetery, Bergen, MN, at 3:30pm. 

Lynn Alan Paulson was born September 21, 1964, in Jackson, MN, to Dallas and Sandra (Hunt) Paulson.  Lynn graduated from Lakefield High School in 1982 and continued his education at Southwestern Vocational Technical Institute earning a diploma in Auto Body Mechanics in 1987. He began his career at the Elseth Egg Plant in Lakefield. On September 22, 1990, Lynn was united in marriage to Kallan Marie Baas in Mount Vernon, SD, where the couple settled. He worked for 31 years at the Cretex company, now known as Forterra Pipe & Precast as a quality control engineer.

Lynn loved hunting, fishing, and helping Cowboy Todd on the ranch fixing rundown, impossible to fix farm equipment. He also enjoyed experimenting with new ways to cook and smoke meats and game. He was known as “Papa” to all the daycare kids and snuck them treats when Kallan was not looking. Lynn was also a friend of Bill W.

Lynn will be deeply missed by his wife of one day short of 30 years, Kallan; two sons, Tyson (Erin) Paulson, Aberdeen, SD, Nick (Miranda) Paulson, North Sioux City, SD, and his daughter, Delayna (fiancée, Charlie Stellpflug) Paulson, Rochester, MN; and 6-month-old grandson, Graham;  Lynn’s mother, Sandra Paulson, Lakefield, MN; two brothers, Corey (Sheila) Paulson, St. Peter, MN, Chris (fiancée, Alicia Jensen) Paulson, Lakefield, MN, and two sisters, Angie (Brad) Rossow, Lakefield, MN, and Robin (Dan) Steffek, Fridley, MN.

Lynn was preceded in death by his father, Dallas D. Paulson.

December 5, 1938 ~ September 12, 2020

William “Bill” Vander Brink, 81, Sioux Falls, died Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the Sanford Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls.

There are no services planned at this time.

William Vander Brink, son of Heiman and Everdena Vander Brink, was born on December 5, 1938, in Chandler, Minnesota.  As the 10th of 13 children, William was raised in Chandler, Minnesota where he completed his education through 8th grade.  William went on to lend his helpful hands-on farmlands. 

     On April 21, 1960, William married the love of his life, Ramona DeKing, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, Minnesota.  After their marriage, William continued to work for various farmers in the area.  They joyfully welcomed their only child, Douglas Vander Brink, on May 29, 1961.  The couple longed for California’s climate and made the major move from Minnesota in 1966.

     Once in California, William cultivated his career in the oil industry as a production welder on drill bits through various companies including Smith Tool.  However, when Smith Tool relocated to Oklahoma, William took the opportunity to fully enjoy the California sun by spending his final working days at the famous Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, California.

     Shortly after retirement, the couple said goodbye to the great weather in California to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

No matter where William was, he happily had fun with his hobbies of fishing, camping, and motorcycling.  He especially enjoyed expeditions on ocean charter fishing boats in hopes of reeling in his favorite fish – the rock cod.  He also sweetly shared his passions and skills with his grandchildren who fondly remember practicing casting on the school playground.  He was elated to be there when the grandchildren caught their first bucket full of bullheads. 

    Clean chrome and classic cars were also cherished throughout his life.  In the 60’s and 70’s, he could usually be found at the dragstrip.  He would never allow eating in his cars, but his cars were so clean you could eat off the engine.

     Bill will be deeply missed by his wife, Ramona, Sioux Falls; one son, Doug (Lori) Vander Brink, Sioux Falls; two granddaughters, Samantha (Adam) Small, Sioux Falls, and Jennifer (Dustin) Hanisch, Worthing; and three great-grandchildren, Veronica, Keaton, and Brooke; one brother, John (Darlene) Vander Brink, Downey, California; four sisters, Sarah Gieselman, Dubuque, Iowa, Dena Kokot, Tuscan, Arizona, Audrey Vander Sluice, Banning, California, and Bertha (Eusebio) Carranza, Dover, Delaware.

     William was preceded in death by his parents, Heiman and Everdena Vander Brink, and five brothers, Leo Vander Brink, Henry Vander Brink, Herman Vander Brink, Chris Vander Brink, and Cornie Vander Brink, and one sister, Gertrude Vander Brink.

October 22, 1970 ~ September 10, 2020

Amy Rose VanWagner, 49, Brandon, died Thursday, September 10, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer, at Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

A visitation with family and open house will be 5-7pm, Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon.  Funeral services will be 1:30pm, Friday, September 18, 2020, at Celebrate Community Church, Brandon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Avera Prairie Center in Amy’s memory.

     Amy Rose Williamson was born in Sioux Falls to Arlen and Betty (Hill) Williamson on October 22, 1970. She was raised and attended school in Sioux Falls, graduating from Washington High School. Shortly after, she had her only daughter, Brittany. She married Jerod Brazee in 1992 and they resided in Valley Springs. Amy worked at various jobs and moved to Brandon in 2006. Amy married the love of her life, Brian VanWagner on August 13, 2011. She worked as a manager of Tailgators for 8 years. Most recently, she worked at Hardscapes until her death.

     Amy had many hobbies that she enjoyed doing. She recently had started doing crafts and had a room filled with a mountain of craft supplies. She enjoyed purchasing cook books and kitchen supplies she’d never use, but insisted that she did. She made some of the best casseroles for dinner and had a spectacular fudge recipe she only made at Christmas time. Her dog Tucker, was her favorite topic of conversation and she also enjoyed taking him to the vet regularly and spending her hard-earned money. She could take a joke like none other and every so often could give it right back with some sass. Spending time with her family and friends was also a huge part of her life. She was one of the sweetest people and everyone enjoyed being around her. She was like a mom to so many people. Even through a tough battle with cancer, she never lost her smile and happy attitude.

     Amy will be deeply missed by her husband, Brian, Brandon; daughter, Brittany (Billy Keizer) Brazee, Sioux Falls; mother, Betty (Marlo) Winter, Gregory; three siblings, Randy (Lori) Williamson, Lennox, Ginger (Todd) Ageton, Brandon, and Rick (Amy) Williamson, Kaufman, TX; three step-children, Matt Van Wagner, Ft. Collins, CO, Jackie Winegar, Madison, SD, and Patrick Van Wagner, Springfield, SD; seven nieces and nephews, Chris, Megan, Mallory, Marissa, Voilet, Lindsey and Jeb; four great-nieces and nephews; six step-grandchildren, Kiarra, Cole, Zane, Jeridan, Madison, and Jacob; fur babies, Tucker, Pebbles; Grand fur babies, Josie and Piper.

     Amy was preceded in death by her father.

May 19, 1950 ~ August 28, 2020

Marilyn A. Bruning, 70, Sioux Falls, formerly Brandon, died Friday, August 28, 2020, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation with family, will be 5-7pm, Monday, September 14, 2020, with a Prayer Service at 7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Deephaven, MN, (18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN) with a visitation beginning at 9:30am. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, an Online Memorial may be donated to either the Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN. www.philanthropy.mayoclinic.org. Choose “other” and specify “Bone Marrow Transplant”. Or Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD. www.avera.org/donate . Select McKennan Hospital and specify Bone Marrow Transplant Fund.

Marilyn Ann Oppegard was born on May 19, 1950, in Grand Island, NE, to Paul and Florence (Graca) Oppegard. Marilyn grew up in Bloomington, MN, where she graduated from Lincoln High School. She went on to study Home Economics at the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

   Her studies, along with her humor, and God-given gift of traditional class and grace gave her the ability to exhibit and display respect. In 1973, Marilyn went with her mother to purchase a car. The salesman turned out to be the love of her life, Bob Bruning. Two years later, on April 11, 1975, Marilyn and Bob were married at St. Therese Catholic Church in Deephaven, MN. This union was blessed with three boys. Brian, Jeff, and J.R.

    Marilyn loved watching her boys play Hockey and Baseball. Marilyn made many friends during the years her boys played sports. Many of these friends were lifelong friends. She was the best chauffer because she played their kind of music loudly! Everyone thought of her as “Mom”.

Friends of the boys would always be welcomed at their house. The boys loved to tease her and she loved it when they did. As the boys grew into men, she created provided the most wonderful parties, elegant cards, and invitations. When the boys were married, she was instrumental in giving them the wedding of their dreams. Complete with incredible invitations and decorations. Marilyn began working as a Graphic Designer for Morgan Williams in the mid-90s, until she and Bob founded Bruning Marking and Promotions in 2006. She was a very talented graphic designer and was the creative genius behind the business. In June, 2011, Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to work as long as she could but eventually, her illness demanded that she retire.

    Marilyn loved to travel and especially enjoyed the Ocean. She had always dreamed of retiring to a beach somewhere in the sun where she could have a casual little place, “M’s Sandbar”. She would be the aging hostess.  Beyond everything else, Marilyn loved her grandchildren. Just being around them gave her pure joy. You could find her baking or making pickles with them or sitting on the patio just talking. She felt the best gift she could give them was family, traditional values and her time. She enjoyed sitting around a bonfire listening to and singing Motown or classic oldies with her family and friends.

   Marilyn will be deeply missed by her husband, Bob; three children, Brian Bruning, Chanhassen, MN, Jeff (Siobhan) Bruning, Chandler, AZ and JR (Nicole) Bruning, Sioux Falls, SD; four grandchildren, Tyson, Chase, Peyten, and Baylor Bruning.; siblings, Kathy (Dean) Speliotes, Sioux Falls, Patty (Gordy)Marquardt, Bethel, MN, Mark (Lisa) Oppegard, Bloomington, MN, Matt (Liz) Oppegard, Savage, MN, Mary Ann (Andy) Gilbert, Sioux Falls, SD, and Nancy Svobodny, Eagan, MN; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and lifelong friends.

   Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents.

March 22, 1970 ~ August 26, 2020

Michael D. Rieff, 50, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, August 26, 2020, unexpectedly at his home.

Visitation at 1PM, Service 1:30pm, Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home.  To Zoom the service, go to… https://jworg.zoom/j/9582713528=bkRHbm9zU1pNTll1NWxKUWhOMWYzUT09 Meeting ID: 95828713528 Passcode: John1125 Join meeting in ZoomBurial will follow at Berg Cemetery, about 2:30pm, rural Sioux Falls. A live stream link will be available.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial fund has been established in Michael’s honor to help with the cost of funeral arrangements and a fund for his children.

    Michael David Rieff was born March 22, 1970, in Nuremberg, Germany, to James and Linda (Schwab) Rieff. Stateside, Michael spent much of his youth in Minnesota until his family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1988. He continued onto Southeast Technical Institute to study horticulture, which became his dream career and ultimately owned his own business. Michael was passionate about his work to design custom landscapes and backyards for his customers. His dedication to hard work began as a young boy taking on his morning paper route and playing in the dirt with his Tonka Trucks. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and watching his sports teams (New Jersey Devils, Oakland Raiders, New York Yankees and Dale Earnhardt Jr team #88). Michael is remembered as a caring and giving person – always lending a helping hand and asking what he can do for others.

    As the oldest child, Michael was often the rock of his family. In 1996, Michael married Jeanna Seubert and in this union had three children. He loved his family and children with all of his heart. Some of the lasting memories created with his children include: Stampede Hockey games, camping, firework shows, four-wheeling and trips to Kansas for NASCAR races. Michael adored his children, creating special moments such as deer hunting with his oldest daughter, Alexus, since the age of six. Michael’s love for his children was felt by anyone who knew him. He will be truly missed.

   Michael is survived by his three children, Alexus, Andrew and Brielle Rieff, Sioux Falls; his parents, James and Linda (Schwab) Rieff, Sioux Falls; three siblings, Jennifer Rieff, Sioux Falls, Chris (Erin) Rieff, Hartford, and Katrina Rieff, Shoreview, MN; five nieces and nephews, Jasmyn, Dominic, Spencer, Gavin and Ava; five aunts and uncles, Barbara Schwab, Madison, WI, Joan (Don) Swenson, Sleepy Eye, MN, Pam Heser, Lake Hughes, CA, Lora (Bob) Woomer, Glenwood, WV, and Kristen Schwab, Grove City, MN; and numerous cousins.  

     Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred and Florence Rieff, Joseph and Lorraine Schwab; and his uncle, David Schwab.

June 6, 1969 ~ August 22, 2020

Mark A. Johnson, 51, Sioux Falls, died Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A Memorial service is set for 3PM, Thursday, September 3, 2020, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center’s Outdoor Memorial Gounds.  All are welcome. Inurnment will take place at the new State Veteran’s Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.

Mark Allen Johnson was born on June 6, 1969, in Hutchinson, MN.  As a new baby, Jim and Sharron Johnson of Ortonville, MN, adopted him.   He was baptized and confirmed in the First English Lutheran Church.   Mark attended all of his schooling in Ortonville, graduating in May of 1987.  Following graduation, Mark went into the United States Army, where he served until his honorable discharge. After his time in the service, Mark worked various jobs in Minnesota and South Dakota. Mark lived many places throughout his life; his most recent home was in the Sioux Falls area where he worked at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in the Maintenance Department.

Mark is survived by his mother, Sharron Johnson; one sister, Catherine (Joe) Scoblic; a niece, a nephew, aunts, uncles, and friends.   

Mark is preceded in death by his father, James Johnson; 2 infant brothers, and his grandparents.

January 13, 1967 ~ July 4, 2020

Scott Middlen, age 53, of Harrisburg, South Dakota died unexpectedly, Saturday, July 4, 2020, while scuba-diving at Pickstown, South Dakota, 

A Celebration of Life will be held 2-4pm, Saturday, August 29, 2020, at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance. (1600 W. Russell Ave, Sioux Falls, SD,) with Full Military Honors and “Last Call Rites” beginning at 3pm.

Scott Bradley Middlen was born January 13, 1967, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Terry Middlen and Jean (Polsfuss) Schmidt. Scott’s youth and teen years were spent at Lake Poinsett with family and friends, boating, skiing, and fishing.  Scott was always looking out for his little brother, Paul. Scott graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1985.

On April 22, 2006, Scott was united in marriage with the love of his life and his soulmate, Virginia Spreckels, the couple formed their blended families, Scott’s two sons Joshua and Nicholas with Virginia’s children, Katina, Curtis, Cody, and later the couple unofficially adopted David Johnson into the family.  Scott was a very proud father and even prouder grandfather of 12 grandchildren with another one on the way. 

Scott was proudly employed with Midwest Motor Express for 14 years as a line-haul driver.  Scott volunteered for the Minnehaha County Police Reserves for 19 years and promoted to Sargent.  He loved his fellow officers and had a passion for working with the new recruits and especially enjoyed watching them train to become Reserves Law Enforcement Officers. He enjoyed working security for the Sioux Empire Fair and especially enjoyed the ride-alongs with the Sioux Falls Police Department and Highway Patrol.  Scott was a passionate Chicago Bears fan. He had a passion for fishing, camping, hunting, motorcycles, and scuba diving.  Scott cherished the time he spent with family and friends.

Scott will be deeply missed by his wife, Virginia; sons, Joshua (Hollie Nelson), and Nicholas (Ashley); mother, Jean Schmidt; brother, Paul; grandmother, Bonnie Middlen; stepchildren, Curtis Spreckels (Alicia Schneckloth), Cody (Dana) Spreckels, Katina Baker (Denise Ruden), and David (Elisabeth) Johnson; stepsister, Nancy (Shane) Peterson; stepmother, Carla Middlen; 12 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Scott is preceded in death by his father, Terry Middlen; grandfather, Charles Middlen; and grandparents, Elroy and Beverly Polsfuss. 

We are so proud of you honey. We love you and miss you endlessly. 

Sincerely,
Virginia  

August 20, 1961 ~ April 19, 2020

Donna Mae Lindner, 58, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Ava’s House, in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Donna and her mother, Clarona, on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the Sertoma Park Picnic Shelter, from 1-3pm. 

Donna Mae Lindner was Born on August 20, 1961, in Waterloo, IA, to John and Clarona (Olson) Lindner.  Donna’s parents moved back to the Sioux Falls area in 1970.  She was always active when she was younger, she played on her schools’ (Tri Valley) basketball and track teams. She earned many medals and held a few records for a while.  Donna worked at Campbell’s packing cans as well as Pizza Hutt, finally coming to Sanford Health as a cashier. She brought a lot of smiles to patients and coworkers alike there.

Donna loved animals, especially her dog Izzy and loved cuddling and watching tv with her after a long day. She also enjoyed bingo a lot, and would go all the time with her parents and brother.  She took her job seriously and could seem intense. But she was always full of love and care, and wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything to lend a hand.

Donna will be deeply missed by her only child, Cody Lindner, Sioux Falls; four brothers, Johnnie, James, Joseph, and Richard Lindner; and many nieces, and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

January 10, 1937 ~ August 11, 2020

Raymond DeKing, 83, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services will be held at 3pm, Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Visitation with family present will begin at 1pm.

Raymond Anthony DeKing was born on January 10, 1937, in Marshall, MN, to Samuel and Johnna (Masarek) DeKing. Ray was one of five children. Their father died when Ray was just 5 years old. When their mother remarried, they lived on a farm near Marshall, MN. He grew up helping his stepfather on the farm doing all kinds of jobs. He was the first of his family to graduate high school. After graduating from Marshall High School, Ray held various jobs. These jobs included working at and owning a gas station. Most of Ray’s jobs were related to getting things from one point to another driving truck.  One of his first jobs after the farm was driving for milk producers who would load his truck to take to the processing centers. 

On May 17, 1958, in Morgan, MN, Ray married the love of his life, Carol Ricke. The couple made their home in Marshall and to this blessed union was born three children: Daniel, Michele, and Scott. Ray and Carol’s home was the most popular house in the neighborhood when he would pull in with the Henry’s Candy and Cigarette truck. All the kids in the area got excited when they saw that truck and Ray come home. They knew a treat was going to be theirs shortly. Ray loved to treat the kids! 

            In 1968, Ray and Carol moved their young family to Sioux Falls, SD. This move was also the beginning of a new truck route with Purolator Courier, carrying bank documents to processing centers, that Ray would drive for over a decade.  Ray was a driver for them until the early 80s, when he then began driving for Dizco, hauling mail from Sioux Falls to Murdo, SD. He drove this route for twenty years before his failing health demanded he gives up his long career as a driver.  As a driver, his eyes were always on the road and he would often stop to check out things that others had lost.  Sometimes, it was useful items like a bag of coins, that he used to buy his daughter a new bike. Other times, not such a nice find, but it was all part of the adventure.

            During the years, Ray and his family had many camping and fishing experiences. They would catch fish regularly and release them back to the water because no one wanted to clean them. Ray also was an amazing storyteller! He loved to see just how much he could get the grandchildren to believe. Some of the grandchildren were more gullible than others. Telling his stories was one of his ways of having fun with them.  He loved to collect things and had an extensive pen collection from various places he had been. Hats, movies, video games, and music CDs were among the items he collected. Ray loved his family beyond any of his collections and would share anything he had with them. When he noticed some of those loved ones were not returning their borrowed items, a system had to be devised to make sure he got his music, games, or videos back.  This system was called the Grandpop-n-go which ensured he knew just who had what. Ray loved to play bingo and made sure he played at least a couple of times a week. He had a lot of people who enjoyed his company and were drawn to him. One of his prized wins, after becoming a resident of a nursing home, was a box of “Puffs Kleenex” because the kind they provided at the home were the scratchy kind. Ray loved to watch races and any of the old Westerns on tv, but his favorite was the series “Gunsmoke” because something good always came in the end. Listening to the old country singers was something Ray enjoyed throughout his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed turning a wrench and helping in the pits of local racetracks.  

       Ray will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol DeKing, Sioux Falls; two children, Daniel (Kim) DeKing, Sioux Falls, and Michele (Charles) Thompson, Sioux Falls; five grandchildren, Nicole (Tyler) Neal, Jessica (Will) Sechser, Matthew (Kara) Thompson, Joe DeKing, and Sally (Michael) Ackerman; seven great-grandchildren: Aidan, Maia, and Owen Fritz, Spencer and Charlie Sechser, and Jaiden and Justin Thompson; one sister, Ramona (William) Vander Brink, Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

     Ray was preceded in death by one son, Scott DeKing, his parents, Sam and Johanna (Masarek) DeKing, and three brothers, Richard Deking, Roy DeKing, and Earl DeKing.