April 26, 1960 ~ April 18, 2020

Kathleen “Katie” Ryan-Mann entered this world on April 26, 1960, in St. Paul, MN, and departed on April 18, 2020, peacefully at home, in Brandon, SD, with her loving husband Rich, at her side.

A Celebration of Katie’s Life will take place at a later date.

Katie attended Stillwater High School and moved to South Dakota in 1994, where she met her soulmate, Rich Mann, and married him in 2006.  Katie was a 14-year cancer survivor.

Katie loved life. Despite being dealt a hand that included multiple health obstacles, she lived her life with gusto.  She had a quick wit, a raucous laugh, and a smile and personality that filled a room.  She never failed to find humor in even the most difficult situation and went out of her way to make everyone around her feel at ease and laugh.

To know Katie, was to know you were loved.  She will be missed, and her memory cherished, by all who knew her.

Katie will be deeply missed by the love of her life, Rich; her mother, Virginia; brothers, Matt (Glenda), Kevin (Marybeth), and Timm (Kevin); their children – nieces and nephews; multiple cousins, and her best friend, Randy.

Katie is preceded in death by her dogs, Sparkplug and Jackknife, her father, Jerome, and two infant sisters.

June 10, 1953 ~ April 18, 2020

Sheila R. Knebel, 66, Valley Springs, SD, died Saturday, April 18, 2020, after a long illness at home surrounded by her loving family.

There will be a date announced for a Celebration of Life service in the Fall. Any Sympathy cards or condolences for the family of Sheila, may be mailed to Tom Knebel, 200 Southside Ave., Valley Springs, SD, 57068. Also, the family requests no flowers.

Sheila Rae Olauson was born in Watertown, SD on June 10, 1953, to John and Hazel Olauson. She was the youngest sister to three older brothers and grew up on a dairy farm ten miles west of Sisseton, SD. She was proud to have attended country school through elementary and graduated with the Sisseton High School class of 1971. She went on to graduate with a Secretarial Degree from North Dakota State College of Science in Whapeton, ND. There she met two of her lifelong friends, Sue and Anita. She obtained her first secretarial job in Washington D.C. She came back to SD to be with family when her father passed away. Sheila then married the love of her life, Tom Knebel, on October 20, 1973 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton, SD. The couple immediately moved to Valley Springs, SD where they raised four children. She held many different jobs over the years, from home daycare, to bookkeeping for Knebel Construction, to Sioux Valley Hospice, all revolving around customer service.

Sheila was a ‘people’ person who enjoyed getting to know her many clients and their families. She also enjoyed volunteering as a teacher and co-director of CCD at the Risen Savior Catholic Church. Sheila valued, above all, getting together with family and friends. She always had a cup of coffee and a listening ear waiting for anyone who stopped by. Sheila loved playing cards and dice with neighborhood friends including the Valentines, Swansons, Harstads, Phillips’ and all of her many grandchildren.

Grateful for sharing her life is her loving husband of 46 years, Tom Knebel; four children and twelve grandchildren: Paula (Matt) Adler, Dalton, Kathryn, & Lauren; Heather (Phillip) Swann, Santiago; Nick (Heidy) Knebel; Shala (Brad) Koster, Trevor, Kara, Logan, Luke, Scott, Samantha, Landon, & Mariah; her oldest brother, Ralph (Sharlene) Olauson; aunt, Olive Aiken, aunt, Lyla Olauson, uncle, Bob Aiken and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many friends.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hazel Olauson; and brothers, Leonard & Clinton.

July 4, 1945 ~ March 15, 2020

Harris L. Mammen, 74, South Sioux City, NE, loving father, brother, and friend, died Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the Sioux Falls VA Health Center, after a lengthy illness.

At Harris’ request, no services will be held.

Harris was born on July 4, 1945, in LeMars, IA to Gordon M. and Amelia P. (Dirks) Mammen. He graduated from LeMars Community High School in 1963 and earned a BA in Economics at the University of Iowa in 1968. After serving in the US Air Force, he worked as a commercial loan officer in Chicago, IL. In 1986, after several years in Minneapolis, MN and Tacoma, WA, Harris moved back to LeMars, where he worked as the advertising manager for the LeMars Daily Sentinel, and later, the North Sioux City Times.

Harris enjoyed playing darts, collecting stamps, coins and foreign currency, sharing entertaining stories and hanging out with friends and family.

Harris will be deeply missed by his beloved daughter, Brianna Kehrberg; brother, Roger E. (Rosalyn) Lueck-Mammen; nephew, David; and niece, Dana.

Harris was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Colette L. Mammen.

April 4, 1950 ~ April 2, 2020

Linda Mae Schneekloth, 69, of Sioux Falls, SD. passed away on April 2, 2020, at Sanford USD Medical Center, after a long illness.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Cards of sympathy can be sent to 5204 S.  Woodsedge Trl.  Sioux Falls, SD, 57108.

Linda Mae Meyerhoff was born to Henry and Betty Meyerhoff, on April 4, 1950, in Sheldon, IA.  She graduated from Washington High School in 1968. She later graduated from Southwest Iowa Technical College in Sheldon, IA.  Linda worked at various places in the health care industry in Sioux Falls, Des Moines, and Rock Rapids, IA. While living in Rock Rapids, IA, Linda met and married James Schneekloth on April 19, 1986.  James died on August 6, 1987.

Linda’s interests were going to stock car races, and watching Vikings football.  She enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Carol Mueller.

Linda leaves her daughter, Neesha Meyerhoff, Sioux Falls; a brother Carl (Jeniene) Meyerhoff, Sioux Falls; and her mother, Betty Meyerhoff, Viborg, SD.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, James Schneekloth; and her father, Henry Meyerhoff.

July 14, 1955 ~ April 4, 2020

Connie L. Tarnowski, 64, Sioux Falls, died Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Sanford USD Medical Center following a stroke.

No services will be held at this time. Please check back for the updated time and location for a memorial service.

Connie was born in Becker Township, MN to Stanislaus and Lorna (Ashling) Tarnowski on July 14, 1955. She attended school at Chaska High School.  She then began a career working as a deckhand on the ships in the Great Lakes Region. She loved to travel around, getting to see new areas. She traveled around for several years and eventually had three sons. She moved to Sioux Falls and began working in information technology for Gateway. She worked for a few other places, also in computers, with her most recent being Midco Communications.

Her favorite things to do was to listen to music, drink coffee, play her guitar or piano, chess, or just talking to people. Connie had unconditional love for her family, despite anything that her boys did, she loved them and nothing could stand in her way of that. She also enjoyed and loved her grandchildren.

Connie will be deeply missed by her three sons, Nathan (Lindsay) Tarnowski, Sioux Falls, Michael Tarnowski, Fredericksburg, VA, and Shawn (Amanda Cain) Tarnowski, Fort Collins, CO; nine grandchildren, Hailey, Joshua, Alexa, Annabelle, Abigail, Abrielle, Isaac, Sophia, and Zac, and soon to be arriving, Charlotte Joelle Tarnowski; her mother, Lorna Tarnowski, Minneapolis, MN; one brother Michael (Linda) Tarnowski, Bloomington, MN; and two nieces, Emmaline and Samantha.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Stanislaus Tarnowski.

September 7, 1933 ~ March 31, 2020

Don D. Christensen, 86, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A private burial will happen at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls.  Due to the ongoing virus crises, No Public Viewing or Services are planned at this time but a Memorial Service will be planned for the future.  Any Sympathy cards or condolences for the family of Don, can be mailed to Heartland Funeral Home, PO Box 451, Brandon, SD 57005.  Also, the family requests no flowers.

Donald “Don” D. Christensen was born September 7, 1933 to Clarence and Ida (Olson) Christensen in a house in Flandreau, SD.  He attended several country schools in South Dakota throughout the years.  He grew up farming with his Dad, Mom and siblings.  Don worked at John Morrell’s in Sioux Falls from 1951 to 1989 until he retired.   He worked part time at Hope Lutheran Church for 7 years until retirement.  He worked at Menards for 4 years until retirement.  He drove cars for Billion Automotive for 3 years and then decided to spend the remaining of his life with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

In 1953, he was introduced to the love of his life Ethel Moeller at the age of 19 when they went on a blind date.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life on June 7^th, 1953 at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD.  He lived in Sioux Falls with his wife and children.  He was blessed with 3 sons and two daughters.  He was a very dedicated Son, father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and friend.

Don enjoyed being part of the Sioux Land Goldwing Club, Member of Morrell’s Union, Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Fighter, Wayne Township Constable, member of the VFW Auxiliary and a member at St John Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls where he enjoyed ushering.  He enjoyed time with family and friends, mowing his yard, and tilling gardens.  He was full of life and always had something to say.  He was always able to find someone who knew wherever he went which caused quick trips to the stores lengthier than expected.  He cherished the life he had with his family and would do anything he could to help anyone in need.  He enjoyed his time with the love of his life when they went to WeFest and traveled south for the winter.  He welcomed everyone into his family with open arms.  He loved driving his motorhome, motorcycle, camping, attending his grandkids and great grandkids sporting events and school events.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 66 years Ethel (Moeller) Christensen Sioux Falls, SD; Fur baby Son Gunner; son Michael (Diane) Christensen, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Lori (Thomas) Henle, Sioux Falls, SD; and son Kerry (Lori) Christensen Sioux Falls, SD; Special Niece Marilyn Griffith, Lake St Louis, MO; 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and many additional bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

 Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ida; two children, Donald Jr, and infant daughter, Angela; brothers, Harry, Harold, Orville, and Virgil; and sisters, Ethel, Margaret, Margie, Mildred, and Marvelle.

March 30, 1946 ~ March 14, 2020

Gerald (Jerry) A. Korkow, 73, Sioux Falls, loving father of three, passed away at the Good Samaritan Village, Sioux Falls, on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

There will be no funeral services as we are honoring Jerry’s wishes.

Gerald was born on March 30, 1946 in Huron, SD to George and Carol (Kretzchmer) Korkow. Together with his father George, Jerry pursued his career in construction in and around the Waukesha, WI area. On August 20, 1966, he married his first wife, Kathy, and together they had a daughter, Tina. On April 8, 1980, Jerry married his second wife, Sharon, and together they raised their two sons, Waylon and Gary, in Watertown, SD.  Later in life, Jerry pursued his career in being an over the road truck driver.

His hobbies included fishing, card playing, gambling and he loved visiting with family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Tina, Waylon and Gary; his grandchildren, Samantha, Krystal, Gavin and baby Korkow, who is on the way; his great-grandchildren, Lily, Maci, Ashleigh, Skyler, Harper and Jude; also by his sisters Judy, Jerone and Becky; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon his mother, Carol and his father, George.

 “Perhaps, they are not stars, but openings in Heaven where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy”

May 5, 1930 ~ March 18, 2020

Ruth I. Schuster, 89, formerly Valley Springs, passed into the arms of our Lord on March 18, 2020, in Rochester, MN.

A private funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2020, and burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Valley Springs.  Due to the ongoing virus crises, No Public Viewing or Services are planned at this time.  Any Sympathy cards or condolences for the family of Ruth, can be mailed to Heartland Funeral Home, PO Box 451, Brandon, SD 57005.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Alzheimer’s Association                     Arthritis Foundation
www.alz.org                                       www.arthritis.org

Ruth Irene Thorson was born May 5, 1930 in Canton, SD to Karl and Johanne (Ingebretsen) Thorsen, the only sibling to be born in the US, her parents and brothers emigrating from Norway. Ruth and her three brothers grew up on a farm outside Canton, speaking mostly Norwegian and very little English, when she began grammar school. Ruth graduated from Canton High School in 1947, and married Thomas William Schuster on February 10, 1951.

The couple started their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she worked at JCPenney.  The first three of her four sons (Thomas, Robert and Daniel) were born in Denver Colorado. Then, in 1960, the family moved to Valley Springs, South Dakota, where they purchased Schuster’s Market from William and Frieda Schuster. Ruth’s fourth son, Samuel, was born in Sioux Falls in 1961. Tom and Ruth operated Schuster’s Market while Ruth also attended beautician school. They opened the Clip & Curl beauty salon after Ruth received her license in cosmetology. Ruth sold Princess House crystal and china on nights and weekends, and her holiday place settings were her pride and joy. They were active in their community and in the Lutheran Church.

Eventually, Tom’s health challenges precipitated a final relocation to Arizona with their 3 youngest sons in 1975. Ruth then worked for American Express, became a Realtor, was a member of the Sons of Norway and dabbled in various retail endeavors until retirement.

Ruth was vivacious, energetic and the life of the party. She will be sadly missed by her four sons, Thomas (Barbara) Schuster, Valley Springs, SD, Robert (Patricia) Schuster, Phoenix, AZ, Daniel (Tonya) Schuster, Rochester, MN, and Samuel (Heidi) Schuster, Phoenix, AZ; eleven grandchildren, Thomas Schuster, Matthew Schuster, Douglas Schuster, Ryan Schuster, Bethany Nandy, Emily Schuster, Jeffrey Schuster, William Schuster, Jennifer Schuster, Jessica Khan, Stephanie Lee; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Engolf, Od, and Carold Thorsen.

November 17, 1939 ~ March 09, 2020

Leonard Stanley Loen, 80, of Madison, SD passed away on March 09, 2020, in Yankton at the SD Human Services Center after a difficult battle with dementia.

Private family services for Leo will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial donations to Alzheimer’s research.

Leonard “Leo” Stanley Loen was born November 17, 1939, to Lauris and Selina (Langorgen) Loen on the family farm northeast of Howard, SD. He was the youngest of seven and worked hard on the family farm. He graduated from Howard High School in 1957, was proud of his letterman status in football and basketball and went on to achieve his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics from South Dakota State College in 1962.

While in college he met Arla Millar and they married in 1959 in Salem, SD. To this union, four children were born; Brett, Perry, Michelle and Coreen. Len and the family attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in the sixties and seventies. Len and Arla eventually divorced, but remained friends until her death in 2016.

Len was an exceptional salesman and worked for Standard Oil, Raven Industries and then went into the Insurance business where he worked until his retirement in 2010. His chosen profession was a perfect fit as he was a real people person, enjoying all kinds of gatherings, robust conversations and personal connections with people. Len was a very vivacious person and was liked by everyone who met him.

In his spare time, he loved to play cards, enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, pheasant hunting with his kids. Len was an avid sports fan, loved March madness, the Vikings, Broncos and Rockies since he lived in MN, SD, KS and CO. Later in life he enjoyed gambling trips to Flandreau. He practiced his faith in both Presbyterian and Lutheran churches and loved to sing in the choir. Len was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Len is survived by his three children, Perry Loen, Sioux Falls, SD, Michelle Kleindienst, Center Barnstead, NH, and Coreen Loen, Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brett Loen; and siblings, Ray, Vernon, Orlin, Curtis, Evie and Lois.

November 28, 1939 ~ March 5, 2020

Carol A. Sels, 80, Sioux Falls, SD, was received into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at the Dougherty House, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service to follow.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.  Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

Carol Ann Kasemodel was born on November 28, 1939 in Beaver Creek, Minnesota to Herman and Marie (Schmuck) Kasemodel. Carol was the tenth of eleven children having only one younger sister.  Carol attended a one room school in Beaver Creek, Minnesota and she graduated from Luverne High School, Carol met and married the love of her life, Derrick Carl Sels. The couple married on February 22, 1959, and made their home in Sioux Falls, SD.  The couple had two daughters, Diane and Audra. The couple loved doing everything together, including fishing and working in the garden. It was not considered “his” work or “her” work, it was their work together. Sadly, Derrick died in December of 1990 after a battle with cancer.

Carol was an incredibly independent woman. She was a hard worker who could work circles around almost everyone. She was considered a “ball of fire” and an incredible motivator by all who knew her. She cherished her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol enjoyed sharing her hospitality for her family in her home.

     Carol worked for United Parcel Services (UPS) and retired in April of 2001. She was then able to spend more time in her vegetable garden where she felt peace and tranquility. Carol had always had a garden and canned her vegetables.  Although, it was hard work pulling weeds and canning, she enjoyed being outside. She loved to watch the Cardinals, Orioles, Finches and Hummingbirds when they would visit. She could always be found in the yard mowing the lawn, even in her later years.  

    In March 2018, Carol took a bad fall and broke her hip and shoulder. She had to spend some time at a nursing home to recover. Carol took another fall in January 2019, and her health continued to decline.  

       Carol will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Diane Meyer, Sioux Falls, SD and Audra Heidelberger (Mike Newman) Lennox, SD; three grandchildren, Shannon (Tony) Ketelsen, Worthing, SD, Victoria Meyer, Sioux Falls, SD and Derrick Heidelberger, Yankton, SD; 4 great-grandchildren: Alivia, Kenley, Keira and Devon; sister, Lucille Gangestad, Hills, MN; brother, Robert Kasemodel, Escanaba, MI; brother, Albert “Gene” (Marge) Kasemodel, Renner, SD; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

    Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Derrick; her parents, Herman and Marie (Schmuck) Kasemodel; and seven siblings, Bernice Falcosky, Leona Wallenberg, Alvin Kasemodel, Marvin Kasemodel, Marvella “Sis” Beck, Delmar Kasemodel, and Joyce Espitee.