March 2, 1959 ~ January 27, 2026

Ronny “Ron” L. Gillespie, 66, Sioux Falls, SD, was called home by God on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately afterwards at 808 W. Holly Boulevard, Brandon (Risty Farm).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a GoFundMe in Ron’s name by clicking HERE.

Ronny “Ron” Lou Gillespie was born on March 2, 1959, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Roger and Verda (Powers) Gillespie. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School in Brandon, SD and shortly thereafter joined the US Marine Corps.

Shortly after Ron’s father’s death in 1985, Ron purchased the home in Rowena, SD that his father and mother had been renting. Ron then looked after his ill mother until her death a decade later. Sadly, his mother’s death, living alone, and hard economic times, ushered in a brief era of depression and alcoholism for Ron. This, in conjunction with his diabetes, took a toll on Ron’s body, including loss of limb, neuropathy, vision and hearing impairments, none of which stopped him. Despite his health setback almost two decades ago, unlike his father, Ron conquered his alcoholism and depression and remained alcohol and drug free for the last 16-17 years of his life! Despite ever worsening disabilities, Ron never gave up or went without at least working part-time. He fiercely cherished his independence.

Ron, a disabled veteran, was a dedicated blue-collar man, who served in various janitorial, custodial and maintenance capacities for several local businesses.

Ron loved the great outdoors, especially fishing, boating, and motorcycling. Ron was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar.

Ron resided in Sioux Falls area his entire life and he enjoyed a group of fellow apartment residents, which he warmly called his friends.

Ron relinquished his physical life on January 27, 2026. His physical death occurred while in the ICU at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Since just before Christmas, Ron had been suffering from chronic infection and acute delirium. He was a believer in Jesus Christ, and is now free of pain, suffering, and sorrow, and is face to face with God.

Ron is survived by his siblings, Irene (Jerry) Pease, Astoria, SD, David Gillespie, Brant Lake, SD, Linda (Kenny) Larson, Surprise, AZ, and Deb (Dan) Risty, Brandon, SD; and a plethora of cousins, nieces, and nephews whom all loved him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Lee Gillespie and Verda Irene Gillespie.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ ~ Matthew 5:4

“Death is not the end, but the beginning of everlasting life.”

‘Absent from the body, present with the Lord.’ ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8

Ron will be missed. In his honor, we ask all to walk by faith, not by sight. Ron, we will see you later.

March 20, 1944 ~ February 1, 2026

Rheta M. Kopecky, age 81, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully in her sleep at home, on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Feeding South Dakota. You may make a donation on their website by clicking HERE.

Rheta Marie Aesoph was born in Orient, SD, on March 20, 1944, to Henry and Helen (Sweetland) Aesoph. She and her family moved to Milbank, SD and she remained there until she was an adult. From there, Rheta found her way to Gretna, NE. In Gretna, she gave birth to her first son, Tony, and also met Norm Kopecky. Rheta and Norm married, and the family of three moved to Germany. In Germany, Rheta and Norm worked for the Department of Defense. Rheta also taught physical fitness to grade school children. After five years in Germany, the family moved back to Milbank.

Upon her return to the states, Rheta took a job at KMSD radio and then KSFY TV in Sioux Falls. She became well known as the TV news anchor, Jerry Brooke, on the noon news program. After many years as a TV personality, she started selling aviaries as the Community Aviary and later opened and grew Living Design, Inc. The company grew adding branch offices in Colorado, Illinois, and Ohio. Aviaries were placed as far as New Mexico, Texas, and Montana in the west and New York and Washington D.C. in the east. In total, over 3,000 aviaries were placed. The ability to hire enough technicians did not keep up with growth and the Ohio office was closed. A few long-term techs remained in SD and CO, but they didn’t provide enough revenue to support the business. After 30 years, Living Design officially closed 2023.

Rheta had fostered her creativity and a sense of adventure from a young age. She was a collector of many things, but most importantly, she collected souls. She faced retirement by buying the house on Brant Lake she had always wanted. In addition to the plants in the greenhouse, and the wildlife in the backyard, life was good for Rheta.

Rheta is survived by her husband, Norman; her sons, Tony and Chris; and her grandchildren, Kiah Berg-Kopecky, Athena Kopecky and Christopher Kopecky, Jr.

Rheta was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Helen; and her brothers, Gary and Dale.

March 11, 1966 ~ January 29, 2026

Joseph M. Lingor, 59, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from natural causes on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a short prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Joseph Michael Lingor was born on March 11, 1966, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Robert and Mary (Fear) Lingor. He married the love of his life, Vicki (Thill) Lingor, in 1996. They had one child, a son, Alex.

Joseph loved the Denver Broncos, the Chicago Bulls, fishing, Nascar, and his dogs Max and Milo. He worked at Dakota Auto Parts for 40 years, along with delivering pizzas part-time for Godfather’s for a couple of years.

Joseph is survived by his son, Alexander; brother, Patrick (Carla); and brother-in-law, Randy.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki; his parents, Robert and Mary; and his sisters, Paula and Judy.

July 14, 1971 ~ January 17, 2026

Tammy L. Johnson, 54, Sioux Falls, SD, died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

Tammy Lee Andersen was born on July 14, 1971, in Sioux City, IA, to Richard Andersen and Patricia Burke.

Tammy was known for her big heart and her open door. Being a caregiver wasn’t just something she did; it was who she was. Throughout her life, Tammy devoted herself to caring for children, where countless lives were nurtured by her patience, kindness, and gentle spirit. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

Tammy found joy in the simple things – thrifting at Goodwill, watching her favorite TV shows like Maury, The Masked Singer, and Family Feud, and spending time surrounded by her family and friends. Above all else, Tammy’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. Her love for them was endless, unconditional, and proudly spoken about any chance she got.

Those who knew Tammy speak of her kindness, her warmth, and the way she made people feel. Her love lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply.

Those left to honor Tammy’s memory include her children, Ashley (Carl) Andersen;, Austin (Kerly) Johnson, and Aisha Andersen; her eight beloved grandchildren, Zavaiya A., Jasiah A_J., J’Kahri A., Zowie A., Jeremiah J., Jazmayiah J., Jalayiah J., and Jamailiah J.; her parents, Patricia Burke and Richard Andersen; and her siblings, Todd Andersen and Thomas Andersen.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time.

April 1, 1936 ~ January 29, 2026

Donald “Don” E. Johnson, 89, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully at the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls on January 29, 2026, after powering through ongoing health battles.

Services will be held at a later date.

Donald “Don” Edward Johnson was born on April 1, 1936, in Jasper, MN, to Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson. Born alongside his twin sister, Doris, Don grew up on the family farm in Eden Township—a place that shaped his strong work ethic and love of the land. He remained on the family farm for 50 years of his life, deeply rooted in the community and the rhythms of farm life.

Don proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard from 1958 to 1964. A man never afraid of hard work, he farmed for most of his life and later worked at local grain elevators. He also drove gravel truck for Double D Gravel and eventually retired after working for Evans Manure Hauling where he drove what he referred to as a “turd hearse”.

On January 5, 1985, Don married Lorraine Hanisch in Flandreau, SD. They welcomed their daughter, Danielle, in July of 1986. Though their marriage ended a few years later, Don and Lorraine remained close friends. During that time, Don lived in Ihlen, Minnesota, just six miles from the family farm that always remained close to his heart.

After retiring, Don moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he made his home at Western Heights. There, he enjoyed a well-earned slower pace of life, while remaining connected to family and making new friends. He became a grandpa when Oliver was born in July 2015 and this became his favorite role. He loved WWE Wrestling, a good western, old country, ice cold sodas, chili dogs, and taco salads.

Don will be remembered for his steady presence, dedication to hard work, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. He never met a stranger and will be remembered for saying “Hey big guy!” and “Catch ya down the trail!”. He stayed positive through all his struggles and health scares and was optimistic until the very end.

Don is survived by his daughter, Danielle (Cory Haken) Meier; his grandson, Oliver Meier; his brother, Bob Johnson and his children; his niece, Kristi (Bryon) Franken; his nephew, Brian (Joyce) Laackmann and their children.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Hildur Johnson; his brother, Lester Johnson; his twin sister, Doris Laackmann; brother-in-law, Marvin Laackmann; great-niece, Serena Franken; ex-wife and friend, Lorraine Johnson; his special friend, Norma Najt; and his best fur friend, Freckles.

July 2, 1936 ~ January 19, 2026

Robert “Bob” L. Shuck, 89, Brandon, SD, died Monday, January 19, 2026, at Palisade Healthcare in Garretson, SD.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Robert “Bob” Lynn Shuck was born on July 2, 1936, in Volga, SD, to Orville and Bess (Mershon) Shuck. He was baptized on March 20, 1948, at the Methodist Parsonage. Bob graduated from Arlington High School in 1954. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Bob married Marilyn Erickson at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, SD on August 16, 1958. He also enlisted in the Army in Sioux Falls in August 1958. He served in the Army until he was discharged in Fort Totten, NY in August 1961.

Bob was a teacher for the Sioux Falls School District from August 1963 until he retired in May 1999. He spent most of his adult life as a part-time beekeeper, which was a perfect summer job for a teacher. He was a beekeeper beginning in his mid-30’s until he was in his 70’s.

Bob was a Mason, a member of the South Dakota Teachers Retirement Board, and a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 289. He also held a private pilot’s license. Bob’s claim to fame was building a T18, two-seat plane that was featured on the cover of EAA Sports Aviation Magazine. Unfortunately, due to migraines, he was unable to finish the build or pilot the plane. He was able to ride in it.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Brad (Cindy) Shuck, Sioux Falls, and Wade (Danyel Juillard) Shuck, Brandon; grandson, Alex (Megan) Shuck, Sioux Falls; granddaughter, Ona (Sean) Wellons, Bloomington, MN; and great-granddaughters, Kenna and Knox.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Bess; and a brother, Richard.

October 9, 1939 ~ January 14, 2026

Wilbert “Willlie” C. Honken Jr., 86, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on January 14, 2026, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

An immediate family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Make-A-Wish in Williw’s memory.

Wilbert “Willie” Cornie Honken Jr. was born on October 9, 1939, in Edna, IA, to Wilbert and Elizabeth (Vierhout) Honken. He married Gladys Swier on August 28, 1965, and they celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary in 2025.

Willie was in the trucking industry for most of his life. He spent 26 years as a dispatcher with Vaughn Trucking. After retiring, Willie and Gladys enjoyed one winter in Arizona and six years in Texas.

Willie is survived by his wife, Gladys; daughters, Tammy, Teresa, and Traci; 10 grandchildren;  5 great-grandchildren; sister, Alvina (Darrell) Borchers; daughters-in-law, Karen Pearson and Lori Honken; sisters-in-law, Elaine Swier and Marilyn Honken; and niece, Vonnie Baumberger.

Willie was preceded in death by his four sons, Mark, Brad, Brian, and Chad; daughter, Toni; parents, Wilbert and Elizabeth; and brother, Everon.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Dougherty Hospice House for their kindness, care, and support during Willie’s final days.

February 1, 1997 ~ January 13, 2026

Brentyn L. Koepp, 28, Sioux Falls, SD, beloved son, father, grandson, and brother, passed away on January 13, 2026, in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 1:30-3:00pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon.

Brentyn Lee Koepp was born on February 1, 1997, in South Dakota, to Matthew Koepp and Danielle Ilchuk. Brentyn’s life, though far too brief, left a quiet but lasting mark on those who knew him.

Brentyn will be remembered for his booming laughter, his intense feelings, and his love for the outdoors. Motorcross, hunting, fishing, and golf were some of the places where he found joy and a sense of freedom.

Brentyn is survived by his children, Bryson and Paisley; parents, Danielle Ilchuk and Matthew Koepp; siblings, Kami, Aimee, Keiana, Anya, and Jayden; step‑siblings, Connor, Alanna, Kaidan, Darian, and Mauria; grandmother, Kim Miller; along with extended family who will carry his memory forward.

April 16, 1965 ~ January 9, 2026

Paul D. Stevens, 60, Minneapolis, MN, died Friday, January 9, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Paul David Stevens was born on April 16, 1965, in Redfield, SD, to Gerald and Mary (McNeely) Stevens. Paul graduated from Minneapolis Lutheran High school in 1983. He attended Normandale Community College, and St. Cloud State University. He worked several different jobs after leaving school, eventually working for Pioneer Rim & Wheel in Minneapolis for close to 30 years.

Growing up Paul had a very independent nature and loved being outdoors. Some of his favorite memories were the time he spent in South Dakota every summer visiting his aunts, uncles and cousins on their family farms or in North Dakota visiting his grandparents. Those visits gave him a chance to discover the joy and connections of extended family. Paul was extremely lucky to have a close-knit group of childhood friends from the neighborhood whom he loved spending time with.

Paul’s grandpa taught him to fish early on at the family cabin in Cotton Lake, MN, and that remained one of his favorite activities as an adult. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting every October with family and friends in Faulk County, SD. In the winter he enjoyed snowmobiling trips to Wyoming and northern Minnesota with the Burnsville Sno-Mo-Kades.

Paul is survived by his parents, Gerald and Mary; sister, Paula; and a large extended family.

The family wishes to thank the ICU staff at Avera-St. Lukes and Avera -McKennan hospitals as well as the Welch Family Village in Sioux Falls for their care and support of Paul and his family.

July 10, 1966 ~ January 10, 2026

Kimberly Schwenke-Cram, 59, Madison, SD, passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after battling pneumonia, blood clots, and Valley Fever.

A Celebration of Life for Kim will be 5-6:30pm, Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Victory Life Church, (701 E 60^th St North, Sioux Falls, SD) with a short time of sharing at 6:30pm. To watch the Time of Sharing, click HERE. Please Note: This link will take you to the page for Victory Life Church on Vimeo. Once there you may need to scroll to the bottom of the featured videos to find the active livestream. Livestream will be streaming by 6:15pm. You will look for the video with the word “live” on it. If you have any trouble finding or accessing the live stream, please feel free to contact me directly by text between 6:15 and 6:30 at 605-251-6447 for a more direct link. 

To visit Kim’s Forever Missed page to view pictures or leave comments, please click HERE.

Kimberly Sue Thomas was born July 10, 1966 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Charles and Betty Jean (Tincher) Thomas. Kim graduated from Lewiston Consolidated Schools in 1984. Kim was married to Roger Cram on September 29, 2012 in Madison, South Dakota. Kim had one son, Dylan Bludorn, who lives with his wife, Brooklynn Bludorn, in Mesa, AZ.

Kim always prided herself as being a self-made single mother most of her life. Kim was Vice-President of two different title companies, a mortgage loan officer, and had an insurance agency during her professional career. She especially loved working with her Medicare insurance clients. She also owned multiple rentals and a mobile home park. Kim was proud to have been a Chamber Ambassador for the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce when she lived in Sioux Falls, SD.

Kim was always full of life, laughing, and having fun. Everyone knew her in a short time because she would walk up to total strangers and say “Hi, I’m Kim”. Kim lived on Lake Madison and enjoyed boating, four wheeling in the Black Hills, scrapbooking, and was looking forward to traveling in her fifth wheel camper. She liked to spend time at the beach in Mexico and travel to Arizona to see her son and daughter-in-law and was planning to spend the winters there after working hard all of her life.

Survivors include husband, Roger Cram; son, Dylan (Brooklynn) Bludorn; brother, Gregg (Linda) Thomas; sister Julie (Todd) Bowhay, and sister Chris Thomas; sister-in-law, Sherry Thomas, sister-in-law, Louise (Bob) Flom, brother-in-law, Melvin (Kay) Cram, brother-in-law, Ralph (Jean) Cram, sister-in-law, Roxanne (Mike) LeFever; and multiple other nieces and nephews.

Kim is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty Jean (Tincher) Thomas; brother, Scott Thomas; and parents-in-law, Roland and Faith Cram.