April 26, 1938 ~ March 18, 2025

Ernest “Ernie” W. Swier, 86, Brandon, SD, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Heritage Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, also at Heritage Lutheran Church.

Ernest “Ernie” Wayne Swier was born on April 26, 1938, in Humboldt, SD to Walter and Dorothy (VanderLugt) Swier. He graduated from Colton High School and South Dakota State University where he majored in Animal Science.

While a college student, Ernie was united in marriage to Wilma Jo Berdahl on August 1, 1958. Ernie and Jo were proud parents to Scott, Chad, and Kelli. Family was the greatest joy in their lives.

The family moved to an acreage outside of Corson in 1971 and established Dakota Ridge Simmentals. This led the family to be very active in 4H where they enjoyed the Minnehaha County and South Dakota State Fair with the many friends they made. Ernie was also a past President of the South Dakota Simmental Association.

Ernie was active in civic organizations including Treasurer of the Brandon Township Board for 12 years and a founding member of the Brandon Optimist Club. He was proud of the Optimist Club’s diligence and support, which helped him receive the Distinguished President award in 1980 for the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Manitoba District.

Vocationally, Ernie served in the South Dakota Air National Guard for 8 years. He worked as a cattle buyer for 10 years before becoming part owner of Dakota Livestock at the Sioux Falls Stock Yards. After leaving the stockyards in 1986, Ernie became a private cattle order buyer. In 1992, Ernie began a new career as a home builder, cabinet maker, and highly skilled self-taught woodworker. His business, Country Woodshed, was in demand for customer furniture and finishings. His beautiful creations can be found in homes, businesses, and churches.

In addition to providing facility improvements and building furniture for churches, Ernie built relationships and provided leadership at Brandon Lutheran for 40 years. He and Jo became founding members of Heritage Lutheran where they enjoyed volunteering, bible studies, and serving on the board.

Ernie loved sunrises, sunsets, fishing, gardening, target shooting, wood carving, and wood burning. Most of all he loved his family.

Grateful for having shared Ernie’s life are his children, Scott (Kristi) Swier, Chad (Kara) Swier, and Kelli (Daryl) Mitzel; grandchildren, Riley (Kristine) Swier, Cody (Chelsey) Swier, Kaylee (Quinn Odenthal) Swier, Brady (Cameron) Swier, Schuyler Swier, Hannah Swier, Spencer Swier, Hailey (Kody) Derosier, and Mason (Alexus Wallenberg) Mitzel; great grandchildren, Orah, Eliza, Noah, Wesley, Brooklyn, Ruby, Forrest, Rory, Renlee, and Ivey; sister, Grace Farr; and sister-in-law, Donna Swier.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jo Swier; his parents, Walter & Dorothy Swier; brothers, Rich (Catherine) Swier, Will (Alida) Swier, Pete (Dottie) Swier, John (LaDonna) Swier, Roger Swier, and Dennis Swier; sisters, Betty (Frank) Immeker, and Rosie Chiesa; and brother-in-law, Alvin Farr.

June 11, 1983 ~ March 7, 2025

Scott I. Wentler, 41, Valley Springs, SD, died on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, with a time of sharing beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Scott Isaac Wentler was born on June 11, 1983, in Luverne, MN, to Lawrence Jr. and Shirley (Vogel) Wentler. He was baptized in the Christian faith at Bethel Reformed Church in Leota, MN. In his youth, he was a member at Luverne Christian Reformed Church. He attended school and received his education in Luverne.

As a kid, Scott played hockey for several years. As soon as he was able to hold a pencil and draw, the world became his canvas. Drawing and painting were part of his daily life. Transitioning this skill to the skin was a natural choice as he entered adulthood. His profession soon became a tattoo artist. He was known as ‘The MaddTatter.’

When Scott’s daughter, Lucy, became a part of his life, his primary purpose here on earth was to guide and care for her. He was a fiercely loving and dedicated father. The only person he truly had unwavering patience for was Lucy. He took great pleasure in teaching her in the arts of music, drawing, and painting. Scott loved being a dad.

Scott was a loyal and dedicated friend to those who had the honor of knowing him. He was an extremely spiritual person. He was always exploring and strengthening his faith. Scott had a very creative mind. He was able to take what someone could picture in their mind for a tattoo design and put it down on paper. He would then create their personal tattoo which would always exceed their expectations.

Scott was a lover of music, of all kinds, in both listening and creating. He had such passion and drive. If he put his mind to something, he would find a way to get it done. Scott was strong-willed, and not afraid to stand for what he believed in. Even if those beliefs were not what the majority believed. His other love in life was riding his motorcycle.

Scott left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Scott is survived by his daughter, Lucy Amielya Lynde; mother and stepfather, Shirley and Stu Oines; brother, Lance Wentler; sister, Heidi (Spencer Witte) Syslo; nieces, Archie and Ari Syslo, Katelin Schroeder, and Faith Taylor; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Wentler Jr.; grandparents, Peter and Ellen Vogel, Lawrence Wentler and Roberta DuCharme Wentler.

July 31, 1944 ~ March 8, 2025

Thomas “Tom” V. Miller, 80, Larchwood, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and man of unwavering faith, Tom lived his life with purpose, integrity, and a deep appreciation for God’s creation.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at First Evangelical Free Church, 2601 W. 69^th St., Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services will be 11:00am, Friday, March 14, 2025, also at First Evangelical Free Church followed by Interment at Grandview Covenant Cemetery, Larchwood, IA, with full military honors. You may view the service by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Compassion Child Care, Sioux Falls, honoring Tom’s lifelong commitment to faith and service.

Tom was born on July 31, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Elmer Sr. and Colette (Brennan) Miller. Tom grew up in Brandon, SD, alongside his brother, Elmer Jr., attending and graduating from Brandon High School. His love of hard work and adventure began early—he started farming as a young boy, and by age 18, he set out to pursue a lifelong dream: sailing on a submarine.

In March 1963, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy, training as a nuclear reactor operator for submarines. While stationed in Chicago, he met the love of his life, Carol Lundberg, in June 1963. On their second date, she shared her homemade chocolate chip cookies, and that was it—he was in love. They married in October 1964 and soon moved to Idaho Falls, ID, where Tom trained in—and later instructed—the operation of nuclear reactors like the ones used on submarines.

While stationed in Idaho Falls, Tom and Carol welcomed their first son, Chris, in 1966. The family moved frequently for his naval assignments, and their second son, Tim, was born in Newport News, VA, in 1967. During his time in the Navy, Tom was assigned to the USS Ethan Allen out of New London, CT, serving in the engine room and completing tours in oceans around the world. After six years of honorable service, he left the Navy in January 1969 and transitioned to civilian life, continuing his work with reactor operations for Idaho Nuclear in Pocatello, ID.

In 1972, Tom returned to the Midwest to join Miller Loaders, a manufacturing business in Granite, IA, founded by his father. There, he used his engineering mind and problem-solving skills to design front-end plate loaders and buckets, making an impact in the industry for years to come. After settling back in Larchwood, IA, Tom and Carol welcomed their third son, Matt, in 1977, completing their family. In 1996, his son Tim followed in his footsteps, joining Miller Loaders as Lead Design Engineer, carrying on the family legacy of innovation in manufacturing.

Tom was a man of many passions, but his love for motorcycles stood above the rest. He raced dirt bikes well into his 70s, riding with a close-knit group of friends who traveled around the Midwest to explore new trails and roads. He and Carol also toured across the U.S. and Canada, first on their touring motorcycle, and later with their camper trailer, embracing the beauty of God’s creation in the mountains, plains, and everything in between. No matter where they traveled, their bicycles were always with them, and they especially loved exploring Minnesota’s scenic bicycle trails together. He was an expert marksman and avid outdoorsman, embarking on unforgettable hunting trips in Montana and Alaska. Whether camping with his boys, riding the open road, or exploring the great outdoors, Tom’s adventurous spirit never faded.

Above all, Tom’s faith in God guided his life. He gave his heart to the Lord and lived out his faith through his actions more than his words. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and devotion, whose quiet testament to God’s love inspired all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carol; his sons, Chris (Lisa), Tim (Shelly), and Matt; his grandchildren, Alex (Anastasiia), Austin, Derek, and Julia Miller; his sisters-in-law, Linnea (John) Dunn and Diane Miller; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Sr. and Colette (Brennan) Miller; parents-in-law, Karl and Marjorie (Tobolt) Lundberg; and his brother, Elmer Jr. (Sonny).

A special thank you to the staff at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD, for ensuring that Tom’s final days were filled with dignity, care, and love.

“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:8

February 24, 1959 ~ March 5, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Scott “Scotty” R. Rishovd, age 66, of Sioux Falls, SD, who left us on March 5, 2025, at the Doughtery Hospice House.

Scott “Scotty” Robert Rishovd was born on February 24, 1959, in Minnesota to Robert and Dorothy (Hansen) Rishovd. Scott was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend who touched the lives of many with their kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

Scott grew up with a passion for motorcycles and machinery. He always took a keen interest in diesel engines, tinkering, and having the wind on his face. He had a thirst for knowledge and trying new things. As a father, he spent time with his son building model airplanes, fishing, repairing cars, working on motorcycles, and passing on learned knowledge. As a husband, he enjoyed road trips with his wife, the occasional trip to try his luck, and most of all, his wife’s cooking. In a marriage that spanned many decades, it is safe to say he was blessed man and fortunate to have spent so much time with his loving wife. To his friends, Scott was a mentor and always willing to lend a hand. Scott was a man of pure heart. He touched people’s lives and those who knew him would tell you no different. This world could do with more men like him.

Scott is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Matthew; and sister, Julie.

This family mourns for him and will forever cherish the memories of their time together. Scott’s legacy and spirit will continue to inspire all those who knew him.

Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

September 6, 1964 ~ February 16, 2025

Timothy “Tim” J. Alberstein, 60, Sioux Falls, SD, died Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his home.

Services will be held in Visalia at a later date.

Tim left us too soon. Tim grew up in Visalia, CA, the middle child to the blended Alberstein-Mathis family. He attended Mount Whitney High School where he ran cross country and was a member of Sea Scouts. He attended Menlo College in Atherton, CA. His creative and analytical mind fed his ability to work in the telecommunications industry.

Tim was a leader at AA where he mentored others. A lifelong Trekkie and Spock fan, Tim had a dry sense of humor, a warm smile, and a keen wit. His proudest achievement was being a father. Tim was a friend to many, beloved brother, son, and boyfriend to Jessica Duna.

Tim is survived by his children, Rob, Scott, and Ainsley; mother, Susan Alberstein; siblings, Laurie (Brad) Mathis Martin, Greg (Sheri) Mathis, Terry Alberstein, and Christa (Richard) Alberstein Smith; and extended family.

Tim is preceded in death by his father, Jay Alberstein; and grandparents.

June 25, 1933 ~ February 18, 2025

Darlene R. Petersen, 91, Brandon, SD, passed on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Bethany Home in Brandon, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Brandon Lutheran Church, Brandon, SD. You can view the Funeral Service by clicking HERE.

Darlene Rae Henley was born on June 25, 1933, in Carson, ND to Oliver and Rosina (Tibke) Henley. Her family moved to Hayti, SD at the request of a friend who asked her dad to come and work in the grocery store. Darlene worked in the grocery store as a young lady as well.

Darlene started school in Hayti, graduating in 1951. She then moved on to General Beadle Teacher’s College where she found a job teaching at a country school.

Darlene married Jim Petersen on June 7, 1952, in Hayti, after meeting him in first grade. Once married, they moved to Sioux Falls where Jim worked for Morrells for 37 years. Darlene worked for a time in admissions at Sioux Valley Hospital. Over the years, Darlene had several part-time jobs including church secretary, sales at Richman-Gordmans, when they opened in Sioux Falls, and much volunteer work, most notably at the front desk in Avera’s Prairie Center.

For Darlene, during their over 50 years of living in Brandon, volunteering at Brandon Lutheran Church by helping with the annual lefse baking was a real highlight. Sewing, knitting, and crocheting for her family were ever present projects.

Darlene’s family will tell you that painting ceramics in her basement was so much fun with any visit. Darlene taught ceramic painting in her basement for several years before moving on to China painting. She was a very accomplished artist and loved giving away her masterpieces.

Darlene and Jim were blessed with four children, Lynne (Mark) Erickson, Valley Springs, SD, Mark (Della Weise) Petersen, Brandon, SD, Todd (Patty) Petersen, Sioux Falls, SD, and Beth (Chris Price) Lynn, Bruce, SD; nine grandchildren, Megan (Jon) Knutson, Nichole (Trev) Fletcher, Nathan (Hannah) Erickson, Cody (Abbey) Erickson, Zach (Michelle) Petersen, Melanie (Lucas Bartolme’ Gil) Petersen, Erin (Sam) Berg, Lacey Lynn and Lexy Lynn; ten great-grandchildren, Elise, Caitlyn, Tristyn, Annastyn, Keller, Mason, Savannah, Rosie, Marigold, and Shiloh; siblings, Garney (Charlotte) Henley, Huron, SD, and DiAnn Kothe, Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews, good friends, and neighbors.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; daughter, Robin Petersen; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Erickson; her parents, Oliver and Rosina; brother Harold Henley; sister-in-law, Janice Henley; and brother-in-law, Larry Kothe.

February 22, 1941 ~ February 14, 2025

Gail A. Hermanson, 83, Brandon, SD, passed on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. Funeral Services will begin at 6:30pm.

Gail Annette Gulseth was born on February 22, 1941, in Sioux Falls, SD to LeRoy and Ethelyn (Elofson) Gulseth. She was a lifelong member of Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in rural Valley Springs. She graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1959.

Gail married Dr. John M. Hermanson on April 2, 1978, at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church.

Gail found fulfillment in working in multiple healthcare offices over the years as a medical receptionist. Upon retirement, she spent time watching golf on TV and was an avid fan of Phil Mickelson. Gail will be remembered for her strong faith, love of family, having lunch with her dear friends, baking cakes and goodies for special needs at church, and hosting holiday parties for neighbors, relatives, and office patients. Her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit touched many and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Grateful for sharing her life are her son, Gregg (Deborah) Letcher of Brandon, SD; grandsons, Austin Letcher, St. Paul, MN, and Aden (Olivia Tusa) Letcher, Seattle, WA; and brother, Douglas (Carrie) Gulseth, Valley Springs, SD.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, LeRoy and Ethelyn; and brother, Dick Gulseth.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ponderosa Lodge in Sioux Falls. Their unwavering support and hugs this past year brightened each day in a loving way as she needed more assistance.

October 25, 1946 ~ February 11, 2025

David D. Worden, Sr., 78, Welcome, MN, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

David Dean Worden was born on October 25, 1946, in Blue Earth, MN, to Raymond & Elaine (Blome) Worden.

David proudly served in the Army and held various jobs throughout his life. He dedicated over 20 years as a jailer with the Martin County Sherriff’s Department before retiring. David cherished the time spent with his family and friends and had a passion for camping, fishing, classic cars, and upholstery work. On June 25, 1977, he married Shari Quade in Newell, IA.

David is survived by his children, David Worden, Jr., Motley, MN, JoAnn Widrig, Rapid City, SD, Tami (Jason) Hill, Exland, WI, and Jason (Mary) Worden, Fairmont, MN; 18 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sister, Paula (Palmer) Olson, Storm Lake, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

David was proceeded in death by his wife, Shari; parents, Raymond and Elaine; and siblings.

September 28, 1936 ~ February 3, 2025

Doris E. Pontius, 88, Sioux Falls, SD, died Monday, February 3, 2025, in Sioux Falls.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, at Heartland Funeral Home. To watch the Funeral Service by livestream, please click HERE.

Doris Elaine Honsey was born on September 28, 1936, in Bottineau, ND, to Sam and Arla (Lagerquist) Honsey. When she was two and a half years old, her father died in a trapping accident. Doris was the youngest of five children. She fondly remembers her oldest brother, Leonard, who was thirteen years old at the time, becoming the ‘head of the household’ and rocking her to sleep at night. Despite the family tragedy, Doris enjoyed her childhood on their farm that bordered Canada, near the Peace Gardens. They worked and played hard together.

Riding horses bareback to school, skating on the cattle’s water tank overflow, snow skiing behind galloping horses, cooking for threshing crews at twelve years old, sewing and knitting – all became life-long activities. She and her sister, Faye, were known to ‘ride horses like the wind!’

At the age of seventeen, Doris dedicated her life to living for God. She remained true to this vow and found great joy and meaning for life while studying the Bible and living her faith. This faith and love for Jesus was the foundation for her life and deepest comfort in death.

Doris graduated from Rolla High School in 1953 and worked as a secretary in Minneapolis, MN where she met John Pontius. They were married in 1957 and lived in Tacoma, WA during John’s years in the Army. They returned to Minnesota where Bradley John was born in 1962 and Shannon Faye in 1965. They lived in Faribault, Roseville, and Hastings before moving to Sioux Falls, SD in 2010. Doris and John enjoyed sixty years of marriage and worked side-by-side with an apple orchard and a sales company where Doris was involved in marketing, accounting, and managing each business.

Doris was a wonderful mother to Bradley and Shannon, encouraging piano lessons, teaching them to love the outdoors, being positive, practical, and creative. Pancake batter was formed into turtles, furniture became forts, hikes in the woods and downhill skiing were mandatory. When others were concerned about the weather, she would say: “Just dress warmly, and you will love winter!”

She was also a fun-loving grandmother to her four grandchildren. She led them on forest adventures full of laughter near the St. Croix River and sewed and knitted for them – creating many doll clothes and costumes along with mending/tailoring.

Doris will be deeply missed by her two children, Bradley Pontius, Boulder, CO, and Shannon (Dan) Graber, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Alina and Elise Pontius, and Annika and Grant Graber, half-brother, John Abrahamson; dear sister-in-law, Clarice Honsey; and beloved nephews and nieces. We will never forget her love for God and life.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John Pontius; parents, Sam and Arla Honsey; stepfather, Alfred Abrahamson; and siblings, Leonard, Harvey, Glenn Honsey, and Faye Williams.

The family is grateful for the care and kindness provided by Sanford Home Hospice during Doris’ last month of life.

July 24, 1950 ~ January 23, 2025

Melvin “Mel” R. Pine, 74, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Melvin Ray Pien was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on July 24, 1950, to Melvin and Marcelle (From) Pien.

Mel is survived by his brother John (Linda) Pien, Hartford, SD; nieces, Vicki (Steve) Mallinger, Kristi Thomas, and Laura Reed; nephews, Dave (Sari) Pien, Marcus (Shanna) Styles, and Kevin Styles; and a host of other relatives and friends.