June 20, 1987 ~ July 20, 2025

Rachel M. Schweigert, 38, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at home in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 N. Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent to her husband, Donovan, or donations may be made in Rachel’s honor to a breast cancer charity of your choice.

Rachel Marie Griffith was born on June 20, 1987, in San Francisco, CA to John and Debbie (Klotz) Griffith. She graduated from Silverado High School in California and went on to attend Victor Valley Community College. She also proudly completed training through In-N-Out University.

Rachel was a deeply selfless person who always put others before herself. She found immense joy in being a wife and mother. She married the love of her life, Donovan Schweigert, on August 4, 2012, in California. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Caiden (born in 2014), Rylan (born in 2016), and Kayson (born in 2021). In 2017, the family relocated to Sioux Falls, SD.

Rachel had a strong and fighting spirit. She never gave up, even during the hardest times. She loved the holidays, which were made special by being surrounded by family and friends. Her warmth, resilience, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Rachel is survived by her loving husband, Donovan; children, Caiden, Rylan, and Kayson; parents, John and Debbie; brother, Daniel (Brooke); sister Michelle (Miguel); grandmother, Kathy Forth; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Tyler, Nathaniel, Carter, Zachariah, Audreyann, and Mason.

Rachel is preceded in death by her angel baby; grandparents, Bill and Rachel Griffith; grandfather, Jack Forth; aunt, Kitten; and four uncles.

March 21, 1944 ~ July 2, 2025

Dennis F. Nowka, 81, Luverne, MN, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

No services are planned at this time.

Dennis Fred Nowka, professional semi driver, ardent sports fan, and avid fisherman, was born on March 21, 1944, in Kanaranzi, MN, to Fred and Etta (Klosterbuer) Nowka. He was baptized and confirmed at the State Line Presbyterian Church and later became a life member of the Luverne Presbyterian Church.

Dennis enjoyed growing up in the small town of Kanaranzi (pop. 65), where kids played in the streets and in everyone’s yards. At the one room school, he was dubbed “Nowky.” The nickname stuck through high school in Magnolia and into adulthood. Kanaranzi was also where Dennis got his first taste of driving a semi when he was 14. He became obsessed with driving them and this passion spanned a lifelong career of driving, one that he never regretted. When Dennis was drafted into the army in 1965, he was even placed in the transportation division.

Dennis met the love of his life, Robyn, in 1962, when she was 15. Their budding romance continued to flourish until they finally made it to the altar on October 5, 1968. This lifelong love affair produced three children – Cory, Dodi, and Jerod.

Family was very important to Dennis, as he was to them. He ate box lunches at the Father/Daughter banquet and helped build winning pinewood derby cars for both of his sons and then grandsons. He claimed the winning secret was the melted fishing weights in them. The family enthusiastically joined his hobbies of bowling, camping, and trolling lakes in hopes of hooking that elusive trophy fish. When questioned about vacations, the comeback was “any vacation we ever took involved a fish.” Watching the Twins and Vikings with dad meant you also got to listen to him critiquing the refs very loudly. And then there was his passion for sprint car races. We all joined him in the stands or pits at local tracks, then later, at Jackson and Knoxville Nationals.

Some of Dennis’ dates with his future wife were to the races. The first picture in their wedding album was the one he took of his best man, Larry Groth, with his championship trophy, taken on the first day of their honeymoon.

Dennis loved driving, but when the doctor refused to approve his CDL after a heart attack, he took a job with the Rock County Highway Department. It took him 5 years to convince the doctor that there was more stress in his NOT driving than IN driving. They finally okayed him to get back on the road. His new CB handle became ‘Rusty Hammer.’ He drove for Christenson Trucking, Ripco, IBP, Eagle Transport, Transport Inc., and Wayne Transport. This spanned over 50 years of driving with Dennis receiving many safe driving awards and no chargeable accidents over his whole career.

In 2013, Dennis was diagnosed with two forms of leukemia: MDS and MGUS (benzene poisoning). Because of the fatigue that came with it, he was no longer able to work full time and was forced to retire.

With retirement, he was able to rejoin the McDonalds coffee club, fish Lake Erie, and also the Gulf with his few winters in Texas. And most joyously, say yes, when Craig Stegenga asked him to help with harvest. He was back in his beloved trucks.

In 2022 and 2023, Dennis had the replacement of a stent that was originally placed in 2020. With many side effects from new medications, his health steadily spiraled downward. With a pacemaker implant, Dennis developed lung issues causing his health to further worsen. On July 2, 2025, he was hospitalized, and while being prepared for a GI procedure for an ulcer, he suddenly and unexpectedly aspirated from a gastric hemorrhage. His lung collapsed and he died.

Grateful for having shared Dennis’s life and mourn his passing are his wife of 57 years, Robyn; children and grandchildren, Cory – Michael and McKenzie (Izak) VerSteeg, Dodi (Don) Beaubien – Alexander Nowka, Jerod – Dylan (Bethany Popinga), and Austin (Benz) Nowka; sister, Helen Dohlman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Greg Gervais, Vicky Atwood, Sally Ripley, Russel Scott Ripley, Kim Ripley, and Lisa Ripley/Tom Lahr; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Etta; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell and Eunice Ripley; brother-in-law, Randy Ripley; and sisters-in-law, Cathy Groth Gervais and Paulette Ripley.

May you always be remembered by those you loved and who loved you.

Love you forever and a day….

September 1, 1964 ~ July 18, 2025

Roddi “Rod” L. Schumacher, 60, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

A Visitation will be 2-3:00pm, Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a Memorial Service at 3:00pm.

Roddi “Rod” Lee Schumacher was born on September 1, 1964, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Paul and Eva (Castle) Schumacher. The youngest of five children, he was welcomed home to a busy household that included his three sisters, Linda, Terri, Debbie, brother, Rick, and the family dog, Gigi.

Rod had a profound appreciation for nature, particularly enjoying fishing, outdoor activities, and the companionship of dogs. He dedicated many hours to fishing for walleye and perch, and treasured the time spent with his Labrador retriever, Buddy.

Grateful to have shared Rod’s life are his dear daughter, Jessica (Joseph) Mango; grandson, Torben; sisters, Linda Rosseter, Terri McDonald, and Debbie Nakata; brother Rick; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Eva; and several aunts and uncles.

May we remember his empathy, sense of humor, willingness to lend a helpful hand, and his love for Jesus.

February 24, 1935 ~ July 13, 2025

Eldon C. From, 90, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.  

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

Eldon Charles From was born on February 24, 1935, in Ortley, SD, to August and Emma (Schwantz) From. Inurnment will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

After high school, Eldon joined the Army and served in Germany. After leaving the Army, he would meet and marry B. Dianne Tollefson, a nurse, in 1965. They moved to Spearfish, SD, where he would attend Black Hills State University while working at Homestake Gold Mine. After finishing college, they moved to Redfield, where they would raise their three kids.

Eldon worked at the South Dakota Developmental Center for more than 25 years – first as a social worker and then as Staff Development Inservice Director until his retirement. After retirement, Eldon and Dianne moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

Eldon is survived by his wife, Dianne; three kids, Jeffrey (Joni), Gregory, and Jennifer; two grandkids, Dylan (Marissa), and Alexa (Mason); great-granddaughter, Quinn; brother, Wallace; and countless nieces and nephews.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, August and Emma; 13 brothers and sisters, Lester, Clayton, Helen Baker, Milton, Stanley, Marcelle Pien, Gene, Shirley Everson, Dona Stromseth, Inez Lahman, Wayne, Yvonne Shilhanek, and Gayle Suchy.

February 29, 1936 ~ July 10, 2025

Ralph “Bud” A. Bishop Jr., 89, Brandon, SD, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Palisades Healthcare Center in Garretson, SD.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. Burial with Military Honors, will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, 25965 477^th Ave., Sioux Falls.

Ralph “Bud” Albert Bishop Jr. was born on February 29, 1936, in South Dakota to Ralph A. and Hazel R. (Swartz) Bishop.

Ralph grew up in Sioux Falls and when he was eighteen, he joined the Navy. He retired after 20 years with the rank of Electrician Mate 1^st Class. He served in mine sweepers, on aircraft carriers, and seagoing tugboats to recover torpedoes. After retiring from the Navy, he went to school for refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, and appliance repair.

Ralph lived in Garretson for several years before relocating to Washington State. He worked at a shipyard and Madigan Army Hospital as a civilian. He moved back to Sioux Falls after many years and worked part-time in local Casinos.

Ralph enjoyed playing pool, hunting, and fishing.

Ralph is survived by his sons, Jonathan Bishop and Matthew Bishop; daughter, Kristin Bishop; and six grandchildren. He was especially fond of his granddaughters, Brooke and Barbara.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ralph and Hazel; brothers, Daryl, Loren, and John; and sisters, Janet Klinghagen, Barbara Hagen, and Judy Bishop.

March 11, 1960 ~ July 7, 2025

Jamie M. Gunhus, 65, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away after a long illness on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls.

A family burial will take place at the Zumbrota Cemetery on September 20, 2025.

Jamie Marie Blakstad was born on March 11, 1960, at the Zumbrota Hospital in Zumbrota, MN to Garry and Judith (Burfeind) Blakstad. She graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1978.

Jamie married Randall Tosten Gunhus on October 11, 1980, at the United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, MN. They moved to Sioux Falls, SD in 1981. Jamie gave birth to her daughter, Whitney Ann Gunhus in April of 1986. Jamie loved being a mom to Whitney and her pups – Obie, Becker, and Ziggy. She also loved blues music. She was especially fond of Tab Benoit and his song “Medicine.”

Jamie is survived by her husband, Randy; daughter, Whitney and fiancé, Jeffrey Hussman; dog, Ziggy; and cat, Hank.

Jamie was preceded in death by her mother and father, Judith and Garry; and mother and father-in-law, Sonia and Arlyn Gunhus.

Even though she was an only child, she had a large family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews that she loved dearly. Jamie will be missed by many friends and loved ones.

May 11, 1976 ~ July 8, 2025

Roxann R. Hines, 49, Brandon, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God, Brandon, SD. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Roxann’s name.

Roxann Renae Dykstra was born on May 11, 1976, in Ft. Wayne, IN to Richard & Karen (Kuipers) Dykstra. In 1979, she moved to Worthington, MN with her family. She graduated from Worthington Senior High School.

Growing up, Roxann was involved in 4H and church youth group. After high school, Roxann received her CNA. The work she did touched the lives of everyone she met. She met Jeff and they were married on August 17, 2012. She loved to watch sports, dirt track and Nascar races.

In 2020, Roxann was diagnosed with colon cancer. She fought hard and had been in remission for two years when her cancer came back.

Roxann is survived by her husband, Jeff Hines; sons, Devon and Skyler; mother, Karen Dykstra; sister, Cindy (Matt) Handy; brother, Brian (Amy) Dykstra; uncle, Gradus (Caroline) Kuipers; aunt, Liz (Glen) Gessink; nieces, Amanda, Kayla, Bethany, Kari, Dani, Ciara, Megan, and Jenna; nephews, Daniel, Elijah, Cody, Brian, Brandon, and Dylan; great-nephew, Coltan; many cousins; and dog, Maggie.

Roxann is preceded in death by her father, Richard Dykstra; grandparents, Isaac and Matilda Kuipers, Dick and Wilma Dykstra; aunt & uncles, Jake and Joan Dykstra, Bob and Edith Swayving, Mary Ann Dykstra; Howard and Gertrude Teslaa; Gerrit and Carol Kuipers; and Vern and Hermina Hammon.

April 2, 1978 ~ July 5, 2025

Tambi L. White, 47, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, July 5, 2025, due to a sudden medical condition, surrounded by the love she poured into everyone throughout her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Embrace Church, 2800 E. 57^th St., Sioux Falls, SD, with a Funeral Service beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Tambi Lynn Nold, was born on April 2, 1978, in Sioux Falls, SD to Doug and Cindy (Emery) Nold. She grew up in Harrisburg, where she graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1996 and was a proud cheerleader during her time there.

After high school, Tambi attended South Dakota State University where she earned her nursing degree and continued her love for cheerleading as a collegiate cheerleader. After graduating, she became a registered nurse. Tambi’s passion for healthcare led her back to school at the University of South Dakota (yes, SDSU’s rival!) where she earned her degree in dental hygiene.

In 2001, Tambi married and later became the devoted mother of three beautiful daughters – Presli, Irelynn, and Averyl. While she held multiple degrees and professional roles, Tambi believed her most important calling was motherhood. She became a full-time, stay-at-home mom, and homeschooled all three of her girls to give them the best start in life.

Tambi was a fierce advocate for her daughters – in every decision, every challenge, and every stage of life. Whether it was school, health, sports, or music, she stood by them through everything – especially the tough stuff. She never backed down when it came to protecting or supporting her girls. She fought for them, believed in them, and loved them without limits.

She was compassionate, caring, fiercely protective, and deeply selfless. She always put others before herself – even to the very end. When she set her mind to something, she pursued it with her whole heart. One of her most recent accomplishments – and one she was incredibly proud of – was becoming a certified storm chaser. She loved tracking and studying weather patterns and had a natural curiosity for the world around her.

Tambi touched the hearts of everyone she met. She had a rare gift for connection – making friends instantly and making people feel seen and cared for. Her laugh was unforgettable – loud, joyful, and full of life. You always knew when Tambi was in the room. Her smile was contagious and could light up the darkest moments. She made everyone feel welcome, loved, and like they mattered.

Above all, Tambi’s greatest pride and joy were her daughters. She never missed one of Presli’s races, cheering louder than anyone; she beamed with pride at Irelynn’s clarinet concerts, and Averyl’s flute performances. She was their biggest supporter, protector, and constant source of strength.

Tambi is survived by her daughters, Presli, Irelynn, and Averyl; brother, Carter and family; sisters, Misty and family, and Brendee and family.

Tambi was deeply loved, and her strength, laughter, and love will live on in all who knew her.

December 6, 1951 ~ June 28, 2025

Lois A. Hartman, 73, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 N. Cliff Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103. Please join family for cake, coffee and fellowship following the service.

Lois Arnelda Hartman was born on December 6, 1951, in Dickinson, ND to Arnold and Marion (Stafford) Hartman. She was raised on a farm in North Dakota until her family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1968. She graduated from Rapid City Central High School in 1970.

Lois was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls where she assisted with many aspects of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Lois and her daughter, Cassie, were very close and they cared deeply for their many dogs and cats.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Cassie; her siblings, Eileen Hartman, Gene Hartman, Geraldine Roach, Linda (Chuck) Weber, Phyllis Hartman, Rod (Christine) Hartman, Cindy Hartman, and Shane (Kristin) Hartman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Marion Hartman; and her sister-in-law, Alice Hartman.

The Hartman family would like to thank the hospice staff at Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage for their care and comfort for Lois.

June 23, 1955 ~ June 25, 2025

Michael R. Clausen, 70, Bridgewater, SD, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD after a battle with cancer.

There are no services planned at this time.

Michael Roy Clausen was born on June 23, 1955, in Ellendale, ND to Marvin and Wilma (Radke) Clausen.

Michael worked for his father at Clausen Construction in Lemmon, SD until 1991. He then moved to Lead, in the Black Hills, and worked for several years in the casinos in Deadwood. After retiring, he moved to Sioux Falls to live with his children. Michael later moved in with his daughter in Bridgewater.

Michael is survived by his children, Mike S. Clausen, Sioux Falls, SD, and Kristy (Mike) McCart, Bridgewater, SD; four grandchildren, Abi, Torin, and Sage, Bridgewater, SD, and Lacey, Sioux Falls, SD; his mother, Wilma Clausen, Lemmon, SD; three brothers, Jeff Clausen, David (Cindy) Clausen, Rapid City, SD, and Dale (Vonda) Clausen, Buffalo, NY.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Marvin Clausen; and two brothers, Scott and Jamie.

His loving chaos will be missed!