April 6, 1941 ~ June 25, 2025

Bobby J. Bozzell, 84, Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Huron, SD, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD after a battle with cancer.

Per Bobby’s wishes, there is no service planned. There will be a private inurnment for the family at a later date.  

Bobby Joe Bozzell was born on April 6, 1941, to George and Mollie (Carter) Bozzell in Appalachia, VA. He met Harriet Suiter in Richmond, VA where they were united in marriage on December 17, 1965. They moved from Virginia to Aberdeen, SD in 1968 and then to Huron, SD in 1971. Bobby worked at Farmland Industries for 36 years until his retirement in 2003. After retirement, Bobby moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to his son Chad.

Bobby cherished time spent with his family. What brought Bobby the greatest joy, however, was time spent with his grandchildren. From the time they were babies, he was always ‘at the ready’ to babysit. Whether playing games, exploring outside, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those moments were treasures he held dear. He was a devoted supporter in the stands, cheering on his grandson at countless hockey games – always bundled up, proud, and watching with a heart full of love.

In his younger years, Bobby had a passion for baseball – both playing and watching the game. Whether in pickup games or local leagues, he found joy in the crack of a bat and the thrill of a close play at home.

Grateful for having shared Bobby’s life are his son, Chad (Amy) Bozzell; and two grandchildren, Olivia and Jack, Sioux Falls.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Harriet; parents, George and Mollie; and siblings, Andy, George Jr., Hugh, Hadley, Richard, William, James, Geneva, and Allene.

October 7, 1932 ~ April 30, 2025

Susie A. McMartin, 92, Brandon, SD, passed away from an accident on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, five years to the day that her one true love, Cliff, passed away on April 30, 2020.

Susie’s wish was to have no services. There will be a private inurnment for the family at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Brandon Lutheran Church Music Ministry or a charity of your choice.

Susie Amelia McMartin, was born on October 7, 1932, in Kaneranzi, MN, to Wubbo and Emma (Mess) Hartog. Susie and Cliff had been married since 1954. They started as pen pals and married after Cliff returned from the Korean War.

Susie had many passions in life, and she made them happen. She told her kids that she had no regrets in her life, and she showed that not only in her words, but her actions. Susie loved her children and taught them to be independent and to seek their happiness, never holding them back as they spread out across the country.

Susie filled her life with many friends, old and new. There was always somebody new that she wanted to introduce into her wide circle of friends. She had lived in Brandon since 1959 and was a long-time member of Brandon Lutheran Church, participating in their many functions. Susie’s church family lovingly surrounded her and supported her throughout the many years.

Susie played Bingo and went to try her luck at the casino occasionally if the weather didn’t hold her back. She was a ‘lucky’ lady, and it was much fun to see her eyes gleam as she yelled “Bingo!” or listened to the jackpot bells ring out. She joined in on the weekly card games at the Brandon VFW. She very much loved her polka music. Susie and Cliff used to follow the polka festivals and dance the nights away. That was the best, as it joined their love of travel, dancing, and their many friends they used to visit with in between the dances.

Susie worked as a waitress until the age of 73, but she always had room for many adventures, and her life was full of stories. There was a recent article in the Brandon Valley Journal that was a beautiful tribute and adds to her life story. The Active Generations Senior Center also wrote an article about Susie a couple of years ago, writing about her life story.

Susie is survived by her children, Mickie (Lyle) Schrag, Tulsa, OK, Monte (Colleen) McMartin, Kalamazoo, MI, Marilynn (Andrew Bottino) McMartin, Selah, WA, and Marlys Pack, Stamping Ground, KY; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Eleanor Hartog, Rochester, MN, and Linda Hartog, Sacramento, CA.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wubbo and Emma Hartog; four brothers, Albert, George, Edward, and Marvin; and one sister, Gladys.

Susie will truly be missed.

November 4, 1965 ~ June 17, 2025

Tracy S. Nuss, 59, Sioux Falls, SD, died tragically in a car accident on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Sioux Falls.

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

Tracy Scott Nuss was born on November 4, 1965, in Iowa, to Bernard and Doris (Halverson) Nuss. Throughout his life, Tracy held various jobs, but it was the time spent with his family and friends that brought him the most joy. He enjoyed playing golf and pool and was an avid sports fan. Tracy loved following his favorite teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Iowa Hawkeyes, Boston Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics. He was known to go all out – dressing from head to toe in team gear – whenever his teams were playing.

Above all, Tracy cherished his time with loved ones. He is survived by his three children, Erin (Josh) Strand, Elko New Market, MN, Tara Nuss, Sioux Falls, SD, and Autumn Hewitt, Sioux City, IA; four grandchildren; siblings, Dennis Nuss, Oelwein, IA, Bill Tripp, Camanche, IA, Diane Hutchinson, Manchester, IA, Gary (Carol) Nuss, Oelwein, IA, and Linda Jennings, Manchester, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tracy was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Nuss; father, Bernard Nuss, and granddaughter, Grace Marie Strand.

September 18, 1960 ~ June 8, 2025

   Daniel Dean “Donkey” Lape passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, doing what he loved, working on his cars.

   Visitation will be Monday, June 16, 2025, at 5pm with a short service at 6:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home. Private Burial will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

   Dan was born September 18, 1960, in Valley Springs, SD, to Lawrence “Larry” and Kathy “Katie” (Swanson) Lape. Donkey spent his whole life in Valley Springs.  He attended Valley Springs Elementary School and occasionally made an appearance at Brandon Valley High School until he had had enough. He later earned his GED.

   Dan married Kari Reu and to this union Cody Lawrence Lape was born in 1992.

   Dan worked various jobs throughout his life, some of which were Luverne Truck, Asco, City of Valley Springs, Lunstra Farms, and Jeremy Scadden construction until his health and neuropathy took a toll and he could no longer work.

   Over the years he had many pets that he cherished. Nummy the chicken, Mike the rabbit, Kid the dog, and his most beloved cats – Kitty (N Stuff) and Al (Albuquerque, Albow, Al Capone, and anything else that started with Al).

   Donkey’s true passions were working on cars, ice racing, doing wheelies, tinkering in his garage, and helping anyone he could if he was able.

   In 2019, Dan met Roberta “Bob” Hindberg who, several years later, became the love of his life and fiancée. To think it all started because “she hooked me up on her Pandora account” so that he could have his rock concerts in the house at a very respectable volume, of course.  

   One of Dan’s most proud achievements was of he and Bob were able to care for his dad, in Larry’s final weeks, so that he could be in his own home. 

   Danny is survived by his fiancée Roberta “Bob” Hindberg; Cody Lape; sister, Alison (Paul) Leuning; Bob’s children, Kimberlee (Nate) Hindberg, Hayden Hindberg, Emmalee Hindberg; and Bob’s mom, Sylvia Bebo; as well as countless friends that were more like brothers.

   Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Katie Lape; grandparents, Tim and Viola Lape and Howard and Dorothy Swanson; his cousin, Owen Swanson; and in his words “too damn many friends. Way too soon!” 

   Do a Wheelie!

November 1, 1968 ~ May 21, 2025

Patricia E. Engstrom, 56, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, after battling dozens of ischemic strokes for many years.

A small family service will be held later this summer/fall in Sioux City, IA.

Patricia Elaine Olson was born on November 1, 1968, in Sioux City, IA, to Milton and Judy (Conlon) Olson.

Patricia received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice later in life. She worked at Citibank, Qwest and Esurance for many years. She also worked at Menards, Dollar General and even Amazon. Along the way she made many friends and really enjoyed her work at each place.

Patricia enjoyed children. She loved her several nieces and nephews and enjoyed watching them grow. But Patricia’s greatest love in this world was her sole granddaughter, Ireland. Their love for each other was deep and enduring. They spent countless days doing projects around the yard, listening to music and dancing, laying on the couch watching movies, and playing with the dogs. Patricia also had a place in her heart for her pet dogs, Kimber, Chloe, Cooper, & Adrian, and cats, Sarah & Sasha, along the way.

Patricia also loved gardening and tending to her many outdoor plants. She was always ready to start up the mower for yardwork or order vast amounts of shrubbery to plant around the yard. Patricia was strong-willed and compassionate. She really enjoyed her brief time living in the country outside of town for a few years, where she could tend to her yardwork, the little dogs, and her granddaughter. Her favorite moments were taking her granddaughter to the Sioux Empire Fair or visiting Arrowhead Park in east Sioux Falls to feed the ducks and especially the fish. She talked about that often.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 23 years, David; granddaughter, Ireland; parents, Milton and Judy; siblings, Jeromy (Vicky) Olson, Erica Olson, Anissa Olson, and Todd Olson; and several nieces and nephews.

Patricia was preceded in death by her brother, Robert (Robbie) Olson.

‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.’  ~ Romans 8:18

February 13, 1987 ~ May 22, 2025

Shawn “Scrappy” J. Tarnowski, 38, Ft. Collins, CO, passed away on May 22, 2025, while visiting Williston, ND. A man of grit, contradictions, and restless energy, Shawn lived life on his own terms – fast, loud, and unapologetically.

A Service of Remembrance will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the American Legion in Renner, SD, 47410 258^th Street. Friends and family are invited to ride out and remember Shawn “Scrappy” Tarnowski – honestly, fully, and without filter.  

Shawn “Scrappy” Joseph Tarnowski was born in Sioux Falls, SD on February 13, 1987, to Chuck McGrath and Connie Tarnowski. He grew up close to his brothers and friends. He spent time riding bikes, swimming, and participating in Young Marines. As Shawn grew up, he was never one to follow the straight path. In 2006, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, answering a call to service. After his time in uniform, he shifted into independent contracting work in the Middle East, taking on high-risk roles that suited his fearless nature. Later, he transitioned into oil field work, continuing a life of hard labor and hard living. Over the years, Shawn built a diverse and rugged employment history that reflected the kind of man he was – adaptable, tough, and always on the move.

Shawn had a deep love for motorcycles, long roads, and stiff drinks. He lived for the ride and for the camaraderie of those who understood the life. He was never one to shy away from a story, especially if it came with a laugh and a shot of whiskey.

Though he wasn’t always present, Shawn loved his children, Isaac, Sophia, and Zac. The years and the miles often got in the way, but they remained a part of him – in ways he didn’t always know how to express.

He leaves behind a legacy as wild and varied as the places he worked and the roads he took. Those who knew him will remember a man who lived fast, worked hard, and left no part of life untouched.

Shawn is survived by his children, Isaac Tarnowski, Sioux Falls, SD, Sophia & Zac Tarnowski, Ft. Collins, CO; his father, Charles McGrath, Ramsey, MN; his brother, Nathan (Lindsay) Tarnowski, Sioux Falls, SD; his twin brother, Michael (Bethany) Tarnowski, Fredericksburg, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Shawn was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Tarnowski.

Never above you, never below you, always beside you.

March 21, 1942 ~ May 13, 2025

Onalea “Onee” A. Barber, 83, formerly of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, surrounded by her family, at her home in Leavenworth, KS.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at St. John American Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls with a Memorial Service to follow at 10:30 a.m.  To view the service via Livestream, you may click HERE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Onalea’s memory.

Onalea “Onee” Ann Berdahl was born on March 21, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN to Carl and Mable (Hokensted) Berdahl. She grew up on a farm near Garretson, SD. She graduated high school from Augustana Academy. After high school, she attended Nettleton College where she learned shorthand. She then worked for the courthouse for a short time.

Onee met her husband, Ronald, and they were married on April 12, 1964. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Onee took on her most important job, raising her children. In their 61 years of marriage, they were blessed with three children, Sheri, Wayne, and Doug.

After her children were grown, Onee worked for Sam’s Club for numerous years. She touched many people’s lives with her soft words and selfless actions.

In 2021, Ron and Onee moved to Leavenworth, KS to live with their son Doug.

Grateful for sharing Onee’s life, are her husband, Ron Barber; daughter, Sheri (Frank) Natole, Sioux Falls; sons, Wayne (Janet) Barber, Overland Park, KS, and Doug (Karen) Barber, Leavenworth, KS; stepson, Robert (Nora) McDaniel, Sioux Falls; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous other children that were blessed to call her grandma and great-grandma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl & Mable Berdahl.

August 19, 1968 ~ May 7, 2025

Daron D. Engebretson, 56, Lennox, SD, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

No services are planned at this time.

Daron Dean Engebretson was born on August 19, 1968, in South Dakota to David and Sandra (Swanson) Engebretson.  

Daron was a man whose hands built more than just walls – they built memories, stories, and a lasting legacy across the country. A skilled bricklayer by trade, Daron was a true craftsman. He will forever be known as one of the best masons that anyone has ever met. Daron took pride in every brick, block, and piece of stone that he put in the wall. His talent and dedication helped shape the very foundations of America, and his mark lives on in the places he helped create.

When he wasn’t working, Daron found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved building model cars, fishing, or spending time working in carpentry. He was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved nothing more than attending a game with his son.

Daron was always watching WWE Wrestling. He loved listening to music, especially his favorites – Bob Seger, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, AC/DC, and most recently, Jelly Roll.

Daron lived in many places throughout his life, but he was most recently settled in South Dakota. He was known for his kindness – not only through his work, but also through the deep love he gave to his family. Daron was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He was deeply cherished by his son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, sister, and brother, and that love was returned to them many times over. He took immense pride in his only son, Levi, and treasured every moment he shared with his beloved grandson, Mason. His presence, laughter, and strength will be missed every day.

Daron will be remembered as a man of remarkable strength and a steadfast work ethic. His hands told the story of years of honest labor. The example he set through his hard work will leave a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.

Daron’s legacy is not only in the brick and mortar of the buildings he helped construct, but also in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Daron is survived by his son, Levi and daughter-in-law, Ryli; grandsons, Mason and Adrian; sister, Cara; brother, Taner; and nephews, Westin, Beckett, and Corbin.

Daron was preceded in death by his parents, David and Sandra Engebretson.

June 10, 1952 ~ May 21, 2025

Edward “Ed” B. Gutting, 72, Parker, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was under the care of his son and daughter and the support of St. Croix Hospice.

A Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church, 141 Church Hill Rd., Somerset, WI, 54025. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am followed by Inurnment.

A memorial has been established in Ed’s memory and can be mailed to the family at: The Gutting Family, 45270 Brooke Pl., Canistota, SD, 57012.

Edward “Ed” Bernard Gutting was born on June 10, 1952, in Redwing, Minnesota, the son of Bernard and Mary Ann (Gorski) Gutting. On June 26, 1971, he married Kathleen Rivard at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, WI.

Ed worked in South St. Paul, MN for Armor Dial for 32 years. He transferred to the Ft. Madison, IA plant, where he worked until he retired. He had positions in numerous areas of the plant. Running the hydrostats was his last position before retiring. Ed was a loving husband to Kathy, the best dad to his children, Eddie & Melanie, and a great brother to his siblings. He loved spending time with his only grandchild, Schuyler. They would spend time together going fishing, riding four-wheelers, mushroom and deer hunting, and watching scary movies.

Ed loved to babysit his grand puppies, Finley and Oliver, and his grand kitty, Harrison. Ed loved his family immensely and would do anything for them. He was a strong man and very spiritual. He taught CCD at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montrose, IA for over 20 years with his wife Kathy. Ed was an avid hunter, loved to go fishing, mushroom hunting, ride his four-wheeler, hang out in his man cave with his dog, “Petey”, and his wife and watch movies. Ed loved his butcher’s shop and made the best sausages and jerky that he would share with family and friends. He loved to garden with his wife. He loved music, especially the oldies (50’s & 60’s), and loved Polka dancing with his wife. Ed was a huge football fan of the Green Bay Packers. Every year he would attend games in Green Bay with his family.

Ed is survived by his son, Eddie (Tessa White) Gutting, Mt. Pleasant, IA; daughter, Melanie (Nick) Seiter, Canistota, SD; grandson, Schuyler Gutting, Winner, SD; mother-in-law, Eloris Rivard, Somerset, WI; siblings, Chris & Heidi Gutting, Gloria Brunell, Phil & Sandy Gutting, Bernadine Peacock, and Mary Nelson; brother and sisters-in-law, Pat & Doreen Rivard, Bernie & Marcia Rivard, Renee & Joe Keating, Cindy & Rick Prokash, Joel & Cathy Rivard, Roger & Judy Rivard, Shelly & Bob VanSomeren, and Margaret & John DeRosier; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Gutting; parents, Bernard & Mary; father-in-law, Douglas Rivard; siblings, Robert Gutting, Larry Gutting, Debbie Powers, and Lorelei Johnson; and siblings-in-law, Richard Peacock, Bill Brunell, and Brian Nelson.

June 29, 1938 ~ May 17, 2025

Waldo H. Ost, 86, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A Remembrance Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls. A visitation will be held after the service. A livestream of the service is available by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers, Wally’s family requests that you honor his memory by supporting the International Music Camp or your local school music programs.

Wally was born June 29, 1938, to Fred and Selma (Mohl) Ost of rural Beulah, ND. In his boyhood on the farm, he sang and played piano at home and in church and entertained the cows with his virtuosic whistling. After finishing eight grades in six years at a one-room country school, he graduated from Beulah High School in 1955, having played tuba in the school band, and composed a march for the North Dakota Future Farmers of America state convention.

During his music education studies at Concordia College, Wally played tuba in the Fargo/Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, and may have been the second person in the USA to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ tuba concerto. Upon graduating from Concordia in 1959, Wally began his teaching career as the band and choir director in Terry, Montana. One family with three band students took a special interest in this first-year teacher, and he soon took a special interest in their oldest daughter. On June 14, 1961, Esther Harris became Mrs. Wally Ost, a marriage that would last nearly 64 years.

The newlyweds first settled in South Dakota, where Esther attended Dakota Wesleyan University and Wally taught band in Emery and Platte. They next spent five years in Ketchikan, Alaska, where Wally was the band director at Schoenbar Junior High and Ketchikan High School, and their oldest daughter, Marian, was born.

They moved to Beulah, ND in 1972, to take over Ost Septic Tank business, which provided liquid-sanitation services and piano tuning(!) across much of western North Dakota. Many music recitals were hosted in the OST company’s spacious lobby, which featured two grand pianos and a church organ. Three generations of the Ost family sang together in the Knife River Chorale’s 1976 Bicentennial Tour of North Dakota, for which Wally also provided the concert-grand piano and piano-moving truck. Once their daughter Muriel and son Dan were born, the Osts relocated to Minot for educational opportunities, and the entire family became deeply involved in Minot’s cultural community. Wally himself performed in the Minot Symphony Orchestra, Minot City Band, Western Plains Opera, and numerous community theatre productions, often with his children onstage or in the pit orchestra with him.

Upon the 1991 death of his longtime friend Glenn Siverson, Wally stepped out of semi-retirement to fill Glenn’s position as Canton (SD) High School band director for the rest of the 1991-92 school year, including a by-invitation performance at the South Dakota Bandmasters Convention. As a direct result of his new South Dakota connections, Wally was “instrumental” (pun intended) (he loved puns!) in launching the Brass Band of Minot, which led to him serving on the national board of the North American Brass Band Association and creating the official NABBA summer brass band program at the International Music Camp.

After losing their house to the devastating floods of 2011, Wally and Esther moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where Wally had been on Sanford’s organ transplant waiting list since 2009. On August 20, 2012 he received a healthy kidney that revitalized his body and mind, allowing him to continue composing, arranging, mentoring and encouraging for many more years.

Wally is survived by his wife, Esther Ost (Sioux Falls); daughters, Marian and John Casey (Sioux Falls), and Muriel and Robert Jackson (Maple Grove, MN); son, Daniel and Shelley Ost (Memphis, TN); grandchildren, Connor and Samantha Ost; many “adapted” children and grandchildren, including Jacob Pagone and Frances DeArmond (Sioux Falls), Jeremy Nygard (Bismarck, ND), Joan Haaland Paddock (McMinnville, OR) and Zephyr Hillebrand Buettner (Austin, TX); and musical friends around the world.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Selma (Mohl) Ost; and his sister, Lorraine (Ost) Biloff.