August 19, 1944 ~ August 10, 2025

Shirley F. Alby, 80, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life Open House will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God, Brandon, SD, with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls at a later date.

Shirley Faye Tolliver was born on August 19, 1944, in Dennard, AR, to John and Velda (Miller) Tolliver. She married Allen Alby on January 14, 1961.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Shirley dedicated her early years to being a stay-at-home mom before later working as a school librarian. For 23 years, she owned and operated Shirley’s Customer Paperhanging, and in more recent years, she enjoyed working part-time at JCPenney.

Shirley lived life to the fullest, always on the go and full of energy. She loved attending Bible study, attending concerts at McKennan Park and the Sioux Empire fair, and she never missed a performance at the Levitt.

Shirley adored her role as “personal chauffeur” to her grandchildren, creating countless special memories along the way. A true adventurer, she loved to travel – often taking spontaneous trips just for the joy of it.

Known for her sharp eye for a bargain and her warm, welcoming heart, Shirley had a gift for making friends everywhere she went. She lived an active lifestyle, always going somewhere, doing something, and sharing her zest for life with everyone she met.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Julie (David) Sunde; son, James Alby; grandchildren, Caleb (Sonia) Sunde, Erica Sunde, Austin Alby, Elliott Alby, and Charlotte Alby; great-grandchildren, Sloane Napier, and Neva Sunde; sister, Sandra Jackson, and brothers, Rick Tolliver and Jay Tolliver.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Allen; parents, John and Velda Tolliver; and her sister, Judy Little.

December 10, 1946 ~ August 9, 2025

Lyle L. Goehring, 78, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Helping Hands Assisted Living facility in Brandon.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. The Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).  Lyle has always expressed appreciation for the Veteran community, both the medical community who cared for him, and the social community among whom he made many friends. Condolences may be sent to Lynn Goehring, 202 N. 52nd Ave., Greeley, CO, 80634

Lyle Lynell Goehring was born on December 10, 1946, in Freeman, SD to Benjamin and Idella (Mettler) Goehring. A younger brother, Lynn, joined the family on July 30, 1949.  Lyle was baptized and confirmed at the Johannestal Reformed Church in rural Freeman by Rev. William Korn.  This church moved to Menno and was renamed the Zion Reformed Church of which he was a member for many years. 

Lyle grew up in Freeman, attended school there, and graduated from high school in 1965.  He was active in athletics and played the trumpet for many years in the school band. Lyle always had an interest in the newspaper business even as a child. He was known to stand outside the window of the Freeman Courier Office and watch the editor of the Freeman Courier, J.J. Mendel, work on the linotype machine. Whenever the family would travel to other towns, Lyle would ask to get a copy of the local newspaper. This interest in journalism led Lyle to enroll in the program at South Dakota State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1970. He was drafted into the Army shortly after his graduation from SDSU and served for 2 years during the Vietnam era. He was deployed to Berlin, Germany, where he was assigned to work as a reporter and writer for the STARS AND STRIPES newspaper.  

Following his discharge from the Army, Lyle moved back to Freeman and began working for Arden Dewald at the Menno Livestock Auction.  He frequently offered a helping hand to various people in the community. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching various sporting events, especially the SDSU Jackrabbits. Golf was his favorite participation sport, especially when he could play with his cousin Dale.   

Lyle is survived by his brother Lynn (Joyce) Goehring of Greeley, CO, and their three children, Ryan (Natasha) Goehring of Gahanna, OH, Aaron (Ayumi) Goehring of Rota, Spain, and Jenna (Aaron) Haller of Greeley, CO; aunts, Gertrude Mettler of Menno and Dorothea Proudy of Sioux Falls; special friend, Gerri Schultz of Sioux Falls; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Idella. 

August 23, 1940 ~ August 8, 2025

Donnie “Don” G. Scott, 84, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a years-long battle with a rotating lineup of health challenges – all of which he met with his signature stubbornness and dry wit.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests adopting a rescue animal, playing a game of chess, or taking a slow drive with the windows down – just a few of the simple things Don loved most.

Donnie “Don” Gene Scott was born on August 23, 1940, in Tulsa, OK, to Ernest and Jennie (Camp) Scott. The youngest of four children, he spent his early years zigzagging across the American West thanks to his dad’s job with the Army Corps of Engineers — from Durango, CO, to Albuquerque, NM, Sand Springs, OK, and later on, when his parents divorced (not to worry, they remarried each other years later), he eventually landed in Beverly Hills, CA, where he graduated from high school (yes, that Beverly Hills High).

While in California, Don married Charlene Hansen of Philip, SD, and after welcoming their daughter Valerie Ann, the two relocated to Pierre, SD. After their divorce, fate (and a well-meaning cousin named Phyllis, whom Don worked with at the SD Department of Education as a Data Analyst), intervened when Don was set up on a blind date with Eva Louise Hieb. Eva had declared she was content becoming an “old maid” — a plan Phyllis happily foiled. Don and Eva married, settled in Fort Pierre, and raised two children, David and Elizabeth. The couple had grand dreams of RVing across the U.S. post-retirement, but life rerouted them to Sioux Falls, where they chose to be closer to family — and traded road trips for grand puppies (and kitties), home-cooked meals, a slightly smaller lawn to mow, and an ever-expanding zoo of rescue animals.

Don was a quiet soul with simple joys — classic cars, chess, road trips on his motorcycle to the Black Hills with son David in tow, and a good auto review show. He was the kind of dad who patiently read almost every evening to daughter Elizabeth her favorite children’s book (The Aristocats) and later years drilling complicated words to her every spelling bee season, and never once complaining when her clarinet practice drowned out the evening news. He also attended many of his kids’ school events, including David’s football games and track meets, being a chaperone for Elizabeth’s band competitions and even judging for her FHA regional and state competitions. He loved animals — even the ones most people wouldn’t (yes, including rattlesnakes). The family home was always filled with wagging tails, meows, chirps, bubbles, and the occasional hiss.

Don had a dry sense of humor, a gentle demeanor, and a heart that made room for everyone — two-legged or four. He didn’t say much, but when he did, it mattered.

Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Eva; his brother, Arthur Lloyd Scott; his children, Val (Scott) and Paul White, David and Dana (Black) Scott of Omaha, NE, and Elizabeth (Scott) and Lance Wilkinson of Sioux Falls, SD; and his grandchildren, Megan and Jared White.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Jennie (Jerrie) Scott; his sister, Thelma Ann (Scott) Confer; his brother, Ernest Kim Scott; and sister-in-law, Carol (Stann) Scott.

October 24, 1939 ~ August 8, 2025

Marvin “Marv” D. Veldkamp, 85, Brandon, SD, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, while under hospice care at Bethany Home in Brandon. Marv went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 85 years, 9 months, and 15 days.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God in Brandon. Interment will follow at the Hills of Rest Mausoleum, Sioux Falls. To watch the service live, click HERE.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Samaritan’s Purse.

Marvin Duane Veldkamp was born on October 24, 1939, on a farm just southwest of Valley Springs, SD, to Arend and Angie (Achterhoff) Veldkamp. Marv started school in Valley Springs. He later went to school in Hills, MN, but after his father died, he, along with his mom and siblings, moved to a farm near Chandler, MN. While at Chandler, he attended a country school near there through 8^th grade. He attended his freshman year at Chandler High School before grandma sold the farm and moved to Luverne, MN.

While living in Luverne, Marv worked for a local farmer, had jobs with a veterinarian, and drove a milk truck, hauling milk to Luverne Creamery. He was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne, MN, and it was at the church youth group that he met Leona Hoff. Marv and Leona were united in marriage on June 10, 1958. To this union, two daughters were born. The couple made their home near Luverne initially, but then lived in Baltic, Garretson, and eventually settled in Brandon in 1970.

Marv and Leona (Lee) purchased their own business, Marv’s Milk Route, in the very early 1960’s, which is when they moved to Baltic. The milk route was in the Dell Rapids area, and he hauled can milk to the Dell Rapids Creamery. When the Dells Creamery closed, he hauled milk to Sioux Valley Milk in Sioux Falls (initially can milk, and later he hauled bulk).

In March of 1971, Marv and Lee purchased a garbage route in Sioux Falls. Marv thoroughly enjoyed hauling milk and the relationships he formed with his customers and their families but liked the idea of having Sundays and holidays off. His new business would allow him to still have his own business and truck but also allow for working “only” six days a week. Marv was always quick to credit Lee with being right beside him in every aspect of work, life, and fun. Marv and Lee worked as a team, Marv doing all the route work, while Lee took care of the billing and much of the bookwork.

Marv always enjoyed visiting with people and liked to pull little pranks. He always enjoyed telling people about his large family of siblings. He would tell people he was from a family of “6 ½ dozen kids”. He would then smirk as he watched them multiply the numbers in their head in disbelief and then he would say, “six plus ½ dozen (12)”.

Marv played fastpitch softball for a number of years but retired from that when his girls got to junior and senior high age. He then switched from playing fastpitch to coaching. He coached girls’ softball (ages 13-15 or 16-18) from 1974-1981. In addition to coaching softball, Marv was on the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, a Gideon, and served at his church as a Deacon, an Elder and the Sunday School Superintendent at various times in his life.

After the girls were grown, Marv and Lee enjoyed going to Southern Gospel Concerts. Each fall, they enjoyed attending the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY (and later Pigeon Forge, TN) where they would reunite with many friends, as well as attend and enjoy concerts for the week.

Grateful for having shared in Marv’s life are his two daughters, Lori (Tom) Wilford, Brandon, SD, and their children, Gerrit (Melissa) Wilford, Chicago, IL, and Grace Wilford, Pierre, SD; Ladelle (Jim) Dwyer, Windermere, FL, and her children, Rebekah Larson, Orlando, FL, Micah (Peyton) Larson, Orlando, FL, and their daughters, Avery and Riley, and daughter-in-law, Halie Larson, Orlando, FL, and her children, Noah, Elliot, and Hollis, and Ladelle’s step-sons, Brady Dwyer, Orlando, FL, and Brock Dwyer, Myrtle Beach, SC. Marv is also survived by his sisters, Grace (Lou) Charette, and Arlene (Norman) Haak; and brother, Alvin (Shirley) Veldkamp; and two sisters-in-law, Frances Veldkamp, and Hendrene Veldkamp Van Wyhe; as well as many nieces and nephews on both the Veldkamp and Hoff sides of the family.

Marv was preceded in death by his wife of almost 65 years, Leona, in March 2023; son-in-law, Scott Larson; grandson, Jared Larson; his parents, Arend and Angie Veldkamp; parents-in-law, Gerrit and Minnie Hoff; sisters, Alice (Al) Van Hill and Clazina (Hank) Van Wyhe; brothers, Bert (Joyce) Mike (Caroline), Jim, and Arnie; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Grace (Chris) Van Wyhe, Arthur Hoff, Geraldine (John) Gorter, and Alvina (Don) Christoffels.

December 18, 1948 ~ August 3, 2025

Terry Greger, 76, Apache Junction, AZ, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12-3 p.m. on October 15, 2025 at the Brandon Steakhouse, in Brandon, SD. Condolences may be sent to the Terry Greger family at 1503 W. Golden Ore Pass, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.

Terry Greger was born in Sioux City, IA on December 18, 1948, to Lester and Blanche (McElroy) Greger. He was the youngest of seven children.

In 1951 Terry moved to Wagner, SD, with his family and attended school there. Terry attended school until the 8^th grade. That is when he decided the life of a truck driver is what he longed for. He drove locally for several years before starting his career as an over the road driver with MCT. Then he went on to drive for Thompson Bros Inc. and East West Express before buying his own truck and working independently for 18 years. His career spanned for a total of over 50 years. He met his wife Sally (Fitzgerald) in 1978. They were married for 47 years.

Terry is survived by his wife, Sally; daughters, Paige (Russell Jr.) Brandt-Fitzwater, Apache Junction, AZ, Shonette Gibson, Apache Junction, AZ, and Teresa (Jeffrey) Becker, Fort Myers, FL; grandchildren, Noah (Amie) Brandt, Larchwood, IA, and Josie Engel, Apache Junction, AZ; and great-granddaughter, Serratelli Brandt, Larchwood, IA.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Blanche; five brothers; and two sisters.

January 8, 1954 ~ July 20, 2025

Bernice “Bonnie” M. Hartman, 71, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from cancer on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls with her loving son Luke, his wife Risa, and their daughter, Jolynn by her side.

There are no services planned at this time.

Bernice Melody Dwyer was born on January 8, 1954, in Hackensack, NJ, to Francis X. and Doris Elizabeth (Webb) Dwyer. Bonnie lived most of her life in Alaska with her son Luke and his family and then moved to South Dakota with them. Some called her a true tough Alaskan woman.

Bonnie made the most of her days as her cancer progressed and she made sure she continuously made memories to be cherished by her family.

Bonnie was a loving mother to her son Luke, and Luke’s family Risa, Nikki and Jolynn, Marion, Jess and Luke, Jim, Phil, and Sussie; she was the spunky sister to Frances, Dee Dee, Mike, Dennis, Peggy, Billy, Kathy, and Flo.  

Bonnie will be joining her angel baby and her parents in heaven but will always be remembered by her family and friends.

August 16, 1975 ~ July 30, 2025

Tobby “Toaster” J. Caudell, 49, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his residence in Sioux Falls.

There are no services planned at this time.

Tobby “Toaster” Jo William Caudell was born on August 16, 1975, in Chula Vista, CA to Jim and Janice (Stogsdill) Weedman. Tobby enjoyed collecting baseball cards and taking care of his cat, Kid.

Tobby will be deeply missed by his sisters, Patricia (Gary) Slagle, Jeannie (Cory) Shamatt, and Christina Casazza; aunt, Jean Anderson; niece, Amanda Caldwell; niece-in-law, Sabrina Caldwell; nephew, Ryan Slagle; and great-nephews, Stefan and Luka.

Tobby was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Janice Weedman; grandparents, James and Mildred Stogsdill; uncle, Bill Stogsdill; and nephew, Christian Caldwell.

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.