May 24, 1978 ~ May 6, 2025

Jeremy J. Buechler, 46, Redfield, SD, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Warner, SD. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service.

The family requests no flowers and asks that guest wear casual attire. Funny T-shirts are appreciated.

Jeremy John Buechler was born on May 24, 1978, in Aberdeen, SD to Jerold and Amy (Gross) Buechler. He graduated from Warner High School in 1996, and immediately joined the Marine Corp. He also achieved a degree in Network Communications at Mitchell Technical Institute. Jeremy worked at the South Dakota Development Center as a Direct Support Personnel for the past 20 years.

Jeremy was known for having a quiet personality and a great sense of humor. He would hold the door for you, shovel your sidewalk, or help you without being asked. When he was not on his computer playing games, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.

Jeremy was generous in life, and as well as in death, as he was an organ donor.

Jeremy is survived by his parents, Jerold and Amy Buechler; siblings, Scott and Darcy; niece, Ryleigh Beckman; girlfriend, Emily Baumann; Emily’s children, Kaydence and Oriana; and Emily’s granddaughter, Isabella.

May 30, 1992 ~ May 4, 2025

Mark R. Unekis, 32, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a long-time struggle with mental illness.

A Visitation will be held with family present from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Ransom Church in Sioux Falls. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30pm. A Time of Sharing with light refreshments will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to places that Mark held close to his heart: 5th Street Clubhouse at Southeastern Directions for Life, or the Cattitude Café in Sioux Falls.  

Mark was born in Des Moines, IA, on May 30, 1992, and spent his early childhood years in Newton, IA. In 1999, the family moved to Rock Rapids, where Mark was involved in taekwondo, theater, wrestling, and cross county. He graduated from Central Lyon High School in 2011 and attended South Dakota State University as an Honors student.

Mark was known for his quick, witty remarks. He was always ready with a joke, even if it made you roll your eyes. He was also known for his spot-on impersonations, whether it be of Billy Mayes of Oxi-Clean, Scott Stapp of Creed, or a teacher with particular idiosyncrasies. If you needed a random fun fact, a quote from The Office, or the Rotten Tomatoes score on any given film, Mark would have them at the ready.

Mark returned to South Dakota State University and was actively pursuing a degree in Psychology. Outside of school, he kept active by taking guitar lessons, frequently visiting the Cattitude Café downtown, and traveling around the area to do karaoke with his friends. Mark was a client of Southeastern Directions for Life and took full advantage of their 5th Street Clubhouse program, which he attended daily. He developed many friendships there and always enjoyed playing games with other clients, participating in their music sharing days, and going on their field trips around the state.

Mark cherished his close relationships with family and friends. He was intentional about staying in touch with out-of-state family and checking in on them. Mark loved to have long conversations, with topics spanning from early 2000’s music, and silly things he did as a kid, to politics, philosophy, and the family cats. He will be remembered for his unconditional acceptance of others, incredible empathy, and quick wit.

Mark is survived by his mother, Patrice A. Unekis, Rock Rapids, IA; father, James Unekis, Oakland, MD; sister, Rachel (Greg) Poches, Newaygo, MI; brother, Daniel (Kari) Bechtel-Unekis, Holland, MI; aunts and uncles, Kama Jongerius (Steve DeYoung), Tim (Ruth) Jongerius), John (Valerie) Unekis, and Ann (Wayne) Dumonchelle; and several cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Elaine Unekis, and Willis and Edna Jongerius.

January 5, 1936 ~ April 25, 2025

Joan F. Shipe, 89, Brandon, SD, widow of Raymond George Shipe, peacefully departed this world at home, on Friday, April 25, 2025.

As per their wishes, Joan will be cremated, and she and Raymond’s ashes will be inurned together beside her parents at St. John’s German Lutheran Cemetery in Elizabeth, Minnesota.

Joan Frances Hoffmann was born in Fergus Falls, MN, on January 5, 1936, to Elmer and Frances (Trenne) Hoffmann. She was raised in Fergus Falls, an only child to her parents. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School, and on February 17, 1955, she married Raymond G. Shipe at the Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND.

Joan stayed home and nurtured their four children, Brenda, Preston, Dawn, and Neil, while Raymond worked as a truck driver and machinist. Joan and Ray lived in Breckenridge, MN for 18 years and then another 24 years in Fergus Falls, MN, before enjoying their retirement with their youngest son, Neil, in Brandon, SD.

Joan and Ray were active choir members of Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. Ray was one of the designers of the beautiful prayer garden beside the church.

Joan is survived by her four children, Brenda Hansen, Staunton, VA, Preston (Betty) Shipe, Haslet, TX, Dawn Lane Mehl, Fargo, ND, and Neil (Leigh) Shipe, Brandon, SD; eight grandchildren, Karen Hansen Arehart and Christopher Gall, Staunton, VA, Tyler Shipe, Minneapolis, MN, Kimberly Black, Keller, TX, Jeszrai Muscha, Fargo, ND, Josiah Mehl, Cape Girardeau, MO, Jordyn Braegelmann, St. Cloud, MN, and Senna Shipe, Brandon, SD; and great-grandchildren, Kaeden Click, John Preston Arehart IV (Jack), Boston Self, Adrian and Elliot Braegelmann, Selah, Millie, and Noah Black, and Clara Mehl.

Joan is preceded in death by her adoring husband, Raymond; and her parents, Elmer and Frances Hoffmann.

January 9, 1954 ~ April 24, 2025

Willa J. Johnson, 71, Garretson, SD, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

An Open House Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2025, at Tucker and Deanna Bonte’s home at 308 River Ave. in Garretson, SD.

Willa Jean Boyer was born on January 9, 1954, in West Virginia to William and Jean (Palmer) Boyer. She grew up in Martinsburg and graduated from Martinsburg High School in June of 1971.

In September of 1971, Willa married Donald E. Johnson. They were blessed with 5 children. They moved around the United States for the first few years of their marriage. They eventually settled on an acreage in Valley Springs, SD.

Willa attended Nettleton College and graduated with an Associate of Science of Paralegal Degree. She worked various jobs throughout her life. Willa worked as a paralegal in a law office for a few years. She then changed course and went into customer service at Citibank until she retired in 2016.

In her retirement, she enjoyed thrift store shopping, reading, baking, and spending time with her family, especially her great-granddaughter Oaklynn Maye, who she was asking for until the very end.  

Willa was a woman whose life was a testament to love, strength, and quiet grace. She was a mother of five, but to so many more, she was a safe place, a listening ear, and a steady hand. Her strength carried her family through life’s hardest moments, and her love was the foundation that held everything together.

Willa gave her all to her children, raising each one with patience, wisdom, and a heart full of unconditional love. She led by example, showing them how to face the world with dignity, care for others, and stay true to what matters most: family, kindness, and faith.

Eric will be bringing her home to the rolling hills of West Virginia, where she will be laid to rest near her beloved parents. It is a return not just to her roots, but to the peace and beauty of the place that helped shape the remarkable woman she became.

Although we grieve, we also celebrate. We celebrate a life that mattered deeply, and a love that touched us all.

Willa is survived by her son, Eric (Kelli) Johnson, Valley Springs, SD; daughters, Amy Johnson Stassen, Valley Springs, SD, Michele Johnson, Valley Springs, SD, Tammy Webb, Sioux Falls, SD, and Deanna (Tucker) Bonte, Garretson, SD; grandchildren, Jake, Alex, Logan, Lane, Shyanne, Chloe, Nealy, Rylea, Parker, Caitlin, Dusty, Brock, Cody, and Kailyn; special grandson-in-law, Trevor Iverson; great-grandchildren, Oaklynn Maye, Drew, and two more on the way; and her brother, William Boyer II.

Willa was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jean Boyer.

September 28, 1975 ~ April 1, 2025

Derrod R. Mathison, 49, Sioux Falls, SD, died after a brief illness on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

No services are planned. Cards and well wishes may be sent to Querida Fisher, at 905 W. 18^th St. #20, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, or Megan Mathison, at 1938 E. 33^rd St. N. Apt. 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Derrod was born on September 28, 1975, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Eugene and Judy (Stoppleworth) Mathison. He married Megan Bunger on April 21, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Derrod was a gentle giant and was 6’8” when he finally stopped growing, much to the chagrin of his older brothers and father, who were all much shorter. He had a heart of gold and a very inquisitive mind and enjoyed learning. He enjoyed many hobbies which included reading fantasy novels, playing video and table games, and he was a passionate Green Bay Packers fan. He loved the Blues, and science-fiction, especially Star Trek and Star Wars movies and novels. He worked in the food service industry in his teen years, several call centers, the Argus Leader, and then as a food shopper and delivery person.

Derrod loved his two canine companions, Henry and Solomon, and mourned the loss of his dear Leia in 2021. He loved his dogs and would be happy to know they have found loving homes that will continue to care for them.

Derrod is survived by his wife, Megan Mathison, Sioux Falls; brothers, Mark, Great Falls, MT, Matthew, Raymand, MN, and Luke of Wabasso, MN; sisters, Rachelle (Philip) Graff, Sanborn, MN, Querida (Sweet) Fisher, Sioux Falls, and Kacelle (Benjamin) Duran, Sioux Falls; uncles, Larry, Gary, and Dale; aunt, Susan; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and dear friend, Jeremy Chouinard.

Derrod was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Judy Mathison; and sister, Cametra Mathison.

December 5, 1988 ~ April 1, 2025

Megan L. Ageton, 36, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life Open House will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a Funeral Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support Megan’s children. An account has been established at First Premier Bank under the care of Todd and Ginger Ageton.

You can view the service at 6:30pm via livestream by clicking HERE.

Megan was born on December 5, 1988, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Todd and Ginger Williamson-Ageton. She attended Brandon Valley schools and graduated in 2007. Megan’s deep love for God, art, and music infused every aspect of her life. A gifted writer and a creative spirit, her passion found its truest expression in motherhood. Megan was a devoted fiancé to Zach and together they cherished their five beautiful children: Harper (15), Eden (10), Irelyn (8), Noah (7), and Brock (3). Her nurturing spirit and love for art were beautifully intertwined in activities like gardening and painting, which she shared joyfully with her children.

For 36 years, Megan’s vibrant red hair and radiant smile lit up the lives of those around her. She was headstrong, determined, and endlessly resilient – qualities that defined not only who she was, but also how she faced her three-year battle with breast cancer, fighting with fierce courage and unwavering strength.

Megan is survived by her fiancé, Zach Waagmeester; her beloved children, Harper, Eden, Irelyn, Noah, and Brock; parents, Todd and Ginger Ageton; two sisters, Mallory Ballinger (Molly Womack), and Marissa Ageton; grandparents, Betty and Marlo Winter; step-grandmother, Darlene Jones; numerous loving uncles, aunts, and cousins; and cherished family members including, Linda and Kenny Waagmeester, Tina (Kelly), Crystal (Brad), and Michael (Theresa).

Megan is proceeded in death by her grandparents, Roger and Burnice Ageton, and Arlen Williamson; and two very special aunts, Cheryl Stuhldreher, and Amy Van Wagner.

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