October 19, 1936 ~ July 3, 2026

JoAnn M. Gnat, 89, Miller, SD, formerly Watertown, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Miller, SD.     

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Quality Inn (800 35th St. S, Watertown). A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church (1009 Skyline Dr., Watertown), with a Rosary beginning 10:00 a.m. and a Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Watertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in JoAnn’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. As JoAnn said, “please remember the children.”
 
JoAnn Mary Cordell was born on October 19, 1936, in Codington County, SD, to Peter John and Katherine Marie (Jellesma) Cordell. She was the fifth of eight children born in the family home. JoAnn was baptized and confirmed at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She attended grade school at Immaculate Conception School through ninth grade and graduated from Watertown High School in May 1954. She was the first family member to graduate high school.

Growing up, JoAnn babysat her siblings and the neighborhood children. She also assisted her mother during harvest time by picking, cleaning, washing, and cutting vegetables. She helped plow the fields. JoAnn and her brother Jim would race to see who plowed the most, with Jim always winning. She also drove the fully loaded grain truck several times to the Rauville Elevator for her older brother LaVern. During the winter months when the snow became too deep to travel, Dennis, Jim, and JoAnn walked over snowbanks as high as trees to the north corner to catch a ride in a wagon with their uncle John Cordell and his grandkids. Uncle John drove them a mile to the corner of Highway 81 to catch a ride into Watertown for school.

JoAnn’s first paying job was making candy and helping customers at the Palace of Sweets during the summer of 1953. She also worked at the Lyric Theater, Dan’s Standard Gas Station, and National Food Stores. JoAnn worked three jobs and saved enough money to cover expenses to attend high school (lunch, class ring, class pictures, and clothes). This money also helped JoAnn pay for gas for the car she purchased in 1954-55.

After high school graduation, JoAnn worked for Jack Hoffman and Fireworks Outlet. JoAnn met Wendell Gnat shortly after he was discharged from the U.S. Army. They married on December 30,1957, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Watertown, a church her father, Peter, had helped build. JoAnn and Wendell lived in a small house north of the home in which JoAnn was raised. Wendell and JoAnn moved to Appleby, SD in May of 1962. They started with one cow and made monthly payments until the cow was paid off. Several years later, they had purchased many cows, pigs, and sheep, and they farmed 200+ acres.

Other jobs include working at Watertown Title Company as a real estate typist searching for titles; Dean Sumner, Attorney, as a legal secretary; Koehn Manufacturing as an accounting assistant; and Prairie Lakes Hospital (St. Ann’s) as a personnel secretary.

JoAnn was a 4H leader for the Appleby Boys & Girls Club for 2 years, a financial secretary for 6 years for the Catholic Daughters, a secretary for Codington County Democrats for 6 years, and county chairman for 2 years. JoAnn oversaw fundraising and obtained speakers for banquets, with Senator George McGovern and Senator Tom Daschle being some notable keynote speakers. She ran for the office of the Register of Deeds in Codington County and won the primary by 13 votes but lost the general election. In 1989 after their children had moved away, JoAnn and Wendell sold their Appleby farm, had an auction and moved to Omaha. After moving to Omaha, JoAnn volunteered three days a week at the Veterans Medical Hospital and served on the Election Board for several years. She was involved with the “Stand Down for Veterans” with her sister Karen. JoAnn then began her favorite job at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) for the next 5 years. Next, she transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 10 years before retiring on January 20, 2007, at the age of 70. After her retirement, Wendell and JoAnn moved to Huron to be closer to family, and in 2011, they moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to medical facilities for Wendell. JoAnn moved to Miller in May 2023.

JoAnn is survived by her children, Edward (Ellen) Gnat, CA, Rodney Gnat, FL, Jody (Damon) Adams, Madison, SD, Gerry Isackson, Huron, SD, Jeffrey (Tammy) Gnat, Miller, SD, and Joel (Heather) Gnat, Ham Lake, MN; 17 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; sisters-in law & brothers-in-law, Bob Goodell, Shirley Cordell, and Dorothy (Adrain) Pratt, Anita Gnat; and numerous nieces and nephews.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell; grandson, David Lee Gnat; parents, Peter & Katherine; siblings, LaVern (Phyllis) Cordell, Lorraine (Ray) DeVille, Dennis (Edna) Cordell, James Cordell, Karen Goodell, Venard (Mena) Cordell, and Mary Ann Cordell; and Jesse James Cordell, a special nephew.

January 16, 1936 ~ June 24, 2026

Colletta C. Stewart, 90, of Sioux Falls, SD (formerly Onida), passed away June 24, 2026, surrounded by her family at the Centerville Care Center.

Visitation for Colletta will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. with Rosary to follow. Memorial Services will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, in Onida. Celebrant will be Fr. J. Joseph Holzhauzer. Inurnment will be at the Onida Cemetery.

Colletta Corrine Sack was born on January 16, 1936, to Frank and Katie (Lynn) Sack in Coffeyville, KS. Prior to Colletta entering grade school, Frank and Katie moved their family to Wichita, KS.  Later, Colletta, her parents, and her siblings (Emma Jean, Becky, and Regina) moved to Onida, SD. Colletta graduated from Onida High School in 1953. Upon graduation, Colletta worked at the Sully County Register of Deeds before marrying her high school sweetheart, Darwin Stewart, on August 30, 1955, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Agar, SD. Darwin and Colletta made their home and raised their family in Onida, SD.

Colletta taught catechism for many years. She belonged to the St Pius X Catholic Church, and was a member of the Altar Society, the Sully County Jaycettes, and many other community organizations. She loved to play cards, dance, play softball, and golf. She especially loved being around family and friends. Colletta and Darwin loved to take drives out in the country on Sunday afternoons to check on fields, go camping with their children, watch sports, travel to other states to visit family, and go to horse races, among many other activities.  

Colletta worked at various local businesses, such as the Red Owl Grocery Store, and was the bookkeeper for Stewart & Sons until the death of her husband, Darwin, in 1981. After Darwin’s death, Colletta went to work at a children’s clothing store in Pierre, SD. She moved to Sioux Falls, SD, in 1983 and worked at Seifert’s Clothing Store and Younkers, both at the Empire Mall, and Programmers Clearing House.

Colletta is survived by her children, Kim Routh, Sioux Falls, SD, Diane (Bob) Lien, Sioux Falls, SD, Bob Stewart, Dallas, TX, Lee Ann LeBrun, Sioux Falls, SD, and Brian Stewart, San Diego, CA; her grandchildren, Kelly Norman, Kevin Norman, Sioux Falls, SD, and Kirby Routh, Minneapolis, MN; Niki (Jed) Seifert, Bethesda, MD, and their 3 children – Darwin, Everett and Sloane; Lance (Emily) Dorschner, Marshall, MN, and their 4 children – Wyatt, Ellie, Sarah and Gracelyn; Dustin (Elise) LeBrun, Sioux Falls, SD, and their 5 children – Raymond, Vernon, Eva Mae, Winona, and Marion; Dillon (Taia) LeBrun, Sioux  Falls, SD, and their first child due in September; Aly (Joey) Shelton, Jacksonville, FL, and their 2 children – Dezmond and Soli, and expecting their third child in September; Morgan (James) Mattson, Jacksonville, FL, and their 4 children – Nora, Walter, Otto and Henry; and Shea Stewart (and special friend, Makayla Hagerty), Colton, SD; her brothers/sisters-in-law; Jerry Culey, Gillette, WY, Bud Yackley, Pierre, SD, Van Stewart, Onida, SD, and Sandra Towne, Grand Island, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Colletta was preceded in death by her husband, Darwin; her daughter, Pamela; sons-in-law, Clark Routh, William DeBrucque, and Jack LeBrun; great-grandchildren born to Heaven, babies of the Niki Seifert, Morgan Mattson, and Dustin LeBrun families; her parents, Frank and Katie (Lynn) Sack; her parents-in-law, Everett and Pauline (Ludwig) Stewart; her siblings and their spouses, Marybelle Sack, Nora (Frank) Barthelme, Bill (Edna) Johnson, Helen (Loren) Mills, Jim (Betty) Sack, Clara (Bill) Gravley, Emma Jean Culey, Regina (Gary) Aldrich, and Rebecca Yackley; her in-laws, Bonnie Stewart, Jack and Judy Schall, and Floyd Towne.

February 3, 1959 ~ June 24, 2026

Tim M. DenHerder, 67, Valley Springs, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Visitation will be 5pm, Monday, June 29, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm.

Tim Michael DenHerder was born on February 3, 1959, to Kenneth “Skeeter” and Jean (Swenson) DenHerder. He grew up in the Valley Springs area, attending Valley Springs Elementary School before attending Brandon Valley High School.

Following high school, Tim began a career built on hard work and dedication. He worked at the Stockyards, then at John Morrell, before joining Hageman Construction. He later finished his working years with DeJager Plumbing & Heating, where he remained until his retirement.

Tim married Linda Collier in 1977, and they had two children, Nathan and Sadie. He later married Tonya Whitman in 1990, then Rene Swanson in 1998.  He had a lot of love to share.

Outside of work, Tim cherished spending time with family and friends. Some of his happiest memories were made at the family cabin on Big Stone Lake and Oakwood Lake, where he loved relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Oakwood Lake would procure the most tomfoolery due to its 24/7 open bar policy.  Whether camping with loved ones or simply spending time at the lake, Tim found peace and happiness surrounded by nature and those he cared about.

Tim is survived by his daughter, Sadie (Keith Elsberry); his brother, Troy; his grandsons, Gavin and Owen; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his son, Nathan; his mother, Jean DenHerder; his father, Kenneth “Skeeter” DenHerder; and his sister, Tammy.

Tim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, and the many memories he created with family and friends at Big Stone Lake. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Love you, “Always” (on repeat)

October 8, 1957 ~ May 17, 2026

John P. Ellis, 69, of Worthington, MN, passed away May 17, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Per John’s request, there will be no formal service. His ashes will be spread at Iron Creek Lake in the Black Hills, a place that holds some of his most fond memories of fishing with his daughter during a vacation.

John was a true cowboy from Wyoming; he loved horses, his cowboy hat, boots, and a pair of jeans. He was a proud collector of Johnny West toys, but nothing could top how proud he was of his daughter, Becca. She was his pride and joy.

John passed on his competitive spirit to his daughter. During his younger years, they would often play board games, especially Monopoly or HORSE, at the local park. It was hard for him when she started to beat him more often than not.

John was a long-haul trucker for most of his years. He spent most of his years hauling for Dakotaland trucking and Dick Vaughn trucking. He was very proud of the semi’s he drove. The brighter the color, the better. His two favorite trucks were purple and burnt orange.

John is survived by his daughter, Becca (Alex) Clausen; and two grandsons, Xander and Cameron Clausen.  

John is preceded in death by his parents, Jonathan Richard Ellis Sr. and Lillian Gertrude; and his brothers, David Ellis, Bobby Ellis, and Dick Bridges.

December 25, 1938 ~ May 30, 2026

Vernon Bolt, 87, Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with his wife Ivy, beside him.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Cloverdale Funeral Home and Cemetery in Boise, ID.

Vernon Bolt was born on December 25, 1938, in Edgerton, MN, to Cornelius “Case” and Lydia (Kallemeyn) Bolt. Vern was the youngest of six children and spent his early years in the Edgerton area. He married Darlene Van Marel on September 11, 1959. After their marriage, the couple moved to Downey, CA, where they raised their family and Vern worked driving a semi-truck on a route, hauling cartons of milk throughout his career. Upon his retirement, the couple moved to Boise, ID. Darlene passed away in 2015.

Vernon married Ivy (Hulstein) Hoogeveen on June 3, 2017. Together, the couple made many happy memories between their winters in Mesa, AZ, and their summers in Brandon, SD.

Vernon was a devoted Christian and always had a very strong work ethic. He also made everyone around him laugh. He was blessed with a humorous personality and quick wit, while having a wonderful smile with everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Ivy; children, Charlotte Sicurella, Wayne (Barbara) Bolt, and Larry (Tina) Bolt. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amber (Andrew) Souza, and their children, Caleb and Oliver, Alex (Hannah) Bolt, and their son, Benjamin, Alyssa (Alex) Jimenez, and baby girl coming soon, Austin Bolt, Aiden Bolt.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; parents, Cornelius and Lydia; Ella (Bert) Kooiman, Garet (Julie) Bolt, Ralph (Effie) Bolt, Joanne (Ray) Hibma, and Arthur (Darlene) Bolt.

April 2, 1939 ~ May 20, 2026

Georgene “Jean” Van Essen, 87, Sioux Falls, SD, went peacefully to her eternal home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, meeting the “Joy of her life” – her Savior – whom she served so faithfully all of her life.

Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD. Burial will follow at Swedona Covenant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Sioux Falls Christian School in Jean’s memory.

Georgene “Jean” Huisken was born on April 2, 1939, in Edgerton, MN, to George and Margret (Van Buren) Huisken. Unexpectedly, Jean started off her life in this world in the basement of a home, being born in the basement of a relative’s house in Edgerton, due to her parents not being able to make it to the Pipestone Hospital. To everyone’s surprise, not only was Jean born there, but four hours later her mother also gave birth to her twin brother, George.

     Jean grew up in Chandler, MN, with her siblings, George, Rod, Gary, and Bob. She attended school at Southwest Christian in Edgerton. It was there that a young man noticed this wonderful young girl, Jean, and despite obstacles, caught Jean’s attention. Wesley “Wes” and Jean were married on October 2, 1959. 

      Wes and Jean made their home in Pipestone, MN, where Wes operated a shoe store, and Jean was a stay-at-home mother to their 3 children – Jody, Jay, and Shelia. They attended the Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone.  At the age of 30, Jean suffered a brain aneurysm and, by the grace of God, survived; however, that had a major impact throughout her life.

     After several years, Wes took on the role of director of Woodstock Treatment Center in Woodstock, MN. During those 28 years as director, Wes and Jean faithfully served the individuals that the Lord brought into their lives. They ministered to many individuals and families in their home. Jean took on the role of chairman of the Christian Women’s Club for many years. Guests are always welcomed in their home, with meals and fellowship, sharing testimonies with so many.

       As their children reached adulthood, Jean became a Certified Nurse Assistant. She was employed at the Good Samaritan Home for many years. Her joy, love, and kindness for all, but especially for the less fortunate, soon became known. Her kindness and devotion were rewarded not only with the “Nurse of the year” award but also with becoming friends with the staff, offering so much counseling, and even being asked to stand up in their weddings.

    Wes retired in 2008, and Jean moved faithfully with him to Sioux Falls, SD. She continued to let her light shine by riding her bike to Sanford Hospital, volunteering to give love to babies – by rocking them – and to other patients there. Again, “love and joy were on display” as Jean was awarded “Volunteer of the Month” and recognized as being a kindhearted individual. Jean continued to serve in several capacities until she could not, much to her displeasure. Wes and Jean’s greatest joys were singing hymns together, harmonizing side by side, reflecting on the deep faith that guided their lives. This singing continued, together, along with others, almost to her departure.

    Jean was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and moved to Bethany Home in Brandon, SD. Seldom being apart, Wes made it his priority to be at Jean’s side every day. During these last years, they both brought the joy of the LORD to the staff and other patients. Sometimes it is hard to understand why we, as God’s children, go through hard times despite serving the Lord for so many years, but Jean’s testimony was always that her faithful FATHER in heaven was in control and that it was her role to display the likeness of her Savior Jesus Christ. Her kindness, joy, and love, despite several trials, will always be remembered. Thank you, JEAN, for showing us JESUS!

      Jean is survived by her husband, Wes of 66 years; children, Jody (Curt) DeWitt, Jay Van Essen, and Sheila (Randy) Swanson; six grandchildren, Joshua DeWitt, Hannah Warner, Jake Swanson, Betsy Swanson, Isaac Van Essen, Eliza Van Essen; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers, George (Myrna) Huisken of Camarillo, CA, and Bob (Cindy) Huisken of Niceville, Florida.

    Jean was preceded in death by her grandson, Aaron DeWitt; parents, George and Margret Huisken; and brothers, Rod and Gary.

“THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH”

~Nehemiah 8:10b

September 14, 1952 ~ April 4, 2026

Dennis P. Swanson, 73, Lennox, SD, formerly of South Haven, MN, died Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home due to health reasons.

A Graveside Committal Service is planned for 11am, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Calvary Cemetery in Mankato, MN. Cards may be sent to Heartland Funeral Home PO Box 451, Brandon, SD, 57005.

Often known as Denny, he was born the baby of 5 on September 14, 1952, to Don and Doris Swanson.  He graduated from Mankato High School in 1970. During high school, he worked at Cub’s Steakhouse. 

After graduation and throughout the 1970’s, he joined the carpenters’ union hanging and taping sheetrock for local construction contractors in the Mankato area. He also worked with his Father building houses when construction was slow.  In 1971, he married Ingrid Swenson in Mankato, MN.  Two beautiful daughters blessed their union.

Following a major back surgery in 1978, he worked for Sears installing windows and other small construction projects. 

Dennis returned to full contracting work in the 1980’s. He worked for Becker Brothers out of St. Cloud, MN. He took great pride in each of his construction accomplishments.

In 1983, he married Jan Samuels. A bouncing baby boy came soon after.

In 1992, Dennis married Sandy Olinger. Along came two step-children. They moved to South Haven, MN, and enjoyed restoring a home together. During those years he worked as an estimator for Ben’s Tool and Iron in Waite Park, MN, providing bids for steel projects throughout the area. This is where he retired.  He cherished that home for many years and lived there until recently.

Dennis’s hobbies included furniture building, small end tables, lamps, and cedar chests, to name a few.  He also enjoyed fishing on his boats.  Some of his favorite fishing haunts were Lake John, Lake Miltona, and Lake Winnibigoshish. Often, family memories were made in those locations.

Music was another favorite pastime!  Dennis often could be found strumming and singing along with the Beatles, the Eagles, and so many others. He was even known to write and compose a song or two.

In later years, Dennis enjoyed building speaker boxes and selling fishing lures and tools on eBay. He also enjoyed buying guitars, setting them up, and giving them away to his children and grandchildren.

Denny was a man of many talents.  He adored his sisters. He loved seeing his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed researching dinosaurs and astrology.  He will forever be missed.

Dennis is survived by his children, Theresa (Adam) Aberle, Amy (Matt) East, and Daniel (Fiona) Swanson; grandchildren, Ausin (Anna) Aberle, Devin Swanson, Alex Aberle, Lexi (Josh) Miller, Hunter VanDiepen, Aaron (Kacie) Aberle, Madi Jensen, Carter Jensen, Braeden Jensen, Liam Swanson, Brody Swanson, and Theo Swanson; honorary grandchildren, Chandler Abernathy, LaKeisha Abernathy; great-grandchildren, Emmett, Julia, Asher, Ivy, and Griffin; honorary great-grandchildren, Zeke and Amir; step-children, Sammie Olinger and Brian (Holly) Sampson; six step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Wolff and Lois Vik; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his mother, Doris; his father, Donald; his sister, Sally; his brother, Samuel; and his brother-in-law, Donnie.

November 15, 1933 ~ February 27, 2026

Marilyn M. Shuck, 92, Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation with family present will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5~7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will begin at 7pm. Inurnment will take place at a later time at the SD State Veterans’ Cemetery.

Marilyn M. Erickson was born on November 15, 1933, to Gordon and Evelyn (Narum) Erickson in Brookings, SD. Marilyn brought warmth and joy to those around her from the very beginning. She attended Brookings High School, where her spirited personality shone brightly. As a member of the tumbling and cheerleading team, Marilyn’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Petite in stature, she was affectionately nicknamed “Minnie Mouse,” a name that reflected not only her size but also her sweet and lively nature.

On August 15, 1958, Marilyn married the love of her life, Robert Shuck, at 1^st United Methodist Church in Brookings. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and family. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, whom they raised with unwavering love, guidance, and strong values.

Marilyn dedicated much of her life to serving others. She worked as a homemaker, bookkeeper, educational assistant, and lunch lady, roles that allowed her to touch countless lives in both big and small ways. Whether balancing the books, helping students in the classroom, or serving meals with a smile, she approached every task with care, diligence, and kindness. Marilyn was also an active member of Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon.

Marilyn and Robert also cherished time spent with friends, especially enjoying traveling and evenings of line dancing. Those gatherings were filled with music, laughter, and the simple joy of being together — memories that will be treasured by all who shared them.

Marilyn will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to family, and her quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Marilyn is survived by her sons, Brad (Cindy) Shuck, Sioux Falls, and Wade (Danyel Juillard) Shuck, Brandon; grandson, Alex (Megan) Shuck, Sioux Falls; granddaughter, Ona (Sean) Wellons, Bloomington, MN; and great-granddaughters, Kenna and Knox; and one brother, Roland (Betsy) Erickson, Ventura, CA.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and her parents, Gordon and Evelyn (Narum) Erickson.

November 6, 1950 ~ February 5, 2026

Ronald H. Krahn, 75, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on February 5, 2026.

Ronald Henry Krahn was born on November 6, 1950, in Rivers, Manitoba, Canada, to Henry and Ann Krahn. Ron grew up in Manitoba and attended high school in Winnipeg. In the fall of 1971, he joined God’s Volunteers, an evangelical singing group that toured the United States and Canada. During this time, he met the love of his life, Marilyn. Their shared faith and love of music brought them together, and they were married on July 21, 1973, in Aplington, Iowa. After their marriage, Ron and Marilyn welcomed two children, Deanna and Jeremy.

In July of 1973, Ron began his career with the Winnipeg Police Department, where he served his community for nearly 25 years. After retiring in July of 1998, Ron and Marilyn moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, Ron drove a semitruck for Cross Country Courier and then for Sanford Mobile MRI until the Spring of 2016.

Ron was a man who loved Jesus deeply and cherished his family. He enjoyed camping, watching baseball, playing card games, biking, and lifting both his trumpet and his voice in worship. Above all, he treasured time spent in God’s Word.

Ron often quoted Psalm 115:3. “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” Our Lord’s sovereignty was truly a comfort to him. Ron’s life was marked by his love for Jesus, his devotion to family, and his steady acts of service. His family is grateful for the prayers, support, and visits offered during his final year on this side of eternity, and he will be missed greatly.

Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn (nee Lindaman); daughter, Deanna (Dan) Sarkar; son, Jeremy (Lana) Krahn; grandchildren, Johann and Savannah; brother, Tom (Mabel) Krahn; sister, Laura (Lorn) Bergstresser; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ann Krahn; grandson, Berend Jeremy Krahn; and brother-in-law, Charles Ray Lindaman. 

Visitation with family will be 5~7PM, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at First Evangelical Free Church. (2601 W 69^th St., Sioux Falls) Funeral Services will begin at 10AM, Friday, February 13, 2026, also at First Evangelical Free Church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Flowers can be delivered directly to the church.

September 17, 1958 ~ December 18, 2025

(and yes—she would absolutely roll her eyes at her middle name being included)

   Naomi “LeAnn” VandenBussche , 67, Valley Springs, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, with her daughter and two oldest grandchildren at her side.

   Only Private Family services will be held. Flowers may be sent to Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, until Christmas Eve.

   Naomi L. Knock was born on September 17, 1958, in Clear Lake, SD, to Nick and Louise (Hoium) Knock. In her youth, she challenged her parents quite a bit—passing that spirited trait on to her own daughter. Naomi attended Grant-Deuel High School, where she participated in cheerleading, and graduated in 1976. She later attended vo-tech, where she also cheered, beginning a life defined not just by hard work, but by grit, heart, and an unmistakable presence.

   On July 11, 1981, Naomi married the love of her life, Lloyd T. VandenBussche. Together, they built a life rooted in family, resilience, and loyalty, raising their family on a farm in Beaver Creek, MN. Naomi held various jobs over the years, always showing up strong and dependable, and finished out her career at the EROS Data Center, retiring in 2021.

   Naomi loved the Fourth of July—the celebration, the gathering, the food, the feeling of summer and togetherness. She absolutely hated winter and made no secret about it.

   Naomi was strong, resilient, kind, loving, feisty, stubborn, and never one to sugarcoat the truth. She told it like it was—and you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She had a warm, welcoming spirit and a way of making people feel at home, often with laughter close behind. She was so much fun, deeply loyal, and fiercely loving.

   Naomi is survived by her daughter, Deidre (Tanner); her beloved grandchildren, Dante, Loretta, and Sutton; her sister, Nancy (Arlen); her nephew, Tyrel (Lexie); several dear friends; and her cherished cat, Furball.

   Naomi was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd; her parents; and her infant brother, Lynn.

   The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Dougherty Hospice House for their kindness, care, and support during Naomi’s final days.

   Mom, if reincarnation is real, I hope you are my mom in every lifetime. I love you forever and always.
                                                                            Love, DO