September 18, 1935 ~ January 18, 2024

Shirley Knutson, age 88, formerly of Arlington and Brookings, SD, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, peacefully in her sleep, at her home in New Braunfels, TX.

Memorial Services will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD.

Shirley Jepson was born September 18, 1935, to Milford and Goldie (Todd) Jepson in Nunda, SD. She grew up and attended school in Arlington, graduating in 1954. Shirley was united in marriage to Jerome F. Sweeney on October 4, 1958. Jerome passed away on October 24, 1993. Shirley then married Merle R. Knutson on July 26, 1997, in Arlington, SD. Merle passed away on August 2004.

Shirley worked as a Bookkeeper for the Arlington Farmers Elevator for 23 ½ years. Shirley was a member of the Calvary Free Lutheran Church of Arlington, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hatters. She also attended Gruene United Methodist Church, in New Braunfels, TX. She was an avid reader, quilter, and enjoyed supporting her local charities.

Shirley is survived by Lisa, her husband, Bruce, of New Braunfels, TX, Michael, his wife, Melissa, of Albuquerque, NM, and Jeffrey, his wife, Priscilla, of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Colin Gonzalez, Jessica La Roche, Christoffer Trotter, Benjamin Trotter, Megan LaRoche, Gabrial La Roche, Lucas La Roche, Alyson Sweeney Simpson, Andrew Sweeney, Katelyn Sweeney Louser and Seamus Sweeney. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Jerome Sweeney, and Merle R. Knutson; daughter, Denise La Roche; brother, Martin Jepson; son, James Sweeney; and grandson, Nikolos Gonzalez; and her dear sweet furry friend, Mayhem.

November 14, 1956 ~ January 2, 2024

Michael “Mike” Dean Christensen, 67, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center with family and friends by his side.

A Celebration of life will be Monday, February 12, 2024, 5-7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon.  Sympathy cards or condolences for the family of Michael can be mailed to Heartland Funeral Home, PO Box 451, Brandon, SD 57005.  

Michael Dean Christensen was born on November 14, 1956, in SD to Donald and Ethel (Moeller) Christensen. He grew up in Sioux Falls with his parents, two brothers, and sister. He attended Hayward Elementary, Axtell Park Junior High, and Washington High School.

Growing up Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, running with friends, and any mischief he could find.  Mike married Lori Campbell and was blessed with two children, Michael and Bobbi. Mike and Lori had built their home in Sioux Falls and were divorced later in life.  Mike was united in marriage to Diane Parker on July 12, 1985, and was blessed again with two additional children Ashley and Whitney and they made their home and raised their family in Sioux Falls, SD. Mike worked with the City of Sioux Falls from 1985 until his early retirement in 2013 due to health reasons. After retirement, Mike battled issues with his neck and back, Addison’s disease, and throat cancer.  After treatment for his throat cancer, Mike was declared cancer-free but continued to battle illnesses, which took his life too soon.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his wife Diane, kids, and grandkids.  He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play their sports. He spent his spare time riding his motorcycle on poker runs with his wife, riding his 4-wheeler around town and on trail rides with his wife, bowling, and working on wood-building projects in his garage for family and friends.  Mike enjoyed shooting pool for the league and with his son Michael when his son came to visit. While employed with the City Mike built shadow boxes for the City Retirees.  He also enjoyed chatting (bantering) with people all over the County on his CB Radio. He enjoyed his CB Radio so much; he had a CB Radio system set up in his home Radio Room and truck to ensure he had every opportunity to chat. Mike shared his CB Radio hobby with his good friend JR who specializes in CB Radio systems. Mike and JR’s shared hobby encouraged Mike to learn additional things about the CB Radio world.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Diane; children, Michael (Grace) Huron, SD, Bobbi (Jason) Remsen, IA, Ashley, Sioux Falls, SD, and Whitney, Sioux Falls, SD; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Timothy, MacKenzie, Justin, Dominic, Gage, Jaxton, and Skye; his mom, Ethel, Sioux Falls, SD; sister Lori Henle (Thomas) Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Kerry (Lori) Sioux Falls, SD; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his dad, Donald; brother, Donald Jr “Donny”; sister, Angela; father-in-law, Herb and mother-in-law, Jean; and his grandparents.

November 2, 1952 ~ January 14, 2024

Lana Schwab, age 71, of Sioux Falls, SD died of cancer on January 14, 2024.

She was born in Aberdeen, SD in 1952 to Peter and Emilia Schwab. 

Lana is survived by her son, Evan (Tashina) Zacher;  daughter, Tania (Shawn) Heitman; and grandchildren, Ariya and Evan Heitman. 

There will be a celebration of life on June 7, 2024, at the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum (East Sioux Falls) from 4~8pm.

January 6, 1958 – December 15, 2023

Gary L Wallenberg, 65, Sioux Falls, passed away December 15, 2023, in his sleep, due to Covid. His soul will continue on through the family and friends who loved him.

Gary Lee Wallenberg was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on January 6, 1958, to Evelyn and Robert Wallenberg. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1977. Gray was a caring, loving, and gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be missed by many of us who loved him. We know that God is pleased to have one of his angels back in his arms, where he belongs.

Rest in Peace Gary. You were Loved.

Gary is survived by a sister, and one niece.  

He was preceded in death by his parents.  

July 12, 1960 ~ December 14, 2023

Lorraine Kay Beyer, 63 of Sioux Falls passed away at a Sioux Falls hospital on December 14, 2023. 

Funeral services will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Revillo, SD, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11:00am. The interment will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Albee.  Lorraine was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. 

Lorraine was born July 12, 1960, in Milbank, SD, to Douglas and Norma Jean (Street) Beyer. Lorraine attended Grant Deuel School and attended SDSU and Willmar Vo-Tech.  She was employed as a chef and in production for many years.  Lorraine greatly enjoyed baking and sharing everything she baked with family and friends. 

Lorraine is survived by her siblings, Quentin (Rosalie) Beyer, Winona, MN, Kent Beyer, Brookings, Robert Beyer, Gillette, WY, and Yvonne Beyer, Sioux Falls; nieces and nephews, Natasha (Hanh) Olivia, Emmett, Evelyn and Asher, Amanda (Nick) Hoon, Joseph Beyer, and Lillian Beyer and Jeromy Beyer; uncle and aunt, Sherman and Michelle Beyer.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; and aunts and uncles, Leo and Camilla Lange, Eugene and Lois Spiering.

Honorary Pallbearers will be her cousins, JoEllen Heffron, Cindy Rieck, Steve Spiering, Linda Brewer, Katherine DeWall, and Christopher, Justin, and David Beyer.

January 3, 2011 ~ January 8, 2024

Spencer Roger Thorsland, 13, Brandon, died peacefully, Monday, January 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held 4-7pm, Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church, with a Sharing Time at 7pm. Funeral Services will be 1pm, Saturday, January 13, 2024, also at BVAG. Please wear your Spencer Strong shirts for the service. Please click https://brandonvalley.online.church/ to view the live stream. Interment will be 11:30am, Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Big Bend Lutheran Church Cemetery, followed by fellowship in the church. The family and Spencer request that people wear their “Spencer Wear” to the service or visitation.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at the First National Bank (101 S Splitrock Blvd, Brandon, SD). Checks can be made to the Spencer Thorsland Memorial Fund.

Spencer Roger Thorsland was born on January 3, 2011, and was a very spunky kid, even before birth. He loved to play video games like Fortnite and Roblox and watch The Mandalorian, The Good Doctor and horror movies. He created his own Mandalorian name, Thor Viszla, and was referred to as the Mighty Warrior of Mandalore. On his recent trip to Disney World, he had the unique opportunity of building a light saber and meeting various Star Wars characters. 

Spencer had a contagious smile, was funny and goofy, was wise beyond his years, yet very emotionally intelligent. He was a determined young man, often enduring higher levels of discomfort before admitting that he wanted or needed help. Spencer was very fun to be around, watching movies or just talking about life. When he was 4 or 5 years old, he said that he was going to be famous. He has proven you don’t need to go to Hollywood to fulfill that dream.  His impact has been felt worldwide.  He was blessed by many new friendships along the way.

He was a great gift-giver and thought deeply about others. He loved going to the lake or the farm, to the cabin in the Black Hills, tubing, driving four-wheelers, and just being outside. He also loved cats and tried to convince his parents to get a sphynx.

After many months working with the team at Mayo in Rochester, MN, Spencer aspired to be a trauma surgeon or plastic surgeon. He received his own set of scrubs, a Mayo name badge, and a personalized scrub cap that says “Dr. Spencer Plastic Surgery”.  He had such a positive impact, that the staff at the Mayo Clinic would stop by to see him before starting their day.  Nurses, doctors, and hospice workers competed to be his care person.  He had so many procedures done while at Mayo, that OR 301 (best OR ever) was designated as his OR.  His favorite nurse was always by his side, and the team knew to blare Mockingbird by Eminem when Spencer was wheeled into the room.  There was always a party waiting for him.

Spencer was really loved by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him, including the children and teachers at school. He made many friends along his cancer journey. He was so positive in his thoughts, even through his condition. He was always happy to see others happy.

Spencer will be deeply missed by his parents, Cory Thorsland, Milan, MN, and Lori (David) Huml, Brandon, SD; five brothers, Carter, Parker, Sawyer and Ranger Thorsland and Jaiden Huml; grandparents, Roger and Lois Koosmann, and Mark and Terri Thorsland; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Megan Ruth Thorsland. 

July 6, 1938 ~ January 6, 2024

Audrey Ann (Schulte) Lundquist, 85, Sioux Falls, died January 6, 2024, at Ava’s House, surrounded by her family and cherished memories of a life well-lived.

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Central Church (3102 W Ralph Rogers Rd. Sioux Falls). Funeral Services will be 10:30am, Friday, January 12, 2024, also at Central Church. A live stream link will be available at 10:10 AM https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?type=schedule&id=bb3096bd-47b5-4410-b477-a1b42e43359b&startTime=2024-01-12T16:10:00.000Z

A video of pictures is available at the link following. https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=20f4b260-8892-4a3f-afbb-899a18c8ab30

Audrey Ann Schulte was born on a farm near George, Iowa, on July 6, 1938, to Henry and Tillie Schulte. She graduated from George High School in 1957 and Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing in 1960. She met the love of her life, Dr. Phil Lundquist, and married on July 19, 1969, until Phil’s death in 2013. Phil and Audrey lived in Sioux Falls, raising their two daughters, Stephanie and Sheleen.

During Audrey’s long life, she enjoyed traveling, dancing, cards, knitting, church, singing, family, and friends. She worked with Dr. Greg Magnuson for over 25 years at Medical Arts Clinic in Sioux Falls. Audrey and Phil took many humanitarian trips to Mexico; Phil would check eyes, while Audrey found the perfect pair of glasses. Phil and Audrey enjoyed many other vacations to California, Hawaii, Arizona, Washington State, Okoboji, and many other locales. Steadfast in her faith, even in later years, Audrey was dedicated to attending church and devotional groups.

Audrey never shied away from thrilling adventures. Around her 80th birthday, she took a hot air balloon ride in Custer, SD, zip-lined in the Bahamas, and white water rafted in Oregon. She and Phil went parasailing in Hawaii. Audrey would say her most exciting adventure was becoming a grandma in 2004, with the birth of Harrison Philip, born on his Grandpa Phil’s 69th birthday. When Gabe was born in 2008, Audrey retired from nursing to dedicate more time to her grandsons. A year later, her granddaughter Elsa, joined the group. Audrey loved picking up the kids from Central Baptist Preschool for many years.

Audrey is survived by her daughters, Stephanie (Mark) Michel, Star Valley Ranch, WY, and Sheleen (Lonny) Bauer, Spearfish, SD; grandchildren, Harrison, Gabe, and Elsa, of Spearfish, SD. Audrey was especially close to her sister, Jean (Keith) Lewis, and niece, Nancy Weidenbach (Tom, Mattie, Addyson) all of Sioux Falls, SD, nephew, Brian (Sheralyn) Lewis, Chandler, AZ, sister, Lela DeNoble, Rogers, AK; sister-in-law, Linda Schulte, Orange City, IA; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Phil; her parents, Henry and Tillie Schulte; and her brother, John Schulte.

March 19, 1937 ~ January 2, 2024

Roger Tubergen, 86, Sioux Falls, was called to his Heavenly Home, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, after a brief hospitalization at Avera McKennan Hospital.

Funeral Services will begin at 11am, Monday, January 8, 2024, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, with Visitation beginning at 10am. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Roger was born March 19, 1937, to Harry and Elizabeth Tubergen of Caledonia, MI.  After graduating from Caledonia High School, he enlisted in the Michigan National Guard. Roger spent his working career in the paint industry as a lab technician and as a salesman. On September 1, 1960, Roger married Marcia Zwyghuizen; a marriage that lasted 63 years. Over the years, Roger and Marcia made their homes in Grand Rapids, MI, Alto, WI, Orange City, IA, and Sioux Falls, SD.

Roger is survived by his children, Roger (Sharla) Tubergen, Rodney (Glenda) Tubergen, Luanne (Jim) Wuestawald, and Norma (Bob) Spanton; grandchildren, Nicole (Dirk) De Koning, Heidi Tubergen, Jessica (Stefan) Tubergen, Morgan (Tim) Lange, Danielle (Matt)Tubergen, Emily Wuestewald, Matthew (Brooke) Wuestewald, Ross Vander Weide, Caitlin (Brandon) Zervas, Kelsey Vander Weide, Brady Dalen, and Madison (Danny) Angeles; nine great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Floyd (Dee) Tubergen, Marlene De Good, Arlene (Earl) Vander Wood, and Wayne (Kim) Tubergen; in-laws, Glenda Tubergen, Casey Vander Maas, Maxine Doornbos, Ray Zwyghuizen, and Sharon (Rick) Bode.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Marcia; parents and in-laws, Harry and Elizabeth Tubergen, and Peter and Douwina Zwyghuizen; his brother and sister, Dick Tubergen and Shirley Vander Maas; and in-laws, Jim De Good, Sue Zwyghuizen, and Alvin Doornbos.

November 18, 2023 ~ January 1, 2024

Hadley S. Tassler, six weeks old, of Canistota, died at her home on Monday, January 1, 2024.

A Memorial Service will begin at 1:30pm, Friday, January 5, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon.

Hadley Sky Tassler was born on November 18, 2023, in Sioux Falls, to Brianna Bader and Chris Tassler. She was the light of everyone’s life. She loved to be held and cuddled and would smile anytime someone talked to her. She gave us a lifetime of love in the brief time that she was here, especially to her siblings.

Hadley is survived by her parents, Brianna Bader, and Chris Tassler; her siblings, Mason, Harmony, Phoenix, Elijah, Mavrik, and Tabitha; and her grandparents, Melissa & Jerry Shrieves, Michele & Dion Johnson, and Greg Aulner.

Hadley was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Kathryn Bader; grandfathers, Ronnie Aulner, and Roger Jensen; and many cousins.

October 6, 1938 ~ December 30, 2023

   Sally D. Brown, 85, Sioux Falls, went on to Glory on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Ava’s House, in Sioux Falls.

  Memorial Services will be 11am, Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. A private burial will happen at a later date.

   Sally Diane Posson was born in Eau Claire, WI, on October 6, 1938, to Wallace and Blanche Posson.  She was the youngest of three children and was raised in Algonquin, IL, along with Eileen and Wally.

   Sally worked in the food lab at Quaker Oats, Redfield State Hospital, and with Dr. Chang in Aberdeen.

   Sally married Evan Brown in Algonquin, IL, and they were married for 64 years.  They were blessed with their sons, Daniel and Scott, whom they raised in Elgin, IL, before moving to Northville, SD.  They loved their time in Northville with their family, sons, and grandchildren, giving all of us fond memories of living in a small town.  They later moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to the family.  Sally loved to host gatherings at her home for family and friends and always made everyone feel welcome.

   Sally is survived by her sons, Daniel (Karla) Brown, Sioux Falls, and Scott (Pam) Brown, Harrisburg; her grandchildren, Sarah (Kevin) Varilek,  Ryan (Jamie) Brown,  Eric (Maria) Brown,  Marshall (Giselle) Brown,  Kallie (Joe) Kroeger, and Hazen Brown; she was blessed to know her nine great-grandchildren children, Claire and Adam Varilek, Evan, Nora, and Micah Brown, June, and Gretta Brown, and Evelyn and Camille Kroeger; niece, Becky (Dan) Misslitz; nephew, Gary Gould; and brother-in-law, Rev Arthur Brown, Western Springs, IL.

   Sally is preceded in death by her husband, Evan Brown; her parents, Wallace and Blanche Posson; her siblings, Eileen Gould and Wally Brown; and with infant boys.