December 30, 1947 ~ December 22, 2024

Helen N. Helm 76, Brandon, died peacefully, while surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a long battle with emphysema and COPD.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be 10:30am, Friday, December 27, 2024, also at Heartland Funeral Home followed by Interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Helen appreciated the work done by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please consider a donation to St. Jude’s in her honor.

Helen Naomi Stadum was born on December 30, 1947, in Maddock, ND to Arthur (Art) and Ida (Hanson) Stadum. Helen graduated Valedictorian from Esmond High School in North Dakota. She moved to Sioux Falls in 1969 where she met Dave Helm in 1970. They married in 1975. She was a wife and mother for many years raising 8 children. She later became a supervisor at Luverne Truck for 26.5 years. 

Helen lived a life of compassion and had a helping heart. She would always see the best in each person and became a communal maternal figure to many kids over the years. Helen loved to read and could always be found with a book in her hand. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, and going on daily walks with her sister-in-law, Jeri, around Brandon. She had a love and passion for music: if you were to walk into the house at any given time of day, you would get to listen to Elvis, Everly Brothers, or songs from the 50s-60s.

Helen will be deeply missed by her daughter, Christina (Bruce) Crawford; sons, Tim (Naja) Lemke, Jon (Kim) Helm, Steve Helm, Clarence (Stephanie) Helm, Nathan (Amanda Biteler) Helm, and Patrick (Shannon Crowe) Helm; grandchildren, Katie (John) Aaberg, Jordan Page, Samantha (Dylan) Rouzer, Makenzie McGregor, Dylan (Chiara) Jasper, Jordan Crowe, Carys Helm, Ayda Lemke, Mila Lemke, Mia Helm, Shaylee Crowe-Helm, Zane Lemke, Aidan Helm, and Owen Biteler; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Atticus, Emmett, Allen, Rylan, Leo, and Luca;  one brother, Gary Stadum; and sisters, Janice Culp and Eileen Vetter.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ida Stadum; her husband, Dave Helm; and her son, David (Davy) Helm.

September 17, 1939 ~ December 19, 2024

Karen Best had a restless energy, ever only operating at two speeds: on—and in a hurry—or off. It is with great sadness that we announce that she has switched to off mode one last time. Karen Best of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away quietly at home on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from complications related to heart disease. She was 85 years old.

A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held at 10:30am, at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. To watch online by streaming, click here www.peacelutheran.com/live . In lieu of memorials, the family requests that folks carve out a moment to buy a friend a coffee and share a memorable story about Karen.    

Born in Lake City, Iowa, on September 17, 1939, to Carl and Florence Vincent, she grew up a middle child in a farming family along with her five siblings. Despite her diminutive stature, she took pride in giving her two older brothers, Gene and Paul, a run for their money in whatever games or activities they engaged in, and she delighted equally in being the bossy older sister to Mary and Patricia. All five doted on the energetic rascal of the group, their youngest brother, Steven.

Karen attended Lake City area schools, graduating in 1958. During high school, she played half-court Iowa-brand girls’ basketball and worked as a soda jerk at a local drug store as well as a clerk at the local grocery store. She married Jim Best on December 6, 1958, and welcomed a daughter, Dee, the following year. The couple lived at several places in the area before settling in Lytton, Iowa, where Karen operated a beauty parlor out of their home for many years while Jim worked at the local grain elevator. It was in these years that both Karen and Jim took up golf, which became a life-long hobby for both.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Jim was offered different opportunities to manage elevators, and the couple followed these opportunities. From Hills, Minnesota—at which time their family grew to include a son, Dan—to stops in Red Oak (Iowa), Storden (Minn.), and Marion (So. Dak.), Jim worked the elevators while Karen worked as a mother, at a fabric store, and as a bookkeeper. It was also during this time that she started to find success on local golf courses. She won her first of four club championships in 1977 followed by wins in 1985, 1986, and 1990 across three different country clubs.

In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Jim’s career pivoted to insurance, and Karen joined him for several years as an agent after moving back to Storden. True to her restless and tireless nature, Karen switched up careers to become a travel agent in the early 1990s as the couple moved to Marshall and Lake Benton in Minnesota before eventually settling for good in Sioux Falls in the late 1990s. In Sioux Falls, Karen shifted careers once again, working first as a bank teller and then in operations for local banks. She finished out her work career back in the insurance business as an agent at Best Insurance along with her husband and daughter, before they sold the business and retired in 2014.

Karen had an active retirement and was fortunate to spend her last several winters at a small townhouse the couple purchased at Sun Village in Surprise, Arizona. It was in Surprise that she took art classes and developed impressive skills in watercolor painting and chalk drawings. Golf continued to be her favored form of activity, and after so many years of close calls, she recorded her first and only hole-in-one at the age of 83.

Karen is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jim Best; daughter, Dee (Bruce) Swenson, Sioux Falls; son, Dan (Sarah) Best, Shorewood, Minn.; granddaughters, Courtney Swenson, and Molly Best; and great-grandsons, Adam Swenson and Declan Swenson.

Karen was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Rachel Best; her parents; and her brothers, Paul Vincent and Steven Vincent.

Karen’s greatest joy in life was in time spent with family—especially her granddaughters and great-grandsons. In moving more than two dozen times over the years, Karen and Jim owned 12 different houses, and the many moves brought into their lives new adventures and wonderful friends whom Karen always enjoyed visiting with, particularly over a hand of cards. Karen is remembered by those closest to her as a curious and tenacious soul and a person unafraid to speak her mind while always thoughtful of others. To family members, she was their most enthusiastic supporter, and her energy, love, and loyalty will be sorely missed.

April 12, 1965 ~ December 9, 2024

Kim M. Yager, 59, Brandon, died Monday, December 9, 2024, at her home unexpectedly.

Private family services are planned for later this week.

Kim Marie Yager was born on April 12, 1965, in Sioux Falls, SD to Jack Yager and Bonnie Savold. She was raised in Sioux Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1983. Kim most recently worked at Grand Living at Lake Lorraine.

Kim was loved by many and will be missed tremendously. She was a friend to everyone she met and for those that truly had the honor of knowing her, knew that she had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Kim cherished her family and looked forward to attending the many family dinners and birthday celebrations that went on throughout the year. She found immense joy in spending time with her nieces, Michelle and Katie, and her nephew, Josh. She was an avid animal lover.

Kim is survived by her father, Jack (Julene) Yager; mother, Bonnie (Denny) Savold; two sisters, Lisa (Jon) Yager, and Jessica (Stew) Savold; three brothers, Terry (Kimberly) Brower, James (Sherry) Alberts, and Shane (Amy) Alberts; stepbrothers, Chad (Brandi) Reimer, and Jeremy (Sheila) Reimer; stepsister, Monica Reimer; beloved nieces, Michelle (Brandon) Hildebrand, and Katie (Alex) Madsen; beloved nephew, Josh (Yodit) Madsen; special uncles, Frank Yager, John Yager, and Randy Reed; special cousin, Deb Johnson; life-long friend, Coralee Patch Multerer; and many more beloved family.

Kim was preceded in death by her beloved dogs, Shadow and Haley.

April 22, 1970 ~ December 2, 2024

Marnie G. Mitchell, 54, Sioux Falls, passed away at her home on Monday, December 2, 2024. 

A Celebration of Life will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short Service at 6:30pm. Interment will be 11am, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Plainview Cemetery, rural Brentford, SD.

Marnie Grace Mitchell was born on April 22, 1970, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Rick and Sylvia (Bebo) Mitchell. Marnie graduated from Doland High School in 1988.  Upon graduation, she attended Stewart School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen, SD. After working in hairstyling for some time, Marnie found her real passion as a caregiver, working as a CNA, then furthered her career as an LPN, after receiving her education from Lake Area Technical Institute, in Watertown, SD. In later years, Marnie worked as a bartender and cook at various locations and most recently she was the “meal maker extraordinaire” at Inspire Daycare in Tea, SD.  

Marnie was married to Shane Fortin and from this union, Matthew was born and Shane adopted Sam.  Her boys were the light of her life. Marnie would give the shirt off her back to see that others had what they needed and help in any way that she could. She had countless friends that she met through her schooling, work, and playing darts. She had a knack for arts and crafts, but her favorite was painting.  Marnie always claimed she inherited this talent from her very cherished Grandma Grace. Marnie was an avid reader and loved many of her Netflix series. 

Marnie is survived by her children, Sam (Kailey) Mitchell, Harrisburg, and Matthew Fortin, Doland; her beloved granddaughter, Layla Grace; her mom, Sylvia Bebo, Tea; siblings, Marvin (Denise) Mitchell, Redfield, and Roberta “Bobbi Pat” Hindberg, Tea; and step-brother, Danny Stickler, FL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Marnie was preceded in death by her father, Richard “Rick” Mitchell; step-father, Doug Stickler; grandparents, Marvin “Chappy” and Grace Bebo, grandpa, Robert Mitchell, Sr; and step-brother, Doug “Bubba” Stickler. 

July 19, 1957 ~ November 20, 2024

Randy E. Oien, 67, Sioux Falls, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be 5-6:30 pm, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. Funeral Services will begin at 6:30 pm. Burial will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Spencer, SD.

Randy E. Oien was born on July 19, 1957, in Dell Rapids, SD, to Otto and Bernice (Nyhus) Oien. He attended school in Baltic and Dell Rapids, where he graduated. Randy married Kimberly Gukeisen on April 15, 2007, and together, they shared 18+ years of magical love while residing in Sioux Falls.

Randy held numerous jobs throughout his life but worked at RL Insulation for 22 years. He had many interests, including throwing darts, watching basketball, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. However, his greatest joy came from attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with family. Randy also enjoyed working on puzzles, and seeing his grandchildren gathered around the table, each with a puzzle piece in hand, always brought a radiant smile to his face.

Randy was a quiet, hardworking man with a kind and gentle spirit. He was always unselfish and cared deeply for everyone around him.

Randy is survived by his wife, Kim Oien, Sioux Falls; his children, Jesse (Paige) Oien,  Sioux Falls, Melissa (Sunny) Dahn, Surprise, AZ, Nicole (Kevin) Fultz, Wittmann, AZ, and Justin Hoffman, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Ciana, Lilianna, Channing, Trenton, Lincoln, Samielia, Brennley, Cameron, Aubrielle, and Micaiah; two sisters, Vicky Myran, Sioux Falls and Marcy (Dave) Linton, Baltic, SD; and by many other relatives and friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Bernice Oien;  and brothers, Terry Oien, AZ, and Ritchie Oien, Baltic, SD.

July 22, 1946 ~ November 20, 2024

Charlotte “Char” A. Rottluff, 78, Alcester, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Alcester Care Center, after a prolonged illness.

A visitation will be held 1-3pm, Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service beginning at 2:30pm. Inurnment will be at a later date at St Andreas cemetery in Oldham, SD.

Charlotte “Char” Ardell Nelson was born July 22, 1946, to Irene Nelson near Irwin, SD. She grew up with her mother on the family farm north of De Smet, SD. She also spent much time with Grandma Lillie and Grandpa Carl, who lived nearby.

Charlotte graduated from Erwin High School in 1964 and attended business school in Huron, SD. She worked as a secretary and at other jobs while raising her daughters, Vickie and Laura.

Char was a free spirit and lived in many different areas. She spent time in Washington state, California, Idaho, and Minnesota. In later years, she lived in Oklahoma and New Mexico with her husband Ron. But they always came back home to South Dakota. Char and Ron enjoyed traveling to and participating in flea markets, liked antiquing, and spending time with family and friends.

Charlotte had a strong faith in the Lord which got her through the hard and good times. She helped at many churches with different roles, but her favorite was Sunday School, VBS, and adult devotions. She attended church in any area she lived and loved sharing the teachings of God by word and deed. She had many friends here and in other places, she lived.

Charlotte will be deeply missed by her daughter, Laura Clark (Amy Mathiason); stepdaughter, Karie Rottluff; her grandchildren, Jonathon and Amber Dennis, and Bryan (Rose) Clark; step-grandchildren, Tasneem, and Amir (Allison) Rottluff; great-granddaughters, Cara Dennis, Anastasia, and Ezmerelda Clark; her sister, Sharon (David) Lundquist Foesch; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Rottluff; her daughter, Vickie Dennis; and her mother, Irene Lundquist.

July 15, 1950 ~ November 7, 2024

John C. Vermeer, 74, Valley Springs, SD, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am, at Pleasant View Cemetery, Valley Springs, SD, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The family invites you to join them for coffee and fellowship at the Valley Springs American Legion Hall, following the service.

John Clarence Vermeer was born on July 15, 1950, in Luverne, MN, to Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer, at the Luverne Community Hospital.  He was raised on the family farm along with his seven siblings. John was baptized in the American Reformed Church of Luverne and later became a member of the Valley Springs Reformed Church. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1970.

John married Mary Doyle on October 12, 1996. John farmed and later worked for Marv’s Sanitation as well as the City of Valley Springs. He was known to be a helper and friend to many. John is survived by his wife, Mary; siblings, Anna Huiskes, Mary (David) Harris, Burt (Lee Ann) Vermeer, Jane (Gene) VanderWolde, and Barb Nankivel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dorothy Vermeer; brother, Ed Vermeer; and his sister, Marty Vermeer.

August 7, 1975 ~ October 30, 2024

Carie A. Coyle, 49, passed away on October 30, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by family and friends.

Carie’s Celebration of Life will be held from 1:30 ~ 3:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD, on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

Carie Ann Bauer was born on August 7, 1975, to Gary and Catherine (Shriver) Bauer. She grew up with her two older siblings and six younger siblings on an acreage outside of Clear Lake, IA.

Carie was dedicated to helping others and obtained a degree in Nursing, working in several different areas within Sioux Valley – now Sanford – Hospital, and also was a licensed EMT. She loved being able to use her time working as an opportunity to help others, especially when she worked in labor and delivery.

Carie was known for her extremely caring nature and passion for helping others. She spent much of her time finding ways to bring a smile to the face of anyone she met and sharing her love of Christ through worship. Known for her love of baking chocolate chip cookies and anything Christmas, Carie would love for all who knew her to continue to live their lives with joy, rather than the sadness of her passing.

Carie has gone to be with her father, and her son, Joshua, in Heaven and is undoubtedly keeping an eye on each of her children and her grandchildren. She adored being a grandmother and spoiling each of her grandchildren and never missed a chance to talk about them and their silly moments.

Carie is survived by her children and grandchildren, Shannon Waterfall (mother of Landen-age 9 and Lila-age 1), Shawna Minor, Sheila Coyle, Soren Coyle (father of Samira-age 5), Sierra Dean (mother of Evalyn-age 3 and Ezra-age 2), and Summer Coyle; her mother, Cathy Bauer; her siblings, Christy McLain, Heath Bauer, Clint Bauer, Shelly Taylor, Derek Bauer, Breilen Bauer, Blake Bauer, and Denise Bauer; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who all loved her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her son, Joshua Coyle, and father, Gary Bauer.

August 9, 1955 ~ October 30, 2024

Marsha L. Doerksen, aged 69, passed away on October 30, 2024, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial services will be held on the following dates and times, November 9, 2024, 11am, Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD; November 16, 2024, 1pm, Edgewater Baptist Church, Chicago, IL; and November 23, 2024, 1pm, Common Ground Church, Middleburg Heights, OH.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marsha’s memory can be made to Eastside Baptist Church and Zion Lutheran Church, both in Sioux Falls, SD, Avera Uro-Gynae Oncology Center, or to The Gideons International.

Marsha Lynn Gosnell was born on August 9, 1955, in Marshall, NC. Marsha graduated from Strongsville High School in Ohio and furthered her education at Tennessee Temple University. Professionally, she worked as a Medical Transcriptionist. She was meticulous and highly regarded by her colleagues.

A devout Christian, Marsha loved Jesus. She was a member of Bee Bee Town Baptist growing up in Columbia Station, OH, and later at Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. She was actively involved in her church communities. At Edgewater Baptist Church, she regularly attended Sunday services, led youth groups, and organized women’s Bible Studies.

In her personal life, Marsha was known for her caring nature and her dedication to her faith. She loved spending time with others, opening her home for friends and family to gather and was always up for a party.

Marsha is survived by her husband, Roy Doerksen; children, Frank (Ashley) Doerksen, Rebekah (Peter) Kang, and Bryan Doerksen; granddaughters, Hazel, Evelynn Ann, Stella Rae, and Josie Lorraine; and her five siblings.

Marsha’s legacy of kindness and devotion will be remembered by all who knew her.

September 26, 1942 ~ October 29, 2024

Edgar A. Vermeer, 82, Sioux Falls, formerly Brandon, SD, passed away on October 29, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Monday, November 4, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon. Memorial Services will be 11am, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon, followed by Full Military Honors.  Inurnment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To watch the Funeral Service Live click here https://youtube.com/live/mav366Koso0?feature=share

Edgar “Ed” Anton Vermeer was born on September 26, 1942, to Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer in Luverne, MN, and was raised on the family farm. He was baptized on November 1, 1942, at Steen Reformed Church and confessed his faith as a young adult at American Reformed Church in Luverne. Ed attended school in Luverne, MN, graduating in 1961. He joined the Army National Guard in 1960 and served until 1964.

On December 5, 1964, Ed married Lila Beyer at St. John’s Lutheran in Luverne, MN. Together, they shared almost 60 years of marriage and were blessed with three children. Ed spent many years farming, worked at A.R. Woods in Luverne, MN, and retired from Luverne Truck Equipment in Brandon, SD. While living in Luverne, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and deacon. Later in Brandon, he was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and spent many years on the building and grounds committee. Most recently, Ed was a member of Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD.

Ed enjoyed being out in nature, feeding the birds, tending to his flowers, fishing, camping, and cooking with a Dutch oven. He found a great amount of joy playing Santa during the holidays, where he spread laughter and cheer to residences at nursing homes. Above all, Ed cherished time spent with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Ed never let a moment pass without adding his signature touch of fun. With a laugh and his favorite saying, “Just gotta have some fun,” he lifted everyone around him. His joy was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his love for life unwavering. Ed’s light will continue to shine through the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lila; daughters, Lisa (Tom) Johnson and Amy (Mike) Maher; and grandchildren, Makayla Maher, Kailey (Ethan) Osmundson, Izabella Maher, Chase Maher, and Malia Johnson; his siblings, Anna Huiskes, Mary (Dave) Harris, Burt (LeeAnn) Vermeer, Jane (Gene) VanderWolde, John (Mary) Vermeer, and Barb Nankivel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed is preceded in death by his son, Douglas Vermeer; grandson, Carter Johnson; his parents, Leonard and Dorothy (Bernards) Vermeer; and sister, Marty Vermeer.