August 23, 1975 ~ November 19, 2021

Chad J. Meinert, 46, Brandon, SD, died Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by family and clergy. His sense of humor and love for the Lord, and his family, was witnessed until his last breath was taken. 

Visitation, with family present, will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at New Oak Christian Church, (308 W. 37^th St) Sioux Falls, with Memorial Services beginning at 1:00pm.  A reception is scheduled for Saturday, after the service, at Fernson Brewery (1400 E. Robur Dr.) Sioux Falls, SD, from 3-5pm.

Chad James Meinert was born on August 23, 1975, to James and Rebecca Meinert of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.  Chad grew up on the family farm with his parents and his brother Ryan.  They enjoyed many road trips together including a trip to the World’s Fair in New Orleans. Through school, Chad was a member of many clubs and was in a couple of theatre plays.  Chad loved to sing and show his acting talents. The world was his stage, even in High School.   Chad worked in a grocery store in Sleepy Eye and then worked for Kraft Foods in New Ulm for many years.  Upon graduation, Chad enrolled in college at Southwest State University in Marshall, MN.  His major was Communication Studies- Radio / TV. 

It was while in college, Chad met Jen Ackerman.  While their connection was not instant…it didn’t take long for the two of them to fall in love.  They dated for 2.5 years and then Chad asked her to be his bride.  Chad and Jen were married in June of 1999.  They welcomed their son, Hunter, in September 2001.  Chad, Jen, and Hunter have built their home and their lives in Brandon SD for the past 20 years. 

Chad was employed with Citibank.  He loved to help people.  He strived for excellence and great customer service with every interaction he had.  He built many strong relationships and friendships with coworkers and teammates.  He loved working at home and enjoyed his early morning schedule.  He was dedicated, committed, and truly loved what he did. 

Outside of work, Chad enjoyed life to the fullest.  Chad enjoyed many nights talking about and drinking his favorite Schell’s beer.  He made it a goal to taste many different craft beers from all over the nation.  He went on brewery tours on every family vacation we took and enjoyed comparing them to others. Chad loved cooking, smoking meats, and canning spicy asparagus.  He enjoyed every aspect of cooking.  He decided to turn his love for cooking into a part-time career and became a Pampered Chef Consultant.

Chad also developed a love for bowling as Hunter was on the BV High School Bowling Team.  Chad loved the sport so much that he became one of the coaches for the team and has continued with coaching even after Hunter’s graduation. 

Being a husband and father was a priority for Chad.  He loved to watch movies, play card games, and spend time with Jen and Hunter at every opportunity.  Chad was the driver on many family road trips.  Trips included Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Vegas, and Montana.  Our last family trip was so special as Jim (Chad’s dad) was able to come with us for the week.  Chad commented that this was his favorite trip of all time because he was able to be with his dad.  Chad and Jen renewed their vows on a trip to Antigua in 2019.  This was a trip of a lifetime and helped Chad and Jen to dream of retiring on a beach while operating a beach-front smoked meats stand. 

Chad was a truly incredible man.  He was compassionate, genuine, and put other’s needs in front of his own.  He was a strong, kind, friend who loved his family/friends deeply.  He had a sense of humor and a smile that would brighten everyone’s day.  He was a fun-loving, easy-going, and loveable man. 

Chad will be deeply missed by his wife of 22 years, Jen; son, Hunter, Brandon; his father, James Meinert, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; one brother, Ryan (Barb) Meinert, Victoria, MN; nieces and nephews, Ethan, Victoria, Caden, and Bella; mother and father-in-law, Steve and Becky Ackerman, Brandon, SD; sister-in-law, Jolene (Adam) Weber, Sioux Falls, SD; aunts, uncles, cousins; and many dear family friends. 

Chad is preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Meinert; one nephew, Tate; his maternal grandparents, Darlene and Bert Schapekakm, and his paternal grandparents, Violet and Delbert Meinert.

June 19, 1933 ~ November 17, 2021

Dr. Courtney W. Anderson, 88, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.

Visitation, with family present, will begin at 4:30pm, Monday, November 22, 2021, at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, (112 E. Annabelle St.) Brandon, SD.  Memorial Services will begin at 6:00pm.  A private burial is planned at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery, Valley Springs, SD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, in Courtney’s honor.

Courtney William Anderson was born on June 19, 1933, to Arthur and Eunice Anderson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Courtney grew up and graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls. He graduated from the University of South Dakota and he attended USD School of Medicine. In 1956, he married Myrna Ardis Olson, Omaha, Nebraska, and they moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend Northwestern University Medical School. While at Northwestern, he was awarded a Fellowship at Oxford University. After returning from England, he graduated from Northwestern with a Doctorate in Medicine and they moved to Canton, South Dakota where he was in private practice as a Family Physician.

   In 1963, the family moved to Sioux Falls and Courtney joined a Family Practice Group: Kittleson, Frost, and Anderson. Several years later, he began his own private practice and also served 20 years in the South Dakota Air National Guard.

   While living in Sioux Falls, he and his wife Myrna kept very busy. They opened five bookstores in South Dakota, for the sole purpose of reading for free. His entrepreneurial desires led to building projects, rental property, developments, and many small businesses.

   In 1975, he decided to make a career move and went Active Duty in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base as the Medical Liaison for the Vice President and accompanied many congressional delegations around the world. His next assignment was Hospital Administrator at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama and he concluded his Active-Duty assignment at Warner Robbins AFB in Warner Robbins, Georgia. He returned to Sioux Falls in 1981 and served in the Air Force Reserve at SAC Headquarters at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1986, he retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Brigadier General with many awards and commendations.

   After retiring from the Air Force Reserve, he became an Associate Dean of the USD School of Medicine in Sioux Falls. He also opened a practice in Aviation Medicine.

   Over the years, Courtney had the opportunity to travel to all parts of the world during his military career and also for pleasure. His sense of humor and creative imagination was always at the ready and made for a healthy dose of laughter at home and at work. For 25 years, he and Myrna would spend several months every year in Sun City, Arizona. Courtney was an avid storyteller and endless encourager. For all of the places he traveled, people he met, or experiences he had, the family was his treasured possession. He was a perpetual optimist and was immediately on board with any undertaking a family member would be pursuing, with the indomitable “you can do it” spirit. Upon hearing what everyone was up to, he would immediately begin promoting it, sometimes embellishing the facts, just a little, out of a deep sense of love and pride for each one.

Courtney was well-grounded in his faith. From an early age, he knew and loved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. As he grew older, he spent more and more time studying the Word. His faith deepened even as life presented him with the most painful journeys.

   Courtney will be deeply missed by his children, Alison (Scott) Ecklund, Ardie (Steve) Halvorsen, Court (Kathy) Anderson, and Andrea Anderson; 10 grandchildren, Ashleigh (Jeremy) Roemen, Erika (Mike) Boen, Scott (Kelli) Ecklund, Courtney (Sarah) Ecklund, Brittany (Joey) Latsha, Brooke (Kyle) Cosand, Kate Anderson, Anna Anderson, Tommy Anderson, and Court Anderson; and 16 great-grandchildren, Brekken, Seyler, Della, Izzy, Monroe, Scotlund, Ridley, Quinn, Benaiah, Collins, Jordy, Zachary, Charlie, Easton, Callie, and Chase; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Karen Gensler, and seven nieces and nephews as well as many other loving family members.

   Courtney was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eunice; his wife, Myrna; his sister, Catherine; his son, Clay; and his grandson, Alex.

March 16, 1941 ~ October 25, 2021

Linda Turner, 80, Sioux Falls, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Dougherty Hospice Home in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Services will be 11:00AM, Monday, November 1, 2021, at First Evangelical Free Church (2601 W 69th St.) in Sioux Falls, with a Visitation beginning at 10AM.  Inurnment will follow at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls.  Live Stream link is https://youtu.be/1NPArDIRfPA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local CMA chapter, Empire Riders c/o Donna Swank, 910 S 4th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, 57104

Linda Ruth Swartz was born on March 16, 1941, to Glen and Ruth Swartz in Fairbury, NE in her grandmother’s home.  At the age of 13, Linda and her family moved to Lincoln, NE where she graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1958.  On February 4, 1961, Linda married the love of her life, Jord Turner. After their union, Linda and Jord moved to Sioux Falls, SD.

Linda had a willing heart to try anything. One year she took up archery and became the women’s state champion. Linda joined the Air National Guard from June 1979- April 1987. She became a traditional guardsman while raising her four children. Linda worked as a parachute rigger that packed parachutes for the Air National Guard. Then from 1987-2000, Linda worked for Ravens in different divisions, applying her various sewing and manufacturing skills. After retiring, Linda and her husband moved to Wellton, AZ, where they spent time enjoying their remaining years together.

Linda pursued Jesus. In addition, although she spoke fewer words, the words she did speak were often filled with immeasurable wisdom. She had a deep desire for every single one of her kids, friends, and strangers to not only hear and know but ultimately experience God’s love and truth. For over 25 years, Linda and her husband would travel on their motorcycles around the country with their Christian Motorcyclists Association friends to share the gospel. Linda had done many different ministries over the years.

Linda’s kids and grandkids would tell you she had lavished the kids on camping trips or vacations and made every family event as unforgettable as the last one.  At all of the holidays, Linda had a passion and gift for cooking, baking pies, and decorating for the family and church family to enjoy. Over those same years, Linda had taken care of more than 40 foster children along with her own children. Linda’s family and friends will remember her as one who lived generously and graciously to many.

Linda is lovingly remembered by her children, Jord (Gwendolyn) Turner Jr., Hutchinson, MN, Robert Turner, Custer, SD, Kathy Turner-Flanagan, Sioux Falls, SD, and Jay Turner, Sioux Falls, SD, Tori (Craig) Wittrock, Hartford SD, Jason Smith, Sioux Falls, SD, Nichole(Chad) DeVries, Sioux Falls, SD, and Cindy (Chad) Egeberg, Brookings, SD; Linda was blessed with 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Gwenth Swartz, Lincoln, NE; brother, Daniel (Caroline) Swartz, Green Valley, AZ; and Special friends, Joann Baker, Stan and Dee Hayes, Ron Dykstra, Sioux Falls, SD, and several other special friends and family members. 

October 21, 1960 ~ October 25, 2021

Carol Ann Schol, 61, Sioux Falls, died Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls, after a short battle with Cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Shenanigan’s Pub in Sioux Falls, from 6~8pm.

Carol Ann Wittrock was born on October 21, 1960, to Donald and Bertha (Mock) Wittrock, in Beresford, SD, where she also grew up and attended school. She married Brian Schol in 1981, in Sioux Falls, and to this union, three children were born. She began working at Carlisle Plastics in 1979 and worked there right up to the present time.

Carol loved to watch her children and grandchildren play sports, shopping with her daughters, and going out to eat. Spending time with her family was the most important thing to her. 

Carol will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Brooke (Kelly Banghart) Kroeger, Sioux Falls, Samantha Allen, Sioux Falls and Shanna (Kevin) Marlow, Tea; seven grandchildren, Dade, Holden, Audryna, Jaylynn, Aysia, Jersey and Lexie; two brothers, Bill (Maryann) Wittrock, Sioux Falls, and Bob Wittrock, Nunda, SD; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Maddox; and her brother, John Wittrock.

October 23, 1930 ~ October 19, 2021

Mary Lou Paulson, 90, George Iowa, was called to her Heavenly Home, to be with her Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

Funeral plans include a time of visitation with the family present on Friday, October 22, 2021,

at 10:00 am with a service celebrating Mary Lou’s life to follow at 11:00 am, held at the

Tabernacle Baptist Church, 206 East Indiana Avenue, George, IA. tbc@mtcnet.net Livestreaming link.

Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

Mary Lou Synhorst was born October 23, 1930, to Gerrit and Bertha (Buesen) Synhorst, of rural Larchwood, Iowa. Their home was on a farm near the small town of Granite, IA. Later, they moved nearby to the “home place” overlooking the Sioux River on the Iowa, South Dakota border where Mary Lou spent most of her growing up years. She attended country school, and two years of high school in Larchwood before graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, and later from the Christian Workers Institute, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Mary Lou married Leland Paulson of Sioux Falls, on July 27, 1953, celebrating their 68^th wedding anniversary this year.

Mary Lou was a versatile musician playing the piano or organ in churches and related gatherings wherever they served. She devoted herself to the Word of God, and prayer for the work of God, and especially for her children and grandchildren.

Mary Lou entered the Good Samaritan Home, in George, on May 28, 2019, a move arranged by her home health care nurse. Mary Lou had been talking about going to the home for some time, possibly thinking more of Leland, than of herself. After she became unable to walk without falling, they agreed that it was time. Leland admired the positive way and courage with which she accepted the change.

Mary Lou will be deeply missed by her husband, Leland; three children, Orlan (Rosa) Paulson, Haltom City, TX, LeAnn Riveness, Mt. Prospect, IL, and John Paulson, Superior, WI; brother-in-law, Larry (Judy) Paulson, Edgerton, MN; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Bertha Synhorst; one brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Elaine Synhorst; two aunts, Em Iverson and Nora Kvale; along with other extended family members.

August 11, 1958 ~ October 17, 2021

Debra M. Wikstrom, 63, Madison, SD, died Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life for Debra (Deb) Marie Van Behren will be Saturday, October 23, 2021, 3:00pm, at Sertoma Park, Sioux Falls, SD.

Debra Marie Von Behren was born August 11, 1958, to Gerald and Barbara (Crocker) Wikstrom, and grew up in Minneapolis. She married Brian Van Wagner on May 19, 1977. They were blessed with three boys and one girl. They lived in Luverne, MN, and several towns in South Dakota. Later in 2011, Debra married Alan Von Behren and gained two stepsons and one stepdaughter. They made their home in Madison, SD.

Deb is lovingly remembered by her husband, Alan; two sons Patrick, Springfield, SD, and Matthew (Marie), Hartford, SD; daughter, Jackie (Will) Winegarner, Madison, SD; three stepchildren, Adam, Jalisa, and Riley; father, Gerald Wikstrom, Coon Rapids, MN; siblings Evelyn (Danny) Kephart, Luverne MN, Deanna Gutzmer, Coon Rapids, MN, and Jerry (Nan) Wikstrom, Coon Rapids, MN, and Lynn Wikstrom, Madison, SD; best friend, Brian Van Wagner; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara; son, Brian Jr. (Bubba); grandson, Cameron Michael; granddaughter, Barbara Ann; brother, Bobbie; sister, Patricia; and nephew, Evan Lewis Daubenspeck.

April 5, 1942 ~ October 15, 2021

Dorothy May Vanderberg, 79, Brandon, died, Friday, October 15, 2021, at her home. 

Memorial Services will be 10:30am, Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, with a Visitation beginning at 9:30am. Inurnment will follow at the Jasper City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.

Dorothy May Adams was born April 5, 1942, in Ethan, SD, to Steve and Dora (Gukeisen) Adams. She was raised on a farm just east of Ethan and she attended a one-room schoolhouse through the Eighth Grade, then went on and graduated from Parkston High School in 1960. After graduation, Dorothy moved to Sioux Falls and attended Nettleton Commercial College. Dorothy married Eugene Hoffman and was blessed with three children.  She later married Charles Vanderberg. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls. While raising her own three children, Dorothy also babysat other children and did seamstress work. Dorothy moved to Brandon in 1991. She officially retired from accounting in 2008. In 2012, Dorothy moved from Brandon to Edgerton, MN, to live with her daughter, Stephanie, and husband Ronald. Later, she returned to Brandon.

Dorothy enjoyed needlework and word games. She loved to be in the kitchen and her cooking brought her and others true joy.

Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Robert Hoffmann, San Diego, CA, and Kevin Hoffmann, Brandon, SD; her daughter, Stephanie (Ronald) Van Der Linden, Edgerton, MN; one sister, Joyce (Keith) Loof, Hartford, SD; two brothers, LeRoy (Susan) Adams, Ethan, SD, and William (Dottie) Adams, Ethan, SD.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; and one sister, Alice Lehrkamp.

November 16, 1937 ~ September 30, 2021

Eugene Mathison, 83, Sioux Falls, died Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. 

Eugene “Gene” H Mathison was born November 16, 1937, to Harold and Ethel (Arnott) Mathison. He was the oldest of their four children. Gene married Dorothy Trout. To this union, four children were born; Mark, Matthew, Luke, and Rachelle. Gene later married Judy Stoppleworth. They also had four children; Derrod, Querida, Kacelle, and Cametra. 

Gene enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing. He and Judy enjoyed traveling and were even able to travel abroad a few times with the family.  He enjoyed gardening and was excellent at remodeling homes.  He

could do plumbing, electrical, countertops, tiling, and cabinetry all without asking a professional to come in. But that was just a hobby. He was also an excellent salesman which he spent his livelihood years selling everything from pots and pans, to shoes, and insurance; a true jack-of-all-trades.  

Gene was an avid story and joke teller. He faithfully read his Bible every day. He enjoyed sharing with others the promises that The Bible had taught.  Such as a paradise on Earth, a world without sickness and pain, a time of no more tears. 

Gene is survived by his wife Judy of Sioux Falls; sons, Mark, Great Falls, MT, Matthew, Lamberton, MN, Luke, Wabasso, MN, and Derrod (Megan), Sioux Falls; daughters, Rachelle (Philip) Graff, Sanborn, MN, Querida Johnson, Sioux Falls,  Kacelle (Benjamin) Mathison-Duran, Sioux Falls; one brother, Dale (Geneva) Mathison, Fairhope, AL; eight grandchildren, Jael (Justin) Richardson, Jesse Mathison, Danyette (Fernando) Trevino, Tyler (Jenna) Graff, Shaye (Shannel) Johnson, Gabriel Schroeder, Oliver Duran, and Martin Duran; and six great-grandchildren.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Rebecca; one brother, Robert, and one daughter, Cametra.  

December 14, 1946 ~ September 26, 2021

Edward “Ed” A. Stringer, 74, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial Services will be held 7pm, Friday, October 1, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 5pm. A private inurnment will take place at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established in his honor.

Edward “Ed” Allen Stringer was born December 14, 1946, in Sioux Falls, to Alfred and Hazel (Townsend) Stringer. He was raised and attended school here and graduated from high school before joining the Navy.

Ed’s 21-year Navy career brought him to many countries, including service during the Vietnam conflict.  His many awards included National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Battle and Ribbon with Device, Navy Expeditionary Medal, four (4) Good Conduct Medals, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation.

His most cherished gift was awarded while he was stationed in Chicago in the form of his daughter, Adrian.

October 8, 1988, Ed married his love, Laurel, in Hartford, where they made their home.  On that day, Ed also welcomed his bonus children, Robert, Christine, and Terry.

Following his military career, Ed was a long-distance semi-truck driver.  He earned one million miles ticket-free and accident-free.

Retirement from the road did not slow our Ed down one bit! His passion for Veterans causes lit a fire in him to serve with the American Legion as a member, Post Commander (Post 15), and District Commander (District 7).  He actively served on the board and as a counselor for Boy’s State.  Ed was also State Membership Chairman and had earned five (5) Gold Brigade jackets for the recruitment of new Legion members.  He was reported to have even recruited a new member directly in front of the National American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.  Anyone who has known Ed has surely heard his bellowing invitation… “Are you a member of the American Legion? No? Talk to me and let’s fix that!”

The jewel in Ed’s crown (and we know he’d love hearing the ‘crown’ part) was as a founding member and driving force behind the new American Legion Post 911.

Some of Ed’s favorite pastimes were hunting with ‘his boys and fishing near Chamberlain, SD from his pontoon boat. 

He was the un-official Grandpa of all the players and family members of the Fusion Heat softball team and could be seen and heard cheering from the stands at most of their games.

Hartford, SD, was the only long-time permanent home for Ed. He was a neighborhood fixture helping and bringing laughter to all that were lucky enough to cross his path both in this, his adopted hometown, and all the places he travelled.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Laurel; his bonus children, Rob (Gail) Dickerson, Christine (Jeff) DeYoung, and Terry (Michelle) Dickerson; Ed also leaves seven adored grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who always made him smile.  He’d say… ‘’that’s why they are called grand, and great!”

Preceding Ed were his grandparents, parents, two brothers, one sister, and his beloved daughter, Adrian.

May 10, 1929 ~ November 25, 2019

Gerald “Gerry” Brazones, aka “Mr. Wonderful”, 90, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away November 25, 2019. His burial and Celebration of Life was postponed due to the COVID pandemic. His Funeral Service was held July 31, 2021, with his family.

Condolences can be sent to the family at PO Box 91123, Sioux Falls, SD, 57109.

Gerry was born on May 10, 1929, to Marie “Mary” and Peter Brazdzons in Racine, Wisconsin, and grew up there with his seven brothers and sisters. His family changed the spelling of the last name to Brazones at a later date.  He married the love of his life, Suzette Yvonne LaFrance, on June 29, 1957. Together, they raised six children. For those of you that didn’t know our dad, we want to share some bits and pieces that made him the man we knew and loved.

Gerry was a master story and joke teller with a polished comedian’s sense of timing. He knew exactly the right place to embellish a tale and when to deliver a punchline. He had a great sense of humor and his belly laugh was contagious. He gave the best hugs and had a smile that could light up any room. When you got a hug from Gerry, it was memorable.

Gerry grew up in the Great Depression and could never throw things away because he might need them some day. No matter what you needed, he would venture into the basement or garage and somehow miraculously find exactly what you needed from his collection of odds and ends. We never had to send a search party to the garage or basement to find him, but came close a few times. When he didn’t have what you needed, he was a master at “Jerry Rigging” almost anything to extend the useful life until a more permanent solution was found. It was seldom elegant, but it always worked. We learned a lot from him.

Our dad loved listening to his wife, Suzette and her piano students play the piano. He had a repertoire of funny songs from his childhood. When an appropriate situation arose, he would sing a ditty which made people smile. He is the one that taught us most of the campfire songs we sang as children. At family gatherings and holidays, we all circled around the piano and sang songs together or went Christmas caroling to the neighbors’ houses. We love these memories.

Gerry helped us build legendary snow forts in the winter and taught us to use metal garbage can lids as shields during snowball fights. The man was a genius. Our side of the street always won the snowball challenges in the snow fortress he helped us build.  He taught us how to fish with bamboo poles and took us camping, often to explore new state parks and nature.  We loved these adventures.

Gerry loved horticulture and experimenting in his garden. Our dad was naturally curious about many things from horticulture experiments in his garden, history, and learning how things worked. He loved the continuing education classes he took at SDSU, well into his late 80’s.

Gerry loved the culinary arts and tinkering around in the kitchen exploring new recipies. He is most remembered for the great entrees he prepared and the largest number of dirty dishes left behind. He loved making bread and experimenting with new sauces. He loved cooking with wine and sometines he even put it in the food.

Our dad enjoyed lap swimming at the Sanford Fitness Center. What he loved the most was the people he met and saw everyday. He started a numbers racket when he picked up the study of Numerolgy as a way to exercise his mind and keep it sharp. If you told him your first and middle name, he’d tell you your lucky number and life profile. He never did figure out the Powerball numbers, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Our dad would sing a song he wrote called “The Wonderful” to family and friends on their Birthday. As a result, his Sanford friends and others started calling him “Mr. Wonderful”.

Gerald served in the Air Force in 1952 for the 78^th Air Base Squadron in Madison, WI. He was a Territory Manager for Will Ross Inc. Later in his life, he became an insurance agent with Dick Dougherty & Associates until he retired. His greatest accomplishment was being a great husband and father. Lucky us.

Gerald is survived by five wonderful children; Marie, Annette, Mark, Erik, and Steven.

Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Suzette; son, Karl; his parents, Marie “Mary” and Peter Brazones; brothers, Carl, Dick, and Don Brazones; and sisters, Marie Benner, Evie Foster, and Sally Knapp.

We are so grateful that God choose him to be our dad. We love and miss you.