May 22, 1942 ~ September 4, 2021

Carolyn H Jackson, 79, of both Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Raritan, New Jersey, died Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the home of her daughter, and son-in-law.

Memorial Services will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at The Reformed Church at Finderne (581 Bridgewater Ave. Bridgewater, NJ, 08807)

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Carolyn’s name to San Alfonso’s. (755 Ocean Ave, PO Box 3098, Long Branch NJ 07740)

Carolyn Helen Jackson was born on May 22, 1942, to Charles and Ann (Adamski) Walrod and she spent her youth in Bayonne, NJ. As a graduate of the Jersey City State College Education program, Carolyn moved out of the city with her college sweetheart, Paul T Jackson, and eventually settling in Raritan, NJ. Carolyn taught elementary and special education while raising two children. Additionally, she had a second career at AT&T using many of her teaching skills.

Carolyn radiated compassion, joy, and a serious Jersey attitude. She loved the Shore, murder mysteries, sewing, enjoying her garden and her many friends and family, all of whom will miss her sense of humor, her contagious laughter, and most of all, her guidance and wisdom.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Karen (James) Tvedt, and her son, Eric (Emilia Agrafojo) Jackson.

Carolyn is preceded by her husband, Paul; and her parents, Charles and Ann (Adamski) Walrod.

Carolyn lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to know her.

June 15, 1938 ~ August 20, 2021

Barbara L. Ward, 83, Chancellor, SD, died Friday, August 20, 2021, unexpectedly
at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, with her family around her.

A private family service will be held Saturday, September 11th, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm
with Pastor Jeff Hayes officiating. A Visitation will be from 3:00 to 4:00 pm; both will take place at 46256 270 St., Chancellor, SD, 57015.

Barbara Louise Ward was born June 15, 1938, in Norway, Maine, to Albert and Ruth Roy. Barbara graduated from Norway High School in 1956, which is also the year she married the love of her life, Franklin Ward, on October 19, 1956.

Barbara worked hard in life, putting in many years at the Imperial 400 Motel, Eastern Tool Company, and the Shoe Shop, in Norway, Maine, where she worked with her husband, Frank. Barbara lived most of her life in East Hartford, CT., where she raised her family and became a member of every casino, east to west. Later, she moved with her husband, to Sioux Falls SD, to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Barbara would brighten any life she touched. She brought life to the party and love to our hearts.

Barbara will be missed by her three children, Ricky (Gail) Ward, Sioux Falls, Linda (Ken) Letze,
Chancellor, SD, and Jeffrey Ward, Inverness, FL; nine grandchildren, Jason and Justin Ward,
Jennifer (Zach) Benning, Sarah and Jessica Jellema, Miranda (Nick) Fendrich, and Matthew, Nickole and Tim Ward.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Ward; father and mother, Albert and Ruth Roy; and three brothers Albert Jr., Roland, and Arthur Roy.

January 26, 1940 ~ August 27, 2021

Merle B. Peterson, 81, Sioux Falls died Friday, August 27, 2021, at the Ava House following his battle with cancer.

Merle Bennet Peterson was born January 26, 1940, in Wausa, NE, to Harry and Emma (Skelberg) Peterson.  Merle Peterson graduated Brookings High School.  He met Maxine James and married March of 1960, in Brookings. They moved to Council Bluffs for his job at Fairmont Foods and he continued to work for Fairmont Foods when they moved to Storm Lake. They moved to Mitchell, SD, to work for a different company; Harker’s Wholesale Meats. The company transferred them to Sioux Falls, along with their two children. He worked for that company for 27 years. Once retired, Merle went to work for Orion Foods, for 15 years, being a truck driver. Upon retiring again, he did other part-time jobs with US Auto Force, Hy-Vee, and as a Grounds Keeper, at their apartment complex.

Merle was a devoted husband and father. He loved to hunt, fish, many motorcycle trips with his wife, and riding dirt bikes with his son. He also loved to travel, loved going for coffee at different coffee shops with his wife along, and with friends and family Through years of working as a salesman, he developed long-lasting friendships.  Merle was a wonderful loving father and grandfather. He was always there to lend a helping hand when needed; especially to his daughter, and her many projects around her house.

Merle will be deeply missed by two children, Rick (Michelle) Peterson, Sioux Falls, and Kristi (Ryan Putnam) Bassett, Sioux Falls; nine grandchildren, Dalton, Taylor, Drake, McKenzie, Caden, Tara, Jeff, Jaris, and Jordan; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Florence Doran; and many nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; his parents, Harry and Emma (Skelberg) Peterson; one son (at birth), Randall; one grandchild, Eric Boyd; one brother, Sterling Peterson; and one sister, Darlene Holmberg.

June 22, 1949 ~ August 19, 2021

Steven G. Snapper, 72, Sioux Falls, died Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Memorial Visitation will be 5-7pm, Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home.

Steven Garrett Snapper was born June 22, 1949, to Harry and Margaret (Nordlie) Snapper and spent his early years in Sioux Falls. His family moved to Valley Springs and lived there for several years. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 1968. After high school, Steven joined the US Coast Guard and was based in Charlevoix, MI. When he was discharged, he returned to Sioux Falls, where he met his wife, Darlene Bialas. Steven and Darlene were married on May 15, 1971.

Steven worked for many years at Elmen Enterprises as a computer programmer. He enjoyed photography, short road trips, walks, time with his granddaughters, and feeding the ducks and geese at Arrowhead Park. Steven and Darlene celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this year by renewing their vows.

Steven is survived by his wife Darlene; sons, Greg and Sean; granddaughters, Trina, Trista, and Trinity, all of Sioux Falls; one sister, Donna Saalborn, Fort Walton Beach, FL; and one brother, Robert (Kris) Snapper, Sioux Falls.

Steven is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret Snapper.

December 18, 1947 ~ August 19, 2021

Vickie L. Cooke, 74, Brandon, passed away, Thursday, August 19, 2021, peacefully in her home. 

Memorial Services will be 2:30pm, Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon.  This service will be live-streamed. Please click on the link to watch live. Part 1 https://youtu.be/qFvj9aeiud0 and Part 2 https://youtu.be/O3K6RkSdM4s

Vickie Lee Gully was born December 18, 1947, to Victor and June (Wilde) Gully in Sioux City, IA. Vickie enjoyed her life fully by spending time with family, friends, and, being involved in her church.   Her greatest gift was teaching those close to her to persevere, live their life greatly, and love each other. 

Vickie is survived by her husband, Joseph E. Cooke, Sioux City, IA; sister, Robyn Berger, Ocala Fl; three daughters, Michelle Middleton, Sioux City, IA, Lisa Moore, San Juan Capistrano, CA, and Sonja Smith, Brandon, SD;  6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews

Vickie is preceded in death by her parents, George and June Wickey; brother, Richard Gulley, two sisters, Bobbett Gulley, and Carol Wietzel; and one brother in law, William Berger.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

July 7, 1965, ~ August 10, 2021

Bernhard L. Lind, 56, Yankton, died Tuesday, August 10, 2021, unexpectedly at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

Visitation will be 4-6pm, Friday, August 13, 2021, with a service at 6pm, at Heartland Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bernie’s honor to The Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services – Cedar Village Assisted Living Facility (1028 Walnut Street, Yankton, SD 57078 – Attention Janel Heine).

On July 7, 1965, Bernie was born to Donald L. (Sr.) and Roberta (Brannan) Lind, in Canton, SD. The family lived in Worthing, SD, before moving to Sioux Falls in 1974, where Bernie attended Lincoln High School. He worked for the City of Sioux Falls Street Department. Due to health reasons, he was forced to leave the work field sector.

He was an avid heavy metal fan, namely fond of Judas Priest. He was a bicycle enthusiast. He enjoyed his music collection, collecting music cassettes, albums, 8 tracks, and CDs. Bernie was also known to collect Bibles. He loved rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bernie will be deeply missed by his daughter, Stephanie Lind, Sioux Falls; four siblings, Bradley Lind, Sioux Falls, Donald (Angie) Lind, Sioux Falls, Marin (John) Ciarlette, Plainfield, IL, and Jennifer Duffy, Sioux Falls; seven nieces and nephews, Lacey, Zach (Alyssa), Casey (Robin), Kirsten (Taylor), Liz, Kayleah, and Rayna; three great-niece and nephews, Hayden, Russell, and Hendrix.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald L. (Sr.) and Roberta Lind.

February 16, 1938 ~ August 7, 2021

Jord E. Turner, 83, Sioux Falls, SD, died Saturday, August 7, 2021, in his other home of Welton, AZ, at the Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Memorial Services will be 11:00am, Friday, August 20, 2021, at First Evangelical Free Church, (2601 W. 69th St. Sioux Falls, 57108) with a Visitation starting at 10:00am. Burial will follow at the SD State Veteran’s Cemetery. 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

Jord Eugene Turner was born on February 16, 1938, to Virgil and Margaret (William) Turner in Minneapolis, MN.  In his early years, his family lived in Brookings SD, where Jord spent time as a Boy Scout Leader and attended high school. His father owned the print shop of the local newspaper where Jord would spend many days helping his parents. On February 4, 1961, Jord married the love of his life, Linda Swartz. After their union, Jord and Linda moved to Sioux Falls, SD.

Jord joined the Air National Guard and worked as an AGE technician of the South Dakota Air National Guard from February 1962 until April 1993. It was during those same years, Jord and Linda decided to foster children, which they ended up doing together for over 50 years. As a result of fostering so many children, the Turners grew into an incredibly large and extended family. During those years of fostering, Jord and Linda took the opportunity to shower so much love on all their children. Jord enjoyed taking all his kids on vacation, camping, amusement parks, and baseball games. After Jord retired, he worked for Billion Motors for a short time. Jord and his wife moved to Wellton AZ, as they would spend time enjoying their retirement years.

Jord had a huge heart for sharing his faith in Christ to anyone around him and loved people from all walks of life, regardless of their life experiences or inward and outward characteristics. He would strike up a conversation with someone and that person would then become a lifelong friend. For over 25 years, he was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), which he used to fuel his passion for riding his motorcycle all over the country, including to the Sturgis Rally, as well as the Fall Colors Event, to name a few, just to share the gospel. He also enjoyed following the gospel quartet “The Master’s Heirs” wherever they were performing. Jord also participated in a variety of ministries over the years, including Life Light, and the Banquet, in Sioux Falls.  

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Linda Turner, Sioux Falls, SD and Wellton, AZ; his children, Jord Turner Jr. (Gwendolyn), Hutchinson, MN, Robert Turner, Custer, SD, Kathy Turner Flanagan, Sioux Falls, SD, and Jay Turner, Sioux Falls, SD, Tori (Craig) Wittrock, Sioux Falls SD, Jason Smith, Sioux Falls, SD, Nichole (Chad) DeVries, Sioux Falls, SD, and Cindy (Chad) Egeberg, Brookings, SD;  Jord was blessed with 26 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; special friends, Joann Baker, Stan, and Dee Hayes; and as well as several other special friends and family members; In addition, Jord would tell you that all the foster children were their kids, including their grand-kids and great-grandkids.

Jord was preceded in death by his parents; one great-granddaughter, Kirra Ann.

February 15, 1943 ~ July 31, 2021

James E. Kortesmaki, 78, Sioux Falls, SD, died Saturday, July 31, 2021, at his home.

Memorial Services will be 11:30am, Friday, August 6, 2021, at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD, with visitation beginning at 10:30am.  Burial will be at Racine, WI, later on.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Day Break (Adult Day Services) at The Center for Active Generations or Hospice Care at Avera Health in his memory.

James Elmer Kortesmaki was born February 15, 1943, in Mount Clements, MI, with a twin brother, John, to John and Tyne (Johnson) Kortesmaki, who were of Finish ancestry. He grew up in Superior, WI, and attended Vo-tech school for woodworking. He moved to Racine, WI, and married Phyllis Chase. To this union one child was born, Amy. He worked in the carpentry industry and in construction as a “finish carpenter.” Jim retired at the age of 58 and took up the hobby of wood carving. He moved to South Dakota in 2014 to be closer to his daughter, Amy, and her family.

Jim had many nicknames, because of his middle name Elmer, he was known as “Elm Tree,” which was later shortened to “Tree.” He was onery, but the more disgruntled he seemed, the more that you knew you were loved. One of his dear friends recently described Jim in this way, “Jim may have been a grump, but what a great grumpy friend. I did give it back to him, that’s why we were such good friends, little snicker and laugh. Such a friend. I had many great times at the store, him teaching classes. Jim would complain, but I knew that he would love it because that is all that he would talk about.”

He was a perfectionist, especially in his wood carvings. If one portion was flawed, he would discard the piece and start over completely. Many of his works have been sold as art treasures because of their profound beauty. One of his favorite lines was, “Well, you gotta have a sense of humor.”

James is survived by his four children, Lee (Holly) Draper, Beach Park, IL, Lynne Beers, Slayton, MN, Dale Kortesmaki, Wisconsin, and Amy (Steve) Willison, Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Dallas, Jeannie (Ryan), Shane, Amber (Bob), Zakary, Olivia, James (Kaylee), Joanna (Jacob), Julie (Nathanial), Abigail, David, Peter, Daniel, and Rebekah; multiple great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and all of his carving buddies.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Tyne (Johnson) Kortesmaki; siblings, a twin brother, John, Judy, Joanie, Bertha, and Saundra.

August 24, 1942 ~ July 22, 2021

John M. Nelson 78, Sioux Falls, ran out of bonus time on July 22, 2021, at Ava’s House, in Sioux Falls. He would tell you that his demise was scheduled for April 1974, however, kidney dialysis and a kidney transplant from his sister, Kris, postponed that date. John liked to think that he appreciated every minute of that bonus time.

Visitation with family present will begin at 9:30am. Funeral services will begin at 10:30am at First Lutheran Church (327 S Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104), in the Chapel on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

John Marius Nelson was born on August 24, 1942, to Kermit and Bernice (Carlson) Nelson in Canton, SD. His family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he graduated from Washington High School in 1960.

John married his wife, of 56 years, Bonnie Hess, in 1965. They moved to Minneapolis, MN. He honorably served in the US Army as a Medical Laboratory Specialist from 1966 to 1969. After his service, he and Bonnie moved back to Sioux Falls, where he started his career with the City of Sioux Falls in the Health Department. After 37 years serving the city of Sioux Falls, John retired as the Public Health Department Laboratory Supervisor.

John was a lifelong learner. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science from Augustana College, in 1971, and later received his Master of Science degree from the University of South Dakota, in 2005. In retirement, he enjoyed taking many courses thru OLLI.

John was active with the American Public Health Association, the South Dakota Public Health Association, and the National Kidney Foundation of South Dakota.

John enjoyed science, art, cycling, photography, listening to public radio, writing poetry and short stories, traveling, music, and U-Conn Women’s Basketball.  He also loved time with friends and sharing a good cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or a favorite German Beer.  John was a passionate supporter of South Dakota Friends of Traditional Music. His grandson, James, held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Sara (Son-in-law John), grandson James and sisters Nancy Nelson and Kris (Pat) Roberts.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Anne and his two beloved dogs Alfie and Morgan.

“What is the meaning of life?” is the response John would often have when asked if he had any questions.  If asked, he’d say, “Enjoy it.  Every day is a gift to be savored and celebrated,” or simply “Carpe Diem.”

July 14, 1956 ~ July 23, 2021

Mary Jo Halverson, 65, of Scotland, SD ran through the gates of Heaven on July 23, 2021 while at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

    A Memorial Celebration of Mary Jo’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Scotland Community Church in Scotland, SD. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Please join us for a meal with sharing of memories and fellowship immediately following the memorial service.

    Mary Jo Hoopes was born on July 14, 1956, to Gordon & Lorraine (Sathe) Hoopes in Yankton, SD. She was the youngest of four girls. Mary Jo and her three sisters were raised by Lorraine Hoopes and step-mother Joyce ‘Jo’ (Heick) Hoopes along with their father Gordon.

    Although Mary Jo was born after the polio vaccine was developed, she was too young to receive it and ultimately became infected around the age of one – her three sisters were all old enough to receive the vaccine and were not affected. Soon after being diagnosed with polio, Mary Jo experienced breathing difficulties and was put into an iron lung for 6 months. While she does not have memories of this time, Mary Jo spoke of her mother saying the experience left her feeling heartbroken, unable to hold her baby girl.  Polio affects the nervous system and, among other things, left Mary Jo without the use of her left leg.  She needed numerous surgeries throughout her childhood and into her youth. Ultimately, her left leg grew to be three inches shorter than her right leg and surgeons fused her shorter leg at the knee to help her maintain some mobility.

    At the age of 5, Mary Jo shared the stage at a March of Dimes fundraiser with Yankton’s mayor. The newspaper caption referred to her as, “Yankton County’s Polio Girl” – reflecting on the event, she said she felt like a movie star. Later in life, Mary Jo would achieve notoriety once again as Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota. Mary Jo attended Yankton High School where she graduated in 1974. She proudly attended the University of South Dakota-Springfield, studying accounting, until it closed in 1975.

    The family was the center of Mary Jo’s life. She was a strong, loving mother to five sons. Mary Jo would work numerous jobs throughout her life to provide for her wild bunch as a single mother of five. Looking back, she would often remark, “we didn’t have a lot, but what we did have, we shared”. Later in life, Mary Jo welcomed, with loving arms, two step-daughters and one step-son with Jeff Comstock.

    Mary Jo enjoyed her job as a bookkeeper for The Treasure Chest. She also enjoyed spending time in the sun, cruising on her Hoveround wheelchair with grandkids, Bible study, attending anything the kids or grandkids were doing, crossword puzzles, holiday gatherings, camping, Jeopardy!, swimming, praising God, and loving every single person around her – she always made sure you knew how much she loved you.

    Mary Jo is survived by the love of her life, Jeff Comstock (Scotland, SD); children, Elvis McKee, Chamberlain, SD, Steve (Heather) Henry, Scotland, SD, Doug (Robin) Henry, Tea, SD, Jill (Josh) Goehring Delmont, SD, Casey (Amanda) Comstock, Bennington, NE, Sean (Jamie) Halverson, Council Bluffs, IA, Sam Halverson, Sioux Falls, SD, Danielle (Jed) Ogren, Marshall, MN; 24 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild (due August 2021); sisters, Linda (Curt) Adrian, Parker, SD, Cindy Voichoskie, Norfolk, NE, and Terry (Mark) Daggett, Tea, SD; 4 uncles; 2 aunts; 10 cousins; 3 nephews; 5 nieces; and countless friends.

    She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Lorraine Hoopes, and stepmother, Joyce Hoopes.