November 26, 1926 ~ August 4, 2024

Bernice L. Christopherson passed away peacefully Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Bethany Meadows Home in Brandon, SD. 

A Visitation for Bernice will be held at the Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Split Rock Lutheran Church, rural Brandon.  Interment will follow at the Split Rock Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Brandon, SD.

Bernice Louise Fiskey was born November 26, 1926, on a farm near Bridgewater, SD.  Bernice was the oldest of four children born to William Fiskey and Minnie (Jensen) Fiskey. Bernice and her family spent the majority of her childhood in the Bridgewater area and later moved to a farm near Salem, SD.  Bernice graduated from Salem High School in May 1944, and then attended Sioux Valley School of Nursing/Sanford Health, graduating in 1947.  Bernice married Dennis Christopherson on February 28, 1960.  Dennis and Bernice spent the majority of their married life at their home in Corson, SD. Bernice continued to live in Corson after the death of Dennis in 1996, until moving to Bethany Meadows in July 2016.

As a loving wife, Bernice continued in her nursing profession until her retirement, after 45 years of employment, at Sioux Valley/Sanford Hospital.  Bernice lived an active life and taught by example.  Among Bernice’s numerous achievements and involvement throughout her life, she was Supervisor/Administrator of the Luverne Community Hospital, Supervisor at Sioux Valley/Sanford Hospital, 1984 Nurse of the Year/Sioux Valley School of Nursing Alumni Association, 2012 Nurse of the Year/Sanford Health, Friends of Parkinson Foundation and Parkinson Committee, National Parkinson’s Foundation, volunteered at Split Rock Lutheran Church, Luther Manor Board Member, Nursing Alumni Association, Split Rock Lutheran Church Council, Senior Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Alumni Association of Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing.

Bernice is survived by her sister, Jean Fiskey; and special friend, Yvonne Kelling, Mankato, MN; cousins, Pam King, Holt, MO; Jane Schumacher, Bismark, ND; special friends, Joe and Louise Sandoval, Alison Lane, Joe “Joey” Sandoval, Sharla Jannsen, Deb Weir, Steve Farley, Donna Skalland, Norma Chesshir, and many other friends and acquaintances.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Christopherson; her parents; brother, Ralph Fiskey; sister, Delores Schoppert; and mother/father-in-law, Ruth and Dewey Christopherson.

February 19, 1963 ~ July 29, 2024

Jeffery B. Gardiner, 61, Sioux Falls, died Monday, July 29, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center.

A Visitation will be held at 5-7pm, Friday, August 2, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service at 6:30pm.

Jeffery Brian Gardiner was born on February 19, 1963, to Paul and Leona (Hart) Gardiner in Sioux Falls, SD. He attended Washington High School and then worked in California before moving back to Sioux Falls. He played in several bands as a lead guitarist around Sioux Falls. One of his favorites was playing Eruption by Eddie Van Halen.

Jeff met Monica Jack, and they had one daughter, Leona. He worked at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Goodwill of Sioux Falls, and Olive Garden, retiring in 2017 due to poor health.

Jeffery loved slasher and horror movies, monster masks, and collecting toys. He loved nature walks and enjoyed collecting bugs once in a rare while. Music was a favorite pastime and passion. He went fishing as a kid and had many great memories while fishing with friends or sometimes alone. He was a great storyteller and loved to tell stories to his daughter, Leona. He was an amazing provider to his close friend, Monica Jack. He was always a supportive father, a nurturing dad, and an extraordinary papa to his daughter, Leona. He was Monica’s first partner, a true gentleman, and will always be loved by his partner, Monica Jack, his daughter, Leona Sage, and by all who’ve connected paths with him.

Jeff is survived by his partner, Monica; his daughter, Leona; one sister, Linda Wieman; and one brother, Paul Gardiner.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Janet Christiansen and Phyllis Underberg; and two ferrets, Pugsley and Creature.

September 6, 1994 ~ July 21, 2024

Benjamen M. Bourne, 29, Hartford, passed away suddenly at his home on July 21, 2024.

A Visitation will be held 2pm to 4pm, on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.

Ben Markes Bourne came into this world on September 6, 1994, to Robin and Clarice (Brandsgaard) Bourne in Sioux Falls, SD. Ben was “born a fighter”. He was born at 26 weeks gestation, weighing 1lb. 13oz. and 13″ long. Ben was in for a struggle, right from the beginning. Thankfully, he overcame those struggles and was able to grow up with his friends and family in Sioux Falls, SD. Ben obtained the same wandering fever his dad had and joined the carnival that came to town. He enjoyed seeing the different towns and states before realizing he wanted to be back home. 

Ben had a flavorful work experience in his short-lived life. It ranged from fast food to security to lawn and landscaping and ended with tow truck driving. Ben enjoyed the tow truck life. He felt he was able to help the community out as a tow truck driver.

When Ben wasn’t driving, he could be found gaming with friends and family or hanging with nieces and nephews. Ben enjoyed being an uncle. He loved and treated all of them equally. Ben always had a smile on his face when he was around them. Ben would also randomly call friends and family between 1 and 3 am proving he was having a slow night at work with Stocken Towing.

Ben also enjoyed his fishing time with his best friend ever, Ryder, a Golden Retriever. You could always find them together if Ben was not working.

Ben is survived by his mom, Clarice Brandsgaard; siblings, Robert (Shannon Nordman) Grim, Desiree Wollan, Shantae (Erika Villaruel) Bourne, ShayLeigh Bourne, and Breanna (Austin) Kunselman; his nieces and nephews that will forever miss his goofiness; his aunt and uncles that are going to miss him as well; and his girlfriend.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Robin Lee Bourne; grandparents, Glenn and Ann Brandsgaard, Ben and Joan Bourne; Uncle Jim Bourne, Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary Tieszen; cousins, Elizabeth, Paul, and Mystique Brandsgaard, and Hadley Tassler.

November 28, 1947 – July 14, 2024

On July 14, 2024, we lost a wonderful mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to many.

Linda Kay Dominisse was born November 28, 1947, to Merlin Nicholas Dominisse and Shirley Jean Belle (Dowling) Dominisse in Norfolk NE.  Linda and her family lived in Randolph NE.  Throughout her life, she lived in various cities of Nebraska and in the Sioux Falls, SD area. 

Linda married Marcus in 1971, and from this marriage, she had four children.  

Linda loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!  She loved watching sports!  Her favorites were the New York Yankees baseball, Dodgers baseball, SF 49ers football, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers with her son.  She LOVED baking, especially for her grandkids! She has many recipes and notes on them, including which ones each of the grandkids really liked. She enjoyed growing a garden and watching all the birds enjoy her birdfeeders. 

Linda was survived by her children, Shelli Aksland (Eldon Esmay), Marc Aksland, and Shirley (Tom) Niemeyer; her grandchildren, Joseph (Alisha) Bohdan, Nicholas (Brynn Schupner), and Nathan Esmay, Makayla Ochsner (Liam Sport), Korey and Katrina Relph; her great-grandchildren, Natalie Sport, Lillian, and Lukas Relph, and Riley Sayler; her mother, Shirley Huey; her sisters, Judy (Roger) Musch, and Marion (Dick) Dressen; and many nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Merlin; her son, Lynn Nicholas; and her brother, Nick.

April 22, 1952 ~ July 7, 2024

Gary W. Grabau, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away peacefully at his home in Sioux Falls, S.D., on July 7, 2024. He was 72.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., on Aug. 10, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society, Sioux Falls located at 5320 W. 49^th St., Sioux Falls, S.D 57106.  Lunch will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Sioux Falls School District Child Nutrition Fund (please include “Angel Fund” in the memo line if donating by check) are appreciated.

Gary William Grabau was born on April 22, 1952, in Rochester, MN. Gary was the son of the late Loraine and Frances Grabau of Spring Valley, MN. He graduated from Spring Valley High School and continued his education at Winona State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He later received a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University.

Gary humbly dedicated his career to education, serving as a high school teacher, mentor, and coach for football, track, and basketball. In 2000, Gary was honored as the Social Studies Teacher of the Year in Minnesota, a testament to his passion and dedication to teaching. He was particularly inspired by Lloyd Petersen of Marshall High School, whose mentorship helped shape Gary’s own approach to teaching and mentoring, until his retirement in 2008. Gary continued to share his passion as an educator for the Senior Gold program in Marshall at SMSU.

In his spare time, Gary enjoyed collecting Redwing Pottery and cherished his visits to Lake Superior, which was his favorite spot to visit. He loved camping with his family and treasured weekly breakfast gatherings with his fellow coaches.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Paige Grabau, Sioux Falls; his sons, Robert Grabau, Sioux Falls, and Matthew (Kalee) Grabau, Eagan, MN; his daughter, Amanda (Brian) Vlaminck, Sioux Falls; in his later years, he became a cherished grandfather to Emalyn and Evan Vlaminck, Sioux Falls; his brother, Robert (Kathy) Grabau, Pine Island, MN; his niece and nephew, Megan Thibodeaux, St. Paul, MN, and Mitchell Grabau, Pine Island, MN.

October 18, 1945 ~ June 26, 2024

Duane Tordsen, 78, of Sioux Falls, “DT”, as he was known by many, or Dad to us, has gone to where the fish are always biting, he’s bowling 300’s, has the winning card hand, and the Miller Lite is always cold. 

Dad didn’t want a sappy obituary, funeral, or any fanfare. His request was to have his friends and family raise a drink in his honor and to remember the good times. 

If you would like to honor his memory, please feel free to donate to: Disabled American Veterans 1519 W 51st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Hey Dad, 

Love you, bye… 

Anne & Lynn

October 26, 1950 ~ June 24, 2024

Juanita “Nita” J. Nelson, 73, Brandon, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 24, 2024, surrounded by family, after succumbing to cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be 4-6pm, Friday, July 26, 2024, with a short service at 5:30pm, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon, SD.

Juanita “Nita” Jean Nelson was born to Alvin and Jenny (Johnson) Kruse, on October 26, 1950, one of six children.  She grew up in Maynard, MN, and after graduating high school in 1968. Nita moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she attended school for dental hygiene. She met her husband Randy Kentzelman, and they were married on July 22, 1978. Nita and Randy moved to Dallas, TX, where they had their son, Josh, and daughter, Amber. Nita eventually moved back to Minnesota to be closer to her parents but settled in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1994. She worked at Sioux Valley Hospital and finished out her working years at Wells Fargo, where she made many great friends along the way.

Nita lived her life to the fullest and always made everyone feel welcome. Her faith never faltered during her journey with cancer and she was well known as everyone’s prayer warrior. She enjoyed baking, spending time with her family and friends, watching the Minnesota Vikings play football, dancing, and traveling. She was so proud of her children and grandson and claimed bragging rights to all of their accomplishments. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.

Nita is survived by her children, Josh, and Amber (Matt); and her grandson, Mason; sisters, Lavonne “Pug” (Lloyd) Lind, and Elaine Mueller; her brothers, Ron (Dana) Kruse, Bob (Diane) Kruse, and Gary (Paula) Kruse; and many nieces and nephews.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Jenny Kruse.

March 17, 1942 ~ June 24, 2024

Tony P. Underberg, 82, Sioux Falls, died on June 24, 2024, at his home, where he had been doing in-home hospice care and was being taken care of and surrounded by the ones he loved, after an unexpected aggressive cancer diagnosis.

Visitation will be 2-4pm, Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 1pm, Monday, July 1, 2024, also at Heartland Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St Michael Cemetery.

Anthony “Tony” Phillip Underberg was born on March 17, 1942, in Larchwood, IA, to Matthew and Alma (Warborg) Underberg. He married the love of his life, Darlene, on July 30, 1962, and began raising their family shortly thereafter.

Tony worked for 32 years, as he owned and operated Tony Underberg Drywall. After retiring from that, he worked for North American Wholesale Florist as a delivery driver for 18 years and retired from there in October 2023.

Tony enjoyed fishing, hunting, racing, playing cards, giving flowers to friends and neighbors, driving the neighborhood to check on his kids, and vacations in the Black Hills every Labor Day weekend for 50+ years. Tony made many, many great relationships throughout his years and will always be remembered for his joking sense of humor, his laugh, his willingness to always help out, and his great handyman advice. Tony could fix anything. He was overall a great, kind man, and friend to many. But most of all, Tony loved his family. He always supported them at every event he could attend.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children, Phil (Kim), and Casey (Shawndrel), all of Sioux Falls; daughter-in-law, Laura; son-in-law, Chad; his beloved grandkids, Mason, Micah, Dylan, Shayne, Taren, Seth, Amelia, Alec, Adrianna, Jayden, William, Jacob, Sean, Caysen, and Krew; great-grandchildren, Nora, Lyric, Brooks, Reese, Stevie, Story, Bodhi, Teddy, Cleo, Rylie, Corbin and a baby girl due in September; siblings, Jane Hoffman, Rita Kaffar, Alice (Bernie) VanVooren, Joyce Townsend; and significant friend, CarolAnn Schroeder; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Dar (who passed away in 2017) after 54 years of marriage; his children, Pat and Toni; his parents, Matthew and Alma Underberg; his siblings, Don Underberg, Midge Zeiner, and Matthew Underberg, Jr.

Tony was the most beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

June 27, 1974 ~ June 21, 2024

Damon R. Shimp, 49, Steen, MN, died Friday, June 21, 2024, unexpectedly from health issues while trucking, in Myrtle, MS.

Memorial Services are set for 10am, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a visitation beginning at 9am.

Damon Russell Shimp, son of Norman and Susan Shimp, was born on June 27, 1974, in Pinckney, MI.  Damon grew up in Lower Michigan and in Pelkie MI. After high school, Damon worked in the mines, on the family farm, and drove a truck.  He went to Ferris State University in MI to get his degree in Heavy Equipment and as a Diesel Mechanic. He was most proud of owning his own semi to run a business on his own and with Dean Titze.  Damon drove a truck for over 30 years of his life.  He currently was working with Dean Titze at OAT Inc., through Johnson Feeds out of Canton, SD. 

While driving a truck for Landstar, Damon met his wife Sasha on the internet in 2003.  He was united in marriage with Sasha Olivier on September 24, 2004, in Jasper, MN.  They have been married for 19 years and 9 months.

Damon enjoyed trucking with his buddy, Dean, spending time with his family, especially his kids, when he came off the road for a few days. He loved helping his wife tend to the garden and having mowing races to see who could mow most of the 5 acres they lived on. He also enjoyed watching movies and playing with the cats out on the farm, and he recently bought a dog for Wyett. Damon enjoyed working on cars with his son, Wyett.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Sasha of 19 years; two children, Aspen (Riley) Sheppard, Steen, MN, and Wyett Shimp, Steen, MN; one step-child, Austin Spielmann; his parents, Norman and Susan Shimp, Pelkie, MI;  one sister, Stacy (Paul) Mleko, WI; one brother, Jarrod Shimp, MI; three nephews, Mitch, Mark, and Luke; and one niece, Lindsay; one grandchild, Maverick; many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Damon is preceded in death by his in-laws, Lloyd and Irene Olivier; his grandparents on both his mother’s and father’s side; Uncle Bob, and Uncle Carol.  

November 30, 1971 ~ June 21, 2024

Kyle N. Spielmann, 52, Sioux Falls, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024, at home, surrounded by friends and family.

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a short service beginning at 6:30pm.

Kyle Nicholas Spielmann was brought into the world on November 30, 1971, by his mom, Alyce (Butler) Spielmann, and his dad, Ronald Spielmann. Kyle was born, raised, and educated in Sioux Falls, SD. He married the love of his life, Jeanie German on August 15, 1995. They had three children, Katie, Lucas, and Kade.

Kyle worked at Splitrock Landscaping for 10 years. He switched to plumbing and worked at Frisbees for 21 years. Kyle was a “jack of all trades.” He was everyone’s “MacGyver.” He could do anything once he put his mind to it and would not give up until he fixed or built it. He loved his family and friends, and his best dogs, Duke and Burkly, were his BEST friends. Kyle enjoyed dirt bike riding, pool league, hunting and fishing, and many other activities.  

Kyle is survived by his wife Jeanie; his children, Katie, Lucas, and Kade; mom, Alyce (Liza) Spielmann; dad, Ronald (Carol) Spielmann; siblings, Lonn Spielmann, Kandee (Paul) Perreault, and LeAnn (Eric) Thompson; sister-in-law, Sue (German) Bossert; brother-in-law, Mike German; and many nieces and nephews.

Kyle was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother and father-in-law, Sandy and Jack German; sister-in-law, Angel Stevens; niece, Maria LaRosa Spielmann; friend, Kenny Namanny; his best dog ever, Duke; and many aunts and uncles.