June 27, 1926 ~ November 17, 2025

Gerald O. Richards, 99, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on November 17, 2025, at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Casetta Event Space, 201 W 37^th St., Sioux Falls. Contact Fred Richards at 605-251-6894 with any questions.

Gerald Owen Richards was born on June 27, 1926, in Rockport, ME, to Frederick F. Richards and Marion (Carroll) Richards. He was the younger brother of Carroll H. Richards.

Gerald was a proud graduate of Rockport High School, Class of 1944 and Clark University, Class of 1951. Gerald served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1945–1946, including overseas duty at the Lechfeld Army Air Base in Germany. After returning home, he built a long and

impressive career in remote sensing, image processing, and cartography. He retired in 1992 as Deputy Project Manager for TGS Technology at EROS Data Center, though he never stopped being fascinated by geography or maps. He was also a longtime member of the American Society for Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing (Emeritus member); St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge No. 82 (Rockport); and Gaveler’s High 12 Club No. 91 (Sioux Falls).

Gerald’s family considered him to be their rock. He was always there for them when they needed him—unselfish and giving, with quiet wisdom and strength.

Gerald had an unmatched love for lighthouses, books, photographs, and a good LL Bean sweater. He sent perfectly timed greeting cards and never forgot a birthday.

Gerald loved baseball and basketball, loved his family even more, and never wanted to be a burden, though his family was always grateful for every chance to care for him. His wit was quick, his smile could light up a room, and his satirical humor made ordinary days memorable. He was a great listener and only gave advice when needed.

Gerald was endlessly loyal and deeply loved. To know him was to be blessed by his steadiness, his stories, and his gentle, dependable presence. His family takes comfort knowing he lived a long life filled with love, laughter, curiosity, and optimism.

Gerald was a devoted husband to Nancy Richards and was endlessly proud of his son,

Frederick W. Richards, and daughter-in-law, Jane. Nothing brought him more joy than being “Grampy” to Daniel Richards and Susan Richards (Jordan Craig), and meeting his three great-grandchildren: Audie, Luca, and Jack Craig.

He will be missed beyond measure and remembered for all the beautiful ways he touched our lives.

October 26, 1943 ~ November 13, 2025

Gerry Lewis Garnes, 1943–2025

Gerry Garnes, a long-time resident of Perry IA, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 13. He was 82.

Gerry Garnes entered the world on October 26, 1943, at 1:50 p.m. in Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Born to Ivyl Ellsworth Garnes and Delsie Gertrude Garnes, Gerry grew up with a big heart, famously ornery and stubborn and a talent for finding the most complicated way to complete any simple task. These qualities, of course, only made him more lovable and certainly more memorable.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Ivyl Elswoth Garnes; his brother Charles William Cretsinger; his brother Oliver Junior Crestsinger: and his sister Dorothy Winfred Young; and by the love of his life, Billie Kestel, with whom he spent 20 years of laughter, horses, camping, fishing and more yard projects than most people would attempt in a lifetime. Together in Perry, Iowa, they cultivated flowers, tended to their yard, and enjoyed caring for one very beloved fishpond that brought them no shortage of entertainment.

Gerry had a traveler’s spirit; he proudly managed to visit every single state in the USA, collecting stories, scenery, and the occasional souvenir that no one else quite understood. Usually consisting of pens, flashlights or pocketknives.

Left to celebrate his life are his sons Nick Garnes of Fort Collins, Colorado; Chad Garnes of Harrisburg, South Dakota (and Chad’s wife, Rebecca), his sister Linda Baer and his grandchildren Jackson (26), Aiden (16) and Evie (13).

Gerry kept busy—yard work, flowers and that one memorable fishpond now flower planter. His ornery humor, stubborn determination, and habit of turning even simple afternoons into adventures will be remembered—and missed—by everyone who knew him.

He leaves behind a family that will miss him deeply but will continue to tell his stories, laugh at his jokes, and remember him with the lightness and love he carried through his life.

May Gerry, dad, grandpa rest in peace.

A celebration of life will take place December 13, 2–5 pm, in the Nicolette Room at Hotel Pattee, Perry, Iowa. Snacks will be provided.

February 11, 1949 ~ November 13, 2025

Jan A. Johnson, 76, Brandon, SD, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on November 13, 2025, at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, SD, after an 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, with a Memorial Service beginning at 1:30 p.m., at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon.

In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donations be made to your local animal shelter in honor of her. She adored animals and throughout her lifetime they brought her so much companionship and joy.

Jan Arlis Engel was born on February 11, 1949, in Tyndall, SD, to John and Thelma (Mitchell) Engel. Jan spent her formative years in Avon, SD, where she created cherished memories with her family and friends. After graduating from Avon High School, she went on to graduate from the University of South Dakota with her bachelor’s degree and later in life received her master’s degree from the North American Baptist Seminary. Through her studies and her work, Jan devoted herself to making a positive difference in the lives of those around her. Jan was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. She was a source of strength and compassion, always putting others before herself and leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Jan was a radiant presence whose energy and warmth simply could not be contained. Friends and family remember her as a bright light who always wanted to help others, finding joy in lifting those in need. Her laughter was infectious, and she had a unique gift for making every moment fun and memorable. Music was one of Jan’s great passions. Those who knew her best knew her devotion to artists like the Beatles, Journey, and Bon Jovi. 

Jan’s spirit lives on through the many loving and joyful stories she leaves behind. Her grandchildren, in particular, cherish her memory, keeping her energy and spirit alive by retelling those stories and embodying the lessons she taught. Jan’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and compassion—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Jan’s legacy lives on through her children, Jessica (Chad) Nixon, Joshua (Gretchen) Johnson, and Alexis (Deven) Mayne; her adoring grandchildren, Henry Johnson, Kendall Nixon, Mia Nixon, Harper Johnson, Lauren Nixon, and Mason Mayne; and her beautiful sisters, Patricia Odens and Mary Jane Hewett. Her memory is also cherished by her nieces, Melanie, Jennifer, Tonii, Jolene, Jill, and Karla; her nephew, Jon; former spouse, Chidi; and sister-in-law, Sharon. Her family was her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Jan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Johnson; her parents, John and Thelma Engel; her father and mother-in-law, Gil and Stella Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, Jim Odens, Ron Hewett, and Jerry Johnson.

Jan loved deeply and sincerely. She knew how to care for people in the truest sense, offering kindness and understanding without reservation. Her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds set her apart, and her love was a constant source of strength for her family and friends.

August 22, 1966 ~ November 10, 2025

Dawn M. Hammerich, 59, of Hartford, SD, completed her extraordinary journey on November 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date at the American Legion in Hartford, SD. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and honor a life that continues to motivate others to live with intention and compassion.

Dawn Marie Ketter was born on August 22, 1966, in Milwaukee, WI, to Jack and Dianna (Thompson) Ketter. Dawn lived with purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. From Waukesha, WI, she went on to help develop a new type of MRI machine for detecting breast cancer, building a legacy that continues to inspire. In 2010, Dawn moved to the Denver, CO area where she worked as a subcontractor for NASA on several projects before moving to Hartford, SD in 2018.

Throughout life, Dawn embraced challenges as opportunities, celebrated milestones with gratitude, and shared kindness freely. Whether through her handmade crafts, or by offering a listening ear and helping hand, she reminded everyone that each day holds the potential to create change.

Dawn is lovingly remembered by her significant other, Kevin Jacobs; her son, Anthony Hammerich, his children, Savanna and Aubriella, his wife, Michelle Hammerich, her children, Isaiah (Madison), Kazia, Nataya, Khamaria and Dacey; Kevin’s children, Stephanie and Michael, 3 grandchildren, Andrew, Penelope and Cameron; 2 great-grandsons, Elias, son of Isaiah, and Jahseh, son of Savanna; her mother and stepfather, Dianna and Tom Anderson; her father and stepmother, Jack and Carol Ketter; and her brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Melanie Ketter.

Dawn now joins her son Micheal; her grandparents; and Michelle’s brother, Jeremy; in eternal peace.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Ava’s House whose care and support brought comfort and dignity to Dawn’s final days.

July 14, 1934 ~ November 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Carole J. Bogenrief, 91, Sioux Falls, SD, who left us on November 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration and burial for Carole will be held in the spring, where family and friends are invited to gather and honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to enjoy something Carole loved — spend time with your family, bake something sweet, or pause to notice a cardinal outside your window — and think of her.

Carole Joyce Hanson was born on July 14, 1934, in Watertown, SD, to Orval and Myrtle (Bunde) Hanson. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1952 and later made her home in Sioux Falls, where she raised her family. Carole’s life was a reflection of kindness, warmth, love, and a touch of feistiness. She found her greatest joy in the simple moments of being surrounded by those she loved most. Family was always at the center of her world.

We will remember Carole for the smiles her favorite hobbies brought her. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aroma of something sweet baking in the oven, and no one ever left her home without a treat and a full stomach. She found beauty in life’s simple pleasures — from watching bright red cardinals outside her window to tending her flower garden, each a little piece of her creativity and care.

Carole is survived by her four children, Ryan (Cheryl) Roethler, Susan (Mark) Winklepleck, Scott (Kathy) Roethler, and Julie (Bob) Natz, who will forever carry her love and lessons in their hearts; grandchildren, Brittany (Josh), Aaron (Francis), and Jessica (Aaron); her great-grandchildren, Ryder and Ava, Lily, Ben, Cooper and Cole, Elliott, and Savannah; along with her brother and sister-in-law, Morry and Judy Hanson; and sister-in-law, Aileen Hanson.

Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Derald; first husband, James; son, Joel; parents, Orval and Myrtle Hanson; and two brothers, Jim and Terry. 

Though she is no longer with us, the warmth of Carole’s love will continue to surround those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Forever loved, forever remembered.

March 21, 2000 ~ November 3, 2025

Timothy “Tim” M. LaSelle-Hook, 25, Sioux Falls, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 6:30 pm.

Timothy “Tim” Michael LaSelle-Hook, the son of Dustin and Sarah (Honer) LaSelle, was born on March 21, 2000, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Tim spent his childhood in Belleville until he was 10, then the family moved to Rock Springs, WY.  He graduated from Rock Springs High School in 2018.  The family then moved to Sioux Falls, where Tim resided until his passing.

Soon after moving to Sioux Falls, Tim met the love of his life, Sierra Wrege. They had been together for seven years and were engaged with plans for starting a family.

Tim started working at Casey’s General Store, where he was promoted to Kitchen Manager.  There wasn’t a position in that store he couldn’t do.  He always went above and beyond to help anyone in need. He was very dedicated to his job and co-workers during the six years he was employed there.

Tim loved many things, but most of all he loved his family.  Tim also had a special bond with his pets, especially his cockatiel, Ella, and dog Louie. 

Tim is survived by his mother, Sarah LaSelle; fiancée, Sierra Wrege; brothers, Shawn LaSelle, and Collin Williams; sister, Ryleigh LaSelle; stepbrother, Jacob Musielak; half-sister, Kaydence Hook; grandmother, Vicki (Ron) Coates; great aunt, Donna Hudson; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tim is preceded in death by his father, Dustin LaSelle; grandmother, Ruth Wakefield; and grandfather, Michael Wakefield.

May 11, 1973 – October 31, 2025

Jennifer L. Wixon passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by love, family, and friends who adored her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 6th from 5–7pm at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and remember Jennifer in the way she would have loved most — with laughter, good company, and maybe just a little friendly competition. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sioux Falls Humane Society.

Jennifer Lee Wixon was born on May 11, 1973, in Brookings, SD. She was the oldest child of Terry and Randi Wixon. Her early years took her from Brookings to St. Louis, then Pierre — where her three younger siblings joined the family — to Kansas City, and finally to Brandon, SD, just in time for high school. It was there she met her lifelong best friend, Shanna, on day one of new student orientation.

Jennifer played varsity volleyball at Brandon Valley High School and graduated in 1991. She spent her adult life doing what she did best — connecting with people. She worked a variety of jobs, often in human resources or training, where her friendly personality and sense of humor made her a natural fit. She was also a longtime employee of Stubbies, where she collected an entire extended family of friends.

Jennifer made people feel at ease anywhere she went. She was always the first to offer whatever she had — or to start rattling off the latest shenanigans that made her chronically late to everything she ever attended.

Jennifer was the kind of person who, after a funeral, could lift the mood by picking up a baby cousin and saying, “Look at these chubby dimpled thighs… just like your Aunt Jennifer’s.” The kind of friend who’d help you fix your hair in the bathroom — and then coat it with at least a dozen layers of hairspray for good measure.

Jennifer was the kind of mom who bought every last box of your Girl Scout cookies the night before the deadline, who helped you pick out outfits and then borrowed them later, and who never quite got over the jelly shoes that were stolen from the 26th Street McDonald’s play place. (And if she could add one message here, it would be: to whoever took those jelly shoes — you’d better watch out.)

Jennifer was also the mom cheering a little too loudly in the bleachers — the one shouting, “He’s just a little baby that didn’t do anything!” when a foul was called on one of her six-foot-tall “babies.” She went all out on graduation open houses, complete with farmhouse lanterns and greenery, because “it’s not even that much, and I still have more boxes of decorations in the car.” She always bought double the birthday gifts for her boys “so no one felt left out,” even when they were well into their teens. And despite promising “this is the last time,” she replaced every Nintendo DS that met its untimely end — whether it was eaten by a dog, buried in sand, or chewed up by the snowblower.

Jennifer was deeply competitive, whether it was a Christmas Bingo game or one of the many sporting events of her two athletic boys. Following and cheering them on was one of the greatest joys of her life — and everyone around her knew it. Her enthusiasm, her shouts from the stands, and her fierce pride in her kids will be remembered forever.

Jennifer was beautiful inside and out, known for her radiant smile and sense of style. She loved getting her hair and nails done, always put together and fashionable, no matter the occasion. She had a soft spot for animals, especially her four beloved dogs, and shared many happy years with her long-term partner, Chris, enjoying time at Lake Mary with their children.

Jennifer was a loyal Kansas City Royals fan from her childhood in Missouri and never stopped rooting for them — or for the people she loved.

Jennifer will be deeply missed by her children, Brittany (James) Raymer, Tyree Nave, and Tayden Nave; her parents, Terry and Randi Wixon; her siblings, Krista (Scott) Dubbe, Angie (Mathew) Sewell, and Andrew (Amanda) Wixon; her long-term partner, Chris Ostby and his daughters, Cienna Ostby and Alyssa Ostby; and her nieces and nephews, who adored their fun Aunt Jennifer. Jennifer also leaves behind extended family and countless friends, especially bestie, Shanna Gramm, who will never forget her quick wit, warmth, beautiful smile, and unstoppable spirit.

Jennifer will be remembered exactly as she was — mischievous, funny, fashionable, fiercely loving, and deeply human. And that’s exactly how she’d want it.

August 20, 1955 ~ October 24, 2025

Edwin “Ed” N. Petersen, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away at the age of 70, on October 24, 2025, at Ava’s House, a hospice house in Sioux Falls.

There will be no funeral, further gatherings are private.

Edwin was preceded in death by his father, Nels Petersen; his mother, Evelyn Petersen; his sister, Beverly Petersen; and his brother, Gordon Petersen.

Edwin lived a great long life and will be remembered and missed dearly by friends and family.

December 14, 1946 ~ October 26, 2025

Janice R. Rubino, 78, Aberdeen, SD, went to be with our Heavenly Father on October 26, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Janice Rae Rubino was born on December 14, 1946, at 11:20 p.m., at the Volga hospital in Volga, SD, to proud parents Ralph and Irene (Huffman) Fossum. She grew up on a farm in Lily, SD.

Janice graduated from Bristol High School and then furthered her education in business school in Minneapolis, MN. Janice then ventured to California where she met Larry Rubino. She then moved to Texas where she had twin boys, Jeffrey and Bradley. She returned to Lily, SD to raise the twins and graduate from Northern State University. Janice retired from Avera McKennan Hospital.

Janice loved to read on the patio in the warm sun. The hotter it was, the better. She liked to find new recipes to try. Her most cherished times were teaching her granddaughters to cook and bake their favorite meals and then enjoy a family meal together. Janice also loved her pets, Douglas, Stella, and Bug, who will miss her as deeply as her family will.

Janice is survived by her sons, Jeff (Sheri) Rubino, and Bradley Rubino; granddaughters, Angeleah and Brianna Rubino, all of Aberdeen; and brother, Gary (Trudy) Fossum, Lily.

Janice’s children and grandchildren want to thank God for Janice, the wind beneath our wings.