September 14, 1952 ~ April 4, 2026

Dennis P. Swanson, 73, Lennox, SD, formerly of South Haven, MN, died Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home due to health reasons.

A Graveside Committal Service is planned for 11am, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Calvary Cemetery in Mankato, MN. Cards may be sent to Heartland Funeral Home PO Box 451, Brandon, SD, 57005.

Often known as Denny, he was born the baby of 5 on September 14, 1952, to Don and Doris Swanson.  He graduated from Mankato High School in 1970. During high school, he worked at Cub’s Steakhouse. 

After graduation and throughout the 1970’s, he joined the carpenters’ union hanging and taping sheetrock for local construction contractors in the Mankato area. He also worked with his Father building houses when construction was slow.  In 1971, he married Ingrid Swenson in Mankato, MN.  Two beautiful daughters blessed their union.

Following a major back surgery in 1978, he worked for Sears installing windows and other small construction projects. 

Dennis returned to full contracting work in the 1980’s. He worked for Becker Brothers out of St. Cloud, MN. He took great pride in each of his construction accomplishments.

In 1983, he married Jan Samuels. A bouncing baby boy came soon after.

In 1992, Dennis married Sandy Olinger. Along came two step-children. They moved to South Haven, MN, and enjoyed restoring a home together. During those years he worked as an estimator for Ben’s Tool and Iron in Waite Park, MN, providing bids for steel projects throughout the area. This is where he retired.  He cherished that home for many years and lived there until recently.

Dennis’s hobbies included furniture building, small end tables, lamps, and cedar chests, to name a few.  He also enjoyed fishing on his boats.  Some of his favorite fishing haunts were Lake John, Lake Miltona, and Lake Winnibigoshish. Often, family memories were made in those locations.

Music was another favorite pastime!  Dennis often could be found strumming and singing along with the Beatles, the Eagles, and so many others. He was even known to write and compose a song or two.

In later years, Dennis enjoyed building speaker boxes and selling fishing lures and tools on eBay. He also enjoyed buying guitars, setting them up, and giving them away to his children and grandchildren.

Denny was a man of many talents.  He adored his sisters. He loved seeing his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed researching dinosaurs and astrology.  He will forever be missed.

Dennis is survived by his children, Theresa (Adam) Aberle, Amy (Matt) East, and Daniel (Fiona) Swanson; grandchildren, Ausin (Anna) Aberle, Devin Swanson, Alex Aberle, Lexi (Josh) Miller, Hunter VanDiepen, Aaron (Kacie) Aberle, Madi Jensen, Carter Jensen, Braeden Jensen, Liam Swanson, Brody Swanson, and Theo Swanson; honorary grandchildren, Chandler Abernathy, LaKeisha Abernathy; great-grandchildren, Emmett, Julia, Asher, Ivy, and Griffin; honorary great-grandchildren, Zeke and Amir; step-children, Sammie Olinger and Brian (Holly) Sampson; six step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Wolff and Lois Vik; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his mother, Doris; his father, Donald; his sister, Sally; his brother, Samuel; and his brother-in-law, Donnie.

May 23, 1964 ~ March 30, 2026

It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of Sara L. Martin, 61, Sioux Falls, SD, who departed this world on March 30, 2026, surrounded by the family she so fiercely loved.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Sara Louise Rosenbaum was born on May 23, 1964, in South Dakota to Arnold and Kathryn (Vondrak) Rosenbaum. Sara was raised in Jefferson, SD with her siblings. Sara was a woman of remarkable strength, a tireless work ethic, and the guiding heartbeat of her family.

Sara was a pillar of reliability and integrity. She spent 25 years as a valued member of the Ecolab team, where she was known for her unwavering dedication. She approached her career with the same determination and resilience that defined her character, earning the deep respect of those who worked alongside her.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sara found her greatest happiness in the beauty of the natural world. She lived for the warmth of the sun—whether she was relaxing on the beach, tending to her garden, or embarking on a long-awaited road trip. Her spirit truly shone through the eyes of her grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Grandma Chewy,” she was an adventurer at heart who delighted in hunting for bugs, reptiles, and amphibians with her grandkids. She taught them to find wonder in the small, crawling things and to appreciate the magic in everyday moments. She also enjoyed the Buffalo Bills and riding her Harley Davidson. 

Sara’s greatest masterpiece was the family she nurtured. She is survived by her children, who were her pride and joy, Christopher Martin, Steven Martin, and Tashia (Wes) Pfaff. She remains a cherished light in the lives of her grandchildren, Max and Zoey Pfaff, and Samuel and Isabelle Martin. Sara also leaves behind her fiancé, Tony Tulio, who brought her immense love and companionship, and her two loyal dogs, Chewbacca and Sadie. She is also survived by her siblings, Keith Rosenbaum, Sheri (Dennis) Pitz, Star Dahm, Mike (Kris) Rosenbaum, and Charles (Stacey Chavez) Rosenbaum.

She now joins her parents, Arnold and Kathryn Rosenbaum; and her siblings, Joseph Rosenbaum and Tammy Painter, in eternal rest.

Sara will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her infectious warmth, and the boundless love she gave so freely. While her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in every garden bloom, every beach sunrise, and the many lives she touched.

April 22, 1938 ~ March 20, 2026

Robert “Bob” L. Johnson, 87, of Marshall, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 20, 2026, while in the care of his daughter, Marissa, and son-in-law, Matthew, at their home in Sioux Falls, SD, after a quiet battle with liver cancer.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, he chose cremation and no formal funeral service. His daughters will honor him with an intimate gathering at a later date in Marshall, MN. A portion of his ashes will be laid to rest at Marshall Cemetery in Marshall, next to his beloved wife. His remaining ashes will be scattered in locations that were meaningful to Bob, Marlene, Heather, and Marissa.

Robert “Bob” LeRoy Johnson was born on April 22, 1938, in Jasper, MN, to Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson, the youngest of four children. He was baptized and confirmed at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church and graduated from Jasper High School, Class of 1956. Following graduation, he remained active on the family farm while attending Nettleton Commercial College and Augustana College before enlisting in the military.

In 1960, he joined the United States Air Force, attending basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He later returned to Sioux Falls, where he served in the South Dakota Air National Guard while continuing to farm with his family. During his time in the guard, he learned to fly a T-33 trainer jet and was honorably discharged in 1966.

In 1978, Bob met the love of his life, Marlene Weets, at the Glass House in Ihlen, MN. They were united in marriage on September 21, 1983, in Las Vegas, NV. After their marriage, they resided in Sioux Falls, SD; Pipestone, Moorhead, and Balaton, MN, before making their final home in Marshall, MN, where they raised their two daughters, Heather and Marissa.

Bob farmed in Pipestone County for 44 years and also worked in the trucking industry for 5 years, along with holding various other jobs throughout his life in construction, hospitality, and maintenance. In later years, he devoted himself to being a stay-at-home parent, raising his daughters with steady care and dedication.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed simple, quiet routines, including daily trips to the Marshall-Lyon County Library and Market Grille at Hy-Vee. He also regularly visited the YMCA and the cafeteria at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. He had a gift for conversation and could make friends anywhere he went. He was known for his consistency, his dependable presence, and his deep commitment to his family.

Bob enjoyed Western and military shows, reminiscing about the “good ol’ days,” NASCAR, oldies music, farming, and animals. He loved telling his wife and daughters stories about his childhood, life on the farm, and his parents and siblings. He lovingly called his daughters Myrtle and Lulu—so it’s a good thing his wife was the one who named them. He enjoyed teasing his daughters and had a playful sense of humor, reminding them each Christmas that it was going to be a “Selmer Christmas,” a long-running family joke that came from a Christmas where his cousin, Selmer, once went without receiving a gift.

Bob wasn’t tech-savvy in the slightest—so don’t even try explaining how a computer worked or how to text—but ask him about a car and he lit up, able to tell you anything you wanted to know. He loved his old cars, including his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air; 1960 and 1965 Pontiac Catalina; 1967 Pontiac Bonneville; 1976 Pontiac Trans Am; and 1977 Ford Thunderbird.

Bob will be remembered for his witty remarks and sarcasm, his ability to talk to anyone and everyone, and the deep love he had for his family.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Heather (Johnson) Griffin and her husband, John, of Lubbock, TX, and Marissa (Johnson) Breyfogle and her husband, Matthew, of Sioux Falls, SD; his grandchildren, Gavin, Lilah, and Avery; and grandpuppies, Tucker and Oliver.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene (Weets) Johnson; his parents, Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson; his siblings, Lester Johnson Jr., Doris (Johnson) Laackmann, and Donald Johnson; his family’s beloved dog, Casper; his grandpuppies, Vinnie and Jasper; and many other beloved pets he cared for throughout his lifetime, especially Goldie the Golden Retriever.

October 8, 1987 ~ March 23, 2026

Thomas P. Dubs, 38, Brandon, SD, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Brandon.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon, with family visitation at 9:00 am, and the Rosary starting at 9:30 am. To honor Thomas’s love of all things sports, we are asking everyone attending to wear their favorite sports jersey or apparel.

Thomas Paul Dubs, the son of Darryl Dubs and Tracy Thorpe, was born in Sioux Falls, SD at Sioux Valley Hospital on October 8, 1987. He was baptized on November 22, 1987, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon.

Thomas spent his childhood living in Hudson, SD with his mother Tracy and older sister Marinn. He and Marinn would also spend their summers in Brandon with their father Darryl where they would participate in summer recreation programs, such as T-ball, swimming, and tennis. Growing up in a small town, Thomas enjoyed spending time with friends and doing small town activities like riding bikes, playing backyard baseball, and going to the local gravel pit. During his grade school and high school years, Thomas’s love of sports was evident by his participation in football, baseball, and wrestling. Beginning from early grade school and continuing throughout high school, he wrestled in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) where he competed at the state level. However, Thomas’s favorite pastime was playing baseball, where he was a talented pitcher. He also competed at the state level as a high schooler. Following his graduation from Alcester-Hudson High School in 2006, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army, continuing the familial tradition of service to our country.

After his Army service, Thomas returned to Sioux Falls, where he worked at Dakota Beverage and enjoyed his 20’s spending quality time with friends and family. On March 16, 2018, Thomas was united in marriage to Karren Iron Heart in Sioux Falls. Shortly after moving to Yukon, Oklahoma in 2019 to be closer to his parents and sister, Thomas received the two greatest gifts of his life. On February 10, 2020, his son Ashton Elijah Dale Dubs was born, and on October 7, 2021, his daughter Autumn “Mimi” Tracy Dubs was born. Thomas’s greatest role as a father was to show his children unconditional love. In raising his children, he wanted them to experience a close cousin relationship like he had with his. He also passed along his devotion and loyalty to the University of Oklahoma Sooners to his wife and children. Eventually, Thomas and his family, along with their beloved cats, returned to his original home state of South Dakota where he began working as a third-party driver for Amazon. Thomas will be greatly missed, but we all find comfort in the fact that he has been reunited with his mother and unborn son Elijah.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Karren; son, Ashton; daughter, Autumn; father, Darryl Dubs; sister, Marinn Byers; niece, Ella Byers; nephew, Jameson Byers; grandmother, Sylvia Mendel-Dubs; and several loved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Thomas was preceded in death by his unborn son, Elijah Paul Dubs; mother, Tracy Thorpe; paternal grandfather, Glendon Dubs; and maternal grandparents, Dale and Luanne (Scott) Thorpe.

March 23, 1948 ~ February 21, 2026

Edward A. Raventon, 77, Garretson, SD, died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

No service is planned at this time.

Edward Anthony Raventon was born on March 23, 1948, in St. Louis, MO, the first of nine children to Edward William Kuntscher and Magdalena (Kulschar) Kuntscher. He grew up in Florissant, MO, spending as much time outdoors as possible with his best friend Lloyd. Edward loved the Missouri River. He was a Boy Scout and even achieved his Eagle Scout rank as a young teenager. He was invited and attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Edward’s family moved to Apple Valley, MN when he was 16 years old. He graduated from Rosemount High School in 1966. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN. After teaching high school English, he began working with Minnesota State Parks as an Interpretive Naturalist at several parks, including Blue Mounds State Park and Pipestone National Monument.

Edward traveled to New Mexico and was offered positions with New Mexico State Parks and State Historical Monuments where he designed and managed Visitor Services and at several other parks and monuments. On moving to New Mexico, he took the name of a ghost town from the 1800’s in Lincoln County known as Raventon. He also loves ravens.

In 1981, Edward moved his family to South Dakota where he worked for South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. He designed several state parks, including the original signage at Palisades State Park and was the state’s first Park Naturalist. Early on, he trained local seasonal Naturalists to work at all the parks. In 2012, he planned, designed, and was the first Naturalist at Good Earth State Park at Blood Run.

Edward loved to travel around the U.S. while working at National Parks and Monuments. A few being Agate Fossil Bed, The Great Sand Dunes, George Washington’s Birthplace and Scottsbluff Monument. He was an active, engaging man, even helping and teaching students with their creative writing. He was a published author of three books-“Island in the Plains”, “A Piece of Paradise-A Story of Custer State Park” and “Buffalo Country”. He finished his fourth book about his travels in western states. The manuscript is headed to a publisher. His love of the outdoors was fierce. In one of his books, he describes how the land was formed, chronicles the fantastic prehistoric animals that came and went, and tells stories of the humans-natives and settlers alike-who lived on this land. He was an amazing lobbyist, geographer, historian, freelance writer and outdoor photographer. He worked as a planner, exhibit designer, nature center/museum director, monument ranger and park superintendent.

Edward is survived by his son, Miles, of CO; loving daughter, Mariah Eve Douglass, son-in-law Brad, and grandchildren, Brock and Phoebe of AZ; his sweet sisters, Magdalena Nelson and Monica Maixner, of MN; and five other siblings; as well as his dear friend, VKB, of SD. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Magdalena; and brother, Michael Joseph.

December 7, 1960 ~ March 25, 2026

Tammy S. DenHerder, 65, Valley Springs, SD, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, after a short battle with lung cancer.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a Memorial Service beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Tammy Sue DenHerder was born on December 7, 1960, at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Kenneth (Skeeter) and Jean (Swenson) DenHerder. She grew up in Valley Springs, SD, and graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 1979. She was married three times and out of the last marriages came two beautiful daughters. She lived in Sioux Falls and Valley Springs with the majority being in Valley Springs. She had many jobs and enjoyed interacting with her customers.

Tammy enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her daughters and granddaughters. She loved going to the lake and on vacations all over the country. Family get-togethers were her favorite and brought joy when everyone was together. She loved watching her granddaughters play sports and was their biggest support.

Tammy is survived by her two daughters, Loraea (Randy) Krull, Beaver Creek, MN, and Larissa (Jordan) Walker, Sioux Falls, SD; five granddaughters, Alyssa, Tamie Kay, Rilynn, and Gracie Krull, and Aurora Walker; two brothers, Tim and Troy DenHerder, both of Valley Springs; two nieces, Sadie DenHerder Elsberry and Sony Swanson, both of Garretson. She is also survived by many other friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Jean; and nephew, Nathan DenHerder.

June 18, 1934 ~ March 15, 2026

Janet R. Sunde, 91, Brandon, passed away, Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her family.

Visitation with Family will be 5-7pm, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls in Janet’s honor.

Janet Rae Westby was born on June 18, 1934, in Madison, SD, to Ernest and Ruth (Allen) Westby. Her lineage comes from the Mayflower. She was a direct descendant of William White, one of the pilgrims who came to America aboard the Mayflower.

After graduation, Janet worked as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell. She married Richard Sunde on June 13, 1955. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1976 when the telephone company office in Madison closed. She worked for Northwestern Bell until she retired in 1988.

In retirement, Janet enjoyed reading, playing Mahjong with friends and going for long walks. She spent winters in Arizona until the passing of her husband, Richard, in 2014. They loved spending time in Arizona with their son, Steve, and his wife, Deborah.

The last three years of her life she was well taken care of and loved dearly by the staff at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, and the phenomenal care given at the Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage during her last week.

Janet will be dearly missed by her five children, Steven (Deborah) Sunde, Phoenix, AZ, Laurel (Michael) Eicher, Madison, WI, Joan (Jim) Clarke, Sioux Falls, SD, David (Julie) Sunde, Sioux Falls, SD, and Paul (Christie) Sunde, Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren, Marissa (Zac) Cool, Chelsea (Landon) Greenfield, Nicholas (Brianna) Clarke, Erica Sunde, Caleb (Sonia) Sunde, and Jules Eicher; twelve great-grandchildren, Avery and Zayden Cool, Carter and Cambree Stein, Beckett and Kyler Greenfield, Leyton, Layla, Bridger and Bowyn Clarke, Sloane Napier, and Neva Sunde; brother, Dr. Allen Westby, Brookings, SD; sisters-in-law, Marian Sunde Wiese, Madison, SD, Marley Sunde Wright Smith, San Lorenzo, CA, and Midge Sunde Kloster, Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Ernest and Ruth; and brother, Max.

May 20, 1953 ~ March 11, 2026

Herbert “Herb” G. Townsend, 72, Brandon, SD, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, after dementia slowly stole away the pieces that he needed to be whole.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Brandon Cemetery in Brandon. You may watch the service via live stream by clicking HERE.

Herbert “Herb” George Townsend was born May 20, 1953, in Ekalaka, MT, to Robert and Ruth (Albert) Townsend. He was named after both of his grandfathers (Herbert Albert and George Townsend). The family lived in Glendive, MT, for a short time and then moved to Baker, MT, where his dad accepted the position of Chief of Police. Herb grew up with six of his siblings and many friends, graduating from Baker High School in 1971.

In his teen years, Herb played football, basketball, was in track events, and in Legion Baseball during summer months. Herb once held the school record for the longest kick returned for a touchdown (85 yards). He was proud to be a member of the 1970 Class B State Champion Basketball Team, “B” Club, Choir, National Honor Society, was a Boy’s State Delegate his junior year, and Student Council President his senior year. In the summer of 1971, Herb also toured Europe with a Great Falls choir group, after his cousin Debi encouraged him to try out. He had a wonderful singing voice.

Herb married Martha Rustad in September of 1974 and graduated from Eastern Montana College (now MSU-Billings) in the spring of 1975, where he was a “walk on” for Coach Harkins. He taught school and coached in Terry for four years and then in Laurel, where he later served as their Activities Director for many years and was honored as the MIAAA Class A Activities Director of the Year in 2002 and Overall Activities Director of the Year in 2003. (Herb was a strong proponent of all extra-curricular activities and believed that participation in them helped contribute to student success.) He had been a member of the Montana High School Association, served on their board, and was a past president. During his tenure in Laurel, a state-of-the-art football and track & field stadium was completed, and Laurel was then able to bid for state events. Herb was once referred to as “Mr. Tournament”. He was later inducted into the MIAAA Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 2025.

This social guy and life-long Montanan retired from education in the spring of 2014 and a few short years later moved to eastern South Dakota to be near his much-loved children and grandchildren, who always held his heart.

Herb is survived by his wife, Martha; son, Eric (Christine) Townsend; daughter, Marcie (Andy) Viet; grandchildren, Zayda & Bree, and Briggs & Hailey. He is also survived by brothers, Jerry, Steve, and Scott; sisters, Rebecca and Dawn; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; sister, Susan; half-sister, Shirley; nephew, Craig; uncles, Gary and Lloyd Townsend, and Rex and Dean Albert; and aunt, Georgetta McCamish.

“May each tear and each fond memory be a note of love rising to meet you.” ~ Jennifer Williamson 

November 24, 1941 ~ March 10, 2026

The Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at 5320 W. 49th Street, in the Gardenstone Community Room.

Lanny Vincent Gregory Stricherz came to life on November 24, 1941, at 811 N Fairfax Ave in an upstairs apartment, an imperfect person in an imperfect world and died on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was the second of seven children of Leo and Agnes (Fox) Stricherz. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Greg and his Niece, Greg and Michi’s infant daughter, Lisa, his fishing and walking buddy, Tom McKeon as well as many other friends and relatives.

He is survived by his former wife Linda (Moi) Stricherz, Sioux Falls, his two children of whom he was extremely proud, David (Jamie) Minneapolis and Christine (Bill) Anderberg Sioux Falls as well as grandchildren Isaac, Emily and Oliver Stricherz, all of Minneapolis, Amanda (Jeremy) Brende, Lauren Anderberg, great grandsons Adrian Simms and Wesley Brende, all of Sioux Falls. He is also survived by Greg’s widow, Michi, Minneapolis and his siblings, RozAnn and Andrine Stricherz, Sioux Falls, Vince Stricherz (Gina Hills), Seattle WA, Dom (Nancy) Stricherz, Bedford TX and Diana (Bill) Sheehy, Valley Center, CA, his other fishing buddy and teacher, Zane Swenson as well as many friends and relatives.

He went to elementary school at Whittier Elementary thru 6th grade and finished elementary and high school at Cathedral High in Sioux Falls graduating in 1959.

As an adult, he had several jobs including bellhop at both of the Sheraton hotels, Cataract and Carpenter., in the plant at John Morrell, then ten years of sales for Morrell living in Sioux Falls, Custer, Denver, Willmar, MN and Cedar Rapids, IA, where he also worked for Rath Packing.

For 15 years he had his own business, first as a jobber for Schweigert Meats and then L S Distributing selling many food items to grocery stores and restaurants between Sioux Falls and Sioux City. After he shut his business, he sold for Demma Fruit Company for two years and was then a fraud investigator at Citibank for 10 1/2 years.

A weekend golfer and member of the Men’s Club at Elmwood, he carried a 12 to 14 handicap and had one hole in one, playing golf with Christine on Mother’s Day. An avid wader fisherman, Lanny claimed that he caught more than a thousand walleyes over 7 pounds in his life.

He enlisted in the US Army in December 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He served 31 months in Germany and was honorably discharged in December 1964. As a veteran, Lanny spent the last thirty some years of his life, starting in 1990 during the first Gulf war and all wars after that, working for peace and justice in his community and the world.

In his later years, Lanny particularly enjoyed his Wednesday morning breakfasts with former Morrell workers Bob Perkinson, Ron Wallenberg, Gary DeRue, Lou Strum, Vince Keenan, Doug Sandburg, Lynn Joneson, Monte Skillman, Pat “Oscar” Siemonsma, and Ron Gaspar.

After cremation by Heartland funeral home his cremains will be placed in the columbarium at St Michael’s cemetery next to his Brother, Greg.  

~Obituary magnificently written Lanny himself

July 16, 1934 ~ March 5, 2026

Myrtice A. Jellis, 91, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at Alcester Care and Rehab Center in Alcester, SD.

A Committal service and burial will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Myrtice Ann McAlpin was born on July 16, 1934, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Odie and Ruth (Donaldson) McAlpin.

Myrtice married Burnell Jellis in 1961, and they shared 31 years of marriage together.

Myrtice spent her life in the community where she was born and raised. She worked as a waitress for many years, a job she truly enjoyed and took pride in throughout much of her life.

Myrtice is survived by her three daughters, Vicky (Tim) Wieker, Anne (Gary) DeReu, and Debbie (Frank) Waugh; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Myrtice was preceded in death by her husband, Burnell; her parents, Odie and Ruth; and her brother, Russell.

Her memory will remain with those who knew her. ????