October 24, 1939 ~ August 8, 2025

Marvin “Marv” D. Veldkamp, 85, Brandon, SD, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, while under hospice care at Bethany Home in Brandon. Marv went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 85 years, 9 months, and 15 days.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Brandon Valley Assembly of God in Brandon. Interment will follow at the Hills of Rest Mausoleum, Sioux Falls. To watch the service live, click HERE.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Samaritan’s Purse.

Marvin Duane Veldkamp was born on October 24, 1939, on a farm just southwest of Valley Springs, SD, to Arend and Angie (Achterhoff) Veldkamp. Marv started school in Valley Springs. He later went to school in Hills, MN, but after his father died, he, along with his mom and siblings, moved to a farm near Chandler, MN. While at Chandler, he attended a country school near there through 8^th grade. He attended his freshman year at Chandler High School before grandma sold the farm and moved to Luverne, MN.

While living in Luverne, Marv worked for a local farmer, had jobs with a veterinarian, and drove a milk truck, hauling milk to Luverne Creamery. He was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne, MN, and it was at the church youth group that he met Leona Hoff. Marv and Leona were united in marriage on June 10, 1958. To this union, two daughters were born. The couple made their home near Luverne initially, but then lived in Baltic, Garretson, and eventually settled in Brandon in 1970.

Marv and Leona (Lee) purchased their own business, Marv’s Milk Route, in the very early 1960’s, which is when they moved to Baltic. The milk route was in the Dell Rapids area, and he hauled can milk to the Dell Rapids Creamery. When the Dells Creamery closed, he hauled milk to Sioux Valley Milk in Sioux Falls (initially can milk, and later he hauled bulk).

In March of 1971, Marv and Lee purchased a garbage route in Sioux Falls. Marv thoroughly enjoyed hauling milk and the relationships he formed with his customers and their families but liked the idea of having Sundays and holidays off. His new business would allow him to still have his own business and truck but also allow for working “only” six days a week. Marv was always quick to credit Lee with being right beside him in every aspect of work, life, and fun. Marv and Lee worked as a team, Marv doing all the route work, while Lee took care of the billing and much of the bookwork.

Marv always enjoyed visiting with people and liked to pull little pranks. He always enjoyed telling people about his large family of siblings. He would tell people he was from a family of “6 ½ dozen kids”. He would then smirk as he watched them multiply the numbers in their head in disbelief and then he would say, “six plus ½ dozen (12)”.

Marv played fastpitch softball for a number of years but retired from that when his girls got to junior and senior high age. He then switched from playing fastpitch to coaching. He coached girls’ softball (ages 13-15 or 16-18) from 1974-1981. In addition to coaching softball, Marv was on the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, a Gideon, and served at his church as a Deacon, an Elder and the Sunday School Superintendent at various times in his life.

After the girls were grown, Marv and Lee enjoyed going to Southern Gospel Concerts. Each fall, they enjoyed attending the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY (and later Pigeon Forge, TN) where they would reunite with many friends, as well as attend and enjoy concerts for the week.

Grateful for having shared in Marv’s life are his two daughters, Lori (Tom) Wilford, Brandon, SD, and their children, Gerrit (Melissa) Wilford, Chicago, IL, and Grace Wilford, Pierre, SD; Ladelle (Jim) Dwyer, Windermere, FL, and her children, Rebekah Larson, Orlando, FL, Micah (Peyton) Larson, Orlando, FL, and their daughters, Avery and Riley, and daughter-in-law, Halie Larson, Orlando, FL, and her children, Noah, Elliot, and Hollis, and Ladelle’s step-sons, Brady Dwyer, Orlando, FL, and Brock Dwyer, Myrtle Beach, SC. Marv is also survived by his sisters, Grace (Lou) Charette, and Arlene (Norman) Haak; and brother, Alvin (Shirley) Veldkamp; and two sisters-in-law, Frances Veldkamp, and Hendrene Veldkamp Van Wyhe; as well as many nieces and nephews on both the Veldkamp and Hoff sides of the family.

Marv was preceded in death by his wife of almost 65 years, Leona, in March 2023; son-in-law, Scott Larson; grandson, Jared Larson; his parents, Arend and Angie Veldkamp; parents-in-law, Gerrit and Minnie Hoff; sisters, Alice (Al) Van Hill and Clazina (Hank) Van Wyhe; brothers, Bert (Joyce) Mike (Caroline), Jim, and Arnie; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Grace (Chris) Van Wyhe, Arthur Hoff, Geraldine (John) Gorter, and Alvina (Don) Christoffels.

December 26, 1925 ~ August 1, 2025

Geraldine “Gerri” R. Sutton-Inglett, 99, Sherman, SD, passed away Friday, August 1, 2025, at her home.

A Celebration of Life for Geraldine is set for Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5-7pm, at Heartland Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Michigan at a later date.

Geraldine “Gerri” Ruth Schlarb was born December 26, 1925, to parents, Harvey and Dorcus (Parcell) Schlarb in northern Indiana, where she attended and graduated from high school.

Geraldine married Levi Sutton, and they had two sons: Larry and Robert. They moved to Arkansas after Levi’s retirement and lived there until his death. Gerri then married Virgil Inglett, and they lived in Arkansas until moving to Canton, SD, in 1993. They then relocated to Sherman, SD.

Gerri is survived by her sons; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerri was preceded in death by two husbands, Levi Sutton and Virgil Inglett; her parents, Harvey and Dorcus; and siblings, Paul, Robert, and Loa.

December 18, 1948 ~ August 3, 2025

Terry Greger, 76, Apache Junction, AZ, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12-3 p.m. on October 15, 2025 at the Brandon Steakhouse, in Brandon, SD. Condolences may be sent to the Terry Greger family at 1503 W. Golden Ore Pass, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.

Terry Greger was born in Sioux City, IA on December 18, 1948, to Lester and Blanche (McElroy) Greger. He was the youngest of seven children.

In 1951 Terry moved to Wagner, SD, with his family and attended school there. Terry attended school until the 8^th grade. That is when he decided the life of a truck driver is what he longed for. He drove locally for several years before starting his career as an over the road driver with MCT. Then he went on to drive for Thompson Bros Inc. and East West Express before buying his own truck and working independently for 18 years. His career spanned for a total of over 50 years. He met his wife Sally (Fitzgerald) in 1978. They were married for 47 years.

Terry is survived by his wife, Sally; daughters, Paige (Russell Jr.) Brandt-Fitzwater, Apache Junction, AZ, Shonette Gibson, Apache Junction, AZ, and Teresa (Jeffrey) Becker, Fort Myers, FL; grandchildren, Noah (Amie) Brandt, Larchwood, IA, and Josie Engel, Apache Junction, AZ; and great-granddaughter, Serratelli Brandt, Larchwood, IA.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Blanche; five brothers; and two sisters.

January 8, 1954 ~ July 20, 2025

Bernice “Bonnie” M. Hartman, 71, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away from cancer on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls with her loving son Luke, his wife Risa, and their daughter, Jolynn by her side.

There are no services planned at this time.

Bernice Melody Dwyer was born on January 8, 1954, in Hackensack, NJ, to Francis X. and Doris Elizabeth (Webb) Dwyer. Bonnie lived most of her life in Alaska with her son Luke and his family and then moved to South Dakota with them. Some called her a true tough Alaskan woman.

Bonnie made the most of her days as her cancer progressed and she made sure she continuously made memories to be cherished by her family.

Bonnie was a loving mother to her son Luke, and Luke’s family Risa, Nikki and Jolynn, Marion, Jess and Luke, Jim, Phil, and Sussie; she was the spunky sister to Frances, Dee Dee, Mike, Dennis, Peggy, Billy, Kathy, and Flo.  

Bonnie will be joining her angel baby and her parents in heaven but will always be remembered by her family and friends.

August 16, 1975 ~ July 30, 2025

Tobby “Toaster” J. Caudell, 49, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his residence in Sioux Falls.

There are no services planned at this time.

Tobby “Toaster” Jo William Caudell was born on August 16, 1975, in Chula Vista, CA to Jim and Janice (Stogsdill) Weedman. Tobby enjoyed collecting baseball cards and taking care of his cat, Kid.

Tobby will be deeply missed by his sisters, Patricia (Gary) Slagle, Jeannie (Cory) Shamatt, and Christina Casazza; aunt, Jean Anderson; niece, Amanda Caldwell; niece-in-law, Sabrina Caldwell; nephew, Ryan Slagle; and great-nephews, Stefan and Luka.

Tobby was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Janice Weedman; grandparents, James and Mildred Stogsdill; uncle, Bill Stogsdill; and nephew, Christian Caldwell.

June 20, 1987 ~ July 20, 2025

Rachel M. Schweigert, 38, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at home in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 N. Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent to her husband, Donovan, or donations may be made in Rachel’s honor to a breast cancer charity of your choice.

Rachel Marie Griffith was born on June 20, 1987, in San Francisco, CA to John and Debbie (Klotz) Griffith. She graduated from Silverado High School in California and went on to attend Victor Valley Community College. She also proudly completed training through In-N-Out University.

Rachel was a deeply selfless person who always put others before herself. She found immense joy in being a wife and mother. She married the love of her life, Donovan Schweigert, on August 4, 2012, in California. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Caiden (born in 2014), Rylan (born in 2016), and Kayson (born in 2021). In 2017, the family relocated to Sioux Falls, SD.

Rachel had a strong and fighting spirit. She never gave up, even during the hardest times. She loved the holidays, which were made special by being surrounded by family and friends. Her warmth, resilience, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Rachel is survived by her loving husband, Donovan; children, Caiden, Rylan, and Kayson; parents, John and Debbie; brother, Daniel (Brooke); sister Michelle (Miguel); grandmother, Kathy Forth; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Tyler, Nathaniel, Carter, Zachariah, Audreyann, and Mason.

Rachel is preceded in death by her angel baby; grandparents, Bill and Rachel Griffith; grandfather, Jack Forth; aunt, Kitten; and four uncles.

March 21, 1944 ~ July 2, 2025

Dennis F. Nowka, 81, Luverne, MN, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

No services are planned at this time.

Dennis Fred Nowka, professional semi driver, ardent sports fan, and avid fisherman, was born on March 21, 1944, in Kanaranzi, MN, to Fred and Etta (Klosterbuer) Nowka. He was baptized and confirmed at the State Line Presbyterian Church and later became a life member of the Luverne Presbyterian Church.

Dennis enjoyed growing up in the small town of Kanaranzi (pop. 65), where kids played in the streets and in everyone’s yards. At the one room school, he was dubbed “Nowky.” The nickname stuck through high school in Magnolia and into adulthood. Kanaranzi was also where Dennis got his first taste of driving a semi when he was 14. He became obsessed with driving them and this passion spanned a lifelong career of driving, one that he never regretted. When Dennis was drafted into the army in 1965, he was even placed in the transportation division.

Dennis met the love of his life, Robyn, in 1962, when she was 15. Their budding romance continued to flourish until they finally made it to the altar on October 5, 1968. This lifelong love affair produced three children – Cory, Dodi, and Jerod.

Family was very important to Dennis, as he was to them. He ate box lunches at the Father/Daughter banquet and helped build winning pinewood derby cars for both of his sons and then grandsons. He claimed the winning secret was the melted fishing weights in them. The family enthusiastically joined his hobbies of bowling, camping, and trolling lakes in hopes of hooking that elusive trophy fish. When questioned about vacations, the comeback was “any vacation we ever took involved a fish.” Watching the Twins and Vikings with dad meant you also got to listen to him critiquing the refs very loudly. And then there was his passion for sprint car races. We all joined him in the stands or pits at local tracks, then later, at Jackson and Knoxville Nationals.

Some of Dennis’ dates with his future wife were to the races. The first picture in their wedding album was the one he took of his best man, Larry Groth, with his championship trophy, taken on the first day of their honeymoon.

Dennis loved driving, but when the doctor refused to approve his CDL after a heart attack, he took a job with the Rock County Highway Department. It took him 5 years to convince the doctor that there was more stress in his NOT driving than IN driving. They finally okayed him to get back on the road. His new CB handle became ‘Rusty Hammer.’ He drove for Christenson Trucking, Ripco, IBP, Eagle Transport, Transport Inc., and Wayne Transport. This spanned over 50 years of driving with Dennis receiving many safe driving awards and no chargeable accidents over his whole career.

In 2013, Dennis was diagnosed with two forms of leukemia: MDS and MGUS (benzene poisoning). Because of the fatigue that came with it, he was no longer able to work full time and was forced to retire.

With retirement, he was able to rejoin the McDonalds coffee club, fish Lake Erie, and also the Gulf with his few winters in Texas. And most joyously, say yes, when Craig Stegenga asked him to help with harvest. He was back in his beloved trucks.

In 2022 and 2023, Dennis had the replacement of a stent that was originally placed in 2020. With many side effects from new medications, his health steadily spiraled downward. With a pacemaker implant, Dennis developed lung issues causing his health to further worsen. On July 2, 2025, he was hospitalized, and while being prepared for a GI procedure for an ulcer, he suddenly and unexpectedly aspirated from a gastric hemorrhage. His lung collapsed and he died.

Grateful for having shared Dennis’s life and mourn his passing are his wife of 57 years, Robyn; children and grandchildren, Cory – Michael and McKenzie (Izak) VerSteeg, Dodi (Don) Beaubien – Alexander Nowka, Jerod – Dylan (Bethany Popinga), and Austin (Benz) Nowka; sister, Helen Dohlman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Greg Gervais, Vicky Atwood, Sally Ripley, Russel Scott Ripley, Kim Ripley, and Lisa Ripley/Tom Lahr; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Etta; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell and Eunice Ripley; brother-in-law, Randy Ripley; and sisters-in-law, Cathy Groth Gervais and Paulette Ripley.

May you always be remembered by those you loved and who loved you.

Love you forever and a day….

September 1, 1964 ~ July 18, 2025

Roddi “Rod” L. Schumacher, 60, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

A Visitation will be 2-3:00pm, Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with a Memorial Service at 3:00pm.

Roddi “Rod” Lee Schumacher was born on September 1, 1964, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Paul and Eva (Castle) Schumacher. The youngest of five children, he was welcomed home to a busy household that included his three sisters, Linda, Terri, Debbie, brother, Rick, and the family dog, Gigi.

Rod had a profound appreciation for nature, particularly enjoying fishing, outdoor activities, and the companionship of dogs. He dedicated many hours to fishing for walleye and perch, and treasured the time spent with his Labrador retriever, Buddy.

Grateful to have shared Rod’s life are his dear daughter, Jessica (Joseph) Mango; grandson, Torben; sisters, Linda Rosseter, Terri McDonald, and Debbie Nakata; brother Rick; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Eva; and several aunts and uncles.

May we remember his empathy, sense of humor, willingness to lend a helpful hand, and his love for Jesus.

February 24, 1935 ~ July 13, 2025

Eldon C. From, 90, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.  

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Eldon Charles From was born on February 24, 1935, in Ortley, SD, to August and Emma (Schwantz) From. Inurnment will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

After high school, Eldon joined the Army and served in Germany. After leaving the Army, he would meet and marry B. Dianne Tollefson, a nurse, in 1965. They moved to Spearfish, SD, where he would attend Black Hills State University while working at Homestake Gold Mine. After finishing college, they moved to Redfield, where they would raise their three kids.

Eldon worked at the South Dakota Developmental Center for more than 25 years – first as a social worker and then as Staff Development Inservice Director until his retirement. After retirement, Eldon and Dianne moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

Eldon is survived by his wife, Dianne; three kids, Jeffrey (Joni), Gregory, and Jennifer; two grandkids, Dylan (Marissa), and Alexa (Mason); great-granddaughter, Quinn; brother, Wallace; and countless nieces and nephews.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, August and Emma; 13 brothers and sisters, Lester, Clayton, Helen Baker, Milton, Stanley, Marcelle Pien, Gene, Shirley Everson, Dona Stromseth, Inez Lahman, Wayne, Yvonne Shilhanek, and Gayle Suchy.

February 29, 1936 ~ July 10, 2025

Ralph “Bud” A. Bishop Jr., 89, Brandon, SD, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Palisades Healthcare Center in Garretson, SD.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD. Burial with Military Honors, will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, 25965 477^th Ave., Sioux Falls.

Ralph “Bud” Albert Bishop Jr. was born on February 29, 1936, in South Dakota to Ralph A. and Hazel R. (Swartz) Bishop.

Ralph grew up in Sioux Falls and when he was eighteen, he joined the Navy. He retired after 20 years with the rank of Electrician Mate 1^st Class. He served in mine sweepers, on aircraft carriers, and seagoing tugboats to recover torpedoes. After retiring from the Navy, he went to school for refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, and appliance repair.

Ralph lived in Garretson for several years before relocating to Washington State. He worked at a shipyard and Madigan Army Hospital as a civilian. He moved back to Sioux Falls after many years and worked part-time in local Casinos.

Ralph enjoyed playing pool, hunting, and fishing.

Ralph is survived by his sons, Jonathan Bishop and Matthew Bishop; daughter, Kristin Bishop; and six grandchildren. He was especially fond of his granddaughters, Brooke and Barbara.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ralph and Hazel; brothers, Daryl, Loren, and John; and sisters, Janet Klinghagen, Barbara Hagen, and Judy Bishop.